Malibu Times Magazine • Spring 2023 • March Edition

Diane Peterson’s decades of riveting adventures on and off the screen

HARDWOOD FLOORING LUMBER ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK MOULDINGS DECKING & CLADDING

HARDWOOD FLOORING · LUMBER · ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK · MOULDINGS · DECKING & CLADDING

Spring is here, and with it comes an abundance of sunshine, warm weather, and blooming nature. After a wet and chilly Malibu winter, it’s time to dust off your hiking boots, stretch your legs, and embrace the joys of getting outside for a walk or hike.

There’s something truly invigorating about being in the great outdoors, here in Malibu, surrounded by fresh air and the beauty of nature. Studies have shown that spending time outside can lower stress levels, boost mood, and even improve sleep. As the weather gets warmer, take advantage of this natural mood booster and go for a walk, hike, or bike ride. You don’t need to go far, just stepping outside and taking a few deep breaths can do wonders for your mental and physical well-being.

Speaking of well-being, spring is also a great time to focus on your health and wellness. As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s the perfect opportunity to shake off the winter blues and prioritize your health. Whether it’s trying a new workout class, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, or simply taking a few minutes each day to meditate and clear your mind, small changes can add up to big improvements in your overall wellbeing.

And let’s not forget about the importance of family and community. Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with loved ones and meet new people.

In a world where we’re constantly connected to screens and devices, it’s easy to forget the simple joys of being outside, moving our bodies, and connecting with others. This spring, make a commitment to yourself to prioritize your health, wellbeing, and relationships. Embrace the sunshine, take a deep breath, and enjoy all that this beautiful season has to offer.

Please enjoy our Spring issue of Malibu Times Magazine, we hope you find inspiration to focus on your health and well-being.

PUBLISHER • EDITOR IN CHIEF

Hayley Mattson

BUSINESS & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Nicholas Mattson

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGN

Evan Rodda

Jen Rodman

Neil Schumaker

SALES

Anthony McDemas

Dorie Leo

Kaleb Rich-Harris

Mary Abbott

Linda Perry

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Elyse Glickman

Elizabeth Hickcox

Francisco & Jessica Mondet

Jody Miller

Judy Abel

Lori Berezin

Rebecca Kordecki

Samantha Bravo

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Emily Scher

Julie Ellerton

Samantha Bravo

ADMINISTRATION

Cami Martin

Lukas Johnson

DISTRIBUTION

Robert Thomas

CONTACT

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NOVA SOUNDBATH

will be hosting a relaxing, luxurious, immersive, surround-sound meditative experience.

Scan for dates, locations and bookings

One of our events takes place at a Malibu estate overlooking Zuma Beach! To register, visit: novasoundbath.com

malibu scene

MALIBU FARMERS MARKET KICKS OFF 2023 WITH FRESH START AT LEGACY PARK

The Malibu Farmers Market has relocated to Legacy Park after the original location at the Malibu Library parking lot was impacted by the construction of a new Santa Monica College satellite campus. The market received positive feedback when it was last held at Legacy Park in September 2022. The new location provides more space and a connection to nature, which is a defining aspect of Malibu. Vendors and shoppers are thrilled with the new location, with vendors providing the freshest seafood and artisan products.

The Malibu Farmers Market has been a staple in Malibu for over 20 years and is a hub for local artists, vendors, and events. The market is held every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and can be followed on Instagram @malibufarmersmarket.

Photos By Julie Ellerton/TMT

malibu scene

25TH ANNUAL

FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE BRINGS JOY AND MEMORIES

The 25th Annual Father-Daughter Valentine’s Dance took place on February 12 at the Malibu Presbyterian Church, attracting over 360 guests. The event was filled with activities, including a catered dinner, music and dancing, face painting, photo booth, hair braiding, crafts, games, and a dance-off contest. The theme for this year was “Under the Stars.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held virtually last year, but this year, it was held on-site with proper precautions.

The last song of the night was Bob Carlisle’s “Butterfly Kisses.” The event received positive feedback from attendees, and the staff at Malibu Presbyterian Church is already planning to make it even more spectacular next year. The church also invites guests to its upcoming Night of Worship on Good Friday and Easter Services.

Photos By Julie Ellerton/TMT

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Alkemie, Malibu Pier, The Vitamin Barn, Cure Spa, Oasis Salon, Malibu (310) 499-6540 | malibusuns.com

1. AVIATOR NATION

4. HIPTIQUE

2. SEA N SOUL SURF

5. SURFING COWBOY

3. VINCE

6. JOHN VARVATOS

7. MALIBU SUNS®

Loving Malibu

We asked the locals

How to invest in Health &

Wellness

Ben Thomson

My Dad would occasionally ask me “what’s the most important thing in life?”

My answer to that question would always be “health”.

If you don’t have your health what can you do?

To me surfing is the best sport you can do for your health.

Negative ions from the breaking waves relieves depression and boosts energy. Also breathing the saltwater air is great for your lungs.

As a surf instructor I love spreading the stoke of this awesome sport to others.

Photographed and curated by EMILY SCHER

I’m a Malibu local healer who offers bodywork, energy work and sound vibrational healing. I work privately one on one with clients, do events at yoga studios, music festivals and ceremonial gatherings.

I play indigenous instruments therapeutically, such as my handcrafted didgeridoos, native drums, flutes, shakers, and singing bowls.

I am most inspired by Nature and I barefoot - “earth” Malibu’s beautiful beaches and trails regularly. Meditation and nature energize and restore my life force, and I’m grateful to have been raised here in Malibu.

If we set our intentions with our “higher self” for energy clearing and soul-healing, we can together co-create spiritual growth, transformation and inner peace.

Evan Perman

Marlena Binder

Moving away from a crowded city or suburb and into a mountainous part of LA was something I did with my wellness and mental health in mind. I knew it would be a challenge and maybe even a risk, but my mind and body could not handle those other environments anymore. My energy deserved to be shifted back

to a place of love, so that I could share this with whomever I met. Taking yoga more seriously as well as properly food-prepping with healthy foods has also only added to my wellness and health. Staying disciplined and focussed on myself, with a sound body and sound mind, has helped me prepare for whatever might come next.

Debra Klumph

As an equine physiotherapist, my job is to help horses heal. Giving wellness care to these magnificent animals actually contributes to my vitality. Horses are such a life-force; their unique energy translates to their human partners. It fills my heart to be able to work alongside such powerful yet graceful creatures.

Will Hammer + Mary Rising

Every day I wake up and I don’t want to go in the cold water. And after I do, I never regret it. The cold water makes me happy to be alive. I am a disciple of overcoming resistance, and as Wim Hof says, “the cold is my teacher.

- Will Hammer

To me, wellness is about listening to the body and bringing flow to stagnancy. The cold helps bring me back into the present; into what is.

- Mary Rising

From Magic Markers to Large-Scale Art

The Inspiring Journey of Malibu native Katina Zinner

By JUDY ABEL

Katina Zinner is a renowned artist who has been creating art since she was a child. Born and raised in Malibu and Europe, Zinner was surrounded by artistic communities, which greatly influenced her love for art. Her parents, Oscar-winning film editor and producer Peter Zinner and sculptor Christa Zinner, were also artists, and they encouraged her creative pursuits from a young age.

Zinner's love for art began with magic markers and colored paper, which her parents gave her to keep her occupied while they traveled. She still keeps the dried-up pens as inspiration, and they serve as a reminder of her childhood and the passion that has driven her art. Today, Zinner is the owner and founder of Artify Life, a lifestyle brand that offers everyday household items such as pillows, coffee cups, and clothing items with her artwork.

Zinner's paintings are often large-scale, spanning 9 to 12 feet, and are made with oils. Despite their size, some of these works are scaled down to fit on objects for the home or clothing that she sells through Artifylifestyle.com. One of her most popular collections is the Malibu Pier Collection, which features gentle drawings of the iconic Malibu Pier. The collection is part of her Landmark Series, which also includes images of Lady Liberty.

The Malibu Pier Collection is a reflection of Zinner's love for her hometown and the beachy, easy-going, and laid-back lifestyle it embodies. The collection includes tote bags, journals, mugs, clocks, flip-flops, beanies, and even baby bibs, which are popular sellers. Some of the merchandise is sold locally at Vintage grocers, and Zinner also sells 176 products on her website, with plans to expand the line.

Zinner's artwork is highly regarded by art lovers and critics alike. Jennifer Meltzer, a Malibu resident, said, "Katina's art is very expressive, deep, with so much thought behind it. It takes a real pro to make that happen." Zinner's pen and ink artwork captures the peaceful and grounded spirit of Malibu and resonates with her audience.

Zinner is not only a talented artist, but she is also deeply committed to preserving the natural world and its inhabitants. To show her support for wildlife conservation, she donates a portion of each sale from her online store, ArtifyLifestyle.com, to the African Wildlife Foundation. This not only demonstrates her love for animals, but also her dedication to sustainability.

The beauty of Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu is a path to paradise for millions of drivers each year, but its history is littered with tragedy. "21 Miles in Malibu" serves as a call to action to make PCH safer for travelers. The film exposes the dangers that exist on PCH, which has seen over 700 traffic injuries and 20 fatalities since 2015. The film was made in response to the tragic death of Michel Shane's daughter, Emily, who was killed by a driver while walking on the shoulder of PCH.

"21 Miles" showcases the beauty of Malibu but quickly exposes the problems and lack of safety measures on PCH. The film also focuses on a couple of tragedies that have occurred on the highway and highlights the need for change. Shane and the filmmakers attempted to talk to Caltrans, the agency responsible for PCH, but the agency refused to participate.

"A lot of people aren’t aware of the dangers," Shane, a 27-year resident of Malibu, said. "I think that the big problem is the fact that we have a highway that runs through the length of the city and we don’t treat it like a highway.”

The film focuses on a couple of tragedies on PCH — the death of Emily Shane, and a female cyclist who either hit a divot in the pavement or maneuvered around a parked car when she was clipped by a bus.

“With Emily there was no way of that not happening," Shane said. "This guy pointed his car at her and killed her, murdered her. That’s not avoidable. If there’s a deranged person or someone upset, there’s nothing you can do. You’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, but there is so much that can be done. There are tragedies waiting to happen, and if people don’t realize that, the new people who come along with the old (residents). It’ll continue and it’ll just get worse.”

The Shane family started the Emily Shane Foundation to empower underserved students and pass good deeds forward. The foundation was created to not have Emily remembered only as "the poor girl who got killed on PCH" and to define her 13 years on earth by more than just her tragic death.

“21 Miles in Malibu” will be on the film festival circuit, but eventually Shane hopes to stage a free screening at Bluffs Park so the Malibu community can view it as a way of thanks for supporting him and the movie.

Film Exposes Dangers on PCH

By JUDY ABEL

'21 Miles in Malibu' highlights the need for traffic safety changes on the Pacific Coast Highway

The 'Surfer's Palm Tree' Legacy

The Palm Tree at the Topanga Intersection: A Symbol of California's Surfing Culture

By PABLO CAPRA

The palm tree at the Topanga intersection holds a significant link to the surfing culture of the 1940s. Ted Berkeley, a greensman who worked in the film industry, rescued the thirsty little palm from a film set and planted it at his shack on the coast highway. Berkeley, his wife Sylvia, and their daughters Bonnie and Wendy rented the green shack in the summer of 1943. He got into surfing with his best friend Steve Balker and surfed in red trunks like Santa Monica lifeguard Pete Peterson. Berkeley made his own wooden surfboards using a butcher knife and sandpaper and was lucky enough to meet Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, at San Onofre.

Born in Winnipeg, Canada, Berkeley moved to Hollywood in 1918 with his siblings and became a teenage daredevil, racing cars and motorcycles when he was barely old enough to drive, and making deliveries for bootleggers. Berkeley formed a jazz band called The Pep Brothers and married Sylvia Weidler, the sister of Virginia Weidler, a child actor. Berkeley worked in the film industry as a greensman, rising to the position of property master, while his brother Bunny Berkeley became a set decorator.

Berkeley noticed that the local kids couldn’t surf, so he gave the first lesson to a group of boys in 1945, including the Harrison brothers, Larry Franklin, and Howard Terrill. Berkeley also showed Larry Franklin how to lighten his redwood board with balsa wood. Berkeley’s daughters competed in horse shows with the Trancas Riders and Ropers, and his son followed his passion for motorcycle racing.

The surfing community in the 1940s also included James Richard “Dick” Hunt, who became the best surfer despite having one shorter leg due to polio, and James J. “Mike” Roberts, who rode a paddleboard with a pin tail and a flat nose. Don James, surfing’s first dedicated photographer, documented the moment the U.S. entered World War II with his friends Ed Fearon and Jack Quigg.

The Berkeleys moved to Las Flores Beach in 1948, where Berkeley became a body surfer. They had three more children: Debbie, Bambi, and Randy. In 1962, they moved to Malibu Park, where Berkeley decorated their house with film props like Western antiques, cow skulls, and candy-glass bottles. Berkeley wrote over a dozen stories about his early life for The Malibu Times, as well as a couple of unpublished novels and many songs. He was pleased to see that the palm tree he rescued continued to grow after his old neighborhood was demolished for a public beach.

To read the article in its entirety, visit malibutimes.com.

Sylvia and Ted Berkeley with daughters Wendy and Bonnie circa 1946.

Photo courtesy of the Berkeley family

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"Diane's bookdelivers apowerfulmessage aboutovercoming fear andpursuingyour passions, whichis sure to inspire anyone seeking the courage to make their markin the world. Her experiences andlessons learned offer valuable encouragementfor those looking to follow their dreams and embrace their true potential. "

Jumpstart your wellness journey for a healthier life MIND, BODY & SPIRIT HACKS

By SAMANTHA BRAVO

As we're already a few months into 2023, I wanted to share a few of my favorite mind, body, and spirit hacks, so wherever you are with your wellness goals this year, these hacks will help you stay on point.

MIND HACKS

Instant Mood Booster (IMB)

This hack is a game-changer for the mind and spirit. It will instantly shift your mood and energy by following these steps for 10 minutes or more.

• Be outdoors in daylight, preferably around nature, trees, and ocean.

• You must be moving — brisk walk, run, or catch a wave.

• Create a list of 5 or more affirmations or "rapfirmations" that are phrased in the "I AM" format or start with "Thank you for" or "I'm grateful for."

• Say your affirmations out loud while moving and feeling them with passion.

• Repeat the affirmations for 10 minutes, adding in short spurts of faster movement to up-level your biochemistry.

Examples:

“Thank you for my breath” “Thank you for my amazing family”

“I am so grateful for all the abundance flowing freely to me now”

“I am celebrating all the beautiful opportunities in my life now” Don’t just read them - feel them! Infuse them with passion!

BODY HACKS

Upgrade Your Cardio Time

Make cardio time more productive by combining it with mind expansion. Listen to podcasts, books, or Ted Talks while on the elliptical, bike, or stepper. You will not only improve your body but also your mind.

Last Meal Cutoff

For a quick weight loss, stop eating 2-3 hours before bed. This simple hack can help you shrink your stomach fast when you stick to it.

I know it’s hard sometimes if you travel a lot or your work schedule is inconsistent but try it for one week and see if you notice the benefit!

SPIRIT HACKS Social Media Detox

Detoxing from social media can help you find more "me-time" and do more uplifting activities like reading, spending quality time with family, or connecting with nature.

Spirit Board (Vision Board)

Create a spirit board that showcases images of your favorite places in nature, inspirational quotes, and dream vacation spots. This hack can boost your mind, body, and spirit.

Morning Tuneup

This is non-negotiable for starting your day from a grounded, empowered place. This morning routine can be from 10 – 60 minutes. Starting your day with mindfulness can set the tone for a grounded and empowered day. Here's how to do it:

• 10+ minutes of morning mindfulness, such as meditation, breathwork, gratitude journaling, or affirmations.

• 5-10 minutes of a vigorous activity to get the blood flowing and heart pumping, such as a brisk walk, jumping rope, or cycling.

• 3-5 minutes of visualization, imagining yourself flowing effortlessly through the day and accomplishing all your tasks.

Rebecca Kordecki C.P.T. rebeccakordecki.com | IG @rebeccakordecki

HEALTH & WELLNESS

QUIETING THOUGHTS FOR PEACE

By LORI BEREZIN

Experts hypothesize that the average person experiences at least 50,000 thoughts per day swirling through their mind. Quieting these thoughts through meditation remains an ideal way to instill a sense of peace in our hectic lives. No wonder people have followed this practice for more than three millennia.

For many of us, as our physical activities wind down each day, our inner thoughts grow even noisier. This is the perfect time to meditate. Focus on a mantra, which is a word, sound or phrase, to still racing minds. Whatever school of thought you choose, such as mindfulness, Buddhist, or Transcendental Meditation®, they all lead to the same goal of reducing stress. For the best results, practice twice a day or more to balance body and soul.

Living near the sea, we appreciate its immense meditative power. Close your eyes and imagine the sound of waves washing over you.

Let streams of thoughts flow gently by. As you hear the waves crash and fade at the beach or in your imagination, your parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body after periods of stress, becomes activated, promoting a profound sense of relaxation. Other activities, from painting to jogging, can also help us reach a meditative state, as we focus solely on the here and now.

You can also use three different words to transport you into a meditative state. Count down 3...2…1..., then think of these words, one at a time, with eyes shut and mind open wide. Bring your thoughts back to one of these words every so often. Never force anything. Practice for at least twenty minutes, or however long it takes to feel less anxious.

Meditation improves immunity and concentration, reduces anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and produces deeper sleep. With regular practice, it can benefit you for the rest of your life.

There's no place like om

Malibu's toughest hikes, most pleasant parks, most welcoming walks PATHWAYS THROUGH PARADISE

By SAMANTHA BRAVO

Malibu is renowned for its idyllic beaches, charming parks, and stunning canyons, but that's not all it has to offer. This picturesque coastal city is surrounded by a plethora of outdoor recreational activities, from biking along Pacific Coast Highway to surfing the waves at Surfrider. There are plenty of trailheads and parks just waiting to be explored. Below are some of the most popular and well-loved spots for hiking, walking, and outdoor recreation in Malibu.

Challenging Trails and Adventures: Tackling Malibu's Toughest Hikes

Zuma Ridge Trailhead

Discover Malibu's Popular 5.6 Mile Trail: Moderately Challenging and Perfect for Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding

This trail, which takes around three hours to complete, is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. It's a moderate hike, covering 5.6 miles, and is perfect for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. The trail is open year-round and offers beautiful views any time of the year. Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be leashed.

As you make your way up the trail, the views get even better, with several lookout points providing stunning vistas of Zuma Beach, Point Dume, Malibu High School, and the ocean. The peak elevation is 1,800 feet, making it an excellent workout for those seeking a challenge.

Free parking is available, but there are no restrooms at the trailhead. Be sure to pack everything you need before setting off on this unforgettable adventure.

ZUMA RIDGE TRAIL @ EVOLVINGWITHERIN

BACKBONE HIKING TRAIL @ VALTHEOUTDOORSYGAL

MALIBU BLUFFS PARK @ THEOFFICIAL_CARA

SOLSTICE CANYON TRAIL @ SONIA_HIKERBABES_MALIBU

Solstice Canyon

Explore the Beauty of Solstice Canyon: Choose Your Own Adventure on a 2.6 Mile Trail

Solstice Canyon offers hikers several options for a memorable outdoor experience. This 2.6-mile trail winds through coastal sage scrub and riparian plant communities, and visitors can choose an easy, moderate, or strenuous hike depending on their preference.

Starting from the Solstice Canyon Education Shelter, hikers can enjoy a leisurely picnic or a shady stroll along the Solstice Canyon Trail. For those seeking a challenge, the Rising Sun Trail offers a more difficult climb. The highlight of the hike is the waterfall, which is a popular destination for hikers.

Along the way, hikers can explore the remains of the Keller House, a stone hunting cabin built over a century ago that was severely damaged by fire in 2007, but also decades before. This hike has a 300-foot elevation change.

Drinking fountains and restrooms are available up the main trail past the parking lot. Note that the parking lot tends to fill up quickly on weekends, so plan accordingly. Don't miss the chance to discover the natural beauty of Solstice Canyon.

Backbone Trail to Sandstone Peak

Discover a Popular 3.2-Mile Out-and-Back Trail for Hiking, Biking, and Birding Near Malibu

This 3.2-mile out-and-back trail near Malibu offers visitors a moderately challenging hike that takes an average of two hours to complete. The area is a hotspot for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so expect to encounter other outdoor enthusiasts on your journey.

The trail is open year-round and offers stunning views no matter the season. Dogs are welcome on the trail, but must be kept on a leash at all times.

Convenient parking is available at Sandstone Peak Trailhead, making it easy to get started on your adventure. Don't miss the chance to explore this beloved trail and discover the natural beauty of Malibu.

LAS FLORES CREEK PARK @ MALIBUMAPS

ESCONDIDO FALLS @ DALEYSIS

POINT DUME NATURAL PRESERVE @ CLAIREPARKESTRAVELGRAM

LEGACY PARK @FIREBALLTIM

Experience Malibu's Most Pleasant Parks: A Guide to Outdoor Recreation

Malibu Bluffs Park

Discover Malibu's Scenic and Versatile Six-Acre Community Park

Located conveniently at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road, across Pepperdine University, Malibu Bluffs Park offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The park features two baseball diamonds, a soccer/multipurpose field, a playground suitable for children ages 2-12, a jogging path, picnic tables, a whale watching station, and the Michael Landon Community Center.

In addition to its many amenities, Malibu Bluffs Park hosts a variety of community classes, special events, and sports leagues for people of all ages. Visitors can enjoy free parking and Wi-Fi access, as well as clean and accessible restrooms.

The park opens daily at 8 a.m. and closes at 7:30 p.m. Don't miss the chance to explore this beautiful community park and all that it has to offer.

Las Flores Creek Park

Explore the Beauty of Las Flores Park in Malibu

Nestled just a quarter-mile up Las Flores Canyon Road from Pacific Coast Highway, Las Flores Park is a four-acre neighborhood park that offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park features a trail, picnic tables, and a playground area, all surrounded by over 45 varieties of native plant species.

In addition to its natural beauty, Las Flores Park boasts interpretive signage throughout the park, providing information about the plants, riparian habitat, creek stabilization project, and the history of the area. Limited parking is available on site, with additional parking along Las Flores Canyon.

Restrooms are available on site, and visitors can enjoy nearby restaurants such as Duke's Malibu and The Country Kitchen. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don't miss the chance to experience the tranquil and serene environment of Las Flores Park.

Trancas Canyon Park

Malibu's First and Only Off-Leash Dog Park

This spacious off-leash park is perfect for your furry friend to stretch their legs and enjoy some playtime. The park features a rock and sand surface and is double-gated for safety. Waste bags, trash receptacles, and drinking water for dogs are provided. The park is rarely crowded, and parking is always available. The park also includes a playground for kids. Open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. It's the perfect spot for your pup to socialize and play.

Discover the Most Inviting Walks to Reconnect with Nature and Refresh Your Mind

Legacy Park

Explore the Ecological Wonders of Legacy Park in Malibu: A Perfect Blend of Education, Environment, and Tranquility

Located in the heart of Malibu, Legacy Park is an outdoor learning center that offers a range of environmental and educational benefits, as well as a tranquil setting. Just a stone's throw from the Malibu Country Mart, the park features large-scale mosaic animal sculptures that highlight the unique characteristics of each ecosystem.

After indulging in brunch at Malibu Country Mart, exploring Malibu Colony, or perusing the bookshelves at the Malibu Library, take an afternoon stroll through Legacy Park.

Before entering the park, visitors are greeted by a sign outlining the rules and opening hours, and it's worth noting that the park will be closed during "Red Flag" warning conditions. To ensure safety, smoking, barbequing, and open flames of any kind are prohibited. Free parking is available on Civic Center Way.

Escondido Canyon Park

Discover the Magic of Escondido Canyon Park: One of California's Top Ten Waterfalls to Visit for Nature Lovers

Escondido Canyon Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking stunning waterfalls in Malibu and beyond. Rated as one of the top ten waterfalls to visit in California, this trail is perfect to hike in both summer and winter seasons. Starting from PCH, the trail takes you through breathtaking natural scenery until you reach the enchanting waterfall. Winter visitors are in for a treat, as the waterfall transforms into a mesmerizing sight that's sure to captivate visitors of all ages. Limited parking is available for $12, with additional street parking on PCH. To reduce congestion, carpooling is highly encouraged. You can find the parking lot at 27751 Pacific Coast Highway on Winding Way.

Point Dume Nature Preserve

Discover Tranquility and Beauty at Point Dume Nature Preserve, Malibu's Hidden Gem

Point Dume Nature Preserve offers a peaceful path that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, perfect for a relaxing afternoon of exploration. Access to the preserve is located at the end of Westward Beach Road, where a cul-de-sac marks the entrance to the preserve.

A gradually ascending trail leads visitors to an ancient coastal bluff sand dune, and it's important to stay on the trail to help preserve this unique sand accumulation. From the top of the dune, visitors can take in breathtaking views of Santa Monica Bay, the north Malibu Coast, inland Santa Monica Mountains, and even distant Catalina Island on a clear day. Keep your eyes peeled, as Point Dume Nature Preserve is also a favorite spot for spotting the migration of gray whale mothers and their new calves from February to April.

Please note that dogs are not allowed on trails or beaches within the preserve. Parking is extremely limited, with only six regular spots and two handicap spots available, so carpooling is highly encouraged.

Every year, nature brings balance and harmony through the seasons CELEBRATING SPRING EQUINOX

By ELIZABETH HICKCOX

As the winter months slowly come to a close, we all eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring. The spring equinox — also known as the vernal equinox — marks the beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, the spring equinox occurs on March 20, at 2:24 p.m., and we are gearing up to welcome the new season with open arms.

The spring equinox marks the moment when the sun crosses the equator, making night and day almost equal in length. It is a time of renewal, rejuvenation, and growth, as nature awakens from its winter slumber.

In Malibu, the spring equinox means blooming wildflowers, longer and warmer days, and a multitude of outdoor activities to enjoy. Many of our local parks

and gardens will be showcasing their vibrant flora and fauna, including the famous California poppies, which paint the hillsides in hues of orange and gold.

Hiking is popular during spring, and Malibu — with the Santa Monica Mountains — holds many trails and parks to explore. From Point Dume to Tuna Canyon and Charmlee Wilderness Park, we have access to some of the most beautiful hiking in the world. Get out and enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds of spring.

As we welcome the arrival of spring, let us also take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature and the changing of the seasons. We hope you are inspired to get outside and enjoy the beautiful California sunshine, take a hike, visit the beach, or simply enjoy a picnic in one of the city's parks.

Recipes to help you indulge in the bounty from the Malibu Farmers Market FRESH INGREDIENTS FOR SPRING

STRAWBERRY & SPINACH SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

6 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried

1-pint strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/4 cup sliced almonds

DIRECTIONS:

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1/4 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, and sliced almonds.

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

ASPARAGUS & GOAT CHEESE TART

INGREDIENTS:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

1 pound asparagus, tough ends removed

4 ounces goat cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to a baking sheet.

Arrange the asparagus on top of the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.

Crumble the goat cheese over the asparagus and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.

Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the asparagus is tender.

Serve hot or at room temperature.

SPRING VEGETABLE RISOTTO

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup arborio rice

1/2 cup dry white wine

4 cups vegetable broth

DIRECTIONS:

1 pound mixed spring vegetables (such as peas, asparagus, and artichokes), chopped

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the arborio rice and stir to coat with the oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add the white wine and cook until the liquid has been absorbed.

Gradually add the vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next.

After about 20 minutes, when the rice is almost cooked, add the chopped spring vegetables and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the rice is cooked.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

SOMETHING SWEET: STRAWBERRY RHUBARB CRUMBLE

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups chopped

rhubarb

2 cups chopped strawberries

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds or pecans)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, chopped strawberries, and sugar. Mix well and pour the mixture into a 9-inch baking dish. 3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and softened butter. Use your fingers to mix the ingredients together until crumbly.

Stir in the chopped nuts.

Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the fruit mixture in the baking dish.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Incorporating seasonal local produce from the Malibu Farmers Market into your spring meals not only adds fresh and delicious flavors, but also supports local farmers and promotes sustainable and eco-friendly food practices. So head out to your nearest farmers market, gather your ingredients, and get cooking!

How to master spring trends with local experts

If you planned your wardrobe referencing the Spring/Summer 2023 runways of New York, Paris, London, and Milan, you would find a 180-degree shift from the quiet, cozy, and relaxed aesthetic of the past few years to edgy, oversized, bright, and sparkly (via use of sequins or metallic fabrics). The hands of the nostalgia clock are all over the place, fluctuating between the late 80s, 90s, and Y2K.

For women, sheer pieces, slip dresses, and bubble skirts are headed back to the streets along with large jackets, pants, and tops that float past comfort and into statement territory. Men’s looks follow suit with looser, larger silhouettes, athleisure-streetwear hybrids, and western items. And when it comes to the color palate, the future’s so bright, everybody will theoretically need shades.

Of course, in Southern California—and Malibu in particular—what’s “in” this spring and summer is subject to interpretation when the lifestyle, climate, and local customers’ tastes are taken into consideration. Malibu retailers locals count on to get the look (and on their terms) weigh in on how (or if) the runways translate to the real-way under the Southern California sun.

Several shop owners that we checked in with pointed out that they rely more on the customers themselves rather than runways, social media, or industry trend reports to inform what they stock. However, some of those runway trends happen to be right in line with what customers are looking for to freshen up their closets for the warmer weather.

By ELYSE GLICKMAN

hiptique

Christine Berardi, Owner

“At hiptique, we try to stay true to our customers and what is going to look and feel great on them, versus what is trendy. Brands Xirena and Frank & Eileen have expanded their color offerings this spring. Carolina K, our absolute favorite label, always has a bold panther print and brighter fabrics as does Natalie Martin.”

Berardi points out, however, that brighter colors are back for Spring and Summer 2023, noting that lilac and every shade of purple can be found in her shop’s collections. Warm reds and brighter blues are also popping up in the men’s and women’s stock.

“Men have been joining in the fun with bolder prints from OAS,” she continued. “The afterbeach terry cuban shirts are now being offered in even brighter colors than years past, and the men have loved them! Among our new swim lines, Hunza G and Bondeye are both one-size fits most, and offered in colors like emerald green, bubblegum pink and metallic browns.”

Aviator Nation

Paige Mycoskie, Founder and Owner

“One of my original goals with Aviator Nation was to design garments that encouraged people to step out of their normal routine with my underlying intention being to give them more confidence by making them stand out in a crowd. There is no doubt people become more confident when they get attention.”

“While our best-selling five-stripe hoodie and logo sweatshirt are great introductory pieces to the brand for new customers, our existing customers continue to buy our classic logo garments. However, we also love to see them get super excited about the funkier releases like the animal prints, allover bolts, bold tie dyes and neons. Our spring colors (this year) are bold and vibrant as usual. You will see a few new neon shades and the continuation of our bold primaries. I love mixing neon with bold primaries right now. It’s a great juxtaposition.”

Sea N Soul Surf

John Kozlowski, Owner

“We’re more of a classic coastal lifestyle store than a trendy store. That said, we love color and vibrant prints, from our amazing assortment of women’s dresses to men’s board shorts to the custom surfboards along the wall. Our patterned shirts for men, especially Hawaiian shirts, continue to sell well. That said, I have seen some 80s influence find its way to newer board shorts coming in that are shorter in length, true to that time as well as day-glo colors. And while our women’s swimwear has always been colorful, we’re seeing those day-glo colors as well as higher-waisted two piece suits and more coverage than there has been in the recent past.”

Kozlowski, however, says that as carefully curated vintage clothing (including a good selection of vintage Levi’s) is in the mix and as popular as ever, some influences from the shop’s vintage stock have found their way to newer summer-specific pieces, including the use of corduroy and certain logos and prints.

Surfing Cowboys

Donna Sigal Gunther, Owner

“Some customers seek out and enjoy engaging with trends, some prefer their familiar style,” Gunther says. “Other customers don’t appear to pay much conscious attention to ‘fashion,’ (as) their 'look' evolves with the times and what they like. While our customers enjoy a mix of aesthetics they’re all currently wearing their designer garments in a really relaxed manner.”

Gunther notes that the colors of clothing in stock for this spring and summer reflect seasonal changes and the Surfing Cowboys design team’s personal preferences rather than trends. She has observed that mixing and matching vintage with new clothing has become more popular for all age demographics.

“Our ‘Surfing Cowboys’ brand garments are extremely popular,” she affirms, adding that they are currently offering a broad range of vintage-inspired colors. “Customers love the name ‘Surfing Cowboys’ and its connection to Malibu. They also love our vintage-inspired graphics, the overall retro vibe, and USA production.”

Vince Management Team

While Vince’s Malibu customers favor its timeless silhouettes in luxurious materials—including cashmere, silk and leather, seasonal trends are typically incorporated into the line through color and subtle updates to fit and proportion. Management has observed that fans of the women’s collections have embraced color over the last few seasons. For this spring and summer, Vince women’s offerings include sweaters in fresh greens, blues, yellows, and silk blouse silhouettes in blues, greens, and purples.The men’s collection, meanwhile, focuses on a more classic color palette—blues, greens, browns, neutrals—that mimics the coastal landscape.

Neutrals, meanwhile, remain a favorite of the Vince shopper across both the women’s and men’s collections. Best-selling pieces for women include classic silk blouses, easy cashmere cardigans, and satin slip dresses and skirts. Men’s favorites include linen button downs, workwear-inspired jackets and trousers, and layering items: cashmere knits, henleys, and pima cotton t-shirts.

John Varvatos

Krista Weissmuller, General Manager

“Our customers are ready for change and want pieces that make them feel better about themselves after two years of a slightly too ‘laid-back’ approach to dressing,” says Krista Weissmuller, who has managed John Varvatos’ Malibu flagship for the past 10 years. “We have three types of customers—‘fresh with attitude,’ ‘refined with attitude,’ and ‘understated with attitude.’ Individual customers can be a mix of all three. However, the Malibu customer this spring is ‘refined with attitude,’ combining fresh, understated influences to make the look his own.”

According to Weissmuller, the Malibu customer is more reserved than the West Hollywood customer, but he wants to dress up again with stylish, versatile pieces in rich fabrications that go from day to night. Although there’s always somebody favoring black, this season’s vivid blues, purples, and yellows add welcome excitement. Natural hues like sand, “salt” (an off-white), light gray, and “biscuit” (a subtle, warm tan) bring wearability to the bolder pieces.

“We’ve got the surfer who is also a realtor, and the musician or producer who wears one of our graphic tees with denim by day, and then pulls out a cool leather suede jacket or a modern trench coat with our heritage boots at night,” she says. “Our customers will be traveling more, and there will be (Varvatos customers) coming from the East Coast who own homes here and embrace the Malibu lifestyle.”

Cross Creek Road, Suite 10 • (310) 456-8237 • vince.com

Healing & Harmony

NOVA Soundbath’s Journey to Elevated Consciousness

Written By JODY MILLER

Photography By JACK GUY

An eternal shoreline whose colors morph with the sun’s rays while crashing waves reverberate through the canyons. A desolate highway where you can drive into the sunset, the turmoil of the city far behind, and the whistle of sagebrush lingers in the breeze. This age-old quest for peace and tranquility has lured serenity seekers for decades. But is an afternoon of solitary beach time sufficient to rid our mind and body of chaos? After all, the city is not that far away, and old habits and thought processes return as quickly as they dissipate. That is, unless you do the work to set yourself free, regardless of your environment.

Imagine the possibilities when you add the ancient timbre of crystal singing bowls coupled with the vibration wave of a gong and the sweet murmur of chimes and native flute played by dedicated healers and Reiki masters who pray for the release of whatever holds you hostage in your mind. Anchored by the majestic Malibu backdrop of sea and sky, the infinite possibilities of our minds set free become translucent. This is where life is transformed.

Meet NOVA Soundbath and its founders, JD and Martina Ostojic. Originating in Belgium and crystallized in Malibu, JD and Martina seek to assist and guide you on a journey of elevated healing and awareness that will bring happiness, calm, balance, and a newfound clarity into your life via the ancient ritual of sound healing. All that is required of you is an open mind and the desire to radiate like a nova in the sky. JD and Martina will do the rest. So come on in, find a mat, lay down, relax, and let the healing begin.

As a company, NOVA Soundbath, was founded only seven years ago. The real journey commenced, however, after a devastating accident in 1996. While visiting family and friends in South Africa, Martina was involved in a near fatal car crash that left her unconscious.

“I thought that evening that I had lost my wife,” recounts JD, who lost his own father in car accident when he was very young. Martina regained consciousness but vividly remembered an unexpected encounter while unconscious that changed her life forever.

“I found your mom and she sent me back,” were Martina’s first words upon seeing her husband while in the hospital. JD’s mother passed away from cancer at age 40, having known Martina for just over a year. “I was so happy to see her,” Martina recounts,” but she said to me, ‘No, it’s not your time. You have to go back.’”

A successful model, Martina had an innate personal interest in spirituality, however, after a long recovery, she delved even deeper and became a certified Reiki master. JD was a prolific musician and model himself (he was a popular face for Gucci and Versace), plus a very successful entrepreneur back in Belgium, who admits he was more focused on career than spiritual growth.

“I was the man. I needed to make money and take care of my family; I was in that flow of business and just going, going, going,” acknowledges JD.

Finally, after years of Martina nudging and encouraging him to join in her pursuits, JD experienced his own “what’s it all about” moment and joined his wife helping others reach their full potential. It started out with intimate sessions, and through a series of fortuitous events, including being stranded in Europe for almost two years, NOVA Soundbath made its permanent home in Malibu.

So what is a sound bath, and why should you try it? We had the pleasure of an in-person interview with Martina and JD on the patio of the expansive beachfront Malibu location-unobstructed ocean view included.

Upon meeting them, it is clear why they were featured on Lifetime’s Growing Up Supermodel. Now grandparents and as striking as ever, they lead and guide others on a journey to increased health and happiness. JD is the consummate communicator, while Martina presents a graceful and charming reserve.

“Change your thoughts and the world will change for you.”

— JD Ostojic

MTM: What are the precise benefits of a sound bath?

J&M: It relaxes the body, clears the subconscious, calms the mind and activates your body’s natural healing system. You are more creative. You have less fear and anxiety, so you have more creativity to do what you want in life. Your heartbeat and stress levels drop. When you train your mind, it gives you the opportunity to calm down, and if you allow yourself, you will be more creative and everything else will come. You are rewiring your mind to think and make decisions differently.

MTM: How exactly is this openness achieved?

J&M: All those healing instruments reach and re-balance your chakras. They restore your energy level and bring you to a higher state of vibration. It’s 432 megahertz. We cannot see it, but those waves come to our body. This is the most important thing. Our bodies are meant to receive these vibrations as we are 60 to 70 percent water. The vibrations come into our body.

MTM: Are there any scientific studies on the health benefits of sound healing?

J&M: Scientific studies have shown sound baths cause an increase in red blood cell activity. We have people who come who have cancer. In one case, the doctor asked him what he was doing because his red blood cells were becoming active again. But the most important thing is he believes. And when you believe your conscious mind, something changes. That is why I always say, “Don’t change the world, because you can’t. Change your thoughts, and the world will change for you.”

MTM: What would you say to a newcomer attending their first session?

J&M: You will just lay down, feel and receive. You are going to shine brighter and feel lighter after your first session. What’s next is not important. It’s about you. Open your subconscious mind, and you will receive.

MTM: What is the most significant life change that a sound healing can help people make?

J&M: To understand what is going on in this chapter of your life. Accept it and let it go. And when it’s gone, another chapter will open. So the question is, how are you going to deal with it, and what are you going to do about it?

MTM: How long does this process take?

J&M: You need to consistently do this. The subconscious mind is so deep that you get used to the way things were before. If you don’t eat, you are going to die. If you do not drink water, you are going to die. So if you do not do this continually, you will not be happy because you are looking for something to make you happy. You need to come back, like going to the gym or brushing your teeth.

With a schedule of weekly and monthly sound bath group healings, you can join like-minded individuals and experience the power of sound healing in a supportive and welcoming environment. And if you’re looking for a more personalized experience, NOVA Soundbath also offers appointment-only private sessions at their Malibu location or in the comfort of your own home.

So if you’re ready to let go of old habits and thought processes and embrace a life of serenity and tranquility, come experience the magic of sound healing with NOVA Soundbath. JD and Martina are ready to assist and guide you every step of the way.

“You are going to shine brighter and feel lighter after your first session."

—JD Ostojic

BY LORI BEREZIN

(888) 892-7078

Born in Puerto Rico from parents of Spanish and Dominican descent, Dayme Ulloa learned about natural skincare at a very young age. Observing her mother and sisters craft their botanical formulas, she used this first-hand knowledge to launch her own career as a cosmetologist, creating Dayme Cosmetics.

From on-the-spot custom blends to tried and true hyperpigmentation face creams, 18-herb nourishing hair oils, rice water hair growth treatments, essential oils, tinted lip balms, sea salt body scrubs, and more, Dayme’s luxurious, all-natural products are derived from the earth, sourced from the finest farms, and always rich in natural vitamins, minerals, oils, and plant extracts. She brings 15 years of cosmetology experience to her customers via her uniquely decked-out mobile boutique. You’ll find her at such convenient locales as the Malibu Farmers Market and Topanga & Village Mall. She also maintains state-of-the-art vending machines at the Westfield Century City Mall next to Gelson’s Market, and the Apricot Lane Boutique in Topanga Village.

“We had a clear vision to be the first company to offer personalized, farm to jar premium natural vegan and cruelty-free skincare, hair care, and cosmetic products,” explains Dayme. “Our approach is to interact with customers face-to-face and help them achieve their beauty goals.” She adds, “Our customers visit our mobile boutique and order their products just like they would order a gourmet tea or salad.” You can also book her mobile boutique for your next event to make your special day even more beautiful.

This determined entrepreneur formerly worked in New York City on Fifth Avenue at the salon of renowned celebrity hairstylist

Oribe. She interfaced with such A-list clientele as Jennifer Lopez and Jared Leto while developing her passion for formulating beauty products to meet individual needs.

“After relocating to Southern California, my goal was to create a community where people could connect over beauty products,” notes Dayme. “Customizing skincare, hair care, and other beauty products allows us to meet amazing people and hear their stories. This type of human connection is becoming less common, and I am determined to bring back this special experience by creating a nurturing community.”

Dayme’s global community includes farmers from such diverse regions as South America, India, France, Switzerland, and Bulgaria, from whom she sources 100 percent pure and natural, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients. Her products include Dream Face & Body Shea Butter in such delicious flavors as mango cream. The twoday creation process consists of melting the Shea butter in natural sunlight, infusing it with the finest oils, and cooling it over night under midnight skies. They never use stoves or refrigerators, feeling it would destroy the product’s nutritional value, which includes vitamins A, B, E, D, F, G, folic acid, calcium, iron and magnesium, plus valuable stearic, oleic, and linoleic fatty acids.

You can order products in-person or online at daymecosmetics. com. Whether fighting inflammation with Dayme Cosmetic’s medley of natural Epsom, Pink Himalayan, and Black Lava Sea Salt, or stimulating your locks with their 18-herb nourishing hair oil, you’ll find a unique solution to make you feel nurtured inside and out

Mango Butter Face Cream Ultra hydrating and moisturizing to get rid of fine lines and help illuminate, hyper pigmentation and rosacea.

PHOTO BY MAURICIO ABAD

Stuntwoman

By JIMY TALLAL and HAYLEY MATTSON

Diane Peterson is one of Hollywood’s most accomplished stuntwomen, with over 200 movies and TV shows to her name. Her job description is unlike any other, requiring her to be skilled in a wide range of activities, including riding and jumping horses at a gallop, driving all kinds of cars, including Ferraris, while performing evasive maneuvers during car chases, crashing cars into various objects, rappelling down a sheer cliff, jumping through windows and into high falls while shooting a gun,

outrunning explosions, swimming underwater, handling snakes, and running down New York City subway tracks wearing a tight sequin dress and spike heels while trying to avoid the third rail. With decades of thrilling experiences, Diane's friend finally convinced the Malibu resident to write a book about her journey to becoming one of Hollywood's first big-time stuntwomen. Her story is one of grit, determination, and a refusal to give up on her dreams.

Diane's book delivers a powerful message about overcoming fear and pursuing your passions, which is sure to inspire anyone seeking the courage to make their mark in the world. Her experiences and lessons learned offer valuable encouragement for those looking to follow their dreams and embrace their true potential.

“It’s my life punctuated by great stunts, and comes with messages about how to overcome fear and follow your dreams,” she said in a personal interview.

Diane's journey began in New York, where she became the first woman to join the East Coast Men's Stunt Association. Her passion for stunts was ignited while working as an actress on the TV show "Kojak" right after finishing college. It was during the filming of a car chase scene that Diane realized her true calling and knew without a doubt that she wanted to become a Hollywood stuntwoman.

“I was told ‘forget it, honey,’” by the New York stuntmen. “We put the wigs on and we do the stunts.”

Despite being repeatedly turned down, Diane persisted and continued to pester the stuntmen for a job doing a stunt. Her persistence finally paid off when the president of the stuntmen’s group gave in and offered her a job involving getting hit by a car.

“They taught me how to wear padding and how to practice getting hit at slow speeds at first,” Peterson said. “Something went wrong and I got hurt.”

But the men convinced her to try again, and she did the stunt perfectly. A star was born.

“Then they started teaching me everything about stunts— 180s, slides, reverse spinouts, how to jump through a window,” she said.

It dawned on Diane that she had to relocate to Los Angeles if she wanted to pursue a full-time career as a stuntwoman. She embarked on a mission to send her photos and resumes to various stunt coordinators in Los Angeles, and it was not long before she found herself landing steady work with well-known companies, constantly involved in shooting car scenes.

Her favorite car chase of all time was working with actor Tom Selleck on the “Magnum P.I.” TV show in Hawaii, as a girl that steals the infamous Magnum Ferrari.

“[Some producers] liked the car chase scene so much, they bought the footage and also used it on ‘Murder She Wrote,’” Diane recalled.

“Forget it, honey. We put the wigs on and we do the stunts.”

—New York Stuntmen

Stuntwoman Diane Peterson rappels down a building during a scene from the 1988 movie "Feds."

Stuntwoman Diane Peterson with her frenchie Paco at the Malibu Pier in her red Farrarie.

Photo by Emily Scher

When asked if she was ever injured on the job, she said there was one incident that left her on the sidelines for an entire year.

“I shattered my heel bone in five places filming a ‘Movie of the Week,’” she recalled. “In the scene, I was being chased through a castle by a group of Doberman pinschers nipping at my ankles.” And when she crashed through the window to escape them, one of her feet missed the mattress she was supposed to land on.

Diane now has over 200 movies and shows under her belt, with the most famous film being “Titanic,” where she played a first-class passenger rescued from a lifeboat. She won a film stunt award for “best fight sequence” in “Bachelor Party.”

In some cases, she served as a stunt double for well-known actresses, including Jessica Lange and Shirley MacLaine. The latest film she worked on was “The Laundromat” (2019), directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Meryl Streep.

From a young age, Diane had a natural inclination toward stunts. When she was just three years old, while the other kids were contentedly taking pony rides, she had her pony “Smoky” rear up and run, displaying a fearlessness that would shape her future career as a Hollywood stuntwoman.

“I started riding and jumping horses in my teens, raced my Corvette in quarter-mile drag races, and rode my brother’s motorcycle. I loved pushing it to the limit with all of those,” Peterson related. “Growing up, my Dad always encouraged me with sports and stunts, and my mother was always worried.”

Despite the risks, Diane always loved her job, saying, “There’s never been a day that I didn’t want to go to work.” And while she may make it look easy, she knows that jumping through a window requires careful timing and special equipment to avoid injury.

When asked if there’s a “trick” to jumping through a window,

Peterson says the window has to be made out of certain materials, and timing is crucial. Small windows in movies are “candy glass” made of sugar, and they’re fragile and break into big pieces.

“Big windows have to be made of tempered glass that “breaks into little pieces and falls apart like rain when you hit it,” Peterson explained. “And a special effects technician ‘pings’ the glass first so that when you hit it, it falls apart - and the technician can’t ‘ping’ too early or too late.”

“You have to be careful not to get gored,” she shared. “I wear a special vest.”

Peterson’s book shares a fascinating glimpse into the world of Hollywood stunts and the incredible skill and dedication it takes to make it as a stunt performer. But even for those outside the industry, Peterson’s story is an inspiring one, filled with valuable lessons about overcoming obstacles and following your passions.

Her story is one of grit, determination, and a refusal to give up on her dreams. Diane’s message about overcoming fear and following your passions is one that resonates with us all, regardless of our career paths. Diane’s success as a Hollywood stuntwoman is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to yourself, no matter what challenges you may face. Her job may be unique, but her message about overcoming fear and following your dreams is one that resonates with us all.

“This book is my life punctuated by great stunts, with a messages about how to overcome fear and follow your dreams."

Enhance Your Best Self

AmaWaterways , a luxury river cruise line synonymous with award-winning cuisine, innovation, and a wide variety of excursions for all activity levels, continues to make a name for itself in health and wellness travel. Of particular note is its well-received onboard Wellness Program introduced six years ago by Malibu’s own Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of the pioneering company headquartered in Calabasas.

With a busy travel schedule that includes meeting with travel advisor partners around the world and interacting with guests and crew on board 26 river cruise ships in Europe, Asia and Africa, Kristin Karst makes sure to carve out time for the activities that keep her life balanced: swimming and yoga. “As a passionate advocate of living a healthy lifestyle, I am always looking for new experiences to ensure our guests not only continue to enjoy a healthy lifestyle while on vacation, but perhaps are introduced to activities that open up new wellness opportunities for them even after they return home,” Karst said.

Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Exexcutive Vice President

ACTIVE GUESTS

In 2006, just four years after the line was founded, Karst championed the idea of having bicycles on board and thus AmaWaterways became the first river cruise line with a fleet of 25 complimentary bicycles for individual exploration and guided excursions. Now, most ships in Europe carry bicycles, and, depending on the season, excursions such as their 13-mile “Three Countries Bike Tour” through Switzerland, France and Germany while sailing Europe’s Rhine River, or their hilly 10-mile bike ride from Blaye through the Côtes de Bourg vineyards in the Bordeaux region, are often completely full.

Hiking excursions also became more prominent throughout the years as guests were eager to not only drive to hilltop castles, but to take the uphill climb themselves and follow in the footsteps of the kings, queens and knights who built, resided within, and fought to protect these historic fortresses. The line’s two-mile hike to the ruins of Kuenringer Castle in Dürnstein, Austria is among its most popular – not only because of its history (Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned here), but for the incredible views it affords above the Danube River, with the red roofs of the village and the opulent blue tower of its Stiftskirche below. Of course, this tour typically includes a delicious tasting of apricot wine and sweets following the descent – a deserving reward after the short yet steep trek.

Defying outdated stereotypes of river cruising being a slowerpaced way to travel, AmaWaterways saw more and more active travelers on board specifically choosing their line with these active hiking and biking tours in mind. Most walking tours are divided into gentle, regular or active walkers in order to accommodate all levels of mobility.

It came, then, as no surprise that the debut of their Wellness Program on select European ships in 2017 was an instant hit with guests. With up to five small group classes such as champagne yoga, morning stretching or core strengthening held on the Sun Deck or in the lounge each day, guests left the complimentary 30- to 40-minute sessions feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on their day – or perhaps to dig into their exquisite multicourse dinner. Welcoming all ages and activity levels, the dedicated Wellness Hosts readily offer modifications to ensure movements are within reason for each individual.

WHEN INDULGING MEANS EATING HEALTHY

Of course, with extra movement comes the need to replenish calories burned, and when it comes to dining, AmaWaterways’ founders spare no expense! From the Main Restaurants to their intimate Chef’s Table specialty dining experiences, Karst, along with Co-Founder and life partner Rudi Schreiner, take great pride in ensuring that the food not only tastes delicious, but the ingredients are the freshest possible, sourced locally and prepared following their extremely high standards.

For example, the plethora of jams served with breakfast in the morning must be created without added sugar whenever possible. Omelets are made to order using cage-free eggs, there are vibrant plant-based breakfast bowls and a variety of breads and pastries, including gluten-free choices, baked daily on board. Lunches and dinners include an array of freshly tossed salads, delicious entrees such as filets of salmon and beef tenderloin, as well as more captivating ways to enjoy healthy fresh vegetables than you could ever imagine.

AmaWaterways’ award-winning Culinary Director Chef Robert Kellerhals also has forged incredible relationships with intimate local markets and growers along the rivers of Europe, ensuring that only the highest quality seasonal ingredients are brought on board. “After so many years on the river I have my own private connections to get the freshest ingredients on board our ships,” he said. “We are a small culinary team on each ship, but we prepare everything fresh. Our kitchens only have a very small freezer for ice cream as everything else is made with fresh ingredients. All the sauces and soups are created on board each day and even our bread and pastries are baked fresh each morning by our onboard baker.”

EXPANDING THE WELLNESS EXPERIENCE ON AMAMAGNA

In 2019, the line’s most innovative ship and the brainchild of Schreiner, the one-of-a-kind AmaMagna debuted on the Danube River showcasing AmaWaterways’ most comprehensive wellness amenities to date. At 72 feet wide, the ship is the widest river cruise ship traversing this legendary European river, which enabled Schreiner to set aside space for Kristin’s dream wellness area: the Zen Wellness Studio. The expansive studio not only encompasses AmaWaterways’ largest fitness center, but also includes state-of-theart equipment and a beautiful juice bar flanked by windows inviting stunning views inside. There are two spa treatment rooms within the Zen Wellness Studio, and the ship also boasts a hair salon and a nail salon where guests can emerge anew.

Also noteworthy are the ship’s outdoor spin bikes – the only amenity of its kind on the river, where guests can pedal in the open air as the captain adeptly navigates through grand capitals such as Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria, presenting an unforgettable moving postcard of idyllic landscapes.

AmaMagna also allows guests to choose from four unique dining venues, all included in the upfront river cruise fare: The Main Restaurant, The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, Jimmy’s – a family-style restaurant named for AmaWaterways late third co-founder, Jimmy Murphy, and the Al Fresco Restaurant. Guests seeking vegetable-forward fare will appreciate the latter, an intimate venue accommodating up to just 24 guests for breakfast, tapas between meals, light lunch and dinner, with health-conscious menus and spectacular scenery unfolding through an expansive wall of floor-to-ceiling windows.

A HOLISTIC EXPERIENCE

While this time of year many of us are focused on tracking our steps or counting our carbs to stay in line with New Year’s resolutions, wellness encapsulates so much more than weight and diet. In fact, according to the philosophy lauded by Karst’s

onboard program, there are seven dimensions of wellness that must be balanced to achieve true wellness. An AmaWaterways river cruise touches upon them all, of course.

From the spiritual to the emotional to the intellectual aspects of wellness, there is an experience included in your AmaWaterways river cruise that invites guests to tap into it all. For example, while sailing through Vietnam and Cambodia on the Mekong River, you’ll admire the intricate décor inside a monastery while monks bestow a Buddhist blessing. For some, feeling “spiritual” means simply being awestruck by nature’s beauty, such as being in the presence of the majestic Iron Gates during your lower Danube River cruise. Spending time with others, especially the people you love, enhances your social wellness, while occupational wellness is evident from the moment you step on board. “Our crew is happy at work and it shows,” said Karst. “We follow the philosophy that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. We have employed some of the most passionate people in the business, from our corporate offices in Calabasas to our teams in the UK and in Switzerland to our wonderful Cruise Managers and crew on board our beautiful ships.”

Environmental wellness and enriching the lives of the communities visited are even woven into the fabric of AmaWaterways’ experience as guests come to appreciate the natural resources provided by the Earth. With all the line’s 20 European ships having been honored with the Green Award, which recognizes industry-leading safety, quality and environmental performance, you can rest assured that the cruise line continues to look at new ways to reduce their carbon footprint and provide a responsible way for you to explore the world – one river at a time.

AmaWaterways cruises through Europe, Asia and Africa – and will ply the waters of Colombia’s magnificent Magdalena River beginning in 2024. Contact your preferred travel advisor to reserve your 2023 Europe or Nile River cruise before March 31, 2023 and take advantage of the opportunity to extend your journey with their incredible limited-time Complimentary Land Package Offer.

For full details, visit amawaterways.com/freeland

AmaMagna Juice Bar Buddhist Blessing Ceremony

HOME AGAIN

Beloved community member rebuilds her home with support of local friends after Woosley

By JUDY ABEL

The house was “completely gone. It was just ashes and metal.”

After four-and-a-half long and exhausting years, Malibu’s Emily Scher can finally envision actually sleeping in her own bed. She and her children were displaced when their short term hopes and plans evaporated in a conflagration that, in its swirling vortex, ultimately encompassed 1600 households throughout Malibu and neighboring communities. This spring will bring the first green shoots of normalcy rising from Woolsey’s ashes for Scher and her children as they eagerly anticipate a return to life as they once knew it in the community they’ve called home for decades.

Scher’s Trancas area condominium is almost complete after the worst fire in Malibu’s history forced a complete rebuild. With the outer shell finished, the local photographer is currently working on the finishing touches of the interior.

Getting back into the home she shared with her two children, Nikki and Matt Goodman, ages 23 and 20, respectively, can’t come soon enough for the Scher/Goodman family and their many friends who rallied behind them to support their road back to the only community they’ve really ever known.

“They were young kids back then, nearly five years ago. My son was in high school,” Scher said, wistfully recalling the fire. On November 8, 2018, at three in the morning, when the mind is fuzzy, the family first thought about evacuating.

“My daughter asked, ‘Should we leave?’ because it was smelling heavy of smoke. And I just thought, well, I really had no idea how close it was to us. I just said, ‘No, let’s wait for an evacuation notice. Let’s just sit tight.’” But the family was restless and couldn’t sleep. When the evacuation notice did finally come as daylight broke Nikki asked her mother, “Should I take everything?”

Scher hauntingly recalled her daughter asking her what to pack. The 30-year-resident had evacuated before. She answered, “Not everything. Just take a weekend bag. We’ll be back. I’m sure everything’s going to be fine.” And Scher was fairly confident in her answer. “I just thought we were invincible.” The three drove to Santa Monica along with the

thousands of other residents trapped in the exodus on Pacific Coast Highway as Woolsey bore down on the Malibu hills. They spent the first two nights in Santa Monica.

Unfortunately, in the chaos of a mass evacuation, misinformation launched an avalanche of gut-wrenching emotions after a neighbor called Scher with news that her place survived.

“She was so excited,” Scher recalled. “She was so happy to share the news.” Scher was so elated to be spared from the fire that she posted about it on social media; to express gratitude and to let her many friends and family know she was safe and would be able to return home. But whatever relief Scher felt was soon replaced with the stark reality of grief upon learning the neighbor’s joyful news was actually a mistake, reported amid the confusion. “She thought she knew where we lived, but she didn’t,” Scher sadly recalled.

Another neighbor texted her a photo of her place actually burning down. “She said, ‘I’m really sorry to tell you this, but your place did not survive. It burned down.’ It was devastating.” The house was “completely gone. It was just ashes and metal,” Scher described of the loss. All six townhomes in Scher’s block of homes were destroyed.

“Just chimneys were left; springs and bed frames. Just metal and ash.” One ironic blessing Scher says is that her garage survived. “At first, I thought, great. Everything you don’t care about you put in the garage. Everything you don’t want.” What remained became a treasure trove of “my identity.” Whatever bits and pieces survived reminded her of her past. With basically nothing left, “I didn’t own a t-shirt,” she managed to salvage some heavily smoke-scented discards.

Working as a photographer for well over a decade, most of Scher’s gear went up in smoke too, making work nearly impossible. Her exhibited art photography, cover shots for The Malibu Times, event press passes including a shoot with the Dalai Lama, and albums of work were gone.

The shock of losing everything was overwhelming to the Scher/ Goodman family. Scher said she wasn’t sure where to turn especially in light of being “very underinsured.” “I thought this would never happen to us,” adding, “I’ll never do that again.”

Immediately, a few friends started putting funds together. Even a friend from England, Tanya Dalley, set up a fundraising $6,000. Dalley wrote, “On one visit to the United States, Emily generously invited me to stay in her home, the one that, sadly, burnt down. Emily is a onein-a-lifetime friend. Loyal, appreciative, aware, full of love, fun, and a certain magic. She sees wonder everywhere she goes. Heart-shaped pebbles let themselves be found by her; surfboards line up in rainbow patterns even the clouds seem to dance a little wilder when Emily looks at them with her lens.”

As a portrait and event photographer Scher has met thousands of people in Malibu while shooting lifecycle events, performances, and family gatherings. She’s shared intimate moments with residents who’ve become friends while capturing the special moments she documents for posterity. And the community has embraced the photographer’s work through numerous exhibitions at Ollo, Starbucks, and Zooma Sushi.

Another friend now living in Utah, Linda Atkinson Sales, set up a GoFundMe raising over 21,000 in less than a month. Donations poured in not only from Malibu but all over the USA and from Sales’ friends and family in Canada. There were 306 donors, with an average donation of $50.

“I think it was so successful,” Sales wrote, “because of the inspiration of the Scher/Goodman family and Emily being a single mom. Plus, so many people know and love the family. I also think it was successful because I put it together the moment I heard about Emily’s townhome burning down. We were all in shock with the devastation in Malibu and I believe many people from all over the US and in Canada knew this was one way they could help instantly. They could help one beautiful family and they knew the funds went directly to a family that only had moments to grab things from their home and get out before the fire hit.”

“It gave me so much hope,” Scher commented on the donations, many from people she did not know. And every little bit helped. Salon Nuvvo in Calabasas made a “beautiful fundraiser.” It may have added a mere $750, but Scher said, “Gosh, it sure went a long way in my heart that people were rallying for me.”

For the first weeks after Woolsey friends opened their own homes to the stranded family. But by Christmas, Nikki said, “We need a tree. We need a place to live.” So, Scher secured a temporary rental in Malibu saying, “I just couldn’t bear to leave yet.” Eventually, the burden of paying for a mortgage on the destroyed property and a rental proved

too much. The Scher/Goodmans have been in Calabasas ever since.

“I was so afraid of how to go about life. How would we recover? It was such an enormous loss.” In the first post-fire year, she was suffering from PTSD. Still, she did not want to be labeled a victim. So, Scher decided to change the narrative.

She sought out grants and received them from the Boys and Girls Club, Red Cross, and FEMA that went to buy needed groceries. She was stunned after applying for and receiving a generous grant from Habitat for Humanity. The nonprofit helps people around the world build or improve a place to call home. The organization was able to purchase the materials she needed for the rebuild; plumbing, fixtures, countertops, and floors. Jessica Lawson from Habitat explained, “We heard about Emily’s case through the Long Term Recovery Group (now LARCRO, larcro.org ) that we were a part of and was set up at the behest of FEMA. Habitat LA has helped approximately 85 people who incurred damages from the fire and is still assisting people recover, rebuild, and mitigate against future disasters; recovery can take an extraordinary amount of time.

“Recipients are always vetted, and we try to help the most vulnerable and those with the most need first,” Lawson explained. “Habitat cannot necessarily obtain materials at better (bulk) prices, but we do receive good quality donations. Some of these materials are available to the public at our ReStores.

“It is truly an honor to be able to assist the people of our community at such times, and I am excited to see Emily and her children be able to move back home.”

Not only was Scher “overwhelmed and overjoyed” by Habitat’s donation she was touched that the nonprofit “kept checking on me” asking how she was doing. “It all helped immensely when we had nothing,” Scher stated.

“I always loved Emily’s fun and positive energy and what a talented photographer she is. I adore her children, Nikki and Matt. We even used Emily to photograph our wedding in 2017,” Sales said.

“It’s going to be emotional stepping into our new home,” Scher remarked. “We got all this assistance I couldn’t have done without. We’ve missed our friends because that’s where they are, in Malibu.”

Sales concluded, “Malibu really pulled together during this very challenging time, and this is only one of many beautiful stories of this community.”

Transform Your Landscape with Permeable Pavers

Aesthetics Meet Environment

Discover the functional and aesthetic benefits of permeable pavers, including reduced runoff, enhanced evapotranspiration, and groundwater recharge, combined with contemporary design trends for a landscape solution that is both beautiful and sustainable.

By ELIZABETH HICKCOX

Permeable pavers provide an attractive and functional way to transform any outdoor area. They offer a natural aesthetic with organic textures and color combinations that add beauty to any landscape. Beyond visual benefits, permeable pavers provide many functional advantages. Permeable paving is designed to reduce runoff, allowing rainwater to seep through the surface rather than running off into storm drains or nearby waterways. This helps reduce erosion in sensitive areas and allows for enhanced evapotranspiration from the soil below it. In addition, these materials help recharge local groundwater supplies by redirecting water back into aquifers instead of being discharged as polluted runoff. There are also several trends developing in permeable paver design, such as lightweight materials, organic textures, and innovative designs that can revolutionize how people think about landscaping solutions with permeable pavers.

Choosing permeable pavers for your next outdoor project, makes a positive impact on the environment while enjoying a beautiful and durable surface for years to come.

Designing with Pavers

Designing a patio and BBQ area with permeable pavers is a smart and sustainable choice for homeowners. Permeable pavers are made of materials that allow water to flow through, which reduces stormwater runoff and helps prevent erosion. This also helps replenish the groundwater supply and reduce the risk of flooding. In addition, permeable pavers are durable and require little maintenance, making them a great option for outdoor spaces.

When designing a patio and BBQ area with permeable pavers, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you'll want to choose the right type of paver for your space. There are many different materials to choose from, including concrete, brick, and stone. Each has its own unique characteristics and can create a different look and feel. You'll also want to consider the size and shape of the pavers, as well as the pattern in which they'll be laid.

Organic Beauty of Permeable Pavers

Permeable pavers come in a wide variety of design options to fit any outdoor space. From concrete and brick to natural stone, there is something for everyone. Each material offers unique texture, color, and pattern combinations that can be used to create a visually appealing landscape design. For example, concrete pavers are available in a range of styles, from smooth polished surfaces to rough textured ones with distinctive patterns or shapes that add visual interest. Brick also provides an array of colors and textures while offering the classic look of traditional paving materials. Natural stone such as flagstone or bluestone has its own charm due to its one-of-a-kind color variations and mottled surface textures that cannot be replicated by any other material type.

In addition to the various types of permeable pavers available, there are many other decorative elements that can be incorporated into your project for added beauty and functionality. Curves, steps, and edges can all give an area more visual appeal while providing practical benefits like making it easier for pedestrians or wheelchair users to access certain areas within the landscape design. Similarly edging around beds helps define different areas within the garden so visitors know which pathways they should follow when navigating through them safely without trampling on delicate plants or flowers nearby. Other features such as lighting fixtures can also add ambiance at night time, creating both functional safety spaces along with inviting atmospheres for nighttime entertaining guests too!

Another important factor to consider is the drainage system. Since the pavers allow water to flow through them, you'll need to make sure that the water has somewhere to go. This can be achieved through the use of a gravel or sand base, as well as a drainage pipe or catch basin. It's important to work with a professional installer to ensure that the drainage system is properly designed and installed.

Finally, you'll want to think about the overall layout and design of your patio and BBQ area. You can create a variety of different looks and styles using permeable pavers, from traditional to modern. Consider adding planters or other landscaping features to create a more inviting and natural space. With the right design and installation, a patio and BBQ area with permeable pavers can be a beautiful and functional addition to any home.

Permeable pavers are an eco-friendly solution for paving that allows water to seep through the surface and into the ground below

THE SPACE MATTERS NEGOTIATING SPACE

By FRANCISCO and JESSICA MONDET

Spaces reflect both our inner and outer worlds. Individually and collectively, we are always negotiating space. We get to curate and elevate, deconstruct, and then rebuild. When we can take our inner world—our inner spaces, the places we have been, the people we have known, what we have tasted and touched, and we draw that out—it is there that unique, authentic, and creative expression is born. We need only acknowledge and proactively create space, as matter is born of our awareness and intention. And so, when we (The Space Matters) pause to examine the lives of individuals compelled by passion and the need to create, what intrigues us most is their process and motivation.

Here we feature a collaboration with Conejo Valley furniture maker Sam Thomas. As we interacted with Sam and considered his various achievements and projects, we could not help but wonder, “How has such a lovely soul accomplished so very much while retaining the humility of a monk?” Well, it turns out that curiously wandering the spaces within St. Johns Abbey Church (designed by the peerless Marcel Brauer) and marveling at the Benedictine ways of life as a young boy may, in fact, be the very soil which cultivated this man’s spirit. Sam has traveled the globe, earned a Ph.D. from Notre Dame and a Master’s from Yale, co-founded a kosher artisan bakery in Indiana, is a Professor at Cal Lutheran, and, most important, is the father of two beautiful teenagers, Eleanor (17) and Cosmo (14). Sam has been making furniture for two decades, and several years ago, he founded Wildbird Woodworks. This man walks with joy, light, and wonder, all while having arguably explored his existence more deeply than most of us could fathom. And what you find before you is an artful mix of artisan, contemplative scholar, and friend. We have chosen an interview format for this feature to allow Sam’s own eloquent words to express his views on craft, contemplation, and community.

As a matter of principle, The Space Matters, always seeks to collaborate with our chosen subjects, and for this project, we approached Sam and Wildbird Woodworks with the objective of conceptualizing and giving life to a pair of Iconic Lounge Chairs. The fundamental requisite was to capture a sense of cubism and Japanese-inflected minimalism while utilizing construction methods and materials that promise decades of integrity. The material selected to execute such an objective was MÖLINO Garapa, responsibly sourced from South America and procured from Conejo Hardwoods in Westlake Village. Conejo Hardwoods is one of the only sources in all of North America to meticulously source Architectural Grade MÖLINO Garapa. This caliber of Garapa is without equal in the world, its selection and grading done only in small batches, and its availability limited by what nature can sustainably offer.

WHY ARE YOU MOTIVATED TO DO WHAT YOU DO?

I think, at some level, I design and make furniture because I have to—because I’m compelled by some inward “positive obsession” (to borrow a phrase from Octavia Butler) to bring both beauty and functionality to form. It’s also more than that—in the process of making things, I’m actually becoming

more myself, too. I show up to the process with all my gifts and challenges, and limitations and have to work out in myself how I’m going to solve various kinds of problems as I try to give life to an idea. Thus, every piece I design and make has something of my own personality in it, even as it expresses (I hope) and serves more universal needs and tastes.

I’m also driven by the relationships that form around craft. Because they’re grounded in appreciation, intention, and integrity, they give an embodied expression to the relationship between aesthetics and ethics—between craft and authentic human community. There is a conviviality among makers and also between makers and their clients or customers—it’s relational (or at least it can be), not merely transactional.

For example, after I delivered a dining table to one of my clients, she texted me later to say that it felt like there was a new member of the family. I suppose that’s what I’m after, without wishing to be too precious or grandiose: I want to design and make objects that feel like subjects—that is, they feel like they have their own presence, even as they facilitate or interact with our daily lives in functional ways. Toward this end, I’m developing a line of considered pieces that hold together as a collection while I also continue to make bespoke furniture and other household items.

WHO HAVE BEEN YOUR MENTORS AND INSPIRATIONS?

I was inspired early on by some friends of mine who were designers and makers. When I was in graduate school, I worked part-time for a furniture maker named Larry Piser, who taught me a lot about lines and proportions, joinery, and finishing. I’ve also been inspired by my good friend Geoffrey Keating, a furniture maker in Colorado. I more or less taught him how to use a table saw, and within a couple years, he was making eye-popping beautiful furniture—it was incredible to see such an inborn talent flower forth in realtime, and in turn he’s really inspired and mentored me as a woodworker. Another important inspiration has been the Abbey Woodworking studio at St. John’s Abbey in Minnesota— in terms of design, but even more in terms of a shop (and life) ethos that includes attentiveness, playfulness, humility, sustainability, and community. I’ve been fortunate to spend a lot of time at St. John’s—among the monks, students, boreal forests, wetlands, and many, many birds—as it has been my spiritual home since childhood.

My own design and process has been informed by iconic makers such as Sam Maloof, James Krenov, Tage Frid, and George Nakashima (whose Conoid chair inspired the design for this collaboration), and more recently, by talents like Philip Morley, Kate Duncan, Koma Furniture, and the women at Siosi Design, to name a few. One of the wonderful things about being a member of the woodworking (or any craft) community is that we’re all negotiating that space between traditional practices (humans have been woodworking for a very, very long time) and the attempt to offer something new, distinctive, and compelling. So there’s lots of sharing, borrowing, tweaking, refining—all with a deep spirit of generosity and common cause.

WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU ABOUT THIS COLLABORATION?

I’m hoping that this collaboration captures a sense of my art, my process, and my philosophy of making. I want to connect with others who are interested in my work, but even more than that, to be part of a widening community of people who make, appreciate, and use things made with story, care, and integrity. That being said, the process of working with you (Francisco and Jessica) and Conejo Hardwoods to develop the Iconic Lounge Chair has been its own rich reward.

Photography by Esteban Huambachano

Making Your Home a Greener Place

The Importance of Sustainable Eco-Friendly Living

By ELIZABETH HICKCOX

Living sustainably is becoming increasingly important, as we look for ways to reduce our impact on the environment and protect our planet for future generations. One of the best ways to start living sustainably is by making your home a greener place. Here’s how you can do it in the beautiful city of Malibu.

Reduce Energy

Use One of the most impactful ways to make your home more environmentally friendly is by reducing your energy use. This can be done by making simple changes, such as turning off lights when you leave a room and using energy-efficient light bulbs. You can also install a programmable thermostat, which will help you save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re not at home. For residents of Malibu, the city provides resources for energy efficiency, including a list of participating contractors for the Energy Upgrade California program.

Use Renewable Energy Sources

Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is by using renewable energy sources. You can install solar panels or wind turbines to generate your own electricity, or invest in a green energy

provider that uses renewable energy sources. By using renewable energy, you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, which are harmful to the environment. The Malibu Sustainable Energy Task Force offers resources and information for residents to make the transition to renewable energy sources.

Conserve Water

Water conservation is another important aspect of sustainable living. You can conserve water by installing low-flow showerheads and toilets, fixing leaks, and using drought-resistant plants in your landscaping. One way to do this in Malibu is by creating a rain garden. Rain gardens are shallow, depressed areas of landscaping that collect rainwater from downspouts or other sources. The rainwater is then absorbed into the ground, recharging groundwater supplies and reducing runoff. By choosing native plants, you can reduce water usage while also supporting the local ecosystem. The Malibu Public Works Department provides information on water conservation and rebates for water-saving devices

Create a Compost Pile

Composting is a great way to reduce waste and create a nutrient-rich soil amendment for

your garden. You can compost food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials, creating a rich soil that will help your plants grow. To start a compost pile, simply find a space in your yard, add a layer of brown material, such as leaves or straw, and a layer of green material, such as grass clippings or fruit and vegetable scraps. Mix the two layers together, and keep the pile moist. Over time, the materials will decompose, creating a nutrientrich compost that you can use in your garden.

Choose Eco-Friendly Products

When making purchases for your home, choose products that are environmentally friendly. Look for products made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo or recycled plastic. You can also choose products that are energy-efficient, such as Energy Starrated appliances, and window treatments that regulate the temperature of your home. The city of Malibu has a comprehensive list of local businesses that offer environmentally friendly products.

Reduce Waste

Reducing waste is another important aspect of sustainable living. You can reduce waste by recycling, composting, and reusing items instead of throwing them away. You can also choose products with minimal

ones. The city of Malibu provides curbside recycling and green waste collection services to its residents.

Invest in Solar Energy

Finally, another way to make your home more sustainable is by investing in solar energy. Solar panels are becoming more affordable, and can be used to generate electricity or heat water for your home. By using solar energy, you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and reduce your carbon footprint. There are many solar energy providers in Malibu, offering a variety of options for residents to choose from. Before making a decision, it’s important to consider factors such as the amount of sun your home receives, the orientation of your roof, and your energy usage.

Making your home a greener place is not only important for the environment, but it also benefits you and your family. By reducing your energy use, using renewable energy sources, conserving water, creating a compost pile, choosing eco-friendly products, reducing waste, and investing in solar energy, you can make a difference and contribute to a more sustainable future. Resources such as the Malibu Sustainable Energy Task Force, the Malibu Public Works Department, and the city’s list of local businesses that offer environmentally friendly products can help you make the transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. Start small, and soon you’ll be on your way to a greener, more environmentally friendly home in the beautiful city of Malibu.

In the Know

ULTIMATE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR THE HOME

STUDIO 471

NODI SOFA COLECTION

An exercise in refinement, the Nodi Sofa Collection from Canadian designers George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg integrates understated details into a harmonious whole. Rounded edges lend softness and sophistication to the pared-back frames, rendered in solid powder coated marine-grade stainless steel while all-weather Canax woven seat backs offer a dynamic intersection of lines. Substantial cushions provide an unexpected play on proportions and an unparalleled seat comfort.

471 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood (310) 274-2461 | triby.com

NOBLE SOULS

The English Beam dining table is made of wood up to a century-old, salvaged from structural beams and pillar joists of buildings across the UK. The arduous process of reclamation starts at a demolition site, where precious sections are recovered.

3900 Cross Creek Rd, Suite 1A, Malibu (310) 494-0249

In the Know

BAY SHADES

Bay Shades offers exterior roller shades for covering windows, decks, porches, pergolas and other outdoor patio structures. All our exterior roller shade systems are designed to control heat and glare while maintaining the view of the outdoors and are the most effective shading solution for outdoor living spaces. The benefits of solar shades make them a clear choice for this extension of residential and commercial window treatments.

Call Orly Janiga (310) 866-8311

CREO ARTHOUSE MALIBU

CREO Arthouse is not just a home décor gallery but is a place where imperfection meets perfection specializing in one of a kind fine art, ceramics and home decor.

3835 Cross Creek Rd. Unit 23 (818) 456-2099

AMANDI CARPETS

The Kuba textiles of central Africa inspire this collection. Kuba cloth is handwoven using the strands from raa palm leaves. The composition ranges in complexity and style but are graphically distinctive. Available at Amadi Carpets.

408 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood (310) 659-5353

Jewels of Ancient Sudan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Nubia, a region along the Nile River that covers presentday southern Egypt and northern Sudan, was home to some of the earliest civilizations of ancient Africa. It was a place of artistic, religious, and political innovation, and its legacy of personal adornment as an expression of power and identity continues to resonate today. This legacy is showcased in the Nubia: Jewels of Ancient Sudan exhibition, which highlights the collection of superbly crafted Nubian jewelry and other precious objects that were excavated in Sudan in 1913–32 by the joint Harvard UniversityBoston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition.

The objects on view are mostly from royal and aristocratic burials that vividly display the grandeur of ancient Nubian society. “The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has the most important collection of Nubian antiquities in the United States, including exquisite jewelry, metalwork, and sculpture,” says Timothy Potts, Director of the J. Paul Getty Museum. “Rivaling and at times ruling over the land of the pharaohs, Nubia’s rich and diverse culture is one of the most dynamic manifestations of the

cross-influences and exchanges that characterized the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Near East in antiquity.”

The exhibition begins around 2400 BC, when a series of kingdoms flourished in ancient Nubia from successive capitals at Kerma, Napata, and Meroë. Collectively known as the Kingdom of Kush, they flourished during a period of nearly 3,000 years, skillfully making use of their rich natural resources such as gold and ivory, their location on key trade routes that reached Egypt, Greece, Rome, and central Africa, and their military strength.

The exhibition showcases works produced at Meroë, including jewelry and other ornaments of exceptional quality, which display a mix of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences but have their own vibrant Nubian character. Local jewelry makers were especially skilled at enameling, in which powdered glass was applied to metal and then melted to create colorful patterns. They also employed metalworking techniques such as filigree (fine wirework) and granulation (decoration with tiny gold spheres)

Pectoral with Isis, Nubian, Reign of Amaninatakelebte, 538–519 BC (Above) Bracelets, Nubian, 90 BC–50 AD (Below) Statue of King Senkamanisken, Nubian, Reign, of Senkamanisken, 643–623 BC (Right)

“Nubia was home to a rich cultural, religious, and artistic tradition, which is reflected in its high-quality jewelry from the Bronze Age to the first few centuries AD, but many people today are not familiar with this remarkable history, and it is rare to see Nubian material exhibited on the West Coast,” says Sara E. Cole, assistant curator of antiquities at the Getty Museum.

On view adjacent to the exhibition is a selection of four contemporary artworks by Melvin Edwards, June Edmonds, Lauren Halsey, and Umar Rashid, which are part of Adornment | Artifact, a multicultural and multimedia response to the Nubia: Jewels of Ancient Sudan exhibition curated by Jill Moniz. The project connects the work of more than 60 local contemporary artists to millennia-old Nubian traditions. A series of exhibitions and programs across Los Angeles explores the images, impulses, and ideas dispersed beyond Africa through global trade routes and human migration.

The exhibition is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and curated by Sara E. Cole, assistant curator of antiquities at the Getty Museum. The objects displayed in the exhibition all belong to the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and were excavated by the Harvard University-Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition between 1913 and 1932. For more information, visit getty.edu.

Necklace with Ram’s-Head Pendants, Nubian, AD 270 B.–320 AD

Pendant with a Head of Hathor, Nubian, Reign of Piankhy, 743–712 BC (Top right)

Pectoral with Pataikos, Nubian, Reign of Piankhy, 743–712 BC (bottom left))

Ram’s-Head Earring, Nubian, 550–500 BC (Above)

Photographs © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

CALENDAR of EVENTS

MARCH 1 - APRIL 9 JOHNNY CASH: AT FOLSOM AND SAN QUENTIN EXHIBIT AT PEPPERDINE

The symposium “Faith, Reconciliation, and Flourishing: A Symposium on Prison

Reform” is part of a Grammy Museumsponsored exhibit on “Johnny Cash: At Folsom and San Quentin,” featuring photographs by Jim Marshall. The 23 photographs are of Cash’s legendary prison concerts in 1968 and 1969. The photographs will be on display at the Payson Library Exhibit Gallery on the Malibu campus

through April 9.

CURRENT - APRIL 23 GETTY CENTER: A PASSION FOR COLLECTING MANUSCRIPTS

The Getty Museum is one of the few museums in the United States that maintains and displays a collection of medieval illuminated manuscripts. Portable and sumptuous, these handcrafted treasures have garnered the interest of collectors throughout the centuries. Each has a unique story, and clues in the books themselves often

provide tantalizing evidence that help reconstruct their meanderings through time. This exhibition shares intriguing stories about our manuscripts and the remarkable journeys that brought them to Los Angeles. Daily, through April 23, at North Pavilion, Plaza Level. Visit getty.edu

CURRENT - MAY 7 GETTY CENTER: CONNECTIONS: ASIA

Five exceptional works of art made between the 14th and 18th centuries in China, India, Korea, and Japan are displayed

with European paintings and sculpture created around the same time. Asian artworks on loan from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) inspire intriguing dialogues around devotional images, landscape traditions, woodcarving techniques, portraiture, and the trade of luxury goods. Daily, through May 7 at The Getty Center visit getty.edu

MARCH 11

FAMILY ART DAY AT THE WEISMAN MUSEUM

Join us Saturday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for a Family Art Day full of fun activities for all ages. Held in conjunction with our environmentally-focused exhibition To Bough and To Bend, this day of nature walks, crafts, readings, gallery tours, and kid-friendly food is a collaboration with Third Space, an exciting new space fostering care, connection, and creativity being launched by the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. We’re also thrilled to partner with LA’s Corita Art Center on activities inspired by Corita Kent, whose work is featured in the exhibition. Visit arts. pepperdine.edu/events

MARCH 14

CHRISTOPHER PARKENING’S GUITAR STUDENTS IN CONCERT

Concert features students studying under Distinguished Professor of Music Christopher Parkening. The concert will feature masterpieces from the guitar literature spanning many centuries and is free to the public. On March 14 and April 11. At 5 p.m. at Payson Library at Pepperdine University. Visit arts.pepperdine.edu/ events

MARCH 16

PARK TALES: SOMEWHERE OVER THE THE RAINBOW GOLD

HUNT

Park Tales is a fun and educational program for the entire family. Children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers will listen to stories, create an art activity, and enjoy a complimentary snack. Pre-registration is required at MalibuCity.org/Register, and children must be accompanied by an adult. On March 16, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Malibu Bluffs Park. malibucity.org

MARCH 26

PEP WILLIAMS ART EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION

The Malibu Arts Commission is pleased to showcase artist Pep Williams at the Malibu City Gallery located at Malibu City Hall. The Opening Reception is Sunday, March 26, at noon. Meet Pep, see his amazing work, and celebrate with complimentary food and beverages. The Reception includes a live musical performance by A Call 2Peace. An RSVP is not required. To learn more about the artist, visit malibucity.org/calendar.

APRIL 1

CHUMASH DAY NATIVE AMERICAN GATHERING AND INTERTRIBAL POWWOW

The City of Malibu will host the 23rd Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering at Malibu Bluffs Park (24250 Pacific Coast Hwy) on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The community is encouraged to attend the festive cultural celebration honoring Malibu’s original residents and First Americans, the Chumash. Visit malibucity. org/calendar.

APRIL 18

MEGAN HILTY AT PEPPERDINE

On April 18, at 8 p.m. Megan Hilty’s sweetness, sincerity, humor, and magnificent singing will charm you through

an intimate cabaret evening. While she might be best known for starring as triplethreat Ivy Lynn in NBC’s musical drama “Smash,” Megan Hilty has triumphed on Broadway, earning Tony and Drama Desk nominations for her performance in Noises Off, having an acclaimed run as Glinda in Wicked, and originating the role of Doralee in Broadway’s 9 to 5. Come for dazzling, delightful, and dynamic entertainment. Visit arts.pepperdine.edu/events

APRIL 27

EMILY SHANE FOUNDATION

ANNUAL SPRING GALA FUNDRAISER

The Emily Shane Foundation annual Spring Gala Fundraiser Event will take place in the Ocean Room at Duke’s Malibu on April 27. A live auction, an online silent auction, and music by selected members of our very own Malibu Middle and High School Orchestras to serenade our guests, exclusive wines presented by The Narcissist Wine Company, and more. Delicious, hearty appetizers will be served and stationed. For more information, visit emilyshane.org.

MAY 15

STRING ART ON WOOD

In this two-hour workshop, participants will learn the process of String Art, which consists of stringing thread between nails to form a design on a wooden board, at Michael Landon Community Center. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., String art is created with five common items: a hammer, scissors, wooden board, nails, and thread. All supplies are included. A paying adult must accompany children under 12. Instructed by Create Studio. Visit malibucity.org/ calendar.

1 Seventies star, the epitome of cool, who owned a Malibu home, two words

7 ____ Wilderness Park, great hiking area

12 Kitten sound

13 Malibu destination where renowned chefs from all over the LA area are invited to create farmto-table masterpieces for guests, two words

16 Taste

17 Local art authority, Jacqueline _____

18 Wray of King Kong

20 Surveys from a high vantage point

24 Cash dispenser, abbr.

25 Showy flowers

28 Miss Congeniality star who owns a Malibu home, two words

31 Relaxation destinations

32 Walked the trails

33 ______ Skin & Body Care Center

36 BBQ residue

37 Passport, license, e.g. 40 Music holder, abbr. 41 Hose material

43 Honeymooner, usually, two words

44 Helium symbol

45 Bambi was one

46 ___ de vie: brandy

49 Place for a latte

51 Highest mountain in the Santa Monica Mountains, two words

55 Environmentalist’s concern, two words

59 Very healthful local vegan staycation, two words

61 Sea, to Debussy

62 Discovery cry

64 Observe 65 Neighbor of Fla.

67 British thanks

68 Canis Major component, two words

70 Humerus location

74 Copper symbol

75 The Color of Money prop

76 Buyer of the former Cindy Crawford Mansion, two words

78 Went on a pleasure cruise

79 Functioned as

80 Malibu native who hosts the After Midnight show, _____ Jackson

81 Together, two words

82 Owner of Malibu’s security service, IPS: ____ Jones Down

1 Avatar star Worthington

Each Issue, we highlight readers, photographers, Instagrammers and #malibutimesmag posts as they depict the beauty of Malibu through their own lens.

A WINTER SUNSET ALONG MALIBU

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON STEVENS

CROSSWORD SOLUTION • FROM PAGE 76

AMAWATERWAYS • 5

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(800) 626-0126

ANGELUS BLOCK COMPANY • 61 angelusblock.com

(805) 485-1137

BELMOND EL ENCANTO

SANTA BARBARA • 8 belmond.com

(805) 845-5800

BILL RHODES

COLDWELL BANKER • 81 comehometomalibu.com

(310) 293-2084

CELEBRITY CRUISES, INC • 11 celebrity.com

(888) 751-7804

CONEJO HARDWOODS • 9, 56, 82, 83 conejohardwoods.com

(818) 889-0487

HOLLYWOOD STUNTWOMAN • 29 hollywoodstuntwoman.com

MALIBU ESCROW • 78 malibuescrowcorp.com

(310) 456-2058

INSPIRED CLOSETS • 68

inspiredclosetswc.com

(818) 346-1800

INTERNATIONAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE, INC. (IPS) • 6 ipsglobal.com

(424) 218-6371

J. PAUL GETTY • 84 getty.edu/supportus

(310) 440-7700

LUCKY PENNY

GENERAL STORE • 17 theluckypennygeneralstore.com

(310) 266-5606

MALIBU GALLERY • 47

(310) 456-5393

MALIBU CIGAR • 47

(310) 456-8324

MALIBU GLASS & MIRROR • 71 malibuglass.com

(310) 456-1844

MALIBU REHABILITATION

CENTER • 79 maliburc.net

(310) 456-9332

MARK GRUSKIN • 7 malibumark.com

(310) 924-5769

NOVA SOUNDBATH • 15 novasoundbath.com

(310) 489-5307

OLAN LAW • 19 olanlaw.com

(310) 566-0010

REBECCA KORDECKI • 37 rebeccakordecki.com

(917) 628-6637

SEA N’ SOUL SURF • 19 seansoulsurf.com

(424) 235-2430

SIGNIFICANT STONES • 4 significantstones.com

(888) 992-4367

EFRAIN CASAREZ STATE FARM • 37 teamgoodstate.com

(805) 205-8222

STILLWATER DWELLINGS • 71 stillwaterdwellings.com

(800) 691-7302

STUDIO 471 • 2-3 studio471.la

(310) 274-2461

TERRANEA RESORT •13 terranea.com

(855) 849-8978

VIOLET MALIBU HAIR • 47 violetmalibu.com

(310) 351-1856

“The beauty in traveling the road of life lies not in the destination, but in the journey itself. It is the people we meet, the lessons we learn, and the experiences we have along the way that make life so rich and meaningful. So let us embrace the beauty of the road of life, wherever it may take us, and enjoy every moment of the journey.”

— mtm