Los Angeles magazine - January 2021

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L.A.’S BEST NEW RESTAURANTS

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LU X URY I N C LU D E D

JA N UA RY 2021

O U R H O US E

Bree and Dylan in their furnished tent at Echo Park Lake.

Features L.A.’s Best New Restaurants » We’ve rounded up the city’s latest and greatest eateries delivering top-notch noshes right to your door PAG E 4 8

6 L A M AG . C O M

60

The Talented Mr. Righter

66

Echo Park’s Homeless Happening

A shape-shifting, West Hollywood man, who claimed lineage to Senator Strom Thurmond and the magnate behind Scrabble, duped an aspiring actor into serving as his front to sell six million dollars’ worth of art masterpieces. But the Basquiats were as fake as Philip Righter’s story, and soon his Ripley-esque masquerade began to unravel

Drum circles! Fashion models!

A bagel buffet! Soon after the pandemic began, a city of youthful homeless people sprang up in Echo Park, and neither police nor politicians were eager to step in. It all seemed like an egalitarian paradise until an honor student was found dead in a tent

B Y J A K E F L A N AG I N

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Buzz LITTLE HOUSE OF HORRORS

JA N UA RY 2021

» A judge ordered developer Mohamed Hadid to tear down his half-built Bel-Air mansion. Now Hadid claims he’s too broke to pay for the demolition— and that L.A.’s deep state is out to get him

BY PETER KIEFER PAGE 15

THE BRIEF

OF F T H E C H A RT S

The debut album from USC-coed-turned-rapstar Saweetie is one of 2021’s most hotly anticipated releases.

» Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison proves that when it comes to COVID, no man is an island; Mayor Eric Garcetti’s sexual orientation goes on trial; and The Great Gatsby enters the public domain PAGE 18

COSTUME DRAMA

» Little Richard’s most outrageous outfits just went up for auction. Our expert reviews the highlights BY CHRIS NICHOLS PAGE 20

Column » Having pressured authors and publishers to cancel dozens of books, woke word warriors attacked L.A. novelist Bruce Wagner. Then he fought back

BY SAM WASSON PAGE 44

Ask Chris

The Inside Guide

» When did L.A. get its first drive-in movie theater?

Why is there a cow on our county seal? Our resident historian answers all your burning questions

BY CHRIS NICHOLS PAGE 108

» A new Tiger Woods doc, chic shops opening near you, and how to brew the perfect cup of tea. Whether you want to hunker down at home or venture out—here are the best bets PAG E 2 3

8 L A M AG . C O M

ON THE COVER Photographed by HollenderX2; Food & Prop Stylist Aisling Connolly; Model Sofia Belhouari/ Bella Model Agency; Location Plum Studio Brooklyn

P H O T O G R A P H E D BY C O R I NA M A R I E H OW E L L

SAW E E T I E : STY L I ST: J O R DA N G R O SS M A N ; P R O D U C E R : V I L L A N I P R O D U C T I O N S ; STY L I ST ASS I STA N T: ZO E A N ASTO S ; H A I R : WA K E N E C A RT E R ; M A K E U P : D E A N N A PA L E Y; WA R D R O B E : D R E SS A N D S H O E S BY J E A N PAU L G AU LT I E R , E A R R I N G S A N D R I N G BY B E A B O N G I AS C A

THE TAINTED WORD

PRESENTS

T H E S TA N D A R D E X P E D I T I O N PA R K A A N E W S TA N D A R D I N P R O D U C T S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Editor’s Note

BY MAER ROSHAN

A C E N T U R Y A G O , when I was

still in middle school, my family embarked on what would become a multi-year tradition: Each Sunday night at 8 p.m., we’d gather for dinner at a comically baroque Italian pizza purveyor not far from my parents’ Long Island home. Those dinners ended after my brothers and I moved away, but when my parents followed us to L.A. a few years ago, we brought them back. One night a week, we gathered at a Brentwood restaurant called Pizzicotto, a cheerily unpretentious landmark that had operated on San Vicente Boulevard for almost two decades. Its proprietor, a tiny powerhouse named Isabella, presided over her place with joyful efficiency—flying across the restaurant to greet each group of guests like long-lost kin. My family was no exception.

Isabella knew just where my stepfather liked to sit—“The huuuge table by the window!”— and graciously giggled at his terrible jokes. We came to know a lot about her, as well. She and her sister, Luciana, had started as waitresses at the restaurant that previously occupied the space. When it closed, they pooled their entire savings to open a place of their own. In time, Pizzicotto became a neighborhood staple, a stage set for some of my family’s most intimate moments, and the restaurant’s owners and waiters become our friends. I heard about Isabella’s annual trips to Italy, and her cute Jewish boyfriend who lived with his dad. I knew every10 L A M AG . C O M

“In Los Angeles County alone, thousands of restaurants have closed since the start of the pandemic in March.”

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @MAERROSHAN

thing about her except her last name. Last March, the pandemic brought an end to our weekly expedition, though my mom still ordered takeout from them. But one day when she called, she found that the restaurant’s phones had been disconnected, the windows boarded up. After 20 years as a Brentwood institution, Pizzicotto was suddenly gone.

I thought about Isabella often as we were putting out this issue. To be honest, assembling a restaurant guide in a year that has witnessed the utter devastation of the dining industry has been a bit surreal. As I write this, a surge of COVID cases has once again crippled the city. Outdoor dining, the sole remaining source of income for many L.A. eateries, has been banned for the foreseeable future.

I considered postponing the issue or canceling it altogether. But then I realized that celebrating L.A’.s restaurants was even more critical at a moment when so many are fighting for their survival.

Few businesses will emerge from the pandemic unscathed, but the impact on restaurants has been especially dire. According to the American Restaurant Association, half of the nation’s independent restaurants are at risk of closing forever; another 40 percent say it’s unlikely they’ll be around in six months. In fact, the association reports 100,000 restaurants—one in six across the country, including thousands in L.A.—have already closed, erasing countless jobs and dreams. But economics are an incomplete measure of the importance of restaurants to the culture of this city, from the discovery of Lana Turner in the Top Hat Cafe to Quentin Tarantino writing Pulp Fiction in a booth at Barney’s Beanery.

The establishments featured in this issue are an assortment of cuisines and price points, but each shares a passion and industriousness that reflect the best of the city’s culinary life. We urge you to support these and all of L.A.’s dining establishments, food shops, and food trucks in any way you can. Order in, buy gift certificates, tip heavily. But individual efforts, while crucial, are not enough. To avoid a mass extinction event, the city’s restaurant operators need a real, coordinated relief effort. Earlier this year, the U.S. House passed the Restaurant Act of 2020, which establishes a $120 billion revitalization fund specifically to help small restaurants and bars impacted by COVID-19. The bill passed the House of Representatives and now languishes in the Senate. But time is running out.

Restaurants have always been there for Angelenos when we needed their warmth, comfort, and sustenance; now we need to show up for them.

Maer Roshan, Editor-in-Chief P H O T O G R A P H E D BY S H AYA N A S G H A R N I A

Maer Roshan

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Michael Walker DEPUTY EDITOR

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SO CAN YOU.

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Richard Villani

Do what you can to shop local first.

Every dollar you spend locally will help open doors of local businesses and support jobs in our community.

Mary Franz, Otavio Rabelo CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alexandria Abramian, Christopher Beam, Alex Bhattacharji, Alex Ben Block, Steven Blum, Samuel Braslow, Susan Campos, Rene Chun, Heidi Siegmund Cuda, Matt Dickinson, Ben Ehrenreich, Steve Erickson, Sarah Horne Grose, Annabelle Gurwitch, Kennedy Hill, Robert Ito, Eliyahu Kamisher, Peter Keifer, Heather Platt, Jon Regardie, Jordan Riefe, Allen Salkin, Paul Schrodt, Alex Scordelis, Michael Slenske, Bryan Smith, Joel Stein, Benjamin Svetkey, Jean Trinh, Andy Wang, Sam Wasson, Rex weiner, Jeff Weiss, Laurie Winer, Emily Young CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Shayan Asgharnia, Elisabeth Caren, Andrea D’Agosto, Dominic Bugatto, Ben Duggan, Christina Gandolfo, Jill Greenberg, Corina Marie, Max-o-matic, Slava Mogutin, Kyle David Moreno, Elliott Morgan, Chris Morris, Catherine Opie, Jason Raish, Edel Rodriguez, Matt Sayles, Jason Schneider, Ryan Schude, Ian Spanier, Brian Taylor, Isak Tiner, John Tsiavis, Christian Witkin

Shop safely. Follow our local health guidelines and respect others around you.

Share on social media how you are safely open for business using the hashtag #OpenForBusiness and Los Angeles magazine will reshare your posts.

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with Joe Morgenstern L A M AG . C O M 13

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01.21

Little House of Horrors A JUDGE ORDERED DEVELOPER MOHAMED HADID TO TEAR DOWN HIS INFAMOUS, HALF-BUILT BEL-AIR MANSION. NOW HADID CLAIMS HE’S TOO BROKE TO PAY FOR THE DEMOLITION— AND THAT L.A.’S DEEP STATE IS OUT TO GET HIM

BY PETER KIEFER

I L LU S T R AT I O N BY R O B E RT R I S KO

L A M AG . C O M 15

BUZZ

S U R R E A L E S TAT E

16 L A M AG . C O M

history of the United States, and I’ve looked everywhere—a judge coming to a site with a court reporter where he then becomes the judge, expert witness, and executioner,” says Hadid, referring to a 2019 visit to La Strada

by L.A. County Superior Court Judge Craig Karlan, who determined that the structure did not appear safe and needed to come down.

Hadid’s original sin dates back to 2017, when he pleaded no contest to three misdemeanor charges stemming from alleged building violations in the construction of the nearly 30,000-square-foot mansion (one of those violations included the installation of an unpermitted IMAX movie theater). But he vigorously disputes that his no contest plea can in any way be construed as a tacit admission of guilt. He says he did it to save the reputation of others.

In recent years, despite a string of legal setbacks (or perhaps because of them), he’s leaned into the playbook used by another infamous,

bare-knuckled real-estate-developer-turned-reality-television-star with gaudy taste and beautiful daughters.

“This is a total sham. A total abortion of justice,” says Hadid before laying out the dizzying web of complicit actors—Los Angeles’s version of a Deep State, if you will—that are all out to destroy Hadid and his legacy. That list includes the Bel-Air Association, dozens of building inspectors, the Department of Building and Safety, local news media, his former contractor, L.A. city council member Paul Koretz’s office, and Karlan. But the wizard behind the curtain is his neighbor, Joseph Horacek, who was a founding partner of legal juggernaut Manatt, Phelps & Phillips. According to Hadid, it is Horacek who, through his firm’s connections with the worlds of finance, politics, real estate, and the county’s courthouses, has conspired to derail La Strada and destroy the Nazareth-born Hadid in the process.

Hadid will face off against Horacek and one other Bel-Air resident in

CO N ST R U C T I O N S I T E : M AU R E E N L E V I N S O N ; N E I G H B O R S : M O N I C A A L M E I DA / T H E N E W YO R K T I M E S / R E D UX

I

N T H I S befouled era of QAnon plots and disputed elections, the conspiracy being peddled by real estate developer Mohamed Hadid seems almost quaint, a throwback to a time when things weren’t so utterly unhinged.

In his plot, which could have easily been ripped from a Michael Connelly novel, there are no pedophiles or communists hounding the 71-yearold, just a well-connected neighbor— a semi-retired lawyer—with an axe to grind and a corrupt judge abetting his misdeeds.

At the center of it all is La Strada, Hadid’s hillside Bel-Air spec mansion on Strada Vecchia Road, which, in the nine years since Hadid broke ground, has morphed into a $50 million albatross. In June, a judge ordered him to tear down the structure after years of legal battles comprised of a catalog of accusations that include illegal building, extortion, and bribery, all of which have triggered multiple lawsuits, a criminal case, and an FBI probe. Last November, Hadid claimed—after several failed bids to appeal the June ruling—that he was too broke to pay for the courtordered demolition. Currently seated in a chandeliered dining room adorned with pricey artwork in a gated house just off Coldwater Canyon, Hadid does not appear to be someone who is lacking.

“I’m so sick of this house,” says Hadid as he shuffles through aerial shots of La Strada’s construction site before quickly snapping back into battle mode. He’s dressed in all black—leather jacket, V-neck, skinny jeans, and tasseled leather loafers (no socks). He’s surrounded by dozens of boxes filled with mountains of court transcripts, rulings, correspondence between various city agencies, and enough building permits to reconstruct the Parthenon.

These documents, he says, are evidence that he has done nothing wrong and will vindicate him when he’s finally granted his day in front of a jury— something he claims his enemies have tried to cheat him out of.

“This has never happened in the

H A D I D : P H OTO BY A R I P E R I L ST E I N / W I R E I M AG E ; S C E N E A N D T R I O : P H OTOS BY R O C H E L L E B R O D I N / ST R I N G E R /G E T T Y I M AG E S

who came to rival some of their celebrity clients in fame and notoriety.

This group included Nile Niami and Bruce Makowsky, who, along with Hadid, vied to one-up one another on their respective projects, pushing the boundaries of grandeur, opulence, and increasingly absurd amenities.

And for a while it worked. But cooling demand for eight- and even nine-figure spec homes followed by a global pandemic has left the once high-flying developers grounded and bruised.

Niami is reportedly highly leveraged by multiple eight-figure listings that are sitting empty. Makowsky made international headlines when he listed a four-story Bel-Air mansion for $250 million in 2017, but after languishing for two years on the market, it finally sold in 2019 for just $94 million.

Before moving to L.A., Hadid spent time in Aspen, Colorado, where he briefly clashed with Donald Trump, who at that point was just an ambitious real estate developer with a checkered reputation. Trump unsuccessfully sued Hadid over a parcel of land. “I don’t have anything against him,” says Hadid when asked for his opinion of the outgoing presiH O US E OF PA I N Clockwise from top left: La Strada, Hadid’s unfinished Bel-Air mansion, looms over the neighborhood; Joseph and Beatriz Horacek at their home, with La Strada in the background; Hadid partying dent. “For the business community in WeHo; the scene outside Hadid’s birthday bash in Beverly Hills; Hadid with Snoop Dog and Shiva Safai. and for the rich, he was a hero. But for the less fortunate, I don’t think a civil suit that’s scheduled for Januduct. The card that he’s playing right he was a good president. Do I think ary. The parties have sued and counnow is going to the press and trying badly of him? No, I don’t. I just tersued and are seeking unspecified to pollute jurors. It’s despicable.” don’t think he was the right presidamages. Hadid’s ace in the hole, or Before he became known as the fadent. I’m not conservative or liberal; so he thinks, is a conversation he had ther to supermodels Gigi I’m more of a consciwith Horacek in 2017 that he secretly and Bella Hadid and entious voter,” he says. taped. In a transcript of that convera regular on The Real Hadid also walks La Strada sation, the two are clearly discussing Housewives of Beverly back comments he the troubled project and the possibilHills and made to the Daily Mail has morphed ity of Hadid paying Horacek $3.5 milSecond Wives Club, Hadin which he said that into a $50 lion to “gracefully withdraw” some or id made a fortune in the the alleged plot against million legal all of his complaints. Hadid says this ’80s in the Washington, La Strada was racialalbatross. is evidence of extortion. Not so, says DC, area as a developer ly motivated due to his Horacek’s lawyer. of commercial and resi“I’m so sick of Palestinian heritage.

“His extortion claim is garbage,” dential properties. He He says he made those this house,” says Gary Lincenberg of the firm Bird then headed west and comments at an overly Hadid says.

Marella. “What it shows is a settledeveloped a handful emotional moment, and ment discussion, which is something of multi-million-dollar that he just wants his that happens thousands of times mansions around Southday in court. But when a day. The illegal recording shows ern California, including Le Belvéasked why it is that draws so much atthere’s no extortion. It’s such a red dère in Bel-Air, which sold for $50 tention, he reverts back to his name herring and a diversionary tactic. This million in 2010. He emerged as one and his heritage. “I’m not Bob Smith,” is Hadid trying to divert everybody’s of the city’s megadevelopers—a small he says. “The name Hadid—it pops attention away from his criminal concontingent of builders and designers right in front of you.”

L A M AG . C O M 17

N E WS & N OT E S F R O M A L L OV E R

MAN TO MAN

Eric Garcetti, Jeremy Bernard, and Rick Jacobs

OH, FOR PETE’S SAKE! LAPD LAWYER WANTS MAYOR’S SEXUALITY ON THE STAND AN ATTORNEY ALLIED WITH L.A.’S POLICE UNION TAKES A LOW BLOW AT ERIC GARCETTI. CRITICS ARE CRYING FOUL

BY JA S ON MC G A H A N

M AYO R Eric

Garcetti’s sexual orientation has been whispered about in certain scurrilous corners since he took office in 2013. He further raised eyebrows this past February, when he described himself in a speech as “an older, straighter Pete Buttigieg,” but nobody has ever thought of dragging him to court over it—until now.

Attorney Greg Smith has been threatening to depose the mayor and ask about his sexual preference in a controversial lawsuit involving Garcetti’s longtime friend and former adviser, Rick Jacobs.

Here’s the backstory: Smith, a go-to lawyer for the city’s police union, recently filed suit on behalf of an L.A. police officer, Matthew Garza, who once served on Garcetti’s security detail and alleges 18 L A M AG . C O M

that Jacobs sexually harassed him on the job with repeated lewd comments and inappropriate massages, and hugs.

(Jacobs, who left the mayor’s office in October, calls the charges “pure fiction.”

The mayor’s office hired an outside firm to investigate the situation.)

So far, Smith’s multiple attempts to induce the mayor to sit for a deposition have been unsuccessful, though the issue was headed for court in December. Garza’s lawsuit alleges that Garcetti witnessed Jacobs’s offensive behavior but turned a blind eye, supposedly because the mayor’s alleged homosexuality made him “tolerant” of Jacobs’s harassment. It’s a rather shocking assertion to make in 2020, and not surprisingly, Deputy City Attorney Douglas Lyon was having none of it. “In

essence,” Lyon angrily fired back at Smith, “your argument is that if a person is homosexual, he or she is more likely to tolerate sexual harassment.”

In a follow-up letter to the city attorney, Smith subsequently walked back his threats, promising not to raise any questions about sexual orientation if the mayor testified. But there are those who see a more Machiavellian hand behind the lawyer’s actions. Garcetti’s allies believe L.A.’s police union is using the lawsuit to scuttle the mayor’s chances for a post in President-elect Biden’s Cabinet, payback for the mayor’s decision to cut the police budget by $150 million after the George Floyd protests over the summer. Smith calls those claims “nonsense,” while a spokesman for the city attorney offered an icy “no comment.”

A COVID HOT SPOT ON ELLISON’S ISLE T H E T I N Y Hawaiian

former pineapple plantation from fellow billionaire David Murdock for $300 million in 2012. Lanai has no traffic lights and just one school, but it’s home to two top-tier hotels—both Four Seasons—plus a luxury wellness resort and a sprawling new hydroponic farm. Ellison-controlled companies own them all. The mogul also owns much of the island’s housing and its main grocery store, Richard’s Market.

As a result, just about every working person on the island is employed by Ellison.

While a few local critics have branded him an island dictator, by most accounts the 78-year-old mogul has been pretty benevolent. Until recently, even as the coronavirus swept the globe, Lanai managed to largely avoid the COVID-related calamity that has befallen its neighbors. Though tourism cratered after Hawaii’s March lockdown, most of Lanai’s 3,000 residents escaped immediate layoffs.

Ellison’s three Lanai companies— the land and

island of Lanai is often described as a little patch of heaven—4,000 miles southwest of L.A. But for Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison, who owns 98 percent of the idyllic land mass, an explosive COVID-19 outbreak there has made for a hellish few months.

Ellison, the fifthrichest person in the NO M A N I S A N I S L A N D world, purchased Ellison’s personal paradise the 140-square-mile

G A R C E T T I : KA R E N O C A M B ; E L L I S O N : G E T T Y I M AG E S

The Brief

C E L E B R I T I E S : G E T T Y I M AG E S ; M AS KS B AC KG R O U N D : E N VATO E L E M E N TS

NUMBER OF TIMES LISTENERS STREAMED PUERTO RICAN RAP STAR BAD BUNNY, SPOTIFY’S MOST POPULAR ARTIST OF 2020. BILLIE EILISH WAS THE COMPANY’S TOP-PERFORMING FEMALE ARTIST, AND JOE ROGAN TOPPED THE CHARTS WITH HIS PODCAST, THE JOE ROGAN EXPERIENCE

resource management company Pulama Lanai, Sensei Farms, and Four Seasons Lanai—didn’t wait for federal relief checks when Lanai shuttered. Ellison assured his workers they would be paid through May, and, in the end, kept them on the payroll through July.

Last fall, however, reality started closing in. Since October, more than 106 residents of the bucolic enclave have tested positive for the virus; four had to be airlifted out because Lanai’s only hospital lacks a critical-care unit.

“They’re going through what we went through in March and April,” Michael Shea, chief medical officer of Maui Memorial Medical dicaal Center, told Bloomberg g News. Ellison is scrambling to stop the crisis from reaching critical mass. Compared to his friend Donald Trump, Ellison’s response on Lanai has gone smoothly: over 4,000 tests have been administered free of charge, and executives at his company are frantically working with local officials to get the outbreak under control.

For now, while some critics are calling on Ellison to diversify the island’s tourist-reliant economy, his reign as king of Lanai seems secure. The front page of the local paper Lanai Today recently featured the headline “A Grateful Community” above a photo of residents holding up a sign reading,

“Thank you, Mr. Ellison!”

Guess who bought the island’s once-independent monthly paper in 2019.

—IAN SPIEGELMAN

CELEBRITIES HIDE IN PLAIN SIGHT F O R C E RTA I N celebrities, face masks don’t just offer protection, they offer freedom.

“I can just run to market, run around Sephora, & go to Drs., & no one knows who I am,” Cher raved in a recent Instagram post featuring a photo of herself in an uncharacteristically modest pink face covering.

S AV I NG FAC E

Clockwise from top left: Billy Porter, Rumer Willis, Steve Martin, and Jennifer Lopez.

Last summer, stars including Zoë Kravitz, Pink, Sophie Turner, Steph Curry, Ellen Pompeo, and Ariana Grande flocked to protests while remaining incognito. Trainer Dion Jackson, who’s worked with Jennifer Lopez, Al Pacino, and Jim Carrey,

83 billion

says he’s now able to takee his clients to work out in the hills, parks, and beaches without anyone being the wiser. “Nobody knows who they are!” he says. “Probably the only upside of this awful thing is that celebs go anywhere they want with nobody hassling them.”

Masked celebs are proving problematic for paparazzi. Randy Bauer, cofounder of the BauerGriffin photo agency, said his shutterbugs had a hard time adjusting when mask mandates first went into effect. “We wrongly identified a lot of people.

It was such a big hassle to figure out who anyone was,” he says. “Now we have to identify celebrities more by their gait, mannerisms, voice.”

Fortunately, Bauer says, celebs started outing themselves by posting masked selfies online, making it easier to identify them: Jenna Dewan, Rumer Willis, and Billy Porter favor bright, recognizable masks by Wiseguise.

Busy Philipps coordinates her pricey Lele Sadoughi masks with matching gingham headbands and dresses.

And some celebs go a step further. Last month, Steve Martin helpfully tweeted out a masked photo of himself with a sign over his head reading “Steve Martin.” After all, as Bauer can attest, the only thing Hollywood celebrities hate more than being recognized is being ignored. — M E R L E G I N S B E R G

SELLING GATSBY

W

ith The Great Gatsby enter-ing the public domain n January 1, everything g in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic—from the novel’s title to itss characters—is now fair game for commercial exploitation.

Given the sensitivity that th t marketers display when actually paying for intellectual property—see Royal Caribbean’s vexing use of Iggy Pop’s drug paean, “Lust for Life,” to shill for its cruise ships—Gatsby tie-ins like these are nigh inevitable.

Tough luck, Sport!

— M I C H A E L WA L K E R

T H E G R E AT GAT S BY I L LU S T R AT I O NS BY B R I A N TAY L O R

AT A U C T I O N

3 125

$ ,

1 875

$ ,

Costume Drama

“This is the first thing I’d bid for. At this price, they’re a steal. Every one of these outfits could benefit from a pair of funky platform boots. You would tower above everyone, and your outfit would never touch the floor.”

LITTLE RICHARD’S MOST OUTRAGEOUS OUTFITS JUST WENT UP FOR AUCTION. OUR EXPERT REVIEWS THE HIGHLIGHTS B Y C H R I S N I C H O L S

W H E N L I T T L E R I C H A R D died last spring at the age of 87, he left behind not only a brilliant musical legacy but also a fashion one. Born in Georgia, tthe self-proclaimed “architect of rock ’n’ roll” lived in Los Angeles during the height of his career. Last month, Julien’s Auctions sold off his personal artifacts at its Icons & Idols sale in Beverly Hills. The lots included original sheet music, candid photographs, signed contracts, and more than a dozen over-the-top stage costumes from the 1960s and ’70s, most designed by Little Richard himself. Legendary costume designer Susan Matheson, who created period fashions for films like Anchorman 2 and Semi-Pro, chose some of the standouts.

1 920

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$

“This item is more suited to us who are a little zaftig—a perfect solution for when you’re bloated or menstrual but still want to feel a little tutti-frutti. The legs are as elaborate as Victorian draperies!”

5000

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“This is definitely an outfit for a kept man. You can’t do housework in those sleeves; you can only gesticulate wildly. But what’s with the sequined crotch? I assume he had a lot to show off in that area; otherwise he wouldn’t make such a display of it.”

20 L A M AG . C O M

“This is Star Wars meets Yohji Yamamoto meets Liberace with a pair of Cher’s bell bottoms thrown in! The cape makes you feel like you could flap your arms and take off—without Wonder Woman’s invisible jet.”

768

“This is a must. You buy the wigs first, then the boots, then that Star Wars outfit, and I think you’d have enough DNA to clone a brand-new Little Richard, like in that movie The Boys from Brazil.”

“Did little Richard wear this ensemble with or without pants? Because without pants, it’s a wildly chic minidress! That ornamental ruffle around the neck is called a jabot— which is the French word for the anatomical folds under a bird’s neck. Was he part bird?”

L I T T L E R I C H A R D : M I C H A E L O C H S A R C H I V E S /G E T T Y I M AG E S ; COST U M E S CO U RT E SY J U L I E N ’ S AU C T I O N S

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01.21 THE

Inside Guide ICY QUEEN

Saweetie’s success scares her—in a really good way.

Plus > HBO’s Tiger Woods doc is out for blood, not sport PAGE 26

> Tea ceremonies get a modern makeover

G R E E N D R E SS : B R A N D O N M AXW E L L ; E A R R I N G S A N D R I N G S : A N A N YA ; S H O E S : R E N E C AOV I L L A ; STY L I ST ASS I STA N T: ZO E A N ASTO S

PAGE 32

> Dries Van Noten’s first U.S. shop is here—on La Cienega Boulevard PAGE 34

Music

Not So Saweetie THE L.A. RAPPER SEES HERSELF AS A DEMON IN DIAMONDS, GROWING STRONGER WITH EVERY KILL. HER UPCOMING ALBUM, PRETTY BITCH MUSIC, PROMISES TO BE MONSTROUS B Y H I L A RY H U G H E S

P H O T O G R A P H BY C O R I NA M A R I E H OW E L L

|

S T Y L I NG BY J O R DA N G R O S S M A N

L A M AG . C O M 23

The Inside Guide

AC K I N 2 017, Saweetie—

then 24, and a recent graduate of the University of Southern California— often pulled over while driving around Los Angeles to pause and film herself freestyling from the front seat of her car.

In one video she posted on Instagram, she riffed over the beat of Khia’s 2002 raunchy smash, “My Neck, My Back.” Her long lashes, lip gloss, and shoulder-grazing silver hoops were on point, as was her swagger as she flashed her gleaming watch—“It’s very unlikely my wrist ain’t looking icy”— and hyped up her ambition: “Looking in the mirror, I thank God for what I’m about to be.” The post went viral and turned industry heads, prompting her to record a studio version of the freestyle. The resulting single, “Icy Girl,” came out that October. Within weeks, the music video for the track racked at an exponential rate of growth,” she up 2 million views on YouTube, and says, referring to a monster on Netflix’s months later young fans would quote Stranger Things that doubles in size her in their yearbooks. with every kill. “Before people can realSaweetie’s Instagram follower count ize it, I’m going to be a full standing denow tops 8.5 million. Her lip gloss mogorgon who’s unstoppable.” still sparkles, as do her hoops, though Born in Santa Clara to her Filipinothey’re bigger and encrusted with diChinese mother and African Ameriamonds. She no longer poses in the can father, Saweetie, aka Diamonté driver’s seat of her car but by pools in Harper, grew up in the Bay Area writthe Hollywood Hills. The ing poetry and worship27-year-old’s feed brims ping fierce female MCs with Kardashian Hallowlike Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, een party pics, close-ups of “West Coast and Nicki Minaj. She’s her growing collection of close with her mom—who girls are Birkin bags, and adorable appeared in music vidsnapshots with her boyeos by LL Cool J, Nelly, down to friend of two years, Migos and DMX in the ’90s and earth but rapper Quavo, who slipped ’00s—and her grandmothready to into her DMs with an “icy” er, who always called her snowflake emoji in 2018.

“Sweetie” and inspired her pop some (The pair are now Page Six stage name. She eventually shit when regulars.) After a parade of landed in L.A., where she we gotta hits and high-profile colstudied business and comlaborations, Saweetie is remunications at USC and pop some leasing Pretty Bitch Music started posting her freeshit.” in early 2021. It’s her first styles following graduafull-length album and one tion in 2016. of this year’s most anticiAfter “Icy Girl” took pated rap releases. Much off, she inked a deal with has changed, but the voracious drive Warner Bros., and her sales and presthat launched her from that off-the-cuff ence on the charts kept climbing as clip to headliner status has not. that track and her 2019 single, “My “Saweetie is a demogorgon. Every Type,” both went platinum. The first time I do something, I get better; but it’s Pretty Bitch Music single, “Tap In,” 24 L A M AG . C O M

dropped in June and reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, her highest single on the chart to date. Along with Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and a growing group of female rappers holding their own in a maledominated genre, Saweetie is eager to show the world she’s more than just a sample queen with an album full of original beats.

“I think this body of work is scary in a good way,” Saweetie says of Pretty Bitch Music. “When you’re playing a video game and you unlock another character, you’re like, ‘Oh, dang—I’m that person, too! They had to level up!’ I have a lot of tracks on Pretty Bitch Music that are bigger

P H OTO BY CO R I N A M A R I E H OW E L L ; STY L I N G BY J O R DA N G R O SS M A N ; STY L I ST ASS I STA N T: ZO E A N ASTO S ; F U S C I A COAT: S C H I A PA R E L L I ; E A R R I N G S : T I F FA N Y H A R DW E A R G R A D UAT E D L I N K E A R R I N G S ; R I N G S : G R AC E L E E A N D A N A N YA

B

MUSIC

V I D E O ST I L L : O F F I C I A L SAW E E T I E ; B O B B L E H E A DS : G E T T Y I M AG E S

N OW P L AY I N G

than what I could’ve ever seen myself being. This is definitely going to change the conversation of what a Saweetie is.”

The “bitch” in the album’s title stands for “boss, independent, tough, CEO, hyphy”—the last being a style of up-tempo hip-hop. Two of the album’s singles are collabs with strong female artists: Saweetie brought Jhené Aiko back into the fold for “Back to the Streets,” a sample-free R&B banger coproduced by hitmaker Timbaland, and paired up with rapper Doja Cat for the new single, “Best Friend.”

“West Coast girls, we have the dopest personalities—we’re down to earth but ready to pop some shit when we gotta pop some shit,” she says of her chemistry with Aiko and Doja Cat, both native Angelenos.“Women are magical creatures. Because we’ve never really had a girl from out West go super global, it’s my job to represent and show the world what we’re capable of.”

In addition to the album, Saweetie is laying the groundwork for a busy 2021. She’s launching a nonprofit—the Icy Baby Foundation—with her grandmother, to aid single mothers, people living with autism, and education initiatives in low-income communities.

She and Quavo have been discussing their next project, and she’s thinking it could be “more of a ballad, like an R&B duet.” She is always writing, always scheming, always thinking of the next collaboration or video. Like the demogorgon, she stays hungry, and 2021 better watch out: “Saweetie is coming.”

R I D I NG H I G H

Prize Fighters The 63rd annual Grammy Awards are set to broadcast on January 31 at 5 p.m.

Prepare for the show with our playlist featuring some of the most notable acts nominated and their need-to-know songs 1:01

1:31

1

Dua Lipa, “Don’t Start Now” One of the few things that made the early quarantine bearable was the Brit’s sizzling retro disco album, Future Nostalgia, and for that reason alone she deserves all six of her nominations. Being bored has rarely been so fun.

2

Taylor Swift, “Mirrorball” She surprised us by going indie with the mellow folk album that contained this tender, glistening gem, which has to rank as her best song in years. The result? Another six Grammy nominations. Hating on T-Swift is so 2017.

3

Harry Styles, “Watermelon Sugar” You’d be forgiven for thinking that a viral skateboarding video started the great Fleetwood Mac revival of 2020. In reality, it was Styles’s soft-rock second album, Fine Line—which brought the former One Direction member three Grammy nods—and this insanely catchy summer single.

4

Billie Eilish, “Everything I Wanted” After her history-making clean sweep of the four major categories last year, Highland Park’s finest is back with four more nominations, three of which are for this delicate tribute to her brother (and songwriting partner), Finneas.

5

Phoebe Bridgers, “Kyoto” The Pasadena-raised singer-songwriter scored instant critical acclaim with her emotionally tumultuous second album, Punisher, but, still, seeing her modern spin on alt-folk receive four Grammy nods (including Best New Artist) was one of this year’s nicest shocks. SoCal just might have a new breakout star.

6

Fiona Apple, “Shameika” Apple spoke her truth loud and almost uncomfortably clear on her gutwrenching Fetch the Bolt Cutters album, and it has paid off with this standout track earning two nominations. The whole record is in the running for Best Alternative Music Album.

7

Roddy Ricch, “The Box” Compton is once again the center of the hip-hop world, thanks mainly to Roddy Ricch, whose No. 1 single was the hyped-up hip-hop anthem of 2020.

Between that and his DaBaby collaboration, “Rockstar,” Ricch has chalked up six Grammy nominations this time around.

8

Miranda Lambert, “Bluebird” The Texan was a shoo-in for a Best Country Album nod, thanks to her impeccable seventh collection, Wildcard, and the breezy uplift of this track rightly scored two nods on its own. Another large step in Lambert’s journey to national-treasure status.

9

Megan Thee Stallion, “Savage,” featuring Beyoncé The only thing that could have made the original version of “Savage” better would have been a Beyoncé feature, and that’s exactly what Houston’s breakout rapper gave us. Three Grammy nominations (plus one for Megan as Best New Artist) was the least this track deserved.

Saweetie takes to the skies in the video for “Back to the Streets” featuring Jhené Aiko.

10

Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Dua Lipa, “Un Dia” The Grammys are a little light on Latin music representation this year, but they did find room to give this solid-gold sad banger a nod in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category.

L A M AG . C O M 25

The Inside Guide

TA L K I N G P O I N T S

In the Rough

BEFORE YOU TUNE INTO HBO’S NEW TIGER WOODS DOCUMENTARY, KNOW THAT IT’S A VERY LONG DRIVE FROM RECENT SENTIMENTAL SPORTS DOCS LIKE THE LAST DANCE

BY ALEX SCORDELIS

an unfairly maligned cultural icon? Whatever you think of him, everyone’s got an opinion about Tiger Woods. Now, Tiger—a two-part, three-hour documentary premiering January 10 on HBO—lifts the veil on the story of Woods’s tragic rise and fall. Here, seven things to note about the doc.

• T I G E R’S DA D C O M E S AC R O S S A S A C U LT LEADER. Part 1 of the series is dominated

by Woods’s overbearing father, Earl Woods. When Earl, a Vietnam vet who wears aviator shades, compares his son to Gandhi and Buddha—and predicts that he will “change the course of humanity”— he sounds a little like Keith Raniere in The Vow.

• I T ’S T H E OPPOSITE OF T H E L A ST DA NC E .

At the start of the pandemic, ESPN’s nostalgic The Last Dance was the perfect distraction. That docuseries lionized Michael Jordan.

By contrast, Tiger, which is executiveproduced by Alex Gibney (Going Clear; Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room), is not a feelgood movie. It’s a dark look at the unraveling of a once-in-a-lifetime talent.

• WO O D S’S M A I N M I S T R E S S IS THE BOMBSHELL WITNESS. When Rachel Uchitel, the woman whose affair with Woods was exposed by the National Enquirer (and led to his downfall), appears on camera at the end of Part 1, it’s treated like Darth Vader making his grand entrance.

This is the first time Uchitel has spoken publicly about the scandal. When Woods paid for her silence a decade ago, he supposedly told Uchitel to get as much money as she could from his lawyers. In a bleak but revealing moment, Uchitel says she took this as a gesture of love.

26 L A M AG . C O M

• I T ’S NO T A SA L AC I O U S T E L L - A L L .

For all of Woods’s infidelities, the doc isn’t that tawdry when it comes to his extramarital affairs. In fact, it seems that Woods told many of the women he slept with, including some sex workers, that he had feelings for them. It was his emotional attachment to dozens of these women that led to his fall.

• TIGE R IS LI KE A CONVENTION OF WO O D S’S E N E M I E S .

Almost every interviewee—including Uchitel; Woods’s first girlfriend, Dina Parr; and his longtime caddy, Steve Williams—is someone who Woods cut out of his life at one point or another. As such, Tiger feels a little short on balance and credibility.

• I F T H E R E ’S A BA D GU Y, I T ’S T H E NAT I O NA L E NQU I R E R .

Neal Boulton, a former editor at the National Enquirer, comes across as a cartoonish villain. The glee he takes in knocking Woods from his pedestal because of his extramarital affairs is one of the doc’s slimier moments.

• I T FA L L S S H O RT E X A M I N I NG R AC E .

Woods famously identified as “Cablinasian” (Caucasian, Black, American-Indian, and Asian), instead of African American, at the start of his pro career. Tiger codirectors Matthew Hamachek and Matthew Heineman are both white, a fact that has elicited controversy. They don’t shy away from race in the doc, but a lot is left unexplored— from the impact Woods’s ethnicity had on his scandals (would a white athlete have received the same treatment?) to his positive impact on golf in low-income communities to the police identifying him as Black in his 2017 DUI arrest in Florida.

P H OTO BY PAT R I C K S M I T H /G E T T Y I M AG E S

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The Inside Guide

MIXED MEDIA

Nick of Time

Fitzgerald missed World War I to the everlasting regret of his romantic dreams, spent his own twenties in concert with the 1920s born of money and Prohibition, and was ready to put a wild, exhausted youth behind him to write something lasting. The novel was a commercial failure compared with his own inferior novels that preceded it, and while it was respectfully reviewed, no one suggested it might be the Great American Novel. That only happened MICHAEL FARRIS SMITH’S PREQUEL TO THE GREAT GATSBY over time, when the novel gave secret birth to an American ASKS US TO CONSIDER THE BACKSTORY OF NICK CARRAWAY, fiction unable to resist Fitzgerald’s thrall. (Check out the WHO PROVES TO BE AS ILLUSIVE AS GATSBY HIMSELF terrific 2011 Gatsby “sequel,” Daisy Buchanan’s Daughter

BY STEVE ERICKSON

by Tom Carson.) Gatsby is a novel of swirls and vapors, reverie and ephemera, where no character is quite clear, and N M IC H A E L FA R R I S Smith’s Nick (Little, Jay Gatsby—the shady bootlegger redeemed by a deathless Brown and Company), the much-anticipated love that he’ll destroy himself to reclaim, who has gotten it prequel to The Great Gatsby, we catch up with the all except the thing no man can have, which is the past—is story’s titular figure near the end of World War I. most mysterious of all. The least mysterious is the narrator, In battle, Nick Carraway is something of a hero and someCarraway, back from the war and back from the Midwest thing of a madman, as if in battle there’s ever a difference beand wanting nothing more than to be Gatsby himself. tween the two. In Paris, there’s That is, until this novel. a woman who proves to be his Smith means to give Carraway first love, a fact he’s too emohis own mystery in what is an tionally detached from himself audacious and admirable literto recognize until it’s too late; ary endeavor full of wonderful homeward bound after the war, writing. Nonetheless, but for he’s so alienated from his family some biographical details and and roots that at the last minute famous fatherly advice, we’re he takes a detour to New Ornever entirely certain how much leans, where he gets caught up of a relationship Smith’s Carin the drama of a madam and raway has with Fitzgerald’s. the blaze that burns her brothel Where Fitzgerald’s Carraway to the ground. Without giving is ruminative, romantic, and too much of the story away—in even lyrical—which is to say like part because it describes almost Fitzgerald himself—Smith’s is any budding author, with that taciturn, noirish, and existential. slight touch of autism that nevBecause Smith is a smart writer, er quite connects with the world it may be a conscious joke on his except through imagination and part that his Carraway sounds writing—Carraway eventually less like Fitzgerald than like In the 95 years since its publication, winds up back in New York. He Fitzgerald’s mentee and rival, lives in a small cottage next to Ernest Hemingway. In any case, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s mythic story a spectacular mansion, on one in Smith’s novel, Carraway is as about the mythic Gatsby has itself of those slight strings of land remote as Gatsby is in Fitzgermass that house the rich, beautiald’s; in this literary hall of mirbecome a myth of a novel. ful, and irresponsibly dreamlike, rors, the Nick in Nick needs his like that guy he barely sees at own Nick, a narrator to humanthe end of that long pier across ize the protagonist’s enigmas. the water from the blinking green light that beckons AmeriCarraway remains as much a bystander in his story as he ca ceaselessly into the past . . . is in Gatsby’s, observing and bearing witness, and the most Starting to sound familiar, right? The centennial of The provocative meta implication of Smith’s book, even as it’s Great Gatsby will be in 2025, and in the 95 years since its barely whispered, is that in the Gatsby universe, there nevpublication, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s mythic story about the er was a Gatsby at all—that the story of Gatsby is as much mythic Gatsby has itself become a myth of a novel, Exhiban invention of Carraway’s as of Fitzgerald’s. The spell cast it A in the mystery of how inspiration, as with a pearl acby that hypnotic green light at the end of the pier will do creting around a single grain of sand, can give rise to a gethat to you. To readers and novelists alike, The Great Gatsby nius that even even the bearer of genius can’t account for. bears us ceaselessly into the future.

28 L A M AG . C O M

CO U RT E SY O F L I T T L E , B R OW N A N D CO M PA N Y

I

MLK Jr. Day of Service The Next Generation of Activism

On January 18, L.A. Works will continue our long tradition of organizing Angelenos in service and activism to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The day will include drive-thru, virtual and interactive Minecraft community service and advocacy activities.

DRIVE-THRU

VIRTUAL@HOME

For volunteers who are looking to get out of their house, safely, we will have a Drive-Thru experience to address local needs while remaining physically distant.

This contactless experience will have volunteers arrive in shifts of about 25 cars, parking with at least two parking spaces open on each side. While remaining at their car, the volunteers will complete activities like painting murals on canvas or assembling basic necessities kits.

Zoom in for an expert speaker and then volunteer project @ home focused on issues of food insecurity, homelessness, and the criminal justice system. Each session will provide historical context for the systemic racism that has produced these outcomes, as well as include a volunteer project and an advocacy action.

MINECRAFT MARCH ON WASHINGTON Individuals and families will be toured through the fully recreated National Mall in Minecraft to virtually meet advocates who fought, and ¤Ý×õÀ×ù­ õÝ ɯ¸½õĥ ·Ýë ïݤÀ Ð change to create a more equitable society. After interacting with the features in the world, volunteers will have the opportunity to build in Minecraft with their own ë­ɰ­¤õÀÝ×ï Ý× õ½­ ­Ċé­ëÀ­×¤­Ħ

To learn more and register, visit laworks.com/MLK @laworks

@laworksnow

@laworksnow

The Inside Guide

ART

Revisionist History

FIVE DECADES AFTER HIS BIG DEBUT, WATTS NATIVE TIMOTHY WASHINGTON AND HIS STUNNING ASSEMBLAGE SCULPTURES ARE FINALLY GETTING THEIR DUE

BY MICHAEL SLENSKE

F

I F T Y Y E A R S AG O , Timothy Washington had a breakout moment when the then-24year-old’s anti-war engravings of oval-eyed Black figures were featured in Three Graphic Artists, the first survey devoted to Black artists at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. “I felt very honored to be in the show and very proud. People were very kind,” the soft-spoken Watts native says. “But in my mind, very little has happened because of that show.”

Washington went on to have a solo show in 1972 at the influential, artist-run Brockman Gallery in Leimert Park and was featured in LACMA’s survey A Panorama of Black Artists that same year. But in the decades that followed, he worked as a set painter at NBC to make ends meet. “I learned a lot at NBC in terms of matching colors,” he says. “Whenever I found the right color, I wiped it on my pants. And one day Sammy Davis Jr. stopped me in the hall and asked me to trade my pants with his. I didn’t do it, though.

My pants were beautiful.”

Now, a half-century after Washington’s initial breakout, the 74-year-old’s spiritual, Afrofuturist assemblage sculptures and 3D wall works are sought after by top collectors, curators, and celebrities. His 2019 multimedia installation at the California African American Museum, Citizen/Ship, was highly acclaimed, and two of Washington’s sculptures were featured in Beyoncé’s recent film, Black is King. Last March, he had his first solo show in New York, a virtual presentation at Salon 94 that featured his totemic personages standing sentry atop an aquarium-gravel-filled plinth. This month, a triptych of his collaged paintings commenting on everything from missing children to the Black Lives Matter protests will be exhibited at Craft Contemporary.

“Tim’s sculptures are like these ancient sages and priestesses that have an authentic spirituality,” says Salon 94 owner Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn. “They’re very handmade, and they each have an idiosyncratic story that is gleaned from 30 L A M AG . C O M

his own path and that of his neighbors.”

When Washington was a child, he lived near Simon Rodia, creator of the Watts Towers. Rodia allowed Washington and his brothers to climb the towers, and that first interaction with massive assemblage sculpture had a lasting influence.

Like Rodia’s towers, Washington’s work is interactive—some sculptures are musical, illuminated, even smoking. Though he may be commenting on heady topics like child incarceration or Egyptology, he does so by embedding his work with layers of accessibility: jewelry, Betty Boop accessories, plumbing supplies, sporting goods, mirrors, toys (always something fascinating at a child's height), bells (to ward off evil spirits), and human teeth and hair from friends. His work has a “generous approach,” Greenberg Rohatyn says.

Even the floors of Washington’s Leimert Park studio are a collage—a three-decades-old layer cake of magazine pages celebrating Black culture and his favorite packaging. “I try to find the most colorful boxes, not necessarily what’s best to eat.

Yesterday, I put two pieces down in my studio— box tops from Mr. Clean and Cheerios,” he says.

Despite his age and a smoking habit he only recently quit, Washington exudes a contagious energy as he shuffles about the studio dressed in a bright Hawaiian shirt with Air Jordan slides on his feet. He points to a purple patch on a bell-bottomed figure that highlights his signature sculpting medium of pigmented cotton and Elmer’s glue, and says, “I’m still picking cotton, in essence.”

Then he shows off a towering and tattooed marine-hued goddess—Rest In Peace—that made an appearance in a multigenerational group show celebrating Black artists at the Beverly Center in November. While all the late-career attention is nice, Washington is more concerned that the spotlight lasts for artists of color in future generations.

“All of a sudden, Black artists are popular again, and a lot of people are more aware of Black artists. So I sincerely hope things have graduated to a level where the labels get erased and we’re just considered artists,” he says. “I’d like to see that unity.”

P H O T O G R A P H BY SA M F R O S T

DECADES IN T H E M A K I NG

Washington, in his Leimert Park studio, next to Futuristic Animal, 1981-2019, a fantastical assemblage sculpture he has been working on for nearly 40 years.

The Inside Guide

DRINKS

Into the Steep

PUT DOWN THE CORKSCREW. THE PERFECT DRINK FOR OUR ANXIETY-ADDLED TIMES IS A GOOD CUP OF TEA BREWED WITH A BLEND OF CENTURIES-OLD RITUAL AND MODERN EASE

BY JEAN TRINH

FACE IT: Drinking copious amounts of wine isn’t really helping you relax.

Sipping tea is a healthier alternative, and the eighteenth-century ritual known as gong fu cha lends ceremony to the practice. It’s traditionally a complicated, 21-step affair, but newer companies like Steep L.A. and Three Gems Tea, both of which opened in 2019, are simplifying and modernizing the process for a younger generation. “What we realized was that people literally drank tea to socialize,” says Steep L.A. cofounder Samuel Wang. “It was just a medium to get everybody together . . . like an after-work type of experience where people can stay sober and relax and still have a great conversation.”

Here, a step-by-step guide:

1. The gaiwan, a lidded bowl, is used to brew the tea leaves with hot water for infusions lasting from ten seconds to a minute, with steep times depending on personal preference and the type and amount of tea.

2. When the tea is finished steeping, it gets poured into the “fairness pitcher” to ensure it stops brewing. “It all mixes together, so then everyone gets a fair pour,” says Diana Zheng, the cofounder of Three Gems Tea.

3: Decant the tea from the fairness pitcher into the teacups and enjoy. “[You can] immerse yourself in something that can transport you to a different time or place at a time when we can’t travel,” says Zheng.

4: Repeat the process with the same leaves, experimenting with different steeping durations.

To deepen your experience, smell the lid for the tea’s aroma, which changes with each brew; and watch the leaves, which are sometimes rolled into balls, unfurl.

T H E D E TA I L S O Steep

3 2 L A M AG . C O M

L.A., 970 N. Broadway, Ste. 112, Chinatown, steepla.com. O Three Gems Tea, threegemstea.com.

PH O T O GR A PH BY J O S H S C H A E D E L

B E S T- S E L L E R S

THE DETOX MARKET

WEST HOLLYWOOD

» L.A. has long attracted its share of thirsty folk, including some who are simply dehydrated. “It’ll show externally,” notes store manager Briney Lindemuth, who directed her sapped shoppers to the Beauty Chef’s Hydration Inner Beauty Boost. “It’s also delicious,” she adds of the coconut-infused probiotic.$50 at 8380 Beverly Blvd., thedetoxmarket.com.

SAJE NATURAL WELLNESS CENTURY CITY

» Saje’s Pocket Farmacy—a travel pack of roll-on remedies—may have been designed for life on the go, but having relief at home can’t hurt. The set comes with essential oils that are said to reduce fatigue, suppress coughs, and aid in digestion. “Each roll-on focuses on a different part of the body or emotion,” says Saje’s Janelle Shiplett about the popular kit. $65 at 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., saje.com.

Well Healed

OTHERWILD LOS FELIZ

» With immunity boosts de rigueur these days, why not enjoy one that actually tastes more like a treat? Cold Hold from 69herbs features marshmallow, raw honey, and peppermint, plus it’s glycerine-based and alcohol-free, “so even folks who don’t consume alcohol can enjoy it,” notes Otherwild owner Rachel Berks. $22 at 1768 N. Vermont Ave., otherwild.com.

FROM CHILL PILLS TO ESSENTIAL OILS, LOCAL BOUTIQUES REVEAL THEIR MOST POPULAR HERBAL POTIONS AND LOTIONS

BY SARAH FONES

THE CROOKED PATH BURBANK

SWEET FLOWER

A L L I M AG E S CO U RT E SY O F B R A N DS

STUDIO CITY

» Anyone who’s taken over-the-counter remedies for PMS knows that focused relief can be elusive. “There’s nothing like what Foria Intimacy suppositories can do,” says Sweet Flower’s Studio City manager Lauren Banuelos. “It truly targets your ovaries, and there’s nothing like that.” $51 at 11705 Ventura Blvd., sweetflower.com.

SURYA SPA

MOON JUICE

» Colder, drier winter weather on top of excess holiday food and drink adds up to a needed new-year skin reset. Surya Spa’s Balancing Collagen Cream “acts as a detox for your skin. It contains powerful herbs and oils that help draw out impurities,” explains Surya Spa founder Martha Soffer. $185 at 700 Wilshire Blvd., suryaspa.com.

» If stress is stressing you out, Superyou is the ultimate chill pill. “It’s a very approachable, easyto-use product with a high-quality ingredient list,” says Moon Juice’s Molly Kascel of the fullspectrum, adaptogenic, herb-infused supplement. Bonus points for groovy packaging. $49 at 507 Rose Ave., moonjuice.com.

SANTA MONICA

VENICE

» If you’ve spent time in a church, you may have inhaled distinctly earthy frankincense. “It’s one of the oldest incense resins, used to help purify,” says Crooked Path cofounder Popi Mavros. “We also make custom incense blends, like our Temple Blend, which does the same.” $10 at 2020 W. Magnolia Blvd., thecrookedpathshop.com.

HOUSE OF INTUITION LONG BEACH

» Made with a blend of several essential oils collectively dubbed “Thieves”—reportedly used to ward off the bubonic plague back in the fifteenth century— Healer’s Hand Cleansing Spray is for when “we need to cleanse and clear our energy field,” says House of Intuition founder Marlene Vargas of the non-drying formula. $12 at 5018 E. 2nd St., houseofintuitionla.com.

L A M AG . C O M 33

The Inside Guide

R E TA I L

Noten’s Happening SORRY, NEW YORK! THE HOTLY ANTICIPATED DRIES VAN NOTEN STORE, THE FIRST IN THE U.S., OPENS WITH A SPLASH IN LOS ANGELES

BY MERLE GINSBERG

B E L G I A N FA S H I O N

designer Dries Van Noten has been to Los Angeles exactly twice. That’s despite his line being a bestseller at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills for many years and the quickest off the racks at both Santa Monica’s Savannah and the former WeHo retail hotspot Opening Ceremony. The last closed last January and is now the home of Van Noten’s very first American store.

Though shy and soft-spoken, the 62-year-old exploded onto the style scene in 1986 with his bold fabrics and prints, elaborate embroidery, and dramatic silhouettes. Part of Antwerp 6—a group of avant-garde designers who graduated from the Royal Acad3 4 L A M AG . C O M

emy of Fine Arts in the early ’80s— Van Noten took his designs stateside in the ’90s, and the demand for his luxe-meets-grunge mash-up reached a fever pitch. That pitch never ended—his clothes are still coveted by fashion-forward types like Beyoncé, Cate Blanchett, Thom Yorke, Margot Robbie, Diplo, and Michelle Obama. But the reason Dries Van Noten he opened his first U.S. boutique in Los Angeles?

His infatuation with Opening Ceremony’s former home on La Cienega Boulevard.

“I didn’t want a marble palace; I wanted something that felt like it was

part of life in L.A.,” Van Noten says.

On a visit to the store during a meet and greet with the Opening Ceremony staff, Van Noten never even went up to the second floor. But using his keen eye, he saw potential where others saw a nondescript building.

“I really liked its unique atmosphere— long, narrow rooms; long hallways. It’s not a pretty building, but I thought I could really do something with it.”

A former jewelry factory, the two-story, 8,500-square-foot store, which Van Noten painted white with black and yellow accents, comprises an archive room, showcasing pieces

D R I E S’S P I E C E S

STO R E E X T E R I O R A N D I N T E R I O R : J I M M A N G A N ; P O RT R A I T: F E P I N H E I R O ; R I C H A R D ST I P L S C U L P T U R E : G A R E T H KA N T N E R ; FAS H I O N : V I

Opposite: Van Noten’s first U.S. store, now open on La Cienega. This page (clockwise from top left): the store’s art gallery currently features sculptures by Czech artist Richard Stipl; a model draped in a tulle creation from Van Noten’s latest womenswear collection; a sample of the designer’s menswear line; a glimpse inside the store’s lobby.

from past collections; a jewelry room; a space for the current women’s collection, with an area devoted to evening pieces; and, upstairs, a place for his menswear line, and an open kitchen that awaits the end of the pandemic, when guests will be able to make themselves a cup of coffee or grab fresh-squeezed juice from the fridge.

The furniture is eclectic but cozy.

“It was all about finding the right pieces for the space and atmosphere,” Van Noten says. “I wanted sustainability. I met with a young French furniture designer, Johan Viladrich, on Zoom; he makes zero-waste furniture and only uses industrial materials.

And we found some old couches online at 1stdibs.com, just hoping they would work.”

A few standout features make clear that this is not your average boutique: for one, there’s a grand piano in the lobby, in case shoppers feel the urge to entertain. Two of the most striking spaces are the music room (filled with vinyl albums) and a small art gallery.

“I wanted to have a connection with

“I didn’t want a marble palace; I wanted something that felt like it was part of life in L.A.” DRIES VAN NOTEN art,” Van Noten says, adding, “I have a Damien Hirst on the wall!” He also invited local artists to use the store’s walls as canvases during business hours. The gallery is currently occupied by a powerful combo of jewelry

by London’s Alan Crocetti and sculptures by Czech artist Richard Stipl, whose busts of bald men are at once intriguing and unsettling.

The “Sound and Vision” space is equipped with state-of-the-art turnta-

bles and stocked with albums that have inspired Van Noten’s work over the years. Every month a different recording artist is chosen to select a series of records that can be purchased on-site.

The first curated store tunes came courtesy of L.A.-based musician Devendra Banhart.

Next door, what Van Noten calls “the little house”—where tableware by another famed Belgian designer and fellow Antwerp 6 member, Ann Demeulemeester, is currently on display—will intermittently showcase the fruits of Van Noten’s random aesthetic whims.

Van Noten acknowledges that this obviously isn’t an auspicious moment to open his U.S. flagship, but he’s determined to adapt. “Really, who needs to go to a store right now?” he says. “So we had to think, What would make it interesting to come here? What could people find here that they couldn’t find online? I wanted it to be a total experience. But definitely not another concept store.”

Mission accomplished.

L A M AG . C O M 3 5

The Inside Guide

NEW SHOPS

JONNY COTA

Mending the Store DESPITE THE RISING TIDE OF BUSINESSES FORCED TO CLOSE THIS YEAR, A SURPRISING NUMBER OF NEW SHOPS WEATHERED THE STORM AND OPENED NEW OUTPOSTS IN L.A. B Y L I N D A I M M E D I AT O AND CHRIS NICHOLS

C

OVID HAS WREAKED

havoc on the city’s retail scene. Some local faves, like Trina Turk, were forced to downsize, closing several locations across the city, while others, like Glossier and Planet Blue, have permanently shuttered all of their storefronts. According to a recent Yelp survey, more than 15,000 Los Angeles-area businesses have closed, with half of them going under for good.

But despite the grim outlook, a few L.A. brands and major retailers have opened new outposts. We’ve rounded up some newbies breaking ground and notables extending their empires.

E LYS E WA L K E R

The fashionista favorite known for its just-off-the-runway pieces and hardto-find designer labels is adding another store to its roster of shops in Pacific Palisades, Lido Marina Village, and Newport Beach. Walker’s latest storefront is set to open in Calabasas this spring, conveniently located next to a cluster of Kardashians. 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas.

J O N N Y COTA : M I C H A E L A . M E N D OZ A ; CO U RT E SY H E R M A N M I L L E R ; A M I R I : R O B E RTO G A R C I A

HERMAN MILLER

HERMAN MILLER

JENNIFER FISHER

The Santa Barbara-born USC-schooled jewelry designer, buoyed by her nomination as a finalist in the 2020 Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards, will open her first boutique in Beverly Hills this spring. She’s counting on her famous classic gold hoops and enamel charms to lure the tourists off of Rodeo Drive. 450 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills.

AMIRI

Since his line debuted in 2014, designer Mike Amiri’s California-skateculture-meets-rock-’n’-roll aesthet-

Until recently, if you coveted one of Herman Miller’s timeless office chairs or desks, you had to track down one of the city’s few authorized dealers or take your chances purchasing online.

But the modern American furniture design house has just opened a sprawling showroom in Century City, where style-conscious customers can testdrive its entire line. Westfield Century City Mall, Century City.

TA R E

This sleek neighborhood food market and housewares boutique serves up stainless-steel straws, ceramic to-go containers, and bamboo dish brushes, while cutting out extraneous packaging. Tare also offers on-site personal shoppers and home delivery. 5046 York Blvd. Highland Park.

P E T I T PA R I S I E N

Co-owner Barbara Mahler-Delouye was a social worker in France who introduced immigrants to French culture. Her new Burbank boutique helps match local Francophiles with Nat & Nin leather bags, Moulin Roty toys, and Opinel knives, perfect for slicing into a wheel of brie at a picnic in the park. 3601½ Magnolia Blvd., Burbank.

J O N N Y C O TA

The artful, upscale streetwear label Skingraft (known for outre items like its vaguely Fifty Shades of Grey leather holsters and Elizabethanstyle feather ruffs) has been a fixture on L.A’.s cutting-edge fashion scene for over a decade. Now the brand’s designer, Jonny Cota, has launched his own label. His first boutique just opened at the ROW DTLA. 767 S. Alameda St., Ste. 158, downtown.

ic has been a favorite of L.A.’s wellheeled hipsters. The cool kids could previously only find Amiri’s distressed tees and embellished jeans at highend stores like Maxfield. But in February, Amiri will finally open his own shop. 461 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills.

TK HERE TK HERE

AMIRI

SOLE FOLKS

The Leimert Park nonprofit is a twostory wonderland for shoe devotees willing to wait hours for the latest kicks. Sneaker repair and cleaning services are available, and the shop hosts outdoor workshops, live music, film events, and co-op spaces for future footwear designers. 4317 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park.

L A M AG . C O M 37

The Inside Guide

AUTOMOBILIA

Green Machine

POLESTAR 2, THE LATEST OFFERING FROM VOLVO’S ELECTRIC CAR BRAND, IS PUTTING TESLA ON NOTICE THAT IT’S NO LONGER THE ONLY EV GAME IN TOWN

I

N 2 0 1 7, V O LV O, Sweden’s maker of relentlessly safety-conscious, gasoline-powered vehicles, launched Polestar, a stand-alone brand dedicated to . . . relentlessly safety-conscious, electric-powered vehicles. As 2021 dawns, the second offering from the marque, a luxury crossover felicitously named Polestar 2, will be among us soon.

Starting at $59,000, Polestar 2 is meant to eat the lunch of Tesla’s Model 3 and upcoming Model Y. Having piloted one around L.A. recently, I say, bring them on. Polestar’s

remit is to field EVs with Volvo’s fabled integrity intact while torpedoing the marque’s association with granolatinged self-righteousness. Done and done. The exterior leads with a faceted fascia that evokes Volvo’s traditional grille after a testosterone patch; acceleration is a faceflattening 4.45-second leap to 60 mph. The interior’s muted vegan upholstery is the only concession to Volvo virtuesignaling, and Polestar will swap in leather if you insist.

Then again, why mess with this near-perfect balance of circumspect beauty and beastly performance?

Power Players AS AUTOMAKERS GO ALL-IN ON EVS, HERE ARE FIVE TO WATCH FOR IN 2021

Telsa Cybertruck “We need something different,” Tesla CEO Elon Musk quipped, unveiling this literally bulletproof brute. We’ll soon find out whether winking Mad Max aesthetics play in the U.S. pickup-truck heartland.

38 L A M AG . C O M

Volkswagen ID.4 Eager to bury the Dieselgate scandal, VW is investing $37 billion in nextgeneration EVs. First to hit these shores, the ID.4 brings decent 250-mile range and a retro-future, Jetsons-esque cabin.

Rivian R1S Americans are besotted with gas-guzzling trucks, so startup Rivian made its debut EVs a pickup and this seven-passenger SUV with beguiling lozengeshaped headlamps and 300-plus miles of range.

Lucid Air So-called Tesla killers abound, but Cali-based Lucid’s foxy debut sedan has the goods to get the job done: 1,080 horsepower, 517 miles of range, and the fastest charge time of any EV.

Mustang Mach E Ford’s iconic pony car is reimagined as a highperformance, compact crossover that gallops from zero to 60 in under four seconds and could be a game changer on the level of its namesake.

M A I N I M AG E : CO U RT E SY O F P O L E STA R ; T E S L A I N C . ; VO L KSWAG E N ; R I V I A N ; LU C I D M OTO R S ; FO R D M OTO R CO M PA N Y

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S A M WA S S O N

F I G H T I NG WOR DS

Abetted by sensitivity readers and social media mobs, authors like Bruce Wagner are increasingly forced to toe an implicit ideological line.

The Tainted Word HAVING PRESSURED AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS TO CANCEL DOZENS OF BOOKS, WOKE WORD WARRIORS ATTACKED L.A. NOVELIST BRUCE WAGNER. THEN HE FOUGHT BACK

4 4 L A M AG . C O M

A F R I E N D C A M E over with his new girl-

friend, a writer, and we got into a conversation about favorite authors. I rattled off a few of mine.

“No women?” she asked.

I disliked her instantly; not as a person—I didn’t know her as a person—but, even though I had never read her work, as a writer. Speaking as the author of six nonfiction books, it’s my feeling that no one who loves language, story, and character enough to call herself a writer lists favorite authors according to their gender, just as no one who loves food eats at a restaurant because its chef is gay, or picks a brain surgeon because she’s trans.

I was so insulted I decided to take the high road and insult her back.

“I don’t read women,” I lied.

Sam Wasson is an L.A.-based film and cultural historian. His most recent book is The Big Goodbye (Flatiron Books).

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Bruce Wagner self-published The Marvel Universe after his publisher objected to his use of “fat.” Jeanine Cummins was threatened with violence over perceived cultural appropriation in American Dirt.

program anymore for the kind of literary discussion that I wanted to have,” she concluded. “So I resigned that day.”

Obviously, battles over acceptable discourse are nothing new in publishing. Just because you have the right to say something doesn’t mean you should. Just last month, employees at Penguin Random House’s Canadian imprint openly wept over a decision by the company to publish a new selfhelp book by Jordan Petersen, a controversial Toronto-based psychiatrist and academic accused of a multitude of slights against the maligned and the marginal. But Bruce Wagner is no Jordan Petersen. Wagner’s novels are populated with affectionate portraits of the weird and wanton, the trammeled, powerless misfits who seldom have an advocate, let alone a champion.

But wait, there’s less. In The Marvel Universe, among other supposed infractions, Wagner uses the word “fat” to describe a character (again, fictional) who weighs more than 500 pounds.

Actually, it wasn’t the author, in the

P H OTOS BY A N T H O N Y H A RV E Y/ F I L M M AG I C ; A M E R I C A N D I RT: F L AT I R O N B O O KS / M AC M I L L A N ; M A RV E L : F E L I X FA R M E R P R E SS

ner went above and “You can’t say that!” she replied. beyond, Dunn told My friend and his girlfriend have me; he donated much since broken up, but I can’t forget her. more time and experHer rebuke still haunts me: “You can’t tise than was asked say that!” It haunts all writers. People of him, gamely givlike her demand that we read as if to ing workshops, percorrect the crimes of Donald Trump. sonalized feedback, They demand we ungrab the proverattending every readbial prose pussy, redact the offending. He also read from ing jokes, delete the words that (they his own work-inclaim) do violence. But I have never progress, a novel heard of anyone raped by a word or called The Marvel murdered by a paragraph. So why, Universe: Origin Stothen, are today’s readers, writers, and ries that includes a publishers so afraid of them? (Words monologue he wrote and paragraphs, I mean.) for an Amy SchumerThe publishing police have been esque stand-up. At busy of late. I have friends on both one point in her act, sides of the table, writers and editors, the comedian—a fictional character— who have been subjected to the scaruses the phrase “squinty-eyed cunt.” let Xs of a new breed of purportedly Bruce, of course, read the phrase aloud. progressive censors known as “senGuess what happened next. sitivity readers.” Their job is to read As she was browsing social media on behalf of the wounded and readylater that night, Dunn encountered to-be-wounded, excising words and the outraged posts of a poet who had paragraphs that could potentially ofbeen present at the reading. Other fend anyone from the gendercommenters, equally outraged, soon questioning to the physically disjoined in. As the tenabled. Just to clear one or of their complaints book, a publisher might flared from “I have been hire a sensitivity reader to “Let’s string from each culture, sub“My entire body hurt” him up,” Dunn realculture, self-proclaimed of work would ized there was no interminority voice, mobibe thrown in est on the part of these lized to root out a growcritics to discuss, as one ing list of transgresthe furnace if would imagine writers sions from ableism to it were to be the ethical mertransphobia to having a read and judged would, its of satire, a conversawhite-savior complex. by sensitivity tion Dunn would have Now the sensitivity readers.” welcomed. Their goal police have come for one wasn’t understanding, of the giants of L.A. literBRUCE WAGNER she said. It was blood. ature, the (Jewish, white, “If you can’t see this is cis male!) novelist Bruce racist,” concluded the Wagner. And I am really poet, “we have nothing to say to each pissed. In the course of a decades-long other.” career, Wagner has become the bard In short order, Dunn’s concern shiftof louche Los Angeles. A city built on ed from the hurt feelings of the woundpromises wholesome and fraudulent, ed poet to Wagner, her alleged assailwith its attendant spiritual healers and ant. “Nobody should be silenced,” she hucksters slouching toward de- and retold me later. “More is more.” But the tox, has, in Wagner’s novels Force Manext morning, Dunn was distressed to jeure and Dead Stars, the clearest, funfind her program director, a colleague niest, and most compassionate portrait of five years, wringing her hands over that you can find. the fallout from the social-media shitSo it was that Samantha Dunn, a storm—not its effort to stifle and vili(white, cis female!) writer and cofoundfy Wagner but how it could negatively er of the prestigious Idyllwild Writers impact the program’s progressive cred.

Week, invited Wagner up for a few days What then was left of the supportive of literary colloquy in the woods outwriter’s enclave Dunn had cofounded? side Hemet. In return for a token fee “I realized there was no room in that and pleasant accommodations, Wag-

third person, doing the describing; it’s his character, Joan, who calls herself fat. But that didn’t make a difference to Wagner’s editor at Counterpoint, the respected Berkeley-based publisher. He told Wagner the word “fat” was “problematic.” The implication was not subtle: You can’t say that. One step from: You can’t think that. The Stepford Wives for American minds.

What does any of this have to do with literature? “My entire body of work,” Wagner told me, “would be thrown into a furnace if it were to be read and judged by sensitivity readers.”

What makes all this even more absurd is that The Marvel Universe is set firmly and knowingly in this current age of cancel culture, virtue signaling, and thought policing. It’s a spoofy, smart critique of our societal freak-out.

So last summer, after the objections by his publisher, Wagner withdrew The Marvel Universe and released it into the public domain.

O O O O

SENSITIVIT Y READERS, SPAWN of

the millennial/Gen-Z fetish for intersectionality, first started cropping up about five years ago around youngadult literature. Then the dominoes began to fall. Under pressure from activists, many highly sensitive Ivy League law schools began to phase out the (triggering, to some) teaching of rape law. Soon, as newly woke kids with English degrees stormed professional publishing, they brought their finely tuned sensitivities with them. Their arrival dovetailed with an overdue awareness regarding cultural appropriation in art and literature that has slowly devolved into unvarnished extremism.

So, early in 2020, Jeanine Cummins, the (non-Mexican!) author of American Dirt, a novel about a Mexican family, was not merely criticized for cultural appropriation, she was mercilessly attacked in print and threatened with violence— threats her publisher took seriously enough to cancel her book tour. Oprah Winfrey came under furious pressure to drop the title from her book club—she didn’t—and Cummins was eventually forced to apologize. Why? Because, like Harper (and Spike) Lee, she was compelled to imagine, for public consumption, characters outside her ethnicity.

Months earlier, (elder, white, cis female!)

novelist Joyce Carol Oates tweeted, “Hard to write honestly about racism in America now since, if you are a fiction writer, & need to reproduce the speech of racists, this speech—crude, cruel, revealing—has to be softened or censored altogether. Ironically, taboos of ‘political correctness’ protect racists.”

My current favorite tale o’ woke is that of (Black, gay!) Kosoko Jackson’s YA novel, A Place for Wolves, a Black, gay love story set against the Kosovo war. To support himself while writing his book, Jackson actually worked as a sensitivity reader for the big five publishing houses.

But shortly before the book debuted, came the inevitable tweet: “Hey how about we don’t promote or support books about a romance between and the victimization of 2 Americans, set during a real life historical genocide where the villain is part of the demographic that was ethnically cleansed.”

Thousands of slings followed in the same vein. Finally, Jackson tweeted an abject apology—“I have done a disservice to the history and to the people who suffered”—and abruptly withdrew his novel from publication.

All this presents an uncomfortable dilemma: If novelists can write only about themselves and only about social conflicts they themselves have experienced, then we literally can’t write fiction anymore. We can write only memoir or, on the daring fringe, roman à clef. It’s worth noting that (white, cis male!) Russell Banks’s novel Continental Drift—one of whose two protagonists is an illiterate Haitian Black woman desperately trying to escape sexual enslavement by illegally emigrating to Miami—was a finalist for the 1986 Pultizer Prize. Were the novel published today, Banks would almost surely be pilloried for gross cultural appropriation.

With all this percolating sensitivity, what happens, I wonder, when sensitivity readers disagree with each other? Like, say, if it is revealed that a white bisexual amputee is actually part Black (per Coleman Silk in The Human Stain). Can she still be guilty of having a white-savior complex? Soon we will be handicapping fictional characters like golfers: +8 for Beloved’s Sethe; 0 for Gatsby; 7 for To Kill A Mockingbird’s Tom Robinson; and a 2.5 for his accuser, Mayella Ewell, though she is, in addition to being a (CONTINUED ON PAGE 102)

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L A M AG . C O M 47

It has been a disastrous year, but a few audacious establishments have dared to open despite it all.

From next-level lobster rolls to marvelous mapo tofu, we salute some of the city's most delicious debuts—all available for takeout by h a i l ey e b e r p h o t o g r a p h e d by h o l l e n d e r X 2

his year, our annual compendium of dining debuts looks very different. There’s no talk of buzzy scenes, dazzling design, and intricate plating. Instead, it’s takeout, shifting business models, and struggles to survive.

We’ve lost loved ones and beloved businesses, but amidst the devastation and heartbreak of the past year, one thing that’s remained constant is the power of restaurants to comfort, to bring us together, even when we’re only able to order delivery and gather with the members of our immediate household. So we’re celebrating an exciting, eclectic array of establishments, new and old, that have nourished both our bodies and spirits. Bon appetit!

L A M AG . C O M 49

FOUND OYSTER 4880 Fountain Ave., East Hollywood, foundoyster.com

+++++

Tamales Elena Y Antojitos 81801 Garfield Ave., Bell Gardens, ordertamaleselenayantojitos.com

+++++

MARIA ELENA LORENZO

50 L A M AG . C O M

I’m considering stocking up for the winter. Not with more toilet paper, but with Maria Elena Lorenzo’s uniquely flavorful, slightly thick, rich pozole ($12-$15). The soup, which I’m told freezes well, is one of several unique offerings at this small spot, with counter service, a drive-through window, and a patio. Lorenzo (left), 58, her husband, Juan Irra, and their five daughters opened in July, after running a popular cart and truck for years. The focus is a distinct cuisine from a part of Guerrero to which former slaves fled. Other standouts include the pork tamales with red sauce ($3), which are wrapped in fire-tinged banana leaves to impart a hint of smoke, and the sweet tamales ($2). The restaurant is purportedly the only Afro-Mexican place in the area, and it’s surely one of the most quietly thrilling new spots.

FO U N D OYST E R : P H OTO BY A L L I S O N Z AU C H A ; TA M A L E S : P H OTO BY WO N H O F R A N K L E E

When it opened in November 2019, Found Oyster became something of an instant hit: turned out East Hollywood really needed a Cape Cod-esque seafood joint, especially one serving simple but creative riffs on oceanic classics from chef Ari Kolender, 36, and hospitality vets Holly Fox, 30, and Adam Weisblatt, 36. That includes a scallop tostada ($14) that’s one of the city’s most exciting new dishes. Composed of just a handful of ingredients—a crispy tortilla topped with Maine Day Boat scallops, sliced Pink Lady apples, zingy dabs of yuzu kosho, and opal basil—it’s a tasty marvel, every element sounding clearly, vibrating delightfully off of its shipmates. It was once best consumed at the cozy clam shack’s bar, where, in the first few months of the restaurant’s life, Kolender, a Providence alum, would make it right in front of you and casually slide it across the counter. But it can also be enjoyed at home—Kolender adapted it for takeout by breaking the tostada into chips and chopping up the toppings (right). His lobster roll ($25) also thrills—even if you’re not one of those people who grew up on the East Coast and is way too excited by a hot dog bun heaped with shellfish—thanks to the addition of a genius lobster bisque sauce. A Shrimp Louie roll ($17), which turns the anachronistic salad preparation into a sandwich, is another smart twist, while the Ode to Swan crudo ($17)—perfectly fresh raw fish sliced skillfully and topped with nothing more than olive oil, flaky salt, and capers, is another simple beauty. I look forward to the day when I can again belly up to the bar, but, until then, Found’s takeout is my go-to on nights when I’m looking for a mix of familiar comforts (don’t lie to yourself, order the pimento cheese) and unique indulgence.

Little Coyote 2118 E. 4th St., Long Beach, littlecoyotelbc.com

+++++

Pearl River Deli

727 N. Broadway, Chinatown, @prd_la, 626-688-9507

P E A R L R I V E R D E L I : P H OTO BY RYA N TA N A KA ; L I T T L E COYOT E : CO U RT E SY O F L I T T L E COYOT E

+++++ Johnny Lee doesn’t want to be just the chicken guy, but he can’t quite shake his reputation. At his tiny, new Chinatown place in the old Pok Pok Phat Thai space, the 33-year-old former Side Chick chef is offering up an ever-changing menu of great, thoughtfully prepared Chinese dishes, most of them Cantonese. But it’s the Hainan chicken, offered only as a weekend special, that threatens to steal the show.

Lee typically sells out of the 200 or so chicken dinners he prepares on a given weekend, and credits their popularity to the special care he takes. He personally cooks and breaks down every bird, and all the chicken is cooked the day it’s sold, never in advance. In an untraditional move, he adds the chicken fat to rice after cooking it, making for a more even, unctuous coating of the grains. Lee puts just as much thought into regular dishes on the menu, and Pearl River Deli is worth a visit during the week. The mapo tofu ($11) is a bit subtler and more nuanced than many versions of the ubiquitous dish, made with silky, delicate Meiji tofu and a slightly more restrained, layered use of heat. A plate of char sui and noodles ($12) hits all the right notes. His chicken is amazing, but Lee is no one-hit wonder.

That most amazing slice of pizza you had that one very drunken, late night in your early twenties in New York lives on . . . in Long Beach.

Last spring, it quickly became apparent to Jonathan Strader, co-owner of Culver City Southern gem Hatchet Hall, and Jack Leahy, the former L&E Oyster Bar chef, that the pandemic was going to drag on. Amid the uncertainty, the buddies, both 36, decided that pizza was a sure bet. In June, they found a good deal on rent and opened a simple operation—at this point, it’s never had indoor seating—making really great pies. Their crust, made with dough cold-fermented for 48 to 72 hours, is carby perfection: tangy, crispy, thin but with a healthy puff. There’s an ample layer of cheese that winks at boozy nights, but the whole-milk Grande mozzarella is of a higher grade than your average slice joint. The bright, simple sauce—raw, crushed tomatoes; olive oil; salt—nods at Naples, but things don’t get any more pretentious than that. The concise menu doesn’t offer any revelations about what should be atop pizza, but rather perfects the usual suspects: pepperoni comes in generous quantities, tiny porky cups glistening with grease; a veggie supreme transcends the usual half-cooked-produce mediocrity of the form. The pies ($16-$19) are so good, Angelenos are trekking to Long Beach for them, but someday soon they might not have to: Leahy and Strader say they JACK LEAHY plan to open other locations.

JONATHAN STRADER

L A M AG . C O M 5 1

OSPI

2025 Pacific Ave., Venice, ospivenice.com

After gaining acclaim with the South Bay’s Jame Enoteca, chef Jackson Kalb, 30, says he was eager to show that his pastas aren’t just “good for El Segundo.” He more than proves himself with this Southern Italian spot, which he opened in September with partner Melissa Saka. Divine pastas are made with a mix of exacting care and minimal pretention. Spicy rigatoni alla vodka ($20) is pure craveable comfort. Raschiatelli ($28) topped with spicy sparerib ragù and pecorino fonduta requires roughly ten hours of labor and three different pork products and is pure hearty refinement bliss.

Vegetable preparations, notably Japanese eggplant in spicy tomato oil ($14), also shine, as do the pizzas ($14-$24) on distinctly cracker-like crusts inspired by Rome’s famed Antico Forno Roscioli. In a more typical year, Ospi seems like it would have been an easy hit, drawing both Venice locals and farther-afield foodies to its Westside corner, with seating for 140. At the present moment, it’s still very much worth the drive for some next-level takeout: Most of the pastas travel surprisingly well. To fully appreciate the pizza, however, it’s best to enjoy a slice in your car. No judgments.

5 2 L A M AG . C O M

O S P I : P H OTOS BY WO N H O F R A N K L E E

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Hank’s Bagels 4315 W. Riverside Dr., Burbank, hanksbagels.com

+++++ Don’t tell Child Protective Services, but there were some mornings in the very early, unsettlingly uncertain days of lockdown when I had to order a bagel from bed to motivate myself to get up. Thankfully, the city is currently undergoing a new-wave bagel boom, and options abound. Of them, Hank’s, which opened in late November 2019, stands out. Chef Trevor Faris, 36, who owns the deli with his wife, Kelley, grew up in Pasadena and isn’t constrained by New York notions of what a bagel and lox should be. His carb creations skew slightly bready with a more open crumb structure and a subtle sourdough tang, making them ideal vessels for sandwiches, which is where Hank’s truly excels. For a salmon bagel, Faris cures—but doesn’t smoke—his own fish with lemon zest and dill, giving it a vaguely Nordic flavor profile. The gravlax is sliced quite thickly, which traditionalists would consider a travesty but actually lends it an amazing texture, working wonderfully in a sandwich filled with thoughtful touches like salted cucumbers and pickled onions. Valley residents seem to agree: Hank’s often sells out of its bagels before 10 a.m. on the weekends, leaving would-be customers furious. Thankfully, the Farises are in the process of opening a 3,000-square-foot Sherman Oaks commissary and cafe that will allow them to meet demand at the Burbank original and help us all get out of bed.

ON THE HORIZON

H A N K’ S B AG E L S : P H OTO BY T R E VO R FA R I S

After a devastating 2020, top toques are planning for a brighter new year

NANCY SILVERTON

MICHAEL MINA

The Mozzaplex star opened her Italian steak house, the Barish, in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel for one month in the fall, with a limited menu and outdoor-only seating.

Watch for the full debut when regulations allow.

7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.

Alongside entrepreneur/ reality-show boss, Brent Bolthouse, the awardwinning chef will launch the Bungalow Kitchen, an expansive, chic-casual waterfront eatery in Long Beach early this year.

2nd Street and Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach.

I L LU S T R AT I O N BY B R I A N BU S C H

MONTY AND JACI KOLUDROVIC The Australian husbandand-wife chefs will headline at an 11,000-squarefoot rooftop restaurant.

Set to debut in spring, it will be called Grandmaster Recorders and occupy the legendary recording studio's former space. 1518 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood.

SUZANNE GOIN The James Beard Awardwinning chef and her business partner, Caroline Styne, will open the longawaited Caldo Verde, an all-day Spanish and Portuguese eatery at the Proper Hotel, later in 2021. 1100 S. Broadway, downtown.

—HEATHER PLATT

L A M AG . C O M 53

Ultimate

During an exceedingly challenging year, favorite older restaurants made to-go meals better than ever with dinner kits, spectacular new dishes, and an extra helping of creativity. Here are some of our top picks

BY ANDY WANG

Jitlada

Sonoratown

If you’re going to get a taco kit, you might as well come heree for the city’s best flour torti-llas and amazing carne asada. The exceptional burritos also travel well.

208 E. 8th St., downtown, sonoratown.com.

We recommend anything with crispy pork or oxtail from the Thai mainstay’s beautifully overwhelming, 200-plus-item menu.

Just know that even “mild” here can be intensely spicy.

5233 W. Sunset Blvd., East Hollywood, jitladala.com.

Bavel

Crowd-pleasers like grilled prawns and a soul-warming chicken tagine are the pinnacle of L.A.’s modern Middle Eastern food. 500 Mateo St., Arts District, baveldtla.com.

République

Hearty, bistro-style prix-fixe meals and perfect pastries from this all-day charmer make weekend takeout feel special. 624 S. La Brea Ave., Hancock Park, republiquela.com.

54 L A M AG . C O M

Vespertine

Jordan Kahn’s deeply thoughtful, evocative, and ever-changing multicourse takeout menus have spanned the globe—Sicily, the Yucatán Peninsula, Japan—and he’s recreated dishes by Grant Achatz and Sean Brock, too. If you’re looking to pick up a celebratory meal, this is a great option. 3599 Hayden Ave., Culver City, vespertine.la.

RiceBox

Excellent porchetta and char siu are available in combo meals or by the pound at the Cantonese barbecue specialist, which delivers all over the city. 541 S. Spring St., downtown, ricebox.net.

Dinner in an Insta Ms Chi Cafe

Dumpling queen Shirley Chung has added dazzling new dishes like teasmoked duck for dinner and porkbelly tots for brunch. 3829 Main St., Culver City, mschicafe.com.

Citrin and Mélisse

S O N O R ATOW N : J E N N I F E R F E LT H A M ; R E P U B L I Q U É : A N N E F I S H B E I N ; J I T L A DA : PA N U M AS J O E S U N G K M A E E ; B AV E L : R E B E KA H L E M I R E ; V E S P E RT I N E : A N N E F I S H B E I N ; R I C E B OX : A R I E L I P ; M S . C H I : CO U RT E SY M S C H I C A F E ; C I T R I N A N D M É L I SS E : B E X B A R O N E ; B I T E S & B AS H E S C A F E : CO U RT E SY B I T E S & B AS H E S ; KO B AWO O H O U S E : B R I A N B A I K

It turns out that Josiah Citrin’s famous lobster Bolognese holds up well when you reheat it in the microwave. Order the equally famous “egg caviar” if you’re feeling extra fancy.

1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, citrinandmelisse.com.

Bites & Bashes Cafe

Whether you get a family-sized Korean, American, Mexican, or Chinese meal at this spinoff of an A-list catering company, you’ll probably also want a jug of guava margaritas. 25600 Narbonne Ave., Lomita, bitesandbashes.com.

Kobawoo House

Let yourself go and pair the generous bo ssam (boiled pork belly) lunch special (available for takeout all day) with a bottle of natural wine. 698 S. Vermont Ave., Koreatown, kobawoo-house.com.

—ANDY WANG

Some of the city’s most exciting new takeout comes from independent, social-media savvy chefs who are foregoing traditional brick-and-mortar locations. Have a look—and a bite

KinKan Nan Yimcharoen fills gorgeous chirashi bowls and bento boxes with precisely arranged pieces of pristine seafood, perfect for a special occasion or weekend splurge.

Address provided when you order, Silver Lake, instagram.com/kinkanla. +++++

Perilla L.A .

Jihee Kim’s wonderful new-wave banchan (including marinated okra and fermented cabbage with perilla leaves) works as a meal on its own, and you can have an allout feast by adding yuba-laden bulgogi and seasoned rice. 661 S. Harvard Blvd., Koreatown, perillala.com. +++++

Bridgetown Roti Green-curry shrimp with potatoes, and oxtail with peppers, are two of the standout Caribbean patties from Rashida Holmes, who’s also serving hand-rolled roti. 672 S. Santa Fe Ave., Arts District, bridgetownroti.com. +++++

Orso The DIY kits with fresh pasta and comforting but elegant sauces like Bolognese are a fun, quick, and foolproof way to cook at home.

Delivery only, orsopasta.com. +++++

Firebelly This ghost-kitchen spinoff from the Sichuan Impression crew has habit-forming, spicy popcorn chicken and beef stew. 615 N. Western Ave., Larchmont Village, firebellylosangeles.com. —A.W.

I L LU S T R AT I O N BY B R I A N BU S C H

L A M AG . C O M 55

All Day Baby 3200 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, alldaybabyla.com

Mírame

419 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, mirame.la

+++++ Chef Joshua Gil knows that a Beverly Hills Mexican restaurant with multiple patios and seating for 100-plus might not initially conjure food-world cred—that’s why he gave his restaurant a name that literally demands attention. It deserves it. Gil, a 44-year-old Baja native who nabbed a Michelin star as chef de cuisine at Joe’s Restaurant in Venice, is cooking thrilling, contemporary Mexican fare with, he says, “a California sensibility.” That means market-driven dishes that are imaginative but not overly contrived—salmon skin chicharrón ($14) with fermented garlic aioli, a wonderfully bright cauliflower ceviche ($17) with pineapple and habanero peppers, and a divine slow-cooked Heritage Farms pork shoulder ($50) served with a black-lime gastrique, celtuce, and hearty, richly flavorful frijoles charros cooked with a pig’s head.

The latter is available as part of Mírame’s to-go family meal, which also includes house-made tortillas; a memorable riff on Caesar salad with pork chicharrón, roasted vegetables and goat cheese; chocolate flan; and an adorable little bottle of margaritas. At just $95 for two people, it’s an amazingly affordable way to sample Gil’s cooking.

Look again. Mírame is full of surprises.

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Pro tip: Only go to Dodger Stadium for COVID tests Wednesday through Sunday. Arrive as early as possible, no matter what your actual appointment time is. Before you get to the people with clipboards, start an online order for a breakfast sandwich ($13) served on one of pastry maven Thessa Diadem’s sublime biscuits. After you toss your saliva swab into the bin, press “Go” on that order and hightail it to Silver Lake. When chef Jonathan Whitener, 33, opened his follow-up to Here’s Looking At You in late November 2019, I quickly succumbed to ADB’s charms: the eclectic menu of haute diner fare; superb french fries served with a great aioli; the unfaltering hospitality from managing partner Lien Ta, 39, and her staffers, even when dealing with rabid brunch crowds. When the first lockdown went into effect, the restaurant had only lived up to the promise of its name and been open through dinner service a handful of times. In the murky months since, it has established itself as a go-to for elevated comfort food to go, from fried chicken sandwiches ($15) to burritos ($4-14) to smoked meats and fish ($16-19). For a time in the fall, it served exciting dinner offerings—including an amazing steak tartare au poivre—in an adjacent parking lot pop-up called Helluva Time. Whitener, Diadem, and Ta’s offerings are evolving amid the uncertainty of the moment, and I’m hungry for whatever’s next.

M Í R A M E : P H OTO BY N ATA L I E G A R ST; A L L DAY B A BY: P H OTO BY O R I A N A KO R E N

+++++

The

BEST DEAL

A N T ICO’ S DI N N ER SPECI A L WHEN IT COMES to ordering takeout, I love a meal deal.

And the one I’ve turned to time and again to liven up sad quarantine birthdays and average Tuesday nights is this pizza, ice cream, salad, and wine package. It’s a parade of simple pleasures done extremely well that feeds and waters up to four people for $68. Antico opened in mid2019, but was really just hitting its stride when the first lockdown went into effect. Chad Colby nimbly pivoted from pasta to foccacia pizzas, which the restaurant had never served before. The rectangular pies loudly strike both fluffy and crispy pleasure centers. Hand-cranked ice creams created by former pastry chef Brad Ray are some of the best in the city. The breadcrumb-dusted Caesar is more than a veggie afterthought, and the wines are fun and funky. No matter what the state of the world, pizza and ice cream make for a good night. 4653 Beverly Blvd., Larchmont Village, antico-la.com.

PH O T O GR A PH BY K Y L E DAV I D M O R E NO

L A M AG . C O M 57

WES AVILA

Sogo Roll Bar 4634 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz, sogorollbar.com

Angry Egret Dinette 970 N. Broadway, Ste. 114, Chinatown. aedinette.com

+++++ It sounds corny, but you can really taste the love in a carefully made sandwich. This is certainly true at chef Wes Avila’s new venture. In August, Avila left Guerrilla Tacos, the acclaimed downtown haute taqueria he founded, because, he says, he no longer saw eye to eye with his business partners. The more the venture grew from its food-cart origins, the further away from the kitchen he got. “My heart wasn’t in it,” the 42-year-old says. The opposite is true at Angry Egret, which Avila opened, without any investors, on the edge of Chinatown in October. Feeling as though there are enough fancy taco joints in the city (many of which he inspired), he opted for bread over tortillas, creating torta-esque sandwiches with farmers’ market fare. The headliner is the Whittier Blvd ($13): beef belly braised in star anise-laced lard for eight hours, then stuffed on a roll with horseradish cream, avocado, queso fresco, serrano chile, and red pepper escabeche. It’s hearty and decadent—especially if you opt to add a duck egg, which you should— but also perfectly balanced. Sandwiches with fried ingredients, like the Baja shrimp po’boy ($16, above) and a veggie number ($14) with Broccolini tempura, miraculously manage to remain crispy and travel well. The modest operation has outdoor seating for dozens, and Avila would love to eventually to do some “dinette after dark” specials, perhaps bringing in a spit and pizza oven to make al pastor pizzas. While he could have used his COVID time to relax, Avila says he’s much happier to be back in the kitchen. “I wanted to create again.”

58 L A M AG . C O M

This casual spot for sushi rolls ($5.50-$7 each)—an offshoot of the more high-end Sushi Note in Sherman Oaks—had been open only six weeks and was just gaining traction when the first shutdown went into effect in March. It closed completely for two months, and when it reopened in May, business was very slow. “It was honestly pretty bleak,” says co-owner and director of operations Sarah Dietz, 31. In June, she met with the restaurant’s seven staffers, and they brainstormed ways to stay afloat. “I said to them, ‘My only goal is that we all have jobs in six months,’” Dietz recalls, her voice quivering. Staffers suggested new menu items—a hand roll kit ($38), donburi rice bowls ($16-22), and a wonderful spicy tuna crispy-rice starter ($9)—that have proven quite popular, and business has rightfully improved. Sogo’s rice is cooked with the same careful consideration and seasoning that sushi master Kiminobu Saito uses at Sushi Note, and it manages to maintain a great temperature and texture, even when being delivered. Fish is not just fresh but flavorful, each type thoughtfully paired with ideal accompaniments, from a tangy yuzupepper sauce that makes salmon sing to brandy-soaked albacore with garlic-ginger ponzu and crispy onions. Sogo is hardly the only concept in town devoted to rolls, but it has mastered the form.

A N G RY E G R E T D I N E T T E : H E A D S H OT P H OTO BY B R A D L E Y T U C K ; FO O D P H OTO BY W E S L E Y AV I L A ; S O G O R O L L B A R : CO U RT E SY O F S O G O R O L L B A R

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top-notch pie, are gone. Remember the interior of JJ’s Diner in Parks & Recreation? That was actually the Sherman Oaks location of Four ’n 20.

Here’s Looking At You

Many of L.A’.s best, brightest, and most boundary-breaking restaurants were casualties of 2020. Here, we remember some of those we lost —ANDY WANG Aburiya Raku

Beverly Soon Tofu

Mitsuo Endo’s deeply Japanese izakaya in West Hollywood dazzled with its charcoal-grilled skewers of meat and vegetables. The sake list and the chalkboard specials with top-tier seafood made every meal feel even more special.

The soft tofu stew at Monica Lee’s pioneering Koreatown restaurant, which dated back to 1986, was always pure comfort. The banchan and kalbi were also noteworthy at this institution that was adored by Roy Choi and so many other L.A. chefs.

Auburn Fine-dining veteran Eric Bost had a beautifully modern Melrose Avenue dining room where he let guests choose each dish in their four-, six-, or eightcourse meals. Hearth-smoked beets and koji-aged Sonoma duck were among the standouts.

Bäco Mercat

H A N D D R AW N R I B B O N : W E A P E / E N VATO E L E M E N TS

With its signature bäco, which merged the ideas of a taco, a gyro, and a sandwich, Josef Centeno’s downtown charmer was one of the purest expressions of what an L.A. restaurant could and should be.

Global influences—Latin, European, Middle Eastern, American—were all over a menu that had great vegetable dishes but also beef-tongue schnitzel and an oxtail-hash bäco. Anything seemed possible.

The Bellwether This beloved Studio City spot was the neighborhood restaurant that every neighborhood deserves. Ted Hopson’s menu was packed with shareable and absolutely craveable all-over-the map plates: crudos, pastas, pozole verde, avocado hummus, Vietnamese-style ribs, and what might have been the city’s best fries.

Bon Temps Lincoln Carson is a total-package chef-baker, and Bon Temps excelled at everything from croissants and pastas to uni-caviar canapés and colossal dry-aged steaks. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner—but especially dessert—were all wonderful at this Arts District destination.

Broken Spanish This modern Mexican restaurant from chef Ray Garcia became a downtown sensation with its heirloom-corn tortillas, vegetable tostadas, and a massive plate of chicharrón that made crispy pork taste like the most over-the-top thing in the entire world.

Dialogue Dave Beran’s tiny restaurant hidden inside a Santa Monica food hall featured tasting menus that connected to the seasons and were accompanied by stories with very specific reference points. A winter dish known as “caviar and coffee,” for example, was inspired by the flavor and aroma of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee.

Four ’n 20 Both outposts of this terrific Valley diner, known for hearty breakfast specials and

Charismatic front woman Lien Ta and former Animal chef Jonathan Whitener exuberantly colored outside the lines at this festive Koreatown restaurant that served huli huli hamachi collar and paired turkey tails with harissa. The colossal ham steak at brunch deserved all the Instagram love it got.

Ma’am Sir The most fully realized of L.A.’s modern Filipino restaurants had crowdpleasers like uni-topped lumpia and some of the city’s best fried chicken.

This, plus a strong cocktail program and the cheerfulness of chef Charles Olalia, made Ma’am Sir feel like a Silver Lake party that you didn’t want to end.

Patina Iconic chef Joachim Splichal’s flagship gave downtown white-tablecloth, French-inspired fine dining with elegant tasting menus, vintage wines, and even a water sommelier.

Jun Won The pollack casserole and braised black cod at Jung Ye Jun’s Koreatown mainstay were uncompromising, graceful, and funky all at once. This restaurant was a constant reminder that homestyle cooking is the most soul-warming cooking of all.

Somni Aitor Zabala and José Andrés’s jewelbox tasting-menu counter at the SLS Beverly Hills hotel was as imaginative and playful as Los Angeles restaurants get, whether you were eating pizza made with tomato meringue or doing a caviar bump off a wooden hand with movable fingers. Fine dining has never been more fun than it was here.

Yours Truly Vartan Abgaryan blended cultures and upended Abbot Kinney expectations with revelatory dishes like avocado hummus, potato cacio e pepe, and Nashville hot shrimp. Venice was lucky to have this kind of verve.

L A M AG . C O M 59

A shape-shifting, West Hollywood man-about-town, who claimed lineage to Senator Strom Thurmond and the magnate behind Scrabble, duped an aspiring actor into serving as his front to sell six million dollars’ worth of art masterpieces.

But the Basquiats were as fake as Philip Righter’s story, and soon his Ripley-esque masquerade began to unravel

BY JAKE FLANAGIN

ILL

6 0 L A M AG . C O M

TOP

BY CHRIS U ST R AT E D

ES HER HUGH

ANNINA NOSEI IS considered one of the foremost experts on the art of contemporary American painter Jean-Michel Basquiat. Her eponymous New York gallery was the first to exhibit the artist; its basement served as Basquiat’s studio for many years. In that time, the gallerist cultivated a comprehensive fluency in what she calls “the language” of Basquiat’s style.

“I see it like a signature, like you recognize someone’s handwriting,” she says, through a strident Roman accent. “The true language cannot be faked.”

Nosei fields dozens of letters and calls a month from gallerists and art buyers around the world inquiring into the authenticity of purported Basquiat paintings. In April of 2018, she received one such inquiry from a gallery in South Florida.

The gallery’s owner was preparing to pay $990,000 for a pair of Basquiats offered by a private seller in California. Upon examination of the works, Nosei immediately determined them to be fraudulent.

Meanwhile, elsewhere, private art collectors, auctioneers, and even a few pawnbrokers were discovering various acquired works of art from shadowy West Coast private dealers were all similarly fraudulent. These pieces were purported to be not just

by Basquiat, but by Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, and other iconic American pop art painters.

The names under which these counterfeits were sold, law enforcement soon learned, were all identities assumed by one man: Philip Righter, 44, of West Hollywood. Righter would eventually plead guilty to three felony charges related to the forgeries and be sentenced to five years in prison.

The web of deception Righter spun was cast wide and stretched across decades, having ensnared not just unsuspecting art collectors but friends and colleagues, in particular a young aspiring actor who would become his unwitting partner in crime. This is a story of a fabulist of the highest order, an Icarian tragedy about a man who traded away substantial professional achievements for a figment of wealth and status.

And in that sense, it’s perhaps a tale emblematic of Hollywood’s core axiom: Fake it ’til you make it. Or at least until the law catches up with you.

62 L A M AG . C O M

U N T I L R E C E N T LY, 29-year-old Kevin Benoit considered Righter to be his best friend. But to understand how that friendship broke down and how Benoit himself became implicated in a $6 million art-fraud scheme, one must understand the circumstances of his arrival in Los Angeles and his place in West Hollywood’s social ecosystem.

The young Canadian, with classic Clark Kent-ish good looks, enjoyed some success as an actor and television host in his hometown of Montreal. But like so much young talent from around the world, he dreamed of bona fide Hollywood stardom, and so, at age 25, moved to Los Angeles. But as it is for so many newly arrived actors, the transition was fraught.

“My first year in L.A., I wanted to go home,” he says, speaking through a lilting Québécois accent. “I had a husband who loved me, but basically no friends.” Benoit identifies as gay, but his experience navigating WeHo’s boisterous social scene was alienating. “West Hollywood can be very catty,” he says. “The men are competitive.”

So Benoit was excited when, in 2015, a friend offered to introduce him to a thirtysomething man-about-town described as knowing everyone worth knowing in West Hollywood. That man was Philip Righter. Soon, the two were texting. The conversation was light, pleasant, and Righter seemed eager to meet. “We set up plans to have dinner,” Benoit says. But on the day of their intended first meeting, Righter went missing. Benoit sent text after text, all unanswered. “It was very strange,” he says. “I was worried.” Benoit concluded that Righter had simply flaked and consigned the ordeal to yet another foiled attempt at making a friend in L.A. But later that night, Benoit received a text from Righter: “I’m so, so sorry, I got into a huge car crash with my Porsche, totaled it, I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

In hindsight, Benoit supposes he should have seen Righter’s unexplained disappearance and grandiose excuse as a sign of things to come but felt he was in no position to decline friendly overtures from anyone. “I was very lonely,” he says.

A few days later, Benoit invited Righter to his apartment. It was there that a real connection sparked. “We really clicked,” Benoit recalls. “He was just very nice, which was so different from the typical West Hollywood gay guys I knew. He asked questions about my life, my family, my career. He seemed genuinely interested.” Righter talked about himself, too. When he learned Benoit was an actor, he revealed himself to be a film and television producer. “He said, ‘I could help you. I’ve won an Emmy, I’ve won an Oscar, I know all these people,’” Benoit says. “It was refreshing to meet someone a bit older who seemed like he knew his shit and wanted to help.” Over the next few months, the pair would meet and run lines ahead of Benoit’s auditions. Righter offered to pitch Benoit for roles in projects produced by friends. “He presents as very well-connected,” Benoit says.

Indeed, images of Righter from that time show all the trappings of a typical Hollywood player. He was often photographed in front of step-and-repeats, bedecked in designer clothing and sporting a moppish hairdo that would not be out of place in a K-pop boy band. His face bears all the ostensible markers of Southern Californian affluence: injection-enhanced

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1: PHOTO BY AMY GRAVES/GETTY IMAGES; 2: @PHILIPRIGHTER INSTAGRAM; 3: PHOTO BY CLYPH JEAN-PHILIPPE; 4,5,6,7,8: @PHILIPRIGHTER INSTAGRAM

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A FA K E R A K E ’ S P RO G R E S S

1. Righter attends a 2019 Oscars party; the statuette he holds isn’t his. 2. Righter and an admirer on the 2017 Emmys red carpet. 3. Benoit soon after his arrival in Hollywood from Montreal. Righter used his supposed relationships with industry players to draw in the young actor. “He presents as very well-connected,” Benoit says. 4. Righter with David LaChapelle. The thirtysomething worked hard to project the image of a free-spending Hollywood insider when he was, in fact, building an art-forgery operation using Benoit as his unwitting accomplice. 5. Righter helicoptering over L.A. in a typical Instagram post. 6. Indoor skydiving at Universal Studios. 7. Righter and Benoit celebrate Halloween in West Hollywood. 8. “Times are tough . . . I really wanted a black one,” Righter posted about this $152,000 Lamborghini, which he didn’t own.

7 8

64 L A M AG . C O M

T H E G R E AT P R E T E N D E R

Righter sold this fake 1983 Basquiat—he forged the signature of the artist’s father on the provenance document—for $37,970 before his arrest in 2019.

into his own bank accounts would be immediately frozen. Benoit provided the information needed to wire several payments ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars into his bank account. Benoit withdrew the funds in cash and gave them to Righter. “I had no reason to believe he was lying to me about what the money was for,” Benoit says. “The first time I came to his apartment, he showed me his Oscar.”

What Benoit didn’t know is that Righter was never the recipient of an Academy or Emmy award for producing. There is no record of his ever being nominated for either, individually or as part of a team. In fact, he had no more influence or entrée in Hollywood than did Benoit. This was neither the first nor the last lie Righter would tell him. Righter’s flair for the fantastical was the foundation of their friendship—and the foundation of Righter’s very being. He was a practiced hand at bending the truth. He had been doing it for much of his life.

PHILIP BENNET T RIGHTER was born in Elgin, Illinois, in

1976. His father, Samuel Righter, was a salesman; his mother, Sara McNevins English, a paralegal. They divorced when Righter was six years old. By Righter’s own account, his upbringing was transient. He spent his childhood in Coral Gables, Florida, and his teenage years near Greenville, South Carolina, with his mother’s family. In an email sent from federal prison, Righter conjures images of a blissful, all-American adolescence. “I liked school, and it was pretty easy for me,” he writes, adding that he was president of his senior class and coeditor of the school newspaper. “I think my GPA was around 4.1.”

Zach Harvey was two years behind Righter at Riverside High School in Greer, South Carolina. His recollections suggest a male version of Tracy Flick in the 1999 film Election. Swap Flick’s golden ringlets for a neat swath of auburn bangs, her

ASSOCIATED PRESS

lips, skin stretched tight over strategic deposits of Botox.

To Benoit, Righter looked and acted the part of a legitimate industry impresario—the would-be David Geffen to his Brad Pitt. He didn’t think twice about asking him for financial advice. As a Canadian, Benoit had no credit history in the U.S. and consequently couldn’t qualify for most credit cards. Righter hatched a plan: Benoit would obtain one of the few cards he could with a very low limit. “No more than $300 to start,” Benoit recalls. Righter thereafter used the card for his own personal shopping and reimbursed Benoit for the full balance. “He always paid me in full, on time, every month.”

The scheme worked. From 2015 to 2018, Righter’s regular use and full payment of Benoit’s cards built him an extremely favorable credit rating. Before long, Benoit qualified for an American Express Platinum card with no limit. He added Righter as an authorized user. By then, Righter was regularly running up balances of $18,000, Benoit says.

Righter helped Benoit in other ways, too. When the pair hung out at bars around West Hollywood, it was Righter who almost always picked up the bill. When Benoit became exhausted by the hustle of acting and decided to sit for his real-estate license examination, Righter offered his spacious condominium as a study space. And by virtue of Righter’s “connections” in Hollywood, there were endless invitations to glamorous industry events. “I told him I loved Schitt’s Creek,” Benoit says.

“Righter got us tickets to a panel with all the actors.”

With Righter a seemingly inexhaustible font of generosity, the friendship took on an asymmetry that left Benoit feeling indebted—and less skeptical. So when Righter began to ask him to perform small favors, the requests seemed innocuous. He might ask Benoit to drop off a package or two at FedEx; little did Benoit know that the contents were fake Warhols.

But the requests became steadily more baroque. Righter asked Benoit to hold onto money for him; he said the funds were residuals from his award-winning portfolio of films and television shows, but because he was embroiled in a lawsuit with a former business partner, he feared any wire transfers

sweater set for slacks, and you have a portrait of the cherubic, tiqued Paul’s forehand. Fabricating a connection to one of the 17-year-old Righter—a go-getter whose senior yearbook photo Senate’s conservative stalwarts made sense for Righter’s career is annotated with extracurricular activities. Harvey confirms goals. “He had aspirations in Republican politics,” his dormRighter’s role as both class president and coeditor of the newsmate says. In keeping with his assumed brand of Southern genpaper and recalls that Righter sometimes carried a briefcase tility, Righter was determined to join the ranks of the Sigma in lieu of a backpack. “He seemed like he was more concerned Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Formed at the University of Alabama with what was going to happen after high school,” Harvey says. in 1856, SAE is the only national fraternity founded in the ante“No sports, not at the cool table at lunch, very businesslike. He bellum South. Righter pledged and was admitted in his junior always seemed like he was on his way to a meeting.” year. “He wanted people to know he was Strom Thurmond’s Righter graduated from Riverside in 1995 and enrolled at nephew and that he came from this very privileged, well-toFurman University in Greenville. In 1996, he transferred to Cordo, aristocratic Southern family,” a fellow SAE brother recalls. nell University in Ithaca, New York. He would eventually earn “I think that kind of got him into the house.” a degree from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations At Cornell, Righter wielded the same knack for relentless(ILR) in 1999, according to the university’s registrar. “When ly manifesting his ambitions as he did in high school. But the you transfer into Cornell, it’s weird,” says a classmate who does persona he projected—that of a scion of conservative, Southern not wish to be named. As another sophomore-year transfer into aristocracy, displaying all the plumage of preppy, Ivy League the ILR program, she recalls, “People already have their friends. heteronormativity—contradicted a secreted-away part of himThe transfers all hung out together.” self. Though he now publicly identifies as gay, Righter did not She remembers Righter regaling their cohort with deadvertise his sexuality in college. “Being gay in the ’90s at Cortails of an upbringing of significant privilege. He claimed his nell, it wasn’t an option,” recalls another classmate, who also mother was an accomplished attorney, part of a South Caronow openly identifies as a gay man. “Homosexuality was somelinian political dynasty. So formal were the household rules thing you might’ve seen on Christopher Street in the West Vilof his childhood that he was forbidden from appearing in lage, but not so much in Ithaca.” front of his parents in pajamas. The family’s driveway, he said, Others say Righter’s sexuality was an open secret on camstayed snow-free in winter, thanks to subterranean heaters. pus. “I had friends who were out who knew that side of RightRighter now describes his upbringing as “solid middle class.” er,” his dormmate says. “He had a very complicated situation.

The house he grew up in on Fawnbrook Drive in Greer is a He sort of lived a double life, with his aspirations and how he tidy, pleasant-looking but ultimately modest three-bedroom saw himself as a young Republican on one side.” Righter was home of white clapboard. Its most known for attaching himself to atrecent real-estate listing mentions tractive coeds. “Every time we had nothing about heated driveways. a party or a formal, he always had “OVER TIME, “Righter was very much about a beautiful woman on his arm,” anpushing his credentials,” anothother SAE brother recalls, a conTHIS BECAME A FRAUD. er classmate who lived in Rightcerted appeal to a campus overI DON’T DENY THAT. er’s sophomore-year dormitory whelmingly dominated by straight AND A SMALL PART recalls, “letting people know that men. “At that time, I’d say Greek life he was important and from an imand the conservative side of camOF ME FOUND portant family.” pus were not hospitable to homoA CHALLENGE AND The patriarch of this family was sexuality,” Righter’s dormmate consupposedly the then senior United tends. Righter was regularly and ARTISTRY IN A States senator from South Caroliconspicuously absent from campus HIGHER-SKILLED CRIME.” na, Strom Thurmond—the Dixiefor stretches of time. “He would be crat and social conservative infapicked up in the fraternity drivePHILIP RIGHTER mous for his vocal opposition to way and disappear for a few days,” a the civil rights movement. (Emails third SAE brother recalls. “The preto Thurmond’s two surviving sons went unanswered; but pubsumption was that he was going to New York City to meet men.” lic records of Righter’s extended family reveal no discernible In this context, Righter’s later decampment to the West relation between his mother, her parents, and any of ThurCoast made sense. “When we were graduating and he told me mond’s siblings.) This purported connection to the senator was he wanted to move to Los Angeles, I remember thinking that Righter’s calling card during his days at Cornell. Every memthis was his out,” Righter’s dormmate says. “Being in a new enber of the university’s Class of 1999 contacted for this story revironment and perhaps living a little more freely, more true to members Righter as Thurmond’s grandnephew. “I had no reawho he really was.” son not to believe him,” Righter’s dormmate says, noting that Righter’s life in Los Angeles would indeed be freRighter was exceptionally detailed in his illustrations of life er and less inhibited. But truth remained an elusive eleamong the Thurmond clan. He knew the names and ages of ment in the narrative he would write for himself here as the senator’s children and claimed to be a regular tennis partwell. At Cornell, he cultivated the theory of a lie; in Los (CONTINUED ON PAGE 106) ner of Paul Thurmond, the senator’s youngest son. He often criAngeles, he put it into practice.

L A M AG . C O M 65

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BY JASON MCGAHAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY SUZANNE STEIN

ECHO PARK’S

HOMELESS

6 6 L A M AG . C O M

THE OUTSIDERS East Coast transplants Cody and Philly are encampment “enforcers”; their job is to identify people living in the park who don't behave by the rules.

HAPPENING

IT’S NINE O’CLOCK ON A BLAZINGLY SUNNY OCTOBER MORNING IN ECHO PARK. A scruffy but fashionable group slowly gathers for breakfast around a table piled high with bagels. Not far away, two men put on boxing gloves and playfully begin to spar. Another is restringing a flamenco guitar on an old, cast-off sofa sitting on a grassy embankment. Any minute now, the socialists will arrive with their solar strips to charge everyone’s phones.

It’s another day in the life of an unlikely homeless community that has sprung up here—not on the outskirts of this trendy Eastside neighborhood, but right in its beating heart, the park itself. About 100 tents have popped up around the lake over the last 14 months—a city within a city. Open-flame cooking, which is banned by municipal code, is happening all over. There’s electricity being siphoned from city streetlights to power microwaves, personal sandwich grills, and other appliances. There’s a gas generator running a freezer and refrigerator inside one tent at the north end. Another tent along Glendale Boulevard is decorated with a full bedroom set.

When this homeless bivouac first popped up around Echo Park Lake last year, you might have expected the usual NIMBY backlash. But unlike just about everywhere else in L.A.—or the country—the opposite occurred. Many of the locals not only took the encampment in stride, they embraced it, welcoming their new outdoor neighbors with baked goods and camping supplies, treating it less like a blight and more like a “happening.” After all, there’s a lot of sympathy for the downtrodden among this indigo-blue liberal enclave, especially for those who appear as conspicuously young and attractive as this hipster army. In some ways, Echo Park has become the perfect microcosm of Los Angeles at this particular and very peculiar moment in the city’s history, an intersection of rampant homelessness, pandemic politics, class warfare, mass marketing, radical chic, and, when you scratch just below the surface, drug abuse, crime, and heartbreaking tragedy.

There’s Chris over there, frying eggs on a grill next to his gleaming surfboard. There’s Yom, the wiry Nigerian from Texas, watching TV beside the flower beds. And there’s that tall, strikingly handsome Black man, built like a basketball point guard, wearing a scruffy beard, a Basquiat print T-shirt, and a fedora. With his ripped torso and piercing green eyes, he could easily be imagined starring in a fragrance commercial. Which, in fact, he once did (for Lady Gaga’s Fame).

“We’re not the typical homeless,” says Davon Brown, 30, an ex-fashion model from Jamaica, New York, given to bizarre behavior and grandiose outbursts in which he compares himself to King David. Last year, Brown lost his home and then found a new one, outdoors, among Echo Park’s lotus blossoms and elderberry trees. “We’re not drug addicts 68 L A M AG . C O M

S T R E E T C R E D Above: Davon Brown worked as a model and actor until bad luck and psychological struggles landed him in Echo Park. Arrested for “battery on a police officer” during a scheduled cleanup, he became a media cause célèbre, and one of the settlement's most visible leaders. Last month, he landed in the hospital after being grazed by a bullet in the park.

Opposite: Jed Parriott, a self-appointed spokesperson for Street Watch L.A. The son of a Grey’s Anatomy producer, he drives his BMW to the park three mornings a week to charge the community’s cell phones.

and criminals.”

No, they’re not—at least most of them. Nor are they murderers. And yet something happened to that 18-year-old girl from San Diego who was found dead inside the camp in August. Brianna Moore, a one-time honor student, had traveled to L.A. over the summer to participate in the protests that were roiling the city. But after meeting up with some other young protesters, she ended up dead on her first night in Echo Park, her body found inside a tent beside the lily pond.

There’s a shrine to her in the community garden by the water’s edge, surrounded by candles and photographs and flowers. Her death was blamed on an overdose. But like a lot of things about Echo Park, the true circumstances of her demise have never been fully explained.

T

H E F I R S T F E W T E N T S sprouted up in Novem-

ber 2019. Within a month, there were 30 of them strewn across the northwest corner of the park, across the street from the historic Angelus Temple. By January, there were 30 more.

There has been a small homeless population living qui-

etly here for years, but the park’s newest denizens seemed different: younger and bolder than their predecessors. More permanent. At first, the locals didn’t know what to make of the growing procession, trading worried stories on Citizen, a popular security app, about homeless-related crime and drug use in the playground. But nobody filed any complaints until that December, when an 82-year-old woman living in a retirement home across the street from the park stepped on her balcony to enjoy the view and was greeted by the sight of a homeless man urinating on the grass.

Many of the nearby homeowners, though, seemed unbothered by the encampment. Indeed, a sizable slice of the area’s local taxpayers welcomed the homeless with open arms. At all hours of the day, streams of young women— many of them affluent, most of them white—turned up at the park’s makeshift kitchen, bearing loaves of bread, cakes, fresh fruits and vegetables, packaged meals, tubs of organic yogurt from Erewhon, bottles of Fresca, giant bags of ice and groceries and supplies. Compared to other nearby homeless settlements—like the one by the 101 freeway ramp—the growing Echo Park encampment, with its nighttime drum circles and festive air of social promiscuity, felt

more like a campsite at a music festival.

“Frankly, I think they just like the party and have gotten on the bandwagon of ‘Let’s pitch a tent in Echo Park,’” says one neighboring homeowner. “I see groups of healthy young men down there kicking soccer balls, wearing Nike tennis shoes, jogging around the lake, riding bikes. They have cell phones. They have musical instruments. Some of the homeless people down there have cars. So there are various factions with various levels of need.”

“The population of homeless people at the lake is different,” agrees Mitch O’Farrell, the L.A. city councilman representing Echo Park, who has the unenviable task of balancing his constituents’ liberal idealism with the more pragmatic challenge of keeping the park from being destroyed. He believes that many of Echo Park’s new homeless are free spirits who are homeless by choice, preferring to live on their own terms outdoors rather than accept the city’s offer of temporary shelter. “They are resistant to the standard ways of doing things,” he says. And, O’Farrell adds, they believe that as long as they stay in the park, connected to one another, they have power.

In this, they may be right. And they aren’t the only

L A M AG . C O M 69

N E I G H B O R H O O D WAT C H Jeff Giles, a 65-year-old physical therapist and longtime Echo Park resident, can see the encampment from his condo.

He calls the recent surge of homeless people who’ve set up tents in the park “deeply disturbing.” Being an anti-camper is an unpopular position in the neighborhood, and Giles has lost longtime friends on account of it.

Most days, while reading or watching TV, he blocks out the view from his window with a piece of cardboard that he keeps by his chair.

72 L A M AG . C O M

ones who’ve come to that conclusion. Early last fall, activists from the group Street Watch L.A., a mediasavvy offshoot of the Democratic Socialists of America, began showing up at the park, handing out “know your rights” flyers, charging cell phones, and otherwise agitating on behalf of the lake’s new residents. Last January, for instance, when city work crews arrived at the park for a regularly scheduled cleanup, Street Watch put the call out to social activists, who turned up in droves, locked arms, and blocked the trucks from entering. That showdown turned out to be a media triumph for the camp as well as for Street Watch, furthering the narrative that Echo Park was becoming a homeless Eden and a center of progressive activism. Dramatic images of young, Black homeless men led the noon broadcast of CBS Los Angeles. “Homeless people taking on L.A. city officials,” gushed anchor Sandra Mitchell at the top of the hour. “The city has been planning to shut down a large encampment in Echo Park, but the people who live there say they’re going to fight to stay.”

Following a tense, hours-long standoff, the city backed down. A few hours after sunrise, a sad convoy of maintenance trucks slowly withdrew from the park without tossing a single tent. Jed Parriott, one of Street Watch’s self-appointed spokesmen, took to the cameras to crow about the group’s unexpected victory. “We need to be really telling these property owners, ‘Sorry, you’re going to have to tough this out,’” Parriott proclaimed in an interview with KABCTV News. “I’m sorry that you don’t like that you have to see this, that you have to see poverty. You’re going to have to see it right now until we get permanent housing for everybody.”

The reporter interviewing him failed to note that Parriott, a 39-year-old white guy with a head of blond curls, wasn’t a resident of Echo Park (he owns a home in Silver Lake) or that he’d arrived at the protest in a BMW X5 or that his father was a producer on Grey’s Anatomy.

No matter. Many of the property owners Parriott was trolling on TV were no doubt cheering him on. Indeed, by February, support for the encampment had grown so fierce, dissenters were all but shouted down at a community meeting held in a local church, during which representatives of the “unhoused” community met with “housed” people to discuss problems arising from the encampment. Business owners and residents, unhappy about hundreds of homeless people squatting in their park, were roundly jeered by

the noisier faction in favor of the camp. Things turned ugly.

“I’ll say there was not a lot of mutual respect,” recalls one of the panelists, Reverend Canon Frank Dalton, provost at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul, where the event took place.

“The folks that were having trouble weren’t heard. The other side had an agenda, and they were there to make a point—to draw attention to the inadequate response of the city to the unhoused population by taking a stand in the park.” Afterward, on the social network platform Nextdoor, one of the opponents of the encampment was denounced as “a rich bitch” and threatened with violence.

Concerned about reprisals, most of the anti-campers insist on anonymity. Jeff Giles, a 65-year-old physical therapist who has lived in a condo overlooking the park for more than 32 years, is one of the few who is willing to go public with his reservations. But he says his opposition has made him something of a neighborhood pariah. One elderly neighbor whom Giles has known for decades stopped talking to

T H E FA M E T H AT E L U DE D H I M A S A MODEL , HE WAS NOW E ARNING AS A “CHA MPION FOR THE HOMELESS.”

H A P P Y C A M P E R S Clockwise from top left: Cody, 28, trekked from the Atlanta suburbs to Echo Park with his high school girlfriend and overdosed on fentanyl shortly after he arrived. Camp residents helped save his life but his girlfriend disappeared; Ayman is a 26-year-old former philosophy major who has emerged as one of the encampment's most effective advocates. He collects donations via CashApp to pay park dwellers to perform chores like picking up trash and cooking meals; Paige is a frequent visitor who lives in a nearby apartment. A few months ago, she helped plant a flower garden on the west side of the lake for residents of the encampment; after butting heads with the camp's leaders, Cesar says he was attacked and asked to leave the area.

He now lives in a tent just outside the park's borders.

him after he spoke out at a community meeting. Like many other home owners in his middle-class neighborhood, Giles sank most of his savings into his mortgage, and he worries about the impact that the encampment will have on his lifelong investment. But his neighbor was unmoved by his concerns. She told Giles that her commitment to the homeless is so absolute that if the value of her own condo drops, she’d consider it her contribution to the cause.

While most of the camp’s opponents have shunned media attention, Echo Park’s telegenic homeless leaders have savvily courted it. A day before the fractious forum at the church, Brown, the former model, was arrested and charged with “battery on a peace officer” after he and a half-dozen others scuffled with city workers who were attempting to clear the couches, mattresses, and outdoor grills that had proliferated in the park. As video of the incident went viral, the local head of the National Lawyers Guild took the case, and Brown became a media cause celébrè, the subject of a flurry of positive news stories. The fame that had eluded him as a model, he was now earning as “a champion of rights for the homeless people of Los Angeles,” as Brown’s publicist describes him. That’s right, his publicist.

In the aftermath of the ill-fated raid, L.A. park rangers made a few half-hearted attempts to clear the park, but none were successful. Since then, O’Farrell has come under fire from both sides in the battle. Not long ago he agreed to keep bathrooms open all night, with security, which provoked the wrath of the anti-campers. But the park residents have accused him of foot dragging, and not long ago he came under fire from an activist news site, which ungraL A M AG . C O M 73

dents were laying down roots. As COVID spread across the city, some local residents grew even more worried about the homeless, who seemed particularly vulnerable to the virus; others watched in despair as they saw the yoga area taken over and buckets filled with camp waste being emptied into the lake (which seven years ago had received a $45 million, two-year-long face-lift). “Not only is it a visual blight that is increasing by the day,” Giles says, “the noise never quits. There are fights, yelling, music almost around the clock. They have a full drum set with snares and bass drums. They also have an amplified guitar. I have heard ragged versions of Jimi Hendrix even during the day. It could actually be charming if it were conducted responsibly with some concern that people do have lives here, children trying to sleep, working from home, the right to quiet enjoyment of their homes. We are not evil because we have a roof over our heads.”

“I P E A C E M A K E R Echo Park city councilman Mitch O’Farrell has worked to bridge the divide between campers and neighborhood opponents.

74 L A M AG . C O M

T ’ S A H IGH S C HO OL popularity contest here,”

says Laura. The fresh-faced, 27-year-old homeless woman is sitting on a hillside known to Echo Park campers as Hipster Beach. “The loner corner is at the far end,” she says, pointing south to an area where older homeless men keep to themselves in ragged tents. The popular kids—“thirty-year-old skaters who smoke weed and fuck bitches all day”—are in the middle. “See what

MITCH O’FARRELL: GETTY IMAGES

ciously brought up the councilman’s forgotten past as a cruise-line dancer. In early March, O’Farrell tried to negotiate a truce between the warring sides. The councilman had received hundreds of calls from constituents disturbed by the park’s growing homeless presence. But his options were constrained by a spate of federal court rulings that stipulated that homeless people could not be forced to leave public spaces unless they were provided adequate shelter elsewhere. Even so, after a lengthy search, O’Farrell managed to find the park dwellers an alternate place—at a nearby church— where they could all be housed together across the street from the park. Representatives of the park dwellers, though, demanded the installation of a medical facility and a storage space within a block of the proposed shelter, and negotiations broke down. The homeless refused to leave the park, and O’Farrell was out of ideas.

Then, in March, the pandemic arrived, and suddenly the city had bigger problems to deal with. As park rangers and other maintenance crews went into lockdown, the encampment fell into shambles. Sprinklers broke down, lawns became denuded, park signs and benches were defaced, and the rat population exploded. All the while, more and more tents kept popping up, extending the encampment’s reach.

What started with a dozen tents in the northwest corner quickly expanded into a small metropolis of more than a hundred tents spread over the parkland surrounding half the lake. As locals quarantined inside their homes, with little to do but look out their windows, the park’s homeless resi-

dle. “See what I mean?” she giggles. “High school!”

In fact, the social pecking order of the camp is far more complex and mysterious. There appear to be three or four separate political entities that keep the trains running here. The public face of the encampment is made up of photogenic and quotable homeless activists like Brown. Together with the socialist activists who have set up base here, Brown and other camera-friendly residents manage media relations for the park’s residents. But they enlisted the help of Jhon, a 42-year-old Little Rock native who zips around the park on a $900 Lectric XP bicycle. Jhon is the self-appointed camp superintendent. His job is to help decide who gets to stay and who has to go. Kooky eccentrics, grizzled drifters, people prone to cause trouble or attract the cops—these are banished to the outer regions of the lake or forced out of the park. Attractive, young, more together types score the more desirable locations on the narrow straightaway of the lakefront along Glendale beneath the weeping willows. But Jhon can be capricious in his rulings.

When Dylan, a tattoo artist from North Carolina, flouted the camp rules limiting the size of tents with his multi-tent compound, Jhon looked the other way. “He said my tent was cool,” Dylan says.

Jhon, however, is not the camp muscle. That job belongs to a group of multi-ethnic ex-cons and other toughs with names like Gorilla, who occupy the northern heights of

K I N D E R S P I R I T S Above, from left: Bree and Dylan lounge in one of the three tents that make up their homestead in the park. Pepper, who lives outside the Echo Park encampment, mostly keeps to himself.

He says he never asks for handouts and instead works any odd job that comes his way—mostly hauling garbage for cash.

the park. They’re reputed to be occasionally brutal in their methods. One day, for example, a group of female volunteers from a nonprofit came to the park to hand out donations.

But they hadn’t secured prior approval from the camp commandants, so one of the bruisers allegedly showed up with four associates, grabbed the donations, destroyed the volunteer tent, and expelled the visiting women from the park.

Other camp residents say that late-night raids and attacks by the ex-cons are a fairly regular occurrence.

Of course, every society—even an egalitarian homeless paradise—requires an economy. The role of treasurer is filled by several entities, including Ground Game L.A., a liberal advocacy group that runs a GoFundMe page supporting “a vision of love and community” for the park. (It has raised $8,500 so far.) There’s also a CashApp account run by a 26-year-old former philosophy major named Ayman Ahmed who lives in a tepee with a “Bernie Sanders for President” sign in its mesh window. He uses the donations to pay park dwellers for performing tasks like picking up trash and (CONTINUED ON PAGE 102) cooking meals. In glossy, self-proL A M AG . C O M 75

Bicol Express from Lasa P. 78

EATING IN A GUIDE TO GREAT TAKEOUT AND DELIVERY ACROSS THE CITY E D I T E D

BY

H A I L E Y

E B E R

WEST T H E B R E A K D OW N

Birdie G’s

SANTA MONICA » American $$

James Beard Award-nominated chef Jeremy Fox has retooled his sunny restaurant, named after his young daughter, for the moment. There are à la carte options and three-course meals to go that showcase Fox’s way with both vegetables and elegant-but-hearty fare, like a koji-marinated flatiron steak. Finish things off with the beautiful, jiggly rose-petal pie. 2421 Michigan Ave. (310-310-3616, birdiegsla.com, or @birdiegsla). Takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery via Tock, ChowNow, Uber Eats, Doordash, Caviar, Grubhub, and Postmates.

4-8:30 p.m. daily. Beer, wine, and cocktails to go.

Broad Street Oyster Co. MALIBU » Seafood $$ Hit the road. Christopher Tompkins, aka “the Oyster Man,” has transformed his clam shack overlooking Malibu Lagoon State Beach into a drive-through concept. You can grab the lobster roll that first brought Tompkins acclaim, fresh oysters, or uni spaghetti.

There’s plenty for the seafood averse as well, including a burger sprinkled with shio kombu (dried kelp) and Brussels sprouts in a bacon vinaigrette. 23359 Pacific Coast Hwy. (424-644-0131 , broadstreet oyster .com, or @broadstreetoysterco). Takeout phone orders. 4-8 p.m. Sun.-Thu., 4-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

Cassia SANTA MONICA

» Southeast Asian $$

At this grand Southeast Asian brasserie, Mozza vet

TIP > For the most current info on what our beloved restaurants are offering—from curbside takeout to meal kits—check their Instagram accounts along with their websites, both of which we’ve listed.

Many spots update their social media more frequently than their home pages.

7 6 L A M AG . C O M

At press time, Los Angeles was under safer-at-home orders. As such, this month’s listings are devoted to some of our favorite options for delivery and takeout meals.

W EST

EAST

Includes Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Century City, Culver City, Malibu, Mar Vista, Marina del Rey, Palms, Santa Monica, Venice, West L.A., Westwood

Includes Atwater Village, Eagle Rock, East L.A., Echo Park, Glendale, Los Feliz, Pasadena, San Gabriel Valley, Silver Lake

DOWNTOWN Includes Arts District, Bunker Hill, Chinatown, Historic Core, Little Tokyo, South Park

T H E VALLEY Includes Agoura Hills, Burbank, Calabasas, Encino, North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Toluca Lake, Van Nuys

CENTRAL

SOUT H

Includes Beverly Grove, East Hollywood, Fairfax District, Hancock Park, Hollywood, Koreatown, West Hollywood

Includes Bell, Compton, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Long Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, Watts

$ INEXPENSIVE

(Meals under $10) (Mostly under $20) $ $ $ E X P E N S I V E (Mostly under $30) $ $ $ $ V E R Y E X P E N S I V E ($30 and above) $ $ M O D E R AT E

Price classifications are approximate and based on the cost of a typical main course that serves one. For restaurants primarily offering multicourse family meals, the cost per person of such a meal is used.

2021

Bryant Ng mines his Chinese Singaporean heritage, honors wife Kim’s Vietnamese background, and knows the secrets to making sublimely delicious food that travels well. 1314 7th St. (310-393-6699, cassiala.com, or @dinecassia). Takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery via Doordash, Caviar, ChowNow, Grubhub, Postmates, and Uber Eats. 4-9 p.m. daily. Beer, wine, and cocktails to go.

Colapasta SANTA MONICA

» Italian $$

Fresh, affordable pastas topped with farmers’ market fare shine at this sunny spot. The poppy-seed-sprinkled beet ravioli is delicate and delicious, while the gramigna with pesto and ricotta is hearty and satisfying. 1241 5th St. (310-310-8336, colapasta.restaurant, or @colapasta .restaurant). Takeout and delivery via Grubhub. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Beer and wine to go.

Felix

VENICE » Italian $$

Evan Funke is a pasta purist who can slip Italian lessons into any meal, even if he’s not the one doing all the cooking. His takeaway options include fresh pastas by the pound and sauces like a ragu Bolognese by the pint. Not looking to DIY? There are hot pizzas, antipasti, desserts, and Felix’s famous foccacia, all ready to go (and eat). 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd. (424-3878622, felixla.com, or @felixlosangeles). Takeout and delivery via ChowNow. 4-9:30 p.m. daily. Beer and wine to go.

n/naka PALMS » Japanese $$$$ Niki Nakayama’s acclaimed kaiseki restaurant has long been one of the city’s harder-to-score reservations, so naturally its to-go meals aren’t easy to get ahold of either. But if you do nab some takeout, you’re in for a treat. The $65 California Ekiben bento box is packed with delights highlighting the state’s bounty, like Monterey Bay abalone and Santa Barbara uni. Proceeds benefit the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund. 3455 S. Overland Ave. (310-836-6252, n-naka.com, or @nnakarestaurant). Takeout via Tock.

4-9:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat. Wine, sake, and cocktails to go.

Ospi

VENICE » Italian $$$

Jackson Kalb’s sprawling new Italian joint brings bustle to a corner on an otherwise quiet stretch. Pastas,

A B OV E : CO U RT E SY L ASA ; P I ZZ A : S H E RY N E N AC H AWAT I

JAN

including a spicy rigatoni alla vodka and raschiatelli with a pork rib ragù, are sublime, and most travel remarkably well. Roman-style pizzas boast a uniquely crispy, cracker-thin crust; to get the full crunch, have a slice as you drive your takeout home. 2025 Pacific Ave. (424-443-5007, ospivenice.com, or @ospiveni).

Takeout via Toast. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. daily.

NATALE E T H A I

Pasjoli

C U I S I N E

SANTA MONICA » French $$$$

Dave Beran’s à la carte spot bucks the trends in favor of old-fashioned thrills—even when it comes to takeout. Ready-to-heat bistro suppers feature classic dishes like beef cheek bourguignon and a savory leek tart with blue crab, along with vegetable sides, house-made milk rolls, and, of course, dessert. You can also order à la carte dishes like duck confit with cherry bread pudding and mushroom risotto.

2732 Main St. (424-330-0020 or pasjoli.com).

5-8 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Wine to go.

Pizzana BRENTWOOD

» Italian $$

It’s not easy to make over the local pie joint, but 32-year-old chef Daniele Uditi has reimagined an urban standby with equal parts purism and playfulness, becoming a neighborhood favorite in the process. Most impressive is the open-mindedness that has him deftly transform the Roman pasta dish cacio e pepe into a pizza or putting a hearty short rib ragù on the Pignatiello pie. And in a real twist, appetizers and seasonal salads are not afterthoughts but highlights. The pizzeria is also making its famous, limited-edition sub sandwiches more readily available (check Instagram) and has been offering free meals for doctors and nurses. 11712 San Vicente Blvd.

(310-481-7108, pizzana.com, or @pizzana). Pickup and delivery via ChowNow. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Also at 460 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood (310-657-4662).

Sichuan Impression WEST L.A. » Chinese $$ The Westside spin-off of the Alhambra original serves a selection of dishes intended to be nostalgiainducing for expats of Chengdu, the largest city in China’s Sichuan province. The cooking balances spiciness with subtlety, showcasing a cuisine that tantalizes the tongue while lips go numb. The handmade wontons will make you understand why the dumplings are a crowd fave. 11057 Santa Monica Blvd. (310444-7171, sichuanimpressions.com, or @sichuan _impression_). Pickup and delivery via Postmates.

11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Also at 1900 W. Valley Blvd., Alhambra (626-283-4622).

Vincenti BRENTWOOD

» Italian $$-$$$

Italian food lovers, rejoice. Chef Nicola Mastronardi is still cooking from his regular menu, turning out impeccably tender roasted octopus and crisp fried calamari as well as comforting pastas such as sausagerapini orecchiette. Those with larger appetites can order the Jidori chicken with tomatoes, black olives, and onions or the New York steak with green beans, potatoes, and black truffles. No hugs from owner Maureen Vincenti right now, so air kisses will have to do. 11930 San Vicente Blvd. (310-207-0127, vincentiristorante.com, or @vincentiristorante). Curbside pickup and delivery via Postmates, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. 5-8 p.m.

Mon.-Sat. Beer, wine, and cocktails to go.

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1 MUSHROOM + HUITLACO CHE P B LC T R D E

This fungi number is topped with both ’shrooms and the edible fungus huitlacoche, a delicacy that grows on corn and is popular in Mexican cooking. Chili mascarpone, mozzarella, fontina, basil, pepitas, and aged balsamic vinegar bring it all together. $20, 2917 Main St., Santa Monica, pblctrdepizza.com.

Badmaash HISTORIC CORE

» Indian $$

This Indian gastropub concept comes from the father-and-sons team of Pawan, Nakul, and Arjun Mahendro, who are all well versed in the culinary techniques of East and West. The menu features contemporary mash-ups, like a version of poutine smothered in chicken tikka, tandoori chicken wings, and a spicy lamb burger. If tradition’s your thing, you’ll be comforted by spice-stewed chickpeas, pota-

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SA M PA’ S P I ZZ A

At his fast-casual Westside spot, Marcus Roberto honors his native Brazil with specialty pies like this one with hearts of palm, provolone, mozzarella, and Catupiry—a silky Brazilian cream cheese. $23, 534 Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey, sampaspizza.com.

H A L L O F FA M E 1 9 9 6 - 2 0 2 0

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Ali Haider leans on his Indian heritage for some of his unique pizzas, such as this one featuring San Marzano tomato sauce, saffron tikka masala sauce, tandoori chicken, mango chutney, burrata, paneer, sweet peppers, and cilantro. $15, 8979 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Ste. A, Sun Valley, forpizzaaddictsonly.square.site.

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DOWNTOWN

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L A VO N O O D L E & T H A I C U R RY P I ZZ A

This dual concept opened a NoHo location in a strip mall in 2019 and serves both traditional Thai dishes and pizzas, including this riff on the spicy and sour Thai soup. The sauce is crafted with Thai chiles, lime juice, and lemongrass and spread on a soft, somewhat puffy crust with cheese, chicken, tomatoes, and mushrooms. $11.99, 8236 Coldwater Canyon Ave., North Hollywood, 818-855-1089.

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L A M AG . C O M 77

to and pea samosas, and what they call “good ol’ saag paneer.” Wash it all down with carefully curated, reasonably priced natural wines. 108 W. 2nd St. (213-221-7466, badmaashla.com, or @badmaashla).

Curbside pickup and delivery via Caviar and DoorDash.

5-9 p.m. daily. Beer and wine to go. Also at 418 N. Fairfax Ave., Fairfax District (213-281-5185). 12-9 p.m. daily.

the restaurant opened in 2019—and rightly so—but Colby and chef de cuisine-pastry chef Brad Ray have also been introducing flavors like cookies and cream and pistachio. 4653 Beverly Blvd. (323-510-3093, antico-la.com, or @antico__la). Pickup and delivery via Caviar. 3-8 p.m. Mon.-Tues., 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Wed.-Sun. Wine to go.

Sungold tomatoes, Spanish octopus—in exciting combinations. A curry-Dijonnaise dressing renders a side salad surprisingly memorable. 7100 Santa Monica Blvd., (323-306-4968 or brandoni-pepperoni .com). Pickup only. 4-8 p.m., Thurs.-Tues. Wine to go.

Guerrilla Cafecito ARTS DISTRICT » Breakfast $-$$

A.O.C.

This new breakfast offshoot around the corner from Guerilla Tacos makes a perfectly balanced brekkie burrito that rivals the city’s long-established best.

The caramelized-milk-and-lemon doughnuts are wonderfully not-too-sweet: a doughnut even a non-doughnut lover can love. No wonder they often sell out.

704 Mateo St. (213-375-3300 or guerrillacafecito.com).

8 a.m.-12 p.m. daily.

Unforced and driven by culinary excellence, A.O.C. is a sure thing in uncertain times. Suzanne Goin’s cooking has become indispensable. Carefully constructed salads showcase vegetables at their best, and the roasted chicken with panzanella is both an homage to San Francisco’s Zuni Café and a classic in and of itself. Caroline Styne’s always intriguing wine list doesn’t shy away from the ecology of vineyards.

8700 W. 3rd St. (310-859-9859 or aocwinebar.com).

Pickup and delivery via Toast. 3-8 p.m. daily. Wine to go.

An authentic Oaxacan restaurant located in a former Korean banquet hall has made for a happy jumble for decades. The tlayudas, giant tortillas, are irresistible when spread with asiento, a traditional condiment that could pass for whipped lardo. Thick with pounded almonds, olives, and roasted chiles, the seven different types of moles are a tapestry of interwoven elements. And now, the delightfully authentic flavors can be had at home, thanks to the restaurant’s take-home meal kits. 3014 W. Olympic Blvd.

(213-427-0608, ilovemole.com, or @laguelaguetza).

Takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery via Postmates, DoorDash, Caviar, and Grubhub. 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs.; 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Beer, wine, and cocktails to go.

Lasa CHINATOWN

» Filipino $-$$

Brothers Chase and Chad Valencia are offering a limited menu of some of their favorite dishes, including crispy chicken arroz caldo and Bicol Express—slow-roasted pork shoulder with a spicy coconut cream sauce. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of biodynamic wine to go with your meal. 727 N. Broadway, Ste. 120 (213-443-6163, lasa-la.com, or @lasa_la). Takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery via Toast, Doordash, Caviar, and Postmates. 5-8 p.m. Wed.-Thurs; 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m.

Fri.-Sat.; 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sun. Beer and wine to go.

Pearl River Deli CHINATOWN » Chinese $ Chef Johnny Lee has gained a reputation as a poultry wizard, and his succulent Hainan chicken is a highly sought-after dish. Sadly, he’s serving it only as an occasional weekend special at his tiny Far East Plaza takeout spot. But don’t despair: the ever-changing menu is full of winners, from a pork chop sandwich on a pineapple bun to a beefy, memorable rendition of mapo tofu. 727 N. Broadway, Ste. 130 (626-688-9507, pearl riverdeli.com, or @prd_la). Takeout by calling the restaurant. 11-7 p.m. Wed.-Sun.

Superfine Pizza FASHION DISTRICT

» Pizza $

Get a quick taste of Rossoblu chef Steve Samson’s Italian-food mastery at his casual pizzeria that serves both thin-crust slices and whole pies. The pepperoni always pleases, but the honey—with spicy salami, provolone, and Grana Padano—really thrills. 1101 S. San Pedro St., Ste. F (323-698-5677, superfinepizza.com, or @superfinepizza). Curbside pickup and delivery via the restaurant website, elsewhere via Postmates. 12-9 p.m.

Wed.-Sun.

CENTRAL Angelini Osteria BEVERLY GROVE » Italian $$$ Gino Angelini grew up on his grandma’s lasagna in a town outside the Adriatic city of Rimini and came to Los Angeles to cook with Mauro Vincenti. His extensive to-go offerings are both comforting and refined, from the ever-popular Gino’s meatballs to tagliolini limone to sautéed Maine scallops with riso venere and aged balsamic vinegar. 7313 Beverly Blvd. (323-297-0070, angelinirestaurantgroup.com, or @angeliniosteria). Takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery via Postmates, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Caviar, and DoorDash. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Wine to go.

BEVERLY GROVE » California $$$

Brandoni Pepperoni WEST HOLLYWOOD » Pizza $$ Six nights a week, Brandon Gray turns out some of L.A.’s most exciting pizzas in the back of the WeHo Gateway shopping center. Gray, a veteran of Navy kitchens and top local restaurants like Providence, brings boundless imagination to his pies. They’re topped with premium ingredients—Jidori chicken,

C H E F FAVO R I T E S AKASHA RICHMOND AKASHA

18-PIECE ROLL BOX K-ZO “Everything is super fresh, but I really love the eel and avocado. I’m very picky about avocado, and K-ZO uses great products. And it’s such a good value.” $15, 9240 Culver Blvd., Culver City, k-zo.com.

MARY’S FREERANGE PHO PHORAGE “The minute it gets cold or if I feel run down, I have to have this soup. The broth is really balanced. It fixes me every time. Once, I even had it deliv-

ered to the restaurant!” $11.50, 3300 Overland Ave., Palms, phoragela.com.

TEA-SMOKED DUCK MS CHI CAFE “I love pepper of all kinds, and there’s such great Sichuan pepper flavor in this duck. Plus, it’s smoked with black tea! All the sauces are wonderful, especially the smoked plum sauce! How lucky am I to have chef Shirley Chung as my neighbor?!” $26, 3829 Main St., Culver City, mschicafe.com.

Guelaguetza KOREATOWN » Mexican $-$$

Harold & Belle’s JEFFERSON PARK » Southern Creole $$ For Creole-style food—a mélange of French, African, and Native American flavors—Harold & Belle’s is as close to the Dirty Coast as you’ll come on the West Coast. And the transporting food is now also transportable. The crawfish étouffée in gravy will have you humming zydeco, while the bourbon bread pudding will leave you with a Sazerac-worthy buzz. 2920 W. Jefferson Blvd. (323-735-9023, haroldandbelles.com, or @haroldandbellesrestaurant). Pickup and delivery via Grubhub and Uber Eats. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun.Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

Jon & Vinny’s FAIRFAX DISTRICT

» Italian $$

Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo’s homage to the neighborhood pizza joint is an in-demand reservation that translates well to the comfort of your couch. The Italian American canon is prepared with the signature gusto of their first venture, Animal, but there’s also a more rarely seen delicacy in everything from the chicken parm to meatballs. 412 N. Fairfax Ave. (323-334-3369, jonandvinnys.com, or @jonandvinny delivery). Pickup and delivery via DoorDash.

8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily. Beer and wine to go. Also at 11938 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood (310-442-2733).

République

HANCOCK PARK » Cal-French $$$

Baguette your troubles. Margarita Manzke’s beautiful breads and pastries make for a delicious start to the day. Luxe multicourse takeout dinners, with dishes like uni and lobster pasta and organic rotisserie chicken with farmers’ market vegetables, make for sweet endings. 624 S. La Brea Ave. (310-362-6115 or republiquela.com). Takeout or delivery via Tock. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. daily and 5-6:30 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Wine and cocktails to go.

Ronan

FAIRFAX DISTRICT » Cal-Italian $$

Daniel and Caitlin Cutler’s chic pizzeria retains its funloving spirit with takeout specials like Taco Tuesdays.

Pizzas and other regular offerings, like a cacio e pepe risotto or a French dip calzone inspired by Philippe’s, are always delightful. There are also delicious grocery items, like pie-making kits, loaves of sourdough bread, and cookie dough. 7315 Melrose Ave. (323-917-5100, ronanla.com, or @ronan_la). Curbside pickup and delivery via Caviar, Postmates, and DoorDash. 4-9 p.m. daily. Beer, wine, and cocktails to go.

Antico

LARCHMONT VILLAGE » Italian $-$$

SLAB

Take comfort. Some of the city’s best ice cream is now available to pick up. Chef Chad Colby has converted his East Larchmont Italian restaurant into a takeout spot for foccacia pizzas and ice cream, fashioning a makeshift pizza oven with the plancha top that used to sit on the restaurant’s hearth. The ice cream has a wonderfully smooth texture, and the flavors are spot on. The honeycomb has garnered a lot of praise since

It began as Trudy’s Underground Barbecue, homegrown in the backyard of pitmaster Burt Bakman.

Hungry diners would line up in the driveway of Bakman’s then Studio City home, desperate for a taste of his famous smoked barbecue meats. In 2018, Bakman came up from the underground, opening a sleek storefront that’s now filling orders for down-home fare to

78 L A M AG . C O M

» Barbecue $$

DY L A N + J E N I

BEVERLY GROVE

be enjoyed at home, from perfectly marbled brisket and slathered baby back ribs to pulled-pork sandwiches and collard greens. You can even get a sixpack of Bud Light. 8136 W. 3rd. St. (310-855-7184, slabbarbecue.com, or @slab). Takeout and delivery via Postmates. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Beer and wine to go.

EAST All Time LOS FELIZ » California $$ Tyler and Ashley Wells’s cozy bungalow café has long been a local gem, but it’s really something now. In addition to faves like the superb breakfast sandwich and the salmon bowl, it is offering grocery survival kits packed with tasty necessities, pasta kits with house-made tomato sauce, bake-at-home lasagna and pot pies, and much more. The Wellses have also been offering a limited number of free boxes of market produce for those in need. 2040 Hillhurst Ave. (323-660-3868, alltimelosangeles.com, or @freakinalltime). Takeout and delivery via Toast.

9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Wine to go.

Hippo HIGHLAND PARK

» Cal-Italian $$

Hidden in a wood-trussed dining room behind Triple Beam Pizza, this Cal-Ital restaurant from Mozza vet Matt Molina balances casual and refined. Many favorites from the eat-in menu are available for takeout and delivery, including a salad of snappy wax beans sluiced with vinaigrette and fettucine with heritage pork ragù. Keep an eye on Instagram for fun specials like pickle-brined buttermilk fried chicken and custom cocktails, where bartenders shake something up for you based on your favorite spirit, preference for shaken or stirred, and one word of inspiration. 5916 ½

N. Figueroa St. (323-545-3536, hipporestaurant.com, or @hippohighland park). Pickup and delivery via Caviar and DoorDash. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily; 5-9 p.m.

Mon.-Sat., and 4-8 p.m. Sun. Wine and cocktails to go.

Maury’s Bagels SILVER LAKE » Bagels $ East Coast transplant Jason Kaplan spent a decade in L.A. before deciding he had to take matters into his own hands if he wanted a great bagel in this town.

He started out as a pop-up at farmers’ markets and coffee shops, but his appropriately modestly sized, delightfully chewy bagels now have a brick-and-mortar location on a quiet, charming Eastside corner next door to Psychic Wines. Maury’s is currently not making sandwiches, but you can grab its excellent whole bagels, cream cheeses, and smoked fish to make your own at home. 2829 Bellevue Ave. (323- 3809380, maurysbagels.com, or @maurys_losangeles).

Takeout and delivery via Caviar and ChowNow. 7 a.m.- 2 p.m. Tues-Fri., 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.-Sun.

Northern Thai Food Club EAST HOLLYWOOD » Thai $ Offering specialty dishes unique to Northern Thailand, this family-run favorite doesn’t skimp on flavor, spice, or authenticity. Tasty takeout meals include the khao soi gai (curry egg noodle with chicken), larb moo kua (minced pork), tum kha noon (jackfruit salad), pla salid tod (fried gourami fish). For those unfamiliar with the region’s distinct cuisine, the illustrious sticky rice is still a staple.

Need more incentive? Everything on the menu is less than $10. 5301 Sunset Blvd. (323-474-7212 or amphainorthernthaifood.com). Takeout and delivery via the restaurant’s website. 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily.

tions with local businesses. Various provisions, like pickled rose geranium onions, are on sale to help jazz up your home cooking. 2801 Beverly Blvd.

(213-908-5313, porridgeandpuffs.com, or @porridgeandpuffs). Takeout via Square Up. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

Spoon & Pork SILVER LAKE » Filipino $$ The go-to for Filipino comfort food offers a variety of dishes, all featuring one shared ingredient: deliciousness. Spoon & Pork puts an innovative spin on some Filipino favorites—just try its adobo pork belly, pork belly banh mi, or lechon kawali. The dishes elegantly mix decadence with some authentic soul.

3131 W. Sunset Blvd. (323-922-6061, spoonandpork .com, or @spoonandporkla). Takeout via the restaurant website. 12-7 p.m. Tue.-Sun.

Tsubaki ECHO PARK

Union PASADENA

Porridge + Puffs HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN

» Pan-Asian $

Minh Phan’s beloved restaurant is still cooking up porridge and puffs, along with various collabora-

» Japanese $$

The popular izakaya has modified its menu to include to-go-friendly options like bento boxes with charcoal-grilled ocean trout and Jidori chicken accompanied by miso soup, daikon pickles, green-bean goma-ae, and root vegetable kinpira.

There are also fried pork dumplings and a fried chicken sandwich—perfect home-drinking food.

The restaurant is offering a virtual sake school, highlighting a particular sake with tasting notes and videos via Instagram Stories. 1356 Allison Ave. (213-900-4900, tsubakila.com, or @tsubakila).

Takeout and delivery via Tock. 5-9 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Sake to go.

» Italian $$$

The food shines at this cozy trattoria just off Pasadena’s main drag. Chef Chris Keyser, an acolyte of Philadelphia pasta maestro Marc Vetri, joined in 2019, keeping classics, like a great cacio e pepe, on

L A M AG . C O M 79

the menu while adding his own dishes, such as a thrilling crispy octopus appetizer. Most of the eat-in menu is available to go, and family-style meals for four are also available. The pastas all impress, but don’t miss the wild mushrooms and polenta with a sublimely delicious sherry vinegar and truffle butter sauce. 37 E. Union St. (626-795-5841, unionpasadena .com, or @unionpasadena). Curbside pickup and delivery via Toast and Postmates. 5-9 p.m. daily. Wine to go.

THE VALLEY Black Market Liquor Bar STUDIO CITY » New American $$ Most nights it seemed half the Valley was here, huddled at the bar. Sure the world has changed, but you can take comfort in still being able to enjoy Top Chef graduate Antonia Lofaso’s crowd favorites—meatballs, crispy spring rolls, and sticky toffee pudding. The market is also selling fresh pasta and handmade sauces.

Popular cocktails like the jalapeño-infused, vodkabased Red Hot & Bothered have been bottled for home use. 11915 Ventura Blvd. (818-446-2533, blackmarketliquorbar.com, or @blackmarketliquorbar).

Takeout and delivery via Caviar, Grubhub, Postmates, and Seamless. 3-9:30 p.m. daily. Cocktails to go.

The Brothers Sushi WOODLAND HILLS » Sushi $$$ At least there’s still sushi, and at this hidden gem, which was reinvigorated when chef Mark Okuda took the helm in 2018, the fare is really great. Keep spirits up with the Handroll Party home kits, or splurge on omakase to go. You can also order à la carte or get non-sushi items like soy-glazed grilled chicken. 21418 Ventura Blvd. (818-456-4509, thebrotherssushi.com, or @thebrotherssushila). Curbside pickup and delivery

by calling the restaurant. 12-2 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tue.-Sun. Beer, wine, and sake to go.

Takeout and delivery via DoorDash and ChowNow. 2-8 p.m. daily. Beer and wine to go.

Hank’s

Gabi James

BURBANK

» Bagels $

REDONDO BEACH

The L.A. bagel revolution continues as this stylish new spot in the Valley serves up carefully constructed sandwiches. Tomato, aioli, and maple-glazed bacon elevate a simple bacon, egg, and cheese, while a classic cured salmon sandwich has thoughtful touches like salted cucumbers and pickled onions. The bagels shine with plain cream cheese, but it’s worth grabbing a tub of Hank’s “angry” spread—a spicy, slighly sweet concoction—to have in your fridge. 4315 Riverside Dr. (hanksbagels.com or @hanks bagels). Takeout and delivery via Toast. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Tues.-Sun.

SOUTH The Arthur J MANHATTAN BEACH

» Spanish $$$

Mozza alum Chris Feldmeier has revamped his traditional tapas menu to offer a selection of family meals, along with discounted beer, wine, and cocktails—even gin-and-juice Jell-O shots. Meals are designed to fit a range of tastes and include a starter, main dish, and dessert. Feldmeier has even given them cute names like the Netflix & Grill, which comprises an arugula salad appetizer, two skirt steaks, filet mignon, french fries, and two chocolate bread puddings to feed four to five people for $125. Extra desserts can be ordered à la carte. 1810 S. Catalina Ave. (310-540-4884, gabijamesla .com, or @gabijamesla). Curbside pickup and delivery via DoorDash. 12-8 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat.Sun. Beer, wine, and cocktails to go.

Hotville

BALDWIN HILLS CRENSHAW » Fried chicken $

» Steak House $$$

David LeFevre’s take on the American steak house is so midcentury plush, it’ll definitely be worth a visit to splurge after the quarantine ends to celebrate being able to leave your house again. For now, you will have to settle for sampling his culinary creations in the comfort of your own home. Whether that means ordering a top-grade Japanese Wagyu steak (4 ounces) for $60 or a petite New York steak for $38, wet-aged and darkened on the grill, for takeout or delivery is up to you. The overhauled menu no longer includes seafood dishes (except a daily special), but more casual options like fried chicken, pastas, and burgers are now on offer. Plus, the eatery is serving lunch in addition to dinner, and you can order raw cuts from its butcher shop (for pickup only). 903 Manhattan Ave. (310-878-9620, thearthurj.com, or @the_arthurj).

slaw, and lemon pound cake and banana pudding for dessert. 4070 Marlton Ave. (323-792-4835, hotville chicken.com, or @hotvillechicken). Takeout and delivery via Postmates. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tue.-Sun.

» WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS. PLEASE EMAIL US AT LETTERS@LAMAG.COM.

MARKETPLACE

PROMOTION

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Kim Prince has fried chicken in her blood. She is the niece of André Prince Jeffries, owner of Nashville legend Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, where hot fried chicken is said to have originated. If you are craving what Prince calls her “fiery fowl, brined to burn,” you’re in luck. The restaurant is still operating for takeout only. And the full menu is available, including sides ($5 and up) like spicy mac and cheese and kale cole-

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2021 LOS ANGELES

FIVE STAR AWARD WINNERS These days, it takes a village to manage your financial world. Whether it is managing your assets with a wealth manager, navigating the ever-changing tax landscape, sorting out your estate and succession planning or picking the right life insurance, finding the right team can be a daunting task. In fact, many consumers have a hard time figuring out where to even begin.

Sometimes, a few simple questions can put you off on the right path. Asking a professional what makes working with them a unique experience can help you understand how they work and if their style meshes with your own.

This is a great place to start! Five Star Professional uses its own proprietary research methodology to name outstanding professionals, then works with publications such as Los Angeles magazine to spread the word about award winners. Each award candidate undergoes a thorough research process (detailed here) before being considered for the final list of award winners. For the complete list of winners, go to www.fivestarprofessional.com.

RESEARCH DISCLOSURES In order to consider a broad population of high-quality wealth managers, award candidates are identified by one of three sources: firm nomination, peer nomination or prequalification based on industry standing. Self-nominations are not accepted. Los Angeles-area award candidates were identified using internal and external research data. Candidates do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final lists of Five Star Wealth Managers.

• The Five Star award is not indicative of a professional’s future performance.

• Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets.

• The inclusion of a professional on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the professional by Five Star Professional or Los Angeles magazine.

• Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any professional is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected professionals will be awarded this accomplishment

by Five Star Professional in the future.

• Five Star Professional is not an advisory firm and the content of this article should not be considered financial advice. For more information on the Five Star Wealth Manager award program, research and selection criteria, go to fivestarprofessional.com/research.

• 3,574 award candidates in the Los Angeles-area were considered for the Five Star Wealth Manager award. 168 (approximately 5% of the award candidates) were named 2021 Five Star Wealth Managers.

FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER

DETERMINATION OF AWARD WINNERS CRITERIA

Award candidates who satisfied 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers. Eligibility Criteria – Required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative. 2. Actively employed as a credentialed professional in the financial services industry for a minimum of five years. 3.

Favorable regulatory and complaint history review. 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal firm standards. 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation Criteria – Considered: 6. One-year client retention rate. 7. Five-year client retention rate. 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered. 9. Number of client households served. 10.

Education and professional designations.

Regulatory Review: As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not: been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; been convicted of a felony. Within the past 11 years the wealth manager has not: been terminated from a wealth management or financial services firm; filed for personal bankruptcy; had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them (and no more than five total pending, dismissed or denied) with any regulatory authority.

Five Star Professional conducts a regulatory review of each nominated wealth manager using the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website. Five Star Professional also uses multiple supporting processes to help ensure that a favorable regulatory and complaint history exists. Data submitted through these processes was applied per the above criteria; each wealth manager who passes the Five Star Professional regulatory review must attest that they meet the definition of favorable regulatory history based upon the criteria listed above. Five Star Professional promotes via local advertising the opportunity for consumers to confidentially submit complaints regarding a wealth manager.

All award winners are listed in this publication.

Financial Planning Roberta Bautista Armijo · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Percy E. Bolton · Percy E. Bolton Associates, Inc. James A. Christiansen · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Christian Raul Cordoba · California Retirement Advisors Bob Frank Farmer · Comprehensive Wealth Management

Adam Scot Goldstein · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Alejandro G. Lewin · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Donald J. Harrington · MML Investors Services

David Paul Lindstedt · Wells Fargo Advisors

Jill H. Kasen · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Jennifer Han Malek · JHM Wealth Management

Jean D. Koehler · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Page 2

Trevor R. Randall · Randall Wealth Management Group

Arthur D. Kraus · Capital Intelligence Associates

Jonathan Franklin Rowsey · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Mitchell Simon Kraus · Capital Intelligence Associates

Joe Alan Seetoo · Morton Capital

Jeffrey J. Westheimer · Lido Advisors

Matthew David Heller · Willner Heller

Kevin R. Whitten · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Greg Paul Kushner · Lido Advisors

Kyle Joseph Whitten · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Josh Kenneth Oder · Oder Investment Management

Investments

Sheryl O’Donnell · Morgan Stanley Page 2

Yuji Chao · Unionbanc Investment Services Page 2 Thomas Edward Connaghan · Kayne Anderson Rudnick Jeramy Heath · Morgan Stanley

Evan Robert Levy · Lido Advisors

James Thomas O’Grady · Braemar Wealth Management Richard J. Ryan · Morgan Stanley Page 2 Continued on FS-3

LEARN MORE AT FIVESTARPROFESSIONAL.COM — FS-1

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WEALTH MANAGERS Jean D. Koehler

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CLTC®, CRPC®, RICP®, Financial Advisor, DRE 0C96997

Vice President, Financial Advisor

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With a planning-based approach, I work closely with you to help: • Customize an investment plan based on your unique financial goals • Adjust your investment plan to accommodate life events and changes • Simplify the process and help you understand your options I’m fluent in Japanese and English, and I look forward to partnering with you.

UnionBanc Investment Services LLC is an SEC-registered broker-dealer, investment adviser, member FINRA/SIPC, and subsidiary of MUFG Union Bank, N.A.

Ameriprise Financial, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with a tax advisor or attorney. Investors should conduct their own evaluation of a financial professional as working with a financial advisor is not a guarantee of future financial success. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, Member FINRA and SIPC.

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Senior Portfolio Manager, Financial Advisor

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©2021 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 3273507 10/20.

I help clients build and retain wealth through customized investment solutions. Whether it’s asset accumulation, retirement distribution, income • Comprehensive plans or passing wealth to charities and loved ones, there is a strategy and Wealth solution for you. I am a 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018 – 2021 Wealth Manager.

Management Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. Insurance Lic. 0B98676, NMLS 1252906. ©2021 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC3293616 10/20.

FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER AWARD WINNER

FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER AWARD WINNER

Markets change. With 40 years of experience, I can be your guide through the investing jungle.

My job is to help you optimize the return on your assets in a way designed to help you meet your goals while seeking to minimize the risks involved. My clients seek my assistance to do just that.

I am a 2013 – 2021 Five Star Wealth Manager award winner.

When you decide to hire a wealth manager, feel confident knowing that their services will be handson and inclusive, fitting to your specific needs.

The Five Star Wealth Manager award, administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC (dba Five Star Professional), is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. Award does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. Once awarded, wealth managers may purchase additional profile ad space or promotional products. The Five Star award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their client’s assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by Five Star Professional or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future. For more information on the Five Star award and the research/selection methodology, go to fivestarprofessional.com. 3,574 Los Angeles-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 168 (5% of candidates) were named 2021 Five Star Wealth Managers. 2020: 3,527 considered, 158 winners; 2019: 3,528 considered, 154 winners; 2018: 2,708 considered, 154 winners; 2017: 2,351 considered, 287 winners; 2016: 2,374 considered, 298 winners; 2015: 3,105 considered, 327 winners; 2014: 6,088 considered, 340 winners; 2013: 3,488 considered, 372 winners; 2012: 1,019 considered, 176 winners.

FS-2 — LEARN MORE AT FIVESTARPROFESSIONAL.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Â&#x2026;É&#x2013;ȸ Č&#x2019;É&#x2013;É&#x17D;É&#x20AC;É&#x17D;Ć?Č&#x2021;ƳǣČ&#x2021;Ç&#x2022; É&#x17D;ĆşĆ?Č&#x2026; Č&#x2019;Ç&#x201D; ȾȸČ&#x2019;Ç&#x201D;ĆşÉ&#x20AC;É&#x20AC;ÇŁČ&#x2019;Č&#x2021;Ć?ÇźÉ&#x20AC;â&#x20AC;ŤŮ&#x160;â&#x20AC;Ź Standing left to right: Carlos Reyes (323) 535-5872 DRE# 01994203 | Vera Nelson (626) 298-3025 DRE#01333471 | Cameron Nadler (808) 722-9927 DRE# 02111656 | Alexi Buzi (626) 381-8866 DRE# 02111656 Seated left to right: Nicholas van Hoff (415) 317-2933 DRE# 02111523 | Barbara Richardson King (626) 319-0315 DRE# 00903286 | Wanda San Juan (626) 488-6818 DRE# 01917153 | Kelly Reid (404) 989-6913 DRE# 02117676

STANDING OUT IN THE NEW LUXURY MARKET

LILIAN HAIRABEDIAN Estates Agent M: 626 497 4414

ANDY HAIRABEDIAN Residential & Commercial M: 626 318 0907

SOPHIA KELLEY Estates Agent M: 818 235 6623

Lic# 02045198

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WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! Even during such unprecedented times, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to support and navigate the purchase or sale of your next home.

ANDY HAIRABEDIAN The Hairabedian Group 626 318 0907 DRE 0190014

A PERFECT COEXISTENCE OF NATURE AND ARCHITECTURE BEVERLY HILLS, CA Gardenhouse | 8600 Wilshire Boulevard 16 Custom Residences 2,096–3,096 SQ FT $3,288,000–$5,880,000

Don Heller don.heller@compass.com 310.466.7809 DRE 1198240

A COASTAL ESTATE UNLIKE ANY OTHER PACIFIC PALISADES, CA 14930 Corona Del Mar 10 Bed 10 Full Bath 4 Half Bath 11,943 SQ FT $34,000,000

95% 65

W I N P E RC E N TAG E R AT E O N M U LT I P L E OFFER SCENARIOS

MILLIONS OF DOLL ARS IN RESIDENTIAL REAL E STAT E VO LU M E

AV E R AG E B U Y E R

10

CREDIT IN THOUSANDS OF DOLL ARS

TO P P E RC E N TAG E

5

RANKED OF ALL ! 2 / Ă&#x203A; ! 2 # ! ; Ă&#x2013;

This all starâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got game.

The best buyers representation in LA. MARC HERNANDEZ LU X U RY R E A L E STAT E AG E N T 3 1 0 .9 93 . 8 7 3 0 @T H E M A RC H E R N A N D E Z DRE 00882850 Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational ltoldpOp db_| BbM Wp KdalW_OM Toda pdtoKOp MOOaOM oO_WBJ_O Jts VBp bds JOOb yOoWÂ OMĂ VBbUOp Wb loWKOĂ&#x203A; KdbMWsWdbĂ&#x203A; pB_O do zWsVMoBzB_ aB| JO aBMO zWsVdts bdsWKOĂ !d psBsOaObs Wp aBMO Bp sd BKKtoBK| of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate *National Association of Realtors. based on GCI.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

AUDREY JUDSON Strand Hill Properties – Christie’s International Real Estate

Audrey Judson has lived in Manhattan Beach since she graduated from USC with a degree in mechanical LUNPULLYPUN [OYLL KLJHKLZ HNV (M[LY ^VYRPUN PU [OL ÄLSK of aerospace for a few years, she obtained her real estate license to learn more about the real estate industry. It wasn’t long before she realized her true passion was helping others achieve a piece of the American dream— home ownership.

“I’m so grateful to be surrounded by friends and family in a wonderful community that values education, mentorship, and a healthy planet. The South Bay is a beautiful place to live—with clean beaches, great schools, and a relaxed hometown atmosphere. I enjoy working with people and sharing my knowledge and my love of real estate and of the South Bay.”

Audrey Judson 1300 Highland Avenue Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310.902.3234 AudreyJudson.com homes@audreyjudson.com Realtor DRE# 872303 L A M AG . C O M 89

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CASEY MARKOVIC Compass

Casey Markovic learned from a very early age how important the phrase “location, location, location” was.

His parents moved from back east to Los Angeles, just before he was born. “My folks didn’t want me growing up in frozen winters; they wanted me to grow up with palm trees.” A proud Los Angeles native, Casey took a keen eye to the beautiful surroundings the city has to offer. “I was fascinated by Hollywood Boulevard growing up, seeing the stars, and then being able to jump in the ocean in a matter of 30 minutes. This is the only place on the planet where this is possible.” It’s simply a formality to transition into being a part of the developing LA landscape. Trading property, as well as being part of the creative and development stages, is what makes Casey go. “I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to participate in history, even at such a tiny scale. My partners and clients put their trust in me to craft their own story, ^OL[OLY P[ IL I\`PUN [OLPY ÄYZ[ OVTL ZLSSPUN H ZLU[PTLU[HS family home, or bringing me on to be a part of developing and building their dream home, all in the city of Angels. I cherish the opportunities.”

Casey is an honest, straight forward agent that is committed to integrity. His high knowledge about the complexities of the many different neighborhoods LA has to offer is what separates him from the pack. Continuing his highly successful career at Compass in Beverly Hills, Casey is surely leaving his mark, with a trajectory aiming sky high.

Casey Markovic 9454 Wilshire Boulevard, Ground Floor Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310.488.9627 caseymarkovic.com caseyjmarkovic@gmail.com DRE# 01955343 9 0 L A M AG . C O M

PRESENTED BY

FLORENCE MATTAR

MODERN ARCHITECTURAL JEWEL 201 Bentley Circle | Los Angeles | $8,900,000 Welcome to one of Richard Neutra’s magnificent achievements. Behind the gated driveway, this home sits on over half an acre with Pacific Ocean views. The home has been updated throughout.

There are four bedrooms, five and one-half baths, a family room and a dining area off the living room. The kitchen and living room open to a large pool. Maids quarters and ample parking complete this masterpiece!

F L O R E N C E M AT T A R

310.927.2777 estates@florencemattar.com BeverlyHillsPalace.com CalRE #00777136

INTRODUCING THE LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE DIGITAL STUDIO

Los Angeles magazine offers a full suite of performance-based digital advertising services to help your business: • • • U

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20 21 THE LIST

Arcadia Fred Ashker DRE# 925837 RE/MAX Premier Properties 818-681-4975 Fred@FredAshkar.com Tim Cragoe DRE# 1119101 Coldwell Banker Realty 626-533-1881 tim.cragoe@camoves.com Imy Dulake DRE# 987845 Coldwell Banker Realty 626-664-1280 imydulakerealestate@ gmail.com 92 L A M AG . C O M

Dean Griffith DRE# 1452542 Coldwell Banker Realty 626-664-9163 deangriffith@ coldwellbanker.com Alpha Liu DRE# 1906983 Coldwell Banker Realty 818-321-0123 alpha.t.liu@gmail.com Sharon Liu DRE# 1720175 RE/MAX Premier Properties 626-758-0937 sharonliu.remax@gmail. com Matt Ly DRE# 1441481 Coldwell Banker Realty 626-821-1216 matt.ly@cbcnrt.com Ash Rizk DRE# 1503342 Coldwell Banker Realty 626-393-5695 arizk@coldwellbanker. com Beverly Hills Tanya “Bete” Agonafer DRE# 1355091 Keller Williams Beverly Hills 310-721-7006 bete@beteagonafer.com

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Jonathan Butler DRE# 1883938 Douglas Elliman 424-202-3200 Jon.Butler@elliman.com

Justin Alexander DRE# 1733939 Compass 970-710-1665 justin.alexander@ compass.com

Ben Bellet DRE# 881239 Keller Williams Beverly Hills 310-367-2288 benbellet@aol.com

Antony Arkel DRE# 1316547 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 310-275-7778 aaa@antonyarkel.com

Fred Bernstein DRE# 1476689 Westside Estate Agency 310-701-3733 fjb@weahomes.com

Eitan Constine DRE# 1927991 Compass 310-963-1648 eitan.constine@compass. com

Stacey Babbitt DRE# 1035847 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-804-6027 staceybabbitt@gmail.com

Lori Berris DRE# 962605 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-880-3061 Lori.Berris@ Sothebyshomes.com

Jacob Dadon DRE# 1970038 The Agency 818-264-8780 jacob.dadon@ theagencyre.com

Neal Baddin DRE# 759349 Coldwell Banker Realty 323-793-7405 neal@nealbaddin.com Daniel Beder DRE# 644137 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-213-7835 Dan.Beder@ Sothebyshomes.com Ben Belack DRE# 1900787 The Agency 310-497-6789 bbelack@theagencyre. com

Kevin Booker DRE# 1869691 Westside Estate Agency 310-271-7336 kdb@weahomes.com

Ron de Salvo DRE# 576209 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-560-9388 ron@rondesalvo.com

Danny Brown DRE# 1335192 Compass 310-901-7405 dbrown@compass.com

Daniel Dill DRE# 1924087 Westside Estate Agency 310-422-8280 dd@weahomes.com

Alexandria Brunkhorst DRE# 1457282 The Agency 310-251-7721 abrunkhorst@ theagencyre.com

Michael Druker DRE# 2023164 The Agency 424-230-7621 michael.druker@ theagencyre.com

Alex Duk DRE# 1750024 Harcourts Beverly Hills 310-990-5400 alex.duk@harcourtsusa. com Jill Epstein DRE# 472171 Nourmand & Associates 310-779-9513 jill@jillepsteinre.com Richard Erlich DRE# 1267136 Westside Estate Agency 310-968-8881 re@weahomes.com Bjorn Farrugia DRE# 1864250 Hilton & Hyland 310-998-7175 bjorn@bjornfarrugia.com Judy Feder DRE# 1250325 Hilton & Hyland 310-890-0033 Judy@jfeder.com Drew Fenton DRE# 1317962 Hilton & Hyland 310-858-5474 drew@drewfenton.com Tania Ferris DRE# 664167 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-713-8234 taniaferris68@aol.com

David Findley DRE# 641180 The Agency 424-285-8738 david.findley@ theagencyre.com

Mark Goldsmith DRE# 1031230 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-200-6697 mark.goldsmith42@gmail. com

Marci Holliday DRE# 1022615 Compass 310-418-3179 marci.holliday@compass. com

Ben Lee DRE# 1808926 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-704-6580 ben@benleeproperties. com

Myra Nourmand DRE# 983509 Nourmand & Associates 310-888-3333 myranourmand@ nourmand.com

Edward Fitz DRE# 1023092 The Agency 424-230-3757 efitz@theagencyre.com

Zach Goldsmith DRE# 1454329 Hilton & Hyland 310-908-6860 zach@hiltonhyland.com

Ron Holliman DRE# 1161952 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-270-6682 rghbh@yahoo.com

Scott Gorelick DRE# 1876674 Compass 310-600-2511 gorelick@compass.com Zachary Grakal

Michael Nourmand DRE# 1281017 Nourmand & Associates 310-666-3294 mnourmand@nourmand. com

Brendan Fitzpatrick DRE# 1791703 Douglas Elliman 310-850-5618 brendan.fitzpatrick@ elliman.com

Tab Howard DRE# 1823733 Douglas Elliman 310-346-3500 tab.howard@elliman.com

Litta Lee DRE# 1094655 Coldwell Banker Realty 213-595-2455 info@littaleerealestate. com

Joshua Flagg DRE# 1470467 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 310-750-8040 josh@joshflagg.com

DRE# 1366301 Keller Williams Beverly Hills 310-770-1124 realestateguy247@yahoo. com

Claudia Flores DRE# 1886205 Keller Williams Beverly Hills 818-618-8706 floresventures@gmail. com Patrick Fogarty DRE# 1992295 Hilton & Hyland 310-779-2415 patrick@hiltonhyland.com Steve Frankel DRE# 1195571 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-508-5008 steve.frankel@camoves. com Jason Froehlich DRE# 1009977 Douglas Elliman 310-266-9585 jason.froehlich@elliman. com Chris Furie DRE# 1004991 Insignia Mortgage 310-989-8824 chris@insigniamortgage. com Carl Gambino DRE# 1971890 Compass 646-465-1766 carl.gambino@compass. com Tim Gavin DRE# 1997312 Keller Williams Beverly Hills 310-619-0971 tim@sgrouprei.com Damon Germanides DRE# 1794261 Insignia Mortgage 310-859-0488 Damon@ insigniamortgage.com Ginger Glass DRE# 1478465 Compass 310-927-9307 ginger@gingerglass.com Gary Gold DRE# 813554 Hilton & Hyland 310-741-0505 gary@soldbygold.net

Jon Grauman DRE# 1469825 The Agency 310-403-6477 jgrauman@theagencyre. com David Gray DRE# 871870 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-770-0221 tomorourke@bhhscal.com Josh Greer DRE# 1732418 Hilton & Hyland 310-717-3700 Josh@JoshuaTGreer.com Mark Gruskin DRE# 1324387 Westside Estate Agency 310-924-5769 mg@weahomes.com Lindsay Guttman DRE# 1901278 The Agency 424-400-5914 lguttman@theagencyre. com James Hancock DRE# 946077 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-770-6351 james@jameshancock. com Donovan Healey DRE# 1887933 Hilton & Hyland 310-903-1876 donovan@hiltonhyland. com James Heckenberg DRE# 1910100 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 310-650-1116 JimmyHeck@HRGestates. com Richard Hilton DRE# 904327 Hilton & Hyland 310-278-3311 rick@hiltonhyland.com Bennett Hirsch DRE# 2028724 The Agency 310-593-1902 bhirsch@theagencyre. com

Robert Howell DRE# 1229400 Keller Williams Beverly Hills 310-729-2807 robertehowell@kw.com Justin Huchel DRE# 1375793 Hilton & Hyland 310-617-4824 justin@hiltonhyland.com Jeff Hyland DRE# 389584 Hilton & Hyland 310-278-3311 jeff@hiltonhyland.com John Iglar DRE# 1803457 Douglas Elliman 310-740-5090 john.iglar@elliman.com Jerry Jaffe DRE# 1326486 Compass 310-403-4925 jerry.jaffe@compass.com Aaron Kirman DRE# 1296524 Compass 310-994-9512 aaron@aaronkirman.com Mark Kitching DRE# 1742148 Douglas Elliman 310-902-0221 mark.kitching@elliman. com Leah Lail DRE# 1400267 Compass 310-849-9596 leah@leahlail.com

Jordana Leigh DRE# 1239166 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 310-383-1701 jordana769@gmail.com Michael Libow DRE# 863172 Compass 310-691-7889 michael.libow@compass. com Maya Librush DRE# 1932610 The Agency 818-201-5226 maya.librush@ theagencyre.com Dena Luciano DRE# 1827352 Douglas Elliman 310-595-3888 dena.luciano@elliman. com Danny Mahelka DRE# 1170359 Coldwell Banker Realty 213-359-4097 Danny@LASold.net Rochelle Maize DRE# 1365331 Nourmand & Associates 310-968-8828 rochelle@rochellemaize. com Aouri Makhlouf DRE# 1824431 Hilton & Hyland 310-927-1046 aouri@hiltonhyland.com Justin Mandile DRE# 1507705 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-860-4509 j.mandile@ sothebyshomes.com

Brett Lawyer DRE# 897489 Hilton & Hyland 310-858-5402 brett@brettlawyer.com Charles Le DRE# 1261943 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-622-3663 Charles@charleshle.com

DRE# 00777136 Coldwell Banker Global Luxury 310 N. Canon Dr., Suite E Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310.927.2777 BeverlyHillsPalace.com estates@ FlorenceMattar.com

Paul Margolis DRE# 1915731 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 310-413-5955 paul@pmluxuryhomes. com Linda May DRE# 475038 Hilton & Hyland 310-435-5932 Linda@LindaMay.com Roza Mehdizadeh DRE# 1236403 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-273-3113 rozam@coldwellbanker. com David Melaugh DRE# 1862538 The Agency 424-259-4777 dmelaugh@theagencyre. com Jade Mills DRE# 526877 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-285-7508 homes@jademills.com Greg Moore DRE# 1231880 Keller Williams Beverly Hills 310-308-8191 luxhousela@yahoo.com Josh Myler DRE# 1443547 The Agency 323-333-0301 jmyler@theagencyre.com

Alphonso Lascano DRE# 1723550 Hilton & Hyland 818-800-8848 alphonsolascano@gmail. com Eric Lavey DRE# 1511292 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-908-6800 el@sir.com

Florence Mattar

Casey Markovic DRE# 1955343 Compass 9454 Wilshire Blvd., Ground Floor Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310.488.9627 caseymarkovic.com caseyjmarkovic@ gmail.com

Jonathan Nash DRE# 1943888 Hilton & Hyland 424-230-6088 jonathan@hiltonhyland. com Jill Nelsen DRE# 2050427 The Agency 805-453-6143 jill.nelsen@theagencyre. com Max Nelson DRE# 1409958 Compass 323-578-5221 max.nelson@compass. com

Tom O’Rourke DRE# 931753 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-770-0221 tomorourke@bhhscal.com Bachir Oueida DRE# 936311 Douglas Elliman 310-722-7727 bachir.oueida@elliman. com Mick Partridge DRE# 2015130 Hilton & Hyland 310-990-6425 Mick@hiltonhyland.com Barry Peele DRE# 1092290 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-754-5238 barrypeele@barrypeele. com Bryce Pennel DRE# 2009053 Compass 310-367-1680 bryce@brycepennel.com Adi Perez DRE# 1963659 The Agency 347-238-7622 adi@theagencyre.com Roger Perry DRE# 1882885 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 310-600-1553 rperry@rogerperry.com Ethan Peskowitz DRE# 1915905 Westside Estate Agency 646-327-2399 ep@weahomes.com Kurt Rappaport DRE# 1036061 Westside Estate Agency 310-995-3214 kr@weahomes.com Stephen Resnick DRE# 1241282 Hilton & Hyland 310-210-5048 stephen@sresnick.com Chad Rogers DRE# 1204144 Hilton & Hyland 310-278-3311 chad@chadrogers.tv Billy Rose DRE# 1302611 The Agency 310-650-2999 brose@theagencyre.com Adam Rosenfeld DRE# 1918229 Compass 310-595-5915 adam.rosenfeld@ compass.com L A M AG . C O M 93

20 21

Allen Roth DRE# 1980728 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-387-7087 allen.roth@ sothebyshomes.com Jonathan Ruiz DRE# 1886713 The Agency 310-850-7849 jr@theagencyre.com

Michael Sahakian DRE# 876770 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-285-7524 Michael@ MichaelSahakian.com Ben Salem DRE# 1367073 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 310-765-3020 Ben@bensalemproperties. com Nick Sandler DRE# 2003365 The Agency 310-924-5275 Nick.sandler@ Theagencyre.com Aitan Segal DRE# 1423997 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-739-1561 aitansegal@gmail.com Naomi Selick DRE# 1908101 Douglas Elliman 213-280-9120 naomi.selick@elliman.com Stephen Shapiro DRE# 1257836 Westside Estate Agency 310-991-6115 ss@weahomes.com Bill Simpson DRE# 1176003 Hilton & Hyland 310-994-0455 bsimpson@hiltonhyland. com Susan Smith DRE# 1187140 Hilton & Hyland 310-492-0733 susan@susansmithrealty. com Baron Steinbrecher DRE# 1913710 The Agency 310-849-7933 Baron@theagencyre.com 94 L A M AG . C O M

Leah Steuer DRE# 771256 Compass 310-729-3999 leah.steuer@compass. com Daniel Stevenson DRE# 1981172 The Agency 424-271-3344 dstevenson@theagencyre. com Kevin Stewart DRE# 2050755 The Agency 310-691-3605 kevin.stewart@ theagencyre.com Jon Swire DRE# 1336277 The Agency 310-948-2631 jon.swire@theagencyre. com Bobby Syed DRE# 1290997 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-850-7300 info@BobbySyedEstates. com Rick Tyberg DRE# 2076436 Douglas Elliman 310-702-2041 rick.tyberg@elliman.com Alex Vichinsky DRE# 2044570 The Agency 510-289-5980 alex.v@theagencyre.com Brent Watson DRE# 1216018 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-600-9119 brent@ brentwatsonhomes.com Gayle Weiss DRE# 1050268 Nourmand & Associates 310-880-7948 gaylemweiss@gmail.com Jen Winston DRE# 1831307 The Agency 310-944-1167 jwinston@theagencyre. com Carol Wolfe DRE# 477745 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 818-285-3688 carol@carolwolfe.com Jeff Yarbrough DRE# 1341959 Keller Williams Beverly Hills 323-854-4300 Jeff@LaLuxeGroup.com Lee Ziff DRE# 1212150 Keller Williams Beverly Hills 310-991-3977 lee@leeziff.com Calabasas David Abas DRE# 1422571 Keller Williams Calabasas 310-400-2222 david@davidabas.com

David Shemesh DRE# 1836977 Keller Williams Calabasas 818-665-6688 david@ iknowyourhomevalue.com

Bourland Kevin DRE# 1486389 Compass 213-407-4754 kevin.bourland@compass. com

David Smith DRE# 1503210 Keller Williams Calabasas 310-480-7523 david@teamsmithca.com

Gary Krill DRE# 1086159 Compass 310-994-3922 gary.krill@compass.com

Kobi Costa DRE# 1500254 Coldwell Banker Realty 818-921-5111 kobi.costa@camoves.com

Lina Soifer DRE# 1304225 Compass 818-522-5462 lina.soifer@compass.com

Jordan Davies DRE# 1914332 Keller Williams Calabasas 213-271-4945 jordan@jordanliamdavies. com

Katherine Stark DRE# 947256 Coldwell Banker Realty 818-590-8847 katherinestarkre@gmail. com

Nick Phillips DRE# 1742107 Compass 310-208-9366 nick.phillips@compass. com

David Emanuel DRE# 1825239 Compass 818-621-9141 david.emanuel@compass. com

John Tashtchian DRE# 1453364 The Agency 818-968-2822 john.t@theagencyre.com

Kaveh Shakeri DRE# 1849373 Compass 310-870-1200 kaveh@shakeri.com

Angela Wong DRE# 1391769 Coldwell Banker Realty 818-645-6754 Angela.Wong@camoves. com

Encino

Heidi Adams DRE# 997097 Coldwell Banker Realty 818-461-2278 heidi91302@gmail.com Emily Bregman DRE# 1935416 Compass 310-699-7038 emily.bregman@compass. com

Kathleen Finnegan DRE# 1193021 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 818-601-0056 ksfinnegan@gmail.com Emil Hartoonian DRE# 1796925 The Agency 310-990-0063 ehartoonian@ theagencyre.com Kevin Nguyen DRE# 1908534 The Agency 818-312-0301 kevin.nguyen@ theagencyre.com Danielle Peretz DRE# 1897529 The Agency 818-644-1477 danielle.peretz@ theagencyre.com Doug Puetz DRE# 995378 Keller Williams Calabasas 805-795-4455 dougpuetz@kw.com Valerie Punwar DRE# 1491245 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties 818-618-8291 valeriepunwar@gmail. com Raymond Rodriguez DRE# 1402283 Keller Williams Calabasas 818-581-5829 ray@lucrumre.com David Salmanson DRE# 2024450 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 818-421-2170 DS4Homes@gmail.com Angel Salvador DRE# 1794155 The Agency 818-744-1469 angel.salvador@ theagencyre.com

Desiree Zuckerman DRE# 1292971 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 818-262-5648 desiree@dzhomes.com Claremont Geoff Hamill DRE# 997900 Wheeler Steffen Sotheby’s International Realty 909-621-0500 geoff@geoffhamill.com Mason Prophet DRE# 2003365 Wheeler Steffen Sotheby’s International Realty 909-261-2253 Mason@MasonProphet. com Ryan Zimmerman DRE# 1801354 Wheeler Steffen Sotheby’s International Realty 909-447-7707 ryan@rrzimmerman.com Covina Jonathan Starr DRE# 891616 RE/MAX Masters 626-653-5663 Downey Joshua Glaz DRE# 1856858 Your Realty 562-413-9399 joshuaglaz@gmail.com El Segundo Kim Doner DRE# 1828186 Compass 310-720-7933 kim.doner@compass.com

Bill Ruane DRE# 1879720 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-877-2374 bill@billruane.net

Marty Azoulay DRE# 1234131 Keller Williams EncinoSherman Oaks 818-416-4663 info@myhousesellers.com Eri Delgado DRE# 1831579 Keller Williams EncinoSherman Oaks 818-380-5240 ericdelgado@kw.com Natalie Levi DRE# 1811831 Keller Williams EncinoSherman Oaks 310-309-9299 natalieklevi@yahoo.com Roy Lhanie DRE# 1854551 Keller Williams EncinoSherman Oaks 818-642-3449 RoyL@KW.com Peter Miller DRE# 1811831 Keller Williams EncinoSherman Oaks 818-489-1902 plmgrp@aol.com Oren Mordkowitz DRE# 1246402 Pinnacle Estate Properties, Inc. 818-933-5866 oren@orenestates.com Scott Nell DRE# 1358285 Keller Williams EncinoSherman Oaks 818-522-2862 scott@scottnellteam.com Zeev Perez DRE# 1932490 Keller Williams EncinoSherman Oaks 818-445-6909 perezeev@gmail.com Stephanie Vitacco DRE# 985615 Keller Williams EncinoSherman Oaks 818-576-1685 stephaniev@realtor.com

Glendale Artin Sarkissian DRE# 1722942 The Art In Real Estate 818-437-2433 artin@theartinrealestate. com Hermosa Beach Lenny LaRocca DRE# 1401046 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-614-2958 lenny.larocca@vistasir. com Allie Lutz DRE# 1945014 The Agency 949-370-0711 alutz@theagencyre.com Rob McGarry DRE# 1356525 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-463-8488 rob@beachhomebroker. com Dunham Stewart DRE# 1006738 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-200-5283 dunham.stewart@vistasir. com La Cañada-Flintridge Kathy Seuylemezian DRE# 947297 Coldwell Banker Realty 818-378-7928 Kathy@ImUrAgent.com Gillan AbercrombieFrame DRE# 1348441 Compass 818-652-7304 gillan.abercrombieframe@ compass.com La Crescenta Monica An DRE# 1826656 Society Realty 818-912-7770 lion@societyreal.com La Grange Michael Collins DRE# 963037 Coldwell Banker Realty 917-593-0160 michaelk.collins@cbrealty. com La Verne Nick Abbadessa DRE# 1398872 RE/MAX Masters 909-292-7888 nick@soldbynick.com Jenny Xu DRE# 977617 RE/MAX Masters 626-674-7368 Jenny@jennyxuhome.com Long Beach Laura Addario-Salgues DRE# 1940236 Redfin Corporation 310-730-3097 Laura.Salgues@redfin. com

Michelle Berg DRE# 1993627 Redfin Corporation 310-487-6345 michelle.berg@redfin.com Amy Black DRE# 1454740 Redfin Corporation 323-854-7457 Amy.Black@Redfin.com Melinda Elmer DRE# 1399946 Century 21 Realty Masters 562-316-2915 Melinda@TheElmerTeam. com Gregory Eubanks DRE# 1949808 Redfin Corporation 310-663-7896 gregory.eubanks@redfin. com Costanza Genoese-Zerbi DRE# 1941438 Redfin Corporation 562-221-4527 c.genoese-zerbi@redfin. com Robert Giambalvo DRE# 1955817 Redfin Corporation 626-676-6200 robert.giambalvo@redfin. com Kathleen Harris DRE# 1378672 People Realty 562-715-3407 kharrisrealtor@gmail.com Dana Hughes DRE# 1940909 Redfin Corporation 562-544-0582 dana.hughes@redfin.com Heidi Ludwig DRE# 1400091 Redfin Corporation 310-920-2129 Heidi.Ludwig@Redfin. com Venus Martinez DRE# 1206834 Redfin Corporation 562-201-3772 venus.martinez@redfin. com Lorri Quiett DRE# 1371114 Vylla Home, Inc. 562-682-9582 Lorri@LorriQuiett.com Janice Sadler DRE# 1359319 Redfin Corporation 562-397-4685 janice.sadler@redfin.om Alec Traub DRE# 1403054 Redfin Corporation 310.502.2945 alec.traub@redfin.com

Los Angeles Eric Akutagawa DRE# 1432257 Compass 310-890-1118 eric.akutagawa@ compass.com Melissa Alt DRE# 1019836 Douglas Elliman 310-880-5923 melissa.alt@elliman.com Santiago Arana DRE# 1492489 The Agency 424-231-2399 santiago@theagencyre. com Joe Arsenio DRE# 1963579 Compass 415-342-4047 joe.arsenio@compass. com Todd Baker DRE# 1311742 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-801-1475 toddbaker@ coldwellbanker.com Loren Bennett DRE# 1744020 Redfin Corporation 818 674-0176 loren.bennett@redfin.com Alison Betts DRE# 1392565 Douglas Elliman 323-309-3976 alison.betts@elliman.com Sheri Bienstock DRE# 1746994 The Beinstock Group 323-332-1985 sheri@thebienstockgroup. com Austin Brunkhorst DRE# 1823513 The Agency 310-254-7989 austin.brunkhorst@ theagencyre.com Peter Buonocore DRE# 1279107 Keller Williams Larchmont 323-762-2560 pete@coregroupla.com John Burdick DRE# 1983093 Redfin Corporation 805-340-0486 john.burdick@redfin.com Mason Canter DRE# 1797960 Keller Williams Los Feliz 310-722-3161 masoncanter@gmail.com

Sarah Chung DRE# 1963579 Compass 213-374-0832 sarah.chung@compass. com Jenna Cooper DRE# 1352710 Compass 323-481-0644 jenna.cooper@compass. com Ron Costa DRE# 1961225 Compass 424-322-0917 ron.costa@compass.com Heidi Davis DRE# 1831924 Keller Williams Larchmont 213-819-1289 heididavis5@gmail.com Anamaria Delph DRE# 1961834 The Agency 310-717-5724 adelph@theagencyre.com Daniel Emmer DRE# 1494115 Douglas Elliman 310-422-5633 danny.emmer@elliman. com Tara Fidanian DRE# 1966031 Redfin Corporation 818-536-3456 tara.fidanian@redfin.com Angelo Fierro DRE# 1724787 Compass 323-821-5353 angelo.fierro@compass. com Gavin Fleminger DRE# 1240692 Nourmand & Associates 310-850-8053 gavinfleminger@gmail. com Levi Freeman DRE# 1926993 Nourmand & Associates 310-388-7916 lfreeman@nourmand.com Gary Glass DRE# 933169 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-820-9343 gary@garyglassestates. com Alin Glogovicean DRE# 1327641 Redfin Corporation 818-395-7772 alin@redfin.com

Susan Hillier DRE# 1916399 Redfin Corporation 626-484-3530 susan.hillier@redfin.com Rachel Hsieh DRE# 1913428 Keller Williams Los Feliz 310-228-8856 jerryandrachelteam@ gmai.com Dae Hur DRE# 1489175 Keller Williams Larchmont 213-500-0317 lanewhome@gmail.com Lisa Hutchins DRE# 1018644 Coldwell Banker Realty 323-216-6938 hutchinsdesk@gmail.com Benyamin Illulian DRE# 2003019 Keller Williams Benjamin Illulian Realty 310-867-0474 benjamin@illulianrealty. com Matt Kanner DRE# 1349203 Keller Williams Los Feliz 323-664-9033 mkanner@ thekannergroup.com Reid Kaplan DRE# 1711288 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-883-8921 Reid@LAHomesExpert. com Lindsay Katz DRE# 1921555 Redfin Corporation 818-521-9931 lindsay.katz@redfin.com Brad Keyes DRE# 1857106 Keyes Real Estate 310-367-3372 brad@keyesla.com Sylva Khayalian DRE# 1323217 Redfin Corporation 626-390-2545 sylva.khayalian@redfin. com

Lisa Mansfield DRE# 1105508 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-993-2303 Lisa.Mansfield@ Sothebyshomes.com Marny Maslon DRE# 1322584 Douglas Elliman 310-480-7197 marny.maslon@elliman. com James Maxwell DRE# 1398101 Coldwell Banker Realty 323-929-6380 jamesmaxwell@gmail. com Brett Miller DRE# 1333139 Nourmand & Associates 310-435-3998 bmiller@nourmand.com George Moreno DRE# 560275 Keller Williams Los Feliz 323-668-7600 george@georgeandeileen. com Steven Moritz DRE# 928961 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-871-3636 Steve.Moritz@ Sothebyshomes.com Tim Mullin DRE# 1878181 Compass 310-991-8481 tim.mullin@compass.com Dana Murphy DRE# 1348375 Redfin Corporation 805-338-0866 dana.murphy@redfin.com Jami Nash DRE# 1939771 Redfin Corporation 310-770-4686 Jami.nash@gmail.com Marisol Navar DRE# 1235054 Redfin Corporation 562-688-2856 marisol.navar@redfin.com

Jennifer Pinckert-Tierney DRE# 1202037 Compass 310-489-8292 Jennifer@TeamPinckert. com Samuel Plotkin DRE# 1868656 The Passman Group, Inc. 310-617-1600 sp@thepassmangroup. com Arto Poladian DRE# 1779642 Redfin Corporation 818-383-2792 arto@redfin.com Elizabeth Puro DRE# 908563 Douglas Elliman 310-418-5427 Elizabeth.Puro@Elliman. com Jessica Ranuschio DRE# 1987956 Redfin Corporation 661-607-3178 jessica.daugherty@redfin. com David Ravitz DRE# 1235037 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties 310-466-5657 dravitz@davidoffer.com Lauren Ravitz DRE# 1352397 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-600-4581 lauren@laurenravitz.com Rick Raymundo DRE# 1357019 Marcus & Millichap 213-943-1855 rick.raymundo@ marcusmillichap.com Lauren Reichenberg DRE# 1415570 Compass 310-502-0580 lauren.reichenberg@ compass.com

John Kostrey DRE# 1729039 Nourmand & Associates 323-785-7545 john@ thekostreycollection.com

David Offer DRE# 1150357 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-820-9341 doffer@davidoffer.com

Farah Levi DRE# 1825849 The Agency 310-978-7555 farah.levi@theagencyre. com

Blaine Ostrander DRE# 1178207 Redfin Corporation 805-358-3469 blaine.ostrander@redfin. com

Griffin Riddle DRE# 1949069 The Agency 424-320-9348 griffin.riddle@ theagencyre.com

Ian Rhodes DRE# 1844869 Keller Williams Los Feliz 323-821-4069 rhodesleadhome@gmail. com

Rick Wilkinson DRE# 1427456 Redfin Corporation 310-663-9064 rick.wilkinson@redfin.com

Tiffany Chin DRE# 1819365 Keller Williams Larchmont 510-676-0036 tiffany@ defywhatspossible.com

Elisabeth Halsted DRE# 1434953 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-463-1601 eh@elisabethhalsted.com

Grant Linscott DRE# 1715002 Keller Williams Los Feliz 323-333-6222 grantlinscottproperty@ gmail.com

Vinnie Park DRE# 788131 Coldwell Banker Realty 213-332-9045 vinnie.park@camoves. com

Josh Ritnimit DRE# 1873160 Redfin Corporation 626-375-7966 josh.ritnimit@redfin.com

Michelle Zabukovec DRE# 1851945 Redfin Corporation 206-595-6681 michelle.zabukovec@ redfin.com

Seta Chorbajian DRE# 1419425 Redfin Corporation 626-656-3255 Seta.Chorbajian@Redfin. com

Katrina Hill DRE# 1806462 KB Home 310-804-9964 couturerealestate@icloud. com

Teresa Mack DRE# 1766118 Pacific Playa Realty 323-377-9379 tmackproperties@gmail. com

Spencer Payson DRE# 1864609 Compass 310-486-8039 spencer.payson@ compass.com

Thomas Royds DRE# 949407 Redfin Corporation 310-738-1125 Thomas.royds@redfin. com L A M AG . C O M 95

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Patricia Ruben DRE# 1262286 Sotheby’s International Realty 323-333-3801 Patricia.Ruben@ Sothebyshomes.com

Marco Rufo DRE# 1362095 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-488-6914 info@marcorufo.com Rebecca Saenz DRE# 1976027 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-924-4210 Rebecca@REinvestLA. com Simon Salloom DRE# 1356271 Douglas Elliman 310-749-8686 simon.salloom@elliman. com Deirdre Salomone DRE# 1325829 Keller Williams Los Feliz 323-788-1674 deirdre@l34group.com Robert Sandefer DRE# 1996491 The Agency 310-889-8463 robert.sandefer@ theagencyre.com Steven Sanders DRE# 1367826 Compass 323-828-6471 steve.sanders@compass. com Julie Sanders DRE# 1895602 Redfin Corporation 415-694-1215 julie.sanders@redfin.com Jeffrey Sandorf DRE# 1396545 The Agency 310-625-4099 jsandorf@theagencyre. com Brian Selem DRE# 1056044 The Agency 310-995-9562 brian@theselemteam.com Shamon Shamonki DRE# 1455034 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-713-4492 Shamon.Shamonki@ Sothebyshomes.com 9 6 L A M AG . C O M

Barry Sloane DRE# 1024594 Compass 323-957-0016 barry.sloane@compass. com Ryan Sokolowski DRE# 1859461 Compass 310-729-3999 leah.steuer@compass. com Michael Springer DRE# 1265333 Compass 310-745-8569 springer@compass.com Natalie Trabin DRE# 1901052 Compass 310-415-2663 natalie.trabin@compass. com Mary Lu Tuthill DRE# 556630 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-979-3990 marylu@marylututhill. com Karen Ulloa DRE# 1395066 Redfin Corporation 951-206-7842 karen.ulloa@redfin.com Konstantine Valissarakos DRE# 1023114 Nourmand & Associates 323-252-9451 konstantine@nourmand. com Keri White DRE# 1491049 The Agency 310-804-4011 kwhite@theagencyre.com Shelton Wilder DRE# 1979656 Compass 310-997-7059 shelton@sheltonwilder. com Mary Beth Woods DRE# 470539 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-463-1599 mwoods@ marybethwoods.com Richard Yohon DRE# 1276405 Sotheby’s International Realty 323-270-1725 Rick.Yohon@ Sothebyshomes.com Stacy Young DRE# 1190242 Douglas Elliman 310-367-7654 stacy.young@elliman.com Jeffrey Young DRE# 977617 Sotheby’s International Realty 213-819-9630 Jeffrey.Young@ sothebyshomes.com

Los Olivos Claire Hanssen DRE# 887277 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-680-0929 clairehanssen@yahoo. com Malibu Kathryn Bentzen DRE# 1091411 Compass 310-804-8423 katie.bentzen@compass. com Patricia Cali DRE# 1424715 Compass 818-919-4071 patty.cali@compass.com Chris Cortazzo DRE# 1190363 Compass 310-457-3995 chris@chriscortazzo.com Michael Cunningham DRE# 1291455 Pinnacle Estate Properties, Inc. 310-985-9340 mike@themalibuagent. com Sandro Dazzan DRE# 1418033 The Agency 310-435-7556 sandro@theagencyre.com Irene Dazzan-Palmer DRE# 597226 The Agency 310-418-3777 irene.dazzan@ theagencyre.com Brian Goldberg DRE# 1900604 Pinnacle Estate Properties, Inc. 310-403-4623 brian@ luxurymalibuproperty. com Lily Harfouche DRE# 1737283 Compass 310-266-7291 LH@compass.com Eric Haskell DRE# 1866805 The Agency 805-570-7243 eric.haskell@theagencyre. com Barry Kinyon DRE# 1097786 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-251-9254 bk@barrykinyon.com Bill Moss DRE# 850299 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-293-5503 william.moss@camoves. com Cooper Mount DRE# 1956287 The Agency 310-351-9002 cooper.mount@ theagencyre.com

Robert Radcliffe DRE# 1132704 Compass 310-317-9900 robert.radcliffe@compass. com Shen Schulz DRE# 1327630 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-980-8809 shen.schulz@ sothebyshomes.com Damon Skelton DRE# 1243222 Compass 310-567-0024 damonskelton@compass. com Stephanie Smith DRE# 637729 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-488-8615 stephanie.smith@ camoves.com Ren Smith DRE# 1329241 Compass 310-567-5704 ren.smith@compass.com

Holly Danna DRE# 1988811 Douglas Elliman 310-405-2769 holly.danna@elliman.com

Winnie Licht DRE# 1272501 Palm Realty Boutique 310-745-7468 winnie@winnielicht.com

Marco de Longeville DRE# 1987515 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 213-675-0197 marco.delongeville@ vistasir.com

Uni Mayesh DRE# 1055089 Palm Realty Boutique 310-569-6535 uni90266@gmail.com

Rob Depaoli DRE# 1918925 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-573-8443 rob.depaoli@vistasir.com Meredith DeRenzis DRE# 1907722 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-418-6210 darin@vistasir.com Rachel Ezra DRE# 1396863 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-400-0297 Rachel@RachelEzra.com

Jordan Wright DRE# 1952694 Compass 818-746-6987 jordanwright@compass. com

Charles Fisher DRE# 1731424 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-902-7214 Charles@ FisherRealEstate.com

Manhattan Beach

Alexandra Gauss DRE# 1426014 Strand Hill Properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate 310-418-0869 alexgauss1@gmail.com

Colin Aita DRE# 1936603 Strand Hill Properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate 310-722-9986 colinraita@gmail.com Christine Anderson DRE# 2025722 Strand Hill Properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate 310-750-5614 christine@strandhill.com Tony Barberi DRE# 1351812 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-529-2344 tony@barberirealestate. com Brook Billings DRE# 1997704 Strand Hill Properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate 310-927-7426 brookbillings@gmail.com Jennifer Caras DRE# 1466213 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-367-9129 jennifer.caras@vistasir. com Jeremiah Carew DRE# 1374136 3 Leaf Realty, Inc. 310-714-1416 jerry@3leafrealty.com Alison Clay-Duboff DRE# 1786922 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-729-9659 alison@alisonisrealestate. com

Andy McGuire DRE# 1891008 Palm Realty Boutique 310-971-5949 andy@ teammcguirerealestate. com Holly Messer DRE# 1847879 Strand Hill Properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate 310-961-6777 holly@hollymesser.com Dennis Moloney DRE# 808394 Strand Hill Properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate 310-480-8854 mbnewhomes@aol.com Steven Mullins DRE# 1487977 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-901-4687 steven@stevenmullins. com Kristen Novoa DRE# 1291929 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-650-1078 kristen@ southbayopenhouse.com Dan O’Connor DRE# 1384632 Strand Hill Properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate 310-261-7756 dan@oconnorproperty. com

Audrey Judson DRE# 00872303 Strand Hill Properties – Christie’s International Real Estate 1300 Highland Ave. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310.902.3234 AudreyJudson.com homes@ audreyjudson.com

Bob Lane DRE# 1913992 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-962-4022 bob.lane@vistasir.com Lily Liang DRE# 837794 Strand Hill Properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate 310-902-7799 lily@lilyliang.com

Darren Pujalet DRE# 1845166 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-613-1690 Darren@SouthBay411.com Gary Richardson DRE# 466560 Strand Hill Properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate 310-480-7694 gary@strandhill.com Jane Sager DRE# 1001004 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-748-0677 Jane@JaneSager.com Lida Sandera DRE# 872021 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-721-3196 Lida.Sandera@VistaSIR. com Sarah Saypack DRE# 1993214 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 323-385-3366 ssaypack4@gmail.com

Cindy Shearin DRE# 925580 Strand Hill Properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate 310-200-8318 cindy@theshearingroup. com

James Suarez DRE# 1433992 Keller Williams Silicon Beach 310-862-1761 jssrealtor@gmail.com

Jeremy Shelton DRE# 1416145 Strand Hill Properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate 310-245-3705 jkshelton73@gmail.com

Laurel Abbott DRE# 1247432 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-455-5409 laurelabbott@bhhscal. com

Robert Sievers DRE# 1957193 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-977-7929 bob@bobsievershomes. com Sahmon Zoughi DRE# 1930385 3 Leaf Realty, Inc. 310-634-5154 Sahmon@3leafrealty.com Marina Del Rey Jonathan Ahdoot DRE# 2007544 Keller Williams Silicon Beach 310-231-5208 Jonny@AhdootRealty. com Rick Dergan DRE# 972387 Keller Williams Silicon Beach 310-305-8333 rick@soldbyaria.com Denise Fast DRE# 941563 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-699-9693 officestaff@denisefast. com Linda Ferrari DRE# 1949460 Keller Williams Silicon Beach 310-283-4782 linda@lindaferrari.com Michael Grady DRE# 1505317 The Agency 424-354-2929 Mgrady@theagencyre. com Vivian Lesny DRE# 1409458 Keller Williams Silicon Beach 310-428-7378 Info@VivianLesny.com

Montecito

Dusty Baker DRE# 1908615 Sotheby’s International Realty 805-570-0102 dusty@ dustybakerrealestate.com Janet Caminite DRE# 1273668 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-896-7767 janetcaminite@bhhscal. com Joan Caplis DRE# 629011 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-637-7588 debbieleesb@aol.com Cristal Clarke DRE# 968247 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-886-9378 Cristal@Montecito-Estate. com Dan Encell DRE# 976141 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-565-4896 danencell@aol.com Sally Hanseth DRE# 902225 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-570-4229 sally.hanseth@camoves. com Dan Johnson DRE# 609860 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-895-5150 DanJohnson@bhhscal. com

Panos Papadopoulos DRE# 1332785 Keller Williams Silicon Beach 424-274-2533 panos@soldbyaria.com

Nancy Kogevinas DRE# 1209514 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-450-6233 Nancy@Kogevinas.com

Jennifer Portnoy DRE# 1215535 Compass 310-420-7861 jennifer.portnoy@ compass.com

Barbara Koutnik DRE# 809916 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-689-3015 barbara.koutnik@ camoves.com

Jane St. John DRE# 851775 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-567-5971 JJohn@pvexecs.com

Debbie Lee DRE# 1930194 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-637-7588 debbie.lee@camoves.com

Scott McCosker DRE# 494253 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-451-1721 scott@scottmccosker.com Teresa McWilliams DRE# 285016 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-895-7038 tereska1@aol.com Crysta Metzger DRE# 1340521 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-453-8700 crysmetz@me.com Chris Palme DRE# 1201470 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-448-3066 chris@sbrivierahomes. com Stephen Slavin DRE# 493760 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-886-3428 2steveslavin@gmail.com Randy Solakian DRE# 622258 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-886-6000 Randy@Montecitoestates. com Sandy Stahl DRE# 851351 Sotheby’s International Realty 805-689-1602 Sandy.Stahl@ Sothebyshomes.com Kathleen Winter DRE# 1022891 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-451-4663 Kathy@KathyWinter.com Betsy Zwick DRE# 1090662 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-452-5501 betsy.zwick@camoves. com

Pacific Palisades Barbara Boyle DRE# 1259141 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-255-5403 barbara.boyle@ sothebyshomes.com Laura Brau DRE# 1931500 Compass 310-650-4156 laura.brau@compass.com Joseph Cilic DRE# 1421044 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-255-5498 joe.cilic@sothebyshomes. com Urbach Dan DRE# 1147391 Compass 310-367-9865 Dan@DanUrbach.com Chris Hicks DRE# 1315836 The Agency 310-388-9082 chris.hicks@theagencyre. com Ryan Jancula DRE# 1904981 Compass 310-729-6852 ryan@mywestsidehome. com Sarah Knauer DRE# 1939773 Amalfi Estates 310-663-4606 Sarah@amalfiestates.com Eric Knight DRE# 977963 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-994-9410 ericknight@bhhscal.com

Northridge

Sue Kohl DRE# 560679 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-720-3400 suekohl@gmail.com

Raquel Magro DRE# 920540 Pinnacle Estate Properties, Inc. 818-968-4585 raquel@raquelmagro.com

Anthony Marguleas DRE# 1173073 Amalfi Estates 310-293-9280 anthony@amalfiestates. com

Ratchanida Komenkul DRE# 1060862 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 818-482-0085 poupee7777@yahoo.com

Ellen McCormick DRE# 872518 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-560-0271 ellen@ellenmccormick. com

Norwalk Jose Manjarrez DRE# 1829173 Century 21 Realty Masters 562-746-1831 argroup.jose@yahoo.com Oxnard Jason Franey DRE# 1734305 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-794-6150 jason.franey@camoves. com

Isabelle Mizrahi DRE# 1209059 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-850-1136 isabelle@inthecanyon. com Susan Montgomery DRE# 1269732 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-255-5441

Karen Parcell DRE# 1723411 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-920-2567 karenparcell@bhhscal. com Alexandra Pfeifer DRE# 1743378 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-650-3540 alexandra@ alexandrapfeifer.com Ali Rassekhi DRE# 1183331 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-359-5695 ali.rassekhi@camoves. com James Respondek DRE# 713972 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-255-5411 James.Respondek@ Sothebyshomes.com Enzo Ricciardelli DRE# 1097604 Sotheby’s International Realty 310.853.3837 Enzo.Ricciardelli@ Sothebyshomes.com Damoon Ryan DRE# 1889504 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-770-3344 Joan Sather DRE# 575771 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-740-0302 joan@joansather.com Emil Schneeman DRE# 1200793 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-922-3292 emil@bhhscal.com Jeffrey Shore DRE# 1801075 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-770-7179 Jeffrey@JeffreyShore.com Betty-Jo Tilley DRE# 1001357 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-230-3767 bettyjo@bettyjotilley.com Palmdale Anusha Paramesvaran DRE# 923740 Keller Williams Antelope Valley 661-816-6287 anusha@kw.com Thomas Paulauskas DRE# 1793536 Keller Williams Antelope Valley 661-839-3983 tompaul@kw.com

Michael Watson DRE# 1712313 Keller Williams Antelope Valley 661-733-2196 Palos Verdes Estates Chris Adlam DRE# 967574 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-493-7216 chris@chrisadlam.com Gerard Bisignano DRE# 1116110 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-990-4727 gerard@vistasir.com Virginia Butler DRE# 1274675 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-849-1779 virginiabutler@hotmail. com Kyle Daniels DRE# 1843670 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-483-3998 kyle@ kyledanielsrealestate.com Les Fishman DRE# 816300 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-980-4301 les.fishman@camoves. com Tuba Ghannadi DRE# 922882 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-686-4688 tuba@remaxpv.com Lynn Kim DRE# 1476216 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-741-2642 lynnk2luxury.com Igor Nastaskin DRE# 1317822 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-892-6016 inastaskin02@gmail.com Steve Smith DRE# 983568 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-418-1741 stevejsmith28@yahoo. com Pasadena Paul Argueta DRE# 1223040 REH Real Estate 626-600-2734 paul@TalkToPaul.com Thomas Atamian DRE# 1739307 Compass 818-235-6325 thomas.atamian@ compass.com Michael Bell DRE# 1164731 Sotheby’s International Realty 626-354-8505 michael.bell@ sothebyshomes.com L A M AG . C O M 97

20 21

Kathleen Bywater DRE# 1991093 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 818-469-8498 kbywater@bhhscal.com Jack Chang DRE# 1075478 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 626-818-1880 jackchang@bhhscal.com Michelle Chen DRE# 1895132 Coldwell Banker Realty 626-379-7266 runjing@gmail.com Catherine “Tink” Cheney DRE# 1173415 Coldwell Banker Realty 626-233-2938 tinkcheney@earthlink.net Carol Chua DRE# 908699 Coldwell Banker Realty 626-708-8022 cchua@coldwellbanker. com Geoff Clark DRE# 1487063 Compass 323-459-3845 geoff.clark@compass.com Tracy Do DRE# 1350025 Compass 323-842-4001 tracy@tracydo.com Darrell Done DRE# 1233781 Coldwell Banker Realty 626-844-2255 darrell@darrelldone.com Michele Downing DRE# 1046965 Compass 626-523-6939 michele.downing@ compass.com John Fredrickson DRE# 853111 Sotheby’s International Realty 626-688-9890 john.fredrickson@ activepipe. sothebyshomes.com Maureen Haney DRE# 1169487 Compass 626-216-8067 maureen@maureenhaney. com 9 8 L A M AG . C O M

Andy Hairabedian DRE# 1900114 The Angency 225 S. Lake Ave. First Floor Pasadena, CA 91101 626.318.0907 andy.h@theagencyre. com

Steve Haussler DRE# 840777 Coldwell Banker Realty 626-644-0353 steve@haussler.com Ronald Jackson DRE# 1363276 Compass 310-748-5959 ron.jackson@compass. com Janice Lee DRE# 874257 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 626-616-2789 janicelee@bhhscal.com Eva Lin DRE# 1817694 Lin Realty Group 626-807-6581 eva@linrealtygroup.com

Jean Roddy DRE# 941946 Compass 626-862-0620 jeannie.garr@compass. com

Phyllis Weitzman DRE# 597460 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-413-5150 PWeitzman@remaxpv. com

Rogers Sarah DRE# 1201812 Compass 626-390-0511 Sarah@ SarahRogersEstates.com

Redondo Beach Morena Cohan DRE# 935476 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-418-4220 morena.cohan@vistasir. com

Gretchen Seager DRE# 1217500 Sotheby’s International Realty 626-616-8146 Gretchen.Seager@ Sothebyshomes.com Fleming Trainor DRE# 1810650 Sotheby’s International Realty 626-660-4186 Thetrainorteam@gmail. com

Matthieu Reyes DRE# 1903241 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-387-8103 matthieu.reyes@gmail. com

Amy Weber DRE# 1389877 The Agency 818-568-4243 amy.weber@theagencyre. com

Michael Talbot DRE# 645363 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-422-4309 MTalbot@pvexecs.com

Rita Whitney DRE# 1209004 The Agency 626-755-4988 rjwhitney@theagencyre. com

Rolling Hills

Yennis Wong DRE# 1344042 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 626-316-3318 yennisw@bhhscal.com

Mark Stoll DRE# 1280262 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 310-562-3116

Pico Rivera

Carol Majors DRE# 769694 Coldwell Banker Realty 626-399-9665 cmajors234@gmail.com

Norma Mardelli DRE# 1477249 Coldwell Banker Realty 818-400-3794 norma.mardelli@camoves. com

Louis Chavez DRE# 1949822 Century 21 Allstars 323-422-1910 teamchavezre@gmail. com

Matt McIntyre DRE# 1844466 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 626-437-3643 mpmcintyre@bhhscal. com

Playa Vista

Vera Nelson DRE# 1333471 Coldwell Banker Realty 626-298-3025 epicgal38@aol.com Chris Reisbeck DRE# 1475481 The Agency 818-298-6413 chris.reisbeck@ theagencyre.com

Dennis Hartley DRE# 836047 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-717-2319 dennishartley@remax.net

Tamara Humphrey DRE# 1745122 Palm Realty Boutique 310-927-2433 tami@LAbeachliving.com Rancho Palos Verdes Kimberly Hall DRE# 1864819 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-721-7526 KimHallHomes@gmail. com Norman Lucas DRE# 1049036 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-373-9994 NLucas@pvexecs.com

Devone Richard DRE# 1857383 Cinc Real Estate Group 626-500-1212 devone@cincre.com

Charles Raine DRE# 982925 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-377-4932 CRaine@remaxpv.com

Nazee Rix DRE# 1210301 Compass 626-824-4464 nazee.rix@compass.com

Wendy Sun DRE# 1729186 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-544-7301 wendysun@msn.com

Gayle Probst DRE# 1137236 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-977-9711 gayle.probst@gmail.com

San Marino

Cordelia Wong DRE# 1001576 Coldwell Banker Realty 626-487-0837 cordeliaw@ coldwellbanker.com Maggie Ly DRE# 1385106 RE/MAX Premier Properties 626-203-9344 Santa Barbara Randy Glick DRE# 950129 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-689-7167 randy@randyglick.com Linda Lorenzen DRE# 583737 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-886-1842 Linda@LorenzenPartners. com Angela Moloney DRE# 1221588 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-451-1553 amoloney1@aol.com

Scott Williams DRE# 913878 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-451-9300 scott@scottwilliams.com Santa Monica Tony Accardo DRE# 1863340 Compass 310-855-3557 tony.accardo@compass. com James Allan DRE# 1180635 Compass 310-704-0007 jallan007@msn.com Cindy Ambuehl DRE# 1821934 Compass 310-321-9148 cindyambuehl@compass. com Fiora Aston DRE# 991714 Compass 310-480-3585 fioraaston@gmail.com Simon Beardmore DRE# 1321605 Compass 310-892-6454 simon.beardmore@ compass.com Kate Bransfield DRE# 1218699 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-395-1133 kate@santamonicalistings. com Ian Brooks DRE# 954065 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-428-6569 ibrooksestates@gmail. com Jacqueline Cahen DRE# 1954079 Compass 310-200-3480 jacquelinecahen@gmail. com Smith Cho DRE# 2034368 Compass 424-442-9955 smith@smithcho.com Helen Cho DRE# 1122018 Compass 310-424-8388 Helen@ CoastHillsProperties.com Bill Friedman DRE# 672015 Coldwell Banker Realty 213-200-2500 billfried@earthlink.net Jeffrey Fritz DRE# 1737570 Compass 310-916-2470 jeffrey.fritz@compass.com

Nikki Hochstein DRE# 1338003 Compass 310-968-1116 nikki.hochstein@compass. com Susan Kastner DRE# 1237053 Compass 310-880-9227 susan.kastner@compass. com David Kelmenson DRE# 1435306 Compass 310-863-3030 david@davidkelmenson. com Lulu Knowlton DRE# 1950225 Keller Williams Santa Monica 310-562-7418 luluknowlton@kwrealty. com Olga Laron DRE# 1911544 Engel & Voelkers Santa Monica 310-849-9687 olga.laron@engelvoelkers. com Gary Limjap DRE# 927151 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-430-0818 GaryLimjap@gmail.com Ray Lyon DRE# 1875162 Compass 310-993-1065 ray.lyon@compass.com Sandra Miller DRE# 1911544 Engel & Voelkers Santa Monica 310-460-2525 sandra.miller@ evrealestate.com Michael Morabito DRE# 1782745 Compass 310-844-5703 michael.morabito@ compass.com Alice Plato DRE# 1216340 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-704-4188 aliceplato@gmail.com Brett Raskin DRE# 1912796 Compass 310-867-0173 brett.raskin@compass. com Steve Sawaii DRE# 607215 Compass 310-261-3777 steve@stevesawaii.com Melanie Sommers DRE# 1303647 Compass 310-418-0343 melanie.sommers@ compass.com

Kevin Dees DRE# 1915567 The Agency 818-414-3404 kdees@theagencyre.com

Megan Silva DRE# 01980348 Keller Williams Santa Monica 2701 Ocean Park Blvd., Suite 140 Santa Monica, CA 90405 310.614.6513 megansilva.com megan@megansilva. com Robin Walpert DRE# 1237116 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-480-4980 Robin.Walpert@ Sothebyshomes.com Deborah Weiss DRE# 1367708 Keller Williams Santa Monica 310-204-4560 debgweiss@gmail.com Eric West DRE# 1485673 Compass 310-927-4019 eric.west@compass.com Ron Wynn DRE# 420587 Compass 310-963-9944 ronwynn@ronwynn.com Sherman Oaks Mario Acosta DRE# 1328908 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 818-925-4470 marioacosta.re@gmail. com Michael Bergin DRE# 1845572 Compass 310-600-0715 michael@michaelbergin. com Philip Boroda DRE# 822192 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-968-3844 pboroda1@earthlink.net Victor Brown DRE# 1937070 The Agency 310-365-8049 victor.brown@ theagencyre.com Barry Dantagnan DRE# 1020477 Coldwell Banker Realty 818-426-8677 BarryDantagnan@gmail. com

Andrew Dinsky DRE# 1724985 Keller Williams EncinoSherman Oaks 310-729-3393 andrew@thedinskyteam. com Kevin Driscoll DRE# 1270052 Coldwell Banker Realty 818-398-0797 kevin.driscoll@camoves. com Matt Epstein DRE# 1121162 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 818-681-2000 somatt@aol.com Elizabeth Friedman DRE# 1507367 The Agency 310-743-3301 liz.friedman@ theagencyre.com Harma Hartouni DRE# 1467929 Keller Williams EncinoSherman Oaks 818-421-7110 harma@harma.com Kirk Hawkins DRE# 1996101 Beverly & Company, Inc. 818-292-4779 kirk.hawkins@ktla.com Nikki Joel DRE# 1784589 The Agency 310-428-2248 Nikki.joel@theagencyre. com Corey Kessler DRE# 1882925 The Agency 818-571-3352 Corey.kessler@ theagencyre.com Craig Knizek DRE# 1377932 The Agency 818-618-1006 cknizek@theagencyre. com Andrea Korchek DRE# 1311917 The Agency 818-371-0933 akorchek@theagencyre. com Eric Lieberman DRE# 1008206 Compass 310-849-4900 eric.lieberman@compass. com Adi Livyatan DRE# 1892750 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 818-919-4060 adilivyatan@yahoo.com

Andrew Manning DRE# 941825 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 818-522-3972 andrew@andrewmanning. com Elizabeth Marquart DRE# 1344207 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-246-0888 elizabethsellsinc@ elizabethsells.com Michael Okun DRE# 1430979 Wish Sotheby’s International Realty 818-415-1819 michael@theMJOgroup. com Jamie Pearson DRE# 817566 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 818-601-2260 jamie@jamiep.com Ingrid Sacerio DRE# 1905431 The Agency 323-333-7018 isacerio@theagencyre. com Michelle Schwartz DRE# 1889141 The Agency 424-230-3716 mschwartz@theagencyre. com Denise Snanoudj DRE# 1101684 The Agency 323-646-8866 denise.s@theagencyre. com Sebastian Spader DRE# 2013827 The Agency 310-995-9700 sspader@theagencyre. com Alan Taylor DRE# 1020597 Compass 818-650-1603 Alan@atrealestategroup. com Andre Warren DRE# 1040428 The Agency 310-429-9600 andre.warren@ theagencyre.com Studio City Avi Barazani DRE# 1004601 Coldwell Banker Realty 818-528-2210 abarazani@ymail.com Joe Breckner DRE# 883666 Coldwell Banker Realty 818-528-2291 Joe@JoeBreckner.com

Shane Marechal DRE# 1948632 Coldwell Banker Realty 818-371-1489 shanesellsla@gmail.com Steve Shrager DRE# 1240376 Coldwell Banker Realty 818-606-7862 callme4re@aol.com Toluca Simon Mills DRE# 1485453 Mills Realty 818-763-4462 Simon@MillsRealty.com Kristin Neithercut DRE# 2003278 Compass 323-397-0800 kristin@kristinneithercut. com Craig Strong DRE# 1450987 Compass 818-930-4050 info@strongrealtor.com Topanga Catherine Campbell DRE# 1164030 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-663-9039 Catherine@lovetopanga. com Torrance John Briscoe DRE# 1129041 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-918-3030 johnbriscoehomes@ gmail.com Kenneth Conant DRE# 851703 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-729-9659 Ken@KenConant.Com

Alex Quaid DRE# 1838631 The Agency 310-717-1054 alex.quaid@theagencyre. com

Megan Whalen DRE# 1374178 Compass 310-613-1102 megan@meganwhalen. com

West Hollywood

Westlake

Edan Amar DRE# 1385866 Keller Williams Hollywood Hills 310-920-7800 EdanAmar@yahoo.com

Rosemary Allison DRE# 545184 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-479-7653 rosemaryallison@aol.com

Robert Baer DRE# 1334830 Coldwell Banker Realty 323-377-5661 Robert.Baer@camoves. com Rita Benelian DRE# 1054399 Keller Williams Hollywood Hills 310-869-5323 ritabenelian@gmail.com Fariba Bolour DRE# 1490929 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-666-2216 faribabolour@yahoo.com West LA Hugh Evans DRE# 997121 Compass 310-801-4201 hugh.evans@compass. com Michael Haddad DRE# 1326922 Compass 310-430-4842 michael.haddad@ compass.com

Tiffany McGuinness DRE# 1947654 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-525-7653 tiffany@leveluprealtyllc. com

Lisa Kirshner DRE# 1159728 Compass 310-770-8066 lisa@ lisakirshnerproperties.com

Valencia

Jeffrey Lemen DRE# 1314776 Compass 310-892-6005 jeff@jefflemengroup.com

Cyndi Lesinski DRE# 1343529 Cyndi Lesinski & Associates 661-510-5516 realtor@cyndilesinski.com Miguel Soler DRE# 1244447 RE/MAX of Santa Clairta 661-702-4900 Miguel@ santaclaritahomes.com Holly Thompson DRE# 1825192 RE/MAX of Santa Clairta 661-714-2772 Venice Jagger Kroener DRE# 1984562 The Agency 310-993-6044 jagger.kroener@ theagencyre.com

Matthew OKeefe DRE# 1356816 Compass 310-429-4552 matthew.okeefe@ compass.com Susan Stark DRE# 1061339 Compass 310-345-7450 susan.stark@compass. com Richard Stearns DRE# 1118915 Compass 310-850-9284 richard.stearns@compass. com

Shane Dulgeroff DRE# 1968736 Compass 805-630-4458 shanedrealtor@gmail.com Casey Gordon DRE# 1880153 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 805-750-9804 casey@rodeore.com Samantha Kirkpatrick DRE# 1788841 Compass 805-660-4563 samantha.kirkpatrick@ compass.com Leo McHale DRE# 1377546 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 818-621-4940 lmchale@sbcglobal.net Cathie Messina DRE# 893569 Sotheby’s International Realty 818.335.8047 messina4re@aol.com Tricia Onsgard DRE# 1091321 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-559-0841 triciaonsgard@verizon.net Ric Prete DRE# 982957 Coldwell Banker Realty 805-338-0078 ricprete@gmail.com Woodland Hills Dana Frank DRE# 1386144 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 818-618-6000 dana@danafrankhomes. com Brandon Haft DRE# 1485980 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 818-612-7690 brandonhaft@hotmail. com Lonnie Mintz DRE# 1251366 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 818-298-1108 lmintz6729@aol.com Shane Nichols DRE# 1948062 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 818-312-3164 Shane@SellitShane.com L A M AG . C O M 9 9

20 21 TEAMS

Beverly Hills Ahead of the Curve Homes DRE# 1309588 Compass 310-780-0214 lorin@compass.com Aileen Comora and Paul Lester DRE# 1002982 The Agency 310-569-7950 aileen.comora@theagencyre.com Allison Schwarz Team DRE# 1878458 Compass 310-433-0056 allison@compass.com Ari Afshar & Associates DRE# 1753779 Compass 310-738-5180 ari@compass.com Branden Williams & Rayni Williams DRE# 1774287 Hilton & Hyland 310-691-5935 brandenwilliams@mac. com Chad Lund Team DRE# 998185 Douglas Elliman 310-801-2641 chad.lund@elliman.com David Parnes and James Harris DRE# 1905862 The Agency 424-400 5916 dparnes@theagencyre. com Ernie Carswell & Associates DRE# 1111566 Douglas Elliman 310-345-7500 ernie@ carswellandpartners.com Essex Harvey Team DRE# 935813 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-922-7476 Joyce@EssexHarvey.com 10 0 L A M AG . C O M

Rare Properties DRE# 1394743 Compass 424-230-7928 rareproperties@compass. com

Don Heller DRE# 01198240 Compass 9454 Wilshire Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA 90212 310.466.7809 TheDonHellerGroup.com don.heller@compass. com Fridman Group DRE# 1750717 Compass 310-926-3777 tomer.fridman@compass. com Juliette Hohnen & Associates DRE# 1772623 Douglas Elliman 323-422-7147 juliette.hohnen@elliman. com

Sally Forster Jones Group DRE# 558939 Compass 310-579-2200 sally.jones@compass.com Scrocco & Isaacs Team DRE# 1245433 Douglas Elliman 310-259-7355 Tom@TomandRandyProperties.com St. James + Canter Team DRE# 949711 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-291-1029 cristie@stjamescanter. com Stephanie Younger Group DRE# 1365696 Compass 310-499-2020 stephanie.younger@ compass.com

Kenny Stevens Team DRE# 1046527 Compass 310-968-7005 kenny.stevens@compass. com

The Altman Brothers Team DRE# 1764587 Douglas Elliman 323-610-0231 Joshua.Altman@elliman. com

Larry Young & Associates DRE# 1150255 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-801-9355 larry@ larryyoungwestside.com

The Brill Group DRE# 960792 Compass 310-497-5166 jane.gavens@compass. com

Nancy Sanborn & Brian Joy DRE# 771096 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-777-2858 nancy@sanbornteam.com Peter Maurice Team DRE# 1129738 Rodeo Realty, Inc. 310-623-8819 peter@petermaurice.com Plus Real Estate Group DRE# 1915539 Compass 949-212-8721 tyrone.mckillen@ compass.com Rachelle Rosten and Kelly deLaat Team DRE# 1255977 Douglas Elliman 310-710-5151 rachelle.rosten@elliman. com

The David Kramer Group DRE# 996960 Hilton & Hyland 310-691-2400 david@davidkramer.com The Eli Karon Group DRE# 1732369 Douglas Elliman 310-701-4779 eli.karon@elliman.com The Joyce Rey Team DRE# 465013 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-285-7529 Joyce@JoyceRey.com The Tracy Tutor Team DRE# 1326769 Douglas Elliman 310-595-3889 Tracy.Tutor@elliman.com The Umansky Team DRE# 1222825 The Agency 424-230-3701 mumansky@theagencyre. com

Vangelis Korasidis Team DRE# 1222626 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-405-9500 ColdwellBankerBeverlyHills

Burbank The Brad Korb Real Estate Group DRE# 698730 The Brad Korb Real Estate Group 818-953-5300 brad@bradkorb.com

Encino Spitz | Cameron Group DRE# 924610 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 818-216-5061 andrewspitz@bhhscal. com The Tuvia Group DRE# 1772495 Marcus & Millichap 818-448-4415 jtuvia@marcusmillichap. com Glendora

Calabasas Marc & Sara Shevin DRE# 559629 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 818-929-0444 info@theshevins.com Dana Olmes & Jeff Biebuyck Group DRE# 944676 Compass 747-888-0508 danaandjeff@compass. com Gina Michelle and George Ouzounian DRE# 1503003 The Agency 818-850-1458 gina.michelle@theagencyre.com

El Segundo Alex Abad Real Estate Group DRE# 1701311 Compass 310-877-6488 alex.abad@compass.com Forbes Corrales Coastal Properties DRE# 1295248 Compass 310-901-8512 Info@ForbesCorrales.com Maggie Ding Team DRE# 1414326 Compass 310-937-2027 maggie.ding@compass. com Schneider Properties DRE# 1867363 Compass 310-809-4875 nick@ schneiderproperties.com The Cartier Sanders Team DRE# 1899835 Compass 310-874-4005 sloane.sanders@compass. com

Century 21 Marty Rodriguez DRE# 632854 Century 21 Marty Rodriguez 626-674-1466 marty@ c21martyrodriguez.com Goleta Marie Sue Parsons & Stephanie Young DRE# 629053 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-453-8528 sbrealestateguide@gmail. com Hermosa Beach The Hoffman Murphy Real Estate Team DRE# 1008829 The Hoffman Murphy Real Estate Team 310-939-9393 susan@hoffmanmurphy. com La CaĂąada-Flintridge McGlashan Group DRE# 1041976 Coldwell Banker Realty 818-949-5230 Janice@JaniceMcGlashan. com Haynes Group DRE# 1144568 Compass 818-599-8066 haynesgroup@compass. com Laguna Niguel Team McGuire DRE# 959318 RE/MAX Estate Properties 949-248-8401 info@mcguireteam.com

Bryant \ Reichling DRE# 1427385 Compass 323-395-9084 bryantreichling@ compass.com Canyonhaus DRE# 1062657 Compass 323-203-0965 canyonhaus@compass. com Dear LA Team DRE# 1930471 Compass 323-673-1001 brad.holmes@compass. com Heart Real Estate DRE# 919954 Compass 310-259-7419 info@heartrealestate.com My Westside Home Team DRE# 1904981 Compass 310-740-9719 mwh@compass.com Real Legacy Estate Partners DRE# 2008575 Compass 310-975-9947 info@reallegacyestatepartners.com Rogers + Stellini + Ritt Team DRE# 1420104 Compass 310-963-4205 rsr@compass.com Smith & Berg Partners DRE# 961954 Compass 310-569-4889 team@smithandberg.com Take Sunset DRE# 1871966 Compass 310-913-7651 takesunset@compass. com The Segal Ojeda Team DRE# 987794 Compass 310-902-7676 rick.ojeda@compass.com

Los Angeles

Vaccaro Nahle Group DRE# 2011801 Compass 424-226-2607 vaccaronahle@compass. com

Drew & Susan Gitlin DRE# 944472 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-820-9356 drew@drewgitlin.com

Solomon Property Group DRE# 1386406 Douglas Elliman 310-279-7759 Solomanteam@elliman. com

Mike Hanassab, Elliot Hassan and John Katnik DRE# 1484891 James Capital Advisors 424-325-2642 mike.hanassab@jamescapitaladvisors.com Tom Jonsson, Will James and Johnny Cleator DRE# 1755842 James Capital Advisors 424-325-2621 tom@jamescapitaladvisors.com Red Real Estate DRE# 1207185 Keller Williams Larchmont 323-763-9783 red@redrealestategroup. com RCRE Group DRE# 1080084 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-543-1031 Scott@rcre.co Results Real Estate Group - Rory Posin & Kristian Bonk DRE# 1030819 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-839-8500 rory@roryposin.com

Los Olivos Laura Drammer DRE# 1209580 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-448-7500 laura@lauradrammer.com

Malibu The Oliver Ferra Real Estate Group DRE# 1227825 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-455-1717 Paul@oliverferra.com Mark and Grether Group DRE# 1205648 Compass 310-230-5771 russellandtony@compass. com The Malibu Life Team DRE# 1413280 Compass 310-818-5788 team@themalibulife.com

The DOMO Group DRE# 1788567 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-953-4754 greg@domorealestate. com Caskey & Caskey and Associates DRE# 1198999 Strand Hill Properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate 310-200-1960 dave@caskeyandcaskey. com

Pacific Palisades The Feil Group DRE# 1739001 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 310-422-0102 CFeil@bhhscal.com Michael Edlen Team DRE# 902158 Coldwell Banker Realty 310-600-7422 michael@michaeledlen. com

Teresa Fuller Team DRE# 1315387 Compass 626-483-0710 teresa@teresafuller.com The Chang Group DRE# 1822562 Compass 626-376-4378 changgroup@compass. com The Sabatella Group DRE# 1945152 Compass 626-394-9212 homesbycarmine@gmail. com

Kaminsky Real Estate Group DRE# 958114 Strand Hill Properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate 310-427-2414 ek@itzsold.com

The Cilic Group DRE# 1421044 The Cilic Group 310-925-1402 Joe.Cilic@ Sothebyshomes.com

Kevin & Brigitte Pratt/ Pratt Beach Properties DRE# 1023090 Strand Hill Properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate 310-738-2348 kpratt@strandhill.com

Jerry and Laura Yutronich Team DRE# 1218093 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-480-3601 Jerry@JerryandLaura.com

Tracy King Team DRE# 1048877 Compass 626-827-9795 tracy.king@compass.com

Stearns & Lieb Team DRE# 1041976 RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-480-1167 jstearns@pvexecs.com

The Durkovic Group DRE# 1923778 Douglas Elliman 310-738-8098 tim.durkovic@elliman.com

Marina Del Rey The Suarez Team DRE# 1433992 Keller Williams Silicon Beach 310-862-1761 team@thesuarezteam. com

Montecito Calcagno & Hamilton DRE# 1499736 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-896-0876 michael@homesinsantabarbara.com Kerry Mormann & Associates DRE# 598625 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-689-3242 kerrym@bhhscal.com

Manhattan Beach

MK Real Estate Group DRE# 1426886 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-565-4014 associates@ marshakotlyar.com

Stroyke Properties Group DRE# 855690 Bayside Real Estate Partners 310-880-3436 Bryn@stroykeproperties. com

Team Scarborough DRE# 1182792 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 805-331-1465 jim@teamscarborough. com

Palos Verdes Estates

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The Tainted Word HAVING PRESSURED AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS

TO CANCEL DOZENS OF BOOKS, WOKE WORD WARRIORS ATTACKED L.A. NOVELIST BRUCE WAGNER. THEN HE FOUGHT BACK. B Y S A M WA S S O N

The Tainted Word C O N T I N U E D F R O M PAG E 4 7

racist liar, the victim of abuse, so maybe give her another point and a half?

History has shown that when we attempt to impose our values and morality on art, it usually doesn’t go very well. Put on actual trial by the sensitivity readers of his day, (a person of size, queer!) Oscar Wilde’s “immoral” writings were presented in court as evidence of his “gross indecency,” which was a serious crime in Victorian England. I give you a selection from his trial the morning of Wednesday, April 3, 1895: “I think you are of the opinion, Mr. Wilde, that there is no such thing as an immoral book?”

“Yes.” “You are of that opinion?”

“Yes.” “Then I suppose I may take it that in your opinion the piece was not immoral?”

“Worse, it was badly written.”

The rest is tragedy. It is also farce.

The Picture of Dorian Gray will no more make you gay than reading Saul Bellow will make you Jewish. If you don’t believe me, try it.

As one author after another succumbs to this new moral fervor, you don’t have to be a psychologist to note which side of the cultural divide is showing the dangerous pathology. After all, nothing Wagner has ever written threatens actual violence; the same can’t be said of the woke warriors who’ve called for Cummins’s scalp. I’ve been in enough therapy myself to identify acting out when I see it, and though I am still a mess, I understand the process by which emotional impotence— real or perceived powerlessness—can distort our reactions to natural, justified anger. If you have ever overreacted, you know what I’m talking about.

Not that I have a problem with rage.

102 L A M AG . C O M

I love rage in art. What I hate is violence and censorship in life. Foremost because, from the point of view of the unconscious, censorship is hypocritical. Have you ever done anything “immoral” or “incorrect” in a dream? Of course, you have. So have I! As human beings we have all kinds of dreams whether we want to or not because we are endowed with an unconscious rich enough to feel all feelings and experience all experiences, even ugly ones.

Art is ultimately as amoral as dreaming. Both allow the possibility of expanded life and wisdom—and here is the best part—without having to suffer the emotional and legal consequences we would (and should) receive for reallife transgressions.

If you’re interested in heart and mind expansion—and every serious reader and writer is—I suggest you try to get right next to your nightmares and dreams, to play them back and wonder at them, no matter how discomfiting or appalling they might be.

Do the same with Mein Kampf and Fox News. Confronting the dark shadow (thank you, Carl Jung) is more enriching than confronting light only. It may even make that light brighter.

Happily, (elder, white cis!) Joe and (Black, South Asian, female!) Kamala are now in charge. Happily, American Dirt went on to become a massive best-seller. Happily, Wagner elected to publish The Marvel Universe on his website, boldly giving the finger to the cancelers and those who live in fear of them. Felix Farmer Press, a small press I cofounded, has since published Wagner’s book in print.

I love this book, and even though we’re charging for it, I’m obviously not doing it for the money. Rather, I think it is vital for writers and people who love writing to point out the obvious: Words don’t turn people bad; bad people do. Though in the hands of real writers, words— even “bad” ones—can turn people toward good, just a little. Vicarious awareness, beautified, edifies; there are no exceptions. To quote the writer Paul Schrader, whose classic Taxi Driver, on its initial release, was accused of perpetrating racism and violence, “Art works. It expands.” To that I would add, propaganda constricts.

Even if it’s inspired by the most exalted of intentions.

Echo Park’s Homeless Happening C O N T I N U E D F R O M PAG E 7 5

duced fundraising videos, he sounds almost evangelical about his mission.

“COVID was a blessing in disguise,” he told Los Angeles. “The police harassment ceased, and that allowed us time to work on building community.”

But the whole elaborate social structure of the camp came close to collapsing one Sunday evening in August, when a terrible discovery was made in a small, white-and-maroon tent on the west side of the park. That’s where the body of Brianna Moore was found by passersby. According to her autopsy, Moore died from a cocaine and fentanyl overdose. But while the authorities say they don’t suspect foul play, almost no one believes she died alone.

Some people in the camp say she disappeared into the white-and-maroon tent and wasn’t seen alive again. Others say she spent the night partying in a large, green-and-beige tent with part of a clique of street-tough white boys who went by names like Speedy and Ghost.

Several homeless people in the park suspect that her body was moved from one tent to the other after she died. Nobody can offer a reasonable explanation for why it took up to three days for anybody to notice that she was dead.

Like a lot of Echo Park’s young homeless, Moore arrived in L.A. as a protester, joining the thousands who marched during the nationwide demonstrations over George Floyd’s death. (Many bankrolled their trips to L.A. with their $1,200 government stimulus checks.)

“I raised her to be fair to everyone and make sure everyone has a say or a chance,” Moore’s father, Duncan Moore, told KNSD. And, indeed, her future did seem bright—she had offers of admission to elite colleges like MIT, Princ-

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eton, and Brown—despite a history of emotional problems. (She’d been admitted for a brief stay at a San Diego psychiatric hospital in June 2020.)

But at some point during the marches, Moore fell in with some young men who were camping in Echo Park, and they invited her back. By the time she arrived, she had already gone through something of a radical transformation; her long chestnut hair had been shorn into a buzz cut.

What sort of experience she had with drugs before arriving in Echo Park is unknown. But narcotics are not hard to find in the encampment.

The ground is littered with discarded squares of silver foil with telltale burnt smudges. “There is an overabundance of fentanyl in the park,” notes Bobby, a 43-year-old skater who has lived by the lake since March. “There’s nowhere to get a job. Nothing else to do.”

Also unknown: the identity of the people that brought Moore to the park.

No one can say whether they were partying with Moore on the night of her death, if they moved her body from one tent to another, and what happened to them afterward. Members of that particular group have since disappeared from the park. One rumor circulating the camp is that the ex-cons and others who police the lake murdered the supposed malefactors. Others say they simply beat them up and kicked them out of the park.

Those questions aside, Moore’s overdose threw Echo Park into crisis.

There had been other fatalities at the camp—a 51-year-old man died in June, a 30-year-old in October—but Moore’s

H O M E O N T H E R A N G E A denizen of the park prepares a meal in the community kitchen.

where the medical examiners found Moore’s body, and a shrine was erected, with a photo of Moore beaming like a saint over the potted marigolds and lavender. Other parts of the encampment were also spruced up with new structures like a wood-frame kitchen.

The death wasn’t the only recent bad publicity to blemish the encamptment—there’s been a recent spate of crime including a shooting that grazed Brown's leg and put him in the hospital—but Moore’s death was definitely a turning point. It also had an impact outside the encampment, among the neighbors surrounding the park. It em-

“ W H E N T H E Y T O O K T H E B O D Y A W A Y, THEY LEFT THIS POOR WOMAN’S TENT AND BELONG INGS THERE.” —J E FF G I L E S

young age and the fact that she was a visitor, not a homeless resident, made the tragedy all the more sensational.

Suddenly, the camp’s carefully crafted image as a peaceful bastion of social equality was in jeopardy.

In reaction, camp organizers turned to spin control. A new community garden was planted on the very spot 104 L A M AG . C O M

boldened the opposition, giving them ammunition that not even the fiercest pro-campers could shout down.

“When they took the body away, they left this poor woman’s tent and belongings there,” says Giles. “I called the city council to see who is responsible. To me, there was no dignity. There were even dogs pulling through all her

stuff. And it was days before that was removed. So these have been disturbing events to us who live here.”

Shortly after Moore’s death, Giles began holding virtual meetings with other anti-campers, and in September, he launched a group called Friends of Echo Park Lake. “We refuse to stand by as a city-sanctioned slum takes our parkland away from the public,” he wrote in an appeal to his neighbors.

“The green heart of our neighborhood must be restored, free of tents and encampments and risks to public health and safety, so that our park may once again be a source of pride for all Angelenos.” In November, Giles’s group also sent a letter to O’Farrell as well as Mayor Garcetti, demanding action be taken against the encampment. It was signed by several popular local businesses, an affluent local developer, and the organizers of the annual Echo Park Rising festival. Most recently, there’s even been talk in the group about filing a lawsuit against the city for its failure to act against the camp.

For the moment, however, the tents will stay where they are. And the view from Hipster Beach across Echo Park Lake is as serene as ever, as photogenic homeless people kick around a ball and lounge on discarded furniture, waiting for the socialists with the solar strips to recharge their fading cell phones.

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A shape-shifting, West Hollywood man-about-town, bout--town, who w d the magnate mag gnate claimed lineage to Senator Strom Thurmond and nto serving se erving ass his behind Scrabble, duped an aspiring actor into massterpiece es. front to sell six million dollars’ worth of artt masterpieces. ghterr’s story, and a But the Basquiats were as fake as Philip Righter’s an to o unravell soon his Ripley-esque masquerade began

BY JAKE FLANAGIN

ILLUSTRA

HRISTOP TED BY C

ES HER HUGH

6 0 L A M AG . C O M

The Talented Mr. Righter C O N T I N U E D F R O M PAG E 6 5

“Our own Cornell Cunanan,” a former SAE brother says.

I F R I G H T E R’ S L I E S were pearls, at their center was always a small, gritty silica of truth. He indeed enjoyed some success in the entertainment industry, though not in the manner he described to Benoit. Upon graduating from Cornell, he worked as a consultant in sourcing and procurement in Newport Beach and leveraged his expertise to land a job with the Walt Disney Company in Burbank as a purchasing manager, thus establishing a toehold in the entertainment industry. From there, he sought a life outside of work where glamour and status were more freely exchanged.

“In my [twenties], there were parties in Malibu at Sandy Gallin’s,” Righter writes from prison, referring to the late, openly gay manager whose clients included Cher, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, and Mariah Carey. In 2005, after a year at Disney, Righter says, he was hired as a manager of sourcing at NBCUniversal and that, by the time he departed the company in 2006, he held the title of vice president. A representative for NBCUniversal, speaking on background, confirmed Righter’s term of employment and promotions. (Representatives of the Walt Disney Company would not confirm Righter’s employment; a background check confirmed he held positions at both companies.)

“I wasn’t necessarily attracted to the entertainment business, but I did want to work for blue-chip companies,” Righter writes of his time at Disney and NBCUniversal. His next move would suggest the opposite, however, and mark the moment at which his drive for success— nurtured all those years ago at Riverside 10 6 L A M AG . C O M

High—went off the rails.

Shortly before leaving NBCUniversal, Righter launched Righter Holdings LLC, an umbrella corporation consisting of several entities, including the Righter Corp., Righter Development Corp., the Righter Foundation, Righter Consulting Group, Righter Design Firm, and Righter Art Collection Inc. According to friends, Righter says he got these multiple businesses off the ground, thanks to injections of cash from a family fortune.

Righter claimed to be the great-greatgrandson of John Righter of Selchow & Righter, an early-twentieth-century board-game manufacturer best known for Parcheesi and Scrabble. In 2013, an individual with the username “Right591” edited the Wikipedia page for Selchow & Righter, asserting that “the trademark for ‘Righter’ in the commercial use of games and entertainment remains under the control of the Righter family; specifically, Philip Righter.” The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has no record for a live trademark in the Righter name owned by anyone, let alone Philip Righter. “Right591” is also the username associated with his Twitter account.

Regardless of its origins or financing, it’s unclear what Righter Holdings professed to be. In 2016, Righter’s name was attached to the The Good Waiter—a 16-minute short with a budget of $15,000 described by one reviewer as a “bland but serviceable student film.” There is no record of Righter’s involvement with any other film or television projects.

As much as he claimed to hate pencil pushing, in February of 2016, Philip Righter did his own taxes. According to prosecutors, it was then that he falsified an amended federal tax return, declaring that several pieces of art he owned were stolen—a loss of $2,575,000, he claimed.

That same month, prosecutors alleged, Righter submitted counterfeit works of Keith Haring and Roy Lichtenstein, along with fraudulent provenance documents, to an online lending company. (Authorities say he purchased the forged works from auction sites like eBay.) Righter claimed that the Lichtenstein, a forgery of Seductive Girl (Study), was purchased for $103,200. The lender agreed to provide a loan of $5,000, with the Haring work as collateral. Righter later defaulted on the loan, and the lender sold the Haring for $50,000. When the buyer had the piece authenticated and it was determined to be fake, the auction

house lost $35,341 on the transaction.

In July 2016, prosecutors alleged Righter ordered embossers designed to replicate the stamps issued by the authentication committees of Basquiat and Haring. The stamps were applied to provenance documents of Righter’s own making. In August, Righter again submitted the fake Seductive Girl (Study), this time as collateral for a $270,000 loan; a representative contacted an auction house listed on the provenance document and, learning that it was illegitimate, denied Righter’s application.

Produced by authentication committees or boards associated with the estates of artists, provenance documents assert the authenticity of a work of art.

These committees often operate within foundations devoted to the preservation of a given artist’s work and are usually tasked with maintaining the catalogue raisonné—a comprehensive index of known works by the artist. Catalogues are supplemented by chain-of-title records that track the sequence of transfers of ownership. In this way, authentication committees are generally the first line of defense against art fraud: a genuine Basquiat cannot exist in two places at once, with two different owners. Righter understood that producing convincing provenance documents would be the key to any successful sale of counterfeit art.

“I never sat down and said, ‘You know, I think I’ll just create some documents and try to sell them,’” he writes from prison. “At first, I bought art that I believed to be real, and I was frustrated that a lack of pedigree affected its value. Over time, admittedly, this became an altogether fraud, and I don’t deny that. And a small part of me found a challenge and artistry in a higher-skill crime.”

Righter researched the estates of the artists, going so far as to adopt the name and signature of Gerard Basquiat, the father of Jean-Michel and a prior administrator of his estate, on fraudulent provenance documents. On August 15, 2016, an FBI agent, accompanied by a detective from the Los Angeles Police Department, questioned Righter about a piece he attempted to sell to a Miami gallery, purportedly by Haring. Righter was let off with a warning.

But federal prosecutors say he was undeterred. In late 2016, doing business as “Kevin Benoit,” prosecutors in Florida alleged Righter sold five pieces to a private collector identified in court documents

as “H.H.” Four were accompanied by fraudulent provenance documents, and were identified as Dancer, Baseball, Federal Reserve, and Eggs, all by Basquiat.

The fifth was attributed to Basquiat but did not come with any certification. H.H. wired $196,000 to Benoit’s account. Believing the funds to be Righter’s residuals, Benoit gave them to his friend.

In August of 2017, Righter approached a representative for an online art brokerage, once again doing business as Kevin Benoit. Prosecutors alleged Righter sold the brokerage what he claimed was a 1983 painting by Basquiat with the word “SAMO” scrawled across the canvas. The brokerage issued a payment of $37,970 into the bank account of the real Kevin Benoit. Once again, he withdrew the funds and gave them to Righter.

I T WA S N O T until almost two years

after first meeting Righter that Benoit would learn how his friend stole and exploited his identity for the purpose of selling counterfeit art.

In June of 2018, Benoit was spending a few days on the other side of the country, enjoying New York City’s Pride weekend. “I received a call from Phil, basically telling me that the FBI had raided his place,” Benoit says. “I was so shocked. At the time, I could really not imagine a possible reason why the FBI would be interested in Phil.”

A few days later, after Benoit returned to Los Angeles, Special Agent Elisabeth Rivas of the FBI’s art-crime team called on him at home. It was not an entirely unexpected visit. Benoit had a habit of leaving his car parked in the garage under Righter’s apartment building when traveling. “Righter told me the FBI asked him why my car was parked in the garage,” Benoit says. “And so I expected to maybe get a phone call.” He did not, however, expect to be seated at his kitchen table across from Rivas, with a towering stack of documents between them.

Rivas slid a document in front of Benoit. “Is this your name and signature?” she asked, indicating a line at the bottom of a very crowded, official-looking document. “That’s my name, but it’s not my signature,” Benoit replied. He scanned the page before him. It was a loan application for $30,000 from a pawnshop in Beverly Hills. He was aghast. He had never applied for a loan in the United States.

And the collateral, a Basquiat, was not something he owned.

Rivas filled Benoit in on what the FBI believed Righter was guilty of: using Benoit’s name and the names of other friends and associates to profit from the sale and collateralization of counterfeit contemporary-art masterpieces. “She told me, ‘OK, you know all those deliveries he had you make to packaging stores?

That was fake art he was selling,’” Benoit says. Rivas also showed Benoit documents indicating that Righter made art sales using Benoit’s mother’s name as well as her address in Montreal.

“That’s when I really started freaking out,” Benoit recalls. A realization dawned on him—the funds Righter wired into his account weren’t TV residuals; they were profits of fraud. “She was very hard on me,” Benoit says of his conversation with Rivas. “But that’s her job. She asked me, ‘How could you think this was smart?’

Handling all that money for someone I had only known for a few years.” Benoit admits to some naïveté, “but this was my best friend, I trusted him with my life.”

Over the next few hours, Rivas expertly dissected Righter’s life of lies. She told Benoit that the FBI’s investigation concluded Righter was not, in fact, an award-winning producer. For the Hollywood events Benoit accompanied him to, Righter either bought tickets or bluffed his way past security. Rivas asked Benoit, for the sake of the investigation, to maintain ties with Righter.

“I asked if I should cancel the credit cards, and she said no,” Benoit recalls.

Righter might have caught the scent of investigators on his tail. “We don’t know what he could do or where he could go,” Rivas told Benoit. “So I started playing dumb,” he says. He continued to text and chat on the phone with Righter as if their relationship was unchanged. At the FBI’s request, he even paid a visit to Righter’s apartment to surreptitiously photograph any art on the walls. Even as Benoit was cooperating with the FBI, he occasionally forgot the new nature of his relationship with Righter. “He was still so genuine and personable. I would have to remind myself of what he did.”

Benoit says he feared how his friend might react to learning he had turned informant. “Phil always said, ‘I have a black file on everyone,’” Benoit says. “He has a great memory. And now I’m going back in my mind and remembering all these times Phil bragged about having connec-

tions with the government.” Benoit says Righter specifically boasted of relationships with the U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services, the agency responsible for administering Benoit’s green card.

“He was convincing enough to get people to pay thousands of dollars for fake art,” he says. “If he could do that, what the fuck could he do to me?”

In December of 2018, Righter, for the first time, failed to pay off an outstanding debt on Benoit’s credit card, for $13,000, and disappeared. Righter informed Benoit that he was recently released from jail but refused to go into detail. In April, Righter again disappeared. “So I call the West Hollywood sheriff, and they tell me he’s at Twin Towers.” Benoit made an appointment to see his friend behind bars.

“He doesn’t fit the profile of someone who would do well in jail,” he says.

When Benoit finally laid eyes on Righter, he was shocked. “I’d never seen him like that,” he says, describing his friend as sporting a six-day-old beard and wearing a hospital gown. “He said, ‘It’s all going to work out, Kevin. I’m not going to get into details with you.’” Righter, who had never wasted an opportunity to spin a story, was without words. “I didn’t ask for the money,” Benoit says.

“It was too sad.” Benoit reached out to Righter’s father in Pennsylvania. “He said, ‘I’ll call you when he pays me the money he owes me.’”

ON JULY 19, 2019, Philip Righter was

again arrested in Los Angeles and extradited to Miami; in March of 2020, he plead guilty to two counts of felony mail fraud and aggravated identity theft arising out of his activities in Florida and to additional counts of wire fraud, identity theft, and tax fraud in California. On July 16, 2020, Righter was sentenced to five years in federal prison. He is up for parole after three.

Righter is spending his time behind bars putting his thoughts to the page, creating his own art, instead of faking it. Predictably, he is not writing a memoir, but a novelization of the events that led to his conviction. In this way, he can bend the facts of his case to his liking, buff out people he’d rather forget, and for the first time in his life perhaps literally rewrite his own history.

“If only I’d had the forethought to do this before I broke the law!” he says.

L A M AG . C O M 107

EMAIL YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS ABOUT L.A. TO ASKCH RIS@LAMAG.COM

Q

How long were drive-in theaters around before the first one opened in L.A.?

CALIFORNIA ORIGIN STORY RETOLD

A: Fifteen months after the experimental “Automobile Movie Theatre” debuted to great fanfare in Camden, New Jersey, a posse of entrepreneurial L.A. exhibitors formed California Drive-In Theatres, Inc. and quickly built the West’s first drive-in at the corner of Pico and Westwood boulevards. The venue, where the Landmark cinema stands today, opened on September 9, 1934. The company went on to open dozens more theaters, including one of L.A.’s last ozoners, the Vineland, in the City of Industry. California Drive-In Theatres, Inc. later changed its name to Arclight Cinemas.

Angeles produced more milk than any other county in America. The flirty Guernsey made personal appearances, mingled with movie stars, and took home the coveted “Golden Milk Pail” award. She even flew on a chartered plane to the national cow championships in 1949, where she

was crowned first lady of cowdom.

But like many local starlets in their sunset years, Pearlette retired—to a farm outside of Chicago— and was never heard from again.

Q: What’s that huge steel building with no floors going up near Leimert Park?

A: The sparkling tower is part of a $33 million, 17-yearin-the-making project that hopes to transform a faded movie house from the ’30s into a state-of-the-art performing arts center. Workers tore off the back wall of the dusty old Vision Theater to install a

Q: What’s with all the paper license plates I’m seeing on cars?

Are they legal?

A: For decades, California motorists were able to anonymously evade tolls, carpool fees, redlight cameras, and paparazzi (google “Steve Jobs Mercedes”) while waiting for their permanent plates to arrive in the mail. But after years of abuse, the practice ended last January.

Since then, every new car that rolls off the lot is outfitted with a mandatory $5 paper name tag bearing the car’s make, model, and registration expiration date.

Some minor design discrepancies have arisen during the first year, but the state says the temporary tags will all bear the same look starting this month.

O Soon after Helen

D R I V E - I N : B E T T M A N A R C H I V E /G E T T Y I M AG E S ; RA M O N A , SW E D I S H P O ST E R , LO R E T TA YO U N G , 1 93 6 , T M & CO PY R I G H T © 2 0 T H C E N T U RY FOX F I L M CO R P. /CO U RT E SY E V E R E T T CO L L E C T I O N

The Pico Drive-In at Pico and Westwood, 1934.

108 L A M AG . C O M

Ramona

new fly loft, scene dock, dance floor, hydraulic stage lift, and dressing rooms.

The art deco landmark will also offer classes in theatrical lighting and sound taught by the Manchester Junior Arts Center. The city is seeking an operator for the site and expects the neon to flicker back on in 2022.

C A R C U LT U R E

Q: Why is there a cow on the Los Angeles County seal? Who is she?

A: Her name was Adohr Eldor Pearlette, and she was reportedly a real stunner. Born in Camarillo in 1942, the bovine beauty started winning pageants when she was only five years old, at a time when Los

C H R I S ’S P I C K

Hunt Jackson’s hit novel Ramona was published in 1884, tourists descended on Southern California, seeking the people and places mentioned in the book. By the 1920s, there was even a variety of lemon bearing the name of the young aristocratic mestizo woman who falls in love with a native sheep shearer.

An elaborate outdoor stage production that unfolds like a tragic telenovela amid the rocky outcroppings of Hemet remains wildly popular. But while Jackson hoped to bring attention to the troubles of Southern California’s native population, her fans merely wished to lose themselves in the romance. Now, Heidi Duckler Dance, L.A.’s nontraditional company, takes apart the myth while collaborating with three scholars of Native American lore to unromanticize the epic. The threepart performance, Unsettling Ramona, plays at the Southwest Museum in Highland Park on January 30 and 31.

VOLUME 66, NUMBER 1. LOS ANGELES (ISSN 1522-9149) is published monthly by Los Angeles Magazine, LLC. Principal office: 5900 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, CA, and additional mailing offices. The one-year domestic subscription price is $14.95. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LOS ANGELES, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. Not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or other materials, which must be accompanied by return postage. SUBSCRIBERS: If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

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