ONE OF US South Bay native and This Is Us actor Logan Shroyer
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STUDENT SERVICES All student services will be centralized in this modern space, making it easier for students and first-time visitors to access information and services.
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING A new Administration Building to better serve the district on the site formerly occupied by the Administration Building, which first opened in 1947.
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APRIL 2019
30 DATEBOOK South Bay calendar
74 COMMUNITY Local PFLAG chapter
32 Q&A This is Us actor Logan Shroyer
80 GIVE Grades of Green
56 WEEKENDER Desert X in Palm Springs 58 MEDIA Impressionable Minds 68 PALATE Hudson House at 10
88 ARTS Palos Verdes Performing Arts Conservatory 94 ENTREPRENEUR Raddish’s Samantha Barnes 108 SEEN Who’s who around town 111
70 ARTS Mazzy
THE BUBBLE
154 LAST WORD The Parenting Puzzle
70 68 88
also... 52 CAMP GUIDE Summer activites for the kids 59 SOCIAL NETWORK Dr. Christine Petti 76 TERRANEA AT 10 Terranea Proud 116 PROFILES All About Kids 138 REAL ESTATE Spectacular local listings
COVER Logan Shroyer Photographed by Jalen Turner
APRIL 2019
features 36 19 UNDER 19 The South Bay’s young men and women can’t wait to put their mark on the world. Here we celebrate 19, nominated by our readers for their individuality, aptitude and authenticity. 60 SEA CHANGE This May the first-ever BeachLife Festival anchors in Redondo Beach, buoyed by heavyweight talent like Brian Wilson and Willie Nelson. For music impresario Allen Sanford and business partner Rob Lissner, bringing a concert of this scale to hometown shores was a dream collaboration several years in the making. 82 CIRCLE OF LOVE A local South Bay family turns the loss of a loved one into the reimagining of a treasured Manhattan Beach venue. 96 DOUBLE EXPOSURE In a tribute to the late photographer Mary Ellen Mark, Kat Monk photographs several sets of identical twins living here in the South Bay. 102 BRINGING IT HOME Why some South Bay parents are bucking tradition and educating their kids at home. 106 HAVE MOUSE, WILL TRAVEL Adventures by Disney brings on the magic … in ways you might not expect.
60 106 82
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editor’s letter
Class of 19 This was tough. Believe us when we say it’s no easy task to choose just 19 exceptional young men and women of the South Bay. They are THAT incredible. You, our readers, nominated a really amazing bunch … so thank you! We only wish we could highlight each and every one of them. This year we wanted to try something a little different with our “19 Under 19” teens. While all excel in one area or another—be it academics, athletics, extracurricular or all of the above—we didn’t want to limit their exposure on these pages to just a single talent. They are way more than just an activity or accomplishment. We wanted to hear from them what it’s like to be a teen in 2019: the challenges they navigate, the tools they use to communicate and engage, the impact they seek to make on the world, all their fears and all their hopes. These young people come of age in a powerful if perplexing time. A generation that grew up on social media, their access to information can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. They engage with issues that might have been unimaginable a decade or two ago: teen suicide, gun violence, gender identity, social justice and more. The questions that surround them are complex, the answers often polarizing, yet they choose to confront these issues head-on with courage and honesty. There’s much to be learned from our youth. I’ve certainly been enlightened and encouraged getting to know them. I may not be able to turn back the clock and relive those formative years with the same guts and glory, but I can throw my support and enthusiasm behind the efforts of our future leaders. Thank you for what you’ve achieved so far. We look forward to witnessing your contributions to society in years to come.
DARREN ELMS
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contributors
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“Golden Boy” Jalen is a photographer, director and filmmaker living in Los Angeles. Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, with a background in dance and an artistic family, he moved to L.A. at the age of 19 to pursue a career in the film industry. Since then he has made a large impact as a director and photographer working with various social media influencers, comedians, music artists and Hollywood actors. His current focus is editorial photography and directing films.
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april FACE TIME
A young performer readies for the stage at Palos Verdes Performing Arts Conservatory. Page 88
datebook
Spring in Focus March Marilyn Monroe by Douglas Kirkland
23 Hearts of Hermosa
6 p.m., Hermosa Community Center hbef.org
29 & 30 Palos Verdes Homes Tour
10 to 4 p.m., Palos Verdes Art Center pvhomestour.org
April 6&7 Cactus and Succulent Society Show and Sale 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., South Coast Botanic Garden southcoastbotanicgarden.org
Ride for Paralysis 2019 March 10— May 15
Sandpipers Fashion Show April 28
BeachLife Festival May 3-5
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Janne Kouri, founder of NextStep, will embark on the journey of a lifetime, riding his power wheelchair from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. to raise awareness and funds to support the 6 million individuals and wounded service members living with paralysis in the U.S. Janne will be joined by other participants who will bike, run and roll alongside him across the country. They will provide quality-of-life grants, donate medical equipment and host charity events along their crosscountry journey. To donate visit rideforparalysis.pelicon.com.
The Sandpipers will present their annual fashion show featuring the work of designer Veronica Beard. The event will also feature a sit-down lunch, boutique and more. Beverly Wilshire Hotel, sandpipers.org
In a first-of-its-kind coastal event in Los Angeles, BeachLife Festival will bring together more than 40 headlining touring bands and legendary musicians, California culinary stars and multiple surf and skateboarding components for a three-day immersive experience celebrating Southern California beach culture. The festival will feature California’s legacy of live music, culinary, skate, surf and iconic beach lifestyle with the only Los Angeles festival of this record-breaking scale at one of the city’s most famed beaches. Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach, beachlifefestival.com
15 Alan Alda
8 p.m., Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center speakersla.com
Through 21 Douglas Kirkland
Palos Verdes Art Center pvartcenter.org
26 Torrance Pops Orchestra 8 p.m., Armstrong Theatre torrancepops.com
26–May 12 Hairspray
The Norris Theatre, palosverdesperformingarts.com
13TH ANNUAL
WHITE LIGHT WHITE NIGHT JULY 20, 2019
PRESENTED BY
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To reserve your table or lounge or for sponsorship opportunities please call 310.322.3900 WhiteLightWhiteNight.org
APRIL 2019 | SOUTHBAY
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Golden Boy Raised here in the South Bay, This is Us actor Logan Shroyer humbly rides the wave of celebrity and success. INTERVIEWED BY MICHELE GARBER PHOTOGRAPHED BY JALEN TURNER
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Logan Shroyer is living what many consider the quintessential Hollywood dream. A few years ago the local teen was a high school student who spent his free time reading, taking acting classes, hanging with friends and surfing. Fortuitously, the acting classes that Logan originally took just for fun began to take on a life of their own. He discovered he had both a natural talent and great enthusiasm for acting. He got an agent and booked a few roles. Then he read for NBC’s This Is Us and landed the teen role of Kevin Pearson, one of the show’s central characters. This Is Us was an immediate hit and a ratings juggernaut. Now in its third season, the show has received multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG nominations and awards, while catapulting its young cast into instant stardom. Yet true to his South Bay roots, Logan remains grounded even in the wake of overnight success. Fresh off the show’s latest SAG win, we caught up with the surfer-turned-actor to hear what his journey from Hermosa to Hollywood has been like.
Fusion Academy is really cool. It’s oneon-one with you and the teacher. You can set your schedule how you like it. As an actor, I did all my classwork in the morning, and I could go to auditions in the afternoon. You can move through the material quicker since you’re the only one in the class. If you understand it, then you move on. It was a great experience.
Congratulations on your recent SAG award for Ensemble in a Drama Series. How did you and your castmates celebrate your big win? Those events usually have an after-party, but we also have a 6 a.m. call time the next morning. So it’s more about getting back to work—though winning was cool and humbling as well. We were just so excited to be back on that stage. We didn’t expect that … winning two years in a row is amazing. Those are the moments you really remember with your castmates. When This Is Us first began filming, you were in high school, right? I went to Redondo Union, but my freshman year I started working so much as an actor, it was taking away from school. I was missing too many tests. It wasn’t possible to make up my work. So I switched to Fusion Academy in Hermosa, and I graduated from there.
How did you get your start in acting? It’s not the typical idealized story. I didn’t grow up looking at the big screen dreaming of being an actor. I found acting because my parents were in the industry. My dad is a prop master and art director, and my mom is a music coordinator. They had a hunch that I would like it. So when I was about 12 they suggested I try acting class as something fun to do. As a kid I was really shy. I wore big glasses and read books. Acting brought me out of my shell. It was fun, and I realized I was good at it. After a while I thought I should try to get an agent. Throughout school I balanced auditioning with schoolwork. Then I auditioned for This Is Us and got it. I did a bunch of projects along the way, but This Is Us was really the one that hooked my heart. On This is Us you play Kevin Pearson as a teen. Do you and the other actors who play Kevin collaborate on how the character should be played at different ages? We don’t, actually, which is kind of cool because they trust me enough to really go with the character. In season one I talked with
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Justin [Hartley, who plays adult Kevin] about Kevin’s identity in the family. Early on in the series, Kevin is portrayed as a bit mean. Over time there is a revealing process of more things about him. So I had conversations with Justin about that and how to go about certain things. But for the most part they just let you swing at it yourself. I paid attention to Justin’s mannerisms in the first season, which is a part of it. I attempt to portray the character within the continuous nature of the writing, the way they cut back and forth with the stories and Kevin’s attachment in different time periods. And the makeup and hair department make me look so much more like Justin. I wear brown contacts, and they add a mole on the side of my nose where he has one. What is it like to play Kevin at different ages? Does that require adjustments for you as an actor? Yeah, there are little adjustments. I’ve spoken with my acting teacher about it. What’s nice is that I’m aging as it goes. It’s not that I had to play 15 at 19. I had to do that at 17, so it’s a lot easier. When you’re playing someone younger, there is an innocence … a naiveté. When you’re playing a character, you want to empathize with them and try not to judge them. I wouldn’t say it’s difficult per se, but it takes thought. Kevin has been through a lot in his life. I get to play him at his top and bottom. It’s been a real journey as an actor, although sometimes it’s been painful. Being able to do this with such great actors around me as well— not just my siblings on the show but Mandy [Moore] and Milo [Ventimiglia] being there—they are amazing. Milo has been there a lot for me during scenes. He’s someone to look up to. On the show, your character is guilt-ridden after he has a fight with his father and is not there when the family home burns down and his father dies. These traumas that shape Kevin as an adult happen during the years of his life that you play him. How do you tap into that depth of emotion without having personally experienced similar painful events? It’s tough, and luckily I haven’t experienced something that devastating. I think what is so interesting about him not being in the fire is that it maintains the idea of Kevin feeling
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isolated from everybody else in his family. That was one of the toughest things for him. He had just had a big fight with his dad before he passed and didn’t get to talk to him. He wasn’t that tight with his mom. So it reflects the undercurrent of Kevin’s estrangement. Him not being there... he missed the last moments. He missed the whole thing. He was just told it in words. House is gone. Dad is gone. That’s it. Because the show jumps between different time periods, your character isn’t featured in every episode. Do you have to be on set daily? Not daily, which allows me to have some freedom. I’m not in every episode. You get
I was on the surf team at Redondo Union. I started surfing when I was 11, and I went through Junior Lifeguard. My parents encouraged me to do it so that I could surf by myself and know how to survive in the ocean.” notified whether you’re in the episode or not. You get the script and see the days you’re shooting. It’s like being on call. I’m on the job for eight months, and in between I’m studying to be a filmmaker. While on set I’ve been shadowing directors on the show, which is kind of like apprenticing. I get to peek over their shoulder and see the whole process. I’ve been sitting in on the writing room. And I’ve been self-producing some projects. This weekend I’m working on a spec music video. It’s a three-day shoot that I’m directing, and I wrote up the script. I’m really excited. That was my next question: What are your future aspirations? Do you want to go to college? Continue acting? It sounds like you already have a plan...you want to be a filmmaker. Yeah, I think I want to go back to school
sometime and learn more about literature and how it relates to theology and philosophy—literature in the sense that it carries over to film language and writing screenplays. I loved that in high school. It will be in support of my filmmaking/acting career. I’m really blessed and lucky to find the industry that I want to be in—let alone to have a job— this young. In spite of all this success, you seem extremely grounded. How do you maintain a level of normalcy within all the hype? I’ve been able to keep a good crew around me. I don’t really have a big friend group, I just have my tight friends. Even as a kid, for my birthday instead of having a party I preferred using the money to do a trip with my closest friends … go to Big Bear or something. So I have my best friends, and we do our stuff. And you’re close to your family. Is it true your grandmother was your date to SAG awards? Yes, I took my grandma to the SAG awards. She had a great time. It was really special. You’re a South Bay native. Do you still live here? I had to move closer to Paramount because of work, though I didn’t want to leave. I would way rather live by the beach. I was on the surf team at Redondo Union. I started surfing when I was 11, and I went through Junior Lifeguard. My parents encouraged me to do it so that I could surf by myself and know how to survive in the ocean. Flashback to four years ago, you would see me at Hermosa Pier just about every other day surfing. I’m a huge South Bay lover. I’m very sad to not be in the bubble anymore. But it’s pretty cool over here (near Hollywood). It’s much closer to work. Sounds like you miss the beach. Do you want to move back someday? We call the South Bay “the bubble.” I love that it’s kind of its own thing separate from L.A. It has its own people and vibe. There is such a different atmosphere about it that I definitely miss. I’m proud to be a part of the South Bay and have my time there. My family is still there. I definitely plan on living there again someday. ■
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19 Under 19
The South Bay’s young men and women can’t wait to put their mark on the world. Here we celebrate 19, nominated by our readers for their individuality, aptitude and authenticity. EDITED BY DARREN ELMS PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL BECKER
MALGY A. BLUE 18 | REDONDO UNION HIGH SCHOOL HOMETOWN: REDONDO BEACH GREATEST HITS: Eagle Scout Leader at Jack and Jill of America Head of Hackathon Club IMPACTFUL LIFE EVENT: Attended the California Boys State program and delivered speeches in front of 1,000 young men from around California “My biggest hope is that one day every person on Earth can be acknowledged for who they are, rather than what they look like. Our skin color and ethnicity should be secondary to the individual that we present ourselves as.”
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GABRIELLE FAULKNER 17 | MARYMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL HOMETOWN: MANHATTAN BEACH GREATEST HITS: Multi-issue social activist Artist Speaker at march organized by nonprofit Project Femme Proudest Accomplishment: Being named as one of the Getty’s 10 Emerging Artists and having her art displayed in the Getty Museum “To me, being a teenager in 2019 is to be constantly exhausted, angry, passionate, creative, driven, outraged and everything in between. Being a teenager in 2019 reminds me of the quote, ‘If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention.’”
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KENNEDY EAST 16 | REDONDO UNION HIGH SCHOOL HOMETOWN: REDONDO BEACH GREATEST HITS: Competitive water polo player Richstone Foundation fundraiser Adovocate for teen suicide awareness IMPACTFUL LIFE EVENT: Playing in the water polo national championship for Junior Olympics at Stanford with her SOCAL water polo team “My generation has a good understanding of different groups within society, and we should focus on tailoring our interactions in order to respect other people.”
KYRA WILLIAMS 18 | MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL HOMETOWN: MANHATTAN BEACH GREATEST HITS: Co-captain of varsity surf team Volunteer at Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation Ambassador for Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word BIGGEST HOPE: That people understand climate change is real, take accountability and care for the planet “Growing up during a time of disruption and political discord has forced my generation to become more globally aware and realize what is important to us and what we want for our future. I believe we know that if we want to make the world a better place, we need to step up and do something about it.”
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ANIKA REHAN
KENNEDY DIERKS
16 | CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE HOMETOWN: TORRANCE
17 | BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL HOMETOWN: EL SEGUNDO
GREATEST HITS: Mental health advocate Classical Indian dancer Aspiring doctor BIGGEST HOPE: For maternal, neonatal and child health to be made a priority worldwide “We’re in an era of scientific innovation and social change. The world is more connected now than ever before, and teens are actively contributing to the betterment of society. It feels amazing to be surrounded by such powerful and inspiring teens.”
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GREATEST HITS: Aspiring doctor Intern at Osborne Head & Neck Institute Cancer survivor IMPACTFUL LIFE EVENT: Diagnosed with melanoma at 13 years old; named a national spokesperson for John Wayne Cancer Foundation “I strive to be honest and dedicated—whether it be in the operating room or the neurology lab, while sorting crayons or sharing my cancer story. I hope to inspire others to live authentically and passionately.”
MAXWELL YEE 18 | PALOS VERDES HIGH SCHOOL HOMETOWN: PALOS VERDES ESTATES GREATEST HITS: National and international competitive fencer Yale-bound BIGGEST HOPE: To win the Ivy League Championships with his future teammates at Yale University “Our generation has already begun to change the world. Teenagers are becoming empowered with social media and other tools, and the impact that people my age have made astounds me.”
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JAMISEN JARVIS 17 | HOMESCHOOLED HERMOSA BEACH GREATEST HITS: Opened for Donavon Frankenreiter at age 13 Saint Rocke “Artist of the Month” Featured artist at several charity events BIGGEST HOPE: That when people hear her music, they don’t feel alone “After I sang at a local venue, this woman came up to me and said, ‘I’ve been going through what you just sang about, but I didn’t realize it until you just sang it.’ It was the first time I realized it was actually worth me going through a difficult situation so I could relate to someone and let them know that it gets better. I get emotional when I think about it.”
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NAOMI SCOTT 13 | ROLLING HILLS PREPARATORY SCHOOL HOMETOWN: LOMITA GREATEST HITS: Dedicated conservationist Teacher at Future Stars Academy Competitive swimmer HOW FRIENDS DESCRIBE HER: A compassionate and caring individual who’s a natural leader, knows what’s best for the group, has a knack for getting things done and always strives for the best “I think water has influenced my life in so many ways. This is why I created a water conservation curriculum to educate preschool and elementary-aged children. Perhaps the first swim class I took at 6 months old set the stage for the rest of my life because it sparked my love of water.”
JUSTIN DAUER 14 | COASTAL ACADEMY ISP HOMETOWN: TORRANCE GREATEST HITS: Pro-division yo-yo competitor Contest organizer PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Chosen as one of the Top 5 most improved professional yo-yoer players by Scales Collective, a group a nationally ranked yo-yo players “I’m only 14, but my plan is to stick with good people and don’t follow the crowd. ‘You were born an original, don’t die a copy.’”
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CHRIS GUTIERREZ
BROOKE CHARLTON
17 | SOCAL ROC HOMETOWN: TORRANCE
16 | VISTAMAR HOMETOWN: MANHATTAN BEACH
GREATEST HITS: Youngest in California to achieve welding certification Student mentor
GREATEST HITS: Competitive ice hockey player Student ambassador for LA84 Foundation Panelist at National Girls and Women in Sports
BIGGEST HOPE: To become a successful welder and own his own company “I think with everything going on in the world right now, people are stepping up and fighting for what they believe in. Many problems in the world that are kept quiet will be brought into the public eye, and more people will fight to change them.”
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BIGGEST HOPE: To inspire other girls not to be afraid to try something new, to believe that there is something out for them and that they should never give up when trying something “My core value is authenticity because no one is just like me, and I want to show who I am.”
EMERALD PADGETT 18 | HARBOR COLLEGE HOMETOWN: HERMOSA BEACH GREATEST HITS: Artist Aspiring architect and builder South Park committee member and outdoor space visionary IMPACTFUL LIFE EVENT: Survivor of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, an autoimmune condition that kept her bedridden for a full year in high school “I think our generation is capable of changing the world because we have access to any information we want. Information is powerful fuel, and technology has a special way of holding us all accountable.”
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RYAN PANGANIBAN 18 | SOUTH TORRANCE HIGH SCHOOL HOMETOWN: SAN PEDRO GREATEST HITS: Aspiring architect Cross-country athlete TED Club president CORE VALUES: Live simply … Love others … Search for beauty “More than ever teenagers have access to resources that allow them to explore and pursue their interests and, with enough determination, have success in their pursuit. Being a teenager in 2019 is defined by, like most things, what the teenager makes of it.”
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JESSICA BAHNY
ARMAAN ISMAIL
16 | PALOS VERDES HIGH SCHOOL HOMETOWN: SAN PEDRO
17 | VISTAMAR SCHOOL HOMETOWN: LOS ANGELES
GREATEST HITS: Skilled equestrian Animal hospital intern 2017 World Champion Laser-Run Junior Relay in Capetown, South Africa
GREATEST HITS: Entrepreneur Elementary school reading advocate Attendee of global service and leadership camp
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Taking the blue ribbon in Western Dressage at the United States Pony Club Championships West in Auburn, Washington “There’s so much to get caught up in; just living life the best you can is what I think is important. You can only control your own actions, so make those actions count for something.”
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: His two businesses: Guardian Locket, a cause-based company with a device and companion app that allows individuals to send discreet requests for help in unsafe situations, and TechNinja, a subscriptionbased, on-demand service aiming to bridge the digital divide by providing support for senior citizens having difficulties with technology “We need to put away our prejudices, put away our phones and bring together all of the different walks of life that we come from to create the most impactful, sustainable solutions to the world’s problems for the 21st century.”
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HANNAH BAUER 15 | CHADWICK SCHOOL HOMETOWN: PALOS VERDES ESTATES GREATEST HITS: Award-winning robotics designer App developer and coder Code teacher PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Part of a 14-member team distinguished as a 2019 Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam; they received a $10,000 grant to create an invention that benefits their community; concluding sleep deprivation is a worldwide issue affecting people of all different ages, created a device and app to optimize the user’s sleep time so they get more “deep sleep” and therefore feel more rejuvenated when they wake up “My priorities are work hard—whether it is in programming, robotics or school. I do whatever I can to make the finished product the best that it can be. I also appreciate how great I feel when I’m outside. I enjoy surfing, playing soccer and hiking. To me having this work-life balance is very important.”
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MACKENZIE WHITEHEAD 15 | PALOS VERDES HIGH SCHOOL HOMETOWN: PALOS VERDES ESTATES GREATEST HITS: Competitive water polo player Varsity starter Impressive debater PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Making the USA Women’s Cadet National Water Polo Team “I walked solo onto a pool deck when I was 13 years old to join an all-boys high school water polo training session. I endured stares as if I was an alien! I pushed through the practice—terrified almost all the time. When the session ended, I knew I could now conquer anything.”
SERGIO QUECHOL 18 | VISTAMAR SCHOOL HOMETOWN: INGLEWOOD GREATEST HITS: Hispanic Heritage awardee Conference speaker on “Being Young and Queer in a Latinx Household” HOW FRIENDS DESCRIBE HIM: Someone with great sense of fashion style who makes others laugh, appreciates those around him and keeps an open mind “Being a teenager who’s a queer Latino comes with many points of confusion and incapability. Nevertheless, that pushes me to advocate and reform for teenagers who experience similar issues like me.”
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19 UNDER 19
CONTEST
Southbay is teaming up with the BeachLife Festival to send one of our Southbay Top Teens and a friend to the BeachLife Festival for 3 days of music and let-your-hair-down fun, right here in our own backyard.
VOTE ON WHO YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEND AT southbay.goldenstate.is
B R O U G H T TO YO U B Y
K I D S
C A M P S
Camp
&
S U M M E R
Type
Gender
P R O G R A M S Ages
Location
AdventurePlex AdventureCamp
Various ALL 4 to 12 Manhattan Beach
Aquarium of the Pacific
Various
ALL
3 to 15
Art 2 Grow On
Long Beach
Arts ALL 5 to 11
Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo
Beach City Baseball Academy
El Segundo
Various
ALL
5 to 12
BeachSports
Sports ALL 4 to 15
Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach
Campsurf
Beach/Sports ALL 7 and up Manhattan Beach
Catalina Island Camps
Overnight/Various ALL Grades 2 to 11 Catalina Island
Chadwick School
Academic/Various ALL 4 to 14 Palos Verdes Peninsula
Champ Camp
Beach/Sports ALL 4 to 14 Manhattan Beach
Fit Kids Gymnastics Center
Sports
ALL
3 to 18
Redondo Beach, Torrance
Junior Lifeguards
Beach
ALL
8 to 14
Various South Bay locations
Kid Zone + Mid Zone
Various
ALL
Grades K to 8
Rolling Hills Estates
LA Kings Camp
Youth Hockey Camp
ALL
8 to 15
El Segundo
Manhattan Academy Summer Camp
Academic/Field Trips/Various
ALL
6 weeks to grade 5
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach Teen Center Summer Camp
Various ALL 11 to 14 Manhattan Beach
Palos Verdes Performing Arts Conservatory
Theatre ALL 5 to 18 Rolling Hills Estates
PCH Skate Camps
Sports ALL 5 to 15 Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach
Pediatric Therapy Network’s Camp Escapades
Developmental Delays/Sensory ALL 5 to 14 Rolling Hills Estates Concerns/Recreational
Peninsula Montessori School
Academic/Various
ALL
18 months to 12
Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach
Peninsula Racquet Club – Juniors
Sports
ALL
Grades K to 12
Rancho Palos Verdes
Performing Arts Workshops
Theatre ALL 5 to 15
Manhattan Beach, Redondo, RPV, El Segundo, Brentwood, WLA and the Valley
Rolling Hills Country Day Camp
Rolling Hills Estates
Various
ALL
4 1/2 to 12
Roundhouse Aquarium Summer Camp
Beach/Science ALL 4 to 10 Manhattan Beach
Sky Camp Summer Sessions
Active
ALL
5 to 12
Torrance
South Bay Film Academy
Creative Arts
ALL
7 to 17
Redondo Beach
South Bay School of Cooking
Cooking ALL 8 to 14 Redondo Beach
South Coast Botanic Garden Junior Farmers Program
Education/Gardening Environment ALL Grades K to 5 Palos Verdes Peninsula
Terranea Resort
Various ALL All ages Rancho Palos Verdes
Wondertree Kids Wonder-Camp 52
SOUTHBAY | APRIL 2019
Various
ALL
6 weeks to 5
El Segundo
field trips
Phone
Arts & crafts, music appreciation, age-appropriate physical skill-building activities and social developmental activities, such as cooperative and imaginative games
X
adventureplex.org
310-547-7708
X
X
aquariumofpacific.org
562-590-3100
Architecture, painting, designing, building, sketching
X
art2growon.com
310-625-6028
Marine biology
X
Fundamentals, throwing, hitting, agility
X
beachcitybaseballacademy.com
310-322-3955
Ocean safety, surfing, volleyball, beach activities, intro to Jr. Lifeguards program
X
beachsports.org
310-372-2202
Ratio of 1 instructor to every 4 students, lessons on stretching, surfing, rip currents, tides, surf equipment, surfing etiquette
X
campsurf.com
424-237-2994
Kayaking, sailing, target sports, gardening, composting, outdoor cooking, photojournalism, day trips, overnights
X
X
catalinaislandcamps.com
626-296-4040
Academic enrichment, swimming, art, strategies, computer lab, field sports, music, photography, dance, painting, drama, singing, writing and physical fitness
X
X
chadwickschool.org/summer
310-377-1543
Sand soccer, water play, capture the flag, relay races, yoga, dance, skimboarding, boogieboarding, face painting, arts & crafts, dodgeball, team-building games
X
X
champcampkids.com
310-283-4509
Gymnastics and tumbling in a unique environment with fun-loving teachers
X
fitkidsgym.com
310-297-9550
Swimming, surfing, first aid, lifesaving, rescue techniques, CPR
X
beachsports.org/jr-lifeguard-program
310-372-2202
Art, performing arts, science, sports, cooking and field trips (6th–8th grade)
X
X
rhumc.org
310-377-7302
X
X
lakings.com/kingscamp
310-535-4472
X
X
X
X
manhattanacademy.com
310-374-1804
X
X
X
citymb.info/tcsummer
310-802-5448
palosverdesperformingarts/education/summer
310-544-0403
All day camp, field trips, swimming, sharpening of math, writing and reading skills
X
Beach and field trip days once a week, water games, sports, arts & crafts, ping-pong, pool and much more
Three fun-filled Camp Curtain Call sessions for beginning musical theatre performers; advanced dance, acting and vocal workshops; two fully-staged musical productions
X
X
X
X
Beginner to intermediate skateboard instruction from experienced CPR and first aid- certified instructors, private lessons and parties
X
pchskatecamps.com
310-372-2202
Social skills, sensory experiences, incorporating occupational, physical and/or speech therapy into fun-filled camp activities
X
X
pediatrictherapynetwork.org
310-328-0276
Cooking, drama, music, woodwork, science, sports, technology and art
X
X
peninsulamontessori.com
310-544-3099
peninsularacquetclub.com/junior-programs
310-541-2523
X
Tennis camps
X
Musical theatre, guitar, Rock the Mic, filmmaking, magic, stage F/X makeup, photography, LOL, debate
X
performingartsworkshops.com
310-827-8827
Academic enrichment, arts & crafts, cooking, dance, sports, imagination and creation classes
X
X
X
rhcds.com
310-377-4848
Digging for sand crabs, playing in the waves, dissecting squid, learning about sharks, water fights, fishing, crafts, experiments, beach games
X
X
X
roundhouseaquarium.org
310-379-8117
skyzone.com/torrance
310-323-4500
Jump time, games, lunch, snacks and activities
X
Acting, screenwriting, filmmaking, cinematography
X
southbayfilmacademy.com
866-496-5917
Kid-friendly hands-on cooking classes allowing children to learn new skills, try new foods, take part in team-building, share mealtimes
X
southbayschoolofcooking.com
310-350-3772
Hands-on program offers three interactive days of soil, seeds and senses, exploring the fragrant and interesting world of herb gardening
X
southcoastbotanicgarden.org
310-544-1948
Fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, gold academy, surfing, whale-watching, biking, photography, horseback riding, painting
X
terranea.com
310-265-2851
X
wondertreekids.com
310-535-0001
Music and movement, messy art, summer prep for preschool, music fundamentals and family classes
arts
sports
academics
Specialties Website
X
X
X
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Summer Camps SURFING
BEACH VOLLEYBALL SKATEBOARDING
JR. LIFEGUARD PROGRAM OCEAN SAFETY
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SIGN UP
BEACHSPORTS.ORG
310.372.2202
MANHATTAN BEACH
HERMOSA BEACH
For 10% OFF use code: southbaymarch
REDONDO BEACH
You’ll never think about high school the same way again. ACES ED SP LIMIT IN ABLE AVAIL 11 9 S E GRAD 020 9 1 -2 HE 20 R. A FOR T OL YE SCHO
Visit our website to schedule a Campus Tour! Please note all Moderated Tuition Funds are no longer available.
310.643.7377 admissions@vistamarschool.org 737 Hawaii Street El Segundo, CA www.vistamarschool.org/admissions
Vistamar is a private independent high school in the South Bay region of Los Angeles. VM 2019 Spring Tour Ad 7.5 x 4.5875 ver5.indd 1
3/8/19 6:43 AM
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Artful Lodger Just in time for prime season, Palm Springs welcomes a stylish new hotel and the ambitious art exhibition Desert X. WRITTEN BY DARREN ELMS
With Coachella and Stagecoach this month, Palm Springs and neighboring desert cities are mobbed. But it’s not just the starstudded concerts that pack in the crowds. During spring’s high season, the desert draws a diverse crowd in search of the region’s latest attractions, newest hotels and trendiest restaurants. Here’s a list of what is catching our eye. WHAT TO SEE April visitors arrive just in time to enjoy the tail end of Desert X, a region-wide art installation free to the public. The exhibition spans 50 miles across the Coachella Valley and expands to the south to explore the ecological bellwether of the Salton Sea and further across the border into Mexico. Don’t miss Sterling Ruby’s SPECTER, a large, neon orange block just off Highway 111 as you come into Palm Springs. Down by the entrance to the aerial tram, you’ll also get a glimpse of Irish artist John Gerrard’s Western Flag, a digital simulation of the first major oil find in Texas called Spindletop. Find out where to see all 19 installations of Desert X at desertx.org. WHERE TO STAY The most buzzed about addition to Palm Springs’ blossoming hotel scene is the intimate and inviting Villa Royale. Tucked off Palm Canyon Drive on the southern end of the city, this attractive newcomer offers an old-world feel, sprinkled with Hollywood glamour and contemporary art. With only 38 uniquely designed villas, the property boasts two pools, in-room cocktail parlors, lush patio gardens, and its own bar and restaurant, Del Rey. Added bonus: It is also pet-friendly. villaroyale.com WHERE TO DINE After making an opening splash a couple years ago, The Rowan is now out to prove it’s more than a hotel. That doesn’t require much convincing after enjoying a meal at the rooftop eatery 4 Saints. With one of the loftier views in downtown Palm Springs, the eatery takes advantage of the killer scenery with open patio seating. Diners can expect a delicious selection of sharable and seasonable plates with a Mediterranean edge by Chef Stephen Wambach. Highlights include the house cavatelli with mushroom ragu, whipped ricotta and rye gremolata; and “Fish in the Forest,” a beautifully plated Kona Kampachi with wild juniper, matsutake and baby leek. 4saintspalmsprings.com ■
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Schedule a little time
UCLA pediatric care in your neighborhood Making your child’s health a priority is now easier than ever. With
Pediatric care available in:
pediatric care in Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach
Manhattan Beach
and Torrance, UCLA doctors are where you need us, when you need us. Because when it comes to your child’s health, we go out of our
(New location opens April 2019) Pediatrics 1000 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 100 310-546-8702
way to make sure you never have to.
Palos Verdes • Pediatric specialists coming to Manhattan Beach in 2019
Family Medicine 501 Deep Valley Dr, Suite 100
• Obstetrics/Gynecology services have moved to a new office in Torrance, 4201 Torrance Blvd., Suite 600
310-303-3953
Redondo Beach Pediatrics • Family Medicine 514 N. Prospect Ave 310-937-8555 Extended hours available
Torrance Pediatrics • General Surgery 23550 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 180
1-800 -UCLA-MD1 (1-800 -825-2631)
uclahealth.org/southbay
310-373-4303
SB/SBH
Impressionable Minds 5 best-selling books that explore history from a young person’s perspective
PERSEPOLIS: THE STORY OF A CHILDHOOD BY MARJANE SATRAPI In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, the author tells the story of her life in Tehran from ages 6 to 14—years that saw the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran’s last emperors, the author bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD BY HARPER LEE Lawyer Atticus Finch defends the real mockingbird of Harper Lee’s classic, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel—a black man charged with the rape of a white woman. Through the eyes of Atticus’ children, Scout and Jem, the author explores with rich humor and honesty the irrationality of adult attitudes toward race and class in the deep south of the 1930s. THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS BY JOHN BOYNE Set in Berlin in 1942, Bruno returns home from school one day and discovers his belongings being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion, and the family must move. At the new house, there is no one to play with and nothing to do, and a tall fence stretches as far as the eye can see. But Bruno decides there must be more to this desolate place than meets the eye and goes beyond the fence. While exploring he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different from his own. Their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences. DEAR MARTIN BY NIC STONE Justyce McAllister is a good kid, an honor student and always there to help a friend—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. Despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can’t escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates. Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out. A LONG WALK TO WATER BY LINDA SUE PARK This New York Times best seller begins as two stories, told in alternating sections, about two 11-year-olds in Sudan: a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is a two-hour walk from her home, and she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the “lost boys” of Sudan—refugees who cover the African continent as they search on foot for their families and a safe place to stay. Enduring every hardship—from loneliness to attack by armed rebels to contact with killer lions—Salva is a survivor, and his story intersects with Nya’s in an astonishing and moving way.
THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Christine Petti, MD, FACS Specializing in Aesthetic Surgery | Web: www.dr-petti.c om | social: @drchristinepetti
BEVERLY HILLS, CA
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA
HERMOSA BEACH, CA
Breast surgery is an artistic blend Beautiful Bravo, my Siberian husky, is my Beauty, strength & confidence that of anatomy, geometry, symmetry and companion who inspires me to maintain the is life changing is my professional goal feminine beauty. This is my forte and love. health of my body & spirit for each of my patients
Sea Change This May the first-ever BeachLife Festival anchors in Redondo Beach, buoyed by heavyweight talent like South Bay native Brian Wilson, Willie Nelson, Ziggy Marley, Bob Weir and more. For music impresario Allen Sanford and business partner Rob Lissner, bringing a concert of this scale to hometown shores was a dream collaboration several years in the making. WRITTEN BY RICH THOMAS | ALLEN & ROB PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF BERTING
E
very pier has a personality, and if you live in the South Bay you’re aware of the defining characteristics of the Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan Beach piers. You frequent them accordingly, and chances are high that of the three, Redondo is the outlier. But what the Redondo Pier lacks in flair and affluence, it makes up for in old-world charm. Its neighborhood consists of various and sundry businesses—from tacos to toe rings … a small village sitting cautiously atop the water. To the north is Seaside Lagoon, another South Bay institution browbeaten by time. In the winter months the Lagoon really shows its age—its lifeguard chairs occupied by seagulls and its reservoir filled with frigid rainwater. While the location has survived nearly two decades of permitting ups and downs as well as a busted CenterCal deal that’s left a number of waterfront businesses high and dry, Seaside Lagoon is woven into the fabric of Redondo Beach. Apart from its peak season bustle, a few small-scale fall happenings have taken over the Lagoon and its surrounding parking lot … but nothing quite like what’s about to take place there. On Friday, May 3, the property will welcome upwards of 10,000 people to the inaugural edition of the BeachLife Festival—the first of its kind for not just the South Bay but the entire Westside of L.A.: three days, three stages and a deeply curated lineup of more than 40 artists, most of which would look right at home on any big-ticket festival poster. The brainchild of Rob Lissner and South Bay restaurateur and Saint Rocke founder Allen Sanford, BeachLife is a swing-for-the-fences undertaking that has the entire region buzzing. But this is not a story about a music festival. “I grew up here,” says Allen, “so the desire to do a festival in the South Bay started a long time ago but was quickly killed by the ‘there’s nowhere to have it’ conversation. Then the perfect storm happened with Redondo, politically.” The perfect storm he’s talking about is the dissolution of the CenterCal agreement, the election of slow-growth proponent Bill Brand to the Redondo Beach mayor’s office and a few well-timed sales pitches. But the roots of the opportunity go back much further. When Saint Rocke opened its doors in 2008, it immediately set the bar for live music in the South Bay. Two years later Allen took the reins of the Hermosa Beach Summer Concert Series and piloted the program to success until a parting of ways late last year. “I never imagined a three-day event like he did, but the more he talked the more excited I got,” says Mayor Brand about his early discussions with Allen. “He talked a lot about the South Bay being his home and how he always saw the Redondo Beach waterfront as a great opportunity to hold a unique music and food festival. His local roots and demonstrated ability, given his long history of putting on the beach concerts in Hermosa, made this a perfect fit.” “My ask wasn’t small; I need 10 years,” Allen remembers. “This is a 10-year permit based on a mutually beneficial partnership that gives us the opportunity to grow a long-term event in a community-centric, slow-growth manner. But it’s our job to win over the community, and the City Council is behind us.” He pauses and then smiles before continuing. “I think part of the reason I got the permit is that I have so much to lose in the South Bay that they trust me.”
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Allen’s fingerprints are all over the Beach Cities, including three iterations of The Rockefeller, the old Union Cattle Company, Abigaile, Primo Italia, Día De Campo and, of course, Saint Rocke. By the time May rolls around, Allen will add another music venue to his list: The Venice West, a joint venture between him and Rob. They’ve recognized that L.A., like New York, has become increasingly more borough-like and that the South Bay bubble, no matter how much we joke about it, is very real. Together they’re trying to change the narrative that any live music experience worth attending has to happen east of La Cienega … that if you live within earshot of the beach, you can roll out of bed, hop on your bike and over the course of three afternoons catch sets by artists destined for—and in some cases already in—the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But here’s the other thing: As mellow and sun-drenched as beach life can be, there’s a reason why kooks don’t last long in the water, why boardwalk skaters don’t take kindly to posers, and why bands like Black Flag, the Descendents, Circle Jerks and Pennywise were born and bred in the South Bay. Authenticity matters. “The ideas behind punk rock, surfing and skating as being about individualism and resistance to the status quo are what give the South Bay its edge,” says Pennywise lead singer and BeachLife creative director Jim Lindberg. “The South Bay can keep that by remembering our roots and where we came from. This is what we are known for around the world. The South Bay has always been a place that has championed free expression and the pursuit of happiness.” Allen, Rob and the BeachLife team have nurtured those roots by painstakingly curating every last element of the festival—from the lineup, the culinary component and the charitable causes right down to the skateboard valet and the 2,000 bike parking spaces that will be available to attendees. One of the three stages will be devoted exclusively to local talent. And bands like Everclear, Best Coast, Slightly Stoopid, Matt Costa and, of course, Brian Wilson are inextricably linked to West Coast beach culture. A “Cruises For Causes” charitable initiative will allow people to bid on their chance to attend intimate performances taking place on boats moored in the waters just off the marina. For the ultimate pairing, a side stage pop-up restaurant experience available to VIPs puts renowned chefs in the wings during headlining performances. “I was sold right off the bat,” says Chef David LeFevre, South Bay resident and owner of Manhattan Beach Post, Fishing With Dynamite and The Arthur J. “I’ll be cooking on Sunday while Willie Nelson, Blues Traveler, Grace Potter and Ziggy Marley are performing. I think the best way to approach the menu is to really take a good look at their bodies of work and the set list and see where our food and that music has congruence—whether that’s what regional styles of food go with the country/blues/reggae set list, or if there is any particular style of cuisine that resonates with the musician.” Chef David, Jim Lindberg and Mayor Brand aren’t the only locals who have bought into BeachLife and rallied around its communal focus. Redondo Beach police chief Keith Kauffman, a 22-year veteran of the Hawthorne force and a champion of community relations—he started the “Coffee With A Cop” program—sees the event as a great opportunity to strengthen the bonds between South Bay residents and the department. He’s also pleased by the promoters’ prioritization of public safety above all else. “Allen came forward before anything was decided, before the plan was in place, and we talked about all the issues,” says Chief Kauffman. “I felt good about the fact that a promoter who is coming in to do a large-scale event was concerned with safety first before
MAKING WAVES Special sets, local legends and other can’t-miss BeachLife moments As The Crow Flies Chris Robinson and a few of his favorite players dust off The Black Crowes songbook—from Shake Your Money Maker to Warpaint—along with a few choice covers from the late ‘60s/ early ‘70s. (Friday 5/3) Slightly Stoopid Fifteen years after they released their one-take gem, Acoustic Roots, Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald are back to perform the full album—the first time the group has ever done it in the U.S. (Friday 5/3) Bob Weir and Wolf Bros. You know Bob, but the legendary Don Was (on upright bass) and RatDog drummer Jay Lane round out the Wolf Bros. portion of this Deadhead trio. Stripped down and sublime. (Friday 5/3) Chevy Metal A self-described “backyard keg party band on steroids,” Chevy Metal is an all-covers side project of the Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins. On tap for Saturday: a full set of Van Halen. (Saturday 5/4) His Eyes Have Fangs Legendary skater Tony Alva plays bass in this Portishead-meetsMazzy Star four-piece, fronted by fashion designer Rachel Ann Rainwater. Dream rock for the golden hour. (Saturday 5/4) Latch Key Kid Manhattan Beach multi-instrumentalist and Las Brisas Friday night regular Gavin Heaney brings his trademark blues rock balladry to the big stage. (Saturday 5/4) V Torres Whether you know her from her previous band, Gorgeous Got a Gun, or from her vinyasa flow classes at Harmony Yoga, Veronica Torres has been flexing her skills in the South Bay for more than 10 years. (Saturday 5/4) Colin Hay Expect a healthy mix of Hay’s brilliant solo work and Men At Work classics. Fun fact: As The Crow Flies guitarist Audley Freed contributed licks to Hay’s last album, Fierce Mercy. (Sunday 5/5) Keller Williams Grateful Gospel No, this is not the weekend side project for a group of real estate professionals. This is the music of the Grateful Dead through the vessel of traditional gospel. Sunday service will be in session. (Sunday 5/5) The Hollow Legs Continuing in the tradition of high-octane three-pieces that sound like five. Lyrics like “I can be your 8-ball, you can be my cue” encapsulate singer/guitarist Kira Lingman’s raucous romanticism. (Sunday 5/5)
talking about what it was going to look like or who was going to play. A lot of times the relationship with public safety is a little more contentious and it comes down to dollars and cents. ‘Well, we have this much money to spend.’ I don’t get that from Allen.” On the day of our interview, I meet Allen and Rob at The Rockefeller on Pier Avenue. We run through logistics like stage placement, shuttles, ingress, egress and water station locations. Their answers are thorough and thoughtful, and they pass the baton like proper business partners. But when they start to riff on their mutual love for The Black Crowes or what Van Halen songs they’re hoping Chevy Metal will play, the conversation takes on an air of high school exuberance. “When you strip it down to its bare bones, the reason we’re doing this, the reason we started LiveList and the reason we’re opening another venue is that we’re music fans,” says Rob, who co-founded the livestream discovery platform with Allen back in 2014. LiveList will power the livestreaming element of BeachLife, while four teams, more than 15 cameras and multiple hosts will capture what promises to be a forward-thinking, “content-first experience” for the people tuning in at home. And while the stages will be bigger than those of any other event at Seaside Lagoon and they’ll most likely be hosting more people than a Summer Concert Series gig, they’re capping attendance below what the venue footprint could easily accommodate. Less traffic, no overcrowding, no bad vibes. In fact, bad vibes are listed as a prohibited item in the festival FAQ. “He’s serious when he says he’s pushing a culture through a concert,” says Chief Kauffman of Allen. “He’s not creating something fake, and I think that’s phenomenal.” A metal sign hanging on the fence surrounding Seaside Lagoon memorializes Redondo’s famous bathhouse and roller coaster—local attractions of the early 1900s that drew tourists from all over the West Coast. The Lightning Racer was constructed at a cost of $100,000— nearly $3 million in today’s market—while the Plunge was billed as “the largest indoor saltwater-heated pool in the world” and accommodated 2,000 bathers at a time. They were more than landmarks; they were leaps of faith built by dreamers who understood the value of investing in waterfront magic. It’s fitting that 110 years later, Allen and Rob will be taking their own plunge—investing in a 10-year undertaking that, if done correctly, will bring more than music to Redondo Beach. ■
THE ESSENTIALS When: May 3-5, doors at 11 a.m. each day Where: Seaside Lagoon, 137 N. Harbor Drive in Redondo Beach Who: Willie Nelson, Brian Wilson, Bob Weir & Wolf Bros, Jason Mraz, Slightly Stoopid, Ziggy Marley, Violent Femmes, As The Crow Flies, Grace Potter, Blues Traveler, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, and more ... How Much: 3-day GA: $259, 3-day VIP: $795, 3-day Captain’s Pass: $2,500 In’s & Out’s: GA: no, VIP & Captain’s Pass: yes The Rest: all ages, rain or shine, no pets allowed More Info: beachlifefestival.com
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Cleaning House
Hermosa favorite Hudson House gets a revamped space and menu for its 10th anniversary. WRITTEN BY DARREN ELMS
When Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts launched Hudson House a decade ago, the small but formidable venue became an instant hit with its blend of elevated bar food and lively atmosphere. Despite ongoing success, Brooke and Nick—married chefs and restaurateurs—couldn’t resist an opportunity to reinvent their baby. And speaking of baby, the pair’s son and restaurant namesake Hudson once crawled on the floor of the original as they put together what would be a delicious, crowdpleasing menu. Now as their 10-year-old son develops his own discerning palate, mom and dad recognize a path to grow and explore their own as well. The new menu at Hudson House still grounds itself in gourmet pub fare, with sharable delights like dirty tots and cheesy filled
meatballs on demand. Many of the other locally sourced dishes have a hint of Asian influence, like the beef and broccoli, and pork cheek tacos dressed in kimchi mayo and kohlrabi slaw. Another tasty offering, the ginger brined chicken and unicorn noodle salad, pairs glassy ultraviolet noodles with sweet pickled shitake mushrooms, radish, cucumber, cilantro, sesame, crispy onions and a yuzu vinaigrette. I know many of you local customers may be freaking out about two items not on the menu: the brown sugar pork ribs and the pretzel burger. Don’t panic! These items are still available off-menu upon request. Crisis averted. Let’s move on to booze, another reason we love Hudson House. The bar is sociable and lively, and the drinks—amazing. Yes, you
can still get a craft beer selection from local favorites like Beachwood Brewing in Long Beach, El Segundo Brewing Company and Three Weavers in Inglewood. However, we highly suggest checking out some of the craft cocktails, created under the stewardship of beverage director Jessica Souza. (Pennyroyal Tea with scotch, Earl Grey, maple and citrus—divine). Whiskey lovers can also try a glass of Hudson House’s personalized rye whiskey from Hudson Whiskey, bottled and labeled specifically for the restaurant. Cheers, Hudson House … you get better with age. ■ 514 North Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach 310-798-9183, hudsonhousebar.com
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Visible Talent
Not many street artists hail from Manhattan Beach, but Mazzy is already making an impact with his inspiring political art. WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAT MONK
Mazin Darwaza MacGregor, known as Mazzy, was born locally at Cedars-Sinai hospital in 1998 before moving to Austin, Texas, and then back to Manhattan Beach the summer before he began middle school. As the child of creative parents with their own incredibly unique stories, Mazzy was destined for an artistic career. His mother is a producer/storyteller, born to Palestinian refugees and raised in Saudi Arabia until she moved to the United States at age 14 to attend high school and college. Mazzy’s dad is an advertising creative director and art director who perpetually moved across the U.S. during his childhood. Mazzy credits his father for opening the doors to the art world for him. As a child growing up in Austin—a city known for its distinct art scene—Mazzy tinkered with making films with friends, but it was never something he took very seriously. Almost 10 years ago Mazzy’s dad, Scott MacGregor, introduced him to the British documentary film Exit Through the Gift Shop by Banksy, the British street artist who has been commercially successful while keeping his identity completely private despite being at the forefront of the street art movement. Reluctant to watch the film at first, Mazzy considers that viewing a pivotal moment for him. After watching the film countless times, Mazzy developed a vision of the art he wanted to create. As a 10-year-old kid with limited knowledge of how to get started, he relied on his father to help him actualize his vision. Mazzy and his dad set out to learn how to stencil together. Mazzy’s art is political in nature and utilizes mixed media—including stencils, spray paint and newspapers. “I started creating art when the politics of the U.S. was kind of shifting. There is a lot of hate in the media. I like to try and bring that out and use it for something good, and sometimes it is comedic,” shares Mazzy. Scott adds, “As Mazzy developed, he weaved current social issues into his art. His art has purpose and intent and is created to question our current reality.” Mazzy attributes his unique vision, in part, to being self-taught and not formally trained. “Growing up in the
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I started creating art when the politics of the U.S. was kind of shifting. There is a lot of hate in the media. I like to try and bring that out and use it for something good, and sometimes it is comedic.”
South Bay gave me an individualistic point of view that helped me develop my own style,” he explains. It wasn’t until he took AP art as a junior at Mira Costa that the community got an opportunity to view Mazzy’s artwork publicly. With the help of his teacher, Mrs. Heredia, Mazzy had his first art opening at the Mira Costa high school gallery with almost 45 pieces of art. He sold his first piece of art for $7, and his highest sale to date has been $1,400 at a ShockBoxx gallery showing last summer in Hermosa Beach. Not bad for a teenager. “What I really appreciate about Mazzy’s work is that there is a playfulness mixed in with really smart political commentary,” says ShockBoxx’s Mike Collins. “I totally dig that we can see him nodding to other artists but that he has added his own voice to the mix. There is something unique in the way Mazzy plays with layers of different media and how he uses this to make a statement. He has a voice, and it is inspiring. I can see his work helping inspire change.” Mazzy is now a freshman at the University of California, Santa Barbara in the college of creative studies. The program is unique for a big state school in that it recognizes talent early on and only selects a handful of students each year. Last summer Mazzy got the opportunity to create a mural in Venice behind the clothing store Aviator Nation just off Abbot Kinney. The mural stands 10x20 feet and exhibits all the methods Mazzy has developed in an accumulative manner, spanning the length of his artistry. If you are in Venice, be sure to check it out. Mazzy is very comfortable showing his art at galleries and has moved away from actual street art for the time being so he can focus more on his studio pieces while he is in college. “Mazzy is a totally cool cat,” says Mike. “He shows up prepared and ready to mix it up at shows. That is rare for many artists—and especially rare for a younger artist. It is scary enough to put your work on the wall, but to stand in a crowd and talk about it, hear about it and connect with artists and buyers … that’s potentially terrifying. I’ve watched him successfully work the crowd on several occasions. He’s got it all, including the fact that he always shows up with a great posse in tow!” ■
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True Colors
Moms from Manhattan Beach to Palos Verdes join forces in support of their LGBTQ kids. WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAT MONK
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Generally speaking, around the time kids are in middle school hormones start to kick in and crushes start to occur. Some kids this age may have a boyfriend or a girlfriend. And some kids realize they don’t associate with the gender assigned to them at birth or the sexuality that is expected of them due to their gender assignment. It can be a very confusing and stressful time for teens and their families. Three local moms who have experienced similar situations with their children in middle school were internally torn apart due to the bullying and vitriol their kids were receiving. Two of the women, Tina Sarafa of Manhattan Beach and Cindy Byrne of Palos Verdes, started a support group called Mama Bears. Tina’s son is homosexual, and Cindy’s child is transgender. Mama Bears grew as more and more families reach out to Tina and Cindy for the same type of assistance and support. Soon they met Linda Reeves, whose son is gay, and they created a local chapter of PFLAG—the first and largest organization uniting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people with parents, families and allies. These influential moms feel that it is crucial that members of the LGBTQ community who are experiencing gender or sexual identity issues have support … and support starts at home. It is also important for families and friends to have a support group of others who have had similar experiences to help process the range of emotions that naturally may occur. There are more than 400 chapters of PFLAG, a grassroots movement, across the United States. PFLAG works to ensure that LGBTQ people are not only valued by society but take pride in and value themselves. Suicide and drug addiction rates for the LGBTQ community are two to three times as high as others because they are more likely to be misunderstood, bullied and face rejection from their families. PFLAG consists of passionate volunteers working to advocate through peer-to-peer support, educating people on the issues that are important to our community and advocating for inclusive policies and laws. PFLAG’s priorities are that “people who are LGBTQ and their families deserve to be safe and secure, no matter where they live, work, study, pray or play.” Almost everyone understands or is aware of homosexuality in this day and age, but
not everyone is familiar with the spectrum of gender issues. Linda, a licensed marriage and family therapist with a specialty in LGBTQ issues, refers to this as the Gender Revolution. The Gender Revolution is twofold: (1) gender affiliation and gender assignment at birth and (2) homosexuality. Gender affiliation is not related to being homosexual. “Gender is a cultural construct; the way people express their gender is more authentic,” explains Linda. Within the Gender Revolution, there are individuals who are either transgender or non-binary. Non-binary is a catchall term for gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or feminine. More and more you will hear a person define their pronouns as “they, theirs and them” for one individual rather than “he,
Gender is a cultural construct; the way people express their gender is more authentic.”
his and him” or “she, her and hers.” These typically plural pronouns are being used in the singular sense. Linda refers to a quote by Caitlyn Jenner: “There’s no correlation between one’s gender identity and one’s sexuality. There are two different things here. Sexual orientation is whom you go to bed with. Gender identity is whom you go to bed as.” Many people in the Gender Revolution would like to eliminate gender assignments at birth so everyone is equal. Some believe that assigning gender leads certain individuals who don’t relate to their gender assignment down a more difficult path. According to the CDC, 2% of high school students identify as transgender and more than one-third of these trans high school students have attempted suicide in the last year. If you know anyone who is experiencing any issues related to gender identity or sexual orientation, reach out to the community’s new local chapter of PFLAG. Meetings are the first Tuesday of every month, 7 to 9 p.m., in the Fireside Room at Manhattan Beach Community Church, 303 South Peck Avenue in Manhattan Beach. ■
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WE ARE TERRANEA PROUD Taking care of people has been a hallmark of L.A.’s oceanfront resort for a decade— for both its valued guests and trusted associates. WRITTEN BY DARREN ELMS
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ou need only spend a few hours at Terranea to share a memorable moment with one or more of the resort’s familiar faces. Perhaps it begins at your arrival when the valet opens your vehicle door and welcomes you with a sincere smile. After you are served a favorite cocktail by Jillian at the Lobby Bar, you exchange energy with Angela in the glow of the fire pits as she makes her way down to the bluff to lead Full Moon Yoga. As Chef Jin heads to catalina kitchen with his freshly harvested ingredients, he recognizes you from your last visit and invites you to try his new seasonal menu on the fly. You indulge graciously and even make time to catch Kevin croon and strum guitar back in the lobby. Terranea is your second family—a place to connect with like minds who share your love of celebration, epicurean delights, wellness, community and daily discovery. While the breathtaking vistas and award-winning amenities and service continue to delight guests year after year, the soul of Terranea shines most brilliantly in its people. Celebrating a decade in 2019, the resort introduces an initiative to honor an employee culture that serves authentic hospitality from the heart: Terranea Proud. At its core Terranea seeks to build a strong and diverse culture—one where recruitment policies, a diverse workforce, in-house training
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programs and an inclusive environment reflect a workplace of which all associates can be proud. “As a champion of opportunities and protection for women, minorities and all individuals for my entire career, I am very proud of what my friends and fellow associates have accomplished—for themselves, for their families and for their futures,” shares Terranea president Terri A. Haack. Terranea Proud celebrates ongoing efforts to provide a work environment where associates feel empowered to go above and beyond and ultimately create their own dream career path. “Since we opened our doors in 2009, we have worked diligently to take care of our guests and our associates,” says chief strategy officer and executive vice president Agnelo Fernandes. “Our job has always been to provide employees with resources, tools, training and support to make sure they continue to progress in their careers.” Of Terranea’s 1,250 current employees, 200 have been with the coastal property since the beginning. During the first 10 years of operation, the resort has offered more than 1,000 promotion and transfer opportunities as associates grow into new roles, take on different responsibilities and continue building their careers. “The fact that your manager tells you they see something in you, and they say, ‘You’re
“AND KNOWING YOU CAN BE WITH A COMPANY FOR SO MANY YEARS AND THEY GIVE YOU THAT OPPORTUNITY TO GROW, IT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO EVEN BETTER AND COME TO WORK EVERY DAY WITH A SMILE.”
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gonna get promoted,’ is really exciting,” shares associate Jose Marquez, who transitioned from food server to manager. “And knowing you can be with a company for so many years and they give you that opportunity to grow, it motivates you to do even better and come to work every day with a smile.” While Terranea rewards passionate and dedicated service, it also encourages a work-life balance for associates. “It all starts with compassion, from one human being to another,” shares Agnelo of the community spirit fostered from within. It could be anything from time off to attend a family celebration or a child’s game to making a recommendation for somebody’s child to attend a particular college. And that compassion extends to other practices at the resort. Sustainability leader Lauren Bergloff leads a Green Team of more than 40 ambassadors from different departments who implement eco-conscious efforts, including recycling and composting programs and encouraging reusable items instead of single-use plastic. In addition, they support initiatives like Coastal Cleanup Day, donate surplus foods to Chefs to End Hunger and redirect toiletries to Midnight Mission that would otherwise have been discarded. “These programs started and continue to run because of Terranea associates’ passion to give back to both the community and the environment,” says Lauren. “I could not be more proud.” In addition to balance, Terranea encourages associates to have fun and be themselves, knowing the best way to earn trust is through authenticity. “Your ability to approach and be approachable is very important to us,” says Agnelo. “Just be who you are. You are hired for a great reason, and that is because your DNA fits in with our values.” Agnelo recalls a time when a chef prepared an Italian pastry for a guest who had
arrived distressed from a series of canceled and delayed flights and transportation. The chef learned that she was from the same region in Italy where his grandmother was from and created a specialty that he handdelivered to her. “It’s these moments when an associate seeks to be extraordinary and doesn’t feel inhibited to ask for permission to create something off the menu,” says Agnelo. This event resulted in business with this client for the past eight years. Encouraged to embrace individuality alongside teamwork, each and every Terranea associate offers something unique and extraordinary. Longtime falconer Joe Roy III continues to enchant guests with his gorgeous raptors, which also perform an important natural abatement purpose at the resort. Newcomer Navil Lorenzana brings her nutrition expertise to the food and beverage department, helping compose a healthy menu at the property’s newest dining venue, Solviva. Server Rosalinda Garcia, celebrating her 10th anniversary alongside the resort, still gets overwhelmed with happiness when greeted by the ocean each morning while taking a guest’s order. It’s personalized gestures and moments like these that encapsulate the spirit of Terranea Proud. “I get to be myself and carve my path at Terranea,” says national sales manager Shane Phelan, who started as a bellman at Terranea in 2009. “Every associate has the power to make a difference at the resort regardless of the position they hold. Empowered and well-treated employees create a wonderful work environment, and that’s what we have at Terranea.” For more information, please visit terranea.com/careers 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes 855-416-3928
“I GET TO BE MYSELF AND CARVE MY PATH AT TERRANEA. EVERY ASSOCIATE HAS THE POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT THE RESORT REGARDLESS OF THE POSITION THEY HOLD. ” 78
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Going for Green
A local nonprofit organization plants the seed for an ecoconscious community in students worldwide. WRITTEN BY ELIZA KRPOYAN ILLUSTRATED BY CHRISTINE GEORGIADES
Picture a group of students—determined to ban single-use plastic straws, utensils and stirrers in Manhattan Beach—speaking before City Council. Imagine them working together to develop research on why this matters, why the city should consider making this change and the net positive impact it would have on the community. Now recall the City Council voting unanimously to move forward with a ban on the issue. Grades of Green Youth Corps eco-leaders— Penn, Carter, Ethan, Lila and Sienna—played a big role in the plastic pollution reduction ordinance that went into enforcement this year. “There were students who attended multiple City Council meetings,” shares co-executive director Allie Bussjaeger. Many young environmentalists also visited local businesses to speak with them about going straw-less. This is among the kind of activities Grades of Green, a global nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire and empower students to care for the environment, heads up. And it all started here in the South Bay.
habits but also lead environmental projects and activities in their communities.” There are more than 50 activities that schools can participate in. Categories include air, earth, energy, toxins, waste and water. Students can learn how to compost or how to make nontoxic cleaning products by mixing water and vinegar. In addition to impacting a change at the local government level, another milestone includes the conservation of 20 million gallons of water in the past two years globally. In Nairobi, Kenya, an initiative to improve water quality by reducing litter led to 25 Malezi Community Centre student leaders converting 100 cement bags into trash bins. The students also educated community members about the relation between litter and water-borne illness. During the past four months students around the world have been working on a campaign to divert waste by encouraging peers to bring reusable items instead of single-use plastics, and implementing composting and recycling programs. The goal is to divert 480 tons of waste.
It started off with the idea of engaging students in simple habits like turning off the water when brushing your teeth or using both sides of paper before recycling it. It evolved from students not only wanting to practice those habits but also lead environmental projects and activities in their communities.” Four Manhattan Beach moms started the organization, celebrating its 10-yearanniversary this month. Since 2008 Grades of Green has grown to encompass 47 states and 23 countries. More than one-half million students starting as young as pre-K are part of the movement. “The original students who were part of the program 10 years ago are now some of our college mentors,” shares co-executive director Emily Gee, who started as an intern along with Allie eight years ago. “[Grades of Green] was an idea from a group of passionate parents who really wanted to work with their young children and the peers of their children to help them learn some environmental habits they could carry with them for a long time,” says Allie. “It started off with the idea of engaging students in simple habits like turning off the water when brushing your teeth or using both sides of paper before recycling it. It evolved from students not only wanting to practice those
Allie borrows from Dr. Seuss: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” It’s a reminder that every student and adult who cares adds up, Allie explains. “Even if only one student is reducing one pound of trash, when you mobilize that energy with the thousands of students around the world who are working on projects together, the results are 400 tons of trash. The program—valued at $1,500 per student group that registers—is completely free because of donations and sponsorships. “We never want cost to be a barrier for participation. We want any student around the world to feel empowered to change the world,” says Allie. Support Grades of Green by attending their annual fundraising event, VERTE, on April 20. It’ll be hosted at the westdrift hotel and will feature a global tasting menu highlighting five regions where Grades of Green students are located, including Indonesia and Italy. ■
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Circle of Love A local South Bay family turns the loss of a loved one into the reimagining of a treasured Manhattan Beach venue. WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK | FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHED BY BO BRIDGES
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hether you’re inching your way down Vista Del Mar from the arrival gates at LAX or simply wrapping up your daily commute, seeing the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier evokes a sense of home. Over the holiday season, we watch in wonder as fireworks fly over it. It’s the backdrop of countless photographs, and it caters to the curiosity of some of the South Bay’s youngest residents. The mere structure is emblematic of Manhattan Beach. Initially built in 1922 as a pavilion, the Roundhouse evolved into an aquarium in 1979. If you’ve raised a family in the Beach Cities over the past four decades, chances are you’ve taken your little ones to peek at the marine life behind the glass or to examine the tiny creatures in the touch tanks. Like clean beaches, The Strand or sunfilled Decembers, the Roundhouse is one of the great perks of South Bay life. Free of charge and open to the public, kids can pop in and pet a starfish, have a staring contest with an eel or learn about their impact on the ocean any day of the week. For a young Harrison Greenberg, the aquarium was a place of wonder—a place where his inquisitive spirit could merge with his deep appreciation for the sea. Growing up near the water, Harrison was “fascinated by the ocean and loved marine life,” his mother, Wendy Greenberg, explains. “He spent the majority of his vacations from school and free time on the water.” Family trips to the Isthmus of Catalina Island were frequent. “We used to take the boat out, sometimes 12 times a year for a long weekend or up to two weeks at a time,” notes Harrison’s father and co-founder/president of Skechers, Michael Greenberg. “He spent hours on the boat and in the ocean—swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, tubing, fishing … I think he saw it as his second home, a place of entertainment, mystery and wonder with the multitude of life that exists in the vastness of the sea,” Wendy adds. Harrison was curious in nature with a desire to absorb the world around him. “His interest in exploring and learning as much as possible is one of the many things I have always admired in Harrison,” Wendy says. Tragically, Harrison’s curiosity was interrupted much too soon. In 2015 Harrison passed away unexpectedly at the age of 19. Within days there was an incredible outpouring of support, and the Harrison Greenberg Foundation was formed.
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“People wanted to give,” explains Michael. “Within four or five days the donations were building and quickly reached a quarter of a million dollars. We knew we needed a foundation; we needed a cause.” All signs pointed to the reimagining of the Roundhouse Aquarium, though the full extent of the project was yet to reveal itself. “I’m not sure if at the time I knew what I was getting myself into,” Michael says. “I visited [Roundhouse Aquarium board member] Lynn Gross with [executive director of the Harrison Greenberg Foundation] Robin Curren to talk about what the Harrison Greenberg Foundation could do on behalf of the Roundhouse. Lynn [initially] was thinking
“His interest in exploring and learning as much as possible is one of the many things I have always admired in Harrison.” we might want to donate a bit of money into building a new fish tank, and I remember leaving and turning to Wendy and Robin and saying, ‘I’m not sure they understand quite what we want to do.’” What Michael wanted to do was remodel the facility, but that idea would quickly evolve into something more. “We’re not going to remodel it. We’re going to take the old aquarium out, and we’re going to put a new aquarium in. That idea was born, it was forged, and at the time I think we thought it would take $1.5 million. It ended up costing nearly $4.5 million,” he notes. Cost aside, there were many factors that needed to align for this project to come to fruition. “Just the whole process of bringing the teams together,” Michael says. “Working with [Oceanographic Teaching Stations], which is a nonprofit, working with the Harrison Greenberg Foundation, working with the city of Manhattan Beach—they’re
the landlords of the pier. OTS is the tenant, the Harrison Greenberg Foundation is a nonprofit, and we’re creating a tri-party agreement. And remember, OTS is for education— so the education had to continue. Logistically we had to figure out how we were going to bring in an aquarium design firm and keep the teaching going on at the same time.” The solution: temporary trailers to house the marine life and maintain a learning environment during construction. The Roundhouse is a historic building, and maintaining the iconic look of the exterior while modernizing the interior was a priority to everyone involved. “It’s the most recognized structure in our city,” Michael says. There was a plan, however, to move the entrance—to make it more appealing, more inviting. And there was controversy over whether or not the nearly 100-year-old café should be removed to make the change. “I envisioned looking west from the foot of the pier—looking into the natural aquarium and seeing the largest aquarium in the world: the Pacific Ocean,” Michael says. Next time an epic sunset has you gazing out at the pier, notice the sunlight pouring through the front doors of the Roundhouse. It’s a view that’s never existed before. “I get a lot of satisfaction of that being the first time in 100 years, or ever, that that’s possible,” Michael notes. “I didn’t know if we would prevail, and at any time I was in a position to stop because the entrance is so important. How many people go down to the pier, go toward the Roundhouse, but they don’t go in? The entrance was in an obscure location.” On one hand, there were countless hurdles to overcome. On the other, things had a way of organically taking shape. “Having the support of the city council was tremendous,” Michael says. And then there was the inclusion of Cambridge Seven architect Peter Sollogub. “I’m from Massachusetts,” Michael says. “We started to send out RFPs for aquarium architectural firms to bid on, and Cambridge Seven out of New England was one of them. They have built some of the most renowned aquariums in the world. This gentleman walks in, and I feel a unique bond. He reminded me of Harrison’s greatgrandfather, who he never met and who was undeniably my favorite person in the world. His name was Harry. Harrison is English and means the son of Harry. I’m looking at him, and he’s from Boston and he looks like my grandfather did when I was a kid. I went with my gut—a wise decision.”
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“The new and improved Roundhouse feels welcoming and inviting— Harrison’s ‘new home’ where his memory can live on.”
With the dream team in place, the interior of the Roundhouse was taken down to the studs. “When we gutted it, all you would see were the bones of the building,” Michael says. “You’re looking at wood that’s been there since 1992—the beams and all the drywall. Everything was taken out from all the plumbing to the electrical. The only thing standing was literally the shell.” Today the project is complete, and the Roundhouse is again filled with kids eager to see and touch everything around them. “The new and improved Roundhouse feels welcoming and inviting—Harrison’s ‘new home’ where his memory can live on,” Wendy says. Chase Greenberg, Harrison’s brother, finds himself back in the aquarium he once cherished as a child and avoided as a young man. “We would go to the pier, but we would generally not go into [the Roundhouse]—it was so run down. Now we go in every single time.” When he’s not on the pier, Chase has a clear view of the Roundhouse from his
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antique World War II binoculars positioned toward the structure. Since the aquarium’s opening, the reception from the community has been overwhelming positive. But the work is not done. “The aquarium lives in a very corrosive environment—out on the water, wind, rain, storm and salt,” Michael says. “What I want people to take away is that it’s a wonderful gift to our community, it’s there for everybody to enjoy, and we need as much continued support as possible to keep it pristine. My job, our job did not come to an end when we opened the aquarium. We feel it’s just the beginning.” The Harrison Greenberg Foundation’s sole focus is now dedicated to the sustainability of the aquarium. “In Harrison’s memory, this affords us to unite the passion he had for Manhattan Beach, the ocean and learning for all to enjoy,” Wendy says. “I think [Harrison] would be very proud of everyone involved,” Michael adds. “Seeing the kids touching the fish tanks and the number
of children and families in there today—how beautiful it is and the enjoyment and smiles on everybody’s faces—I think that would give him great pleasure because he was a real caring kid.” Scanning through photographs recently taken by local photographer Bo Bridges, Michael stops at an image showcasing a rainbow stretched from the foot of the pier to the top of the Roundhouse. “You talk about what we did on behalf of Harrison, and I don’t want to be emotional, but I haven’t seen things like this before,” Michael says. “It’s so magical, and I just wonder: Why now?” Wendy is delighted at seeing the “large, etched, bronze medallion bearing the image of my son’s face” on the floor near the entrance of the aquarium—a tribute to his memory. On the walls she sees the “many plaques of familiar and unfamiliar names who helped donate and make the Roundhouse as beautiful as it is today.” But it’s the familiarity of the touch tanks that connect her to the past. “That was Harrison’s favorite part,” Wendy says. “I have very fond memories with Harrison, Chase and Mackenna in the Roundhouse—especially enjoying the touch tanks.” Watching the children crowd around the new tanks, eyes wide open with tiny fingers reaching in … it’s nice to see some things never change. ■
BRING LEARNING TO LIFE Do more in real time Marymount students turn business plans into startups, research new drugs for patients, and intern with institutions like SpaceX, U.S. Marshals and Dreamworks. Digital communication media major Dominique Vazquez is documenting a Tokyo-to-San Francisco scientific expedition with AltaSea, an ocean preservation group.
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Find Your Light
A Palos Verdes conservatory creates a home away from home for future Broadway stars, theatre educators and everyone in between. WRITTEN BY ANTHONY KARAMBELAS PHOTOGRAPHED BY MONICA OROZCO
It’s just your typical South Bay family. Except it’s got 30 or so kids. And instead of mom calling them down for dinner, there’s the announcement over the PA system: “Everyone on stage for notes!” The Palos Verdes Performing Arts Conservatory (PVPAC) may be an after-school program for the arts, but it’s a home away from home for most of the kids who wander the halls each week. Over its 20-year history, the Conservatory’s taken Palos Verdes youth and turned them into recording artists, Golden Globe nominees and even … wait for it … Hamilton stars. But if you ever visit the 7,000-square-foot space, you might wonder how such a successful program is so unlike those cutthroat acting schools in NYC. Even though PVPAC’s played the part—having put on a production of Fame two summers ago—those in charge at the Conservatory will have you know that is not what the Conservatory is. “We’re not teaching them to go out and be an actor. We’re teaching them to be able to go and interview well for jobs and public speaking, and how to feel confident in who you are as a little human being,” says Emily Yaakola, seven-year instructor at the Conservatory. They’ve found the secret sauce somewhere between a professional quality youth theatre and dance school and a safe space where kids can just, as Conservatory director Joel Sluyter puts it, “be themselves.” And the students soak it up—many of them daily attendees who, whenever not studying at school or sleeping at home, are here … smiling, laughing and having the time of their lives. Getting them to leave at the end of a day is something like asking them to step out of the hot tub when the air temperature’s dropped below zero. Parents have Joel—or if you want to get with the Conservatory kid lingo, “Superman”—to thank for that. You can see why he deserves the title. In spite
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of the incessant phone calls, emails and administrative matters—once handled by four full-time staff members, now just him—he has a strict open-door policy. “I believe a strong connection and having kids in here all the time is great,” he says. “I can’t be working when there are 15 kids in here. I can’t call someone or be searching a show, but it makes them happier and I like it. It’s fun.” Until college bid them part, most of the students, once in, are in it till the end. Considering many of them start as young as 4 through the entry-level summer program, Camp Curtain Call (where they write and produce hour-long shows), that’s really saying something. “At first I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” says Giovanna B., an 11-year-old who started as a 6-yearold camper and now serves as dance captain for the upcoming production of We Will Rock You. “I came up with a bunch of random stuff, and then I started coming here and acting and dancing and singing. I was like, ‘Wow, this is what I want to do,’ and my passion just keeps growing.” Like Giovanna, most of the kids found their love for theatre at the Conservatory and pay it forward by mentoring the younger ones as camp counselors and positive role models. Even after college many return to direct shows or become part-time instructors. Because of that, there’s an endless supply of professional directors and choreographers who give the kids a simulation of what it’s like on Broadway. “It’s a youth conservatory, but they’re so professional here with everything,” says 15-year-old Riley L., who’s been at the PVPAC more than 10 years now. “They won’t baby you. They treat you like adults, and they give you opportunities like adults.” If you count the differences between Conservatory shows and those of the professional series, you’ll come to realize there’s only one: it’s teenagers on stage and not adults. Everything else—including venue (Norris Theatre), lighting design, sound design and the tireless crew—stays the same. Just like in the industry, not every kid gets the lead. And this can come as hard-hitting news for some students and even parents. But somehow this doesn’t foment any sibling rivalry. “We don’t compete here. It’s not what we do. It’s not what we’re focused on. We’re focused on entertainment,” says Joel. So far, community response has been nothing short of ecstatic and beholden. And why shouldn’t it be? The Conservatory breathes life into the Hill, one student at a time. As Ben L., a 6-year student at the Conservatory, puts it, “It’s everything you could ever want, right here.” ■
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PHOTO BY: DAVE COMBS
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A South Bay mom is elevating kids’ palates … one box at a time. WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY
CEO Samantha Barnes and her kids, Beckett and Ceci, in the kitchen
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As a middle school teacher in Calabasas, Samantha Barnes was growing frustrated with the choices she saw students making day in and day out when it came to their meals and snacks. She could see they desperately needed food education that they weren’t getting at home … or at school. So she decided to do something about it. Samantha started a mobile culinary school, offering classes in nearly 50 schools as well as in-home parties. To take culinary education a step further and put it in the hands of parents, she opened Raddish in 2014 as a monthly cooking club for kids ages 4 to 14. Subscribers sign up to receive a box in the mail each month with recipes including stepby-step instructions, grocery lists, an apron patch and kid-friendly kitchen tools. The kits also include Table Talk conversation starters to involve everyone at the table. “Everything we do is focused on food and family,” Samantha says of her Redondo Beach-based business, which has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Parents magazine, the LA Times and TODAY. “We believe that the kitchen is the best place to learn and connect.” Samantha and her team think of themselves as an education company—not only teaching culinary skills but also geography, world culture, history, science and math. In fact, Samantha uses her curriculumdesigning skills when creating the crossdisciplinary Raddish kits, which feature monthly themes like “Taste of India” or “Tropical Luau.” The business also hosts a kids summer cooking camp, Camp Raddish, in Hermosa Beach. We recently checked in with this South Bay resident, who lives with her husband, Seth, head of Raddish’s marketing team, and her kids: daughter Ceci, 9, and son Beckett, 7. We asked her about living—and running a kid-friendly business—in southern California. When did you move to the South Bay? My husband and I moved to L.A. 13 years ago from Boston. We fell in love with the South Bay and have lived here for 10 years. I still find myself in awe of our wide beaches and endless sunshine. I love the family-friendly spirit that our community is built upon. We may live in L.A., but it still feels small-town. I know I’ll see friends wherever I go. What are your favorite local places to eat? The Point, Wahoo’s, Rock ‘n Brews and Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong in Torrance. Both my kids had their 1-week-old birthday at Uncle
Bill’s and still love their blueberry pancakes. For date night, my husband and I love Hook and Plow and happy hour at Dia del Campo. When the weather is warm, dinner on the beach is our all-time favorite place to eat! What does your family do together for fun? Our kids are involved in a lot of sports and theatre, but on the occasional quiet Saturday we love taking our dog for a hike in Palos Verdes or combing the tidepools at Abalone Cove (always stopping at Graeter’s ice cream after!) We all love going to the family-friendly Strand Brewery for a beer (ginger beer for the kids!) and to play games. It’s also fun to discover a new foodie adventure somewhere in L.A. We travel a lot to visit family who live back East and in Park City, Utah. What do you like to cook at home? I’ve changed a lot as a cook since having a family that needs to be fed seven days a week. Now I am a diligent meal planner instead of a “what looks good at the store” after-work shopper. Some of our favorite (and efficient!) weekday meals are risotto, soups and chilis, homemade pizza, and lemon chicken and veggies on the grill. Your mom owned a boutique cookware store when you were little, so you came by your kitchen passion naturally. How are you passing that passion on to your children? My kids love helping me cook! My daughter is our family’s official salad dressing-maker, and my son loves making and eating pesto
pasta. They love helping on weekend mornings with muffins, waffles and pancakes. What are some of your favorite things to pack for school lunch? Crackers with salami and cheese, yogurt with frozen blueberries, avocado sandwiches, veggies with tzatziki or hummus, almond butter and bananas, TJ’s mini tortellini with peas. How do you teach social responsibility? We talk openly about with our kids about injustice, gratitude and charity. During the recent election we took our kids canvassing door-to-door. I volunteer with Haven Academy of the Arts in El Segundo, St. Cross Episcopal Church in Hermosa and Da Vinci Connect, where our children attend school. My husband coaches sports and is on the board of South Bay Pony baseball. Raddish is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity and the American Heart Association. Tell us about Camp Raddish. Our summer camp is delicious, and the most innovative cooking camp you’ll find! Kids learn kitchen skills from our passionate culinary coaches, and they collaborate to create and execute their own restaurant. Our campers love cooking—and eating—recipes from around the world, and parents love celebrating their kids’ success during Friday’s restaurant opening! This summer marks our 11th summer of inspiring kids in the kitchen, and registration for summer 2019 is open at raddishkids.com/camp. ■
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Double Exposure Identical twins are truly unique. They form in the womb when an embryo splits in two during the first two weeks of gestation—one egg fertilized by one sperm. In a tribute to the late photographer Mary Ellen Mark, known for her documentary work with twins, Kat Monk photographs a short series of identical twins who live here in the South Bay. PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAT MONK
Clara Liang and Vivi Liang 7 MONTHS, HERMOSA BEACH “It is so special to observe how similar they are but watch them develop their own personalities. Each girl already has her own unique way. The best bond I saw was Clara had to stay in the NICU for 2½ weeks. When we finally brought her home, both girls seemed to instantly relax when they had each other back. Also they sleep in separate cribs but are happy to be back next to each other in the morning!” — Mom Aly
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Noah Murray and Nathan Murray 9, MANHATTAN BEACH “I love being a twin because I have an unbreakable bond with my brother that no one else understands.” — Nathan
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Cassandra Papp and Grace Papp 3, TORRANCE “As babies they would babble and laugh together, sharing secrets we couldn’t understand. As toddlers they sing and snuggle and share stories that we listen to over the monitor as they fall asleep. I never tire of watching them interact.” — Mom Alissa
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Lisa Galien and Lee Bakos EARLY 50s, MANHATTAN BEACH “We always support each other in our lives, but more importantly we have a friendship that will endure forever.” — Lee
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Kelly Boyd and Alex Boyd 13, PALOS VERDES “It’s funny because Kelly and I are completely opposite, but we suit each other so well. I’m type B; she’s type A. I love her because she actually understands me, and I can be myself around her.” — Alex
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Derek Brewer and Keith Brewer 40s, MANHATTAN BEACH “You always have someone you can trust when you have a twin.” — Derek
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Bringing it Home These South Bay parents are changing it up and educating their kids at home. WRITTEN BY DIANE E. BARBER | ILLUSTRATED BY CHRISTINE GEORGIADES
T
he concept of homeschooling children often conjures up controversy and misconceptions of protective helicopter parents with socially challenged kids who are unprepared for “real life.” As the saying goes, do not judge a book by its cover. Some of the world’s most brilliant minds, great leaders, renowned artists, authors and athletes have been homeschooled–from legendary figures like George Washington, Leonardo da Vinci, Alexander Graham Bell, Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright, Albert Einstein, Helen Keller, Joan of Arc, Isaac Newton, Will Rogers and Katharine Hepburn to modern-day notables such as Serena Williams and Venus Williams, Misty Copeland, Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake.
Educating children at home has been done globally for centuries and domestically since the colonization of our country. With the addition of the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution in 1791, the education system in the U.S. was decentralized with oversight powers reserved for the people and the states. Historians estimate that by the late 1800s about 65% of school-aged children attended public schools, while the others were homeschooled. In 1904 an Indiana state appellate court ruled that a school was “a place where instruction is imparted to the young” and that “a school at home counts as a private school” (State v. Peterman). This was a win for homeschooling advocates nationally, as society and state officials pushed harder for public schooling to be the norm.
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By 1970 public school attendance far surpassed home-based learning—so much so that homeschooling was deemed to be almost nonexistent. According to the U.S. Department of Education, approximately 87% of kids in the U.S. were enrolled in public schools at that time, while the majority of the other students attended private schools. But in response to concerns about the influence of pop culture on American youth and parental disillusionment with state-run schools, a shift back to homeschooling eventually began. In the mid-‘70s the theory of unschooling and child-led learning began to take hold in the U.S. John Holt, a Yale-educated teacher, youth advocate and author, was at the forefront of the modern homeschool movement of this era in the wake of his books, How Children Fail, How Children Learn and Instead of Education: Ways to Help People Do Things Better, which were based on his theory that rote-style learning and a child’s desire to please a teacher quashed natural curiosity and authenticity. The books and his newsletter (Growing Without Schooling) were lauded by parents and educators nationally. On the heels of Holt’s and other advocates’ works, there was an upsurge in homeschooling in the decades to follow. By 2016 the National Home Education Research Institute estimated that 2.3 million kids were homeschooled in the U.S. There are numerous reasons that parents elect to homeschool in the South Bay and throughout the U.S. The most common are religious and moral beliefs, educational philosophies, medical circumstances (including the vaccine mandate in California), curriculum flexibility, adaptability to specific learning styles, a preference for one-on-one education and concerns about bullying and other social influences. Navigating the complexities of the homeschooling world without one central governing body (such as the state for public schools) can be overwhelming. But parental convictions and passion light the way to great resources and options in the community. Homeschooling is typically done through public-funded charters (such as Valiant Preparatory, Inspire Charter Schools and iLEAD Schools), private schools, independent study programs and by creating a private home-based school, which requires obtaining a Private School Affidavit (PSA) through the California Department of Education. Methods and styles of homeschooling vary tremendously, including
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interest-led (unschooling), computer-based, Montessori, Charlotte Mason method, eclectic, unit studies (many subjects under one topic) and block scheduling versus subject transitioning. The daily time commitment for each student varies by grade, focus, subjects and scheduling (typically two to four hours for lower and mid-grades and three to six hours for upper grades).
“I learn a lot faster at home than at regular school because I do not have to wait for the rest of the class to catch up. And when I FInish, I have a lot more time for other things.”
One of the most common questions asked of parents who homeschool is, “What about socialization?” Children in public and private schools are primarily socialized with other children of the same age. Homeschooled children on the other hand regularly socialize with children and adults of all ages. Opportunities to make friends and develop social skills through homeschool networks and by simply being out in the world day-to-day are limitless, including homeschool-specific classes at South Bay L.A. Learning Center, weekly group gatherings, park days, volunteer work, church groups, field trips, after-school classes, organized sports, book clubs, art and music classes, and community service projects. In many instances, homeschooled children are
more socialized than those who are in public and private schools due in part to flexible schedules and networking. The Pooler family joined Inspire Charter Schools when they moved to the South Bay from Texas in 2017. Much to the surprise of the professional educators in their families (both parents were raised by teachers), Lori homeschooled their two elementary school-aged daughters for nearly four years in Texas through a local charter and opted to continue the kids’ home-based education upon arriving in Los Angeles. “My husband and I chose homeschooling in Texas because of our preference for faith-based learning and our disenchantment with the large classrooms and limited staffing resources in the community’s public schools,” shares Lori. “When we arrived here, we took an ‘If it is not broken don’t fix it’ approach and continued homeschooling through Inspire. Initially we had pushback from our families when we started because they did not fully understand it, but now they are supportive.” Lori’s passion for learning and teaching are the driving forces behind her stay-athome-mom commitment to their daughters (now 10 and 12 years old). Of particular importance to the Poolers is individualized learning for their girls. “I wanted to formulate an educational plan that focused on our kids’ strengths and provide them with the individual attention that they would not receive in a public school setting,” she says. “I like steering the ship of educational content and flow. Inspire allows us to have a mix of online and textbook learning with a teacher to guide us. The charter also supplies us with funds to help offset costs.” The flexibility of homeschooling is also key for her family who loves to travel and spend quality time with visiting friends and family members. Outings to local attractions, such as the lighthouse and nature walks in Palos Verdes, become learning adventures and curriculum highlights. As for what the future holds for the Pooler kids, the youngest daughter has her sights set on owning and operating a pet boarding and grooming business. (She has already designed her logo and written a business plan.) The eldest child has an affinity for history and classical literature. Jerry and Kelly Delgado have been homeschooling their 12-year-old-son and 10-year-old twin daughters for five years. “Gabriel, Sara and Isabel were enrolled at a
private school in West Los Angeles when we were building our house in Palos Verdes,” says Kelly. “We did not know when the house would be done or when we would be changing schools, so we decided to give it a shot.” Apprehensive at first, they knew enrolling the kids in public school was an option if it did not go well. They first researched curriculums and attended the Great Homeschool Convention in Ontario to listen to speakers and check out materials in person before taking the plunge. They filed a PSA with the state of California and chose an all-in-one curriculum that included daily lesson plans, teacher’s manuals, textbooks, novels, science experiments and more. “We jumped in with both
feet, and now there is no looking back!” According to the Delgados, their homeschooling program is successful and constantly evolving. In 2017 they joined Valiant Preparatory charter and were assigned an educational specialist, who is a credentialed teacher, to assist them. Their kids’ standardized test scores—far above their grade levels—prove that what they are doing is working. Gabriel is currently learning computer coding at Code Ninjas in Rolling Hills Estates, and during the 2020 school year he will earn both high school and college credits while taking community college classes along with homeschooling. He will graduate when he is 17 with both a high school diploma and an A.A. degree.
“I learn a lot faster at home than at regular school because I do not have to wait for the rest of the class to catch up. And when I finish, I have a lot more time for other things. I am learning life skills too, like how to balance a checkbook, how to use tools and how to invest money to make it grow,” shares Gabriel enthusiastically, who aspires to be a video game programmer. Kelly Delgado has sage advice for those thinking about homeschooling. “Do not get overwhelmed,” she says. “Seek out a homeschool support group and ask a lot of questions. Social media is full of them, and our community is large and growing exponentially. Also, talk with homeschooling families. We are everywhere, and most of us love to share our experiences and help others.” ■
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Have Mouse, Will Travel Adventures by Disney brings on the magic … in ways you might not expect. WRITTEN BY DARREN ELMS
I
’m a self-professed Disney fan. I love the movies. I love the parks. I even worked at one when I was in college. Although my affection for the House of Mouse is still strong, I’m not the type to plan an entire vacation around it and then gleefully pack my Mickey ears. So when I found out about Adventures by Disney, it piqued my curiousity. Would this be Disney … all day, all night? Would there be a character breakfast with mouse-shaped pancakes and pixie dust in my coffee? Would the spell be broken with early bedtime before the clock struck midnight? The answer is no and yes. There is a sprinkling of Disney magic in each trip (as one would imagine). But for those who don’t want “zipa-dee-doo-dah” 24/7, you can have that too. Adventures by Disney is all about family—be it your family or a Disney family, no matter how young … or young at heart. I took a quick trip to New York City to sample their Big Apple adventure. We did see Frozen (which I enjoyed), but much of the trip was more Disney-adjacent. Our group got a tour of the New Amsterdam Theatre— a glorious venue from the Ziegfeld Follies days of the early 20th century. We got VIP admission to Good Morning America without the hassle of the lines. We rode an interactive bus through the heart of Times Square, ate amazing pizza and then took a Broadway dance class to work it off.
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The accommodation, dining and transportation was all included and coordinated by a super efficient team. And of course there’s that service with a smile—a Disney guarantee … even in New York. What intrigues me most about Adventures by Disney is the scope of their offerings. Sure, you can visit Disney parks like Los Angeles, Orlando, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Paris, and even tack on a Disney cruise if you’re feeling nautical. But how about South Africa, Norway, Peru and Vietnam? There is also a Danube River cruise for Oktoberfest and a trip with reef snorkeling in Australia. The travel packages enable you to engage with the people, cultures and traditions of a region in ways that just seeing the sights does not. An added bonus that adults will appreciate: some of the itineraries include top-of-theline hotel options like The Peninsula and Ritz-Carlton in the mix. For parents who want to plan a trip to South America or Southern Europe with their kids but have no idea where to start, Adventures by Disney is a great one-stopshopping option. Disney really knows how to create an itinerary aimed at engaging and entertaining all ages. And if you ever dreamed of standing on an icy fjord in Norway and singing “Let It Go,” you can. Your secret is safe with us. ■
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seen
LA Kings Off-Ice Training Center Grand Opening The Los Angeles Kings and HockeyShot welcomed visitors to the opening of their state-ofthe-art Off-Ice Training Center at the team’s practice facility, the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo. The space features a multi-sport training area and three hockey shooting lanes and is open to the public.
Former Kings forward Mike Donnelly cuts the ceremonial ribbon with Kings COO Kelly Cheeseman and players Trevor Lewis and Austin Wagner, among others.
Kings forward Austin Wagner teaches local youth hockey players some fundamentals.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY LA KINGS/JUAN OCAMPO
Ribbon-cutting ceremony
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seen
Ernst Book Signing and Fundraiser at {pages} a bookstore Manhattan Beach investment advisor and author Michael P. Ernst is taking the emotion and intimidation factor out of investment finance. In his debut book, The Adaptive Investment Portfolio, he says the goal is to protect investors from taking an emotional response to managing their investments and help ensure better outcomes. Michael provided wine, snacks and raffle prizes and donated all author proceeds to the Grand View Elementary School PTA.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JP CORDERO
Vanessa Freidman, Michael Ernst, Tom Freidman
Sam Williams, Martha Wharbriton, Michael Ernst
Brandon Kraines, Jessica Ernst, Lisa Cabanas, Vanessa Freidman, Michael Ernst, Stacy, Rex Holland, Lucas Kraines, Ethan Ernst
David Barnes, Michael Ernst, Christy Barnes
Jessica, Ethan, Adam and Michael Ernst
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One South Grand Opening Celebration
PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTIN ANDERSON
Cape Point Development, along with its partners, were pleased to unveil One South with food, beverage and art pairings hosted by Southbay magazine. Guests experienced the urban beach lifestyle of One South as they tasted and sipped their way through a tour of the new development. The tour included menu items from Little Sister, The Cove CafÊ, Food People and Cultured Slice paired with hand-shaken Gray Whale Gin cocktails and drinks from Barsha Wines & Spirits and Rock Harbor Brewing Company. Locals experienced the featured residences accented by pieces from local artists Brian Kingston, Drica Lobo and Rafael McMaster of the Resin Art Collective. In the courtyard, Mark Righteous played live music, and guests took photos in front of the marquee sign designed by Love This Way LA. Special thanks to Choura Events, Penta, Rolling Hills Flower Mart and Tend for making this event possible.
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discover southbay on instagram @ O U R SO U T H BAY
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The Living History Museum of African American Heroes This annual event at Peninsula Center Library, made possible by the Palos Verdes Library District, was sponsored by the Black Heritage Association of Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Chapter of the Links, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, South Los Angeles Chapter and the Palos Verdes Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The museum features children from kindergarten to eighth grade portraying African American heroes from the past and present. High school students serve as docents.Â
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PRESENTED BY THE MANHATTAN BEACH ROTARY CLUB
PRESENTED BY THE MANHATTAN BEACH ROTARY CLUB
FRIDAY, MAY 10 6:00 PM WESTDRIFT MANHATTAN FRIDAY, MAY 10 ⋅ 6:00 PM
Our numerous service commitments improve the lives of children WESTDRIFT MANHATTAN and families in our community, Los Angeles and the world. Our numerous service commitments improve the lives of children Join us for in anour evening of food cocktail and families community, Losand Angeles andtastings, the world.
live and silent auctions, music, entertainment and dancing Join us for an evening of food and cocktail tastings,
FOR TICKETS, VISIT CELEBRATEMB.ORG live and silent auctions, music, entertainment and dancing FOR TICKETS, VISIT CELEBRATEMB.ORG THANK YOU TO OUR TITLE SPONSORS* THANK YOU TO OUR TITLE SPONSORS*
*as of 3/7 *as of 3/7
Barbara Matles/TravelStore Palos Verdes • Norm Levin & Company
Barbara Matles/TravelStore Palos Verdes • Norm Levin & Company The Waters Trust, Harris D. Bass, Trustee • DAZ Systems, Inc. • Jim & Joanne Hunter The Waters Trust, Harris D. Bass, Trustee • DAZ Systems, Inc. • Jim & Joanne Hunter David & Kathleen Boochever • The Steinmetz Family • Skechers • Chevron David & Kathleen Boochever • The Steinmetz Family • Skechers • Chevron
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3rd Annual Water and Wood Exhibit
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JP CORDERO
Southbay magazine and the South Bay Artist Collective celebrated the third annual Water and Wood exhibit, which featured 93 local artists and photographers with 115 original pieces. The show was held at Resin Gallery in Hermosa Beach.
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You Sip, We Shop Kick back at our in-store Wine & Tapas Bar and we’ll do your shopping for you!
™
Introducing our free SIP ‘n’ SHOP service exclusively for our Wine & Tapas Bar Guests. You’ll love how it works: While you relax at the bar and choose from top-rated beers, wines, and delicious fare, we’ll take your list and carefully select the finest Gelson’s products for you. What a way to shop!
Why wait? SIP ‘n’ SHOP with a friend at Gelson’s Manhattan Beach today! Happy Hour 4pm-7pm Daily
$10 off your entire order of $50 or more* Our way of saying “thanks” for shopping with us!
gelsons.com
*Offer valid at Gelson’s Manhattan Beach location only. Excludes pharmacy, tobacco, gift cards, and postage stamps. Cannot be used with any other offer. Limit one coupon per customer per day. No cash back. No reproductions accepted; coupon must be surrendered when tendered.
Expires: 4/30/2019
PLU #8021
Gelson’s Manhattan Beach 707 North Sepulveda Blvd. • (424) 452-0412 • 7am-10pm
ALL ABOUT KIDS
More than 73 million children under age 18 live in America. They are our future, and it’s up to us to help them be the best they can be. This All About Kids profiles section provides you the resources to do just that. The South Bay schools and organizations we highlight on the following pages want to assist children in living happy, healthy, productive lives. We know they’ll teach your children well!
118 PENINSULA MONTESSORI SCHOOL 120
SUMMER ORTHODONTICS Dr. Summer L. Blake
122 LA KINGS HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT 124 MEMORIALCARE MEDICAL GROUP Dr. Karen Alfonso 126
BITA DAVOOODIAN, DDS INC. Dr. Bita Davoodian
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ART TO GROW ON CHILDREN’S ART CENTER, INC. Lauren Dennis-Perelmuter
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RIVIERA HALL LUTHERAN SCHOOL
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VISTAMAR SCHOOL
131 PEDIATRIC THERAPY NETWORK 132
PURE SMILES SOUTH BAY Dr. Kimi Marran
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CHADWICK SCHOOL
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FUSION ACADEMY
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ROLLING HILLS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
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ROLLING HILLS PREPARATORY & RENAISSANCE SCHOOL
137 PENINSULA HERITAGE SCHOOL
WRITTEN BY LAURA WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTIN ANDERSON & JP CORDERO
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PENINSULA MONTESSORI SCHOOL
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eninsula Montessori Schools educate the whole child with a hands-on discovery approach and allow freedom of movement in a multi-age group setting unlike traditional classrooms. Peninsula Montessori School was founded in 1978 by Claudia Krikorian who grew up in Palos Verdes Estates. The Rancho Palos Verdes campus serves 250 students ages 18 months to 12 years, and the Redondo Beach location serves 80 toddlers and preschoolers ages 18 months to 5 years. In addition to academics, the school offers gymastics, karate, soccer, dance, tennis, chess, music, art, computer, Spanish, physical education and STEM. WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL’S GOAL? “Our goal is to nurture a child’s natural inclination to learn in a safe and stimulating environment. In addition, we strive to promote appreciation and respect for self and others, and foster independence and enthusiasm for learning.” WHAT DO STUDENTS LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? “Our students know they are respected and cherished. They feel safe and find that their voice is heard. The children are comforted in knowing there is very close adult supervision and guidance—both in class and on the playground—so bullying is nonexistent.” WHAT MAKES PENINSULA MONTESSORI SCHOOL STAND OUT? “Peninsula Montessori School is the only authentic Montessori school with fully accredited teachers in Palos Verdes, Torrance and the Beach Cities that extends through fifth grade. We emphasize learning through all five senses—not just through listening, watching or reading. Our students learn at their own pace with beautifully crafted materials designed to transport the
child step-by-step from the most concrete to the most abstract. With multi-age grouping, children share their knowledge with one another and develop strong communication skills. They leave our program with a strong sense of self and a love of learning.” WHAT ARE YOUR SCHOOL’S ACADEMIC STRENGTHS? “The Montessori curriculum is highly individualized. Students in the Montessori program are allowed to explore activities and concepts at their own pace. This naturally encourages them to delve into more challenging areas, which accelerates their learning experience. Learning occurs at a comfortable pace for each student, rather than imposing the same rate on every student in a classroom. Montessori students learn how to learn. They are accustomed to research and to tackling new subjects. They learn that risk-taking is vital for achieving success. Without adult-imposed competition in the classroom, children help one another problemsolve in a collaborative manner.” IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU TEACH HEALTHY LIVING? “Our children learn to be mindful, which is essential in today’s modern world. Technological advances, while offering many great opportunities, also put us at risk of losing connection with ourselves and others. We are becoming increasingly hurried and distracted. Our mindfulness program gives our students the skills they will need to go through life with awareness, compassion and clarity. Our children take an active part in classroom management and have daily meetings to discuss any issues that arise. They learn how to cope and manage situations, making conscious choices to work with others in a peaceful manner. With less stress, they are happier and healthier—
blooming into their own unique potential.” WHAT IS YOUR DRIVING FORCE? Claudia Krikorian, Head of School: “Without a doubt, the joy in our students and the passion of our teachers is what inspires me. After 42 years, I still look forward to coming to school every day and witnessing all the positive growth taking place.” GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE EMERGENT CURRICULUM APPROACH. “Emergent Curriculum is actually built upon Montessori’s theories, which were developed more than 100 years ago! It is responsive to the child, thereby allowing teachers to build upon interests. The teacher takes on the role of facilitator, allowing students the opportunity to discover more, dig deeper and construct further knowledge. The curriculum is dynamic, never stagnant and child-initiated.” HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL MAKE OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE? “Our Montessori environment radiates harmony and respect. Children develop grace and courtesy skills beginning in the toddler classroom. They work together as stewards of their environment, doing their part to maintain order—such as returning didactic materials to their respective shelves after use and taking care of classroom pets and plants. The children learn to treat each other with kindness and take pride in helping a friend in need. They learn to think constructively and creatively in a community while developing a strong sense of self. In addition, Montessori students actively take part in community service—both inside and outside school. They volunteer with various charitable organizations and demonstrate an interest in the welfare of all living things. These are the lessons of the Montessori classroom that remain with our students as they make their way in the world.”
31100 HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD, RANCHO PALOS VERDES | 310-544-3099 907 KNOB HILL AVE., REDONDO BEACH | 310-540-9742 PENINSULAMONTESSORI.COM
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SUMMER ORTHODONTICS SUMMER L. BLAKE, DDS, MS | ORTHODONTIST/OWNER
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ummer Orthodontics is an orthodontic practice specializing in a wide range of orthodontic issues, such as crooked teeth, crowding, spacing, protrusion, narrow arch, overbites, underbites, crossbites and deep bites. Dr. Summer completed dental school in 2001 and her orthodontic residency in 2004. She opened her practice in Manhattan Beach on June 21, 2010—Summer Solstice, of course! WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE KIDS AND PARENTS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS? “We LOVE working with kids! We have worked hard to create an atmosphere that is not only stress-free but also a fun place to be. It is not uncommon for kids (and parents) to comment on how good it feels to visit our office. In addition to the popular iPads, there are always activities and contests available for extra fun.” WHAT BENEFITS DO CHILDREN GAIN FROM THE SERVICES YOUR PRACTICE PROVIDES? “The beautiful smiles we create provide a lifetime of confidence to our patients. This confidence carries over into every aspect of their lives. We are so grateful for the opportunity to have such a powerful impact. We take great pride in helping our patients become the best they can be.” WHAT IS YOUR MAIN FOCUS? “Delivering the highest-quality treatment is my top priority. Every decision I make is based upon one simple rule: Will this decision improve the patient experience?” TELL US ABOUT YOUR TEAM. “I love our team. Not only are they excellent at their jobs, but they are also caring, fun and friendly. They love getting to know
patients (and their families) and genuinely miss them when treatment is completed. Creating beautiful smiles correctly takes teamwork, and I’m proud to say we have the best!” TELL US ABOUT RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF ORTHODONTICS. “There is a technological revolution going on throughout our world, and orthodontics is no exception. Orthodontic treatment is now faster, more comfortable and in some cases even invisible. Patients and parents often say, ‘This is not how I remember braces when I was young.’ Our office embraces the best of proven technologies. We use the fastest scanners, most efficient techniques and highest-quality materials in all of our treatment plans. We offer complimentary consultations to help patients understand their options and our recommended plan.” WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE POTENTIAL PATIENTS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? “It is never too late to have a confident smile. More than 40% of our patients are adults. Advancements in technology can not only dramatically reduce treatment time (in some cases by as much as 50%) but can also offer a variety of hidden and inconspicuous treatment options.” HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE PROVIDE PERSONALIZED ATTENTION TO PATIENTS? “Each patient is unique, so every treatment plan must be custom-tailored to create their ideal smile. We work together with our patients to understand their treatment options and our recommendation. Throughout treatment we monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments
to achieve ideal results. The fun part is getting to know our patients throughout this process.” WHAT STEPS DO YOU TAKE TO MAKE YOUR OFFICE A STRESS-FREE ZONE? “Promoting a stress-free environment is a key part of the Summer Orthodontics experience. Beginning with the office design and continuing throughout our processes, each step is focused on reducing stress. Patients compare the office to a spa.” HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER? “While majoring in mathematics, I took a campus job working at the UCLA Dental School. At the time I did not expect a career in the dental field. However, I discovered that the artistic side of my brain combined well with my attention to detail while working with dental models. I decided to apply to the UCLA Dental School and was immediately attracted to orthodontics. There are so many factors that go into creating an individual’s ideal smile. I love finding the right solution for each patient. There is nothing more rewarding than helping patients literally transform their lives through a smile.” WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN, WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK? “Spending time with my family is what I like to do most. I also enjoy Pilates, yoga, cooking and travel.” TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. “I married my husband, Matt, here in Manhattan Beach in 2007. We have four children: Ahnika, 11, Tegan, 8, Briggs, 5, and Winslow, 2. It is a very exciting time for our family.”
451 MANHATTAN BEACH BLVD., SUITE D-224, MANHATTAN BEACH | 310-545-0770 | SUMMERORTHODONTICS.COM
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LA KINGS HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT
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he Los Angeles Kings, a franchise of the National Hockey League, began play in 1967 and has called Downtown Los Angeles’ STAPLES Center home since 1999. More than 650 men have played for the Kings, and the team has won two Stanley Cups—in 2012 and 2014. The LA Kings Hockey Development department strives to increase the number of hockey players in the Los Angeles area and is a resource for skill development. Through hockey curriculum guided directly by the Player Development Department, skills, techniques and concepts taught to the Kings players are also taught to children and teens in ageand skill-appropriate formats. Offerings by LA Kings Hockey Development include camps, learn-to-play programs, a hockey club, hockey leagues, on-ice game night activities, and interactive community events such as street hockey clinics, and hockey tutorials. LA Kings Hockey Development is operated by Derek Armstrong, the director of hockey curriculum who played professional hockey for 15 years, and Courtney Ports, the manager of Hockey Development who has worked for the Kings for the past decade. WHAT PROGRAMS DO YOU OFFER FOR CHILDREN? “The LA Kings offer camps and clinics for children ages 5 to 18. We work with all different skill levels from beginner to advanced. We know that Southern California is not known as a traditional hockey market, so getting kids on the ice at a young age and getting them acquainted with our great game in any way possible is very important to us. We remain very active at the grassroots level.”
WHAT FEEDBACK DO YOU GET FROM YOUR YOUNGEST CUSTOMERS? “Our goal is to create a fun yet educational hockey experience. We have kids skating around with smiles saying, ‘This is so much fun! I can’t wait to come back next year.’ When you see and hear that, it makes it all worth it. It also brings you back to when you were their age. It is a special feeling— that is for sure!” DOES “EDU-TAINMENT” DESCRIBE WHAT YOU OFFER? “Our pro competition camp in Santa Barbara is pure edu-tainment. We offer 15 hours of on-ice training to develop all different skills, as well as some exciting off-ice activities such as ping-pong, a beach day and other fun-filled games. Yes, we focus on hockey, but we also want to create a special, unique environment for them whether they continue to play the game as they get older or even if they advance to a college or pro career. Hockey in Santa Barbara is pretty cool and something very unique that the LA Kings offer.” HOW DO YOU FIND THE NECESSARY ENERGY TO KEEP UP WITH YOUR YOUNG CUSTOMERS? “It takes a LOT of energy to keep up, but you see the kids learning and improving year after year. They are eager to learn and get better, and they also have a lot of fun. The endless energy they exude rubs off on our entire staff. It is also our goal to channel their energy in the right direction.”
are out on the ice, kids are smiling and having a ton of fun, and you’re working for a two-time Stanley Cup championship team. The work itself keeps us happy. We say that this beats getting a real job. We feel very fortunate.” WHAT IS THE #1 WAY YOUR BUSINESS HELPS CHILDREN BECOME PRODUCTIVE ADULTS? “The LA Kings have a set of core values: Family. Integrity. Passion. Excellence. Those are important to us on the whole, and they are important to us in particular as they relate to every event. At each event we stress the importance of life skills such as hard work, punctuality and responsibility. Everyone is expected to be a good teammate. We teach and expect these things from all the kids we interact with.” TELL US ABOUT A RECENT SUCCESS STORY WITH ONE OF YOUR CLIENTS. “We held a youth hockey camp in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and we were fortunate to work with a young goaltender at that camp. Once our trip ended his father took the time to tell us how much his game has improved. That type of feedback is critical to us. We have another camp there this summer, and this young goalie—and his sister—have both registered for it. We love the continuity and the growth.”
HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOUR TEAM IS HAPPY IN THEIR WORK? “Luckily for our department we all have a love and passion for the game of hockey. It’s really difficult to call it work when you
555 N NASH ST., EL SEGUNDO | 310-535-4472 | LAKINGS.COM/HOCKEYDEVELOPMENT
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MEMORIALCARE MEDICAL GROUP DR. KAREN ALFONSO, PEDIATRIC MEDICINE
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emorialCare is a nonprofit integrated health system that includes four hospitals, medical groups, a health plan, and numerous outpatient health centers, imaging centers and surgery centers throughout Southern California. MemorialCare Health System was listed among the top 20% of health systems nationwide in the Thomson Reuters Top Health System Benchmarks study. The organization has been identified as one of the top integrated systems in America (Verispan Top 100), a leading hospital organization for technology (Most Wired Hospitals), one of the best governed hospital systems in the U.S. (The Governance Institute) and for having the top leadership team in the country (HealthLeaders). In addition, all of its medical centers received the highest ranking in the Leapfrog National Quality Forum for Safe Practices. MemorialCare Medical Group is an award-winning team of health care professionals serving more than 130,000 patients in Orange and Los Angeles counties. With multiple locations throughout the Southland, MemorialCare Medical Group offers a broad scope of multi-specialty services including primary care, specialty and ancillary care, laboratory and radiology services, and urgent care. The Torrance location of MemorialCare Medical Group provides primary care services for children and adults, as well as laboratory and X-ray services. Pediatrician Dr. Karen Alfonso has worked there for almost six years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Davis, and completed her medical degree at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine,
followed by a residency at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOUR PRACTICE? “I believe the practice of medicine—especially in the field of pediatrics—is a partnership. I work hand-in-hand with parents as a care team rather than as an authoritarian to make the best medical decisions for their children. Together we make the decisions that will help their children live a healthier lifestyle.” WHICH SKILL IS MOST IMPORTANT IN CARING FOR PATIENTS? “The most important skill that a physician can have beyond medical knowledge is the ability to listen and make time when it is needed. There are certainly visits that require more succinct, straight-to-the-point evaluations, but then there are moments when it becomes vital to stop the typing, put the computer away, look the patient in the eye and listen.” DOES HAVING YOUR OWN CHILDREN IMPACT YOUR BUSINESS? “I have two kids of my own. Having them has given me great insight into parenthood that allows me to better empathize and understand (even commiserate!) with the parents in my practice while at the same time providing a kid-friendly approach to caring for my patients.” WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON SCREEN TIME FOR KIDS? “According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is recommended that kids have no more than two hours of screen time a day. I believe there is some benefit in allowing kids interaction with media—as
long as it is closely monitored and supervised. The advent of technology has allowed children endless opportunity for learning and discovery. Nevertheless I feel, with the increasing issues of obesity in our society, that moderation is key. Screen time should be balanced with regular activities involving fresh air and having the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful environment we are blessed with living in Southern California. The value of these experiences, in addition to direct interactions with real people, far supersedes any benefit children get from simply watching things on a screen.” ARE YOU HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE WHEN IT COMES TO OUR CHILDREN? “I believe there is great hope for the future of our children. That is without a doubt. I have been blessed in my career to encounter many of these hopeful, bright-eyed and bushy tailed young-uns with a view of the world that I truly envy as an adult. As long as we remain dedicated to and vigilant in providing them with a safe and healthy environment, their future is bright.” TELL US ABOUT THE OTHER DOCTORS AT MEMORIALCARE MEDICAL GROUP–TORRANCE. “Peter Kaneshige, MD, internal medicine, has been practicing primary care medicine for more than 22 years. He has lived in Torrance for more than 25 years. He enjoys music, especially watching his two teenage kids at their various performances. Salvacion Torre, MD, pediatrician, has been practicing medicine for more than 30 years. Originally from the Philippines, she was an active-duty medical officer with the United States Army and retired from the military in 2003, after 24 years of service.”
22719 HAWTHORNE BLVD., TORRANCE | 657-241-8640 | MEMORIALCARE.ORG/TORRANCE
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BITA DAVOOODIAN, DDS INC. BITA DAVOODIAN, DDS | OWNER/DENTIST
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r. Bita Davoodian has worked in the dental field for the past 18 years, opening her private practice in Redondo Beach in 2012. For the past eight years she has been a clinical restorative instructor at the UCLA School of Dentistry. Dr. Davoodian’s patients range in age from 6 months to 97 years young. WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT THE FIELD OF DENTISTRY? “I am dedicated to creating beautiful, longlasting smiles and maintaining the oral health of my patients. I deliver the highest quality dental care in an atmosphere of warmth, kindness and respect because I believe that preventive care and education are the keys to optimal dental health.” WHAT DO YOU WANT PATIENTS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE? “Patients should know that we are dedicated to our love for dentistry. We address their needs in a comfortable environment, giving them a realistic and comprehensive treatment plan based on decisions we make together. Most importantly, we stay abreast of new developments and participate in continuing education in order to provide patient care at the highest standards.” WHAT DO YOUR PATIENTS LIKE BEST ABOUT YOU? “Patients love that we can provide a full range of dental treatment including preventive, family and cosmetic dentistry. We always make sure that we have an appointment to see our patients and are always on call for emergencies. We assure comfort by listening to our patients and taking the time to answer all of their questions prior to any dental procedure.”
WHAT IS YOUR DRIVING FORCE EVERY DAY? “Every day I strive for my patients to regain or expand the confidence in their teeth and smile. Equally important is providing a personalized treatment plan that the patient can fully understand and agree to with a caring, genuine and professional staff. My goal is for each patient to walk out of my office knowing they have a dentist who is dedicated to performing what is necessary for them to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.” WHAT MAKES YOUR PRACTICE STAND OUT? “We go above and beyond to create trust with each and every patient who walks through our door. Trust is obviously required throughout every exam and procedure but also continues when the patient walks out our door. We are always available to explain treatment or answer questions and concerns to make sure patients have everything they need to have a healthy smile. When children come into our office, we make sure they are comfortable and can communicate. It’s important that I can give them advice that they trust and want to follow. When we connect with patients it’s not always just about teeth; it is also the atmosphere and stress-free environment that can be fun. Families provide feedback about how they love that they can all come at once for a single productive and efficient visit.” WHAT SHOULD PARENTS KNOW ABOUT THEIR CHILD’S DENTAL HEALTH? “The foundation for healthy permanent teeth is developed between the ages of 1 to 5. A healthy diet combined with proper brushing and flossing decreases cavities in children. The fewer cavities in baby teeth, the lower
the risk of developing cavities in permanent teeth. Therefore it is crucial to establish a proper daily oral hygiene routine as early in life as possible to help ensure the development of strong and healthy teeth.” DESCRIBE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DENTAL HEALTH AND OVERALL GOOD HEALTH. “I perform dental procedures that restore teeth to their natural beauty while enhancing esthetics. However, I never lose sight of maintaining optimum health and functionality. In addition to cosmetic dentistry and full-mouth rehabilitation, I also address the overall health of patients, including airway and TMJ evaluation. I am a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and recognized for working hand-in-hand with physicians to treat patients with oral appliances for sleep apnea. I also spend a considerable amount of time working with small children and teenagers, as well as geriatric patients. The condition of your mouth is closely related to your overall health. Therefore taking care of your teeth isn’t limited to a nice smile.” WHAT FEEDBACK DO YOU GET FROM YOUR YOUNGEST CUSTOMERS? “The best feedback I have received recently was from an 8-year-old patient when she told me that the procedure was so gentle and she did not feel a thing. She said she had found her new dentist and she couldn’t wait to come back because she loved being in my office. It was so rewarding to have such a young patient enthusiastic about the health of her teeth and visiting a dentist—especially after hearing later about her unpleasant dental experiences in the past.”
1959 KINGSDALE AVE., REDONDO BEACH | 310-793-1000 | DRDAVOODIAN.COM
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ART TO GROW ON CHILDREN’S ART CENTER, INC. LAUREN DENNIS-PERELMUTER | FOUNDER/PRESIDENT
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rt To Grow On, Inc. is a mobile art enrichment company that brings art programs, classes, workshops and special events to a variety of clients including school districts, public and private elementary schools, city parks and recreation departments, preschools, corporate day care facilities, camps, resorts and private students. Owner Lauren Dennis-Perelmuter earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art and has worked in the early childhood and arts education field for 25 years. She opened Art To Grow On in 2000. WHAT PROGRAMS DO YOU OFFER FOR CHILDREN? “We are experiencing tremendous growth in our school district and elementary school programs in addition to our toddler classes that feature our Jr. Architects, Engineering and Artists curriculum. Lessons are inspired by the great master artists along with STEAM-inspired lessons like Frank Lloyd Wright and Automotive Design. For our toddler clientele we offer our Peewee Picasso classes and our Lil’ Architects, Engineers and Artists classes.” TELL US SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY. “The two most unique components of our company is our capacity to be fully mobile, bringing our programs directly to the client from Orange County to the South Bay to the Westside, in addition to having the ability to personally customize art enrichment programs for the client and or school. Our mission is to give children as many opportunities as we can to create, innovate and be optimal thinkers and human beings.” WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON SCREEN TIME FOR KIDS? “It is tough! I reset my iPad patience button every week for my own two boys! Screen time for young children can be detrimental in regard to developing early life essential skills. Children need to be outside, they need to be in nature, they need to be spoken to, read to and learn how to communicate, write and create. It’s all about keeping things balanced.”
Ms. Dennis-Perelmuter with her Lil’ Architect and Engineering students from Valmonte Early Learning Academy, Palos Verdes.
HOW DOES YOUR COMPANY GIVE BACK? “We have developed an incredible relationship with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, CHLA with our Holiday Art Box Campaign, and have worked with Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation for their Family Series Performances offering complimentary art projects before and after the shows. We feel very blessed to be a part of such an amazing community.”
4010 PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH #105, ROLLING HILLS ESTATES | 310-625-6028 | ART2GROWON.COM
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RIVIERA HALL LUTHERAN SCHOOL
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elebrating 66 years in the South Bay, Riviera Hall Lutheran School serves more than 200 students in transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. In addition to its Christ-centered curriculum, the school also offers extracurricular activities including sports, dance, music, Makerspace, chess, coding and Spanish. TELL US ABOUT THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AT RIVIERA HALL. “The children know they are loved and respected. Our teachers make them feel important. Our environment is comfortable, safe, positive, fun, Christian and child-centered.” WHAT DO STUDENTS LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? “They love the small community aspect; having sports that anyone can join; the ability to drop into STEM Lab during recess and lunchtime; and the fact that we teach them how to be responsible individuals.” HOW IMPORTANT IS PLAY DURING A SCHOOL DAY? “Extremely important! We have multiple recesses and unstructured play in the afternoon for transitional-kindergarten and kindergarten. We often take ‘Brain Breaks’ with yoga, music, etc. Our STEM and Makerspace programs incorporate an enormous amount of play in every project and lesson.” WHAT ARE YOUR ACADEMIC STRENGTHS? “Writing, public speaking, a solid academic foundation and the use of technology.” HOW DO YOU GET TO KNOW YOUR STUDENTS AND THEIR INTERESTS? “With small class sizes and aides, we have multiple opportunities to build relationships. We ask intentional questions to get to know our students and their passions.” TOP TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL? “You need good communication between all—administrations, teachers, parents and students. You must know and be proud of your school’s vision. It’s important that your faculty and staff are passionate and trained in their area of expertise and your students mentor each other and get involved in community outreach projects. It also helps if you stay relevant with new programs and curriculums.” HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL MAKE OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE? “We promote love, respect and responsibility. Our students also give of themselves through service hours. Want to see what RHLS is all about? Come to our open house/ pancake breakfast Saturday, May 11, 9 to 11 a.m.”
330 PALOS VERDES BLVD., REDONDO BEACH | 310-375-5528 | RIVIERAHALL.ORG
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VISTAMAR SCHOOL
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istamar School, founded in 2005, is a co-educational, independent day school that serves 272 students in grades 9–12. The school draws from more than 50 zip codes in the Greater Los Angeles area. WHAT MAKES VISTAMAR STAND OUT? “Who you are as a person has worth and value at Vistamar School. We cultivate critical thinking and independence. Our globally focused curriculum and integrated academic program continues to rigorously challenge the status quo and supports each student on their path to college and beyond.” WHAT ARE YOUR SCHOOL’S ACADEMIC STRENGTHS? “Diversity creates and fosters academic strength, and Vistamar’s curriculum is intentionally designed to encourage strong,
critical thinkers who thrive within diverse, inclusive and aspirational communities. Our approach builds the skills and dispositions that colleges, universities and workplaces seek—graduates who are problem solvers, collaborative thought leaders and passionate, lifelong learners. Our four-year Life Planning Program asks students to reflect on learning style, affinities and goals. This program, along with advisors, assists each student in choosing classes and activities that will help them develop those strengths and reach those goals.” IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU TEACH HEALTHY LIVING? “A healthy, balanced life has been a part of Vistamar’s core beliefs since the beginning, and we embrace a teaching/learning philosophy that values meaningful engagement over a rushed, packed-in process. Our schedule is
intentionally designed to respond to student needs and promotes a healthy, balanced approach to deep learning and a holistic philosophy. Dedicated ‘office hours’ built into the schedule three days a week allow teachers time to answer questions and work with students without giving up time before or after school. Our athletics and fitness programs give all students the opportunity to stay physically active in and out of school. We care as much about our students’ health and wellness as we care about academics.” WHAT IS YOUR DRIVING FORCE EVERY DAY? “Diversity of thought and culture gives students a better way to think and reason, encourages mutual respect and fosters the authentic exchange of perspectives. Every student’s voice is heard, and individual ideas matter.”
737 HAWAII STREET, EL SEGUNDO | 310-643-7377 | VISTAMARSCHOOL.ORG
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY PEDIATRIC THERAPY NETWORK
ALL ABOUT KIDS
PEDIATRIC THERAPY NETWORK
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ediatric Therapy Network (PTN) helps children with special needs and medical conditions by providing therapies and programs that increase each child’s abilities so he/she can live a fulfilling and independent life. PTN serves 2,500 children of all abilities including those with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, developmental delays, orthopedic and neurological challenges, and sports-related injuries. Founded in 1996, PTN has five locations in Torrance, Inglewood, and Long Beach. TELL US SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY. “PTN’s multidisciplinary approach offers a unique benefit to our clients by providing a diverse team to support the child all under one roof. We also support the whole family by: helping parents take a break and reconnect by providing respite care on the
weekends; encouraging parents to build relationships while sharing their successes and challenges at our parent socials; and nurturing sibling bonds by including brothers and sisters in our annual summer camp.” WHAT IS YOUR DRIVING FORCE EVERY DAY? “The need for PTN’s services continues to grow. Today 1 in 6 children born in the U.S. has a developmental disability, and 1 in 59 has a diagnosis of autism. Our ability to continually provide crucial services for children is at the heart of PTN’s mission.”
how to walk. He currently receives speech, physical and occupational therapy and continues to grow and impress his mom, therapists and teachers. He’s recently been using his right hand more—a huge accomplishment for Brandon, whose right side of his body was affected by an injury. His speech has also grown significantly, and he is talking without being prompted. Mom shared, ‘To hear his voice is amazing.’ Brandon loves to come to PTN to ‘play’ with his therapists, and his mother appreciates the sense of community she feels as soon as she walks through the front door.”
TELL US ABOUT A RECENT SUCCESS STORY. “Our client Brandon has been a part of the PTN family since he was 18 months old. He has celebrated many milestones at PTN including taking his first steps and learning
IS PTN NONPROFIT? “As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, PTN relies on the support of donors, families and community partners to sustain our yearround therapeutic programs and meet the growing need for our services.”
1815 W. 213TH STREET, SUITE 100, TORRANCE | 310-328-0276 | PEDIATRICTHERAPYNETWORK.ORG
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PURE SMILES SOUTH BAY DR. KIMI MARRAN, OWNER
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ure Smiles South Bay is a biological children’s dental office focusing on natural prevention and oral health, including nutritional counseling to help kids want to brush and make smart food choices. Owner Dr. Kimi Marran has been treating children in Los Angeles for more than a decade and opened her own practice in 2018. TELL US SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. “We use ozone, a gas that can penetrate small cavities and stop them without using any surgical measures. All our materials are biocompatible and nontoxic. Our office specializes in tongue and lip tie revision for infants and children. Our Solea laser can make these revisions effortlessly. It can also treat cavities pain-free: no anesthetic, no noise and no drill! We also specialize in early ortho to change the growth of your child and prevent intense orthodontics later … but more importantly to open their airway. By scheduling a consult, we can determine if your child is a good candidate for an early orthodontic device. We believe in early prevention so much that we offer free initial exams for all patients under 2 years old.” WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO SUCCESSFULLY RUN A KID-RELATED BUSINESS? “Our practice is successful with young kids because we make it fun and spend time with our patients to make sure they are comfortable. We have ‘happy visits’ where patients come in just to play and meet our team. When you walk into our office, you enter our enchanted forest with a tree house, enchanting murals and a vertical garden. We provide a welcoming environment full of fun toys, books and tablets and make coffee drinks and tea for the parents.” HOW DOES PURE SMILES GIVE BACK? “Our office donates to local school district education foundations like HBEF and local youth sports leagues like RBYB. We also donate toothbrushes and oral health supplies and host can food drives for the South Bay Volunteer Center.” WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING? “When I’m not in the office you can find me with my husband, Mike, and kids, Wesley (7) and Siena (5). I also enjoy shopping at the farmers market, cooking healthy meals for my family and practicing yoga.”
1818 S. PACIFIC COAST HWY., REDONDO BEACH | 424-352-1212 | PURESMILESSOUTHBAY.COM
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY DIANA FEIL
ALL ABOUT KIDS
CHADWICK SCHOOL
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hadwick School is a private, K-12 coeducational day school located on a 45-acre campus on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Founded by Margaret Lee Chadwick in 1935, the school enrolls 860 students drawn from more than 50 local communities. In 2010, Chadwick opened its second campus, Chadwick International, in Songdo, South Korea. WHAT MAKES CHADWICK SCHOOL STAND OUT? “Chadwick is dedicated to developing ethical global citizens with keen minds, exemplary character, self-knowledge and the ability to lead. Our students think deeply in critical and creative ways, and they develop the courage to lead with confidence and character. Chadwick’s core values of honesty, respect, responsibility, fairness and compassion are part of the daily academic and interpersonal experiences of our students.”
WHAT DO KIDS LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? “Relationships are a core part of the Chadwick experience, and our students love the atmosphere of trust, mutual respect and personal growth among fellow students and teachers. It’s a safe environment for students to challenge themselves, try new things and take responsible risks. Students are involved in a wide range of activities beyond outstanding academics, including an accredited outdoor education program, award-winning performing and visual arts programs, unparalleled global opportunities, K-12 STEM programs, 25 competitive athletic teams, student-led publications and more than 50 student-led clubs.” WHAT ARE YOUR SCHOOL’S ACADEMIC STRENGTHS? “We bring out the very best in our students through active learning, one-on-one mentoring, challenging academics, unparalleled global experiences and an accredited
outdoor education program. Our optimal class sizes allow for enhanced learning relationships among teachers and students and among peers. We challenge students to think and apply their learning – to go deeper into the material, rather than just memorizing content.” IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU TEACH HEALTHY LIVING? “Chadwick’s Center for Community Wellness focuses on the social, emotional and physical well-being of our K-12 students, faculty and staff, helping them gain knowledge and skills related to wellness so they’re prepared to lead well-rounded lives. We’re also fortunate to have a strong, close-knit community that provides support, counsel and education for students in the social-emotional realm. Through advisory and peer mentor programs, students develop relationships and a strong support network that helps them better manage the challenges in their lives.”
26800 S. ACADEMY DRIVE, PALOS VERDES PENINSULA | 310-377-1543 | CHADWICKSCHOOL.ORG
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY HANNAH VOGEL-FREY
ALL ABOUT KIDS
FUSION ACADEMY
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usion Academy offers a personalized, one-to-one approach to education for students in grades 6–12. Teachers get to know their students and then teach to each individual’s strengths, interests and learning style. Students can start at any time of the year and learn at a pace that works for them, whether accelerated or lengthened. Fusion offers more than 250 middle and high school courses including electives like graphic design, recording arts and computer programming. TELL US ABOUT YOUR TEACHERS. “Fusion South Bay is a WASC-accredited middle and high school. Our teachers are trained as teachers AND mentors. We search for teachers who have a passion about not only what students learn but how students learn. Fusion teachers possess a heart for kids and an enthusiasm that our students have their own unique gifts to contribute to the learning process.”
WHO ARE YOUR STUDENTS? “Overall Fusion South Bay serves a high percentage of students for whom traditional schools did not work—for a variety of reasons, such as learning differences, gifted/ twice-exceptional, anxiety/stress, depression and customized scheduling due to athletics, music/acting careers, etc.” DESCRIBE YOUR HOMEWORK CAFÉ. “A central component of our program, the Homework Café is a cozy, comfortable common area where students go after and between classes. It is staffed with teachers who support homework completion and social interactions. Fusion students generally do not take homework home; rather they complete their assignments in the Homework Café.” WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR MOST POPULAR CLASSES? “Surf class. With both beginning and advanced classes offered, students acquire
the basic skills of surfing in addition to understanding ocean etiquette and terminology, achieving and maintaining a healthenhancing level of physical fitness, and developing a positive self-image.” HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE WELLNESS AT FUSION ACADEMY? “All graduating students complete a semester of wellness. Fusion understands that life after high school can become challenging and complex, and our goal is to prepare students by equipping them with the socialemotional skills they’ll need for success.” DO YOU HAVE SUMMER PROGRAMS? “Summer is a buzzing time for Fusion South Bay! As our campus is open year-round, many South Bay students from a variety of local public and private schools attend our classes and programs over summer to catch up or get ahead with their academic classes, or try something new like art and music classes.”
1601 PACIFIC COAST HWY. #260, HERMOSA BEACH | 310-376-5139 | FUSIONACADEMY.COM/SOUTH-BAY
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ALL ABOUT KIDS
ROLLING HILLS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
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olling Hills Country Day School was founded in 1961 and enrolls roughly 400 students in grades K–8. In addition to its academic curriculum, the school offers competitive team sports for middle school students and a variety of extracurricular classes for lower school students including outdoor education, Scratch coding, 3-D printing, cheerleading, physical education and homework club. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE KIDS AND PARENTS TO KNOW ABOUT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL? “Our core philosophy is education of the whole child. Our students are critical thinkers, collaborative workers, confident leaders and involved citizens. We understand the lasting impact of the earliest years of education and the importance of preparation for high school, college and beyond. Country Day School is a nurturing environment where students have
opportunities to experience success and, at the same time, the support and safety to work through challenges. Our academics are rigorous, but we also believe that learning happens everywhere on campus. Whether it is in the classroom, during flag speeches, in the swimming pool or on outdoor education trips, students are inspired to realize their potential.” WHAT MAKES COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL EXCEPTIONAL? “We encourage curiosity, acknowledge responsibility, support creative ideas and appreciate different points of view. We help our students acquire new life skills and cultivate existing ones. Our dedication to our students shines in the reflections of their intellectual, moral, physical and social achievements. In our classrooms, on our fields and across our stage, we nurture the art of expression. As
our students develop their skills and enhance their natural abilities using the tools we provide, they come ever closer to achieving and often surpassing their goals.” WHAT DO KIDS LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? “At Country Day school we consider our students to be part of our family. The students thrive as members of a nurturing community. They feel safe to take risks and make mistakes and learn how to try again. They also love our Outdoor Education program, which allows children to learn outside the classroom. We believe good people want to be connected to the global community and find personal satisfaction by looking outward and by making someone else’s life a little better, a little easier. We hope our students lead with their hearts in their homes, at school and in their community.”
26444 CRENSHAW BOULEVARD, ROLLING HILLS ESTATES | 310-377-4848 | RHCDS.COM
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Rolling Hills Prep and Renaissance Students honor Spirit Week on “Pajama Day.”
ROLLING HILLS PREPARATORY | RENAISSANCE SCHOOL
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olling Hills Preparatory and Renaissance Schools are united on one San Pedro campus but offer two different educational approaches to approximately 275 students. Rolling Hills Prep serves grades 6–12 with rigorous academics, while Renaissance School serves grades 5–12 and provides educational opportunities for students who learn differently. Both schools are known for their athletics and arts programs, and in recent years they have developed STEM offerings including robotics, 3-D printing and design, programming, an organic garden and various other activities and initiatives. TELL US ABOUT YOUR SCHOOLS. “Rolling Hills Preparatory and Renaissance Schools are forward-thinking institutions that utilize individualized educational approaches to support and empower every student. The two schools share one campus and are united under their shared values known as the Four Pillars: Disciplined Minds, Sound Character, Healthy Bodies and Creative
Spirits. Both schools originate from Rolling Hills Preparatory School, which was originally located in Malaga Cove, prior to relocating to a permanent campus in San Pedro. Rolling Hills Prep is an academically rigorous school with a soul; students are empowered to succeed. Renaissance School was formed in 2004 with the goal of providing meaningful pathways for students who learn differently.” WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT? “Rolling Hills Preparatory and Renaissance Schools work to ensure that every facet of our programming and institutional focus is built around a customized and individualized approach to the needs and strengths of the current student body. Additionally, students are provided with faculty advisors who can both support and monitor the successes and challenges of students and provide immediate feedback for parents, other teachers, administrators and future programming considerations.”
TELL US A STUDENT SUCCESS STORY. “Last year’s valedictorian was a deeply committed student who spent a great deal of time with his teachers and outside programs to expand his knowledge of advanced mathematics and science—especially regarding the world of rocketry and aerospace. After years of hard work he was accepted into numerous high-achieving colleges but ultimately chose University of Southern California. He was awarded a significant fellowship at the Viterbi School of Engineering.” WHAT DO STUDENTS LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR SCHOOLS? “Apart from our strong advisory program, students are encouraged to develop strong mentorship bonds with other teachers and staff for their personal support networks. This gives students more opportunities to explore their passions, develop their strengths and conquer challenges with the support of a committed team of school employees, family members and fellow students.”
ONE ROLLING HILLS PREP WAY, SAN PEDRO | 310-791-1101 | ROLLINGHILLSPREP.ORG
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PENINSULA HERITAGE SCHOOL
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eninsula Heritage School, established in 1961, is an independent, co-educational school serving 115 students from kindergarten through eighth grade who come from throughout the South Bay. WHAT MAKES PENINSULA HERITAGE SCHOOL STAND OUT? “The first impression visitors have when entering our campus is a caring, inclusive educational environment in a beautiful parklike setting. Our students are happy and enthusiastically engaged in learning with our exceptional teachers. Peninsula Heritage School is known for its personalized academic programs, where students can advance one year or even two years ahead in mathematics and language arts according to their experience and ability, while having the balance of their classes in age-appropriate groupings. Our students thrive in our co-curricular program with highly qualified teachers and a wide variety of classes.”
DO YOU HAVE A CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM? “One of the reasons for the establishment of our school back in 1961 was the desire of the founding parents to have their children educated in an environment where character education was integral to the curriculum. In this sense, Peninsula Heritage was a pioneer in teaching character qualities, predating by almost 40 years the widespread adoption of character education in this country. Our award-winning program is foundational to the entire school.” WHAT DO STUDENTS LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? “A former student, now a high school senior heading to Harvard University in September, sums it up best: ‘I owe a lot of my character to the school. They set me on a course where I was able to excel academically and become a better person. I really felt as if every teacher had a personal investment in me as a student.’”
HOW IMPORTANT IS PLAY DURING A SCHOOL DAY? “Kindergarten teacher Christy Burden shares the importance of free play: ‘Our students’ free play time is very productive. They learn to share, to take turns and to respect property. We discuss and reinforce the basics of positive social interactions during play, including teaching the Golden Rule, discussing how sharing is caring, and modeling respect for others during play and in verbal communication.’” DESCRIBE THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AT PENINSULA HERITAGE. “In order to assure ideal social, emotional and academic growth, our teachers astutely assess each student’s aptitude for learning and devise an academic program based on the student’s learning profile. Our lessons and exercises are designed to initiate exploration, collaboration, research, analysis and problemsolving. We provide the tools and environment students need to learn and thrive!”
26944 ROLLING HILLS ROAD, ROLLING HILLS ESTATES | 310-541-4795 | PENINSULAHERITAGE.ORG
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Brand New Construction This state-of-the-art home in Palos Verdes Estates features panoramic ocean, coastline and city lights views! Over 7100 square feet with expansive rooms and soaring ceilings. Infinity pool, spa and large outdoor entertaining spaces! $10,900,000
DRE#00967574
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real estate
LUXURY MEETS LOCATION IN SOUTH REDONDO BEACH
This beach escape features 3,352 square feet with 3 beds and 3.5 baths, wood floors, stone work and skylights with coastal light that floods into every nook and cranny. French doors usher you outdoors to a private yard—the perfect place for yearlong alfresco dining and entertaining. Listed by Cari Corbalis and Britt Austin Re/Max Estate Properties 310-938-9167 | www.cariandbritt.com
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REDONDO BEACH TOWN HOME 4 BEDS I 3 BATHS I 2,298 SQ. FT. I $1,099,000
RICHARD HAYNES Real Estate Broker 310.379.1724 richard@manhattanpacific.com DRE: 01779425
IT’S YOUR SOUTH BAY. OWN IT.
M a n h a t t a n P a c i f i c R e a l t y. c o m 310.379.1724
DRE: 01909107
1610 Stanford Avenue, Redondo Beach 3 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms | 1,922 square feet | $1,224,900 This stunning Cape Cod inspired home offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms located in a great Redondo Beach neighborhood. The spacious living area has wood floors, a vaulted, open beamed ceiling, plantation shutters, painted brick fireplace and opens to a deck for indoor/outdoor living. In the kitchen, fresh white cabinetry, subway tile backsplash and crisp stone counters mixed with stainless steel appliances and double oven will inspire any home cook. This home offers the best of beach living with close proximity to the sandy shore, trendy shops & restaurants of Redondo & Hermosa Beach while having easy access to the freeway.
310/938-9167 cariandbritt.com BRITT: BRE# 01799654 CARI: BRE# 00850678
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321 Avenue F, Redondo Beach $2,799,000 | 3 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms | 3,352 square feet Situated on the prestigious “Avenues” in South Redondo Beach, this coastal craftsman-style home is finished with exquisite details. This completely remodeled residence with ocean views reveals an open floor plan, where rooms are bathed in natural light from two-story high windows and the open French doors let in the coastal breeze. Rich stonework, wood floors and a stunning kitchen come together to create a home in which you’ll both love to live and entertain.
310/938-9167 cariandbritt.com BRITT: BRE# 01799654 CARI: BRE# 00850678
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Cape Cod Beauty • Manhattan Beach • Outstanding Craftsmanship built by Ken Johnson Development • Designed by Architect Doug Leach • Stunning finishes by L’Esperance Design
1901 Palm Avenue $5,500,000
RESORT-STYLE LIVING A lifestyle home with abundant ocean views in a coveted location of Manhattan Beach One block from downtown $7,690,000 WWW.1215FISHER.COM
You will love this 2018 Engaging Cape Cod situated on a highly desirable corner lot filled with abundant natural light. Extensive use of Neolith Estatuario Quartz, Pietra Grey Marble, Calcutta Splenda Marble, Basalto Stone, Ice Cube Marble, hexagon tiles, mirrored tiles, stacked stone, flagstone and french white oak hardwood floors. Approx. 4,800 sq. ft, 5,061 sq ft. lot, large office/ 2nd living room with cement tiled fireplace and a grand balcony, 5 full bathrooms all ensuite, 2 powder rooms, 3 stop wood paneled elevator, Epicurean Kitchen with Wolf, Subzero and Bosch appliances, pot filler, steam oven and microwave oven. Kitchen has a built in desk with floating shelves, a breakfast nook, a walk-in pantry, a massive Neolith Estatuario Quartz Island with 2 sinks and 2 Bosch dishwashers. Family room has coffered beamed ceilings, a substantial bricked fireplace, a 12 foot La Cantina bi-fold door leading to the patio with a herringbone laid tile floor, an electric ceiling heater, a Peninsula cut from Basalto Stone slab with a Lynx barbeque grill, U-line refrigerator, a deep sink, built-in steel trash unit, double steel storage drawers and access door. Luxurious Master bedroom has tongue and groove vaulted ceilings, a marble tiled fireplace, built-ins, a herringbone tiled deck, Calcutta Splendor Marble master bath with a steeping tub, two vanities, a built-in linen closet and a custom wood walk in closet includes a peninsula with velvet lined jewelry and watch showcase drawers and dresser. Large laundry room with sink and storage. The large Basement was built for entertaining with a full bar kitchen, a Fisher-Paykel single drawer dishwasher, glass displays and a fridge with ice maker, a chilled wine room, a powder room and a guest bedroom. Audio Visual System is a Cat 5 fully prewired surround system in family room and basement with a home theatre pre-wire for projection and drop down screen. Speakers in kitchen, patio, master bedroom and first floor office/ 2nd living room. 3 zone heating and air conditioning, fully functional alarm system with optional outside camera locations. 3-car Garage is wired for electric vehicles on each side. Garage has speckled grey epoxy floor and a convenient built-in sink www.1901Palm.com
Please call John and Kerry for viewing! JOHN CHUKA 310.990.1110 JChuka@aol.com BRE# 00766132
KERRY DAWSON 310.753.5537 KerryLDawson@aol.com BRE# 01024016
We specialize in Residential Real Estate, Luxury Residential Real Estate, Multi-Family and Commercial with a focus on the city of Rolling Hills and the entire Palos Verdes Peninsula, San Pedro and the surrounding cities in the Southbay. Together The Inman Kelley Group has been recognized as the #1 team for the entire Keller Williams Coastal Region for the last 8 years.
Call for a free price evaluation! Gordon Inman, Keith Kelley, Nicole Pletkovich BRE# 01501084 | BRE# 01810798 | BRE#02015236
310.936.1979 | 310.944.5554 Contact@InmanTeam.com www.InmanKelleyGroup.com
Our neighborhood, your home.
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Oceanfront Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes
$6.789,000 | www.elegantvillabythesea.com 4 Bd | 6 Ba | 8,320 sq.ft | 24,387 sq.ft lot | 3 car garage
LI NE ST W IN G
LI NE ST W IN G
$7,188,000 | www.modernmasterpieceRollingHills.com 6 Bd | 9 Ba | 9.14 acre lot | 6 car garage
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$3,599,000 | www.50saddleback.com 5 Bd | 4.5 Ba | 4,397 sq.ft | 1.34 acre lot | 4 car garage
$3,450,000 | www.11outrider.com 4 Bd | 4 Ba | 3.621 sq.ft | 1.346 acre lot | 3 car garage
1560 Via Leon, Palos Verdes Estates
30316 Camino Porvenir, Rancho Palos Verdes
$2,199,000 | www.turnkeyviewhomePVE.com 4 Bd | 3 Ba | 3,884 sq.ft | 16,013 sq.ft lot | 3 car garage
$1,899,000 | www.resortstylehomeRPV.com 5 Bd | 3 Ba | 3,355 sq.ft | 11,493 sq.ft lot | 3 car garage
LILY LIANG
+1 310 373 3333 | lily@lilyliang.com | www.lilyliang.com 550 Silver Spur Road, Suite 240, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 BRE# 00837794
HOME TO THE FINEST COLLECTION OF REAL ESTATE EXPERTS IN THE SOUTH BAY.
STRANDHILL.COM
STRAND HILL | CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE LICENSE #01968431. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SQUARE FOOTAGE AND/OR ACREAGE, HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY VARIOUS SOURCES WHICH MAY INCLUDE THE SELLER, PUBLIC RECORDS, THE MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE OR OTHER SOURCES. BROKER HAS NOT AND WILL NOT INVESTIGATE OR VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF THIS INFORMATION.
THE VILL AS AT TERR ANEA
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VILLA 11-301 The largest of the now available Villas at Terranea, this secluded, 2,421 square foot vacation home is beautifully furnished and recently redesigned. It features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, 2 gas fireplaces, laundry room, in-ground spa, and enclosed 2-car garage.
offered at $1,795,000
VILLA 19-201 One of the last remaining 2 bedroom golf front vacation homes at The Villas at Terranea. A premier front row residence offers sweeping ocean views. This fully furnished, 1,864 square foot villa features 2.5 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, 2 gas fireplaces, laundry room and an enclosed 2-car garage.
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VALMONTE IS THE NEIGHBORHOOD YOU’VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF With green hills and the blue Pacific Ocean at your backdoor, Valmonte is Palos Verdes Estates’ hidden gem. Leave the hustle, bustle and street lights behind. With 4 miles of spectacular coastline, top-ranked schools, and a community golf course designed by Bell & Thomas, it’s easy to understand why it is listed among the top 50 cities to live in America.
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last word
The Parenting Puzzle
A mom of four and empty-nester offers child-rearing tips for millennials.
WRITTEN BY JANE ULMAN ILLUSTRATED BY CHRISTINE GEORGIADES
“I have one piece of parenting advice,” I tell my son Gabe and newly pregnant daughterin-law. “That’s not true,” my husband, Larry, interrupts. “Well, maybe,” I concede. “But let’s start with one: Don’t tell anyone the name until the baby is born.” “We know,” Gabe answers. How does he know? How did Larry and I know to keep the names of our four sons secret? Something we read? Heard? Gleaned from a parenting class? Or is it a protective parenting instinct that wards off myriad conflicting opinions? How do we know anything about what constitutes good parenting practices? Certainly we’ve made progress since Proverbs 29:15 advocated the authoritarian “rod and reproof” method almost three millennia ago. More recently, in 1946, Dr. Benjamin Spock published The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care, assuring mothers, “You know more than you think you do.” Maybe. But not my mother. She didn’t know not to put the same bowl of increasingly crusted Gerber baby oatmeal on my high chair tray for every meal until finally, out of desperation, I deigned to eat it. Dr. Spock opened the floodgates to a tsunami of books on childrearing—soon replaced by the loftier label “parenting”—
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SOUTHBAY | APRIL 2019
penned by pediatricians, psychologists and other wanna-be bringing-up-baby gurus. They have brought us innumerable and conflicting parenting styles, which include among others: tiger, dolphin and jellyfish; authoritative; free-range; uninvolved; helicopter; and new to me, lawnmower, which involves mowing down any obstacle your child might encounter. As a new parent, how do you decide? During my first pregnancy, Larry and I voraciously read many of those manuals, attended classes that taught us the handy football hold ... and mostly worried. We later became fans of sleep trainer Dr. Richard Ferber, responsible for raising our sanity levels in proportion to the number of hours one not-to-be-identified son slept. Another favorite was author and columnist Dave Berry. “Do not try to be cool,” he advised. “You are not cool to your child. You are hideously embarrassing.” There’s a corollary, taught to me by our oldest son, Zack, when he was 10 and I apologized for being a geek. “Mom,” he instructed. “If you are one, you don’t tell anyone.” Zack’s now the dad of two girls, ages 3 and 6 months. He has a few good years before becoming an embarrassment to them.
Basically Larry and I have only two time-tested, line-in-the-sand parenting tips. One: Eating is allowed only in the kitchen (or TV room on those rare occasions like the Super Bowl). And two: Children need to know the location of their shoes at all times. I vowed early on never to go on a shoe search, especially on those always chaotic school mornings. Over many years we’ve learned there’s no right, one-size-fits-all guide to parenting. How babies enter the world is pretty much who they are. You can make them worse with neglectful or abusive parenting. And you can maybe improve them a bit with a few common sense guidelines. Children need a safe, stable and loving environment. They need roots and wings, an education and orthodontia. And they need parents who keep their names a secret, make them eat in the kitchen and never hunt for shoes. ■
Jane Ulman and her husband, Larry, are the authoritative parents of an obstinate Akita and the permissive grandparents of, to date, two girls. They now allow their four adult sons (plus spouses and significant others) to eat in the living room.
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