Southbay May/June 2021

THE STYLE ISSUE

Perfect Fit APPAREL ENTREPRENEURS JENNIFER AND SCOTT HOCHSTADT DESIGN FOR LIVING

SOUTHBAY.GOLDENSTATE.IS

SIX DOLLARS

MAY/JUNE 2021

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just got more experts

Left to right: Melanie Friedlander, MD, Paula Eboli, MD, David Chan, MD, Amirhossein Paymon Mahfoozi, MD

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Photo @laurenpressey

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Our support. Your power.

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Benefitting Children and Families Impacted by Cancer

38 UNDER THE SPELL Practical Magic in Hermosa

66 GLOBAL GOOD Ten Thousand Villages

74 LIFE THROUGH A LENS Vania Francesca Zask

92 HITTING HOME Cailíní Coastal

98 SEA CHANGE Beach-inspired style

110 SUDDENLY SONOMA MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa

154 LAST WORD Out of the Closet

92 110

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COVER Jennifer & Scott Hochstadt Photographed by Lauren Pressey On him: sweater by Zara, $50, and black denim by Hiroshi Kato, $220; Wright’s in Manhattan Beach. On her: Anzu dress by Ulla Johnson, $596; Wright’s.

Hair & makeup by Blair Berndes

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A BRIGHTER FUTURE

OPEN CHALLENGES

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Ben Rousseau brings a bold, modern flair

After leading two separate renovations,

David Marquart, Checchi Capital Advisers, LLC

to our Beach Cities with his sleek, futuristic

Torrey Pines Golf Course architect Rees

furniture and décor.

Jones discusses the final design touches

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to a championship layout ready to test the

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

world’s most elite golfers in June.

The Portofino Hotel & Marina

ALSO...

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44 GOOD SPORT This season, sample a playful mix of

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

sportswear from some of our favorite South Bay retailers.

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Founded 1912

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 82

Valerie Sartini, Treasures Interior Design

DESIGN FOR LIVING

A YEAR LATER 100

She created a popular baby apparel company.

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Terranea Resort

He launched a global athleisure brand. As

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

108

individuals Jennifer and Scott Hochstadt hold

The Germain DiCarlo Wealth Management

Joe Buck

their own. Together they form a powerhouse.

Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

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THE LONG WAY

SPRING FLING

122

A free spirit, father, artist, surfer, builder

Stylish finds from South Bay boutiques

PROFILES

Vistamar School

and creative, Jay Nelson finds joy doing things in his own time.

Financial Services

70 IN GOOD HEALTH

142

Kristin Egan, MD, FACS

REAL ESTATE Spectacular local listings

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A LEGACY OF CARE Our lives are defined in many ways, some which reflect the level of our accomplishments. But for those with a deeper interest, few qualities endure longer than the expression of our love—whether it’s aimed toward our family, our community or the thousands of lives we help transform along the way.

Your support and contributions, of any amount, help expert community care thrive for years to come.

Learn more about starting your own legacy at TMLegacy.org

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

PUBLISHER | Amy Tetherow

Darren Elms

Michelle Villas

424-220-6338 | amy@goldenstate.is

COPY EDITOR

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

Laura Watts

Nikki Smith

Erika Carrion 310-897-2424 | erika@goldenstate.is

DEPUTY EDITORS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bonnie Graves (Food & Wine)

Jessica Alexander, Siri Berting,

Kara Mickelson (Food)

Lauren Frick, Molly Rose

Marcie Gutierrez

Tanya Monaghan (Style)

Photography, Shane O’Donnell,

424-220-6337 | marcie@goldenstate.is

Jennie Nunn (Home)

Lauren Pressey, Justin Ruhl

DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Jen Turquand

Diane E. Barber, Blair Berndes, Jenny Karl,

424-220-6335 | jen@goldenstate.is

Emily Tecklenburg, Shaun Tolson

SOUTHBAY IS A DIVISION OF THE GOLDEN STATE COMPANY

MANAGING PARTNERS Charlie Koones

Todd Klawin

MARKETING & OPERATIONS PARTNER/BRAND PUBLISHER | Emily Stewart PARTNER/MANAGING DIRECTOR, MEDIA & ANALYTICS | Warren Schaffer DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL | Charles Simmons DIRECTOR OF FILM & VIDEO | Bryce Lowe-White OPERATIONS DIRECTOR | Allison Jeackjuntra SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER | Liesl Breuner ACCOUNTING | Janet De La Cruz, Margy Way To learn more about us, visit thegoldenstatecompany.com.

No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from The Golden State Company, LLC. Any and all submissions to this or any of The Golden State Company, LLC publications become the property of The Golden State Company, LLC and may be used in any media. We reserve the right to edit.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: info@goldenstate.is or 310-376-7800. Subscriptions are $29 per year.

TO OUR READERS: Southbay welcomes your feedback.

Please send letters to Reader Response Department, Southbay magazine.

Please include your name, address and email. Edited letters may be published.

200 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 110, El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel 310-376-7800 | Fax 310-376-0200 | goldenstate.is | southbay.goldenstate.is

With Resilience It has been a year since I wrote my last letter for Southbay magazine … one very long year. Due to a life-

constant is the strength of our community.

Through all the ups and downs, it is inspiring to

changing pandemic, our country faced a tremendous

know that people are still creating and innovating,

loss of life, jobs and everyday experiences. Our political

building meaningful things and doing good. I am so

differences were heightened. We embraced human rights

proud of this issue and all the people I had the pleasure

movements and welcomed a new president. This year

of writing about.

has touched and challenged everyone’s lives, but it also provided some silver linings and hope along the way.

Today we are finally seeing the light at the end of this long tunnel. Summer is almost here. Things feel brighter. Our children are back in school. Our restaurants are carefully buzzing back to life. And the South Bay is opening back up at a steady pace. The world is different, and we are all changed. But one thing that has remained

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Tanya Monaghan, Guest Editor

JUSTIN RUHL | A California native, Justin’s photographs can be seen in various editorial and advertising print campaigns. Also enthusiastic about travel and photographing other personal work, he stays busy pushing his ideas and translating them into visual representations of what he sees. When not taking photographs, Justin can be found spending time with his family and enjoying life.

LAUREN PRESSEY | Lauren has been photographing South Bay children and their families since 2006. She strives to capture her subjects honestly and artfully and loves the Southern California landscape she gets to work with. A resident of Hermosa Beach and mother of two, she can often be found traveling with camera in hand, documenting the craziness that is her little family.

HIGH LUXURY EYEWEAR COLLECTION ONE-ON-ONE CONCIERGE SERVICES WITH AWARD WINNING EYEWEAR CONSULTANT EMILY TECKLENBURG | Emily is a local mom who swears that one day she’s going to

Invites You To An Exclusive Eyewear Trunk Show And Styling Event Featuring Lafont.

Discover The Entire Collection Direct From Paris.

get it together and join the PTA. Until then, she’ll keep sharing her stories of inadequate

C A L L 310 . 378 . 39 3 6 F O R M O R E I N F O

parenting amongst an alpha landscape on her blog at gelatomama.blogspot.com.

H I L L S I D E V I L L AG E | 24 58 0 H AW T H O R N E B LV D, TO R R A N C E , C A 9 0 5 0 5

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Give Him the Gift of Time.

MAY/JUNE 2021 Old-School Awesome Photographer Vania Francesca Zask ditches digital for vintage vibes. More on page 74.

a brighter future BEN ROUSSEAU BRINGS A BOLD, MODERN FLAIR TO OUR BEACH CITIES WITH HIS SLEEK, FUTURISTIC FURNITURE AND DÉCOR. Written by Tanya Monaghan | Photographed by Shane O’Donnell

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In 2019, when Ben Rousseau

artist mother. He attended art school before going on to

uprooted his family from the U.K.

study film special effects—hoping to tap into the world

and moved to Manhattan Beach,

of model-making and futuristic film sets. As technology advanced and computer graphics replaced the handmade

the only prerequisite was that they

work he so enjoyed, Ben reached a crossroads. He loved

find a home with a pool—a promise

the fantasy but didn’t want to be tied to a computer.

In his 20s, Ben began designing DJ booths, tables and

that Ben and his wife made to their

lighting for London clubs, implementing much of what he

daughter. In coastal Manhattan Beach

learned working in special effects to light the spaces and

this narrows the odds considerably,

create the vibe. He pivoted to product design and created

but Ben stayed true to his promise.

stage events for a PR agency that represented MTV, leading to a project with Destiny’s Child. His success in designing

A true artist, he created the vision

high-profile events offered him valuable connections that

for this traditional, American-style

propelled him into a design career in London.

Light figures into almost everything Ben creates, from

home—a blank canvas to which he

his furniture and his art to his unique timepieces. He

could take his brush and finesse into

compares lighting to storytelling, a tool to help your eyes

his original work of art.

focus on certain things and drive your experience.

From the outside, the home certainly meets the aspira-

“Lighting has always been a necessary ingredient for my work,” he shares. “It’s mesmerizing. It can amp the

tion of both traditional and American. But once greeted at

energy in a club or it can create a relaxing, calm ambience

the door by the tall, charming and charismatic Ben, I was

in a home. There are infinite details when it comes to

immediately aware of the dichotomy between the exterior

lighting, and most people can’t wrap their heads around

and what I was seeing inside.

it until you show it to them. There can be layers of lights,

Crossing the threshold, I stepped from the past into the future. Bright, bold colors electrified the walls of

lights from overhead and under-lighting details.”

Ben describes his Tempus clocks as “a kinetic artwork

the entry room. Center stage, like art on display at a

that tells the time.” To see this clock function and light

museum, are Ben’s futuristic furniture creations. Also in

up is a dazzling experience. He’s created a fresh, beauti-

view is a built-in bar and neon-lit DJ booth programmed

ful way to tell time using organized geometry, repeated

to illuminate at different sound frequencies.

forms and light. “It’s taking things back to the utmost

This home was like no other I had ever seen. It was

simplicity, using less material and using light to create

immediately clear that Ben doesn’t play by anyone’s

lines and shadows,” he says. “I love precision and highly

rules. His approach to work (and life) is all about fun.

engineered looks, but I also love nature—as you can

He grew up in Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded

never replicate nature’s beauty.”

town, surrounded by buildings steeped in history—

Ben entrusted prop-makers from the recent Star Wars

including a 1,000-year-old castle. For a young Ben,

films to help program the light patterns and sequences of

captivated by the slick, high-tech movie worlds of Star

his futuristic timepiece—one he envisions hanging on the

Wars and 007, the contrast was stark.

wall of James Bond nemesis Auric Goldfinger.

He tinkered with machinery, such as his father’s classic American car, and explored his creative side through his

COVID-19 has added an extra obstacle to marketing his designs, many of which are experiential. “Until you sit in

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one of my bubble chairs, you don’t get a feel for how big and comfortable they are or get a sense of that protective feeling enveloping you,” he says of one of his furniture creations. “It’s a very different chair experience, and that’s what is missing from pictures.”

So Ben tapped into his creativity and connected with people through five-minute interviews in his chairs. He called the series “From the Bubble,” first interviewing architect-designer Anthony Laney of Laney LA and growing the outreach from there.

While every Ben Rousseau Design project is unique, the designer insists the approach remains consistent. “We spend time together working on your vision, so there is a deep understanding of your space, your surroundings, your needs and your requirements,” he says. “Every aspect of your desire to improve your space—whether that’s a change to the interior or adding a bespoke piece—is considered. Only then can it become the reality you want.” ■

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S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

B U S I N E S S S P OT L I G H T

PIECING IT TOGETHER Interior designer Valerie Sartini channels her superpowers.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING

“I

t’s all interconnected,” Valerie Sartini

very French countryside—all lavender bushes,

says as she buzzes through the

black wrought iron, pea gravel, olive trees. It

showroom, greeting a design assis-

was really simple and natural.”

tant, pulling tile samples, referencing

floor plans. She’s absolutely in her element.

Valerie, owner of Treasures Interior Design,

Valerie and her team researched and then sourced stone and tile patterns and materials that would blend into this breathtaking back-

explains her process for creating beautiful

yard. “We eventually found a craftsperson to

rooms, many of which include tile and stone.

create custom-colored, hand-painted tiles for

“Everything needs to be considered from

the pool and hot tub, and we added lime-

the beginning. The pieces in a home—big or

stone pavers,” she continues. “Those materials

small—don’t function independently from one

complemented and enhanced the restrained

another. Our goal is to configure an entire

elegance of the existing outdoor space.”

space and present it completed. This way,

Another project where Valerie used the

the client can visualize the finished room and

environment to help inform the design was

hopefully love it from the very beginning.”

when she created an outdoor pool house

Fitting the puzzle pieces of design together

shower. To some designers this little space

for her clients is one of Valerie’s superpowers.

might be a throwaway, but Valerie attends to

Well, that and her boundless energy—her

details in even the smallest parts of a home.

ability to put those she meets immediately

She and her client selected a meticulously

at ease with her girlfriend smile, her spot-on

planned tile pattern to cover two walls, using

taste. Alright, Valerie has lots of superpowers.

the colors of water. The small tile mosaic

Today she is at Ann Sacks Tile & Stone in

appears to randomly spill down the fixtured

West Hollywood, pulling tile samples together

wall from light to dark in a beautiful cascade

for a client’s bathroom. Val focuses on the task

of azure, midnight and turquoise blues.

thing. Knowing the intricacies, the flow, the

“We measured the walls precisely and

timing, working so closely with my clients and

ceramic and stone. She very much knows

laid the pattern almost tile-by-tile to create

knowing how to exceed their expectations all

what she’s looking for. “There are so many

the fade effect of undulating water,” Valerie

comes with experience.”

choices, it can be overwhelming for people.

explains. So instead of an afterthought, the

My job is to understand what my client wants

shower is a striking and graphic piece of the

surrounded by sets of stone. As she prepares

and then curate and edit so I can present a

home’s outdoor design.

to leave, she takes a visual inventory of what

at hand as she peruses walls of colorful

few options that really wow them!”

This ability to tease out a client’s aesthetic

Valerie looks happy as she works at a table

she’ll present to her client the next day. “I think

and transform it into a visual masterpiece

they’re gonna love these choices,” she says

talks about some of the innovative ways she’s

has taken years to perfect—years Valerie

with the confidence of an expert.

used tile and stone to transform creative vision

has spent working in her profession. “It’s not

into functional and beautiful living spaces. “We

something you can learn on Pinterest or in

TREASURES INTERIOR DESIGN

had a client redoing a pool and hot tub,” she

a couple of years of practice,” she explains.

310-545-9404

describes, “and we really wanted to integrate it

“Many people have style and taste, but this

TREASURESINTERIORDESIGN.COM

with her home and outdoor space, which was

is a learned art. For me it’s such an intuitive

@TREASURESINTERIORDESIGN

It’s obvious that Valerie loves her work as she

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Under the Spell PRACTICAL MAGIC BRINGS PLANT-BASED MEDICINE AND MORE TO HERMOSA. Written by Bonnie Graves | Photographed by Lauren Frick

Owner Emie Fenton didn’t necessarily plan to be a small-

a dream come true for me to be able to provide plant medi-

business owner in the South Bay. In fact, she was already

cine and self-care offerings to the community,” says Emie.

running a successful shop on Main Street in Santa Monica

from other local businesses; Practical Magic offers cof-

keen on Santa Monica, so the newlyweds set up shop in

fee from neighbor Java Stew and beautiful jewelry by

Hermosa Beach and started a family there.

designer and repurposer Dana. Emie took another deep

Drawn to the laid-back beach vibe and great schools, the Fentons epitomize a lot of what makes the South Bay a haven for young families. And with her daughters

and expanded her entire concept.

And with a new community gathering space called The Commune, she now is poised to host post-pandemic

turn to her retail roots … even in the midst of a burgeon-

gatherings of all types. From a lab for herbalist classes

ing pandemic.

and consults to a treatment room for Reiki, tarot and astrology readings to a studio space for yoga, meditation,

the primary goal of helping individuals with chronic

sound baths and more, the Commune is a welcome haven

pain—both physical and emotional—through the use of

for South Bay residents looking to refresh and recharge

plant-based medicine. Emie has apprenticed under the

in 2021.

Wise Woman Tradition with Susun Weed and has also

Practical Magic is truly an artisan shop, with most of

studied Western herbalism with expert Julie James. A

its tinctures, tea blends and other products made entirely

self-professed lifelong learner, Emie was drawn to herb-

in-house and by hand. Ingredients are lovingly chosen

alism because of its depth and complexity. Her focus is

with an emphasis on holistic self-care and on supporting

primarily Western, although she is excited to expand on

community makers and artists. In addition to its propri-

that knowledge base.

etary line, Practical Magic also sells gorgeous decorative

As Emie puts it, “There is so much to learn about plant

plants, succulents and cacti alongside books, tarot cards,

medicine. Each country has its own unique system and

chocolates, small-batch coffees, bath and beauty prod-

plants. While traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda

ucts, and a wide array of gifts.

and South American herbs are fascinating, my expertise lies

With the ocean as its backdrop, Practical Magic hopes

mostly in Traditional Western Herbalism.” She continues to

to cultivate a community of South Bay clients who value

explain that “the majority of the herbs we sell at this time

health and wellness elements from all cultures. It’s a

come from North America, although I would love to offer

special kind of alchemy indeed—and one that is most

more exotic herbs as we continue to grow.”

welcome after a year of isolation and anxiety. “Nourish-

And grow they have at Practical Magic, which opened

ing mind, body and soul” is Emie’s motto for this kind of

its first brick-and-mortar location on Hermosa Avenue in

magic, and her shop provides a haven amidst the stresses

June 2020, smack in the middle of a lockdown and virus

of everyday living.■

fears. “It’s been a crazy time to open a business, but it was

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breath when the space at 936 Hermosa Avenue opened up

growing up (now 13 and 10), Emie felt it was time to re-

Practical Magic was originally founded in 2017 with

38

Her focus on community-building includes buying

when love took her southward. Emie’s husband wasn’t

B U S I N E S S S P OT L I G H T

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

B U S I N E S S S P OT L I G H T

GUIDING YOU TOWARD FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

T

he Germain DiCarlo Wealth

enables them to have ample time to handle

both worlds—access to world-class financial

Management Group of Wells Fargo

even the most intricate and time-consuming

resources through Wells Fargo Advisors and a

Advisors focuses on helping wealthy

client situations.

friendly, dedicated and accessible team who

individuals and families feel more

“Although no two clients have the same

knows their clients intimately.

“All of us are in constant communication

confident about their financial decisions and

situation or needs, many do tend to share

their opportunity to pursue their financial

similar objectives,” says Jeff. “For example, all

with each other, and we’re all extensively

goals. Providing personalized attention to

of our clients have shared interests in preserv-

familiar with our clients’ specific situations,”

clients is one important way the Germain

ing the wealth they’ve already built, planning

says Jeff. “So our clients will never have to

DiCarlo Group sets itself apart.

ahead for a secure retirement and prioritizing

worry about being lost in the shuffle. Plus,

tax-efficient wealth transfer to the next gen-

anytime they have a timely request, they know

eration or the cause of their choice.”

we’ll be available to help them right away.”

Leading the team are private wealth financial advisors Jeff Germain and Vinnie DiCarlo.

Jeff has nearly 30 years of experience advising

Vinnie adds, “Effectively coordinating our

Part of taking care of clients involves serving

affluent individuals, families and institutional

clients’ wealth plans requires a fluid under-

as their fierce advocates. Vinnie explains, “Wells

investors. Vinnie has worked in the industry for

standing of various asset types and financial

Fargo Advisors puts extraordinary resources at

more than 15 years and is senior vice president

disciplines, and it involves working with our cli-

our disposal, but it’s up to us to take advantage

of investments. Rounding out the Germain

ents’ other advisors. We help our clients under-

of them on behalf of our clients.”

DiCarlo team are Joy Ogbunamiri, Han Nah

stand the big picture as we’re putting together

Kim and Elena Ji—highly capable service pro-

the puzzle pieces of their financial lives.”

fessionals who handle clients’ needs efficiently and accurately.

GLOBAL RESOURCES—A PERSONAL TOUCH Jeff and Vinnie strive to combine the best of

Investment and Insurance Products: Not FDICInsured

No Bank Guarantee

May Lose Value

THOUGHTFUL ADVICE & UNDERSTANDING Most of the team’s clients, which include affluent families, business owners, entrepreneurs, entertainers and athletes, have highly specific financial needs demanding extensive atten-

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

tion to detail. When they customize investment strategies for clients, Jeff and Vinnie incorporate clients’ complex asset types and other entities, such as closely held businesses, trusts, private real estate holdings or concentrated stock positions.

The team has opted to advise no more than 100 client households and is particularly selective when taking on new clients. This

L to R: Han Nah Kim, Elena Ji, Jeff Germain, Vinnie DiCarlo, Joy Ogbunamiri

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B U S I N E S S S P OT L I G H T

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Jeffrey R. Germain, CIMC® Best-in-State Wealth Advisor, Forbes, 2020 and 20211 Top 1,200 Advisors, Barron’s, 2019, 2020, 20212 Vincent DiCarlo, CFP®, ChFC® Best-in-State Wealth Advisor,

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

Forbes, 20201

A DISCIPLINED INVESTMENT STRATEGY

is for them to have experts who can manage

When it comes to managing clients’ invest-

all of their financial relationships in unison.

ments, the team emphasizes a disciplined,

We are able to talk knowledgeably with tax,

consistent process that it follows in all market

estate and insurance advisors, professional to

environments. According to Jeff, their process

professional. We make sure all the right ques-

for evaluating asset managers is designed to

tions get asked and that nothing falls through

separate skill from luck, fully understand the

the cracks in our clients’ investment plan. This

risks they take on and determine whether their

year, we feel there is an even greater amount

strategy is sustainable over the long term.

of engagement and enthusiasm for planning

“We won’t invest our clients’ hard-earned assets in portfolio managers whose best days

Master's in Business, Taxation – University of Southern California 1 – The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking algorithm is based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion.

2 – The Barron’s Top 1,200 Advisors rankings are based on assets under management, revenue generated for the advisors’ firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices.

Investment performance isn’t an explicit factor because clients have varied goals and risk tolerances.

our clients’ families succeed financially and

income and estate tax laws.”

realize their goals for the future,” says Vinnie.

“And when they do, it’s the most rewarding

managers who pass our rigorous screening

A LONG-TERM APPROACH

criteria. When entrusting our clients’ wealth

The team’s clients are loyal, and Jeff thinks he

with asset managers, we have one primary

knows why. “Our clients know we have their

requirement: Are they the right fit for what our

best interests at heart, and we’re fortunate to

clients are trying to accomplish?”

have them telling their friends about us. Every day we work hard to earn—and deserve—

The team is always keeping an eye on their

(nonpracticing)

as our clients anticipate changes coming to

are behind them,” he explains. “We only hire

STAYING AT THE CENTER

Certified Public Accountant

part of our jobs.”

Disclaimer: Wells Fargo Advisors is not a legal or tax advisor. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

their trust.”

Growing that trust takes time, which is just

THE GERMAIN DICARLO WEALTH MANAGEMENT

clients’ big picture, proactively providing

fine with Jeff, Vinnie, Joy, Han Nah and Elena.

GROUP OF WELLS FARGO ADVISORS

updates and a plan of action as markets, tax

Whether they’re investing clients’ assets or

JEFFREY R. GERMAIN, CIMC®

and estate laws, and the economy changes.

building relationships with the families they

VINCENT “VINNIE” DICARLO, CFP®, CHFC®

serve, they always take a long-term view.

213-688-3714

“The more complex a clients’ financial situation is,” explains Vinnie, “the more critical it

42

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“We want to help multiple generations of

GERMAINDICARLO.COM

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Red bikini top and bottom by Solid & Striped, $79 each, white long Leigh Polo dress by Solid & Striped, $268; BLVD in Manhattan Beach.

Super-Star sneakers by Golden Goose, $496, oversized tote by Isabel Marant, $286; Wright’s in Manhattan Beach.

good sport THIS SEASON, SAMPLE A PLAYFUL MIX OF SPORTSWEAR FROM SOME OF OUR FAVORITE SOUTH BAY RETAILERS. Styled by Tanya Monaghan | Photographed by Justin Ruhl | Hair & makeup by Jenny Karl

left page Pink and purple ombre swimsuit by Bound, $198, chunky colorful beaded necklaces by Elsie Frieda, $256 each, colorful bracelets, $50 to $100 each; The Beehive in Manhattan Beach.

Jules yellow chunky chain necklace by Alla Berman, $48; allaberman.com.

this page Tennis dress with cutout by Adidas, $126, white sheer leggings by Alo, $88; Super Sports at Manhattan Village in Manhattan Beach.

left page

this page

Off-white leather visor by Right

Orange one-piece swimsuit by

Tribe, $84; The Beehive in

Acacia, $246; BLVD in Manhattan

Manhattan Beach. Kimberly dress

Beach. Cropped jacket with hood by

by Solid & Striped, $228; BLVD in

Isabel Marant, $360; Wright’s in

Manhattan Beach. Jules chunky chain

Manhattan Beach. Socks by Mother,

necklaces by Alla Berman, $48 each;

$38, sneakers by GANNI, $346;

allaberman.com.

Beehive in Manhattan Beach. White leather tennis bag by Fenix Sportier, $1,100; fenixsportier.com.

Black sports top, $34; No Rest For Bridget at The Point in El Segundo. Large gold hoop earrings by Shashi, $62, black slides

by GANNI, $346; The Beehive in Manhattan Beach. Black aviatorstyle sunglasses, $10; Target in Manhattan Beach. White pants

by Ecru, $163; Third Gallery in Manhattan Beach.

left page

this page

Black leather visor by Fenix Sportier,

Black leather captain bag, $900, clear

Neon yellow chunky chain necklace by

$149, fenixsportier.com. Red hoodie

tote, $300, ball boy bag, $180,

Alla Berman, $48; allaberman.com.

vest, $128, biker short, $128, by Alla

B bag in neon yellow and white, $550;

Sneakers by GANNI, $346;

Berman; allaberman.com.

Fenix Sportier, fenixsportier.com.

The Beehive in Manhattan Beach.

Coming this May in our spring issue of Southbay Health we present - YOUR BEST SELF As our community opens up, we can look forward to more time spent together.

And with summer quickly approaching, this is also the perfect time to focus on our health, wellness and beauty. In this brand new section, we will highlight amazing South Bay businesses that specialize in helping you look, feel and be your BEST self.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

STYLE GUIDE

EDITED BY LAURA WATTS

maison luxe 138 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach 310-372-5552 maisonluxehome.com Instagram: @maisonLuxeHB Facebook: @maisonluxe Pinterest: Maison Luxe Home

1.

Luna blush duvet cover, queen, $264

2.

African glass beads, pink, $40

3.

Mauve tie-dye pillow, $240

4. Plush travel pillow + coordinating mask, $44

5.

Paulina chandelier, $2,825

6.

Vintage rugs, various sizes, $2,000 to $3,500

7.

Tropics earrings gold fill, $95

8.

Mama candle 12-ounce, $35

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founded 1912

1.

Rococo Sand Aita cape in black, $453

5.

Frankies Tia floral terry top and bottom, $85 each

2.

Monica Hansen Material Girl top, $247, and bottom, $164 in green

6.

Paloma Barcelo Atuel wedge in ivory, $470

3.

Van Palma Opale hat in natural, $255

7.

Beach Riot Rocky top and Bike short, $84 each

8.

Hemant and Nandita Miyu high-low dress, $484

4. 14K gold-filled Ava hoops, $60

1125 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-546-1002 founded1912.com Instagram: @founded1912 TikTok: @founded1912_MB)

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ounce of salt jewelry

by Jen Oliak, appointment only 516 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach 310-970-4485 ounceofsaltjewelry.com @ounceofsaltjewelry

1.

Butterfly diamond pendant, $2,900

5.

3.7-carat butterfly diamond tennis necklace, $7,400

2.

Vintage modern butterfly ring, $3,300

6.

Hexagon rose cut diamond hoops, $2,000

3.

Mosaic illusion emerald-cut diamond drop earrings, $5,900

7.

7-carat butterfly diamond eternity band, $22,000

4. Champagne diamond bracelet, $4,500

8.

Diamond flexible gold bangle halfaround, $1,900

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gum tree Gum Tree Shop & Café 238 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach 310-376-8744 Gum Tree Manhattan Beach 324 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach | 310-318-2990 gumtreela.com Instagram: @gumtree_la

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| SPECIAL ADVERTISIN G SECTION

1.

Beaded bangles, set of 4, $36

2.

Happy Days scarf/sarong, $64

3.

Franja beaded earrings in white, $70

4.

Tika raffia straw crochet bag in tobacco, $64

1.

Voyager sandbag candle (other fragrances available), $30

2.

Mermaid body glow scrub (other fragrances available), $28

3.

Manhattan Beach canvas tote (other styles available), $44

4.

Beach blankets, assorted colors, $36 each

tabula rasa essentials 919A Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-318-3385 tabularasaessentials.com @tabularasamb

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kalihi 1012 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-392-1889 1815 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach 424-398-0095 321 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach 310-431-9133 shopkalihi.com | @shopkalihi

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| SP ECIAL ADVERTISIN G SECTIO N

1.

Denim Natalie hat, $48

2.

Pismo mini hoop earrings by Salty Cali, $32

3.

Highneck long tank in vintage denim by Ka Wai Girl, $38

4.

Waterfall Ruffles maxi skirt by kalihi, $58

1.

Xirena Estey top, $198

2.

Uncvrd Jewelery starburst huggie earring, $60

3.

Clare V Moyen messenger bag, $475

4.

Joy Dravecky orbit opal necklace, $86

alandrea 1809 South Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach 310-378-3868 shopalandrea.com @alandreaboutique

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Global Good ONE WOMAN’S PASSION FOR CELEBRATING OTHER WOMEN AND THEIR CULTURAL CRAFTS EVOLVED INTO AN INTERNATIONAL CAUSE THAT HELPS BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY. Written by Diane E. Barber

When Edna Ruth Byler, a Mennonite relief agency volunteer in Pennsylvania, visited Puerto Rico with her husband more than 70 years ago, it changed the course of her life and the lives of many others. Her empathy for the impoverished families she encountered during her travels inspired her to encourage the women she met to reclaim their dignity and foster change through self-empowerment.

Having experienced the Great Depression firsthand, her awareness of their familiar plight set a soulful current of change in motion. Edna purchased beautifully embroidered textiles made by talented villagers to sell to her neighbors and friends at home. Her idea was so well received that, with the support of the organization that she volunteered for, she was able to travel and invest in more merchandise. By the 1950s, her outreach spanned the globe as her pioneering fair-trade market efforts helped economically sustain more faraway families.

When Edna began selling international treasures out marked the beginning of what is now Ten Thousand Villages: 50+ maker-to-market nonprofit stores throughout the U.S. that sell purposeful handcrafted goods from more than 25 developing countries. Riviera Village in Redondo Beach is home to one of the only two stores in

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES

of her car to help others, she planted a seed of hope and

California, which was made possible after a local group of founding board members worked diligently for more than two years to raise the funds needed to open its doors in the summer of 2014.

Board member Lynn Fadale shares, “My husband and I were a part of a social justice ministry at American Martyrs Church in Manhattan Beach when we were inspired by the concept of fair trade. We took a course to learn more about it, and when we finished the program, we wanted to save the world! We visited a fair-trade market in Orange County and decided that we needed to do something like that at our church. So we had a Christmas market. One of the vendors was the manager of the Pasadena Ten Thousand Villages store, who assisted us when we were planning our store.”

A myriad of ethically sourced wares handcrafted by artisans throughout the world pays homage to generations of heritage. The ever-changing local store inventory tended by store manager Michelle Ryan and a volunteer staff includes one-of-a-kind gifts, home décor, jewelry, kitchen items, clothing, accessories, and more for men, women and children. Examples of the uniqueness of the shopping experience include baskets and blankets handmade in Bangladesh from recycled saris, jewelry crafted from repurposed bomb casings in Cambodia as wearable symbols of peace, and handmade greeting cards with messages on the back that read, “This card was created for you by women who have escaped sex trafficking in the Philippines.”

Purchases by South Bay residents help more than 100,000 people globally who rely on Ten Thousand Villages for their family income. The artisan certification process ensures there is no child or slave labor involved in the making of the merchandise. “The community deserves a big pat on the back for how the store has been received and supported,” says founding board member Tony Fadale. “We are a group that cares about vulnerable people in many other countries, and we are giving them a market for what they produce to help them improve their lives.” ■

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

I N G O O D H E A LT H

YOUNGER THAN SPRINGTIME Local surgeon offers patients options to restore their youthful appearance so they look outside how they feel inside.

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

J

ust ask anyone—the climate is one of the best things about living in the South Bay. We get an average of 285 sunny days every year, and outdoor living

ranks high in popularity. But with that fun in the sun comes excessive sun exposure, which

“I ENJOY EACH DAY THAT I CAN USE MY SKILLS AND TRAINING IN HELPING OTHERS.”

can take a toll on our skin.

“Patients want to look well-rested or simply

general anesthesia or a long recovery period.

for 10 years ago, and most recently opened

eliminate wrinkles—the characteristics associ-

“I am currently one of a few physicians in

a new location in Torrance, in addition to

ated with youth,” says Kristin Egan, MD, FACS,

the L.A. area offering the FDA-approved, non-

the Manhattan Beach location. She took

whose practice offers facial plastic surgery, as

invasive, laser-assisted facelift in my office,”

over from Dr. David Bray, who was in prac-

well as ENT and reconstructive surgery. “I am

Dr. Egan explains about LazerLift—a one-

tice in Torrance for over 40 years with an

cognizant that a healthy, active lifestyle pre-

time, one-hour, minimally invasive treatment

outstanding reputation as a surgeon, injector

dominates in the South Bay and that patients

designed to tighten the skin of the face and

and educator. Dual board-certified in otolar-

desire subtle changes to their appearance to

neck and remove excess fat using SmartLipo

yngology head and neck surgery and facial

restore an image of themselves that matches

technology and no scalpel. “This can be

plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Egan

how they feel. There are both surgical and

performed at our office and does not require

earned her medical degree at Albert Einstein

less-invasive procedures to help achieve

general anesthesia.”

College of Medicine and completed a resi-

these goals.”

When patients first visit her office, Dr. Egan

LaserLift uses the latest technology to take laser energy underneath the skin and stimu-

dency program at the University of California, San Francisco.

Upon completion, she joined the staff of the

talks with them to find out their goals and

late collagen production in the dermis, which

desires. She then tailors a customized plan to

leads to improved skin elasticity, thickness

school’s Department of Otolaryngology. She

achieve those goals. “I pride myself on taking

and texture. It is the only FDA-approved laser

completed a fellowship in facial plastic and

the time to truly listen to my patients and find

liposuction for the face and neck.

reconstructive surgery in New York. Dr. Egan

“I am a leading innovator in minimally

has won numerous research awards and has

invasive procedures,” says Dr. Egan. “For

published widely, including multiple chapters

patients who want minimal recovery time and

in the main textbook used to teach Facial

TIME FLIES

an in-office procedure without the need for

Plastic and Reconstructive surgery fellows.

These days, patients are increasingly request-

general anesthesia to address their jowls and

ing less invasive procedures with less recovery

neck, LazerLift is the perfect option.”

what is bothering them. I love seeing patients improve and feel better about themselves.”

The team at Dr. Egan’s practice focuses on aesthetics including injectables, laser services and skin care. After 10 years in Manhattan

time and the ability to return to work quickly.

More patients are turning to the multiple

A DECADE IN THE SOUTH BAY

Beach, they expanded two years ago with a

in-office services that can be done without

Dr. Egan has practiced in the South Bay

second location in Torrance. |

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I N G O O D H E A LT H

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

“NOW IS THE TIME TO IMPROVE YOUR APPEARANCE AND RECOVER BEFORE SUMMER TRAVEL PLANS TAKE SHAPE.”

Each day brings something new for the doctor and her team, and she wouldn’t

Before

After

vaccine doses.

“With the increased use of video confer-

have it any other way. “It’s important to love

encing, more patients are noticing wrinkles

what you do!” Dr. Egan shares. “My practice

and excess sagging skin that bothers them,”

incorporates my surgical skills with a focus on

she says. “Now is the time to improve your

aesthetics and the desire for a more youth-

appearance and recover before summer

ful and natural appearance. I love operating

travel plans take shape.”

and performing procedures for patients. I enjoy each day that I can use my skills and training in helping others.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed

Before

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After

but not slowed down Dr. Egan’s practice.

KRISTIN EGAN, MD, FACS

The team deep cleans all surfaces in rooms

2809 SEPULVEDA BLVD.

between patients and requires that masks

MANHATTAN BEACH | 310-426-8415

be worn at all times. Dr. Egan is fully vac-

3655 LOMITA BLVD. #300

cinated and excited to see more and more

TORRANCE | 310-361-3650

patients coming in who have received both

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Life Through a Lens A LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER DITCHES DIGITAL AND CELEBRATES THE IMPERFECT WITH HER WORK. Written by Tanya Monaghan

The redwood trees lining the ocean of her childhood in Northern California and Oregon inspired Vania Francesca Zask to be a photographer. Family albums filled with people and wild natural beauty provided a deeper connection to loved ones after her parents divorced. Those photos made a huge impact on her life long before she made the decision to pursue photography as a passion and career.

After high school in NorCal, Vania returned to the South Bay (she was born in Hawthorne) and made a home for herself in El Segundo. She started with film, processing her photos in a darkroom. She loved the work, but

“I HAVE A FASCINATION

photography took a back seat as she focused on being a young mother to her husband John’s two children and

WITH HOLDING THIS

helping him run his plumbing business, JZ Plumbing.

100-YEAR-OLD TREASURE

graphy. She bought a digital camera this time—but soon

IN MY HAND, WHICH

ored with the photographic process as much as the art, the

PROBABLY HASN’T BEEN

a memory card into the computer. Staring at thousands of

TOUCHED IN DECADES, AND THEN I ACTUALLY USE IT.” 74

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As the kids grew older, Vania slowly got back into photodiscovered the thrill just wasn’t the same. Already enamdigital process killed her interest the moment she inserted images on a screen, she realized it wasn’t for her.

“I want to be outside. I want to be more tactile with my life in general. And I think everyone can relate to this sentiment at this point in time,” she says. “I want to be able to use my hands and do something I love, so I

decided to go for it and started looking for old cameras.

she ever shot with and the camera she recently used for

The digital era changed everything. These old, amazing

photos with local clothing company Birdwell Britches.

cameras that were untouchable for me 20 years ago were now going for nothing.”

Her cameras are mechanical, run on batteries, and

on the record when playing vinyl. Although digital is far

them like gold. “I have a fascination with holding this

easier, what makes the film process special for her are the

100-year-old treasure in my hand, which probably hasn’t

tactile nuances—like hearing the crackle when the needle

been touched in decades,” she shares. “Then I actually

hits the record before the sound flows.

most part they do.”

When a guy at Sylvio’s Camera & Digital asked her why

|

slow click. For Vania, using film is like putting the needle

have no computer chips and no software. And she treats

use it. I am determined to get them to work, and for the

76

She then picked up a Graflex Super D camera from the late ’30s. This sound had a long, vibrating roll ending in a

Vania also loves the limitations of film photography, like having only 36 shots for each roll. For her it’s not just about the final product; it’s more about the experi-

she shoots with film, she told him her reason: the click.

ence, process and practicing restraint. There’s a ritual

“There is something about the click that is so wonder-

of putting the film in the camera, looking at the light

ful.” Vania gave me a demonstration of the satisfying

and seeing things through the lens. “It helps me slow

sound with her RB67—the first medium-format camera

down, focus and really think about the shot instead of

mindlessly taking 500 shots and hoping for the best.”

in her driveway with blacked-out windows, it became a

One of her favorite underwater cameras is a Nikon

source of light in her life. “There’s no working plumbing

Nikonos III, designed by the late Jacques Cousteau. It is

in it, so I have been using buckets to develop, process and

compact, fun and easy to use. Rather than backing down

print in there. I literally plug into my house to print my

from the added challenge, Vania has gone to great lengths

work,” she says. “This was the last piece that I needed to

to shoot film in the water, including using a nonwaterproof

complete the full photography experience for me.”

camera such as her Pentax 645 from the ’90s. She saved up

From developing to processing, printing and scanning

for a year to buy the camera housing from a guy who lives

the film, she does it all by hand. In an age of retouching,

in Australia and has been making them for 40 years.

she chooses to not change the colors or settings once she

When Vania shoots in water, she usually sticks her camera inside her wetsuit tied to her back. She uses several waterproof cameras—even disposable ones. She

scans her images. She wants them “as is,” as authentic and raw as possible.

Vania’s next project is a book featuring generations of

also sometimes uses expired film, which adds to the

women surfers in the South Bay. She shot each of them

excitement, never knowing if the film will cause a shift in

with a Century Number Seven camera, dating back to

color. In fact, sometimes nothing comes out at all.

1905 and found in an antique market in Paris 30 years

Vania goes by @surfmartian on Instagram, a name inspired by her love of surfing and passion for documenting what she experiences from a different perspective. She is,

ago. Vania worked hard to get this huge, old beast functioning again.

“When you break it down, a camera is really just a

of course, aware of the irony that her shots captured on

light box with a hole in it, so I think it can work,” she

film are showcased on the digital platform. But it’s not

says. “I got an old World War II lens, which I will mount

just about the image; it’s about the whole experience of

on it. Then I’m going to take black-and-white close-up

capturing the image.

portraits of women with this 120-year-old camera. I am

“Being present is hard. Finding a hobby or something I can fully focus my attention on has really helped me. It has helped document my experience of life in the South Bay.” Along with the surf, Vania captures a variety of

going to ask them questions about what it is like to surf in the South Bay as a woman.”

In stark contrast to the digital age of instant everything, it is the slow, deliberate care and love that Vania

subjects, from details of old buildings in El Segundo to

puts into the process behind the lens that brings out the

her favorite muse and sidekick: her 13-year-old daugh-

richness and beauty of life in front of it. ■

ter, Marley. She also creates a weekly podcast on film photography called All Through a Lens, highlighting other photographers who shoot with film.

Currently, her focus is on women and people of color, doing what she can to lift up those voices in her art. She also loves connecting with like-minded people of all ages: the older generation of film lovers who tend to only know film; the middle-aged generation wanting to reconnect with it; and the younger generation who are learning about it for the first time. When people want to learn about film photography, she will even send them some of her own cameras to get them started.

It was during the dark times of COVID-19 that Vania converted a refurbished trailer into a darkroom. Parked

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

B U S I N E S S S P OT L I G H T

FINANCE FINESSE South Bay investment advisor David Marquart helps clients plan for the future and support sustainability today.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

D

esigning portfolios that are both

David explains, “After a couple years, I

good for the world and good for

noticed that the directors of other funds, while

a client’s financial wellbeing—that

brilliant directional investors deeply knowl-

sums up investment advisor David

edgeable about specific stocks/sectors, would

Marquart’s professional passion in a nutshell.

“Social responsibility means different things to different people, so it’s important to design tailored portfolios of direct securities to ensure

only be armed with an elementary approach of buying or selling the stock to structure their conviction.”

“THERE IS ONE WAY TO BUY A STOCK BUT 100 WAYS TO LONG IT.”

He believes that by using more advanced

they’re completely in line with each client’s

products to express any given conviction, you

personal values,” he says. “Further, if you

can create much more efficient investment

restricted stock to entrepreneurs with business

invest in companies that are conscious and

structures with respect to risk and return. David

interests or high exposure to a specific industry

responsible, it puts pressure on other compa-

pursued the idea “There is one way to buy a

or sector,” he shares.

nies to act accordingly, so there is a positive,

stock but 100 ways to long it” at a proprietary

ancillary effect that comes with it.”

hedge fund for several years before founding

Checchi Capital. ESG (environmental, social

He also particularly enjoys ESG investing at

and managing his own hedge fund, Marquart

and governance) refers to a class of invest-

LLC (CCA), a fully independent quantitative

Capital, for four years centered around the

ing that is considered “sustainable.” He says,

investment manager based in Beverly Hills.

same philosophy.

“Empowering those who have good inten-

David works with Checchi Capital Advisers,

David joined Checchi Capital in 2018. He

tions with their wealth is the best way for me

all over the world, half of which are computer

explains, “Since most first-generational wealth

to leverage my technical background to my

engineers. They speak more than 15 lan-

is concentrated in the business/asset where

personal values.”

guages and take an approach of hiring verti-

it was created, we noticed the ‘100 ways’

cal experts, instead of generalists, to advise

philosophy should be applied to the broader

families. While their asset size places the firm

on each different area of a client’s wealth—

management of concentrated wealth. When

among the largest investment advisors in the

resulting in a collective high level of advice.

you trade options, you trade both direction

United States, Checchi Capital has stayed

and volatility. Since typical advisors are not

selective with who they work with as to not dilute their high standard of service.

Their team consists of 16 professionals from

CCA manages $1.3 billion for around 100

A FIRM FOUNDATION

versed in volatility analysis, Adam Checchi and

As an undergrad, David was recruited by a

I agreed this was an incredible opportunity

hedge fund in New York to trade systematic

to provide a better offering for high net worth

OFF THE CLOCK

high-frequency strategies across international

clients whose wealth is concentrated.”

David is passionate about applying his back-

markets. From there he served as a portfolio

David oversees assets for small institutions

ground in quantitative finance to his personal

manager at Capstone, an $8 billion volatility

and high net worth individuals ($5 million+)

values. He sits on the board of advisors for

arbitrage fund whose focus was to neutralize

across the United States. “I specifically help

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the

the directional component of derivatives to

people manage concentrated wealth, which

Hermosa Beach Education Foundation.

isolate the volatility variable and thus trade

comes in all forms—from publicly traded

that volatility as an independent asset class.

company executives with large amounts of

“My father was a public school teacher, and I believe professionals in the public |

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

school system are some of the most under-

committee for St. Jude Children’s Research

DAVID MARQUART

appreciated and undervalued members of

Hospital, as a Big Brother for Big Brothers

DMARQUART@CHECCHICAPITAL.COM

our society,” he says. “I’m also a big fan of

Big Sisters of New York City and as a tutor

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the oceans and am very passionate about

for high school students in Compton,

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protecting them. It’s not a coincidence I

California. He resides in Hermosa Beach

BEVERLY HILLS

reside in this wonderful beach community.”

with his son, Wyatt, age 4, and his daughter,

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David has served on the Wall Street

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|

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design for living SHE CREATED A POPULAR BABY APPAREL COMPANY. HE LAUNCHED A GLOBAL ATHLEISURE BRAND. AS INDIVIDUALS JENNIFER AND SCOTT HOCHSTADT HOLD THEIR OWN. TOGETHER THEY FORM A POWERHOUSE. Written & styled by Tanya Monaghan | Photographed by Lauren Pressey Hair & makeup by Blair Berndes

A Maryland native, Scott Hochstadt

preseason camp but didn’t intend to return. Instead he

was living in the South Bay when

set off on an exhibition tour in Europe with plans to move

he first met Jennifer Stathos through mutual friends in 2011. At the time she was living in West Hollywood, but after falling in love with Scott she became smitten with Manhattan Beach and made the move.

In the decade since, they started a family while also cre-

But the West Coast wasn’t done with him. He received a proposal by email from a group of parents asking him to teach lacrosse to their kids. The opportunity to start something new proved too big to ignore, and he returned to California.

For the next 13 years Scott grew the sport, visiting just about every school from San Diego to Los Angeles. When he took up the opportunity to play for the Hollywood Lacrosse Club, he went from the slow beach life of San

couldn’t be more different, Jen and Scott share an entre-

Diego to living in an apartment on Sunset Boulevard.

Scott created leagues, camps, travel programs and

their personal success and their support of each other.

recruiting events. He also worked with the entertainment

Scott’s interest in athletics and sportswear origi-

industry, getting the sport in movies such as American Pie

nated with his father, a lacrosse player who worked for

and TV shows like House and 90210. The business grew

Champion for 17 years. Growing up in the world of sports

into the largest lacrosse organization in the world and

and entertainment, Scott attended conventions, all-star

launched a pro lacrosse tour, which sold to Major League

weekends and Super Bowl games with his dad, often

Lacrosse (MLL).

visiting the locker rooms of pro sports teams. Following

Ever the entrepreneur, he recognized that the preppy

in his father’s footsteps, he became an All-American in

lacrosse apparel needed a West Coast refresh. He

lacrosse for the University of Maryland.

launched his senior project brand Adrenaline to all his

Also an artist, Scott created a logo and brand for his

youth teams, adding a needed flair to their jerseys.

senior project—a stick figure named Adrenaline. Scott

Adrenaline took off. It became so popular, even kids who

describes the character as a “Jordan for lacrosse” that re-

didn’t play lacrosse began wearing it.

mains relevant in the sport today. Soon he was designing

Then Scott set his sights on creating a universal

apparel and logos for small lacrosse stores before getting

sportswear brand. Through connecting to some major

drafted to play professional lacrosse in Canada.

power players across the sports world, such as legends

Several years later in San Diego, a woman noticed Scott’s lacrosse shirt and approached him. It was local mom Jeanne Roth, who mentioned that there was little

Steve Nash, Jim Moore Jr. and Willie McGinest, he attacked the gap in the market and created Legends.

“I had to learn the business side on the fly,” shares

to no lacrosse in California. She asked if he’d work with

Scott. “I am dyslexic, and in school I was fully focused

some of their kids. Though he explained that he was

on art because I couldn’t do certain math and language

just visiting and didn’t even bring his lacrosse stick, he

classes. I was into the visual side of things and leaned

still gave her his number. That serendipitous interaction

more toward marketing and telling stories because that’s

turned into a great opportunity.

the way my brain works.”

The Roths put Scott up in their guesthouse so he could begin coaching for Torrey Pines. He also conducted a

|

Maryland and start his graphic design business.

ating separate apparel businesses. And while their brands preneurial spirit and drive—qualities that motivate both

84

back to Maryland to coach lacrosse for the University of

Due to the noncompete with MLL, Legends was restricted to only socks and uniforms for the first year.

|

85

“SCOTT HASN’T JUST BUILT A BRAND; HE HAS BUILT A CULTURE. HE THINKS ABOUT THE WHOLE PACKAGE, FROM THE LOGO AND BRANDING TO THE SLOGANS THAT SURROUND IT. HE’S ALSO REALLY GOOD AT SUSTAINING GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS—MOST OF THE PEOPLE IN HIS LIFE HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR MANY YEARS. HE KEEPS HIS WORD AND DOES WHAT HE SAYS HE’S GOING TO DO.”

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With the help of investor Chad Faulkner, he launched

Migos. Legends worked on creating pop-up and charity

his line as the official apparel provider for the Sports

events for top athletes and currently collaborates with the

Academy, established by Chad and Kobe Bryant. Together

Lakers, Patriots, Clippers and Brooklyn Nets as well as

Scott and Chad sought to create high-end, street-inspired

the players association.

products with limited runs to keep the demand high—a Supreme meets Lululemon.

They officially launched in June 2018, securing some

LeBron James, James Harden and Justin Bieber have all sported Legends apparel. Unlike some other companies, Legends doesn’t pay their investors, influencers, athletes

heavy-hitting celebrity investors including Baker

or celebrities to wear their clothes; they want them to

Mayfield, Matt Barnes and music artist Quavo from

want to wear the brand and get involved in the creative

Scott wears Legends, and Camden and Olivia wear Baby Barn.

On Jen: Neve jumpsuit by ALC, $595, and Coloma bag by Hereu, $498; BLVD in Manhattan Beach.

|

87

process. Legends values being a pillar of the community, doing good and being involved in philanthropic causes.

Closely involved as Scott began building the Legends brand, she suggested that he introduce some baby or

“Scott hasn’t just built a brand; he has built a cul-

kid items to take advantage of the gap she observed in

ture,” shares Jen. “He thinks about the whole package,

the market. As Scott was focused on streamlining their

from the logo and branding to the slogans that surround

menswear collection at the time, it never materialized.

it. He’s also really good at sustaining genuine relation-

Undeterred, Jen decided to test her theory. When

ships—most of the people in his life have been around

Legends set up a pop-up at Homie Manhattan Beach, she

for many years. He keeps his word and does what he says

saw her opportunity. She created a child’s tracksuit that

he’s going to do.”

became a best seller.

Legends’ breakout year coincided with the COVID-19

That early success inspired her to create Baby Barn,

pandemic. While the shutdown undoubtedly helped the

cofounded with another local resident, Brian Scott. They

athleisure industry, most of the company’s success is due

envisioned well-made, elevated essentials for babies,

to Scott’s hard work behind the scenes. In a market as

toddlers and kids—all developed by parents. Jen and

tough and explosive as the sport of lacrosse, Legends has

Brian managed to design an aesthetically pleasing, high-

burst through to announce itself as a new player on the

quality brand without the exorbitant cost—setting it

global stage. Says Scott, “We’re in a good spot, but we

apart from others in the marketplace. Their choice of a

haven’t even scratched the surface of what we are going

neutral, earthy palette makes mixing and matching easy.

to do.”

When Scott started Legends, Jen helped out by doing

Jen says she was simply designing what she wanted for herself and her children. By meeting her own needs,

some of their photography. A native of Sacramento, her

she also found solutions for others. She offers items in a

entrepreneurial dad and teacher mom influenced her

bundle, so her customers get more for their buck.

“get-it-done” attitude from a young age. Her playdates

Originally the brand was designed for babies up to

often included a brainstorming session for new busi-

12 months, but success has motivated them to take the

nesses she wanted to create.

age range up to 5 years old. Baby Barn’s customers have

Though she loved her small town, she also craved

grown with the brand. In a time of disposable fashion,

the buzz and excitement of a big city. During college at

Jen’s purpose was to create clothing that is easy to live in

Arizona State University, she earned an internship as an

and then proudly pass on for others to enjoy.

executive assistant on set for a FOX reality TV show and

Everything Jen learned in production has translated

fell in love with production. She spent 10 years in the

into running her business. It taught her a lot about

industry, working for FOX, NBC, MTV, Food Network and

problem-solving, being organized and the importance of

Sci-Fi. She worked her way up to producer but always

having a self-starter attitude.

wanted to start her own business.

When she became a mother to their first child,

In the past year, Jen and Scott were blessed to welcome their second child, Olivia—a bright light during a tumul-

Camden, things began to change for Jen. She felt less

tuous time. Somehow the Hochstadts have found a way

inspired to put in the crazy hours required to produce

to juggle parenting and running successful businesses

shows and wanted to focus more on her son. Always a

during one of the most challenging years ever for fashion.

lover of fashion, Jen enjoyed dressing Cam. But finding

No doubt the post-pandemic era will welcome new wins

cute boy clothes that didn’t come with a high price tag

for this dynamic couple. ■

was difficult.

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MAKE YOUR NEXT VACATION A STAYCATION An exciting getaway is right around the corner.

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS

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S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

A

B U S I N E S S S P OT L I G H T

s we’re all dreaming of our next

and a renovated 8,000-square-foot confer-

by tropical landscapes and spectacular views

getaway, a local historical gem

ence center.

of Palos Verdes, Catalina Island and the

has been busy refreshing their

As part of its commitment to health and

Pacific Ocean. Its King Harbor location offers

wholeness, the resort debuted the Dockside

front-row viewing of a colony of sea lions frol-

us to the beach for our next staycation,

Adventure Center to encourage outdoor rec-

icking in their natural habitat. The pet-friendly

corporate gathering or romantic dinner date.

reation. In partnership with renowned brand

retreat allows guests to unwind and curate

A touchstone in the South Bay community

REI, this watersports activity outlet offers

their own adventure—whether high-energy or

since 1965, The Portofino Hotel & Marina

customized water activity tours where guests

low-key.

now boasts a fresh new vibe following a

can rent stand-up paddleboards, single and

property-wide renovation and a new focus

tandem kayaks, and beach cruiser bikes.

nies and floor-to-ceiling windows capture the

on health and wellness.

The new Adventure Center also provides a

casual elegance and breathtaking scenery.

rooms and restaurant to welcome

Spacious guestrooms with private balco-

Opened in 1962 as The Portofino Inn, the

selection of healthy takeaway food, beverage

A 181-slip harbor marina, 24-hour business

property became a hangout for well-known

options and sundries. Other wellness options

center and apartments offering full-time resi-

race car drivers, thanks to owner Mary Davis’

include a pool with Pacific views, yoga on the

dence are just part of why Condé Nast named

enthusiasm for the sport. The Cannonball Run,

beach and the Seaside Lagoon Trail—a relax-

the resort a 2019 Traveler’s Readers’ Choice

a race from New York to Los Angeles, was first

ing stroll along the harbor channel.

Award recipient. The Portofino Hotel & Marina

held in 1971 with The Portofino Inn as its final

For guests looking for activities and

is a welcoming setting for weddings, business

destination. Mary named the resort for the

entertainment that are a bit more leisurely,

meetings and leisure travelers looking for a

Italian seacoast town of Portofino, and to this

BALEENkitchen and BALEENlounge are

retreat following a day of sun and sand.

day guests admire the hotel for its coastal,

known for their light mood and serious food.

Mediterranean flavor.

Marina views and firepits provide a romantic

Today The Portofino’s niche in local history

Please call 310-379-8481 for next available reservations.

backdrop for eclectic dining options and craft

intertwines with its modern offerings to lure

cocktails. The Living Room Bar boasts sweep-

guests to the King Harbor enclave. Updates

ing views of the Pacific, updated furnishings

THE PORTOFINO HOTEL & MARINA

abound throughout the property, including

and décor, craft cocktails and an exciting

260 PORTOFINO WAY, REDONDO BEACH

a new lobby, renovated Living Room lobby

schedule of events.

310-379-8481

lounge, refreshed guest rooms and baths,

The Portofino Hotel & Marina is surrounded

HOTELPORTOFINO.COM

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Hitting Home MEG YOUNG CREATES AN ONLINE HOME DÉCOR SHOP DEDICATED TO A NONPROFIT THAT SUPPORTS FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. Written by Tanya Monaghan Photographed by Molly Rose Photography & Jessica Alexander

East Coast transplants Meg Young and husband Brian Cotter moved to the South Bay in search of good weather, a down-to-earth community and proximity to Los Angeles. After trying several places in and around the city, their California dreams came true when they found a hidden gem in Palos Verdes with ample space to make a coastal home for their two young daughters.

With the demands of two babies born only 12 months apart and a successful career in beauty PR, Meg found herself searching for balance. She wanted work that not only brought her joy and energized her but also allowed her to give back. Meg’s parents instilled in her a philanthropic passion from a very young age, but as she got older and became a busy working mother, her involvement with her charities shifted from active volunteering to monetary donations. But she missed that in-person connection.

“My parents raised me to see everything I have in life as a gift,” she shares. “They taught me that the best way to show gratitude for those gifts is by giving back to others.”

A design aficionado, Meg sought to marry a coastal home décor business with a philanthropic mission.

Discovering special items in local boutiques and flea markets, she created a robust online offering of one-ofa-kind pieces that blend East Coast charm with California cool. Cailíní Coastal launched in January 2020 just before COVID-19 hit.

92

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“MY PARENTS RAISED ME TO SEE EVERYTHING I HAVE IN LIFE AS A GIFT. THEY TAUGHT ME THAT THE BEST WAY TO SHOW GRATITUDE FOR THOSE GIFTS IS BY GIVING BACK TO OTHERS.” Meg’s strong background in PR and marketing proved invaluable in getting the business noticed on Instagram.

She received 100 orders in the first week, and the business has grown steadily from there. “I think a lot of it was luck, but COVID-19 actually helped us because people were home and shopping online to make their personal spaces more beautiful.”

True to its original intention, Cailíní Coastal turns success into giving back. Having previously volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and then becoming a mother, children became her immediate focus. “My heart really goes out to parents who can’t provide basic essential needs for their children, like a home or food,” she says.

Meg connected with the mission of her nonprofit partner Family Promise, reaching out to people, hearing their stories, and helping low-income families and those experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.

For the first six months of her business, Meg committed to giving 100% of their profits to Family Promise— donating more than $15,000 to support their exceptional work. She works closely with the local South Bay chapter and became involved in building a remote learning center to help needy children during COVID-19. She also works to create awareness surrounding the homeless issue.

“We love helping our customers turn their homes into beautiful retreats for their families,” she says. “We care deeply about those families, as well as those families currently trying and hoping to secure the basic human need of simply having a place to call home.” ■

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B U S I N E S S S P OT L I G H T

BEACH BABES A new seaside boutique delivers the ultimate South Bay vibe to locals and visitors alike.

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

W

hen you think of the economic impact of a global pandemic,

suited for their style and body shape.

“Our goal is to provide the ultimate swim-

thoughts come to mind like

wear shopping experience for our customers,”

schools shutting down, people

shares co-owner Jennie Elias, whose three

limiting expenditures and businesses closing—

daughters also work at the store. “Founded

temporarily or for good. It might not seem to

1912 is the embodiment of the Manhattan

be an ideal time to start a new business.

Beach lifestyle. We have carefully curated the

But that’s just what two Manhattan Beach families did, to great success. Opening its doors in August 2020—in the middle of the

store to appeal to the community and represent the luxury beach lifestyle we live in.”

The store features hard-to-find specialty

COVID-19 pandemic—Founded 1912 was

items made of the highest quality materials. In

created to bring the latest resort and beach-

addition to designer swimwear and on-trend

wear to the South Bay.

resortwear, they also offer accessories like

The owners of Founded 1912, the Negus and

handmade hats, jewelry, shoes, beach bags,

Elias families, have lived in the community for

towels and umbrellas perfect for your day at

several years and have raised their children

the beach. A fun part of shopping at Founded

here. They were familiar with the store’s

1912 is the amazing ocean view from the store.

location: the northwest corner of Manhattan

“We get to know our clients and under-

Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard,

stand what their needs are,” says Tara, whose

only one block from the Manhattan Beach

daughter is too young to work at the store—

Pier and the sand. The property had sat

but she enjoys hanging out frequently! “Swim

empty for several months, and the owners

is a different kind of purchase where clients

didn’t want to see such an iconic location get

feel more vulnerable while they are trying

turned into just another mainstream, every-

things on. We strive to make them feel com-

day store.

fortable and have fun while they shop.”

“We wanted to give our local community

Choosing the name of the store was a no-

as well as visitors a total Manhattan Beach

brainer for the owners, who have lived in the

experience when they walked through our

South Bay for years and whose kids grew up

doors,” says co-owner Tara Negus. “Founded

here. The city of Manhattan Beach was incor-

1912 is built on the foundation, community and

porated in December 1912, and they decided

beach culture that locals love and visitors will

to highlight that date in the name of their

never forget.”

boutique to embrace the community.

In the short time since opening, this female-

Against great odds, Founded 1912 has not

founded small business has become known for

only survived but thrived throughout almost

customer service, offering feedback and assis-

a year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tara and

tance to customers looking for the perfect outfit

Jennie are proud of how hard their team has

FOUNDED 1912

for the beach or the pool. The staff is trained to

worked, and they are grateful to the community

1125 MANHATTAN AVE., MANHATTAN BEACH

work with each client to find the perfect fit best

for supporting them and shopping small.

310-546-1002 | FOUNDED1912.COM |

97

Sea Level SAIL INTO SUMMER WITH BEACH-INSPIRED STYLE. Curated by Tanya Monaghan

The Other Side of Surfing book,

Beach throw, $45; Gum Tree

Kids fedora hat, $35; Gum

Habiba handbag in gray,

$60; Gum Tree in Hermosa

in Hermosa Beach

Tree in Hermosa Beach and

$46 to $52; Maison Luxe in

Beach and Manhattan Beach

and Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach

Hermosa Beach

Cauliflower coral, $100;

Sea fan blueprint, $375;

Fresh sea salt diffuser, $30;

The Life & Love of the Sea book, $55;

Maison Luxe in Hermosa Beach

Waterleaf in Manhattan Beach

Maison Luxe in Hermosa Beach

Maison Luxe in Hermosa Beach

98

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Fresh sea salt Mojave glass

Pewter octopus, $188;

candle, $24; Maison Luxe

Waterleaf in Manhattan Beach

in Hermosa Beach

Black one-piece swimsuit

by JADE Swim, $206; BLVD

Remmy honey polarized sunglasses by RAEN, $180; BLVD

in Manhattan Beach

in Manhattan Beach

Mother-of-pearl 14-karat Sena one-piece swimsuit in

gold-filled heart necklace by

Black terry bucket hat by

Decorative books with Manhattan

cactus by JADE Swim, $220;

Deb Brewer, $138; Waterleaf

Lack of Color, $99; BLVD

Beach coordinates, $75; Waterleaf

BLVD in Manhattan Beach

in Manhattan Beach

in Manhattan Beach

in Manhattan Beach

|

99

A YEAR LATER

TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER Terranea Resort welcomes back associates and guests safely and enthusiastically.

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS

I

t’s been almost a year since Terranea

promotes safety, where guests and employ-

Resort reopened its doors in June 2020,

ees feel confident and comfortable. “Our top

after temporarily closing due to govern-

priority remains the health and well-being

ment mandates concerning the coronavi-

of our guests and associates,” she says. “We

rus pandemic. Over the past year, president

are committed to delivering an optimum

Terri A. Haack and her team have worked

experience, complemented by Terranea’s

diligently to expand and enhance its offerings

high standards of service and care for all of

and to welcome guests back to the 102-acre

our guests.”

luxury resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Since the resort opened in 2009, its staff

Team members found innovative ways to deliver highly personalized service expe-

“Our top priority remains the health and well-being of our guests and associates.”

has sought to inspire moments of connection

riences with limited contact. Leadership

and extraordinary experiences for guests. As

implemented industry-wide safety initiatives,

they considered their approach for reopen-

standards of care and cleanliness, and staff

Terranea also continues to care for the surround-

ing, team members continued that mission—

training and protocols. They took it a step

ing community, serving as an advocate for its

laying the foundation for a safe and comfort-

further and launched Terranea Promise, a

underprivileged neighbors by supporting local

able experience for all who step foot on the

messaging platform that updates staff and

causes and organizations through programs

oceanfront property.

guests on steps being taken.

and events throughout the year.

Despite reduced leisure travel and unprec-

It’s clear that the leadership of Terranea is

And the Terranea team demonstrates

edented layoffs across all industries, Haack

passionate about making a difference—for its

a high level of stewardship by preserving

led the resort team with impeccable bravery.

guests and also for its associates. Terranea

the pristine natural beauty of the resort’s

Through her outstanding and inspirational

promotes diversity, inclusivity and equity,

valuable coastal resources, showcasing a

leadership, the resort was able to go beyond

and values family, work-life balance and a

Mediterranean aesthetic with design ele-

industry standards and continue to exceed

rewarding workplace environment where all

ments sensitive to the area’s natural envi-

guest expectations, even under unusual

can be TerraneaProud.

ronment. The resort remains committed to

circumstances.

Terranea proudly serves as Palos Verdes

minimizing its environmental footprint by

Peninsula’s largest employer and is commit-

integrating eco-friendly practices, including

ings for guests—including luxurious ameni-

ted to offering an unparalleled workplace

those that protect open space, improve wild-

ties, activities for families to enjoy in-room

culture. While some positions were perma-

life habitats and enhance local water quality.

or at home, meals to go, indoor and outdoor

nently lost due to the pandemic, resort lead-

dining, a variety of wellness offerings at the

ership has already recalled furloughed and

its guests and associates and serving the

spa, the golf course and private adventures.

laid-off employees and will continue to do so

surrounding community, Terranea Resort

“Our team is squarely focused on delivering

moving forward as business levels permit.

continues to set the bar for South Bay busi-

Terranea continues to create unique offer-

From preserving its land to protecting

nesses—as it has since its inception.

extraordinary moments, keeping the health

The resort reached out to its staff during the

and well-being of our guests and associates

temporary closure, hosting food sales for associ-

top of mind,” shares Haack.

ates, donating garden produce to the commu-

Terranea Resort

nity food bank and covering health insurance

100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes

for furloughed team members until reopening.

terranea.com

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Terranea has created an environment that

XXXXXXXXXXXX

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

the long way A FREE SPIRIT, FATHER, ARTIST, SURFER, BUILDER AND CREATIVE, JAY NELSON FINDS JOY DOING THINGS IN HIS OWN TIME. Written by Tanya Monaghan

life. His unique art is of the earth— rooted in nature. It is beautiful,

then outsources the design to others to transfer to CAD (computer-aided design). He may not be as advanced

towheaded surfer kid growing up in

technologically as some architects, but the innate and raw

tree houses when the waves weren’t firing. He also built forts, skate ramps and cliff dwellings with scraps of wood.

But at age 13, those carefree, sun-drenched days in the surf and dirt came to a screeching halt when he was

artistic talent Jay possesses is something that not many people can learn.

“The way I have come to architecture is kind of a good thing,” he says. “I went the long way around. I am approaching it more as an artist than an architect or designer. I seek out architects who started as artists.

Their architecture usually isn’t very practical; it’s more sculptural and experiential and beautiful to look at.”

In 2010 Jay had another health scare: A tumor was

diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. That was when his

found on his spine, and he had to undergo critical spinal

art transformed from play to pure escape.

surgery. He got through it, and right after his surgery

Jay was homeschooled in eighth grade while he under-

he married his longtime girlfriend, Rachel Kaye—a

went treatment for his cancer. By the end of the sum-

renowned artist herself. The timing was perfect, as the

mer, he was cancer-free and able to attend high school.

newly married couple was accepted into an artist resi-

“Looking back on it now, it appears to be a short time.

dency in beautiful Marin—north of San Francisco—where

But those months of treatment felt like years,” he shares.

the pair painted every day for two months.

Always confident artistically, Jay took ceramics and

It was this experience that solidified Jay’s idea of being

fine art classes for his electives in school, which gave him

an artist. In the past he occasionally took odd jobs to get

a foundation for the trajectory his life would take. Though

by. But now he knew this was all he wanted: to create.

interested in architecture, he felt he couldn’t relate to the

He built a camper onto his car so he could take off from

seemingly buttoned-up, clean, almost corporate culture

San Francisco at the drop of a hat to surf the coast. In con-

of it. At his core, he loved to get his hands dirty—the

trast with the metal and machinery of the car it was built

messier, the better. He studied fine art at the California

on, Jay’s camper was organic—made entirely from wood.

College of the Arts in San Francisco, earning a BFA fol-

He knew he was on to something when word got out and

lowed by an MFA from Bard College in New York.

commissions started rolling in, including an incredible

Jay did pretty well after college, selling his artwork and continuing to build. He connected with a hip gallery,

custom-built camper for the surfing great Rob Machado.

This work is incredibly personal for Jay, as he thinks

which was a huge help. His best sellers were large-scale

of these campers as unique portraits. “I feel like they

landscapes made from intricately detailed pencil draw-

describe a person better than any portrait could,” he says.

ings. At some level, Jay regretted not pursuing architec-

“I guess that’s why I do it.”

ture sooner. But it is the circuitous route to ultimately

|

Jay has an old-school approach to everything he does. He draws his ideas and plans in pencil and paper,

slow and über-functional. As a Palos Verdes, he played in and built

104

house-inspired homes.

This hobby turned into a business when Patagonia

finding it that set him apart and added to his success.

reached out and commissioned several campers. That led

He fell into architecture by building elaborate tree

to Facebook offering Jay a yearlong artist residency where

houses and cabins in friends’ backyards. That work

he designed experiential meeting rooms. Doing work

eventually evolved into people wanting him to build tree

for companies like Facebook and Patagonia helped boost PHOTOGRAPHED BY AYA MUTO

Jay Nelson has a tactile approach to

his profile. Things were going well, so the young couple

around. But when I am looking at a book, I feel good

decided to stay and make a home in San Francisco.

about myself.”

Jay describes his aesthetic as “hippie mid-century.” He

Jay owns a prolific collection of books and magazines

works mainly with natural materials and loves to show

from the ’60s and ’70s. He also keeps a stack of Sunset

the framing with exposed posts and beams. Rachel and

magazines with DIY features and a shelf of books with

Jay reworked their old Victorian home in Ocean Beach in

diagrams on how to build all sorts of things. “That’s

the same fashion. Jay tore it down to the studs, took out

where I get a lot of my influence from,” he says. “I try

some walls and put in a porthole window that peeks into

and look back.”

the back garden filled with succulents and stacks of re-

One of Jay’s favorite first projects was a tree house

claimed wood, as well as a light-filled artist studio where

he built for a dream client in Mill Valley. She gave him

the two can work alongside each other.

free rein—no budget or time constraint. It took him two

He takes an intentionally slow approach to life. Even

years, but the final product was worth the wait. He also

the way he likes to learn or do research is old school.

built a treehouse in Mollusk Surf Shop after owner John

While most gravitate toward the internet, Jay turns to

McCambridge saw the overwhelmingly positive reaction

paper. “It doesn’t feel healthy looking at my phone, and

to one of Jay’s projects in an art show.

I feel guilty when I look at my phone while my kids are

Another highlight was building a dream home for

filmmaker Jess Bianchi and jewelry designer Malia Grace Mau in a remote area on the north shore of Kauai. It has been described as “a modern Swiss Family Robinson compound” that reflects the spirit of its well-traveled, creative owners. This home blends Jay’s craftsmanship into the landscape with his use of natural materials and mindfulness of the environment that surrounds it.

Designing a two-story home on a 50,000-acre ranch on the island of Molokai is Jay’s next exciting project. He will take his family to live there for four months while he works on it. His inspiration comes from some of the homes he has seen in Big Sur, which shares a similar landscape. He will be working on maximizing the views can see through them.”

Jay has worked on additional projects for brands like Subaru, making a boat from scratch in Ventura. This yearlong project will be documented with a film and book appropriately called The Long Way. He would like to do more of these “client-less” projects, but first he would love to build his own cabin in the mountains.

He describes his ideal process: “I want to mill the wood and only use recycled wood that we find in the forest.” He built a few like that for a friend in northern San Francisco, using redwood logs and any other wood they found, which they milled onsite.

“I have built all these small structures. Now I’m making them larger scale but keeping the same spirit of small,” he says. “Every aspect is thought out and considered, with no excess. Personally, the perfect size home for a family of four is between 1,000 and 1,400 square feet. There is something nice about a more intimate living environment.”

Whether painting, building tree houses or homes, or designing boats or customized automobiles for surf travel, Jay stays true to himself, his art and his way of life. Now more than ever, his slow and steady approach has never looked more desirable. ■

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIN FEINBLATT

with lots of glass. “I have always liked houses where you

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A YEAR LATER

AHEAD OF THE GAME Local Realtor® and former professional athlete Joe Buck scores big points for his real estate clients despite a global pandemic.

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS

W

ho knew how competitive

beat—from day one of the shutdown. I have

the real estate market would

systems in place to help clients successfully

become as a result of the

close, whether they are buying or selling.

COVID-19 shutdown? “I’m

And of course we’re doing all of this safely, in

the busiest I’ve ever been, and this is the most

compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.

success my business has had,” says Realtor

®

Joe Buck, a licensed broker who works with

WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT FROM THE

Compass. Helping clients navigate the new

CROWD OF LOCAL REALTORS?

“It’s this tenacity that makes me unrelenting when it comes to my clients’ best interests.”

ways people buy and sell homes has become

JB: My unparalleled customer service and

his #1 focus over the past year. We asked Joe

satisfaction. I strive for perfection and have

a few questions about this recent phenom-

a tenacious work ethic. I believe this is due to

enon in the real estate world.

my mentality of being a former professional

the extra weight feels more comfortable as

athlete—that’s what drives my business today.

we continue to open back up. It’s this tenacity

JOE, TELL US ABOUT THE CHANGES

that makes me unrelenting when it comes to

YOU’VE ENCOUNTERED SINCE THE

YOU PLAYED PROFESSIONAL BALL AND

COVID-19 PANDEMIC BEGAN.

AT THE SAME TIME BECAME PASSION-

my clients’ best interests.

JOE BUCK: Real estate has changed sig-

ATE ABOUT YOUR REAL ESTATE INVEST-

WHAT IS THE SILVER LINING OF THIS

nificantly from the first few months of the

MENTS. SO AFTER YOU RETIRED FROM

PANDEMIC FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

shutdown. The market started heating up

BASKETBALL, IT WAS A NATURAL FIT TO

JB: I’ve been able to help buyers take advan-

after the holidays—huge jumps in activity and

TURN REAL ESTATE INTO YOUR FULL-TIME

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WORK. HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A

sound long-term investments and capitalize

paced. I have to be ready with my finger on

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE IMPACTED YOUR

on this unique time. And I’ve helped sellers

the pulse of home prices and new listings. It is

WORK THIS YEAR?

take advantage of a market that will yield a

absolutely imperative that I’m 100% locked in

JB: This shutdown period reminds me of

top-dollar payout for their home. The systems

on all aspects of the market.

some of the more intense preseason training

and streamlined operations I’ve been utilizing

phases where the objective was to add more

during the past year have proven themselves

WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU MADE TO

difficulties to the normal routine so you were

as my clients and I step out in strides in front

YOUR BUSINESS?

challenged under extreme conditions. This

of my competitors.

JB: I attribute my recent success to having

exercise would refine your skills for when dif-

systems in place for everything. Compass

ficult times came up in a game. This past year

leads the industry in tech systems designed

felt like I was “training in sand,” if that makes

Joe Buck

to keep agents organized to meet our clients’

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Broker Associate, Compass

needs and the day-to-day necessities of the

challenging to trudge through. I think we’re

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business. This has allowed us to continue

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Suddenly Sonoma REVISITING A FAVORITE CALIFORNIA GETAWAY AND A STYLISH NEW HOTEL Written by Darren Elms

I’ve long preferred the old-fashioned and unfussy charms

Sonoma’s first bank and helped bankroll the area’s premier

of downtown Sonoma, content to grab a bottle of local

wine vineyard. In 2019 the property debuted a completely

wine and fresh cheese from a plaza mom-and-pop to en-

new experience just in time for its 150th anniversary.

joy in the backyard of a cottage rental. With the pandemic

grounds underwent a $25 million overhaul to the lobby

country destination should bustle with epicurean adven-

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perience. With a nod to equestrian roots, the new design

Just a few blocks from the center of town, a “new” get-

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Now known as MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa, the

waning and businesses reopening doors, my favorite wine

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away caught my attention. Established in 1869, MacArthur

leathers, wood features and forged-iron lighting contrib-

Place first served as a family estate, vineyard and work-

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111

patios with outdoor showers.

Layla, the hotel’s signature dining experience, received

typically open their doors to the general public. Through

of founder David Burris. This spacious, light-filled

the property’s exclusive Behind the Cellar Door package,

Mediterranean “farm kitchen,” under the guidance of

guests will be picked up in a luxury SUV and whisked

Spencer Wolff, features a diverse and ingredient-driven

away to three off-the-beaten-path boutique wineries,

menu (much from the restaurant’s own garden and local

taste small-lot wines and have an in-depth look at the

farms) in an open, communal space. The Bar at MacArthur

vineyards and winemaking process, such as punch-downs

serves a curated cocktail collection and admirable wine list

and blending sessions. Along the way, they’ll enjoy a

in a style setting. The Porch, an all-day coffee shop and

chef-prepared, farm-to-table lunch with the Mayacamas

community marketplace, features light fare, beverages,

Mountains as the backdrop.

South Bay residents can skip commercial for their

The Spa at MacArthur offers a garden sanctuary to

summer vacations to wine country through MacArthur

unwind and enjoy a massage or body treatment. June is

Place’s Surf Air Getaway. The hotel has partnered with

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nary happenings.

air travel from Los Angeles. Along with exclusive rates of

The hotel also continues its Artist in Residence Series

$500 each way on Surf Air flights to Sonoma or Napa (no

in partnership with Tappan Collective. A featured art-

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ist will be on property sometime this summer to create

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Sonoma Valley’s premier wineries—many of which do not

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112

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A YEAR LATER

TOGETHER AGAIN Teachers and students return to the intimate atmosphere that supports caring relationships and academic excellence at Vistamar School.

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY CW PRODUCTIONS

S

chools across the U.S.—and the

maintained high academic standards,

world—were hit hard with the

embraced new technologies and teaching

COVID-19 shutdown. So it’s no

methods, and made themselves readily avail-

surprise that teachers and students

able for students,” says head of school Chris

at Vistamar, an El Segundo high school, have

Bright. “However, we are thrilled to be back

been eager to return to brick-and-mortar

together and teaching, learning and building

school and were thrilled when Vistamar

community again in person. The upgrades

reopened on April 12. After more than a year

we made and technology we added for

of pandemic-forced school closures, even the

strong remote teaching have positioned the

hybrid schedule implemented by faculty and

school even more strongly for the future.”

staff for safety reasons was an improvement from only seeing each other virtually.

“It’s been great to be on campus and

Math teacher Elle Wong notes the benefits of being back in the classroom. “So much of our teaching and learning in math is hands-

build more emotional connections than

on—focused on critical thinking and investi-

we can do over Zoom or via text,” shares

gative skills. So something as simple as being

student Samantha O. Art teacher Neal Von

able to use the classroom whiteboards again

Flue agrees: “It’s great to be teaching in

and see our students learn by problem-

person and work hands-on with students

solving and collaborating in the classroom

again, and it’s also great just to have the

really boosts their confidence in their own

chance to communicate more effectively and

abilities. I am so happy to be back!”

spontaneously.”

“Our students and teachers haven’t missed a beat as they transition back to in-person learning, and our community is stronger than ever.”

Teachers and students alike continue to motivational to be in person in the classroom.”

Vistamar adapted quickly to the shutdown.

express that being back together again in

Teachers creatively reimagined their classes,

person not only enhances the learning but

“We are hopeful for the future,” Bright

sending students a wide range of materials

also the bonds they have with each other.

shares. “Our students and teachers haven’t

to work with at home—from art supplies to

“Forming relationships with our students and

missed a beat as they transition back to

lab materials. Student clubs and leadership

being able to take these across the border

in-person learning, and our community is

activities were held over Zoom or were able

of screens has been really rewarding,” notes

stronger than ever—despite a year of remote

to collaborate outside. Theatre and music

humanities teacher Annie Thompson.

operation. Seeing students on campus now,

performances were presented online as were

“Watching students learn, watching the joy

it’s hard to tell that they weren’t together for the past year.”

school-wide events. Sports team condition-

of learning through their eyes in person again

ing practices continued to be held outside.

reminds me why I became a teacher in the

Vistamar’s upcoming major theatre produc-

first place,” shares Shanon Tabata, science

Vistamar School

tion will be presented live and in person,

teacher and department chair. Her students,

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outdoors with social distancing guidelines.

Wren K. and Thomas R., echo the advantages

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

open challenges THE WORLD’S GREATEST GOLFERS WILL RETURN TO TORREY PINES GOLF COURSE IN JUNE TO COMPETE IN THE U.S. OPEN. AFTER LEADING TWO SEPARATE COURSE RENOVATIONS THERE, ARCHITECT REES JONES DISCUSSES THE FINAL DESIGN TOUCHES TO A CHAMPIONSHIP LAYOUT READY TO TEST THE WORLD’S MOST ELITE GOLFERS.

COURTESY OF: TORREY PINES GOLF COURSE

Written by Shaun Tolson

as seen in

In every issue, we share one story across our network that explores topics beyond the limits of the South Bay. These California stories speak to the meaningful impact our state and its residents are making on the global stage. To learn more about Golden State and discover more stories like this, visit goldenstate.is.

When the first tee shot is struck on the South Course at Torrey Pines on the morning of June 17—a golf shot that will signify the start of the 121

st

U.S. Open—a total of 4,746 days will have passed since the municipal course last hosted America’s most prestigious golf championship. Seven years prior to Torrey Pines hosting its first U.S. Open in 2008, the golf club’s more challenging course (the championship’s host venue) underwent significant renovations and redesigns courtesy of architect Rees Jones, who was entrusted with the task of transforming the public course into a layout worthy of hosting such an esteemed major championship.

Much of the heavy lifting that was required to trans-

a second time seven years later.

Because San Diego owns and manages Torrey Pines, city residents can play the U.S. Open course for as little as $63 during the week and $78 on the weekend.

Nonresidents must pay significantly more ($202 during the week and $252 on the weekend). But those greens fees are still far more palatable than the going rate to tee it up at Pebble Beach—the only other U.S. Open venue in California that the public can play.

Regardless of the cost of a round, Torrey Pines’ greatest attribute as a U.S. Open venue is its aforementioned accessibility to the masses. The golf club is one of only seven open-to-the-public properties across the country where the U.S. Open has been contested, which means avid golfers of all ability levels can first watch the world’s best players compete this June for the prized trophy of the United States Golf Association (USGA) ... and then later play a round of golf for themselves on those same fairways and greens.

To learn more about Torrey Pines’ transformation, as well as how the course will play during the upcoming major championship, we sat down with Jones for a candid discussion about course design and the merits of playing a round on the golf club’s South Course. On the latter topic, Jones shared a few tips that avid amateurs should take to heart—especially those who aspire to play on the prestigious, championship-caliber layout.

form the now-64-year-old course occurred in 2001; however, significant changes were implemented during

TRANSFORMATIVE MEASURES

the course’s second renovation, which Jones completed

When avid golfers think of the South Course at Torrey

in 2019. After all, in the 18+ years since Jones had first

Pines, they’ll likely first recall heroic shots hit by Tiger

modified Torrey Pines’ South Course, those 18 holes had

Woods during the 2008 U.S. Open, which the 15-time

logged more than 1 million rounds and had hosted an

major champion won following an 18-hole playoff against

annual PGA Tour event every competitive season.

Rocco Mediate. They may also remember some of the

The U.S. Open returning to Torrey Pines marks the

Insurance Open over the past 11 years. What they likely

in California, as well as the 10th time that it will be

won’t recall, however, are details of the golf course as it

contested on a golf course that is open to the public. It

existed before the current millennium.

also marks the fourth time that the U.S. Open has been

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dramatic finishes that have occurred during the Farmers

14th time that the major championship will be contested

Originally designed more than 60 years ago by William

played at a municipal golf club. The first occurrence

P. Bell and his son, William F. Bell, the South Course,

was in 2002 at Bethpage State Park’s Black Course in

which blankets a parcel of land that previously served as

Farmingdale, New York, which hosted the U.S. Open for

a naval training center, officially opened for play in 1957.

Although the course enjoyed a long-standing history as an annual venue for a PGA Tour event, the layout lacked the requisite innate difficulty of a U.S. Open venue. Jones and his team were charged with the task of changing that.

Unlike some course design projects that attract numerous architects submitting bids for the work, Torrey Pines approached only Jones with the project’s proposal. By that time, the now-79-year-old architect had accrued more than 15 years of experience restoring and modernizing classic, golden-age American courses with the early ’90s, in fact, Jones had garnered the nickname “The Open Doctor,” a moniker that his father, Robert Trent Jones Sr., had earned before him for similar restorative and renovative course design work.

Jones’ first project of this type occurred at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, during the mid-’80s.

There, Jones and his team reshaped all of the greens (using archival photos as guideposts); excavated and restored original bunkers that had been filled in over decades; and lengthened the course as much as they could

PHOTOGRAPHED BY DONALD MIRALLE/GETTY IMAGE

explicit goal of hosting major championships. By the

to keep it relevant to the game as it’s now played by golfers using technologically advanced equipment.

Thirteen years later, when Jones put on his surgeon’s gloves to prep the Black Course at Bethpage State Park for the 2002 U.S. Open, he followed a similar roadmap.

“Bethpage Black was a restoration and a modernization at the same time,” he says. Jones sometimes likes to say that he restored the course in its original style but conditioned it for modern play.

At Torrey Pines, however, Jones’ work wasn’t restorative; it was transformative. In no uncertain terms, the work that Jones and his team executed can best be described as a comprehensive redesign. Greens were rebuilt, recontoured and relocated closer to several canyons that weave their way through the site. Fairway bunkers were And the course was lengthened by more than 500 yards from the championship tees.

“We changed the strategy of the course,” Jones says of his initial redesign work in 2001. “We built diagonal

COURTESY OF USGA

repositioned to challenge today’s long-hitting players.

greens, and we redesigned a lot of the greens to have

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119

little tongues so they could hide the pin.

“They told us, ‘If you build it, they will come,’” he

were completed in 2019, were done to benefit public golfers who play the course 51 weeks out of the year. “You

adds, reflecting on the marching orders that he received

don’t build a church for Easter Sunday,” Jones says, who

and the understanding that the USGA wanted to host the

often uses that statement to acknowledge that layouts

U.S. Open in Southern California but needed the right

like the South Course at Torrey Pines must remain play-

venue to do so. Those marching orders proved prophetic.

able and fun for the average golfer—even if those courses

In the year following the completion of Jones’ redesign of

occasionally host major championships.

the South Course, the USGA announced that Torrey Pines would host the U.S. Open in 2008.

“We took a course on a beautiful site with a good rout-

This time around, large-scale infrastructure improvements were made, including the installation of a new irrigation system. Additionally, sand bunkers were

ing and turned it into a championship routing as part of

rebuilt, some were relocated, some were reshaped and

a championship rotation,” Jones says. “We made it into a

others were eliminated to improve the quality of play for

championship golf course.”

everyday players, not to mention to speed up the pace of play. On that last topic, more forward tees were added to

ALL-WELCOMING DESIGNS

one-third of the holes, while select sets of “intermediate”

The work that Jones and his team completed more re-

tees were relocated or expanded to improve playability.

cently at Torrey Pines was as necessary as the efforts that

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A handful of holes also benefited from the creation of

were undertaken 20 years ago, even though this latest

tightly mown chipping areas around the greens (which

round of modifications to the course impacted it in more

offer lesser-skilled players more recovery options), while

subtle ways. In particular, the latest renovations, which

all holes were enhanced by the implementation of new

turf in the areas approaching the greens. “It was like

tournament. “They’ll be firmer and faster, and putts are

Heinz 57,” Jones says of the mixture of grass varietals

going to break more.”

that previously made up those approach areas 15 yards or

course these days because tour players are hitting the ball

short of the greens are grassed with Latitude 36 ber-

so far. At Torrey Pines, they can hide the pins behind the

mudagrass, a species that is finer in texture and more

contours or in the corners of the greens.”

resilient to colder temperatures.

COURTESY OF TORREY PINES GOLF COURSE

He adds, “The greens are what make any championship

so short of the putting surfaces. Now all of those areas

Due to winter overseeding, the rough that players will

All of those aforementioned turf improvements or

face during the U.S. Open will not only be significantly

additions around the greens reflect Jones’ upbringing in

taller than it is during the Farmers Insurance Open, it

the Northeast, where he was exposed to the classic course

will also be a different species of grass—one that will

designs of A.W. Tillinghast, an architect who would often

be thicker and more difficult to play out of. Because of

create a green complex where a section of the putting

that, Jones doesn’t anticipate the fairways being nar-

surface was guarded by a bunker or a hazard but other

rowed much, if at all, for the championship in June. The

areas were open and accessible.

course—with its firm and fast greens, difficult hole loca-

“The ground game was in vogue when he was designing,” Jones explains. “Just watching the shot options that he utilized, that taught me. That’s what made me realize that you had to design for everyone’s abilities.”

tions and penal rough—will be aptly suited to repel low scores without further modifications.

What advice does Jones have for avid amateur golfers who want to play the course after the summer? For starters, he recommends tempering expectations—especially

MAKING THE ROUNDS

for players who might be experiencing the course for the

During the third week in June, however, the abilities of

first time. “You have to play a golf course several times

only the world’s best players will be on display. While

to begin to understand it,” he says, “but the beauty of

that’s also the case at the end of January or beginning

Torrey is that you can visibly see what your challenge is.”

of February each year when the PGA Tour rolls into San

The greens, which cover an average area of about 6,000

Diego for the Farmers Insurance Open, the course that

square feet, are boldly contoured and were shaped in such

U.S. Open competitors will encounter this summer will

a way that many can feature challenging hole locations.

only look like that familiar layout. The course will assur-

For that reason, Jones advises many first-time players

edly play much harder.

to take stock of a hole’s pin placement and to adhere to

Want proof? In 2008, prior to Torrey Pines hosting the

a conservative strategy with their approach shots. “The

U.S. Open in June, Tiger Woods won the PGA Tour event

average golfer has to not always go for the pin if it’s hid-

there in late January with a four-day total score of 269—

den by a contour or a bunker or an angle,” he says. “They

that’s 19 under par. Woods’ U.S. Open victory a little

need to play to the center of the green.”

more than four months later was accompanied by a much

At times, those players would also do well to remem-

different score. After four regulation rounds, an addi-

ber that the course was designed for players of all ability

tional 18-hole playoff and one requisite sudden-death

levels, which means they can play higher-percentage

playoff hole after that, Woods’ winning score was a single

shots that bounce and roll up onto the greens. They won’t

stroke under par.

always need to attack a green from the air, even if those

“The terrain will be firmer and faster, especially the greens,” Jones says as a way of forecasting how the golf

are the shots that the best golfers in the world will play the majority of the time during the U.S. Open.

club’s superintendent (with the aid of John Bodenhamer,

“On a number of holes, they can access the green on

senior managing director for the USGA’s championships)

the ground,” Jones reminds average players. “The pros

will condition the South Course for the upcoming

don’t do that.” ■

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121

L to R: Len Hirsh, MBA, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor Vince A. DiLeva, MS, CFP®, AIF®, Senior Partner Eric C. Pritz, CFP®, CMFC®, Senior Partner

“We have a diverse client base, but many are successful professionals who have worked hard and saved well. Our clients tend to live an active, fulfilling lifestyle, and our goal is to help them sleep well at night so that they can simply focus on enjoying the finer things they have worked so hard to achieve.”

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WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

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REGATTA CAPITAL GROUP – JOYCE & OZER TEAM

FINANCIAL SERVICES

SIGNATURE ESTATE & INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC

S

ignature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC® (SEIA) is an independent Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm offering wealth management and financial planning services to affluent individuals, families and business owners.

SEIA manages more than $13.6 billion in client assets as of December 31, 2020, and the company is proud to have been recognized by many well-respected financial publications including Barron’s Top 100 RIA Firms, Financial Times’ Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors, RIA Channel’s Top 100 Wealth Managers and LA Business Journal’s 100 Largest Money Managers.

With a combined 50 years of wealth management experience and multiple advanced degrees and financial designations, Vince DiLeva, Eric Pritz and Len Hirsh are proud residents and supporters of the South Bay community. They work in a fiduciary capacity, delivering comprehensive and unbiased investment advice and employing a team approach with an open-door policy so clients can always reach someone at the firm with any question. As personal financial concierges, the SEIA team helps with investment management, retirement planning, estate and legacy planning, tax planning, philanthropic and family foundation management, college savings, and insurance.

on investment strategies, specific holdings and trade timing. It’s a great stepping-stone solution for those accustomed to managing their own portfolio, who are thereby hesitant to ‘turn over the reins.’”

HOW IS SEIA DIFFERENT? “SEIA was established in 1997 with the goal of only doing what’s best for our clients. We have guided generations of families through numerous market and economic cycles and various life changes. Accordingly, we understand priorities shift, goals evolve and unexpected needs arise, and we know that cookie-cutter investment solutions rarely get the job done.

So we incorporate a range of strategies, and we maintain flexibility to tactically address new market challenges and opportunities as they arise. SEIA offers customizable and personally crafted portfolios that incorporate our investment committee’s extensive research and thoughtful market analysis. We even offer a unique ‘nondiscretionary’ approach where clients retain final decision-making authority

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BENEFIT YOUR CLIENTS GAIN FROM WORKING WITH SEIA? “Novice investors might evaluate an advisor’s worth by simply comparing portfolio performance to that of a market index. Our clients, on the other hand, have learned that successful advisors can add three to four percentage points (known as advisor alpha) over time—and especially in moments of crisis—through thoughtful advice on asset allocation, portfolio-rebalancing, spending/ withdrawal strategies, product cost-cutting and behavioral coaching around investors’ emotional tendencies.”

WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE STRATEGIES SEIA HAS ACCESS TO? “Clients need advisors with the tools to address not only their unique life circumstances but also a range of market conditions. With equity valuations feeling swollen and fixed income interest rates at historic lows, we’re looking to optimize the constituent pieces of clients’ portfolios.

In a typical 60/40 (equity/bond) portfolio, we’ll seek to improve yield (and bring down market correlation) on the 40% in bonds by partially pivoting into things like middlemarket lending, private credit, private real estate and/or insurance-linked securities (ILS).

With the 60% in equities, we can swap in some noncorrelated, small-cap growth exposure through private equity funds that invested early in companies like SpaceX, Palantir and Chargepoint. Or we can offer downside protection via a cap-and-cushion hedging approach using things like defined-outcome ETFs (exchange-traded funds), structured notes or option overlays. It all depends on a client’s goals and needs.”

WHAT HAS BEEN A SURPRISING SOURCE OF NEW BUSINESS? “We’re now considered experts in managing

highly appreciated, concentrated stock positions, which seem commonplace after this bull market run. We have a range of solutions based on tax appetite, including completion portfolios (a multiyear process of methodically triggering capital gains while actively tax-loss harvesting and diversifying into a customizable and complementary portfolio), exchange funds (diversification into broad market exposure without triggering capital gains), qualified opportunity zone funds (investing in a community-development program while delaying taxes on realized gains) and options-hedging strategies (covered calls or costless collars) that keep low-basis shares from getting called away.”

DO YOU HAVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS THAT BENEFIT YOUR CLIENTS? “As longtime South Bay residents and business owners, we have worked with many local professionals. When it comes to managing clients’ wealth, we regularly function as the quarterback among a collaborative team of CPAs, attorneys, Realtors and other trusted advisors.”

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors’ and do not necessarily represent the opinions of SEIA. Third-party rankings or recognition from rating services or publications are no guarantee of future investment success. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the Advisor by any client. Nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation or experience. Additional important information can be found at seia.com/disclosures.

SEIA is an SEC-registered investment adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training and no inference to the contrary should be made. Securities offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. (RAA) member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through SEIA, 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90067, 310-712-2323. RAA is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of RAA. (CA Ins. License Len Hirsh #0L46886, Vince DiLeva #0B84300 and Eric C. Pritz #0E55966).

1848 S. ELENA AVE., SUITE 100, REDONDO BEACH | 310-712-2320 | SEIA.COM

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L to R: Ilya Solovey, Eric Pritz, Charley Edson, Sara Hendrix, Len Hirsh, Tamara Patterson, Kyle Demshki, Vince DiLeva, Jeff Zuanich

FINANCIAL SERVICES

RUNNING POINT CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC Jim Schlager, Managing Partner

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unning Point Capital Advisors is a multifamily office of financial specialists representing multiple disciplines. Running Point offers services beyond wealth management, including financial planning, estate and trust planning, tax preparation and consulting, bookkeeping, bill-pay, insurance and more. Running Point helps preserve, protect and grow clients’ total wealth through an integrated approach that saves clients the time, money and stress of having to seek out and work with multiple financial professionals.

WHY DID YOU CREATE YOUR FIRM? “I’m a family man, and over the years most of my clients have been families. I envisioned a firm that would function as team to serve our family clients, a team that would offer sound advice across the full spectrum of financial services—and spare its clients the challenge of seeking out various financial professionals. I felt that a seamless, comprehensive planning approach—a team that communicates and collaborates—would be the best way to help clients achieve their family and business goals.”

HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER WEALTH MANAGEMENT FIRMS? “Normally, the ‘family office’ experience—a team of key advisors serving a single-family client—is only accessible to the ultrawealthy.

They delegate everything because they have the resources to do so. But as a multifamily office, we bring this approach to all of our clients. At Running Point, you find all of the key financial professionals within one firm, working together as a team to serve our family clients. We are all under one roof. We don’t have to outsource, or send you off in search of various specialists. You would have a difficult time finding an RIA (registered investment advisor) firm or even a large financial institution that could match our integrated, in-house team without having to outsource their services.”

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND THAT ALLOWED YOU TO INTEGRATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FINANCIAL BUSINESSES? “I was the cofounder of an investment firm that merged with Moss Adams LLP, one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the country. It’s a great firm, and I had the opportunity to work there for 18 years as a partner with very talented people within tax, consulting, business and outsource accounting. I was able to combine my 30+ total years of experience with my partners’ 100+ years and apply it to running our business and helping our client families succeed.”

WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS? “Our clients are families and families that own a business. Most have children, young or older, and started their business from the ground up. What really sets these families apart are their values. For them family is first, not the business—although it is the business that allows them to pursue their passion and live the lifestyle of their dreams. They value their time enormously. We share those values and honor them by providing our clients with all things financial. This allows our clients to focus on their family and their business.”

CAN YOU GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF HOW YOU WORK WITH A FAMILY? “Comprehensive planning is always the first step. For example, my partner Tammy Trenta Knowlton recently initiated this process with a new client. She’s a terrific listener. She gained a 360º understanding of the client’s business goals and family dreams. Then it was a matter of establishing the steps they would need to take in order to achieve those goals.

Tammy, running point for the client, pulled together an in-house team. That included Josh Forrester, CPA, and Todd Stern, CPA, on the tax side, advising the client and preparing their individual and corporate returns.

Tracy Smith and Tina Conaway are handling the bookkeeping and accounting for the client’s business as well as their multiple income properties. And Tammy called on Jerry Schnaus, Running Point’s tax and succession strategist, to facilitate the client’s estate and business succession planning.

That’s just one example, but it’s a good one.

We understand that our clients lead very busy lives. This client no longer has to make separate calls and drive to multiple meetings. No dropped balls from the lack of coordination among professionals. I would add that the team Tammy brought together on behalf of the client is not only extremely skilled but, like Tammy, exceptionally empathetic. That’s the Running Point approach—highly professional and deeply personal.”

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are those of Running Point Capital Advisors, LLC (Running Point) and are subject to change without notice. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication, may be modified due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed. Running Point is an investment advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Running Point’s investment advisory services and fees can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. RP-21-10

101 N. PACIFIC COAST HWY., SUITE 305, EL SEGUNDO | 424-502-3500 TEAM@RUNNINGPOINTCAPITAL.COM | RUNNINGPOINTCAPITAL.COM

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L to R: Tracy Smith, Bookkeeper In Charge Jim Schlager, CFP, CTFA, Managing General Partner Jerry Schnaus, JD, CPA, Tax & Succession Strategist Tammy Trenta Knowlton, MBA, CFP, Partner & Lead Advisor Michael Ashley Schulman, CFA, Partner & Chief Investment Officer Joshua Forrester, CPA, Senior Tax Manager Mergers & Acquisitions

FINANCIAL SERVICES

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL MANHATTAN BEACH Josh Johnston, Managing Director

N

orthwestern Mutual is a Fortune 500 company that provides a wide range of financial services to more than 4.6 million people nationwide.

Josh Johnston, managing director of the firm’s Manhattan Beach location, attended Harvard University, where he played football while earning a degree in economics. Before joining Northwestern Mutual in 2018, he built a successful career working at a furniture wholesale company that he helped grow from a small domestic family business to a major international player with presence in more than a dozen foreign markets.

WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST MEANINGFUL ABOUT YOUR WORK? “This work feeds my drive to improve the lives of those around me. When I work hard, my family, colleagues and clients benefit. This business—and the freedom that comes with it—has given me choices I didn’t have before.

I like to help my clients realize the same freedom, working to create opportunities, options and security they may not have found unless they were working with me. In the same way, I help the advisors in our office achieve that freedom for themselves. In turn, they help more clients, and the ripple effect continues.”

HOW HAS YOUR FAMILY INFLUENCED YOUR SUCCESS? “My wife, Heather, and I are transplants from Eastern Washington and Atlanta, Georgia, respectively. An entrepreneur herself, Heather runs her own holistic health coaching practice. We have lived in Los Angeles for more than a decade and recently relocated to the South Bay. We have a 5-year-old daughter, Charlie, and we are expecting our son, Asher, in June. As a family, we love to ride bikes around Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach, but our true happy place is Lake Coeur d’ Alene in Idaho, where we have enjoyed many family memories.

I adore my family, and I want to see them

thriving. At the end of the day, this is why I work hard.”

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR CLIENTS TO OVERCOME UNCERTAINTY COMING OUT OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC? “While every period of uncertainty presents unique challenges, I like to remind people that uncertain times will always be part of our lives. We know that we will face new uncertainties after this cycle passes, so having a plan that accounts for multiple market cycles is paramount. We will always build a plan based on your goals and consider challenges that you may encounter along the way. This way, whether the market is up or down, we know that we have a course of action that will ultimately lead us to our end destination.”

HOW DO YOU HELP YOUR CLIENTS LIMIT TAXES ON THEIR WEALTH? “Many clients think about how they can be tax-efficient today, taking advantage of deduction opportunities and trying to minimize taxes year over year. This is important, but an area that is often overlooked is taxation at the point of distribution. We specialize in helping our clients think today about how to best position their assets so they can strategically access them in retirement, leveraging various tax codes (income, capital gains and tax-free) to control their marginal rate during distribution years.”

IS IT EVER TOO LATE FOR A CLIENT TO BUILD A FINANCIAL PLAN? “It is never too late to seek financial guidance. Yes, saving early does create options that may not be available the longer you wait, but the world of financial planning is vast. I’ve rarely found a situation where our planning services did not add value.”

WHAT ROLE DOES CHARITABLE GIVING PLAY FOR YOUR CLIENTS? “Often our clients want to give back after

years of working hard to establish their legacy. If this is their goal, we make sure that it’s part of our overall strategy. With the obvious tax benefits that come from charitable contributions and the feel-good component of making an impact in the community, it’s a no-brainer to include charitable contributions as part of a comprehensive plan.”

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW ADVISOR IN THE BUSINESS? “As managing director, there are certain things I look for when mentoring someone who is new to our business. It’s important that they have a clear vision tied to a strong mission. Success favors those who have a desire to create something that impacts the world in a positive manner.

A great thing about being a financial advisor with us is that you assume the role of a business owner, meaning that you are accountable primarily to yourself. Without that traditional authority structure, it becomes vital to practice discipline and follow unrelentingly the path of success as you define it.

Additionally, the willingness to take risks and lean into the feeling of vulnerability creates authenticity and connectivity with clients.

Clients can feel it when you are really in it for their benefit.

Our office is growing. If you are an entrepreneurial professional looking for a career change, please reach out to us."

Disclaimer: Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with longterm care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Josh Johnston is an Insurance Agent of NM, primarily licensed in California and may be licensed in other states. CA License: #0M24538. This is a paid placement.

1230 ROSECRANS AVE., SUITE 100, MANHATTAN BEACH | 310-460-7136 NORTHWESTERNMUTUAL.COM/OFFICE/CA/LOS-ANGELES/87746613

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L to R: Morgan Barchan, Associate Director of Career Development Kellie Bode, Onboarding & Recruiting Specialist Dustin Krause, Director of Development Josh Johnston, Managing Director Michelle Dixon, Director of Operations & Executive Assistant Caitlin Quattrocchi, Talent Acquisition Specialist

FINANCIAL SERVICES

GUZMAN LAW GROUP, PC Denise M. Guzman, Founder/Principal Attorney

WHAT TYPES OF CASES DO YOU FIND THE MOST INTRIGUING? Denise M. Guzman, Business and Estate Planning Attorney: “Those that are the most difficult, where my years of expertise make the biggest impact. I also enjoy working in our team environment to help solve our clients’ problems. Whether it is a difficult merger or acquisition or trying to reduce estate taxes for an individual’s assets, I enjoy finding a resolution and negotiating it successfully.”

WHAT PROBLEMS DOES YOUR FIRM SOLVE FOR CLIENTS? Edward Powell, Corporate, Securities & Finance Attorney: “We help clients find a legal solution to their business needs, whether the need is to raise capital for a new idea, to borrow money to fund operations or to buy a complementary business. The goal is always

to find a cost-effective solution that maximizes the investment in legal expertise and achieves the client’s goals.”

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR TEAM? Charles Shelton, Litigation Attorney: “Two things: First, we have real depth of experience in the area of trusts, estates and business.

Second, we leverage the expertise of the other lawyers within our firm. When I was in business school, I noticed that a small group of people working together could inevitably produce better results than even the smartest person could working alone. Guzman Law Group understands the value of teamwork.”

WHY SHOULDN’T I USE AN ONLINE LEGAL SERVICE? Marcus Chang, Business and Estate Planning Attorney: “While I generally believe that doing something is better than nothing when it comes to estate planning, I have seen quite a few cases end up in probate court because an online legal service omits important details from the estate plans. When I work with my clients on an estate plan, I tailor their documents to reflect their needs and wishes so their trustee has a clear understanding of how the estate should be distributed.”

IN WHAT WAYS IS YOUR LEGAL WORK MEANINGFUL? Edward Powell: “Being a part of the client’s business for the life span of the company is rewarding. We often represent ambitious clients from their initial ideas and incorporation to growing and running a successful business, and ultimately to their exit strategy. These exit strategies can include: passing down the business to their children or to an employee group that shares the company’s values and excitement for the business; or prepping and handling the sale of a business to an outside group, such as a larger company in the same line or to a private equity group looking to grow and expand the company even further.”

Denise M. Guzman: “There is a sense of satisfaction when you have brought a client through a difficult period in their business or personal life and provide them with a positive outcome. Whether it’s a handful of months in the sale of a business or a litigation case lasting four to five years, bringing closure in someone’s life is very rewarding.”

WHAT SKILLS ARE NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN YOUR INDUSTRY? Marcus Chang: “I believe that compassion is necessary to achieve success in the area of estate planning, trust administration and probate. When I work with my clients, I want them to feel that we understand the position they are in—whether they have recently lost a loved one and are now overwhelmed with what to do, or they are involved in a dispute with a relative. I also want them to know that we are here to help guide them through the process because they see the level of care and compassion we provide.”

Edward Powell: “Unlike some fields such as litigation, financial services law can be a winwin for both our clients and their counterparties. This requires a calm, measured approach to issues that arise during negotiation and documentation, and creative problem-solving to develop answers that appeal to all the parties on a deal.”

WHAT ASPECT OF SOUTH BAY LIFE ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO ONCE IT IS SAFE TO GATHER AGAIN IN GROUPS? Denise M. Guzman: “I am looking forward to gathering with colleagues, friends and family at our fabulous South Bay restaurants.

Supporting each other and our businesses is what makes our community so strong.”

1230 ROSECRANS AVENUE, SUITE 650, MANHATTAN BEACH | 310-321-6640 | GUZMANLG.COM

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARISA GUZMÁN-ALOIA

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anhattan Beach-based legal firm Guzman Law Group has been advocating for the South Bay community for more than 30 years. Their clients represent the diverse industries that define the vibrancy and innovation of the South Bay. The firm provides high-caliber legal services in business and finance transactions, trust and civil litigation, estate planning and trust administration. With the close proximity to Hollywood, Guzman Law Group also focuses on entertainment law and celebrity estates. The firm is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

Founder Denise M. Guzman is a noted business, estate planning and trust attorney who earned her bachelor’s degree from USC and her law degree from UCLA. She functions as virtual in-house corporate counsel for many clients and is an integral part of their key decision-making and ongoing operational activities. She is a frequent guest lecturer on business, estate planning and trust administration issues.

Attorneys, L to R: Top: Charles Shelton, Marcus Chang, Carol T. Contest Middle: Jane Lee, Denise M. Guzman, Edward Powell Bottom: Stephanie Whittfield, Drew C. Hallett

FINANCIAL SERVICES

GRUVER WEALTH MANAGEMENT OF WELLS FARGO ADVISORS

G

ruver Wealth Management is led

by Shawn V. Gruver and is part of the full-service financial firm Wells Fargo Advisors, which offers highend wealth management and investment planning services. Prior to his current position, Shawn was a vice president and senior portfolio manager at UBS. His tenure also includes Morgan Stanley and Paine Webber, where he began his career in 2001. Since joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2014, Shawn has been named a Premier Advisor every year.1 Shawn, his wife, Colleen, and their son reside in Hermosa Beach and spend their free time traveling the world. Shawn is bilingual in German and English and also is an avid freestyle skier.

WHAT DOES GRUVER WEALTH MANAGEMENT DO TO HELP CLIENTS? ”We want to help those who want to be helped. We assist our clients in growing their assets and educate them on protecting their most important asset: their family’s financial well-being. We work side by side with our clients, taking the time to understand their individual needs, goals and the dreams they have for themselves and their families. This deep understanding—combined with our powerful global resources—lays the important foundation for a strong and enduring relationship.”

HOW DO CLIENTS BENEFIT FROM WORKING WITH YOUR TEAM? “We build a relationship with clients on the foundation of transparency, honesty and effective communication. Working together and sharing responsibility, we identify their goals and dreams and work to achieve these objectives.”

WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN COACHING CLIENTS THROUGH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? “Part of my job is to be a counselor and listen to my clients. In my experience, they want some type of reassurance on their financial well-being as well as the markets. In times of uncertainty, we aim to be their shoulder to lean on. One of the things that was unique about this market pullback was that we had

a health pandemic layered on top of it. We believe most of our clients understood that the market movement was out of their (and our) control and were able to comfort themselves by reviewing their investment plan and knowing they had a plan in place.”

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CLIENTS IN TIMES OF MARKET DISTRESS? “Make sure to focus on your goals, not the short-term volatility. Markets have moved significantly many times over the past 100 years and even in just the past 20 years; it’s nothing new. We advise our clients to have the proper asset allocation so they can be more prepared in times of market distress.”

HOW DO YOU APPROACH RISK MANAGEMENT AND THE INVESTMENT PLANNING PROCESS? “‘Before we recommend an investment to a client, we first create a plan that outlines their objectives in line with their needs, risk profile and time horizon. From there we strive to develop a portfolio allocation that has the opportunity for growth over time while also providing strategies aimed at guarding against risk. When it comes to portfolio construction we believe clients can benefit from active or passive strategies. That’s why we offer both, and can specifically customize a portfolio for each client.

YOU HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED BY FORBES AS A TOP WEALTH ADVISOR2 IN 2018, 2019 AND 2021. TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS? “I have always been surrounded with amazing individuals who have helped mold my success. Early in my career I was mentored and partners with two senior advisors while at Morgan Stanley and UBS. They taught me many of the philosophies that I still use in my business today. Without their guidance I would not be half as successful as I am. After we parted ways, I was fortunate to become a part of another great organization with very strong local leadership. To this day, this leadership helps guide my day-to-day business to where I am able to help my clients in the best fashion possible.”

WHAT IS YOUR JOB WHEN INTERACTING WITH CLIENTS? “Our job is to listen—to what clients say and also what they do not say. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, we work to deliver custom-made strategies for our clients’ needs, goals and desires. We should almost understand what clients financially want for their lives better than they do themselves.”

WHAT'S ONE OF THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WITH THEIR MONEY? “We believe too many people are willing to accept the status quo with their advisor. We see many portfolios where inertia turns one year of mediocrity into five years of poor performance. Money is hard to make and harder to keep, so we strive to make sure it is managed properly.”

DO YOU OFFER FREE CONSULTATIONS FOR NEW CLIENTS? “All initial consultations and proposals are free until a family starts working with our group; then we can structure the compensation in a way that the client feels is most appropriate for their situation.”

1 - The Premier Advisor distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on either of the past two years, and professionalism. Additional criteria, including length of service, may also be used to determine recipients.

2 – The ranking algorithm is based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion.

Investment and Insurance Products NOT FDIC Insured

NO Bank Guarantee

MAY Lose Value

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

2321 ROSECRANS AVE., SUITE 2275 | EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245 | SHAWN.GRUVER@WFADVISORS.COM GRUVERWEALTHMANAGEMENT.COM | 310-725-2267

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Shawn V. Gruver, CFP ®, Managing DirectorInvestments, Senior PIM Portfolio Manager CA Insurance License #0E24347 Not pictured: Flavio Atoche, Financial Advisor; Natalie Broderick, Associate Vice President, Senior Registered Client Associate

FINANCIAL SERVICES

ADVANCED PLANNING SOLUTIONS, INC.

T

he team at Advanced Planning Solutions, Inc. in Redondo Beach partners with clients to help plan for their financial future. Their services go beyond investment management. Each client receives a written financial plan as well as their own website that holds their plan, daily portfolio figures, calculators and information on their specific needs for their financial journey. Founder Nancy Gragg has worked in the industry for 42 years and started Advanced Planning Solutions 22 years ago.

Her son, John Gragg, also joined the firm, which has grown steadily each year. Judy Petrelli rounds out the team, and together they help clients establish goals for their future and answer tough questions about health care, expenditures and savings.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS. “In short, we are your household financial concierge. We help clients build their financial roadmap through investment management, estate planning, life insurance, tax efficiency and whatever else they throw our way.”

WHAT QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS DO YOU SOLVE FOR CLIENTS? “Will I run out of money in retirement? When can I retire? How should I handle my inheritance? What do I do when my parents go into assisted living or pass away and there’s a lot to unravel financially? How do I get my kids started? What are some options to pay for long-term care?”

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF YOUR JOB? “It comes down to establishing trust. If we ever lost our clients’ trust, we wouldn’t have a business. Since we have a lot of clients in the community, it’s important that we use complete discretion, provide excellent service and have a high level of integrity when it comes to investment portfolio management.”

ARE YOU A FIDUCIARY? WHAT IS THAT? “Absolutely. A fiduciary is someone who legally has to do what’s in the best interest of their clients. Charging a fee aligns our interests with our clients’ interests. As their accounts grow, so does our business. Not all financial professionals are fiduciaries, and we think it’s crucial when deciding on who you want to manage your life savings and make important financial decisions.”

IN WHAT WAYS IS THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY CHANGING WITH THE TIMES? “It’s changing very quickly with technology leading the way. John helps keep us up-todate on the latest trends, tools and available technology. Technology should be used to enhance the advisor-client relationship but should never stand between the advisor and the client.”

HOW DO YOU HELP YOUR CLIENTS AVOID MAKING RASH DECISIONS WITH THEIR FINANCES? “It starts and ends with education. We want our clients to feel comfortable and confident in their financial decisions. Initially, we make sure their risk matches their investment portfolio and goals for the future. Education continues to play a role through our entire relationship; we encourage clients to reach out and ask questions.

We are proactive when there is volatility in the markets through market updates, phone calls and emails. We want clients to be confident in their investment and retirement strategy and to be able to sleep at night without worry.”

SHOULD I MOVE MY MONEY TO A SAFER PLACE, LIKE A SAVINGS ACCOUNT? “Trying to time the market is a fool’s errand.

Not only do you have to be right about when to take the money out of the market, but you

have to be right about when to put it back in. That doesn’t even account for the stress of having to make those decisions.

Let’s look at The Rule of 72. If you take 72 and divide it by your rate of return, it will tell you how long it takes for your money to double. At the bank you earn about 0.5%, so it would take 144 years for your money to double in a savings account. On the flip side, with an average stock market return of 10%, it would take 7.2 years for your money to double. That’s a BIG difference!”

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY PARENTS CAN HELP CHILDREN SAVE FOR THE FUTURE? “We really enjoy helping our clients’ children start out on the right financial path. We offer them advice because we enjoy it, and we know it provides value to our clients.”

HOW DO YOU FIND NEW CLIENTS? “Referrals are the #1 way. After referrals comes engagement in the community and networking. It’s important to be genuine, so we engage in things we enjoy. Nancy enjoys pickleball and golfing and is on the Professional Advisory Council at Torrance Memorial Hospital. John plays a lot of different sports, hikes, surfs and is CFO of the board for Harbor Interfaith Services.”

Disclaimer: Nancy Gragg and John Gragg are Registered Representatives offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency, LLC) member FINRA/ SIPC, a broker/dealer and Registered Investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. CA Insurance License #0565038.

225 AVENUE I, SUITE 201, REDONDO BEACH | 310-792-2424 | APSADVISOR.COM

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L to R: John Gragg, CFP® Nancy Gragg, CWS® AIF® Judy Petrelli

FINANCIAL SERVICES

NAVIGOE WEALTH MANAGEMENT Scott Leonard, Owner

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avigoe is a South Bay fee-only financial fiduciary that works with business owners, executives and families concerned with maintaining and growing their financial prosperity.

Owner and CERTIFIED FINANICAL PLANNER™ professional Scott Leonard has more than 25 years of experience in financial planning and wealth management. For the past three years Navigoe has been selected as one of the “Best Financial Advisors & Wealth Management Firms in Los Angeles” by AdvisoryHQ. IS THERE AN OVERRIDING CONCEPT THAT BEST DESCRIBES NAVIGOE’S SERVICES? “We call it Family Wealth Preservation. Our clients have worked hard, sacrificed and saved to achieve financial independence.

They are looking to generate a steady income stream in retirement for themselves while still preserving their financial legacy for subsequent generations.”

HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE DIFFICULT TASK OF WEALTH PRESERVATION? “Our entire service model is set up to design, implement and oversee a custom financial strategy that integrates all the aspects of family wealth preservation: investment management, tax mitigation, estate planning, income generation, wealth transfer, charitable giving and asset protection.”

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT NAVIGOE’S FAMILY WEALTH PRESERVATION VERSUS OTHER TRADITIONAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES? “What is unique is the focus on both preservation and income. There are many different factors that can impact a family's financial health. Most firms primarily focus on the investments. However, other elements such as taxes, costs and complexity are much greater forces affecting the long-term value of capital

and its ability to generate usable income. We use a holistic approach to the preservation of capital, always seeking to determine if it can be accomplished for less money, less complexity, less risk and lower taxes.”

WHAT TYPES OF CLIENTS ARE BEST SUITED FOR NAVIGOE'S WEALTH PRESERVATION SERVICE? “Family Wealth Preservation is best suited for families that have already accumulated a seven-figure net worth. Yet it is extremely appropriate for those who are still in the accumulation—or saving—phase of their lives.

Since taxes are one of the biggest expenses for most people, doing proper multiyear tax planning early is critical to minimize the effects of taxation later in life. Planning earlier for financial independence and family wealth preservation leads to a higher probability of achieving these goals.”

IS THERE AN EXAMPLE OF A TYPICAL NEW CLIENT TO NAVIGOE? “There tend to be two different life events that cause families to seek our services. One is a family milestone of their kids approaching college graduation. For many of these families, the focus has been on career growth, savings and paying for college for their kids.

Now that they are empty nesters and often well established professionally, their focus turns to retirement. This is a natural phase to turn their financial focus to retirement income generation and wealth preservation.

The other major event that causes new clients to seek Navigoe’s services is a financial windfall of some type: inheritance, large pension or retirement plan rollover, selling of a business, major equity event from their employer, etc. This increase in wealth allows families to consider new options for their lives, and preserving capital is a key component to ensuring their next chapter is fulfilling.”

NAVIGOE IS AN INTERESTING NAME; WHAT DOES IT MEAN? “‘Navigo’ is Latin for ‘navigate’ or ‘to sail.’ The translation is specifically ‘to navigate a sailboat across oceans.’ At Navigoe we believe that we serve as our clients’ financial navigator, helping them achieve their goals and doing so in a secure and enjoyable manner.”

YOU PERSONALLY KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT NAVIGATING OCEANS. “Yes, in 2011 my family and I departed on a 2½-year sailing trip through the Caribbean Sea and the South Pacific. I worked remotely on the boat with periodic trips back to the South Bay for meetings. In the middle of the worst recession since the Great Depression, I literally sailed off into the sunset ... and we did not lose a single client as a result of the trip. I attribute that to the incredible staff of Navigoe, our commitment to service and the peace of mind we provided to our clients during the Great Recession and market crash.”

TELL US ABOUT THE MILESTONES NAVIGOE WILL BE CELEBRATING IN 2021.

“2021 is the 25th anniversary of my wealth management company. While it has not been called Navigoe for all of the past 25 years, it has been the same financial services firm that I started in 1996. Additionally, our office, which is the historic Sweetser House in Redondo Beach, is turning 100 years old this year.”

417 BERYL STREET, REDONDO BEACH | 310-697-0400 | NAVIGOE.COM

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FINANCIAL SERVICES

L to R: Marcus Peters, Jeff Weston, Angela Park Sheldon, Aurora Levchenko, Kevin Bidenkap

TORTUGA WEALTH MANAGEMENT

T

ortuga Wealth Management assists clients in every aspect of their financial lives. Angela Park Sheldon, CFP®, and Kevin Bidenkap, CFP®, CLU, ChFC, founded the firm in 2010. Jeff Weston joined Tortuga in 2017. Together the three wealth advisors have more than 50 years of experience in the financial services industry.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM “Tortuga Wealth Management provides the most personal service available, thus earning a reputation for excellence in our industry. We strive to help each client pursue financial independence from one generation to the next."

HOW DO YOU HELP CLIENTS AVOID MAKING RASH DECISIONS WITH THEIR FINANCES? “We go through the consequences of those decisions and how they could affect their future. We always insist on doing a projection to see how certain decisions might affect their end game. This usually prevents clients from making rash decisions.”

HOW IS YOUR WORK MEANINGFUL? “We leverage our collective backgrounds, education and experience as we guide clients, emphasizing financial planning as we help them navigate a variety of situations and challenges. For example, when a client passes away, adult children may find comfort speaking to the advisor who has been with their parents for the last two decades or more. We make it easy for them to settle the decedent’s estate during an overwhelming time for them.

We love being able to help our clients with their charitable giving desires as well. We help guide them to the appropriate strategies to help them with their gifting needs. We also enjoy helping our clients align their portfolios with their values.”

SHOULD I MOVE MY MONEY TO A SAFER PLACE, LIKE A SAVINGS ACCOUNT? “It depends. Do you need your funds within 12 months? How much do you already have set aside for a rainy day fund? What percentage of your overall net worth are you thinking

of putting into a savings account? Ultimately, those who try to time the market will generally not fare better than those who just stay in the market. It is important to have a well-diversified portfolio that is adjusted correctly for your risk tolerance and time horizon.”

WHERE WILL YOU VACATION THIS YEAR? “Kevin will camp and hike in Northern California and visit Arizona. Angela and her family will camp and hike in the Mammoth Lakes area. Jeff is planning to visit Maui with his extended family.”

Disclaimer: Kevin Bidenkap, Jeff Weston and Angela Park Sheldon are registered representatives with and securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice is offered through Tortuga Wealth Management, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a nondiversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

1957 W. CARSON ST., SUITE 100, TORRANCE | 310-935-0275 | TORTUGAWEALTH.COM

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FINANCIAL SERVICES

KINECTA WEALTH MANAGEMENT Justin C. Fleming, LPL Financial Advisor

A

s a financial advisor with Kinecta Wealth Management, Justin Fleming helps individuals and families plan their finances for today, into the future and on to the next generation. He has worked in the wealth management field for 21 years and joined Kinecta in 2003.

WHAT PROBLEMS DO YOU SOLVE FOR CLIENTS? “I help my clients with many complex issues. For example, one client wanted advice on the different payout options for his pension plan. I was able to help him understand what was available. We used his pension and 401(k) plan to build a diversified investment portfolio and generate income while he’s enjoying retirement."

WHAT SKILLS ARE NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN YOUR INDUSTRY? “Listening and building trust is critical in achieving success. I spend time assessing—not just the needs of my clients but their comfort level with investing. Achieving their goals is important, but it is even more important that they can sleep at night. I thoroughly research investment options, ensuring my recommendations assist them in reaching their desired short-term and long-term goals.”

IN WHAT WAYS IS YOUR WORK MEANINGFUL? “Seeing my clients achieve what is most important to them through a plan we have created and worked together is the best feeling in the world. It is also meaningful to me knowing I work for a company that has given so much in terms of money, resources and education to my community here in the South Bay.” HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD OF WORK? “I grew up in the South Bay with my sister, mother and father. My father, Bob, retired from Northrup Grumman, and my mother, Carol, retired from Bank of America. During college, my mother introduced me to a financial advisor. After investing and watching my money grow, I was inspired to be become a financial advisor.”

Disclaimer: Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Kinecta Federal Credit Union and Kinecta Wealth Management are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Kinecta Wealth Management and are employees of Kinecta Federal Credit Union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Kinecta Federal Credit Union or Kinecta Wealth Management. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are: Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency

Not Credit Union Guaranteed

Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations

May Lose Value

1767 S. ELENA AVE., REDONDO BEACH | 310-643-2443 | KINECTAWEALTH.ORG/TEAM/JUSTIN-FLEMING SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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139

FINANCIAL SERVICES

L to R: Top: Erika Jenkins, CPA, Grant Nabell Bottom: Nick Ozer, CFP®, Britt Joyce, CFA, CFP®

REGATTA CAPITAL GROUP – JOYCE & OZER TEAM

R

egatta Capital Group is an independent Registered Investment Advisory group that is 100% employee-owned.

Britt Joyce, co-chief investment officer and financial advisor, and Nick Ozer, managing partner, financial advisor and director of retirement plans, are wealth managers who work primarily with small business owners.

WHAT PROBLEMS DOES YOUR FIRM SOLVE FOR CLIENTS? “Our clients are great at what they do, and they often have a good business sense. But they have careers and families to attend to. They do not have the time or the wherewithal to research individual stocks, private investments or the latest strategies for optimizing their retirement plans. We are dedicated to these things full-time and help clients put a cohesive plan into place that ensures they are on track. We approach our clients’ wealth and businesses as if they were our own. That leads us into many different avenues of investment and gives us a custom approach to helping clients accomplish their goals.”

WHAT SKILLS ARE NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN YOUR INDUSTRY? “If our clients are the CEOs of their lives, we play the role of their personal CFO. They hire us to help them efficiently execute the vision they have for their lives. We must be knowledgeable and extremely available. We pride ourselves on communicating complex issues in a digestible and actionable manner.”

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE WAY YOU SERVE CLIENTS? “Our highly collaborative team brings a range of expertise to the table for our clients. Britt’s MBA and CFA help him focus on investing, and Nick’s MBA and CFP® help with complex wealth management and company retirement plans. Erika is a tax strategist, and Grant supports clients with world-class service.”

SPEAK ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF USING A FEE-ONLY ADVISER. “We aim for 100% alignment with our clients.

We must be on the same team working toward accomplishing the same goals.

Being an independent, fee-only fiduciary allows us to invest in stocks, bonds, funds, private real estate, private equity, etc., without charging our clients a penny more or less if they prefer one asset class over another.

When we present a strategy or give investment advice, it is always because we believe it is the right thing to do.”

WHAT DON’T YOU DO? “We do not try to be all things to all people.

We don’t sell insurance or banking products; accept referral fees or kickbacks from anyone; have hidden fees; or use a onesize-fits-all approach. We are very proud of our exceptional platform for serving the unique needs of business owners, including many physicians.”

Disclaimer: Past performance does not predict future results. Most, but not all, investments we use are not bank-guaranteed and may lose money.

880 APOLLO ST., SUITE 129, EL SEGUNDO | 310-725-9102 | REGATTAINVEST.COM

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An Uncommon Perspective

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R E A L E S TAT E

Extraordinary Mediterranean-Inspired Estate On nearly an acre of land with no expense spared! The floor plan of this home provides you with a modern lifestyle and all of your entertaining needs. With 6 en-suites, plus a separate housekeeper’s quarters, gym, library, formal living and dining, great room that opens to the fabulous gourmet kitchen, movie theater, music room, billiards room, wine cellar, service/tech room-brain of the home (approx. 500 sq not included in sq footage), and multiple storage rooms throughout. Panoramic Catalina, Ocean, Malibu to Santa Monica Mountains views. Complete with a salt-water pool, spa, tennis/basketball court, and a built-in grill, all encompassed by a lush grassy yard. Priced at $9,999,000 999 Paseo De La Cresta, Palos Verdes Estates | www.999paseolacresta.com Listed by Lily Liang with Strandhill Christie’s 310-373-3333 DRE#00837794

220 8TH STREET, MANHATTAN BEACH 4 BEDS | 3.5 BATHS | 4195 SF | 2709 SF LOT | $10,000,000

310-374-1800 caskeyandcaskey.com LIC#01198999

123 28TH STREET, HERMOSA BEACH 5 BEDS | 5.5 BATHS | 3861 SF | 2477 SF LOT | $5,399,000

30399 Palos Verdes Dr E 5 BR | 5 BA | $3,325,000 High end design meets form and function in this beautifully built 5 bedroom, 5 bath home! This spacious 5,448 square property provides plenty of room for both living and entertaining. Next to the enormous multi-car garage is an additional 1,063 square foot basement with huge potential to create a home fitness center, movie theatre, workshop, game room, etc! Clean lines flow throughout the house, with beautiful craftsmanship highlighted by the rich walnut trimmed doors and windows. The gourmet kitchen offers everything a home chef could dream of. The formal dining and living areas open onto a large patio with panoramic views of the harbor and city lights. A private, sparkling pool completes the outdoor living space. Quick & easy access on & off the hill!

30389 Palos Verdes Dr E 5 BR | 6 BA | $3,095,000 This brand new construction is a homebuyer’s dream! Perfectly perched on a hillside overlooking harbor & city views that can be enjoyed from multiple balconies. This 5,002 square foot home includes spacious living and entertaining spaces in addition to the 5 bedrooms & 6 baths. Warm woods and meticulous high end craftsmanship give a luxurious feel in this modern Spanish style home.

The large gourmet kitchen flows into an eating nook and living room for easy entertaining and everyday living. Relax by the spa-like pool while enjoying even more expansive ocean and city light views. Quick & easy access on & off the hill!

Our neighborhood, your home.

1624 3rd Street, Manhattan Beach 5 bed | 4.5 baths | 4,565 sf Contact for Pricing

DARIN DERENZIS 310.418.6210 DRE# 01760239 darin@vistasir.com

MEREDITH JOHNSON DERENZIS For more information on this property, use your smartphone camera to scan this code!

310.600.7973 DRE# 01907722 meredith@vistasir.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

1947 VALLEY PARK AVENUE, HERMOSA BEACH 5 BEDS | 4.5 BATH | 4,508 SF | 6,541 SF LOT | PRICED AT $5,799,000 PROPERTIES GROUP

DAN O’CONNOR 310.261.7756 OconnorProperty.com DRE# 01384632

Dan O’Connor 310.261.7756 oconnorproperty.com DRE#01384632

JU

1426 E. Mariposa Avenue, El Segundo $2,799,000 | 5 BR | 4.5 BA | 3,960 square feet

310/938-9167 cariandbritt.com BRITT: BRE# 01799654 CARI: BRE# 00850678

ST

LIS

TE

D

67 Paseo Del La Luz, Rancho Palos Verdes

$9,999,000 | www.999paseolacresta.com 7 Bd | 8 Ba | 10,484 sq.ft | 42,718 sq.ft lot (Almost 1 Acre Lot) | 4 Car Garage

$7,298,000 | www.elegantvillabythesea.com 4 Bd | 6 Ba | 8,320 sq.ft | 24,377 sq.ft lot | 3 Car Garage

LI NE ST W IN G

999 Paseo La Cresta, Palos Verdes Estates

2592 Via Tejon, Palos Verdes Estates

$6,998,000 | www.905viadelmonte.com 6 Bd | 7 Ba | 6,000 sq.ft | 13,081 sq.ft lot | 3 Car Garage

$1,899,000. | Midcentury 4 Bd | 3 Ba | 2,496 sq. ft | 6,336 sq. ft. lot

LI NE ST W IN G

LI NE ST W IN G

905 Via Del Monte, Palos Verdes Estates

1012 Via Mirabel, Palos Verdes Estates

1124 Palos Verdes Drive West, Palos Verdes Estates

$3,699,000 | www.1012viamirabel.com 5 Bd | 5 Ba | 4,034 sq.ft | 10,714 sq.ft lot

$1,499,000 | Vacant Lot for Sale 15,000 sq.ft lot | .34 acres

LILY LIANG

LL.COM

EDBYVARIOUS NFORMATION.

HOME TO THE FINEST COLLECTION HOME TOESTATE THE FINEST COLLECTION OF REAL EXPERTS IN THE SOUTH BAY. OF REAL ESTATE EXPERTS IN THE SOUTH BAY.

+1 310 373 3333 | 310 902 7799 Text STRANDHILL.COM 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 STRAND HILL|CHRISTIE’S REAL ESTATELICENSE #01968431.

THE INFORMATION INTHIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING, BUTNOTLIMITED TO,SQUARE FOOTAGE AND/OR ACREAGE,HAS BEENPROVIDED BYVARIOUS ACREAGE, HAS BEENINTERNATIONAL PROVIDED BY VARIOUS SOURCES WHICH MAY INCLUDE CONTAINED THE SELLER, PUBLIC RECORDS, THE MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE OR OTHER SOURCES. BROKER HAS NOT AND WILL 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. NOT INVESTIGATE OR VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF THIS INFORMATION.

lily@lilyliang.com | www.lilyliang.com 716 Yarmouth #202, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 BRE# 00837794

2316 The Strand Manhattan Beach, CA

Coastal Contemporary Steps from the Beach 5,715 SF | Built 2016 | 6 BD & 7 BA – $16,500,000

238 1st Street

NEW LISTING

Hermosa Beach, CA

Panoramic Ocean Views Two Blocks from The Strand Fully remodeled in 2016 | 3,340 SF | 5 BD & 3.5 BA including an attached ADU – $3,699,000

30502 Palos Verdes Drive West

NEW LISTING

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Panoramic Ocean and Sunset Views Custom built, remodeled in 2018 4 BD & 5 BA | 4,055 SF | 10,000 SF lot – $2,650,000

7321 Lunada Vista Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Tuscan Villa with ocean and sunset views 5 BD & 5 BA | 4,245 SF | Built 2007 – $3,400,000

Raju Chhabria BRE: 00874072

Philo Chhabria BRE: 00897605

ChhabriaRE.com

Neil Chhabria BRE: 01821437

(310) 902-7227

Anand Chhabria BRE: 01908741

chhabria.realestate

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, buyer to conduct own investigations.

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LAST WORD

Out of the Closet AFTER A YEAR OF PANDEMIC FASHION, GELATO MAMA REEVALUATES HER STYLE. Written by Emily Tecklenburg | Illustrated by Nikki Smith

A few days ago, my Facebook memory from a year ago

from the Save Pile to the Donate Pile. I felt defeated, staring

and jeans. It’s about to get crazy.”

at all the abandoned articles. Sure, I had given in to the “all

Flooded immediately with overwhelming relief of

leggings, all the time” lifestyle that dominates our Beach

not being in such a dark pandemic chapter, I was also

Cities. But I hated it. I only did it because COVID-19 made

catapulted back into that numb, panicked headspace that

me. I don’t like wearing athleisure wear, OK? I don’t get it.

dominated the first few weeks, months of COVID-19. Those

There. I said it. It feels really good to release that.

first few weeks where leggings ruled, makeup drooled and my hairdryer formed a nice layer of dust.

My earring collection sat lonely, and that cute sweater I

rearranged my decisions. I’m not ready to give up on those heels yet. I want to curse their name once again! And one day I will need every single one of these maxi dresses for

bother with me,” it shrugged. “Like you’re going anywhere

a vacation to someplace I can’t drive to! And if I’m going

except your sofa and sad walks with the dog.”

to Target, I am going to look cute as hell while I’m there. I

back in regular rotation, my jeans still kinda-sorta fit, and I finally got to show off that sweater. But there’s no

spent a year feeling unwelcome in the COVID-19 universe of elastic waistbands, and I will no longer obey!

This pandemic stole from me my sanity, any semblance

denying that COVID-19 has changed our style choices, for

of personal time and thousands of dollars in alcohol

better or for worse.

consumption, but it cannot steal the one rule of fashion

When I recently decided to do a closet purge, I was seriously

I adhere to: When you look better, you feel better. And I

confused as to what to do with many items. No, I haven’t

believe that when you feel better, you do better. So let’s all

worn this in a long time because I haven’t worn anything in a

wear what makes us feel better. We deserve it.

long time. I want to wear this, but … where am I wearing it?

Except pajama pants. I’m going to need to stop seeing

And why would I ever don these heels again when they make

pajama pants in public. Even if it makes you feel better. We

me want to saw my feet off, and apparently we only wear

have to draw the line somewhere, people. ■

tennis shoes with … everything … now?

|

I glanced down at my designated piles again and

had just bought mocked me from its hanger. “Don’t even

A year later, I’m happy to report that my earrings are

154

My head was spinning, my eyes bouncing back and forth

popped up that said, “Going for a drive. Putting on mascara

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te a m o f m u l t i - d i s c i p l i n a r y e x p e r t s o ff e r s o n e o f t h e m o s t advanced, comprehensive, and minimally invasive orthopedic care programs in Souther n Califor nia, including Mako® robotic arm-assisted technology. We have the expertise and the experience with three times the number of orthopedic cases than any other hospital in the South Bay.* We'll help you get back to doing what you love faster and healthier.

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- Jill Lynch, Yoga Instructor & Bilateral Hip Replacement Patient