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Bo’s Bolivia South Bay photographer Bo Bridges reflects on a life-changing journey SIX DOLLARS
NOVEMBER 2017
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78 MEDIA Planes, trains & audio
LOCAL TALENT Decathlete Dan Golubovic
79 GIVE CHLA art box
34 STYLE FILE Extra seating
79 THE BUBBLE 88 LEGACY Brothers Frohoff
44 PALATE Terranea’s beehives
108 SEEN Who’s who around town
58 AS YOU WERE Mickey’s Deli
162 LAST BUT NOT LEAST Fast times on Valley Drive
60 COMMUNITY Hurricane Harvey relief 66 ENTREPRENEURS Angelisco Tequila 68 WEEKENDER Mayan Riviera
66 31 also... 47 TABLE Local chefs share their favorite recipes 120 PROFILES Trusted Advisors 146 REAL ESTATE Spectacular local listings
COVER Photographer Bo Bridges stands on the Uyuni salt flat in Bolivia during a photo expedition.
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features 36 EARLY HARVEST Palos Verdes as wine region? Why local growers like Jim York are anxious to get their Peninsula-grown grapes into your glass. 70 QUEENS OF THE COURT Meet three local women who dominate the development of youth volleyball in the South Bay. With each day on the sand, they’re nurturing family bonds and a promising future for their players. 80
A BOLD UNDERTAKING Pulling inspiration from around the globe, Lilla and Steve Nash worked with a dream team of experts to achieve a new kind of beach-house style.
92 HOME ADVANTAGE Football phenom turned broadcaster and philanthropist Matt Leinart opens up about his life on and off the gridiron, his triumphs and disappointments, love and loss, fatherhood and the importance of family. 100 BO’S BOLIVIA Bo Bridges documents a recent journey—one that took him from salt to snow, rock to river and everywhere in between.
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MARKETING & OPERATIONS Partner/Brand Publisher | Emily Stewart Partner/Managing Director, Media & Analytics | Warren Schaffer Brand Publisher | Hannah Lee Associate Brand Publisher | Cherice Tatum Director of Digital | Charles Simmons Director of Film & Video | Bryce Lowe-White Art Director | Angela Akers Operations Manager | Allison Jeackjuntra Marketing Manager | Rachel Gotko Director of Events | Danielle Price Accounting | Janet De La Cruz No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Moon Tide Media, LLC. Any and all submissions to this or any Moon Tide Media, LLC publication become the property of Moon Tide Media, LLC and may be used in any media. We reserve the right to edit. TO OUR READERS Southbay magazine welcomes your feedback. Please send letters to: Reader Response Department, Southbay Magazine, PO Box 3760, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Please include your name, address and email. Edited letters may be published. SUBSCRIPTIONS Email: info@moontidemedia.com or phone: 310-376-7800. Subscriptions are $29 per year.
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editor’s letter
In Focus It’s rare for a cover of Southbay magazine to feature a location outside the South Bay. The last one I recall was two years ago when we used an image from the epic Iceland board adventure of Conner Davidge and Slater Trout. Our current issue follows a similar theme … a South Bay local shifting his artistic lens to an unexpected destination. I first met Bo Bridges when we launched the magazine back in 2006. While we were still getting our footing, Bo was already an established photographer—creating both residential and commercial pieces to much acclaim. Smitten with his work, we approached him about collaboration. We didn’t expect a busy, professional photographer would have much bandwidth for a small, upstart, local publication, but true to Bo’s generous and enthusiastic nature, he jumped on board. Over the last 11 years he’s been a fixture on our pages and several of our most memorable covers. When he brought us his Bolivia photo essay a few months ago, I knew I wanted it for Southbay. Not only are his images breathtakingly beautiful, they also capture Bo’s spirit of adventure and inherent human touch. We’re lucky to call Bo a collaborator and feature his awesome journey. Coincidently, a young photographer named Jack Zellweger reached out in September and asked if I’d be interested in running some images from a Hurricane Harvey relief partnership with Manhattan Beach sister city Cleveland, Texas. Jack is a recent college graduate who did some photography work for us earlier this year. Although I already had Bo’s piece scheduled, I decided a second photo journal on this subject was both timely and important. Thus we have two photo essays—on divergent topics and from photographers of different generations. I can’t put into words, though I will try, just how much we value our photographer relationships. Their instinct and imagination breathe incredible life into our magazine. Whether a brand new eye or a veteran contributor, we consider ourselves fortunate to share in your work. We hope you, our readers, feel the same.
DARREN ELMS
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contributors
Amber Klinck WRITER “A Bold Undertaking” A Colorado girl turned SoCal beach bum, Amber is currently working in L.A. as a freelance writer. Originating from her love of the little details, she has a strong passion for storytelling. When she’s not chasing after her two little ones, she can be found tapping away at her computer in search of inspiration.
Kat Monk WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER “Brothers Frohoff” Kat is a Manhattan Beach native who has been photographing children and families in the South Bay professionally since 1995. She has a 1,500-square-foot studio space that includes a garden. If Kat is not behind a camera, she can probably be found watching one of her four kids play sports or music.
Madison Reynolds WRITER “Queens of the Court” When she’s not cruising the beach or searching for the perfect iced latte, Madison enjoys releasing her creative energy through writing. Although she formerly spent most of her life in the volleyball gym, she is now focused on pursuing her passion for journalism during her first year at Loyola Marymount University.
NOVEMBER 2017 | SOUTHBAY
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november COOLING TREND
The Uyuni salt flat of Bolivia creates an icy appearance. See more of Bo’s photo journal on page 100.
datebook
Fall Colors Through January Experience 31: Hope
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October 28 Celebration Gala, Presented by Honda 6 to 11 p.m. at Terranea Resort california.providence.org/PLCMevents
Los Angeles Ballet presents Pushing Dance Boundaries: Directors’ Choice 7:30 p.m., Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center losangelesballet.org
31 Halloween Trick or Treat 4 to 6 p.m., Riviera Village rivieravillageredondo.org
Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk October 29
The Color Run
November 12
Bill Nye
November 27
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An awe-inspiring event bringing together all walks of life for one common purpose: to support children with special needs and education. The walk is produced by SKECHERS USA, co-produced by The Friendship Foundation and presented by Nickelodeon. 8 a.m., Manhattan Beach Pier, skechersfriendshipwalk.com The happiest 5k on the planet is bringing its 2017 tour to Los Angeles. The Color Run Dream Tour will create a world where anything is possible, unicorns are real and foam clouds make everything better. The Los Angeles run will benefit Back on My Feet, an organization that combats homelessness through the power of running, community support and essential employment and housing resources. 9 a.m., StubHub Center in Carson, thecolorrun.com Bill Nye—scientist, engineer, comedian, author and inventor—is a man with a mission: to help foster a scientifically literate society and to help people everywhere understand and appreciate the science that makes our world work. Distinguished Speakers Series welcomes him to the South Bay for an enlightening evening. 8 p.m., Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, speakersla.com
SOUTHBAY | NOVEMBER 2017
November 19 Turkey Shoot Out at The Links at Terranea 7:30 a.m., Terranea Resort terranea.com
23 Turkey Trot Fun Run 8 a.m., Torrance Crossroads Center torranceca.gov
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Decathlon Dan A Manhattan Beach local has big aspirations with Team USA and the 2020 Olympic Games. WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF BERTING
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To say the drive to compete athletically is in his blood may be a bit of an understatement when it comes to Olympic hopeful Daniel Golubovic. His mother played volleyball at UCLA; his father grew up playing sports in Australia; his grandfather on his father’s side played professional soccer for Yugoslavia; and his grandfather on his mother’s side played football at Stanford. “I’ve been an athlete for as long as I can remember,” he says. With so many athletic influences, Dan played a number of sports as a child—sometimes more than one at a time. But today his goals have gotten pretty specific. “I’ve wanted to be an Olympian for a long time. I have my sights set on Tokyo in 2020; that’s where I want to be.” As a Manhattan Beach local who went on to study at the University of California San Diego, Dan is well-versed in the SoCal lifestyle. Which is why his time recently spent at Duke University in North Carolina left such an impact. “It was amazing,” he says. “It was a completely different experience.” After completing the one-year Masters of Management Studies program in May from the Fuqua School of Business, Dan describes his move to North Carolina as positive for more reasons than one. “It was a very welcomed and very needed change,” he says. “I love it out here.” As a Division I school, Duke offered Dan an amplified track-and-field training experience. “You need to perform. Everyone is focused; everyone is there to progress,” says Dan, who welcomed the added motivation. “I like to test myself and see how good I can be. I want to compete with the best to the best of my ability, and ideally I’d like to be the best.” The hyper-focused training environment at Duke catered to that mindset. With Olympic decathlon goals on the horizon, the desire to compete with the best is the right mindset to have—along with an incredible amount of self-discipline. “Training season is all year long,” Dan explains. “We have an indoor season of competition and an outdoor season of competition.” And then, of course, there’s the athlete’s competition with himself. “Track is a very individual event; you are the one that needs to make your own performance. I’m training for marks and to improve myself every year,” Dan says. Still, while the internal pressure to outperform his own top marks never goes away, Dan is working on “getting out of my own head and getting into competition mode. This year I put a lot of trust in my coach. You
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just have to trust the training, trust the system, trust the work and be honest about how much you’re putting in.” With an event as unique as the decathlon, being systematic about your training is a must. “It’s 10 events plus standard training, which includes conditioning, sprint endurance, weights and all kinds of different aspects of athleticism,” Dan says. But with a great coaching staff at his back, he is ready and focused on the challenge. For now, Dan is staying in North Carolina— open to what the future may bring. California, and specifically Manhattan Beach, will always be home. Every trip Dan makes back to see friends and family is cherished. But as for where he’ll be in the next few years, his only real commitment is to Tokyo. ■
Track is a very individual event; you are the one that needs to make your own performance. I’m training for marks and to improve myself every year.”
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early harvest Palos Verdes as wine region? Why local growers like Jim York are anxious to get their Peninsula-grown grapes into your glass. WRITTEN BY DIANE E. BARBER PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL
hen South Bay wine lovers think about California wineries and vineyards, enticing and romantic thoughts often conjure up images of the the central coast and Napa Valley. But surprisingly, the Rancho Palos Verdes is home to its own up-and-coming local wine. Perched atop a hillside in Portuguese Bend overlooking the ocean is a 5-acre vineyard that graces the 94-acre Catalina View Gardens landscape and produces grapes for the aptly named Catalina View Wines label. This family business and slice of heaven in the community was the vision of landowner and nouveau farmer Jim York. “I have always enjoyed growing things and
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working outside. I can’t believe I previously worked for 40 years in an office,” says Jim with a smile. The vineyard’s idyllic location on a south-facing slope allowed for planting in a north/south orientation for the vines to receive even sun on each side. “Before we prepared and planted the vineyard, we hired the best consultants from Napa Valley—Crop Care—for analysis and Alan Pierson for the vineyard design,” he shares. “After the soil and weather were studied, it was determined that the best grapes to grow here are chardonnay and pinot noir. Both have thin skins and like fog, moderate weather and cool nights. And they mature slowly.”
The combination of the sea breezes and coastal sun exposure is a perfect microclimate for growing grapes on the 5,600 vines that were planted in 2013. After being custom-grown at Vintage Nursery in Bakersfield, the 1-year-old grafted vines were delivered to Jim bare-rooted for planting in the spring. “They all have S04 rootstock that grows well in our soil,” he explains. “Grafted to the rootstock are cuttings of Dijon clones. These vines originated from Burgundy, France, and were developed by UC Davis to resist phylloxera [a pest that eats the roots]. We use different clones that all taste great—but differently. Blended together the wine is excellent.”
A top priority for Jim’s farming practices is a careful eye on the environment. The vines are watered individually with a micro-drip system that requires minimal water. Organic compounds are sprayed for pest control, the red pinot noir grapes are netted to deter birds, and the green chardonnay grapes are left exposed since the birds cannot see them. Additionally, after decades of previous farming on the land by the Ishibashi family—which ceased in the early 1970s—there were no residual pesticides or chemicals to contend with. “I applied with the California Certified Organic Farmers organization to grow organically-certified crops. We use all organic products to the extent possible. It is
called sustainable in practice, or SIP. We first planted organic citrus and avocados. Then a friend of mine introduced me to grapegrowing. Wine requires nonorganic sulfites to be added to it to provide stability and prevent it from spoiling, so the wine is not certified organic.” This year’s Catalina View Wine harvest (the first was in 2015) was done in August. The chardonnay grapes were picked midmonth and the pinot noir grapes were collected the following week. Professional pickers (16 in total) from the central coast quickly completed each harvest by hand in the morning, and the grapes were immediately transported in refrigerated trucks to a
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winery in Camarillo. “It is critical that the grapes do not get warm after picking, so they are refrigerated at 40º in transport,” he says. “It is also crucial that the grapes start fermentation at the appropriate time, so we applied a natural substance to kill the wild yeast before loading the quarter-ton picking bins onto the trucks.” The chardonnay grapes went directly to the press, yeast was added and the juice was fermented until all of the sugar turned to alcohol. The pinot noir grapes first went through a de-stemmer and were fermented with the skins on them to give the wine its color. The grapes were then pressed. Both varietals are being aged in French oak barrels for nine months. They will then be bottled and bottle-aged for six months before the wine is ready to be enjoyed. “2017 is an exciting year for us,” says Jim. “It is the first year that our harvest was large enough to produce estate wine that will be entirely from our vineyard.” Key to the thriving Catalina View Gardens and vineyard is Jim’s right-hand man and farm manager, Nick Zetts, who has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agriculture with experience working on sustainable farms in Ecuador while he was in the Peace Corps.
“We were very fortunate to find him,” says Jim. “Most recently he was in charge of the gardens for Mustards Grill in Napa Valley.” With the grape-growing season now over, cover crops such as peas, beans, barley and rye are planted between the rows of vines to provide protection from erosion and runoff. “After the vines lose their leaves and go dormant during our short winter (December through February), we will trim the vines back. This is necessary for them to produce maximum fruit next season,” Jim says. He continues, “In the spring, when moisture runoff control is no longer needed, the cover crops will be plowed into the soil to provide nutrients for the vines. Bud break has been occurring in March, and as the vines grow, the strongest shoots are clipped to the vineyard wires in a vertical position and the secondary shoots are cut off. This process is continuous for five months and is done manually.” Management of the vineyard is ongoing and ever-changing with the seasons. It is regularly monitored with soil and vine leaf samples sent to a laboratory for analysis. Though the vines like the cool nights and fog along the coast in Palos Verdes, these conditions can cause mildew and disease. “It is imperative that problems such as this be identified and treated in advance,” explains Jim. “Having Nick living on the property and managing the operations has resulted in our tremendous success.” Catalina View Wines are currently served at Terranea Resort, The Admiral Risty Restaurant and The Depot. In addition to local farming, the Catalina View Gardens site is available for weddings and other special events. For more information visit catalinaviewwines.com and catalinaviewgardens.com. ■
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Liquid Gold Terranea Resort’s executive chef, Bernard Ibarra, has a deep appreciation for the gardens integral to his culinary art. His gratitude extends beyond the fruits of the earth to the bees that pollinate them. WRITTEN BY DIANE E. BARBER
Since Chef Bernard Ibarra started working at Terranea, he has been delighted to be in the company of so many bees— first among the numerous flowers and plants at the resort and then later at the nearby Catalina View Gardens in Rancho Palos Verdes, where he grows farm-totable produce. “There were established beehives that a commercial beekeeper cared for at the Catalina View Gardens until I assisted with tending to them,” says the chef. “My sister and brotherin-law are beekeepers in the Basque Country of northern Spain, and they have mentored me a little bit. When I am able to go on vacation during their harvest in August, I help them collect honey and put it in jars.” Currently there are four hives that Chef Ibarra helps tend, some of which are from feral colonies that have been relocated from the resort’s trails. Each one is roughly 20x16x9 inches, houses an average of 25,000 to 30,000 bees, and can have two or three boxes stacked on top of one another. Colonies build hives in them to produce honeycombs and also to lay eggs for new bees. “At least once every month I inspect the hives looking for signs of disease, pests (typically mites) and indications of new queen cells,” he shares. “A sign of a queen cell might be swarming, which can result in losing a colony. When a queen gets older it naturally gets pushed out by the colony and is replaced by a young queen. The old queen then flies away with followers to find another home and the new queen flies away to
find a drone (male bee), is inseminated and then returns to the hive to lay eggs.” There are two primary reasons for managing bee colonies. One is for honey production, and the other is for the pollination of gardens. “For me, it is important to have the colonies for sustainability and pollination of the crops in the gardens, such as the avocados, lemon trees, passion fruit and eggplants. I only harvest honey when we need it at Terranea. Bees make honey for their own food. They do not make it for us. So when we take the honey from them, they keep making more.” To harvest the honey, Chef Ibarra opens the top of a hive and gently sends smoke into it, which encourages the bees to go to the bottom of the hive to collect honey for food because they sense danger. Donning his thick, white, cotton beekeeper suit and face veil, he then hooks special hive tools onto a honey frame, lifts it and gathers what he needs before replacing it with another empty frame. It usually takes a few weeks for them to rebuild the wax before they start filling it with honey again. “Since we are primarily raising the bees for pollination, we typically offer honey at Terranea as a sweetener and condiment at special events,” he adds. “We also use it on cheese platters, in salad dressings, candies and pastries, and as a flavoring agent, such as for basting fish and meat and caramelizing it for a really nice flavor.” ■
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Experience the South Bay’s hottest eateries and most talented chefs—and some of their favorite recipes—featured on the following pages. We hope you’ll get out and enjoy these restaurants this fall ... as well as enjoy a taste of them in your own home!
WRITTEN BY LAURA WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL
TERRANEA RESORT California coastal cuisine with gourmet flair is what’s on tap at the eight Terranea Resort eateries, amid glistening waves and vibrant sunsets of the Pacific Ocean. Terranea’s signature restaurant, mar’sel, offers a contemporary twist on the California-inspired menu and a setting of classic elegance. bashi features a blend of Asian cuisine and local flavors, including inventive ‘wok’-style dishes. Showcasing California bounty, catalina kitchen offers a New American menu. Nelson’s is a guest favorite for casual dining. The Lobby Bar and Terrace presents two distinct settings— each with a relaxed atmosphere. Terranea’s boutique café, sea beans, serves gourmet beverages and freshly baked treats. The Spa Café offers a tranquil setting for lighter fare. Led by Executive Chef Bernard Ibarra, Terranea’s chefs celebrate the natural surroundings of the resort by using locally sourced products from Terranea’s grounds and the peninsula. Here they share with us why they are passionate about their work. Why did you choose this profession? Elie Chow, Garde Manger Chef: “The kitchen is the place where I am most at home and the happiest. I love creating dishes that blend different cuisines together and the satisfaction of cooking a meal and seeing the joy in people when they eat my food.” Bruce Nguyen, Executive Sous Chef: “Ever since I was a child, I was always intrigued with cooking. I have worked in several kitchens since then, and although times got tough and things did not always go as planned, I would not trade this chosen profession for anything.” Tell us about your cooking style. Pierino Jermonti, Executive Pastry Chef: “Simple: back to the roots. Passionately utilizing local farm-fresh ingredients and using different products such as vegetables and herbs to add a modern twist and create a unique, exquisite pastry presentation.”
What is your favorite meal to make at home? Andrew Vaughan, Chef de Cuisine, mar’sel: “I truly love making red beans and rice for my wife at home! A New Orleans classic!”
SMOKED & SEARED LOCAL HALIBUT
Did you study with any famous chefs? Jonathan De La Cruz, Banquet Chef : “I had the opportunity to work for Chef Thomas Keller in Las Vegas. I learned that organization, quality and repetition were key, and it was imperative that everything was done with finesse.”
10 ounces applewood chips 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon Terranea sea salt pink peppercorn berries, crushed 4 (6-ounce) halibut steaks 1 tablespoon boquerones (Spanish white anchovies) 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped 1 cup cured black olives 2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped 1 ounce extra virgin olive oil 4 slices Serrano or Bayonne ham, thinly sliced and dried, cooked until crisp fennel fronds 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
What’s most rewarding about your work? Jin Lee, Chef de Cuisine, Lobby Bar/sea beans: “Mentoring young cooks and assisting them on their road to culinary discovery. When I have a chance to work with someone with inner passion for this profession, it motivates me to do my best to help to come elevate their ‘game’ to go to the next level.” DJ Eusebio, Chef de Cuisine, bashi : “The most rewarding part of my job is providing our guests with a menu that enhances and expands their taste of Asian cuisine with the influence of traditional recipes through a modern kaleidoscope.” Mona Guerrero, Chef de Cuisine, Nelson’s: “The cuisine, ingredients and surroundings of Nelson’s are infused with my love of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The smells and tastes remind me of Sunday dinners growing up. Food should be fun and enjoyed with loved ones.”
Serves 4
Soak wood chips in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain, shake off excess water and place wood chips under broiler or use a blowtorch to set chips on fire. Mix sugar, salt and peppercorns. Place halibut on a rack and sprinkle with spice mixture. Place fish in a box/smoker over a tray filled with of ice cubes. Extinguish flames and place smoking wood chips in smoker/box, under fish; leave halibut in box and cold smoke it for 10 minutes.
How does creativity play into being a chef? David Tarrin, Chef de Cuisine, catalina kitchen: “Every day it is what the position asks of us— how to do it better, even sometimes just playing around in the kitchen and things just work.” What’s your favorite food and personal motto? Bernard Ibarra, Executive Chef: “My favorite food: grilled fresh anchovies with garlic, sea salt and olive oil dusted with Espelette chile. My personal motto: Respect products and guests; dare and create; spread joy!”
Pull it out of smoker, let cool, then place in refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. In a food processor, pulse anchovies, rosemary, olives, garlic and olive oil until coarse. Unwrap halibut, spread mixture over filets and place back in the refrigerator, covered, for 3 hours. Preheat oven to 375º. Drizzle fish with ½ ounce olive oil and roast for about 7 minutes. Garnish with ham chips, fennel fronds and parsley.
100 TERRANEA WAY | RANCHO PALOS VERDES | 855-416-3928 | TERRANEA.COM
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L to R, back: Elie Chow, David Tarrin, Bernard Ibarra, Andrew Vaughan, Mona Guerrero Front: DJ Eusebio, Jin Lee, Jonathan De La Cruz Not photographed: Pierino Jermonti, Bruce Nguyen SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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KINCAID’S Executive Sous Chef Rosa Martinez
With patio seating directly over the waves and one of the best water views in Southern California, Kincaid’s has been part of the South Bay community for 18 years. The restaurant and executive chef Ramon Fernandez have been awarded numerous awards and were featured in USA Today as one of the best seafood restaurants in LA. Chef Ramon leads the culinary team at Kincaid’s, partnered with executive sous chef Rosa Martinez and the newest member of the team, sous chef Conrado Cabanas. Chef Rosa has worked with Kincaid’s since it opened 18 years ago and has been involved in the evolution of the Kincaid’s menu through the years. Chef Conrado has worked at Kincaid’s for nearly 10 years in all of the different positions on the line. We checked in with Kincaid’s to learn more about the restaurant’s wine dinners and Chef Ramon’s reality TV experience. We’ve heard about your wine dinners. What makes those special? “We like to stretch our creative muscles whenever we do a wine dinner, so we look forward to those events. We get to pair items that may not fit what we traditionally present on our feature menu. It isn’t an everyday type of menu, that’s for sure, but all of our team members in both the front and back of house get in on creating recipes—so everyone is engaged and excited. And it’s always exciting when our guests are willing to experience something new with us.
Recently we celebrated our 18-year anniversary partnering with Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel wineries for a 12-course pairing. For six years we’ve partnered with Silver Oak & Twomey wines for these dinners. This summer event is always exciting because you just cannot beat enjoying good food and wine with friends on our patio, complemented by live music and live waves crashing beneath you. We’re presently planning a wine dinner with Chateau St. Michelle, our first with them. They’re a prominent player on our wine list, so this will be fun to bring a new partner into the mix. We also feature some of the South Bay’s best breweries. Strand Brewing Co. has been in our lineup since the beginning, and we recently added Scholb brewery out of Torrance.”
OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL WITH MIGNONETTE 2 teaspoons pink & black peppercorns, crushed by hand 4 teaspoons peeled shallots, crushed by hand 4 cups red wine vinegar ½ cup water 2 tablespoons honey 1 cup white cooking wine raw oysters For mignonette, combine all ingredients except oysters in a stainless steel saucepan. Bring to a boil, and immediately
Tell us about Chef Ramon’s reality cooking show experience. “Chef Ramon was a contestant on a Latin cooking show, Reto el Chef. He was the first chef to defeat the host chef, Chef Simon Bühler, who to this day holds a grudge. Chef Ramon’s parents live in Southern Mexico, and people will stop them on the streets to say they saw Ramon on televison. Needless to say, his parents and entire family are quite proud of their celebrity chef.”
remove from heat. Chill, transfer to a clean container, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Ensure oysters are alive by checking that the shell is tightly closed. Rinse free of sand and mud. Position oyster cup-side down with the hinged end of the oyster toward you. With your prominent hand, choke up on the blade and handle of the oyster knife. Work blade into the hinge and twist the knife to “pop” the oyster open. Guide the knife along the top edge of the oyster shell and cut the abductor muscle to free the top shell. Discard top shell. To cut the bottom abductor muscle, guide knife under edges of oyster, leaving the oyster and its juice in the shell. Try to preserve any juice by doing this over a bowl to collect any spillage. Serve raw oysters with mignonette sauce.
500 FISHERMAN’S WHARF REDONDO BEACH 310-318-6080 KINCAIDS.COM
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CALZONE NAPOLETANO
DELUCA TRATTORIA Managing Partner Andrea Francesco Torelli-Lesky Executive Chef Gabriella Torelli
1 pound flour 1 pinch salt 1 ounce brewer’s yeast 8 ounces lukewarm water 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil ¼ stick unsalted butter ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 5 garlic cloves 1 bunch fresh basil pinch of salt & pepper 5 pounds fresh Roma tomatoes, diced optional: 1–2 teaspoons sugar Filling A: 4 ounces pomarola, 4–6 ounces shredded mozzarella, 4 fresh basil leaves Filling B: ½ pound fresh ricotta, 2 slices prosciutto, 4–6 ounces diced provolone oil for frying In a large bowl, add flour and salt. Dilute brewer’s yeast in lukewarm water. Slowly add olive oil and diluted yeast to flour. Mix, forming
Deluca is a casual, home-style trattoria featuring the authentic cuisine of Tuscany—where managing partner Andrea Francesco Torelli-Lesky and executive chef Gabriella Torelli are from—as well as regional dishes from places in Italy where they’ve visited. The restaurant celebrates its 10th anniversary this fall. The knowledgeable, dedicated staff, along with the restaurant’s rustic décor, contributes to Deluca Trattoria’s relaxed atmosphere. The menu features USDA prime meats and poultry, wild-caught fresh fish, locally grown produce, and pastas, cheeses, cured meats and olive oils imported from Italy. A premier Italian wine menu featuring classic, old-world
selections rounds out the “taste of Tuscany” tradition of the trattoria. Born and raised in Florence, Gabriella and Andrea honed their skills in kitchens and wineries throughout the countryside of Italy. “Much of our knowledge extends to family, friends, chefs and winemakers who contributed their history, knowledge and expertise to us,” says Andrea. Calzone Napoletano is a deep-fried classic of Naples—a variation on traditional Italian pizza. Calzone means “stocking” in Italian—as in a Christmas stocking filled with goodies. Deluca offers two choices for filling: pomarola and mozzarella or prosciutto and ricotta.
a large, smooth ball of dough. Let rest for 15 minutes. Divide dough into small, equal size balls. Place on a cookie sheet and let sit for three hours, not touching. Meanwhile prepare the pomarola (tomato sauce). In a medium stockpot, add butter, olive oil, garlic, basil, salt and pepper. Sauté, blending well. Add tomatoes, mixing evenly. Simmer for 15 minutes. In the pot, use an immersion blender to achieve a smooth texture. If taste is acidic, adjust with sugar. With a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a 10-inch round, sprinkling flour as you go to keep from sticking. In the center of dough place your choice of filling ingredients. Fold the dough over onto itself like an omelet, pinching and sealing the edge tightly. Heat oil in a high-rim frying pan or fryer. Cook
225 RICHMOND STREET | EL SEGUNDO | 310-640-7600 | DELUCAPASTA.COM
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each calzone for 1 minute per side until golden brown. Serve hot.
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DARREN’S RESTAURANT
Owner/Executive Chef Darren Weiss
1141 MANHATTAN AVE. MANHATTAN BEACH 310-802-1973 DARRENSMB.COM
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Helmed by owner and executive chef Darren Weiss—a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America—Darren’s Restaurant offers California cuisine with the influence of the Mediterranean and the Pacific Rim. The eatery features a beach-friendly atmosphere and an outstanding wine collection. Prior to opening his own establishment, Chef Darren worked in some of Maui’s finest restaurants including Hawaii’s top-rated Lahaina Grill, Avalon owned by famed Mark Ellman and Santa Monica’s famed Röckenwagner driven by Hans Röckenwagner. Darren grew up loving to cook at home for his family and friends. His family suggested that he pursue a career in the culinary industry since it was clearly his passion. Even now he enjoys cooking at home, especially Asian food—although it’s his wife who is the expert in that area of cuisine! He also hones his skill by working with well-known chefs, perusing cookbooks and eating out at various restaurants. Joining Darren at his restaurant is general manager Bart Thompson and sommelier Nadia Pavlevska. For more than 20 years, Bart has crafted his guiding principle of “only exceptional food, only exceptional service, only friendly and knowledgeable people.” Nadia has built the restaurant’s boutique selection of international and California wines. She is a Certified Sommelier, a Certified Specialist of Wine, a Certified International Etiquette and Business Protocol Consultant, and a member of the Guild of Master Sommeliers. When he’s not at work, Darren loves going deep-sea fishing, as well as skiing with his wife, Sawalin, and son, Noah—an impressive ice hockey player. For fall, one of his favorite menu items is seasonal squashes smoldered with fresh ginger, as featured in this recipe.
PAN SEARED PORK CHOP WITH KOBACHA SQUASH 2 tablespoons minced ginger 2 tablespoons minced candied ginger ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup Karo light corn syrup 1 kabocha squash, peeled, seeded, rough-chopped 2 cans coconut milk blended oil (75% extra-virgin olive oil, 25% canola oil) 4 (12-ounce) bone-in pork chops salt & black pepper To make Double Ginger Glaze, combine both gingers, sugar and corn syrup in a heavy saucepan and bring to nearly a boil. Set aside to cool. Combine squash and coconut milk in a heavy saucepan and bring to nearly a boil. Reduce and simmer until squash becomes tender, stirring frequently with a rubber spatula to prevent burning. Preheat oven to 400º. In hot sauté pan, heat blended oil over high heat until oil smokes. Season chops with salt and pepper and add to pan. Brown both sides until golden brown, approximately 1 minute per side. Finish cooking in oven until mediumwell. Remove and glaze with Double Ginger Glaze. Let rest 5 minutes. Place squash puree in center of plate and top with pork chop. Add extra glaze around the plate and serve.
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THE CAFÉ PACIFIC
Chris Garasic, Executive Chef
ONE TRUMP NATIONAL DRIVE RANCHO PALOS VERDES 310-265-5000 TRUMPNATIONALLOSANGELES.COM
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Chris Garasic, executive chef at The Café Pacific at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles, graduated from Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon— but he had hands-on kitchen experience from the age of 14. His mother is a career waitress, and she gave Chris his first job as a busboy. He eventually gravitated toward the back of the house, starting as a dishwasher and working his way up to lead cook. He enjoyed the challenge and team effort enough to enroll in culinary school. “The adrenaline rush you get during a huge dinner rush is addicting,” explains Chris of his passion, “especially when you and your team prevail.” After school he worked with top chefs including Andrew Sutton (Disneyland), Timothy Hollingsworth (Otium) and Bernhard Mairinger (BierBeisl). When he’s not cooking, Chris enjoys outdoor fun, including surfing, snowboarding, fishing, camping, hiking and softball, as well as spending time with his family, girlfriend and dogs. Trump National Golf Club offers three dining facilities, which are open to the public: The Café Pacific for upscale dining; The Golfer’s Lounge, an indoor/ outdoor eatery; and The Outdoor Grill for quick-casual service. The restaurants feature contemporary American cuisine, breathtaking ocean views and an extensive wine list. Chef Chris is highlighting a new item called “Feels Like Fall” on this season’s menu at The Café Pacific. “The dish reminds me of fall and is hearty, comforting and filling,” he shares. “It will keep people smiling and happy throughout the holidays.”
FEELS LIKE FALL olive oil salt & pepper 1 butternut squash, baked 2 ounces butter 1 bunch rainbow Swiss chard leaves, roughly chopped 1 teaspoon garlic, minced 1 teaspoon shallots, minced 1 yam, peeled, thinly sliced into strips and deep-fried 2 ounce foie gras medallion 1 ounce brown butter Lightly coat filet with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill to desired temperature. Meanwhile scoop out the tender baked squash and place in a blender with butter, salt and white pepper. Puree until smooth. Heat sauté pan over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic and shallots. Sauté for a second and add the Swiss chard. Sauté for 1 minute, season with salt and white pepper. Score the outside of the foie gras medallion. Season with salt and white pepper. Place scored side down in hot sauté pan with brown butter. Sear briefly for a minute on both sides. In the middle of the plate spread butternut squash puree in a circular shape. Top with Swiss chard, then filet, then foie gras and yams. Finish with demi-glace and serve.
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BEACH BENEDICT Serves 2 Lighter than a traditional benedict but with all the flavor of
TWO GUNS KITCHEN Owners Andrew “Stan” Stanisich & Natalie Stanisich
the original, Beach Benedict is set to become a favorite.
1 cup bread croutons 8 slices bacon 4 poached eggs ¼ cup lemon citronette (see recipe below) ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley Divide warmed croutons between 2 bowls. Cook bacon until crisp, roughly chop and divide between the bowls. Add 2 poached eggs
As immigrants from New Zealand, Andrew “Stan” Stanisich and friend Craig Oram had a dream of building a community-based business in the South Bay that would offer customers a place to “meet new friends and drink great coffee.” They started with Two Guns Espresso, established in Manhattan Beach in 2011. Then came a Downtown L.A. kiosk opened in 2015. Stan’s wife, Natalie Stanisich, joined the team in January 2016, and the couple debuted their third location, Two Guns Kitchen, in April 2017. Two Guns Kitchen features an all-day brunch menu focused mainly on egg dishes, complemented with a variety of toasts and salads. The fresh, modern take on breakfast fare features local and organic produce, cagefree eggs, grass-fed butter and sustainable salmon from New Zealand. Pastries are baked fresh every morning—croissants, scones, muffins and cookies. The culinary team launched a new menu in
November that offers a shakshuka-style egg dish, decadent shrimp and grits, sandwiches featuring pulled pork and roast chicken, and Beach Benedict (featured in the recipe here)— in addition to customer favorites from the previous menu, such as the BLAT, Spinach and Egg Sandwich and the Stan-wich. Two Guns will also showcase wines from New Zealand as well as local South Bay beers. “This new menu gives a lot more options for our lunch-time crowd in El Segundo and adds some interesting flavors and textures to our brunch offering,” says Stan. “We plan to start curing our own salmon with fennel and miso, making our own muesli served with a coconut panna cotta and offering new pastry items.” In addition to delicious food, the friendly atmosphere is an important aspect of Two Guns Kitchen. “We are all about the ‘make your day’ attitude,” says Natalie. “We love to see happy faces on staff and customers.”
to each bowl. Finish liberally with the lemon citronette and garnish with parsley. LEMON CITRONETTE
1 tablespoon honey ¼ cup hot water 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt 6 tablespoon lemon juice ¼ teaspoon sea salt ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil In a medium bowl, dissolve honey in water. Add yogurt, lemon juice and salt and whisk well. While whisking, add olive oil in a thin stream until emulsified. Let the dressing cool to room temperature before serving.
321 MAIN STREET | EL SEGUNDO | 310-416-9194 | TWOGUNSESPRESSO.COM
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BETTOLINO KITCHEN & GAETANO’S RESTAURANT
Owners Andreanna Liguore, Sean Liguore & Vince Giuliano
211 PALOS VERDES BLVD. REDONDO BEACH 310-375-0500 BETTOLINOKITCHEN.COM 2731 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY TORRANCE 310-326-3354 GAETANOSONLINE.COM
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The restaurant business has long run in the blood of siblings Andreanna Liguore and Vince Giuliano. Their parents opened Gaetano’s Deli in 1993, and the two practically grew up there—surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles and Grandma Dot, who all worked at the eatery. Eventually the family transformed the deli into Gaetano’s Restaurant—adding tablecloths and classic Italian dishes. Today guests enjoy a varied menu with favorites such as shrimp Mediterranean, scallops Amatriciana, classic lasagna and Nutella bread pudding. When Vince moved to Italy to attend culinary school, Andreanna’s husband, Sean Liguore, came on board and fell in love with the family business. After Vince’s return to the U.S., the team opened a second restaurant—Bettolino Kitchen— in 2015. This modern Italian eatery puts a contemporary twist on favorite dishes, such as rainbow caprese, pastina and prawns, frutta di mare and braised short rib with mushroom risotto. Exciting happenings at Bettolino Kitchen include a new lunch menu; “Date Night” every Monday with a $50 three-course menu for two people; and “Giving Tuesdays,” when the company’s profits are split with a different charity each month. This fall guests have the opportunity to enjoy two of Vince’s seasonal favorites: butternut squash ravioli at Gaetano’s and Gnocchi alla Zucca at Bettolino Kitchen— featured here with a recipe to try at home.
GNOCCHI ALLA ZUCCA Serves 4
1 pound boiled potatoes, mashed 2 egg yolks 2 ounces + 2 tablespoons Parmesan, grated 1½ teaspoon salt, divided 8 ounces flour 2 tablespoons oil 12 ounces Italian sausage ½ cup squash cubes, roasted ½ cup chicken stock ½ cup butter 1 tablespoon sage ½ cup pasta water Knead the potatoes, eggs, 2 ounces Parmesan and ½ teaspoon salt. Add flour to potato dough. Form the gnocchi. Heat water and salt to boiling and add gnocchi. Meanwhile in a pan, heat the olive oil and add sausage, squash, stock, butter and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook to reduce. Drain gnocchi, reserving ½ cup pasta water; add gnocchi, water and sage to the pan. Cook for 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Buon appetito!
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datebook
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Hey, Mickey’s A father-and-son duo work side-by-side in a deli that’s been a Hermosa Beach staple for more than six decades. WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY
Hermosa was a very different beach community when Michael Angelo “Mickey” Mance opened the doors of Mickey’s Deli in 1953. After serving in the Korean War, a young Mickey returned home to Los Angeles eager to open his own business. When he asked his father where he should do it, he said, “Go to the beach; that’s where you’ll do well,” explains Paul Mance, Mickey’s son and the current president of Mickey’s Deli. At the time, however, “There was nothing around,” Paul adds. “But they loved the ocean, they loved the beach, and they knew someday [Hermosa] would be very popular.” Today, opening an Italian eatery with a crowdpleasing menu and friendly service by the beach may not sound like a revolutionary idea. But at the time, Mickey was introducing a new cuisine to the South Bay. “Nobody knew what a pizza was; nobody knew what spaghetti was,” Paul explains. “It was very uncommon to have Italian food, and now there was a store that had it.” Families from all over the Los Angeles area would come to Mickey’s for their Italian bread. On a Sunday, the deli could sell up to 150 dozen rolls. As the years went by and the beach culture in Hermosa evolved, so did Mickey’s Deli. While maintaining the convenience of a small, neighborhood store, Mickey’s menu expanded—catering to the increased number of beachgoers looking for a satisfying and well-priced meal. The 5-cent Sauce Sandwich was introduced— an affordable and tasty lunch item that quickly
gained popularity with the surfers who frequented the area. Mickey’s innate ability to read the pulse of the community drew patrons in; his personable, charismatic personality kept them coming back. “My dad was an amazing guy,” Paul says. “He came up with this idea, and he just ran with it. He was such a nice person, but he was also a very, very bright guy. He had a really good intuition; everything he did just seemed to work.” Paul’s decision to follow in his father’s footsteps was an organic one. “[The business] was successful,” he explains. “And it’s a great place to come to work. You’re by the beach; you have a ton of friends—patrons that have been coming in for years. When I went away to college I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but when I came home I did.” For Paul’s son, Mickey (named after his grandfather), the sentiment was similar. After attending college in San Diego and gaining experience in digital marketing, advertising and sales, Mickey returned home to the South Bay, ready to dive into the family business. As the vice president of sales and operations, Mickey brings a modern edge to the deli’s day-to-day without negating the value of a formula that’s worked for more than 60 years. “The deli is run really old-school, and we don’t want to lose that,” Mickey explains. “But we always want to be more efficient. We want to modernize the business with new technology and marketing to improve the customer experience and extend the reach of the brand.” This includes working with courier services like Amazon Restaurants, Postmates, UberEATS and DoorDash, as well as promoting through platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. At Mickey’s Deli, the term “family business” extends further than just Paul and Mickey. With team members who have worked at the deli for nearly 30 years and patrons who once came in with their parents and now come in with their own kids and grandchildren, it’s clear to see that Paul and Mickey have sustained something truly special. “This place has been around for so long because of how people feel when they come in,” Mickey says. In the memory of his father who passed in 2001, Paul and his son, Mickey, intend to keep that friendly feeling going while continuing to expand on their family’s growing brand. ■
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This page: Abraham Ramirez, 11 months old, looks out the window of his temporary home after the storm hit. Abraham’s mother, Mariana, rallied her family to come together to help her purchase the mobile home after she lost everything in the flooding. “We were living here without any power for a week and a half. We kept on calling, asking when we would have it back.” The Ramirez family now has power and running water. They are back on track to living in a permanent home soon. Right: John and Vicky Harvey rest in front of their house of two decades. The couple says flooding in their area has gotten notably worse in the past years. “We’re getting out of here,” Vicky says. “I haven’t seen nothing like this … it’s the last straw,” says John, who works in the petrochemical industry and frequently travels to the El Segundo Chevron refinery for work. The Harveys are waiting on assistance from their insurance company and plan to move to higher ground in Mississippi after their property has been cleaned up. “We’ve been burning all this stuff for the last two weeks. It’s so contaminated, it ain’t good no more,” John says.
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California to Texas
Although miles away from the devastation, many here in the South Bay opened their hearts and wallets to the victims of Hurricane Harvey in August. A.C.T. (Aid Cleveland, Texas) was sister city Manhattan Beach’s effort offering aid to this small town that was directly affected by the hurricane. The organization collected supplies from local residents and delivered them to the 8,000 people in need. The items departed Mira Costa High School, whose principal, Ben Dale, is a native of Cleveland. A local photojournalist documented members of the Texas community in the days after receiving the relief supplies. WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY JACK ZELLWEGER
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Above: Kevin Robles, who lives in a small community outside Cleveland, ties his shoes after packing his backpack—both things he received off the trucks that drove from Manhattan Beach. Kevin is interested in video game design and photography, and his mother, Anabel Robles, hopes to send Kevin to college one day. Anabel emigrated from Mexico to the U.S. when she was 17 to give her children better lives. “Buildings fell down into the streets in Mexico,” she says in Spanish. “I walked here and just worked. I didn’t study. Now I’m looking for an English class.” Right: Daisy Robles looks at raindrops on her umbrella while wearing her backpack donated by Manhattan Beach families. Daisy’s mother and father, Anabel and Carlos, lost two weeks of work after the storm hit, and their home’s pipes were seriously damaged. Due to the lost work, the family was unable to pay their utility bills; they use the neighbor’s garden hose and buckets for water. Daisy and her brother, Kevin, received two backpacks and a few pairs of shoes. “The supplies we received really helped. They’re for the kids,” Carlos says.
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Right: Raeann Bell, a single mother of two, cleans up her home after the storm while her son, Willard Bell, discusses a James Patterson book he’s reading. The Bells were relatively lucky when the storm hit. The water only got to their front door, but because the streets were completely flooded, Raeann was unable to get to where she works for two weeks until the water receded. “We had no stores available to go buy anything because nobody could get in or out of the city of Cleveland, which was the hardest part,” Raeann says of the storm. “We did eat a lot of ramen noodles, and it’s still real stressful. Getting the bills paid—that’s where it’s hurting the most right now.”
Left and above: Deynira Palacios, a Cleveland resident and recipient of aid from Manhattan Beach, puts the note she received from one of the backpacks on her refrigerator. “We love it. It’s something amazing that a girl can do this. She’s an angel to us,” she says of the note’s writer. ■
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Found in Translation With the help of friends, an unforeseen connection and unrelenting persistence, a Torrance native makes a longtime dream a reality by opening a bar and restaurant and launching a tequila brand. WRITTEN BY JENNIE NUNN | PHOTOGRAPHED BY MONICA OROZCO
More than a decade ago while working at a cocktail lounge in Santa Monica, Torrance native Blake Landis made an unexpected friendship with one of the busboys, which changed the course of his life. “He could barely speak English, and I said to him, ‘You can teach me Spanish, and I can teach you English,’” says Blake, a UC Santa Barbara graduate. Starting there at Bar Chloe in downtown Santa Monica, Blake and Oaxacan-born immigrant Hernán Fernando (who initially worked as a dishwasher at P.F. Chang’s and worked his way up to line cook) formed a lifelong bond that began by practicing English and Spanish and writing phrases on blank credit card printouts and receipt paper at the empty bar before opening each night. “People would look at us like we were crazy,” says Blake. “Hernán told me how his family had fallen on hard times and he grew up with no water and no electricity. When he was 20, about to study engineering in Mexico City, he got a call that his dad left the family. So he decided to cross the border and move to L.A. and send money back to his family. When he told me that and I saw that kind of selflessness, I realized I didn’t have anything to feel bad about. I thought, ‘This kid works so hard, and he’s the underdog.’ His selflessness, determination and open heart changed my life. I decided I wanted to help him on his journey.” One afternoon in 2007, Blake—whose dream was to someday open his own bar and restaurant with friends including college roommate John Weir—wrote down a question for Hernán for Spanish translation on a credit card printout. “I asked him how to say, ‘One day soon we’ll own a bar together,’” recalls Blake. “And that’s when it all really started.” In 2013 they opened Cinco, an Oaxacan-influenced restaurant and bar in Westchester—along with John, Ben Molina
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and Will Smith—after a long, grueling location search and doing much of the construction and design themselves. The restaurant features Platos de Zoila—original recipes from Hernán’s mother, Zoila—including tacos al carbon with grilled New York steak served on tortillas and topped with sautéed onions, jalapenos and guacamole, and chile relleno, a lightly battered and fried stuffed poblano pepper with shredded pork, chicken, raisins, almonds, capers and olives. Last year they launched Angelisco, a tequila that they co-own with a family from the highlands of Jalisco, and they have plans in the works for a line of mezcal. “We saw an opportunity to bring an all-natural premium quality tequila to people at a non-premium price,” explains Blake. “It’s a chance to share an honest product without additives or artificial finishing agents with the world.” But it was much more than just a good business venture, as Blake shares: “It’s also a chance to expand our community values beyond the reach of Cinco. We have the opportunity to be an example of how families from the U.S. and Mexico can transcend racial lines, come together and create something beautiful to share with the world.” Now, after years of hard work and unwavering determination, it’s obvious Blake and Hernán and the entire staff at Cinco have become like family. “At Cinco I look forward to watching all of our kids grow up via family get-togethers, and maybe eventually having their first jobs there,” says Blake. “And what I love about Angelisco is that we are cultivating a massive family. It doesn’t matter how old you are, where you’re from, where you live, what language you speak, because the connection is rooted in the love for agave spirits. The tequila is the foot in the door, the excuse and the reason for us to get out there, meet new people, make new friends, new experiences and make this world a smaller place filled with more love.” ■
#MegaMayan
A weekend getaway on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula might bring out the Instagram warrior in you. WRITTEN BY DARREN ELMS
Ever get super-envious of your friends when they post amazing vacation pictures? You know the ones, where they look tall, sun-kissed and lovely posing on an exotic beach with a margarita in hand? Many scoff at the humble photo brags littering their social feed. Yet when I see those, I often start thinking future trips. After all, who can you trust more than your friends for candid scoop on where, when and how to kick back and relax in style? You can have your Yelp reviews and TripAdvisor. I’m sticking with social media for my referrals. This brings me to Tulum. Tulum. Tulum. Tulum. Everyone is in Tulum. This place had never even crossed my radar until friends started posting photos online. This place was clearly HOT. I just needed to figure out where it was. After a little help from Google Maps, I discovered this charming getaway was only a few hours south of the States on the Caribbean
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coast of Mexico—not far from its famous, bigger neighbor Cancun. When a press trip popped up in my inbox with an invitation to explore the Riviera Maya, including a stop in Tulum, I replied with a resounding “si.” We flew into Cancun, home to the international airport for the region, and made our way down the coast to the community of Mayakoba (mayakoba.com). This private property is home to four resorts, a golf course, walking trails and a manmade river that winds through it all like the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland. Apparently there are resident crocodiles, though we didn’t come upon any for a photo op. But I did see plenty of birds—some locals and others migrating their way through, vacationers in their own right. Our home base for the weekend was the wonderful Banyan Tree (banyantree.com). A resort chain mostly known throughout Asia, Banyan and its brand of hospitality was top-notch throughout the
stay. Dining options ranged from a steak house with a huge outdoor grill and giant portions to a more intimate, Thai-inspired experience at the signature restaurant, Saffron. But the most memorable meal of the trip had to be the Mayan dinner on our second night. The evening began with a ritual performed by several men in Mayan war paint and headdresses, accompanied by two comely women with incense and offerings. No human sacrifice, fortunately, but I did sip from a bowl with juice meant to represent blood. When I sent pictures of the ritual to my friend, he said it looked like a Janet Jackson video. Though I couldn’t argue with that visual assessment, the intensity of our Mayan guides in person was anything but a gentle “escapade.” We ultimately feasted on a fusion of Mayan and Mexican dishes, including roasted whole pork cooked in a traditional sub-ground oven. All specialties were washed down with healthy pours of tequila. Our evening concluded with an American touch—the roasting of s’mores on an open fire—while we enjoyed another performance from our Mayan friends. Judging from their ferocious expressions and impassioned chants, I wouldn’t have been surprised if we were on the menu for dinner tomorrow. The following afternoon we did make it to Tulum, also home to an important Mayan archeological site. Spanning a large swath of land right on the Caribbean coast—turquoise and scorched with sun—the ruins offered a glimpse at what life would have been like for its early inhabitants. The temples, the oceanfront houses, the market areas … each had its own purpose and plan in the bigger picture. One could imagine the stone structures once painted in brilliant blues and reds, or the rituals performed on the steps leading up to the places of worship. Absolutely magnificent and worth the drive down the coast. The trip was short but very sweet. I’m the one now posting pictures online for all my friends to see. Don’t be envious and grumble. Just get on a plane and see the Mayan Riviera for yourself. I promise not to judge you when your own photos hit my feed. Well, just a little. ■
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Meet three local women who dominate the development of youth volleyball in the South Bay. With each day on the sand or in the gym, they’re nurturing family bonds and a promising future for their players.
WRITTEN BY MADISON REYNOLDS PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF BERTING
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Despite the constant change of popular trends and health kicks, three things remain definite in the South Bay: Sunday brunch, surfing and all things volleyball. With Manhattan Beach as the “Wimbledon of beach volleyball,” there is no doubt that the sport has heavily influenced the development of South Bay culture. In particular, volleyball superstar Patty Dodd and seasoned local club owners Mary Boice and Melissa Plass-Boice have dedicated their lives to growing the sport of volleyball in the area for many years. Volleyball plays a defining role in the lives of each of these women, compelling them to share their experiences with the local youth. Mary, the owner and founder of Southern California Volleyball Club (SCVC), grew up in Hermosa Beach playing the sport recreationally for years before starting her own club in 1991. “My motivation was family,” she says. Mary initially started SCVC based on her son Matt’s overwhelming interest in the sport. At the time there were only a handful of clubs in California, and she wanted to provide an opportunity for her family and friends to get involved in a social sport like volleyball. With the help of her brother-in-law, Bill Griebenow, she soon comprised a team roster filled with her eighth-grade son and nephews. “In our first year they went to the Junior Olympics at Kansas City, and they got the bronze medal. From then on they were all completely hooked, and we never looked back,” she reflects. Years later Mary grew the club even further by adding a girls’ program with the help of Bill Ferguson, current head coach of the women’s volleyball team at Wake Forest University. The pair merged their clubs— SCVC and the Los Angeles Athletic Club—in 2001 to create an “all-star” group in the South Bay. During that same year, a new addition to the SCVC coaching staff emerged when Mary’s son, Matt, became engaged to Melissa—a former setter at Pepperdine University. “I was telling her she needed to come coach for us because I couldn’t have her coaching for a competitor,” Mary laughs. Although Melissa and Matt moved to Florida and Orange County in the early 2000s for work obligations, Melissa continued to assist Mary with the behindthe-scenes tasks of running SCVC. “I was physically not here anymore, so coaching was not an option. But she needed help on the computer … so I started doing some of the stuff on the administrative side, and then it just started growing from there,” Melissa recalls. When they returned to L.A., Melissa became a fulltime director for the club. She works closely with the coaching staff, whom she describes as “fun, intense and determined.” She explains, “We work with what that kid has to offer, rather than molding them into something they’re not. I think that’s really the biggest difference that we have. We don’t try to fit you guys into a box.” This mutual respect between the players and
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coaches at SCVC speaks for itself, as many of the club’s coaches are alumni who strive to give the younger generation of athletes the same rich experience that they received. Mary notes that “even college players call when they’re on break, because they want to get back in the gym with us.” In addition to providing meaningful instruction and physical training, the SCVC staff also assists players in achieving their goals to compete collegiately. Melissa, who works extensively to help players fulfill their dreams of playing at the “next level,” notes that recruiting is “really about aligning the personal goals of the player with his or her volleyball goals, and then trying to find a fit where they both merge. In order to help them, we have to first understand the player, second the family, and then see where they’re at volleyball-wise and just help them through that process.” Mary notes that, with the help of SCVC’s distinguished coaching staff, they have “direct lines to college coaches. We can pick up the phone and make that call” for players looking to pursue a higher level of competition. The “SCVC Family,” as both Mary and Melissa describe it, seeks to provide a wholesome experience for the players and their families. “We hold a high standard,” Mary says, “and give 150% effort to have everybody’s goals fulfilled. Your goals are our goals.” In the last two years another prominent club has emerged in the South Bay—Manhattan Beach Sand— with a philosophy similar to that of SCVC’s. Founded by indoor and beach volleyball legend Patty Dodd, MB Sand emphasizes the importance of both the mental and physical aspects of the sport. After playing on the indoor team at UCLA and traveling around the world playing professionally on the sand, Patty found a way to pursue her passion for volleyball in a less physically demanding way. “My body allowed me to play in my 20s and 30s, and then coaching came late 40s and 50s.” She loves sharing her knowledge of and love for the game with a younger generation. She claims that she was “hooked” after her first coaching experience at UCLA where she helped the women’s team win a NCAA Championship in 1984, jumpstarting her successful career. Although some moments stand out for Patty in her coaching career, such as leading the USA National Beach U26 team to a gold medal at the 2014 World University Games in Portugal, the most rewarding part of her job is “the relationships that I make with the players and their families. I get to reach way more people by coaching than playing and make a difference in kids’ lives.” This attitude sparked Patty’s interest to develop programs that would allow her to share her passion with the local youth. Starting with Dodd Volleyball School in 2013, she began offering lessons and clinics to boys and girls ages 7 to 14, teaching both indoor and beach volleyball fundamentals for one hour a week.
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Moving forward a few years, once both of her daughters entered college and “the timing was right,” Patty followed her dream of starting her own beach volleyball club—MB Sand—which she prefers to indoors. “There is no bench in beach,” she laughs as she explains one of the many benefits of having kids grow up playing a sport where they can be fully engaged during every moment of the game, rather than sitting on the sidelines. “There’s a lot of life lessons that are learned through sports, and beach volleyball makes for a mentally tougher, more resilient player because there are no substitutions. They have to figure it out, they have to problem-solve, they have to tolerate each other. It’s really cool in that way.” Located south of the Manhattan Beach Pier, MB Sand welcomes players of all skill levels—beginner, intermediate and advanced—for athletes ages 10 to 17. The UCLA alumna adds that her goal, besides teaching fundamentals, is to get them to fall in love with volleyball, which she accomplishes through positive yet firm instruction. “There is no punishment at MB Sand. I don’t believe in that. No running around like crazy because you made a mistake,” Patty says. “We welcome mistakes because every mistake is an opportunity to learn. If they’re not doing it correctly, then I look to myself because I’m not teaching it correctly … and then we revisit until we get it right.” With more than 325 medals already won in the first two years since MB Sand’s start in 2015, Patty looks to further expand her program and continue to encourage the young athletes to participate in tournaments to showcase their talents. She’s also begun to notice a pattern within her two programs. “It’s pretty neat to see that some of my kids are making the transition” from DVS to MB Sand, she shares. She hopes that the two will “grow together” in the future, with DVS as a feeder to the competitive beach club. In addition to developing two successful programs in the South Bay, Patty also enjoys sharing her love for volleyball with her family. She met her husband, Mike, at the USVBA Open Nationals in New York in 1985 and again in Italy where they both, coincidentally, played professionally for a while. “The stars aligned for us, and then a year later we were married,” she reflects. Thirty-one years later, the couple now has two daughters, Dalas (24) and Dominique (20), who both share their parents’ passion for the game. “It’s just fun to have them enjoy a sport that I love so much and one that they asked to play,” Patty says about her daughters’ gradual involvement with volleyball. Once Dalas started attending school at American Martyrs in Manhattan Beach, Patty began volunteering as an assistant coach for the school’s volleyball team alongside Rocky Wade, former setter at University of Hawaii. Patty continued to teach classes and coach at AMS for 12 years, where she was eventually able to work with both of her girls. She describes her time there as “awesome because I’ve known a lot of their friends since kindergarten, and it felt more like a family. It was an amazing experience to take them from fifth to eighth grade.” The Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame inductee also helped her daughters with their playing careers past the elementary school level, as she became a member of the coaching staff on a few of their club teams at Mizuno Long Beach Volleyball Club for four years, as well as for the sand volleyball team at Saint Mary’s College of California where Dalas played and graduated from. Their entire family is also extremely active in the organization
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and promotion of both Dodd Volleyball School and MB Sand. Dalas helps coach DVS on Thursday afternoons when she finishes work. “It’s lovely to have her there,” Patty says with appreciation. Her husband, Mike, also assists with setting up and taking down the nets for MB Sand’s weekly practices. She adds, “He’s my best ambassador. He wears MB Sand everywhere, and he’s very proud of its accomplishments.” Patty remains extremely thankful for all of the familial support she’s received and is grateful for the role that volleyball has played in all of their lives. “That’s how I met my husband, that’s how my kids ended up going to college and that’s how I’m able to provide for my family now. I absolutely love coaching.” Both Patty and the Boice family find that volleyball is more than just a simple match, and they have spent most of their lives trying to instill this philosophy into all those who participate in it. “I think living in the South Bay, you’re a victim of your environment,” Patty muses. “You either surf or you play beach volleyball. And I think volleyball is a life skill that you’re going to have whether you want to compete or whether you want to take it as a recreational sport. It’s something that you can do during your 30s and 40s and exercise and have a good time.” Similarly, Melissa describes that one of the best parts of the whole process is “walking into the gym and seeing the players’ faces. From the little 10-year-olds who are so ‘deer-in-the-headlights’ and don’t know what’s going on, and then walking in and seeing the seniors that are like, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to go to college.’ To have those two things and everything in between is my favorite part.” By sharing their knowledge of and passion for the game, each of these three South Bay women have made generous contributions to the growth of the minds, bodies and spirits of hundreds of athletes and families in this community, enriching the culture around us in more ways than one. ■
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Planes, Trains and Audio Our engines are revved up for these autumn offerings.
FLY ME BY DANIEL RILEY In Sela del Mar, California—a hedonistic beach town that doubles for El Porto— stewardess Suzy skateboards, suntans and flies daily and nightly across the country. Motivated by a temporary escape from her past and a new taste for danger and belonging, Suzy falls into a drug-trafficking scheme that clashes perilously with the skyjacking epidemic of the day. Rendered in the brilliant color of the age and told with spectacular insight and clarity, Fly Me is a story of dark discovery set in the debauchery of 1970s Los Angeles.
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COLORS BECK Teased as an intoxicating rainbow of auditory tricks and treats—making it a shoo-in for the summeriest smash of the fall season—Colors is musician Beck’s followup to 2014’s Album of the Year Grammy winner Morning Phase. The album will feature a new mix of the single “Dreams” and the previously released electro dance jam “Wow.”
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS What starts as a lavish train ride through Europe quickly unfolds into one of the most stylish, suspenseful and thrilling mysteries ever told. From the novel by best-selling author Agatha Christie, Murder on the Orient Express tells the tale of 13 strangers stranded on a train, where everyone’s a suspect. One man must race against time to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again. Kenneth Branagh directs and leads an all-star cast including Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley and Josh Gad. In theatres November 10.
Creative Giving
Your Art Box delivers happiness to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Beginning November 1, you can put an art box into the hands of a deserving child at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The art boxes are hand-designed customized activity kits filled with projects and crafts featuring a Frank Lloyd Wright architecture lesson, a sketching journal and markers, a picture frame craft kit and a wooden car or flower for designing. Each colorful art box is $50, and multiple purchases allow more children to create and experience a true respite and break in their day. The works of art can be displayed in the patient’s room and provide an incredible platform for dialogue, allowing the conversation focus to be on their amazing creations. From isolation units to oncology and heart transplant departments, all will benefit tremendously from engaging in this artistic platform creating a positive, uplifting and joyful experience. To purchase one or more of the art boxes, visit art2growon.com/chla-giving-campaign. ■
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A B O L D U N D E R TA K I N G
Pulling inspiration from around the globe, Lilla and Steve Nash worked with a dream team of experts to achieve a new kind of beach-house style.
WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN GARVIN
As baby Luca—the newest addition to the Nash family—naps comfortably in the master suite, Lilla and Steve Nash quietly point out that this is where they’ve been spending most of their time. As parents of a newborn, they’re only half kidding. But with sweeping views of the Pacific from their bedroom windows, it could be worse. The family’s newly finished home sits on a corner lot facing a charming Manhattan Beach walk street. Originally from Huntington Beach, Lilla has lived in the community for two years. Originally from Canada, Steve has been here for five. “I always wanted to live in Southern California,” he says. “And I love that [Manhattan Beach] still has a beach feel but is right next to L.A.” The four-level home “began as a Cape Cod-style house,” explains interior designer and family friend Rini Kundu. Lilla and Steve, however, were looking for something different. “We wanted something that felt a little more our own,” Steve shares. Shortly after Rini got to work helping Lilla and Steve identify what that was, Anthony Laney—architect and partner at Laney LA—was introduced to the project. “We were brought in after the initial floor plans were done,” Anthony notes. “When they presented us with mood boards, we knew right away they were going for a style that was different—with influences from all over the world. It was a deeper, darker, moodier palette with a lot of rich natural materials.” Commissioned to redesign the entire exterior of the home, Anthony and his team produced several digital 3-D models for consideration. “Ultimately the design that everyone enjoyed the most had this very aggressive, cantilevered, gabled roof that faced the walk street and sheltered a very large, outdoor living room,” Anthony says. “Props to the construction team for being able to pull it off.” The outdoor space, located on the fourth level of the house, merges with the main living area—creating an indoor/outdoor hub that brilliantly
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maintains a level of privacy while permitting an incredible amount of natural light and broad, unobstructed ocean views. “It’s a living space you want to spend time in,” Steve notes. “It’s interesting to know how people live, how they’re going to use the space and where they’re going to spend the most time,” Rini explains. “We wanted the outside to be as interesting and as comfortable as the interior.” With inspiration pulled from international and East Coast designs and with both modern and traditional elements at play, it was necessary to create a fusion that felt organic. “Our emphasis was on really strong, robust raw materials such as limestone, marble, concrete tile, metal windows and reclaimed, hand-sanded oak floors,” says Rini. “All work in harmony to achieve the modern undercurrent [they] were after. But on top of that, we layered in more traditional, colonial details in really nice, understated tones to add warmth without too
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much gregarious pattern and color.” For Anthony, the merger was between an “old-world, traditional approach” and contemporary design. “The windows are steel with super-slim sight lines—it feels timeless, in a way,” he says. “But other elements of the home are decidedly contemporary—like the minimal siding, the reduced material palette, the very strong roof overhang and the slots on the roof to let in the light.” The challenge to successfully juxtapose these architectural styles was a welcomed one for Anthony. “It was a privilege to work on a project with a client that was so adventurous,” he says. The sentiment was similar for the professional partnership. “Rini was such a delight to collaborate with,” Anthony continues. “We were both trying to be sensitive to how the exterior and the interior could both have a lot of personality but still blend in a seamless way. She brought such a fresh approach to the [project].”
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Having such a hands-on team with such a high level of expertise made the experience that much smoother for Lilla and Steve. “[Rini] is really good at what she does. And she knew what we didn’t like— that made things easier,” Lilla notes. “She did a ton of research and gave us a lot of options,” Steve adds. And it shows. From the sport court to the beach room—even the entryway of the home—it’s clear that the needs of an active family of six were taken into consideration. With all the artistic vision to create such a beautiful home, the importance of family functionality was never forgotten. “The entire process has been a collaborative journey,” Rini says. And the result is stunning. The modern yet rustic Scandinavian-barn-meets-beach hut does not disappoint. Every risk, every decision to step outside the norm has served as an opportunity to create something that is both innovative and timeless. ■
WHAT IS YOUR V FACTOR? What characteristics drive a Vistamar student to success? Their V FACTOR. Here’s Harrison’s.
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The Brothers Frohoff Two Two Two Two
siblings. sports. piers. Hall of Famers.
WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAT MONK
If we were in the same sport, I don’t think we would have been as close as brothers. It’s not like we were trying to get to the same place in the same sport.”
A ping-pong ball was being fired back and forth across the table at a family barbecue. While everyone was eating hamburgers and hot dogs, an adult son and his mother were waging a battle extraordinaire at the table. With match point going back and forth between both sides, it was anyone’s game. While playing their hearts out, no one was going to concede for a moment until that final ball went flying and mom lost 31–33. This was Diane Frohoff and her son, 52-year-old Chris Frohoff, with Chris’ dad, Doug Frohoff, watching on the sidelines. Chris—a typically shy guy—very proudly smiled, and his arms flew up in the air to claim the win. Back in the 1960s, Diane Bell and Doug Frohoff met at Marine Street playing beach volleyball while attending Aviation High School. They became engaged very young, married and had two sons: Brent and Chris. They would raise their boys on the beach doing what they loved—surfing and playing volleyball. Athleticism was in their genes. “Doug was a great baseball player, a great volleyball player. He liked golf. He was very versatile,” shares Diane. “He would do anything sportswise, and he was good at it.” Diane was a pretty great athlete herself— winning the coveted Seawright tourney (four-man beach volleyball) five times throughout the years. And Diane’s father, Fernando Lee Bell, played professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates and then, after the Vietnam War, went on to be a professional golfer. In addition to athletics, the family loved the outdoors. According to Diane, “It was easier to pack up the kids and go to the beach all day than keep the house clean, so we would just hang out on the beach all day.” Umbrellas and sunscreen were not commonplace back in those days, and the boys’ lips and noses always tended to be burned and cracked. The Frohoffs even continued their beach lifestyle on family vacations by camping in such places as Jalama or San Miguel. Competition is the way the Frohoffs roll, and ping-pong was a competitive release since the boys were groms. Sometimes games would be so competitive between the parents that Doug would put a paddle in the garage door after losing to Diane. While the boys were young, Brent was very protective of Chris. Living on Gould Terrace—a fairly busy street in Hermosa Beach—Brent was in charge of making sure that Chris was safe. But as preteens their relationship became a little more
combative, as happens with brothers who are close in age. “When we were kids, we would fight all the time. He would beat up on me,” says Chris. “I would make him mad, and he would beat up on me some more.” High school welcomed a new relationship for the two brothers as Brent hung with the “bros” and Chris hung with the “surf rats.” Different sports and different friends helped their relationship grow. “If we were in the same sport, I don’t think we would have been as close as brothers,” says Chris. “It’s not like we were trying to get to the same place in the same sport.” “When we were kids and Chris learned to surf, it was all over. He couldn’t get enough. The ocean was in his veins,” says Brent. “Watching him before his amateur career— before he was a polished surfer—he would try radical maneuvers and never make them. I would say to myself, ‘Why are you trying those moves? You keep falling; that can’t be fun.’ But he knew what he was doing because in a short amount of time he was pulling off those moves.” Chris has many accolades but one noteworthy achievement is the NSSA Nationals where he competed in the youth and men’s divisions. Tragically, that same weekend his girlfriend, Erica Reynolds, was killed in a car crash on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. Most people would have chosen not to compete. But for Chris, surfing has always been an escape. He dominated and won both titles and to this day is possibly the only one to have held both titles at the same time. After graduating Mira Costa High School in 1983, Chris signed sponsorship deals with Gotcha and O’Neill. His career was launched, and he went on to travel the world and compete internationally for the next 10 years. Chris Brown—a childhood friend and master of ceremonies at Chris Frohoff’s recent induction into to the Surfer’s Walk of Fame— states, “As a kid our entire surf community got behind Chris. It was so awesome to see a kid from Hermosa go out and beat the world’s best.” “He grew up to be such a solid surfer,” adds Brent. “He surfed with power, style and grace. He was humble and gracious to his peers and fans.” At approximately the same time, Brent was starting his volleyball collegiate career as an outside hitter. Brent played indoor at San Diego State, Loyola Marymount and then professionally in Japan. He then hit the beach and teamed up with Scott Ayakatubby.
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“Brent Frohoff was an amazing competitor who was very smooth in all areas of his game,” says Dane Selznick, a volleyball legend himself. “Great hands, a jump serve that was consistently potent and very good at keeping his cool on the court.” “I can’t forget Frohoff/Kiraly beating Smith/Stoklos at the Manhattan Beach Open,” remembers Chris. “That was the icing on the cake for me. I sat front row and watched every single play. Even watched him take a Stokie 100-mile-an-hour ball to the gonads and get dropped, but he got up from that and beat those guys. He was a Manhattan Open champion. I was and am really proud of him.” Over the course of a 20-year career Brent won 19 major tournaments. Playing beach volleyball during the height of the sport’s popularity, sponsorships were the bread-andbutter for beach volleyball athletes. But Brent still won almost $1 million in contest winnings—no easy feat. Brent’s jump serve is still talked about to this day. Chris and Brent—flush from their careers— bought a condo and lived together in South Redondo. They were best friends, supporting each other at events, cheering each other on and quite simply enjoying an amazing life. “Both Chris and Brent possessed a quiet coolness that drew fans to them,” says Chris Brown. “For South Bay locals, they were OUR guys going out and competing against the world’s best.” Brent, married with four children, is now a real estate agent in Orange County and started his own volleyball club. Chris, married with one daughter, is a Los Angeles County Lifeguard and a LA County Paramedic and shapes boards on his off time. Not many brothers can achieve what they have achieved, and most definitely this comes from their competitive genes. Inducted into the South Bay’s respective Halls of Fame, they each have a plaque on opposing piers. With too many achievements to list here, the Frohoff name is now recognizable on both coasts to anyone who knows anything about surfing or beach volleyball. Look out for the next generation of Frohoffs too, as Brent’s sons are both surfers and Chris’ daughter just started playing beach volleyball at Tulane University on an athletic scholarship. Frohoff forever. ■
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a film series by
EPISODE 4: KORI CLAUSEN Heart & Soul presented by
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Advantage Famed quarterback and Manhattan Beach local Matt Leinart has been busy. Since retiring from the NFL, he has built a successful career as a studio analyst at FOX Sports and FS1. He runs an eponymous foundation for underprivileged youth. He coaches youth baseball and football and is active in the Manhattan Beach community. With all he is doing, it was a surprise to learn that Matt recently earned his real estate license and joined Schneider Properties South Bay Real Estate Team. We sat down with Matt for a candid conversation where the former football phenom turned broadcaster and philanthropist opened up about his life on and off the gridiron, his triumphs and disappointments, love and loss, fatherhood and the importance of family. WRITTEN BY MICHELE GARBER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY BO BRIDGES
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n an early autumn afternoon in Downtown Manhattan Beach, Matt Leinart pulls up in his dark SUV, pops on a baseball hat and strolls inside Noah’s Bagels. Dressed head-to-toe in black athletic gear, he epitomizes the low-key, unpretentious guy he’s widely said to be. Yet even in his ball cap and inconspicuous attire, at 6’5” with movie-star good looks Matt turns more than a few heads while sipping his iced coffee on the patio. Notably, Matt—who is clearly a modest guy—takes absolutely zero notice of all the unsolicited attention. It has been a difficult week for Matt. Only a few days earlier, he had to put down his cherished 11-year-old German shepherd, Hunter, who had been with him since his rookie year in the NFL. The tender, heartfelt way he speaks of losing his canine companion hints at the tenor and candor with which he will share other personal stories in the moments to come.
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A self-described “open book,” Matt is remarkably unguarded and forthright. After only a few moments with him, it is clear what makes him tick. For Matt, family is everything. His life has been shaped and guided by his love of and loyalty to his family. They are his touchstones. The desire to make his parents—especially his mother—proud has informed nearly every momentous decision he has made along the way. His older brother, Ryan, is his best friend. He is utterly devoted to his son, Cole. And now as he prepares to build a life with his fiancé, Josie, family is taking on even greater magnitude. It is through this lens that Matt shares one of his deepest heartbreaks. In January he lost his beloved mother, Linda, to leukemia. Diagnosed in November 2016, the family had mere months together before her passing, and the loss has been excruciating for the Leinarts. As Matt explains, “We knew about three weeks in … we sensed something was really wrong. It happened really fast, in less
than three months.” Trying to put a brave face on it, Matt expresses gratitude that his son was able to know his grandmother. “My mom and my son were really close. He was my mom’s pride and joy … the first grandkid. They had a really special relationship. So he got 10 good years with her and has memories he’ll remember.” As Matt conveys his love for his mother and the closeness of his family, his stoicism belies the raw anguish and heartbreak he is still experiencing from this profound loss. In a bittersweet instance of blessed timing, just one week before his mom passed Matt learned he was being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame—an immeasurable honor only bestowed upon fewer than .0002% of those who’ve played college football. Some of the notable players and coaches also being inducted in the 2017 class are Peyton Manning, Kirk Gibson, Marshall Faulk, Adrian Peterson and Steve Spurrier. On one of the days when Linda was slightly better and more coherent, Matt was
able to share the exciting news with her. One final opportunity to make her proud. That Matt Leinart would ultimately be inducted into the College Hall of Fame was inevitable. He is one of the most decorated college football players in history and is widely considered one of the greatest college quarterbacks of all time. In 2004 he won the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award, Manning Award and was named AP Player of the Year. He led his SC Trojans to three conference titles and two consecutive AP national championship titles, a BCS championship title, was a two-time First Team All-American, a two-time Pac-10 Player of the year, Rose Bowl MVP, a first round NFL draft pick and holds numerous other records. Yet with such an illustrious career, one might assume that Matt began playing the game at an early age. And it may seem unimaginable to many—especially diehard SC Trojan fans—that he not only almost didn’t go to SC, but he almost didn’t play football at all.
When asked how he got his start in football, Matt says, “Baseball was my first love. We were not a football family.” Matt and his brother were both athletes, but their focus was on other sports. “I was a baseball lover my whole life. It was my #1 sport. I played flag football in middle school, but for me it was always baseball first, then basketball. Football was third.” Matt may have loved baseball, but destiny had other plans for him. The Leinarts lived just two minutes from Mater Dei High School, the private Catholic school that has dominated Southern California athletics—especially football—for generations. Though the Leinarts were a middle-class family, Linda was determined to have her boys attend Mater Dei. She wanted them to have a private school education. Matt explains, “Going in to high school, my brother, Ryan—who is five years older— wished he had played [football]. It was one of his regrets. He is the one who encouraged me to play. He said, ‘If you don’t like it after a
year, you can quit. But you have to try it.’” As fate would have it, Matt—a southpaw pitcher—suffered a significant shoulder injury, requiring surgery, which ended his baseball career. Surprisingly the injury had no impact on his ability to throw a football. So Matt opted to play football instead, with no future plans beyond playing at Mater Dei. As he explains, “I didn’t really care about it. I didn’t live for it. It just fell in my lap. But I was good at it and worked really hard at it … and eventually grew to love it. Then my junior year I was being recruited and offered scholarships.” While still attending Mater Dei, Matt committed to USC. But that year the Trojans suffered one of their worst seasons on record. It was the first time in SC history the team came in last place in the Pac-10. The coaching staff was let go. With those who had recruited him out, Matt was unsure if SC was still the right fit for him. He de-committed and began seriously considering alternate schools—most notably Michigan.
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Fortunately Matt’s heart was in Southern California. When SC athletic director Mike Garrett brought on Pete Carroll to helm the program, Matt’s concerns were assuaged … and Linda Leinart along with countless Trojan fans could breathe a sigh of relief. Matt would stay in Southern California and play for SC. Following his illustrious career at SC, expectations were high for Matt’s future in the NFL. He was the #10 overall first round draft pick, signing with the Arizona Cardinals where he played for four seasons. He also played with the Houston Texans and the Oakland Raiders. Yet his NFL career was beset with injuries—several of them season-ending. Matt candidly reflects, “I played for seven years. Injuries are what forced me to call it quits. I had an injury early in my career at Arizona, and I lost a lot of confidence. And I had a coach with whom I didn’t see eye-toeye, who didn’t believe in me … and you especially need confidence in your quarterback.” The Cardinals’ coach infamously set up an inner-team rivalry between Matt and retiring QB Kurt Warner. Reflecting on that time, Matt shares, “Kurt Warner, who is now in the Hall of Fame, beat me out in a great battle of the fall. I did well, but I just lost confidence there. I got it back in Houston as a backup. Gary Kubiak and Greg Knapp were my coaches there, and they were phenomenal.” When Matt got hurt again, in his sixth season, he started to reconsider his career. “After that I was tired, missed my son, was always away, splitting time. I was tired of getting hurt … of working really hard to get back into shape, only to get hurt again. It really takes a mental toll on you. That passion wasn’t there anymore, and I knew it.” He decided to retire from the NFL at age 30. Matt then found himself in a position common among most retired athletes: wondering what he should do next. The transition from football—or any professional sport—to the next phase of life is challenging for many athletes. Only an elite few are able to parlay their athletic careers to lucrative alternate endeavors. It is highly common for a professional athlete to run through their money quickly and find themselves broke by 40. But Matt had been smart with his money, and he was smart with his next career move. He accepted a position as college football studio analyst with FOX Sports. “The TV was something I always thought I could naturally get into, just because of my experience,” Matt shares. “I had worked at FOX a little bit before I was officially retired.
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FS1 had just launched. Everything was brand new. I had a lot of great teachers helping me at FOX … still do to this day. Just slowly things fell into place.” Effusively he adds, “I love my job. I get to talk about something that I’m really passionate about, but I don’t have to travel. I don’t have to get hit. My mom was really, really proud of me for doing something different— for making a living outside of football and finding something I’m passionate about.” Unlike football, broadcasting didn’t come easily at first for Matt. “TV is hard, and to be good at it is hard,” he explains. “But I find that part to be most fascinating … the competitive nature. It’s hard to find that after football. For me, this job does that. It’s challenging. Especially when that red light comes on.” Matt recalls fellow FOX media personality Michael Strahan asking if he liked his job during his first year there. When Matt replied that he was still working on his comfort level, Michael shared, “Let me tell you something. I’ve been doing TV for a long time, and when that red light goes on, I’m still like …” and he gasped, demonstrating the nervousness he feels when he goes on the air. As Matt says, “It happens to Michael … it happens to everybody.” At the center of Matt’s life is his 11-year-old son, Cole, who was born during his rookie year at Arizona. Though Matt was away quite a lot during training and football season, he kept a home in LA so he could be near Cole and made sure to be in Cole’s life … spending as much time with him as possible. His desire to live closer to Cole was an integral part of Matt’s decision to ultimately leave the NFL. “It always comes down to what is best for your kids,” he says. “Cole is a good kid. A happy kid. He works hard, does well in school. He’s kind. He loves sports.” Much like his dad, Cole plays baseball, basketball and football. Matt says that Cole prefers basketball, but like most kids he’s into whatever sport is currently in season. This summer he was into all-star baseball. He’s young, and Matt wants him to love every sport when he plays it. Matt is often asked if he wants Cole to play football, especially with the debate over concussions. “Playing sports teaches you so much,” he shares. “It teaches you about teamwork. And no sport is more about teamwork than football. He doesn’t play tackle. He’s only in fifth grade. Cole is a great athlete—good in all the sports. I’m not pushing it on him; I want him to play what he loves. I won’t be upset either way if he does or
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“I’ve never been one to use my name for anything. It’s just not my nature. I prefer to earn things on my own and do something because I’m good at it, I’m driven and I have a work ethic to do it.”
doesn’t play football. I just know how great a sport it is and what it gave to me.” Beyond the fulfillment Matt is enjoying in his new career, he has also found joy in his personal life. Matt is engaged to Josie Loren, a former actress who is now pursuing her law degree. The couple plan to marry next May and hope to grow their family shortly after Josie completes law school. In 2016 they purchased a home together in Manhattan Beach, with a huge backyard for their future larger family. Matt says, “Josie and I are polar opposites. We even each other out. We have a good balance. I’m really laid-back, and she’s passionate and fiery.” Josie is Cuban-American and grew up in Miami. Her family fled the Castro regime. Matt continues, “She is really determined and she pushes me—which is great.” Josie and Matt will have a blended family, which Matt acknowledges can be complicated. But he says they all work well together. “Cole and Josie are close. He loves her, and she loves him. His mom lives nearby. We’re all
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very friendly.” This spring with the encouragement of Josie, his family and his friend Nick Schneider, Matt earned his real estate license and joined Schneider Properties. As to why he took on this new endeavor, Matt explains, “One of my best buds who I played football with has a real estate company. It’s a great industry, especially in Southern California, where you can do well and meet great people. As I got older, I knew it was something I should get into, but it was out of my comfort zone.” There is plenty of down time with his TV work during football’s off-season, and Matt craved structure and wanted to do something to stay busy. So he dedicated himself to studying and passing the real estate exam. “After my mom passed, it became something I wanted to do for myself and for her,” he says. “And Josie urged me to do it. I was proud and excited to take it on. I enjoy studying and learning something new. And working with Schneider Properties team is like working with family. It was a natural fit.” He says taking on the new career has
several purposes in his life. “It’s been exciting during the off-season to expand my mind and interests … to talk about and do something beyond sports. It’s also good for Cole and my future kids,” Matt shares. “I want to set an example for them. And my mom would be proud.” How active Matt will be in the real estate industry is yet to unfold. His full-time position with FOX during football season will impact his involvement, but in the off-season Matt is excited to be actively involved. As a public figure, some may infer his name recognition will be an asset to him as a Realtor, but Matt isn’t focused on that. Modestly he says, “I’ve never been one to use my name for anything. It’s just not my nature. I prefer to earn things on my own and do something because I’m good at it, I’m driven and I have a work ethic to do it.” He pensively adds, “Despite the loss and the heartbreak this year, it’s important to me to do things I know my mom would be proud of and that keeps me busy and excited for the future.” ■
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Bo’s Bolivia Earlier this year, South Bay photographer Bo Bridges took his camera to Bolivia’s diverse and unpredictable terrain. Here he shares a photo essay from that journey, one that took him from salt to snow, rock to river and everywhere in between. PHOTOGRAPHED BY BO BRIDGES
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There are a couple of weeks every year when large storms and rain showers are expected to come through. And the idea was to nail one of the big rain showers when it covered the Uyuni salt flat. The day I got there a massive storm came through, so we drove up there and nailed it. It was a double-edged sword, though, because it rained so much we couldn’t access the salt flat. Since we couldn’t drive across it, we had to drive around it—which takes 10 times longer. I was there a solid two weeks.
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We were traveling so far from civilization that we had to take our own gasoline and spare tires. Sometimes we’d go for a day without seeing anyone. We rarely ate at a restaurant. Everything was kind of packed in and packed out. Our driver scouts the course for the Dakar rally, the biggest, an off-road enurance race and one of gnarliest in the world. It had to be moved from its original location because the terrain and terrorist threats were so dangerous. But having him as our driver was cool because he knew all these roads in the middle of nowhere. He’d set the coordinates on his GPS to chart our course deep in the country and chart the course for the race too. We decided to drive south to get back to our camp with all our stuff. We left at 4 a.m. and started driving across a river that was wheel-well deep. Then a huge rainstorm came through that created flash floods, and the river became impassible. We had to drive eight more hours to find a place we could cross. We would each take turns getting out to wade across the river to see how steep it was, how sturdy the bottom was and to make sure it wasn’t too muddy.
Making friends with the locals did take a while. These women did not want us to take photos of them, and at first they were throwing food at me. But when I went over to them to ask them if I could take a few shots, they said yes ‌ as long as I got in the pictures with them.
A sheepherder’s daily chore is to wander around the fields letting the sheep graze. On this particular day, a storm was moving in and the wind was blowing. I slowed down the shutter to capture the motion that was happening beneath me.
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These pink flamingos all flock to the Red Lagoon, which is a protective sanctuary. The elevation is over 15,000 feet at the base, with mountains and volcanoes soaring 18,000 to 20,000 feet above us.
Talk about scary! A 15,000foot descent … three huge drops … 300 deaths a year. Hairpin turns and no side rails in most places. It was cut into the mountain in the 1930s and has been dubbed the world’s most dangerous road.
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This is a couple miles out in the middle of nowhere on the Uyuni salt flat. When we first arrived, it rained so much that the water was a foot deep—too deep to drive in because it would ruin your car. After the water on the salt flat evaporated we were able to drive out on it, and we stumbled upon flags from all over the world—many nationalities represented. You can even see the California flag there.
Here I am trying to send images during a rare time when we had internet access.
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There are manmade roads that cross the salt flat and allow people to gain access to other villages. But when it rains, the roads get covered and GPS is needed to locate roads that rise above the water. Here you can see one of the few access points we found, surrounded by the receding water. Bo will discuss his Bolivia journey on November 30 as part of his monthly In Conversation series at his gallery in Manhattan Beach. For more information visit bobridges.com. â–
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Moon Tide Session IPA Official Tapping Moon Tide Media held a celebration in honor of the official tapping of their Moon Tide Session IPA, created by the master brewers at Scholb with help from our publisher Jared Sayers and director of digital Charles Simmons, at their taproom in Torrance. The Moon Tide family came together for an evening of beer, food and games and toasted our partners and friends at Scholb. You can taste Moon Tide Session IPA at local Southbay magazine events, in the Moon Tide Media kitchen keg or at Scholb’s taproom. Kristen Conrad, Cherice Tatum, Danielle Price
Kyle Wood, Jon Wood, Kate Lester, AJ Lester, Jared Sayers
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Charlie Koones and Meagan Sayers
Cherice Tatum, Darren Elms, Allison Williamson, Hannah Lee
PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTIN ANDERSON
Moon Tide Media family
Fall Wine Walk: Bubbly and Beauty Edition
PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTEN ANDERSON
To kick off the arrival of fall fashion, Southbay hosted a wine tasting event at The Point. After walking the red carpet, locals learned about tasting notes and sipped on bubbles curated by Barsha Wines & Spirits and specialty brews by Scholb Brewery. In between getting mini-makeovers, festival face paint and the braid bar, guests were introduced to the fall trends via live modeling and in-store styling. Smitten Ice Cream, Superba Food + Bread, Hopdoddy, Salt Creek Grille and Mendocino Farms—all restaurants from The Point and Plaza El Segundo—provided a smorgasbord of tasty treats. Special thanks to Maserati and Choura for their continued partnership.
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Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance
PHOTOGRAPHED BY PENINSULA MAGAZINE
For more than two decades, The Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance has been a world-class show of classic, vintage historical and special interest automobiles, providing funds for charitable and community purposes, and has promoted the beauty and opportunities of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and the South Bay of Southern California.
Shade Sunset Sweat
Hillary Lewis and Yaya Margarita of Shine Studios
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Hillary Lewis
PHOTOGRAPHED BY KILLIAN SHAI - COURTESY OF BLND PR
Guests experienced Shine Studio’s PopFit Cardio Dance class on the beautiful Shade Hotel Redondo Beach Sky Level. Participants danced into the sunset together and got their sweat on during this fun and calorie-crushing workout session. They then enjoyed gifts from Suja Juice, Coco Loco Products, Quest bars and more.
Annual Celebration with Jim Schlager of Moss Adams
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JP CORDERO
Jim Schlager of Moss Adams held his annual celebration to gather his clients, friends and family to toast another year of business in the South Bay. Locals arrived at Terranea Resort and made their way to the Spa Pool, where they were greeted with live music and food from the expert chefs at Terranea. Several safaris to South Africa and an extended weekend with a Maserati, compliments of the South Bay Rusnak dealership, raised money for the local nonprofit P.S. I Love You.
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Southbay’s Annual Women’s Event
PHOTOS BY KRISTEN ANDERSON
Who Run The World? Girls. Southbay magazine celebrated its annual Women’s Issue presented by Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Centers at R10 Socail House in Redondo Beach. In addition to celebrating all featured 2017 Women In Business, guests saw the premiere of Southbay Strong: Heart & Soul featuring Kori Clausen and her four daughters. After hearing Kori’s story, guests had the opportunity to ask Kori questions and sign up for a heart screening. Guests enjoyed gourmet bites from R10 Social House, a wine bar curated by Barsha Wines & Spirits, and took photos in the CHALKSHOT custom photo booth.
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RESIN Art and Photography Experience The RESIN Art and Photography Experience showcased more than 100 pieces of art (including 27 surfboards) and more than 50 South Bay artists.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ARABY PATCH
Kiya Knight, James Lockwood, Brian Kingston, Cory Kingston
Karl Ziegler, Morgan Sliff, Grae Halsne, Rafael McMaster
Darren Pujalet, Rafael McMaster, Sabrina Armitage, Mike Longacre
“Honda Evening Under the Stars” Gourmet Food and Wine Festival
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEIDRE DAVIDSON
World-renowned saxophonist Kenny G serenaded guests at the 31st annual event presented in partnership with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds benefit renovation of Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s North Patient Tower and Vistas for Children.
Back: Ralph Moore, Susan Moore, Brenda Nowotka, Mildred Deang, Andrew Minite, David Kim, Samuel Ingham. Front: Renu Rasiah, Virginia Argueta, Priscilla Hunt, Lauriann Wright-Kim, Trini Foriente.
Richard Lundquist, Greg Geiger, Jackie Geiger
Vistas members
Craig Leach, Judy Leach, Barbara LeQuire, Barry LeQuire
Lisa Cheatham, Song Klein, Mark Lurie, MD, Jack Baker, Ayne Baker
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Design + Wine: Home for the Holidays Kickoff Presented by Ferguson and Dornbracht
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JP CORDERO OF SHUTTERSTYLES
‘Tis almost the season … For the second installment of their HOME event series, Southbay magazine partnered with Ferguson and Dornbracht to create Design + Wine: Home for the Holidays Kickoff. Locals learned tips and tricks to take their 2017 season of holiday entertaining to the next level. Editor Darren Elms led a discussion between Chef Kara Mickelson of Styleddelicious, Lauren Alexander of DACHA Interiors and Cat Libor of Choura Events. Guests sipped on homemade sangria thanks to Barsha Wines & Spirits and specialty brews by Scholb Brewery that were paired with artisan cheeses from Alex Ourieff of Vagabond Cheese Co. Lisa’s Bon Appetit Holiday Fixin’s Bar got event-goers in the spirit while they watched live demos from the experts on DIY tablescapes, food styling and recipe secrets. Special thanks to Jessica Lococo from Town Social Events, Choura Events, and Penta for their continued partnership.
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Hermosa Beach Summer Concert Series HBSCS 2017, presented by Subaru Pacific, featured Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Everclear, Cubensis and Melvin Seals and Super Diamond. Thanks to our sponsors and the city of Hermosa Beach for making each concert free and open to the public. HBSCS is a Saint Rocke Production.
22nd Annual Redondo Beach Lobster Festival
This year’s Redondo Beach Lobster Festival was an overwhelming success, thanks to all the amazing sponsors and attendees. Next year’s festival will be even more amazing, with fantastic talent and special new additions.
Lobster Ladies welcoming guests
Frankly Speaking Band performing
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Barsha Wines & Spirits 5-Year Anniversary
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JP CORDERO
The soiree was hosted at Unità in El Segundo and celebrated Barsha’s journey, their family’s growth and the awesome community surrounding them.
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ART310 A live art auction of Southern California’s finest artists and photographers. Proceeds benefitted South Bay arts and education.
Tyler Harms, Heather Harris, Kami Mastrangelo, Tara Hackley
Tanya Monaghan, Jennifer Klawin, Todd Klawin, Jerod Cuza, Katie Cuza
Kathey Morris, Robin Smith, Michael Backes, Jocelyn Backes
Lori Ford, Amy Gimlen, Holly Socrates
15th Annual Girls Night Out Cancer Support Community-Redondo Beach’s 15th annual Girls Night Out Fun-raiser broke all previous records, generating nearly $200,000 in net income. Proceeds benefited CSCRB’s free support group programs for cancer patients and their families. The threenight, sellout event just for ladies promoted awareness of women’s cancers with an evening of fun and laughter.
Karen Beck, David Plakos, Judy Shepherd
Charmaine Wilson, Charlotte Ginsburg, Paula Moore
Jacky Glass, Rebecca Weintraub, PhD, Judith Opdahl, Joanne Hunter, Paula Moore, Carla Saliba
Anne Marie Quillin and Judith Opdahl
The ladies of Malaga Bank rock their pink.
Michelle Eddins, Jennifer Shaffer, Dan Hovestine, MD
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Manhattan Beach Fall Classic
Held at the venerable Virginia Country Club, the second annual Fall Classic, benefitting the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, was a day of world-class golf, craft beer and camaraderie with local leaders. To learn more about the tournament, visit mbfallclassic.com.
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smittenicecream.com smittenicecream.com
The Point The Point 850 S Sepulveda Blvd. , El Segundo 850 S Sepulveda Blvd. , El Segundo Westfield Century City Westfield Century City 10250 California State Route 2, Los Angeles 10250 California State Route 2, Los Angeles
“Our experience and attention to detail is a valuable skill we offer to our clients, as well as our superb service. We work in a team environment, which means that a client’s case is constantly moving forward. We have created a strong infrastructure in our firm that allows for the ultimate in service to the client. Our experience allows us to guide a client to a successful end result. The law is difficult to navigate, but we are always at the helm.” – DENISE M. GUZMAN, GUZMAN LAW GROUP, PC
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PRO FILES
trusted advisors The key to financial success— for individuals and businesses alike—is a professional team of trusted advisors. These experts inform us about our options and help us discover solutions for life’s challenges. When making decisions that impact business, home and family, we can depend on the guidance of these South Bay specialists, known for innovative solutions and topnotch client care.
122 GUZMAN LAW GROUP, PC Denise M. Guzman
137 RYAN/BENSON WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP Shannon Ryan
124 CHARLES SCHWAB 126 STUMPO WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP Gino R. Stumpo 128 NAVIGOE WEALTH MANAGEMENT Scott Leonard 130 CHASE LAW GROUP DeAnn Flores Chase
138 COHEN GROUP Josh Cohen 139 BARRERA & ASSOCIATES Pat Barrera 140 ARTIANO & ASSOCIATES Linda Artiano & Jim Artiano 141 BAKER, BURTON & LUNDY
132 BURKLEY BRANDLIN SWATIK & KEESEY LLP 134 EP WEALTH ADVISORS 135 GRUVER WEALTH MANAGEMENT Shawn V. Gruver 136 REGATTA CAPITAL GROUP Spencer Kelly & Russell Mohberg
EDITED BY LAURA WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAT MONK & SHANE O’DONNELL,
142 MORGAN’S JEWELERS PALOS VERDES, INC. Marshall Varon 143 LAW OFFICES OF SANFORD JOSSEN 144 ADISHIAN LAW GROUP, PC ADISHIAN CAPITAL Chris Adishian
trusted advisors
Denise M. Guzman Founder/Principal Attorney 1230 Rosecrans Avenue Suite 650 Manhattan Beach 310-321-6640 guzmanlg.com
“We are in the job of protecting people.”
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Tell us about your working style. Denise M. Guzman, Business, Estate Planning and Trust Attorney: “As an attorney my working style is direct, intuitive and, by nature, collaborative. However, I also know how to deliver the bottom line to opposing counsel. I am very good at effectively communicating a difficult message. Timing is everything in a case, and I know how to choose the right moment to engage in battle—and only if needed.”
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To what do you attribute your expertise? Edward Powell, Business Attorney: “I began my legal career as a banking lawyer in the 1990s during a transformational time for financial institutions. This resulted in exposure to a great variety of acquisitions, financings and securities offerings involving companies in all industries and of all sizes. My representation of businesses draws on this experience every day in formulating creative, efficient and solid solutions for our clients.” What is the ideal client relationship? Carol T. Contes, Entertainment, Copyright & Trademark Attorney: “I take my clients’ work very seriously and strive to achieve excellence on matters big and small.” Describe the services you provide. Carol T. Contes: “I provide services as if I were a client’s ‘in-house’ lawyer, providing advice and action to secure the rights necessary to allow for the successful development, production and distribution of entertainment content across all media throughout the world. Every business has its unique requirements (business and legal), and the entertainment specialist must ensure that a client’s ‘brand’ or ‘product’ is secure in all respects.” How do you help clients who feel stressed and overwhelmed? Marcus Chang, Business and Estate Planning Attorney: “Part of my role as an attorney is to alleviate clients’ stress. Oftentimes when I meet with a client for the first time, the source of their stress comes from their uncertainty of their situation based on their lack of legal knowledge. One of the first steps we take is to present clients with a plan on how we will address their legal matter and answer any questions they may have. Providing a path toward the end goal for a client lifts a weight off them. Our clients know they can rely on us to protect their legal interest and provide highcaliber legal work.” What is unique about your team? Charles Shelton, Litigation Attorney: “We have real depth of experience in the area of trusts and estates, and 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. Most law firms do not.”
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARISA GUZMÁN-ALOIA
Guzman Law Group, PC
uzman Law Group, under the leadership of founder Denise M. Guzman, represents clients across the U.S. Since its inception, the firm has handled numerous business law matters, including mergers and acquisitions, raising capital and securing financing, organizing and restructuring a business for tax or estate planning purposes, and advice on strategic exit and succession planning. Guzman Law Group represents a diverse client base that consists of manufacturers, distributors, content creators, production companies and internet pioneers. The firm counsels all types of participants in transactions, including buyers, sellers, major stockholders, lenders, boards of directors, individual and institutional investors, private equity funds, hedge funds and others. The firm customizes its support to each client’s specific needs and concerns. “Our firm’s culture is what has allowed us to serve the community for more than 30 years,” says Ms. Guzman. “Our team is continuously evolving to better serve our clients.” Ms. Guzman is a noted business and estate planning attorney. She functions as virtual inhouse corporate counsel for many clients and is an integral part of key decision-making and ongoing operational activities of her clients. She is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer on business, estate planning and trust administration issues. “We are in the job of protecting people, and that role comes quite naturally to me,” says Ms. Guzman, who earned her bachelor’s degree from USC and her law degree from UCLA. “It is very satisfying to know that I preserved the legal rights of someone. Oftentimes people do not know their own legal rights, and it is rewarding that I am there protecting those rights for them. Whether I am representing a seller/buyer in the sale of a business or representing a trustee or beneficiary in the process of a trust administration, I know that the client is receiving the best possible advice because of my knowledge and my years of experience as an attorney.”
L to R: Marcus Chang, Carol T. Contes, Edward Powell, Denise M. Guzman, Carla B. Hoffman, Charles Shelton
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he Torrance team of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Member SIPC, uses the power of investing to help clients create a better tomorrow. They offer South Bay residents access to a range of investing, wealth management and personal finance guidance, service and products.
Charles Schwab 21370 Hawthorne Blvd. Torrance 310-546-1571 schwab.com/Torrance
“We believe in partnering with you and getting to know you, so we can work together on your terms.”
What makes your firm stand out? “Chuck Schwab’s vision to be the champion of all investors continues to be at the heart of everything we do. For the past 44 years, Schwab has been challenging the status quo to deliver investors more value and a better experience. We strive to help people achieve better financial outcomes for themselves and their families. We have a history of challenging the status quo in our industry, innovating ways that benefit investors and the advisors and employers who serve them and championing our clients’ goals with passion and integrity.” What is your most important strategy for building wealth? “It’s difficult to make sound financial decisions without a plan that takes into account an individual’s situation and goals. We’ve seen that financial planning can help improve people’s confidence and help them achieve better outcomes. Research from the 2004 Health and Retirement Study of Americans over the age of 50 showed that those who created financial plans and stuck with them achieved an average total net worth three times higher than those who didn’t.” What’s the most common mistake people make with their money? “In a perfect world, every investor could ‘buy low and sell high,’ but the realities of the market often prove more complex. Still, many investors allow their emotions to steer them in the wrong direction. When the market is moving up, investors don’t want to be left out of the party so they tend to buy when prices are high. On the flip side, when the market experiences some volatility and declines, investors get scared and end up selling. But building wealth is a long-term endeavor, and for long-term investors, time in the market is more important than timing the market.” How do referrals play into what you do? “Good advice can be hard to find, but it’s easy to share. When we receive referrals to friends and family, it gives us the opportunity to help shape the financial future of someone our client cares about.”
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Describe your relationship with your clients. “You’re not just a client at Schwab. We believe in collaborating with you and getting to know you, so we can work together on your terms.” What is your professional “secret weapon”? “Throughout our history, we’ve put our clients’ needs first. We continue to innovate with a goal of demystifying the process of investing and driving down costs, so investors have more money to invest.” What are some pressing challenges facing the financial industry today? “Planning is critical to successful investing, but not enough people have a financial plan. For some, the roadblock might be high costs and minimums; for others, planning may seem like a dull and daunting task. We help make it easier and more a affordable to build and maintain a plan, stay invested and access professional guidance along the way.” How do the solutions you offer affect your clients’ wealth? “We believe there’s a world of difference between sound, time-tested advice and the advice people typically receive. We offer advice that relies on disciplined principles, fact–based research and the insights of industry-leading experts.” Tell us about your team of professionals. “Schwab Torrance branch financial consultants average more than 17 years of professional experience. When you work with one of us, you can count on guidance that’s founded on knowledge and motivated by an authentic desire to help. Whether you want advice or need a plan, helping you achieve your financial goals will be our priority. Also, we offer complimentary, no-obligation workshops where you can learn about investing, trading, saving and so much more. You don’t need to be a Schwab client to attend.” Disclaimer: Member SIPC. Wealth management refers to products and services available through the operating subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation of which there are important differences including, but not limited to, the type of advice and assistance provided, fees charged, and the rights and obligations of the parties. It is important to understand the differences when determining which products and/or services to select. ©2017 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) Member SIPC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Charles Schwab Corporation. (0417-Y52H)
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L to R: Charlie Yang, Martha Holladay, Winnie Chan, Marc Myers, Lisa Quartarone, Casey Mervine, Vinnie Maliakkal, Lane Reid, Kiley Schmit, Brian Latorre, Diana Vasquez, Grant Seaton, Brandt Mabuni
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trusted advisors
Stumpo Wealth Management Group at UBS Financial Services, Inc. Gino R. Stumpo, CFP®, CRPC® Senior Vice President – Wealth Management 3030 Old Ranch Parkway, Suite 300 Seal Beach 562-343-9229 ubs.com/team/stumpo
“I believe a financial ‘concierge’ understands managing wealth goes beyond numbers and investments.”
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ino R. Stumpo®, CFP, CRPC, is part of a small group of UBS Financial Advisors who have earned the Wealth Advisor Title. He provides personalized wealth management services for high net worth individuals in the Southern California area. How long you have worked in the industry? “I spearhead my team, the Stumpo Wealth Management Group at UBS Financial Services, Inc., and I have been able to keep my finger on the pulse of the financial markets for nearly 20 years.” How did you begin your career? “I joined UBS Financial Services, Inc.—a global firm with 150 years of history—in 1999 and have guided clients through two market corrections: the tech bubble of 2000 and the ‘Great Recession’ of 2008. As a portfolio manager and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, I help clients reach their life and family goals by managing their wealth..” How do you keep clients’ financial plans working for them over the long term? “My team caters to clients individually with impeccable service. I stay actively engaged, which not only enables me to assist with unforeseen circumstances but allows me to take advantage of timely opportunities in the market. I review and adjust financial plans as needed, especially when clients undergo lifestyle or goal changes.” How do you add value for your clients? “I consider myself a very proactive financial advisor. I keep close relationships with clients through frequent conversation, annual in-person meetings, financial plan updates, communication with their other professionals (such as CPAs and estate attorneys) and, at their request, meeting with their children and hosting educational events.” What are some services you offer? “Retirement planning, investment management, philanthropy, estate planning, alternative investments and more. There is an abundance of well-developed research available from UBS as well.” What’s your opinion of the current market? “Whether the market is considered overvalued or undervalued, the key is to focus on fundamentals. I am a firm believer in buying quality investments when opportunities arise rather than following the latest trends.
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Attempting to time the market can lead to poor buying and selling decisions. I also recommend clients focus on cash flow.” What do you enjoy doing outside work? “Recently, with the birth of my first son, Lucca Stumpo, I am certainly more occupied. When time permits, my wife, Ana Maria, and I enjoy traveling, stand-up comedy, discovering new restaurants and hiking with our beloved Goldendoodle Bentley.” How do you give back to your community? “I am a regular donor to health research organizations, such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Every year the men in our UBS branch take an oath to scruffiness during September (Septembeard) to raise money and awareness for cancer research.” How do you assist with retirement planning? “Many individuals my team and I meet are approaching retirement or have recently retired. This can be a very stressful time for individuals, and I help them create a comprehensive financial plan to address a multitude of concerns. Should you wish to evaluate your retirement plan, you are welcome to contact me and my team to schedule a complimentary consultation.” Disclaimer: Gino R. Stumpo is a Financial Advisor with UBS Financial Services Inc. a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC in 3030 Old Ranch Pkwy Suite 300, Seal Beach CA 90740. The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of UBS Financial Services Inc. Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor its employees (including its Financial Advisors) provide tax or legal advice. You should consult with your legal counsel and/or your accountant or tax professional regarding the legal or tax implications of a particular suggestion, strategy or investment, including any estate planning strategies, before you invest or implement. In providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services which are separate and distinct and differ in material ways. For information, including the different laws and contracts that govern, visit ubs.com/workingwithus. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S.
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trusted advisors
Navigoe Wealth Management Scott Leonard, CFP® 417 Beryl St. Redondo Beach 310-697-0400 navigoe.com
“We believe that our primary role is to help our client navigate the financial waters of their lives through both storms and smooth sailing.”
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ERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional Scott Leonard started Navigoe Wealth Management in 1996 and has worked in this industry for more than 25 years. In 2012 he was named one of the Top 5 most influential financial advisors by RIABiz. Navigoe is a South Bay fee-only financial advisor providing wealth management to local business owners, executives and their families. Services include tax planning, asset protection strategies, estate planning and charitable giving in addition to 401(k) and retirement plan services. Why the lifeguard tower photo? “We feel the idea of a ‘lifeguard’ is a good metaphor for how we approach our clients’ financial lives: first and foremost, to protect and guard the safety of our clients’ hardearned money while helping allow for the greatest amount of enjoyment at the same time. (And who doesn’t like a chance to break from the standard boardroom photo!) Not only do we take seriously the trust our clients place with us to safeguard their finances, but as fiduciaries we are legally responsible too.” Is that unique, to be a fiduciary? “Yes, it is in financial services. One of the reasons I founded Navigoe over 20 years ago is that I could not work for an organization that was more concerned with shareholder profits than doing what is best for their clients. The banks and brokerage firms have a legal responsibility to maximize their own profits—not to take care of their clients. I just could not work in that environment. To put it bluntly, I find it incredibly maddening that the legal responsibility of most financial firms is actually in direct conflict with their client, the investor.”
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brokerage firms and banks. Yet very few people have been prosecuted or held personally liable. If these firms were fiduciaries, the Great Recession would have never happened. One should never trust their finances to an institution that is not willing to be completely transparent about fees and conflicts of interest, and who does not fully embrace a fiduciary standard.” Are all financial advisors also fiduciaries? “While the Department of Labor (DOL) did pass a fiduciary rule, it only applied to qualified retirement plans, like your 401k plan. However, due to the strong lobbying by the banks and brokerage firms, they have been able to delay implementation and force the DOL to reevaluate the rule—meaning that even this watered-down version may never become reality.” Why do you call yourselves “financial navigators”? “We believe that our primary role is to help our client navigate the financial waters of their lives through both storms and smooth sailing. We are members of our client’s crew, yet we never forget that they are the captain and it is their ship. We are along for the journey, leveraging our expertise to help make the experience as low risk and enjoyable as possible.” You actually know something about navigating oceans. “Yes. Back in 2011 my family and I took a 2½-year adventure sailing through the Caribbean and South Pacific. It was a lifelong dream of mine that I wanted to share with my family before my boys left for college. Being a financial planner was a great asset in allowing me to fulfill this big, audacious goal.”
What does it mean to be a fiduciary? “It is a legal standard that requires that we put the needs of our clients ahead of our own. And if we don’t, we as a company—and I personally—are financially liable. In effect, it helps ensure that our clients always receive our best advice, solely in your best interest. The standard also requires us to have full transparency around our fees and any possible conflicts of interest.”
How many financial navigators are there in Navigoe? “There are four. We work together as a team, servicing and guiding all of our clients. This approach has served us very well in being able to continuously maintain our high level of service. A large team of highly qualified professionals working together helps ensure that someone is always available to help clients when questions or urgent matters arise.”
Why is it critical that one’s financial advisor is a fiduciary? “The financial services industry almost completely collapsed the global economy in the 2000s. The Great Recession was a direct result of the misleading tactics used by the
Does Navigoe provide any other core services? “Our core service is our portfolio design and implementation. We have two other main services: financial planning and wealth management, in addition to our 401(k) services for small to mid-sized businesses.”
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L to R, top: Heather Johnson, Donald Hance, Jr., Eric Toya Bottom: Tyler Smith, Kathleen Boyd, Scott Leonard
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trusted advisors
Chase Law Group A Professional Corporation
DeAnn Flores Chase Principal Attorney 1334 Parkview Avenue #230 Manhattan Beach 310-545-7700 chaselawmb.com
“Our clients come to us seeking guidance in challenging times, and we are committed to serving them with kindness and compassion.”
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hase Law Group is a business and real estate law firm working with business and practice owners to develop comprehensive legal structures. Founder DeAnn Flores Chase earned her law degree from Southwestern University School of Law. She worked for 10 years litigating complex business matters in many Southern California courthouses before starting her own firm, South Bay Business Lawyers, in 2007 (changing the name to Chase Law Group in 2015). DeAnn and her husband, Bruce, have lived in the South Bay since 1996, and their two children attend local schools. What are your practice areas? “We provide general counsel services to business and professional practice owners, which consists of particular practice specialties that our clients need to grow their business. These specialties include formation and maintenance of business entities, partnership agreements, contracts, real estate, franchises, trademark and copyright. In addition, we advise employers with respect to employee and independent contractor issues.” How important is trust in your relationship with clients? “Trust is everything. Our clients need to know that we will provide a safe environment for them to share their challenges—without judgment—and trust that we have the knowledge and expertise to provide efficient solutions to their problems.” What would you want potential clients to know about you? “We are celebrating 10 years of service to the South Bay business community! Our clients come to us seeking guidance in challenging times, and we are committed to serving them with kindness and compassion. We want them to know that we truly care about their well-being and are here to support them as they grow their business or professional practice.” What distinguishes your firm from others in your industry? “We offer a team-oriented, holistic approach to evaluate current business structures and provide in-depth guidance from legal specialists who collaboratively and seamlessly work together to ensure that our clients’ interests are protected at every turn. Whether someone is looking to form a business entity, buy a franchise, dive into commercial real estate, hire employees and independent contractors, or transition a family-owned business to the next generation, our proven legal expertise will help them to safely move ahead in business.”
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How do you help your clients avoid expensive litigation? “My entire mission is to help business owners avoid expensive litigation. By the time a lawsuit is filed, what’s done is done—or not done. My unique experience provides me with the ability to detect gaps in my client’s business or practice and to help them bridge these gaps before a lawsuit is filed.” How do you keep your clients’ business plans working for them over the long term? “We provide tailored legal solutions for every stage of business ownership. We work with our clients to set up appropriate business structures that accommodate growth by providing them a step-by-step roadmap to navigate changes in their business environment. We keep track of regulatory deadlines for their business and follow up with them on a regular basis to ensure that they are staying on track—so they can focus on what they need to do to grow their business. We also maintain open lines of communication with our clients so they feel comfortable calling us as soon as a new opportunity or challenge arises.” What concern do you often hear from clients? How do you help them with this concern? “Our clients want to do things the right way. Frequently we have clients come to us in crisis mode after they have tried to use online legal services without seeking legal counsel. A recent review on our Yelp page sums it up best: ‘I learned more in half an hour with DeAnn than about 40 hours (at least!) of reading articles online. Not only did she answer all of my questions, but she gave me total peace of mind in knowing the exact order I need to go about starting my business. I walked out of the office feeling so relieved because I finally have a clear understanding of everything I need to do next!’” What advice do you offer young clients? “Take the time (and spend the money) to make sure your legal structures are done correctly. Partnerships and investment relationships need to be carefully documented to avoid future disputes that can destroy the business. An example is our youngest client, 15-yearold Kaitlyn Sciarrino—a young entrepreneur whom we helped form a nonprofit corporation, Kindheartedly. She participated in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy sponsored by the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce and surrounded herself with experienced professionals to advise and mentor her, while she carefully heeded their advice. We know she is going to be extremely successful, and we look forward to being part of her team as she grows.”
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Burkley Brandlin Swatik & Keesey LLP 21515 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 820 Torrance 310-540-6000 bbsklaw.com
“Our clients commonly refer to us as their extended family based on the personal service we provide to each of them.”
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he attorneys at Burkley Brandlin Swatik & Keesey assist clients with estate law and estate litigation matters. Located in Torrance, the firm serves clients throughout Southern California. Walter R. Burkley, Jr. has practiced law in the South Bay for more than 40 years, with experience in corporate and real estate law, succession planning for family businesses, and he has an extensive practice in trust and estate litigation. He is a past president of the South Bay Bar Association and was named the “2017 Lawyer of the Year” by the South Bay Bar Association. Brian R. Brandlin has been certified by the State Bar of California as a legal specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law—a certification awarded to less than 1% of California attorneys. He has been in private practice since 1987. Bruce R. Brandlin has practiced law since 1979 and holds an AV Preeminent Rating with Martindale Hubbell. He was a board member for the California Grocers Association for eight years and has served as counsel and attorney for several grocery corporations. Deborah Keesey practices in the areas of estate planning, trust litigation, trust administration, conservatorships, probate and corporate/business law. She is a director of the South Bay Bar Association, an executive committee member of the Trust & Estate section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and a member of the Torrance Memorial Hospital Professional Advisory Council. Mark E. Swatik specializes in trusts and probate law, advanced tax planning, special needs planning, elder law and business succession planning. He is a retired police sergeant. Christopher Brandlin was admitted to the California bar in 2011 and is also a licensed real estate broker. His practice areas include real estate law, landlord-tenant law, personal injury, premises liability, product liability, employment law, probate, guardianships, conservatorships, business litigation and civil litigation.
Please give a brief description of your business. “Burkley Brandlin Swatik & Keesey LLP provides a comprehensive range of estate law services for all families throughout the South Bay and Southern California areas. The firm emphasizes solutions for business owners, high net worth clients and people with complex estate planning needs but also serves clients of more modest means. The firm represents people in estate litigation involving wills, trusts and probate, probate administration and conservatorships.” What are your practice areas? “Estate planning, probate and estate administration, wills, trust administration, business succession planning, conservatorships and guardianships, will contest, trust litigation, elder abuse, personal injury, business organization, business litigation, civil litigation, real estate law, landlord-tenant law, premises liability, product liability, employment law.” What distinguishes your firm)from others in your industry? “From the moment our clients walk through our front door, they are given our undivided attention, loyalty and respect. Not only do we provide exceptional legal service and expertise that is unparalleled to any other law firm in the South Bay, our thoroughness and attention to detail is second to none. Our clients consistently refer us to their friends and family, which is an accolade and achievement to which every firm aspires.” What is unique about your team? “Our clients commonly refer to us as their extended family based on the personal service we provide to each of them. We are exceptionally responsive to our clients and address their needs in the most efficient, economic and effective manner possible. Perhaps that is why we have maintained the top client performance and satisfaction reviews amongst any firm in the South Bay.”
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trusted advisors
L to R: Greg Wells, CFP®, AWMA®, Vice President; Ryan Serrecchia, CFP®, Executive Vice President/Partner; Patrick Goshtigian, CFA, President; Derek Holman, CFP®, AIF®, Co-founder and Managing Director; Sherryl Ray, Operations Director; Brian Parker, CFP®, Co-founder, Managing Director; Erin Durkin Voisin, MS, CFP®, CDFA®, ChFC®, Director of Financial Planning; Adam Phillips, CFA, CFP®, Director of Portfolio Strategy; Kevin Ashworth, CFA, Investment Director
“We understand trust is earned.”
EP Wealth Advisors
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s an independent wealth management firm, EP Wealth Advisors helps clients develop an investment portfolio and a financial plan that matches their goals and aspirations. The firm was founded in 2004 by a group of longtime friends—some who have known each other since middle school. How important is trust in your relationship with clients? “Essential. We understand trust is earned. It’s about being objective, thoughtful and doing what we say we’re going to do. We structured our entire business model around objectivity and trust by taking a fiduciary approach. How can you trust someone with incentives that don’t align with your goals?” What distinguishes your firm from others in your industry? “Finances can be complex, so in order to
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simplify that without missing anything, we collect the necessary documentation— tax returns, pension statements, estate plans, insurance policies—and review all the information so we can provide as precise of a plan as possible and organize your finances for you at the same time. To support this process, we have a dedicated planning team to help with financial plans and asset allocation. We also have a team of portfolio managers who build portfolios to clients’ specific needs.” How do you keep your clients’ plans working for them over the long term? “Paying attention to what matters most to clients is so crucial for us, and we do our best to remind them of what matters and the plan we’ve established to get there. There will always be ups and downs in the stock market, but we like to take a proactive approach and prepare our clients as best as we can.”
21515 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 1200 Torrance 310-543-4559 epwealth.com Tell us your #1 way of keeping clients satisfied. “Listening to them. We know we’re skilled, but those skills don’t matter if they’re not properly tailored to a person’s situation.” What do you envision for the future of your practice? “Clients will have more time and more ways to access us, their advisors. Our fantastic team and technology have combined to liberate advisors to spend more time with our clients.” How do you give back to your community? “Our firm supports cancer research by participating in the Tour de Pier every year. Individually we are involved in USC’s Wrigley Institute, Beach Cities Health District, Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, CFP® Board Win-Win Initiative, churches and kids youth leagues.”
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trusted advisors
Gruver Wealth Management of Wells Fargo Advisors
Shawn V. Gruver, CFP® Managing Director–Investments & Senior PIM Portfolio Manager 2321 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 2275, El Segundo shawn.gruver@wfadvisors.com | 310-725-2267
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ruver Wealth Management is led by Shawn V. Gruver and is part of the full-service financial firm Wells Fargo Advisors, which offers high-end wealth management and investment planning services. Since joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2014, Shawn has been named as a Premier Advisor every year.* What’s the secret of your company’s success? ”We want to help those who want to be helped. We assist clients in growing their assets and educate them on protecting their most important asset—their family’s financial well-being. We take the time to understand clients’ needs, goals and dreams for themselves and their families. This deep understanding—combined with our powerful global resources—lays the foundation for a strong, enduring relationship.” What goes on during an initial meeting with a prospective client? “First meetings are complimentary and in-person. We discuss their financial situation and identify concerns they may have. If it’s a mutually good ‘fit,’ we then schedule a follow-up to start the planning process.” What type of investment philosophy do you believe in: active or passive? “When it comes to investing, there’s no such thing as a onesize-fits-all portfolio. We believe our clients benefit from a combination of active and passive strategies. That’s why we offer both and construct custom portfolios for each client.” What are some common issues people have with wealth management? “Their understanding of risk and how it applies to their overall financial well-being. The three most important aspects to modern-day investing are risk, time and compound returns. If clients are going to be successful—with the longevity we have today—they have to embrace all three and understand them.” How does being a Certified Financial Planner™ professional impact your work? “Being a CFP® professional gives my clients an added sense of security as an ‘advisor you can trust’—and I’m proud to believe I’ve earned my clients’ trust.”
“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.” SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Disclaimer: *The Premier Advisor designation is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by business production, completion of educational components, and professionalism. Shawn was named a Premier Advisor in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo and Company.
Securities and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value
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trusted advisors
L to R, front: Spencer Kelly, CFP®; Britt Joyce, CFA Back: Lauren Parsons; Grace Yu, CFA; Erika Dumandan, CPA; Nick Ozer, CFP®; Russell Mohberg, CFP®; Ellen Himmel, JD; Lisa Margulies
“We care deeply for our clients and compete daily for great results.”
Regatta Capital Group
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egatta Capital Group provides investment management and financial planning advice to individuals, families, business owners and endowments. The firm manages more than $270 million for clients in Los Angeles and more than 25 states. Spencer Kelly and Russell Mohberg established the 100% independent firm in 2007. How do you distinguish yourself from the competition? “We are unabashed in our commitment to scouring the investment universe to find the best possible solutions for our clients and their money. We know there’s an easier way to manage money, but we choose to take the road less traveled. For example, we invested in Facebook pre-IPO, own clean energy facilities and have directly invested in over 40 private, multi-family apartment building LLCs.”
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What do you want potential clients to know about you? “Successful investing is a lot like practicing good medicine. We are thoroughly grounded in what is proven to work but also open to new ideas. We believe in owning great companies, like Google, and using world-class money managers, like Will Danoff. But we are also deeply committed to spending the time necessary to find and execute on those more difficult investment opportunities. Through our experience and expertise we use alternative and private investments that can offer better returns at a given level of risk for our qualified clients.” Tell us something unique about your business. “We work as a team, and when clients start with us they often say they feel like they’ve joined the Regatta Family. We now have six advisors serving more than 400 clients, along with a dedicated research analyst, con-
Spencer Kelly & Russell Mohberg 2321 Rosecrans Ave., Ste. 2225, El Segundo 310-725-9102 | regattainvest.com troller and client service associate. Each team member shares the same core values of hard work, honesty, integrity, caring and commitment to the client, and we all bring a unique set of skills, knowledge and background to the business. We have advisors who are experts on 401(k) retirement plans, endowments and foundations, personal coaching and detailed tax planning.” What is the most valuable skill you offer clients? “That’s easy—listening. We take our fiduciary responsibility very seriously, and because no two people are exactly alike, we custom-tailor the overall plan and optimize the portfolio design for each specific client. We care deeply for our clients and compete daily for great results.” Disclaimer: Past performance does not predict future results. Most, but not all, investments, we use are not bank guaranteed and may lose money.
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trusted advisors
“In addition to being a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, I am an author, a public speaker and blogger on financial literacy for children.”
Zelda K. Benson and Shannon Ryan
Ryan/Benson Wealth Management Group Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC
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inancial advisor Shannon Ryan has worked with individuals, families and businesses for more than two decades helping them make financial decisions. Shannon is past president of the Manhattan Beach Rotary and a patroness with National Charity League. How do you differentiate yourself from others working in the wealth management industry? “My passion for financial literacy and building financial strategies. To accomplish your financial goals you have to know why and what you are investing in. You should also consider taxes, liquidity, estate planning and the risk you face on the path to your goals.” What are some of your firm’s core values? “I moved my private practice to Wells Fargo Advisor, LLC three years ago. Wells Fargo
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Advisors, LLC has a very broad depth of resources; lending, small business, M&A, elder care, estate planning, alternative investment and many other areas. These were resources that my clients could benefit from that I did not have access to as an independent advisor. WFA also has a strong commitment to our community and their charitable e orts across the country. I feel privileged to work with a company that has strong core values.” What’s the most common mistake people make with their money? “The most common mistake is not being proactive. Take the time to sit down and align your money decisions with your values. Often there are financial strategies clients have missed that allow them to enjoy their money to its fullest. That may be using it now or building a legacy estate
Shannon Ryan, CFP® Senior Vice President–Investments 2321 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 2275, El Segundo 310-725-2268 shannon.t.ryan@wfadvisors.com plan that lives for generations.” How important is it to have wellestablished relationships with legal, tax planning and other professionals on behalf of your clients? “As a Certified Financial Planner, I work with my clients’ entire financial lives. It is very important to have your ‘team’ talking to each other as you make decisions. We are on the phone daily with other professionals on our clients’ financial teams. It is my opinion that these well-established relationships are critical to our clients’ financial success.” Tell us something unique about you. “In addition to being a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, I am an author, a public speaker and blogger on financial literacy for children.”
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“I have access to many of the South Bay’s most attractive investment real estate opportunities and deals.”
Cohen Group – Investment Real Estate
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he Cohen Group (CG) helps apartment building owners evaluate, sell and purchase multifamily commercial real estate investments in the South Bay and Los Angeles. CG’s principal, Josh Cohen, has been selling apartments for more than 17 years and has sold in excess of $500 million and closed more than 400 transactions. To what do you attribute your success in this industry? “Being a good listener and putting clients’ objectives first. We never apply pressure to a client’s decision-making process, and frequently our advice is to not dispose of the asset and focus on enhancing operations for increased cash flow. Also, having 15 years of apartment brokerage experience allows me to anticipate and overcome potential deal hurdles. Moreover,
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I have access to many of the South Bay’s most attractive investment real estate opportunities and deals.” How do you build trust in your relationship with clients? “We have long-standing, strong relationships with all of our clients, and they depend on us to make decisions that are prudent and in their best interest 100% of the time. This trust is of upmost of importance to us and to them.” In what ways do you address critical challenges facing your clients? “Many of our clients are concerned about not wanting to pay taxes and focus on 1031 tax-deferred exchanges. The Cohen Group explores all investment options (apartments, single tenant NNN retail, DSTs, seller financing structures, etc.) and matches our
Josh Cohen Principal/Owner 830 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 200 El Segundo 310-480-2130 cohengroupla.com clients with the best investment opportunities available.” What makes apartment building investments so attractive today? “Rents are going up; interest rates and vacancy rates are incredibly low. Many apartment owners don’t trust the stock market and would rather invest in brickand-mortar assets that they can go to and enhance themselves. Also, real estate investments can be depreciated and therefore allow investors to shelter some of their cash flow. The South Bay is an outstanding place to live, own and invest. I am so pleased to have been involved with many terrific clients and smooth transactions— our clients have literally made countless millions over the years. I’m happy to take investors to lunch (on me) to provide a complimentary evaluation of their assets.”
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trusted advisors
“I love being in the courtroom and cannot imagine working in any other profession.”
Pat Barrera, Managing Partner
Barrera & Associates
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ttorney Pat Barrera graduated from The University of Texas School of Law in 1990 and has practiced law ever since. He formed Barrera & Associates in 2007. The law firm offers comprehensive business litigation and employment law services and handles class actions for clients throughout Southern California. Why did you choose to work in the legal profession? “I wanted to be a trial lawyer at a young age, after watching And Justice For All— a film in which Al Pacino portrayed a trial lawyer trying to free a wrongly imprisoned client while battling corruption. I loved that movie. I love being in the courtroom and cannot imagine working in any other profession.”
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2298 E. Maple Avenue El Segundo 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 500 Manhattan Beach 310-802-1500 | baattorneys.com What do you want potential clients to know about you? “I work hard at being a good listener. Based on my 27 years of professional experience, I know what information to listen for, to determine whether I can help and how I can help. I am very direct with potential clients. I explain the risk and costs of litigation, the estimated amount of time it will take, and I answer clients’ questions concerning expectations. I explain the projected outcomes and likelihood of success based on my experience and assessment of the law and facts of the potential case.” What distinguishes you from other attorneys? “I was recently invited to become a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates—a distinguished body of trial attorneys and judges. Also, I have been
listed annually as a Southern California Super Lawyer for 2004 through 2017 by Los Angeles and California Super Lawyer magazines. I am licensed to practice law in California and Texas, and I have served as a judge pro tempore with the Superior Court. I speak English and Spanish.” What is unique about your team? “The attorneys and staff at Barrera & Associates have worked together for years. We have the experience and expertise to help guide our clients through the civil litigation process. We are a small law firm, but we litigate against the major national and international law firms on a daily basis with an excellent record of success. We only take on cases where we absolutely believe in the client’s legal position—where the client was harmed in some way and we work hard to find a satisfactory resolution.”
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“With the cross-specialties in our firm, we look at the overall best solution for our client.”
Artiano & Associates
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rtiano & Associates is a law firm representing South Bay and Long Beach businesses, municipalities and residents in their business law, employment law, civil litigation and estate planning needs. The firm was first established in 1984 and is now headed by owners Jim Artiano and Linda Artiano.
Linda Artiano & Jim Artiano Owners 3828 Carson Street, Suite 102, Torrance 310-543-1240 | artianolaw.com
providing clients with the information employers need, or handling any civil, business employment or trust litigation matter for a client, our clients know that our firm is in partnership with them. Giving clients a voice and advocating for them is most rewarding for the attorneys on the file.”
cross-specialties in our firm, we look at the overall best solution for our client. From setting up routine to complicated estate plans to disciplining or terminating employees to litigating or arbitrating claims, we delve into each client’s specific needs instead of giving them a cookie- cutter approach.”
How do you build trust in your relationship with clients? “We are business owners ourselves and understand the challenges of being a California business owner. We keep our clients’ overall business and financial health in mind.”
In which ways does your firm set a standard of excellence? “Each of our attorneys is passionate about the area of law they practice. From finding the best estate plan to solving their employment law needs to litigating for individuals and local cities, we have paired each of our attorneys with the area they are most interested in and dedicated to.”
What’s most rewarding about your work? “Taking the burden off our clients. Whether it is an estate plan we are putting in place for them, HR matters that are handled by
How do you distinguish yourself from the competition? “We are different because we don’t try to solve each problem in a fishbowl. With the
Tell us about your team. “Jim specializes in business law and estate planning—from the simple to the very complex. Linda is an employment law attorney representing employers in matters ranging from discipline and termination to employment law compliance issues including handbook reviews and harassment training. Lawrence ‘Chip’ Andrews is a seasoned litigator who defends cities in civil litigation, as well as litigating business matters. Joanne Leighton is also an experienced attorney who litigates both employment law and all matters of civil litigation.”
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trusted advisors
L to R: Clint Wilson, Teresa Klinkner, Kent Burton, Brad Baker, Christine Daniels, Albro Lundy, Evan Koch
“From the moment clients walk in our front door, they know that their experience is going to be unique.”
Law Offices of
Baker, Burton & Lundy
B PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAVID LEBON
aker, Burton & Lundy PC is a fullservice law firm founded in 1976. The legal team includes partners Brad N. Baker, Kent Burton and Albro Lundy, attorneys Evan Koch, Clint Wilson, Christine Daniels, Steve Dawson and Teresa Klinkner, and a legal staff that assists clients with estate planning, probate litigation, employment law, personal injury, real estate and business law. How do you distinguish yourself from the competition? “Few professions provide the opportunity to help people as much as the legal profession. We take this mission very seriously. From the moment clients walk in our front door, they know that their experience is going to be unique. The friendly staff and personal interaction with seasoned attorneys combined
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with top-notch legal work in a welcoming office environment creates a bond that keeps clients returning and referring friends and family. Our attorneys have experience at the highest levels up to the California and U.S. Supreme Courts, yet our office atmosphere is personal and casual.” What are some important life decisions that you assist clients with? “Life and legal decisions come in all sizes and shapes. A fresh set of eyes can help bring new perspectives to assist our clients with difficult decisions in both their personal and business lives. The decisions are the clients’, but providing them with the information to make educated decisions is key. For decades we have assisted clients with life decisions that extend past the legal issues by creating long-term relationships built on trust.”
515 Pier Avenue Hermosa Beach 310-376-9893 BakerBurtonLundy.com How do you help clients who feel stressed and overwhelmed? “We believe in our clients making educated decisions about their legal issues. We won’t rattle off a bunch of legal concepts you can’t wrap your head around. Our job is to help you review your options and the pros and cons of each path, based on our 40 years of experience in the field. Sometimes clients can drive themselves to inaction, afraid of making any move at all—leaving loved ones unprotected should the worst come to pass. Explaining to clients that no path is perfect but almost every path has both strengths and weaknesses takes a lot of pressure off. Clients feel more secure, and they have a better chance of having peace of mind in starting a business, buying a real estate property, creating an estate plan or dealing with an injury or injustice.”
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Morgan’s Jewelers Palos Verdes, Inc.
Marshall Varon President 50-C Peninsula Center, Rolling Hills Estates 310-541-2052 | morgansjewelerspalosverdes.com
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or 71 years, Morgan’s Jewelers Palos Verdes has served the South Bay as a fine jewelry company offering fullservice sales and design, as well as an on-site watch and jewelry repair and manufacturing facility. Owner Marshall Varon oversees all operations, including buying, appraising, bookwork, sales and human resources. He has worked with the company for 52 years and is a Certified Gemologist Appraiser with the American Gem Society and a Graduate Gemologist with the Gemological Institute of America. What would you want potential clients to know about you? “I’m honest, sincere, trustworthy and care about a strong relationship with my clients. I love designing and creating unique styles and sharing that with my clients. I love my industry with all the gorgeous gems and styles of jewelry available to adorn our women and men. I am very detail-oriented, and I try to pinpoint clients’ needs and expedite the transaction in a timely manner. We try hard to please our customers, and we offer excellent quality at competitive pricing.” Why did you choose to work in this industry? “I love science, gems, art and creativity. This industry allows me all these things and more.” How important is trust in your relationship with clients? “Trust is the key element in any relationship.” How do you help clients who feel stressed and overwhelmed? “We offer simplicity in explanation, trust through education and knowledge of product.” To what is your company dedicated first and foremost? “Customer service and satisfaction.”
What is unique about your team? “We’re all seasoned veterans who are in sync with each other. Our appraisers have earned some of the industry’s top degrees. In addition to repairs, we offer jewelry and watch appraisals and trade-ins. We can also assist you in keeping your treasured possessions in peak condition with cleanings and inspections.” Share your thoughts about the value of the human connection in your industry. “I love people and the connectivity with my clients.” How do you give back to your community? “We support 30 charities.”
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What do you love about working and living in the South Bay? “The great lifestyle: weather, schools, outdoor lifestyle and casual, relaxed environment.”
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trusted advisors
“We protect all of our clients by responding to their concerns, protecting them from the opposition and standing up for their rights.”
Law Offices of Sanford Jossen
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he team at the Law Offices of Sanford Jossen helps clients who have been seriously injured or wronged, including personal injury, sexual molestation, business litigation, governmental tort claims, civil rights violations and children’s rights cases. Owner Sanford Jossen started the business in 1982 after earning his law degree at the University of San Diego. Why should I hire your law firm instead of the many other law firms around? “We provide intense personal service. We work hard to obtain maximum results. We are respected by the legal community, the opposition and the courts. My staff and I are directly involved in your case from the beginning. We don’t have subordinate staff work up your case and hand it off to a trial attorney at the end.”
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Why did you choose to work in law? “I care about victims—people who have been injured through no fault of their own. I wanted to use my knowledge, skill and experience to help people who are disadvantaged or for whom the playing field is not level.” What distinguishes your firm from others in your industry? “1. Personal service. We work with a team approach; everybody in our office is ‘hands on’ for each client’s case. We bend over backwards to assist our clients. 2. Work quality. We are craftspeople. We ‘crack the books.’ We are not a ‘mill’ or volume practice. We do the hard work.” 3. Transparency. We copy clients with everything on their case.” Tell us about your team. “My office manager, Tracy, has worked with me for almost 19 years. Everyone on our staff
Sanford Jossen Owner 136 Main Street Suite E, El Segundo 310-546-9118 | Jossenlaw@aol.com is experienced, smart, warm and responsive. We honor our client’s trust.” Share your thoughts about the value of the human connection in your industry. “We are committed to our clients and their families. The human connection is what our practice is all about. We know that when someone is injured or sexually molested, the consequences extend to their family. We protect all of our clients by responding to their concerns, protecting them from the opposition and standing up for their rights.” What do you love about living in the South Bay? “I have lived here for 35 years. My daughter went through all Manhattan Beach schools. My office is local, and I live local. I routinely jog on the wood chips and go to the beach. I love our South Bay lifestyle.”
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Adishian Law Group, PC Adishian Capital
Chris Adishian, Owner 222 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 2000, El Segundo 310-726-0888 | AdishianLaw.com 310-426-8832 | AdishianCap.com
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dishian Law Group practices business, employment and real estate law. The firm leads missioncritical transactions and litigation, with a focus on high-stakes employment cases involving highly compensated professionals. Adishian Capital is a licensed real estate brokerage that provides property management services and select brokerage services. Owner Chris Adishian earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematical economics at Berkeley and law degree from Loyola Law School. What’s most rewarding about your work? “Our clients inspire us—they’re proven leaders in their industries and professions, and we’re privileged to work on their behalf.” What can our readers learn from your most successful clients? “They are committed to improving their decision-making process in business and life. They understand that the two great equalizers are: (1) time and (2) decisions. Over time, the compounded result of good decisions (and avoiding the compounded result of bad decisions) dwarfs any legal fees. Quite often the best decision is to ‘not do’ something. Making that decision is just as important as the decision to ‘do’ something.” What is the most valuable skill you offer clients? “My individual core skill set is along the lines of an ‘expert generalist’. When we look at a challenge or opportunity, we bring the legal expertise. That’s foundational. Along with our legal advice, we bring deep knowledge and multidisciplinary experience, which come together to inform the client’s business or litigation strategy and execution.” What would you want potential clients to know about you? “The law is ultimately a ‘helping’ profession, and that’s why we are here—to help our clients. We also have a tremendous amount of free informative content on our website and on our YouTube channel, to help anyone seeking to learn more about California law in the areas that we practice.” What is unique about how your two firms work together? “For clients active in real estate—owning, buying, selling, leasing or exchanging—our combination of a real estate law firm with an affiliated property management firm is unique. We can deliver tremendous value and provide relationship continuity.”
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What are the last three books that you’ve read? “Other than children’s books for my kids (laughing), The Undoing Project, Hillbilly Elegy and Business Adventures. I frequently reference Warren Buffett’s Owner’s Manual.”
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Spectacular 6 bedroom, custom-built home with panoramic ocean views from Catalina to Malibu and beyond! Over 7600 square feet, wine cellar, 4 car garage and more! $6,998,000
Chris Adlam 310.493.7216 chrisadlam.com
real estate
PANORAMIC OCEAN & CITY VIEWS
5113 Via El Sereno Custom built 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home with beautiful coastline and city views. Offered at $1,975,000. Beach City Brokers Justin Miller 310-619-9389
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Manhattan Beach Sand Section Town Home NEW CONSTRUCTION I 4 BEDS I 4 BATHS I 2,450 SQ. FT. I $2,999,000
RICHARD HAYNES 310.379.1724 richard@manhattanpacific.com BRE: 01779425
M a n h a t t a n P a c i f i c R e a l t y. c o m 310.379.1724
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MANHATTAN BEACH WALK STREET
NEWLY REMODELED 5 BEDROOM - 4.5 BATHROOM - 4,000 SQ FT (BTV) WALK TO TOWN - WALK TO THE BEACH - WALK TO SCHOOLS OFFERED AT $5,499,000
CHAD HEITZLER FAHLBUSCH CHAD HEITZLER FAHLBUSCH NW REAL ESTATE BROKERS BRE #01346526 310.600.3555 DIRECT: 310.600.3555 CHAD@SOUTHBAYCHAD.COM EMAIL: CHAD@SOUTHBAYCHAD.COM WWW.SOUTHBAYCHAD.COM WWW.SOUTHBAYCHAD.COM BRE# 01346526
All information herein deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Buyers to rely on their own investigation regarding measurements.
Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated
JUST LISTED
JUST LISTED
3557 ASHWOOD AVENUE, LOS ANGELES
1417 ELM AVE, MANHATTAN BEACH
4 BEDS, 4.5 BATHS | 2,822 SQ. FT. (APPROX.)
5 BEDS + OFFICE, 4.5 BATHS | 3,009 SQ. FT. (APPROX.)
$2,498,000
$2,795,000 WE KNOW THE MARKET.
Luxury property specialists with a refined understanding of the South Bay. We represent both buyers and sellers in residential transactions, structure savvy property investments, and coordinate distinctive construction projects.
YOUR QUINTESSENTIAL BEACH HOUSE 469 29TH STREET, MANHATTAN BEACH 4 BEDS, 3 BATHS | 1,464 SQ. FT. (APPROX.) $2,495,000
JIM VAN ZANTEN 310.466.1004
ROB DEPAOLI 310.896.5343
WALT SPADONE 310.345.7350
OMEGA VALENTE 323.612.7403
CO-CEO, BROKER, CAL BRE #00544011
REALTOR®, CAL BRE #01918925
DEVELOPMENT PARTNER, REALTOR®, CALBRE #0143434
REALTOR®, CALBRE #07998742
PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD, ROLLING HILLS
The ultimate entertainers dream home! Beautiful custom built home with panoramic views. Featuring 6,781 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Enjoy entertaining in the outdoor kitchen, pool spa, and fire-pit. $5,699,000
OFF MARKET PROPERTY AVAILABLE in ROLLING HILLS 3,300 sq. ft., remodeled, lower pad with barn, harbor views | CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION
Gordon Inman 310.936.1979
The Inman Team Inmanteam.com
KeIth Kelley 310.944.5554
WHERE EXCELLENCE LIVES Luxury is bearing the hallmark of one of real estate’s most iconic names. Luxury is having not just one real estate professional working for you — but a global network of 88,000 Coldwell Banker® affiliated sales agents in 3,000 offices in 49 countries and territories who can share the beauty of your home with an affluent audience worldwide. Luxury is knowing that you have representation that sells more than $129.6 million in million+ homes each day.* Dare to indulge. Coldwell Banker Global Luxury SM
*Average daily sales. Data based on closed and recorded transaction sides of homes sold for more than $1 million (USD$) or more as reported by the U.S. Coldwell Banker franchise system for the calendar year 2016. ©2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE
COLDWELLBANKERLUXURY.COM
FORBESCORRALES.COM C O A S TA L
P R O P E RT I E S
#1 Coldwell Banker Team in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach 2014, 2015 and 2016
GAME CHANGER WEST OF MANHATTAN AVENUE MB SAND SECTION
4 BD . 3.5 BA . panoramic ocean whitewater views . 1000 bottle wine room . basement . AC . 4-car parking | $3,399,000
West of Highland is preferred, yet not easily accomplished. The level of difficulty is even more pronounced trying to get a 4-bedroom with this much space less than a block to the beach. Between here and the water is Ocean Drive, and a whole lot of ocean before reaching the Big Island of Hawaii. Check your stats on this oversized lot, because price per square feet creates an excellent investment. Additionally, this Tomaro designed residence has sweeping ocean views, an extraordinarily large fireplace deck, a 1000-bottle wine room and a large finished basement. The back yard patio and 4-car parking is clutch for your guests.
- CO LDW E LL BA N KE R R E S I D E N T I A L BR O KE R A G E -
L A U R E N C A L B R E
F O R B E S
0 1 2 9 5 2 4 8
call | text 310.901.8512 Lauren@ForbesCorrales.com
JOHN
CORRALES
C A L B R E
0 1 2 6 3 6 8 7
call | text 310.346.3332 John@ForbesCorrales.com
Š2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. If your property is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.
FisherRealEstate.com
RESI DENTI A L | I N V ESTM ENT RESI DENTI A L | I N V ESTM ENT OUR CLIENTS' INTERESTS ALWAYS COME OUR CLIENTS' INTERESTS ALWAYS COME FIRST FIRST
“Charles is a tremendous advocate and respected voice when it comes to buying your home. He patiently explains the process, helps navigate potential pitfalls, and vigorously negotiates on your behalf when it comes down to price.” –Tim & Nora Reynolds
“Charles is a tremendous advocate and respected voice when it comes to buying your home. He “I would recommend Charles to both friends and strangers,pitfalls, and am confident he would treat each patiently explains the process, helps navigate potential and vigorously negotiates on your with the same respect and work ethic he portrayed with us. If you are looking for an agent to list or behalf when it comes down to price.” –Tim & Nora Reynolds help you find a house, look no further, because Charles Fisher is your guy!” –Marshall & Lauren Clayton
“I would recommend Charles to both friends and strangers, and am confident he would treat each with the same respect and work ethic he portrayed with us. If you are looking for an agent to list or help you find a house, look no further, because Charles Fisher is your guy!” –Marshall & Lauren Clayton
CHARLES FISHER 310-902-7214
Charles@FisherRealEstate.com 1401 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 BRE# 01731424
CHARLES FISHER 310-902-7214
Charles@FisherRealEstate.com 1401 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 BRE# 01731424
O PP R O AR RT E UN IT Y
CL W AS O S RL ES D TA TE
Representing Palos Verdes’ Finest Homes & Estates for Over 30 Years!
2701 Via Elevado, Palos Verdes | $23,450,000
999 Paseo la Cresta, Palos Verdes Estates | $9,999,000 7 bdrm/8ba, 10,400+ sq ft, Lot size nearly 1 acre www.999PaseolaCresta.com
5 bdrm/6ba, Approx. 10,000 sq ft, Lot size Approx. 4 acres
G VA RE LU AT E
O PP G O RE RT A UNT IT Y
www.KingOfTheHill.me
12 San Miguel, Rolling Hills Estates | $3,199,000 Also available for lease $9,500/mo 6 bdrm/6 ba, 4,500+ sq ft, Lot size 19,500+ sq ft www.12SanMiguel.com
LILY LIANG
40 Via Costa Verde, Rancho Palos Verdes | $1,999,000 5 bdrm + Media Room/4.5 ba, 4,700+ sq ft, Lot size 10,370 sq ft
+1 310 373 3333 | lily@lilyliang.com | www.lilyliang.com 550 Silver Spur Road, Suite 240, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 BRE# 00837794
www.40ViaCostaVerde.com
14 SOUTHBAY | NOVEMBER 2017
The Los Angeles Food Bank reports that An estimated 1.4 million people in Los Angeles County live with food insecurity, which means that approximately 16% of those who live here do not know where their next meal is coming from. Show your support by dropping by some of the items listed bellow for our community. Donate some food items that do not need refrigeration, like: peanut butter, cereal, baby food, canned fruit, canned pasta & sauce, mac & cheese, and soup. Small sized toiletries - shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes - are also appreciated!
Join us at one of our MONDAY meetings and drop off your donation November 16 & 30 from 9:45am - 11am The SOL Venue 313 Carson St. Carson, CA
Top 1% of producers worldwide for Keller Williams Realty
COMING SOON BEAUTIFUL HORSE PROPERTY
6 Dapplegray Lane, Rolling Hills Estates
WWW.THEKONDOGROUP.COM | THEKONDOGROUP@GMAIL.COM | 310.567.8790
last but not least
Fast Times on Valley Drive Gelato Mama’s got road rage … and she’s not even driving. WRITTEN BY EMILY TECKLENBURG | ILLUSTRATED BY CHRISTINE GEORGIADES
South Bay, we have a problem. Look … I get it. You are in a hurry. You are probably like super-important and really, really need to get where you’re going. Gosh, for all I know, you could be off to save the world or heading to the country club. And I understand—as demonstrated by your aggressive, selfish driving—you’re probably better than most people. You shouldn’t have to put up with silly traffic laws and frivolous stop signs at crosswalks in front of schools that you rightfully find to simply be an inconvenience to your driving experience. Us peons really should have an inherent respect for you that forgives naturally your unfortunate character trait to not give a crap about anyone else. But if I could perhaps, on behalf of my fellow Crazed Mothers, ask a simple favor of you? Can we not play Chicken with The Children? I can see how four-way stops next to parks may seem unnecessary, but I assure you that as predictable as The Children tend to be when making decisions, sometimes
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they get all crazy and cross the street assuming that an oncoming car will just … stop. At the stop sign. I agree this insane conclusion is totally on them, but there is technically a stop sign there—so you can see where The Children, not yet completely educated on Your Self Worth versus Their Self Worth, would come to the wrongful conclusion and begin to cross the street … only to hopefully be halted before your vehicle runs them over. And then you know what has to happen. I have to lose my shit. In front of The Children. And while I like to think The Children will look back and remember a Mother all wildeyed and protective—screaming at cars full of strangers to SLOW THE F DOWN—with a sense of pride and fondness, they will more likely just laugh at the many memories of their Mother getting flipped off and tauntingly being called ma’am (shudder), all while being exhilarated by her use of colorful language. Which is fine too. I’ll take what I can get.
It should be noted that just today as I was driving to my favorite writing spot, two cars drag raced—at 11 a.m.—down Valley Boulevard. And immediately following that, another car illegally passed me on the right to run a stoplight. This was simply an encore performance after some jerk almost ran Daughter over as we were in the school crosswalk this morning. And his reaction to almost mowing over multiple Children as they walk to school? An eye roll and the inexplicable decision to take the corner even faster and speed away. Before us Crazed Mothers could get his license, I suppose. But kidding aside, we’re all neighbors here. We care about one another. So if we love our community and our neighbors, why don’t we drive as if we do? Let’s start driving like we care about each other. Emily is a writer and mother behind the blog Gelato Mama.
DON’T MISS A
MOMENT 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
Little Company of Mary and annual mammograms keep you on a healthy path.
Cancer Care Schedule your mammogram 855-415-8191 providence.org/torrance