Southbay November 2022

Excellence, for you.

The Health care industry has spoken, and we are humbled by the recognition. The acknowledgement for Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Centers in San Pedro and Torrance serves as a powerful source of motivation for our employees to continue our mission: to provide our patients and communities with world class compassionate care. Your Partner in Health Care Excellence.

Explore the new side of a California Classic

Come experience the newly refreshed Portofino Hotel & Marina, your premier local destination for oceanfront staycations, watersport adventures and ingredient-driven dining. Join us this fall at BALEENkitchen for fresh flavors and new twists on classic dishes. Offering marina front views, locally-sourced ingredients, distinctive craft cocktails and warm, attentive service; your unforgettable South Bay experience awaits.

Bradley Thomas

your finances can be easier with a professional by your side. As an advisor at the new Manhattan Beach Blvd. office of Kinecta Wealth Management, I am here to become your partner for financial independence—to make a difference for you, your family and your future.

simple

complex,

ME

MOVES

FAST

A FAMILY LEGACY

As Nicole Brown takes on the role of executive director for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings and Los Angeles Lions, her husband, Dustin Brown, prepares to be the seventh Kings player to receive the incredible honor of having his number retired.

SURFING THE WEB

Four decades after gracing his first magazine cover and founding Spyder Surfboards, professional surfer and entrepreneur Dennis Jarvis spins a new artistic passion.

THE FLYING FISH

Although a relative newcomer to surfskiing, Manhattan Beach’s Tim Burdiak will soon compete for his third world title in the sport.

A GIFTED EDUCATION

One century after a principal inspired a first purchase, the incredible art collection amassed by Gardena High School makes a glorious return—this time on the walls of the Palos Verdes Art Center.

ROAD

Southbay photographer, artist and history buff Shane O’Donnell joined his father on a European tour honoring the sacrifice of WWII’s “greatest generation.”

ALSO...

SPOTLIGHT

FINANCIAL SPOTLIGHT

The Peninsula Group at Morgan Stanley

FINANCIAL SPOTLIGHT

Signature Estate & Investment Advisors

PROFILES

Trusted Advisors

REAL ESTATE

AGENT SPOTLIGHT

Morant

SHOPPING GUIDE

Bay retail in focus

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

The Ranch at Canyon Ridge

local listings

Monk

For healthy births, Providence delivers.

Providence Little Company of Mary offers personalized support, including doulas, for expecting and new parents.

At Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, our patients receive family-centered care in a peaceful, healing environment. As part of our commitment to providing parents compassionate and individualized care, we have launched a new doula program to provide mothers-to-be physical, emotional and informational support throughout the birthing process. In addition, you and your family will receive personalized care from our maternity program’s comprehensive team of experts. We offer:

• Board-certified team of OB/GYNs

• Doula program

• 24/7 on site Neonatology physician support

• 24/7 on-site OB physician support

• Pediatricians

• Midwifery program

• OB navigator providing guidance and support throughout your pregnancy journey

Whether your delivery is natural or high-risk, our support team is well-trained to provide expert clinical and compassionate care. When it comes to such a sacred moment in life, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance is here for you and your family.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Darren Elms

COPY EDITOR

Laura Watts

DEPUTY EDITORS

Bonnie Graves (Food & Wine)

Kara Mickelson (Food Style)

Tanya Monaghan (Style)

Jennie Nunn (Home)

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Diane E. Barber, Amber Klinck, Kailani Melvin, Kara Mickelson, Kat Monk, Gail Phinney, Quinn Roberts, Emily Tecklenburg

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Michelle Villas

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Ajay Peckham and Yuiko Sugino

DIGITAL MARKETING

Paul Fisher

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jeff Berting, Siri Berting, Tameka Jacobs, Kat Monk, Shane O’Donnell

PUBLISHER

Amy Tetherow | 424-220-6338 amy@thegoldenstatecompany.com

DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

Erika Carrion | 310-897-2424 erika@thegoldenstatecompany.com

DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

Marcie Gutierrez | 424-220-6337 marcie@thegoldenstatecompany.com

DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

Jen Turquand | 310-528-5351 jen.turquand@thegoldenstatecompany.com

SOUTHBAY IS A DIVISION OF THE GOLDEN STATE COMPANY

MANAGING PARTNERS

Charlie Koones Todd Klawin

MARKETING & OPERATIONS

PARTNER/BRAND PUBLISHER | Emily Stewart PARTNER/MANAGING DIRECTOR, MEDIA & ANALYTICS | Warren Schaffer

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL | Charles Simmons DIRECTOR OF FILM & VIDEO | Bryce Lowe-White OPERATIONS DIRECTOR | Allison Jeackjuntra ACCOUNTING | Emilie Artacho, Janet De La Cruz, Tanisha Holcomb

To learn more about us, visit thegoldenstatecompany.com.

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

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

TO OUR READERS: Southbay welcomes your feedback. Please send letters to Reader Response Department, Southbay magazine. Please include your name, address and email. Edited letters may be published. 200 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 110, El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel 310-376-7800 | Fax 310-376-0200 | goldenstate.is | southbay.goldenstate.is

Back in Action

As I sit to write this letter, I’m still feeling the charge of our first in-person event for Southbay in nearly three years. When you spend more than a decade hosting your supporters at parties throughout the community and then take a long hiatus, you’re bound to feel a bit rusty. Can we pull it off? Will anyone show up? The answer turned out to be yes.

We gathered. We laughed. We ate. We drank. We danced. Our guests seemed genuinely happy to be back together in the same space celebrating where we’ve ar rived. And we only got here because of the generosity of our partners, starting with our hosts, Indivisible Arts at Resin in Hermosa. Rafael McMaster opened his doors as well as his incredible talent pool to us. The result was an evening to remember, filled with art, ideas and connec tion. A huge thanks to him and all the amazing vendors who showed up with their best for our guests. It’s good

to be back. I got lost in the energy. I lost my voice. So much was gained.

In this issue, we raise a glass to all those taking action in the South Bay … those who use their power in the water or on the ice rink, but also those who put muscle behind the causes and organizations they care most about—including those in service to our country. There’s action that took root decades ago so we could all enjoy the fruits of that labor today. Our subjects prove no ef fort is too small, no obstacle too big. Sometimes you just need to show up.

Darren Elms

KAT MONK | 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.

AMBER KLINCK | A Colorado girl turned SoCal beach bum, Amber works 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.

SHANE O’DONNELL | Shane is a Wisconsin-born photographer living in the South Bay. His documentary and commercial training bring a realistic and refined style to his work. He photographs catalog, advertising, architecture and travel and has shot for such clients as Budweiser, Hershey, Syfy Channel and Vespa. seelikeshane.com

The Shape of Things

Spyder’s Dennis Jarvis reflects on a career in surf and a future in art. More on page 38.

a family legacy

AS NICOLE BROWN TAKES ON THE ROLE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE LOS ANGELES JR. KINGS AND LOS ANGELES LIONS, HER HUSBAND, DUSTIN BROWN, PREPARES TO BE THE SEVENTH KINGS PLAYER TO RECEIVE THE INCREDIBLE HONOR OF HAVING HIS NUMBER RETIRED.

Written by Amber Klinck | Photographed by Jeff Berting

Nicole Brown knows hockey. It’s been a big part of her life since she was a kid—before she married Dustin Brown, one of the most celebrated players of the National Hockey League (NHL), and long before she took on the role of hockey mom supporting her own children’s interest in the sport.

“I grew up playing hockey in upstate New York,” she says. “And in high school I played Midget Girls [under age 18] hockey for the Syracuse Stars. I won two na tional championships with them.”

That’s actually how Nicole and Dustin met—they were both playing for the Syracuse Stars. Nicole was 16, Dustin was 15, and the two have been together ever since. Life moved fast for the young couple; Dustin was only 18 when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings. In 2007 Nicole and Dustin were married, and four little ones followed closely behind—now 14, 13, 11 and 9 years old.

Things were busy, but it was important for Nicole to keep a sense of self while supporting her loved ones. “Over the years, I think what kept me sane was having my own life away from hockey,” she notes. “I used to say that Dustin’s world was hockey, and Dustin was my world. But I also had my own world that was separate.”

Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, Nicole found a group of girls and started playing hockey again. “I was playing adult league,” she shares. “Some of the ladies I played with are still my best friends to this day.”

Of course, being married to a professional hockey player didn’t make Nicole any less of a hockey fan. “I grew up a Rangers fan. I mean, I only got to go to a handful of NHL games in my entire life, and now I get to watch all these guys. It’s awesome for me,” she says.

After the games, Nicole and Dustin were able to go over plays as only two hockey players could. “Oh, it expands beyond just me,” Dustin notes. “Some of my teammates are like, ‘What did Mrs. Brown think of the game?’ Her feedback was appreciated.’ A lot of the guys carpool, so after the game other guys would jump in the car and they’d be like, ‘OK, Coach Brown, what did you think? What did you see in the game? How did I play?’ It became kind of a running joke with a handful of guys, but for me it was amazing because I grew up playing hockey.”

Nicole and Dustin didn’t waste any time getting their firstborn on the ice. “We got him on skates when he was 3, and then he started playing when he was maybe 5 or 6,” Nicole says. But being the mom of a hockey player was a lot different than being married to one.

“I’d get way more nervous watching my son play than watching Dustin. With Dustin, I know what to expect. I know what his game is. I’ve seen him play a million times. But with our son, every year is a new level, and I want him to do well,” she explains.

“There’s pressure on youth hockey kids to begin with,” Dustin adds. He notes that his own kids, “by no fault of their own, have extra pressure just because of who their father is.”

The last thing Dustin wants to do is add stress. “He’s actually really good at trying not to coach the kids,” Nicole points out. “If they ask him, he’ll talk to them, but he doesn’t want to be that parent who gets in the car and either starts yelling at them or starts critiquing them. It’s a lot harder for me because I want to coach them. But I’m getting a little bit better at keeping my thoughts to myself.”

The Browns have had three of their four kids partici pating in the Junior Kings program since the kids were 6 years old. “There’s just something about playing for an NHL team program,” Dustin says. “For us, it was the Buffalo Sabres. I remember going to SabreLand. It just feels different because you have NHL influences

around. Also, the exposure that they get playing here— it’s a pretty big coaching staff.”

Nicole’s familiarity with the L.A. Jr. Kings program as a parent, as well as her in-depth knowledge of hockey, made her a valued sounding board for the organization. “They were kind of picking my brain: ‘What can we do to make things better? What things can we work on? What have you seen from the parent side?’”

It wasn’t long before her consulting role evolved into something more. Today Nicole serves as executive director of the L.A. Jr. Kings and L.A. Lions. “Dustin and I talked about it at length before I decided [to take the position]. I felt like I could be one of those people who complains but doesn’t want to step in and actually

do anything about it, or I could step in and try to help make it better. So that’s what I did,” she says.

Dustin remembers telling his wife: “If you want to do this, I’m literally all for it. I think you would be great.”

One of Nicole’s biggest goals in her new role is to find opportunities to fundraise in the hopes of mak ing hockey more affordable to play in California. The expenses associated with hockey steer a lot of parents away from the sport—it’s a big hurdle to overcome.

Nicole is trying to manage her professional expecta tions. “I think what I’m learning the most is, no matter what I do, try to change, try to implement, I’m never going to be able to make everybody happy,” she says.

That keeps the Browns focused on the fundamentals that initially got them interested in playing hockey—the same fundamentals that inspired them to introduce the sport to their children. “The biggest thing is just build ing friendships,” Dustin says. “Some of my best friends to this day were kids I grew up playing hockey with.”

A two-time Stanley Cup captain, Dustin retired from the Los Angeles Kings in May after 18 seasons. On February 11, 2023, the L.A. Kings will retire Dustin’s #23. He will be the seventh Kings player to receive this honor.

Additionally, a statue of Dustin will be unveiled at the Crypto.com Arena. It’s an honor that he is immensely grateful for and humbled by.

“You just want to play and be the best player,” he says. “I’m extremely proud of it, but I’m grappling with it because the only other two players who have statues are the best player of all time, and then the best King of all time, goal-scoring-wise. It’s just a bit overwhelm ing. But I’m getting there.”

Dustin’s biggest fans—Nicole and the kids—couldn’t be prouder. ■

“I FELT LIKE I COULD BE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO COMPLAINS BUT DOESN’T WANT TO STEP IN AND ACTUALLY DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT, OR I COULD STEP IN AND TRY TO HELP MAKE IT BETTER. SO THAT’S WHAT I DID.”

Serving Fun

THE ANNUAL 6-MAN BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT DRAWS CROWDS AND SMILES.

For the first time, Team Lyon Stahl was crowned men’s champs of this year’s Charlie Saikley 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament—a local tradition for more than 43 years. On the women’s side, Horny Unicorny took home the top honor. This popular event takes place next to the Manhattan Beach Pier over the course of

two days in August.

A tournament full of fun, sun and competition, the spectacle welcomes as many as 50,000 attendees. At the start of the event, teams dress up in over-the-top costumes to the delight of fans. At nearby Shellback Tavern, guests flood in and patiently wait for signature

Fanta shots. It’s not until Saturday that the competition narrows down and things really start to get serious.

After two days of competing in the South Bay sun, a new champion is named.

Team Lyon Stahl first competed in the 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament back in 2018, achieving a

second-place finish. Four years later, the team took home the big win. The group includes Lyon Stahl’s very own Parker Boehle and Duncan Backus, along with business partners Brett Lyon and Woody Stahl. 2017 Open Division winners Horny Unicorny made an impressive showing, adding another medal to their growing legacy. ■

HIT THE ROAD

Travel pros help you enjoy your next adventure in style.

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING

Is exploring the country—or the world—on your bucket list?

Whether by land or by sea, you deserve an experience that sets your trip apart, and TravelStore is here to take care of the details so you can focus on the rest of your life.

Founded in 1975, TravelStore is an award-winning, employee-owned, full-service travel agency that not only creates seamless vacations but also enhances and enriches the travel experience in various ways. Unique experiences, upgrades, savings, exclusive privileges and top-rated guides are just some of the ways their clients benefit.

Opened in 1988, the South Bay office, located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the heart of the Malaga Cove Plaza, features a team of experienced travel professionals who are experts on vacation locations all over the world as well as cruise lines. General manager Florence Brethome, who has worked with TravelStore for 22 years, mentors newer advisors and welcomes experienced travel advisors to the TravelStore Palos Verdes family.

“Since COVID-19, we’ve seen such an increase in new business from travelers who appreciate the service profes sional travel advisors provide,” she says. “We’ve also been growing our team company-wide as a result.”

Today’s affluent traveler looks for a customized vacation enhanced with exclusive amenities that only a seasoned, well-respected travel consultant can provide. Florence says that the relationships TravelStore has with their worldwide preferred partners—such as Celebrity Cruises—benefit their clients immensely.

TravelStore offers a bonus savings on select voyages with Celebrity Cruises and many other preferred suppliers, along with an “All Included” program of gratuities, Wi-Fi and onboard beverages. “From exquisite itineraries in the Galápagos and the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and the Pacific Coast, Celebrity offers a wide choice for vacation-ready families, romantics and more,” Florence adds.

Before you schedule your next journey, schedule a complimentary consultation with Florence and her team to learn how TravelStore can best meet your needs.

The Retreat®, an upgraded experience on most Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Xpedition sailing in the Galapagos Islands

Military to Mom

WEST POINT GRADUATE AND ARMY LIEUTENANT KATIE GILES RECOUNTS

HER TRANSITION FROM SERVICE OF COUNTRY TO SERVICE OF FAMILY.

Written by Kailani Melvin | Photographed by Siri Berting

It’s 2003, and a 22-year-old Katie Martin, a second lieutenant in the United States Army, briskly walks through the Baghdad airport. Around her are other military personnel, leaving Iraq due to emergencies, transferring between different camps or urgently sort ing out details of their operations. Her mission is quite different. She’s there to get married.

Today Katie claims she isn’t a hero—“nothing spe cial.” I disagree.

When you first see Katie, you may not believe she is a West Point graduate and veteran of the Iraq War. She’s a self-proclaimed “girly girl,” and in between our talks about threats of chemical warfare and air defense artillery, we fawn over the preschool her toddler will be attending (the same one I went to).

“It’s not what people would imagine, going into the military,” Katie says, laughing. She grew up in Northern Virginia, the only girl in a family of four kids. Both her parents worked as government contractors, and her dad would frequently take her on visits to the Naval Academy.

Katie faced skepticism in high school when she re vealed her college plans. She had a physics teacher who was a West Point graduate tell her she’d never make it. “It was an extra challenge that only made me want to do it more,” she admits.

Katie’s aptitude for basketball and her excellence in academic studies secured her a nomination to West Point from a congressman in her area. Not only were West Point’s academics and physical activities strenu ous, but students faced a regime of strict protocols

designed to promote discipline. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned in my life is that everything’s rela tive, and you learn to make the most of it,” she says.

While in her first year, she met Alfred Giles, a sophomore at the time. A year later, they began dating, unaware of how soon their lives would change.

When she started at West Point, the military was downsizing. However, in the fall of her senior year, one event changed everything: 9/11. The President was the speaker at her graduation ceremony. “He essentially said, ‘Get ready. We’re going to war,’” Katie recalls.

What should’ve been an extremely happy moment was marred by the realization that the country was at real risk. “It’s pretty profound to be thrown into that at age 22,” she says.

She graduated from West Point as a second lieuten ant with the Air Defense Artillery—the Army’s branch that ensures air space is clear in enemy territory—and planned to station in Germany. Before that, she com pleted officer training school in Texas, where Alfred was stationed.

Over Christmas break, he got the call: His unit was being deployed to Iraq. Katie says she’ll never forget the day he left. She gave him a cross necklace, instructing him to not take it off until they saw each other again. “We said, ‘We’ll find each other. We’ll figure it out,’” she recalls, even though the future was uncertain.

The day she landed in Germany, her unit was also called to Iraq. Now, not only was she in charge of a launcher platoon of 27 soldiers ranging in age from 18 to 45, but she had to lead them into a war.

Danger was imminent from the moment they stepped on Middle Eastern soil. During air raids, wearing gas masks and mop suits was essential to survival. They’d practiced equipping them under timed conditions on countless drills, but there was one factor they never ac counted for: sand.

During one such raid, Katie’s mask wouldn’t seal. “I thought, ‘I’m dead. This is it. I’m done,’” she says. With the help of her platoon sergeant, she was able to get it on safely. “It took every ounce of me not to cry.”

The worst part was attempting to call her parents. She didn’t want to tell them that she may never see them again.

Katie’s commander gave her access to the satellite phone so she could call Alfred in Iraq. Immediately, he asked, “Will you marry me?”

“I was like, ‘What?! Yeah!’ and then the phone died and the connection was cut out,” she recalls, laughing. “I was like … I think I’m engaged!”

They were married in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Kuwait; their official marriage license was in Arabic. Returning to Baghdad and leaving Alfred was terrifying. “I’m 22 years old and I just got married, and I don’t know if I’m ever gonna see my husband again,” she recalls.

Alfred worked to complete the paperwork that would get him transferred to Katie’s unit while she contin ued serving in Iraq. After two more months, her unit got clearance to return to Germany. When they landed, Alfred was there, waiting with engagement and wed ding rings.

Two decades later, Katie, who now has three children with Alfred and works as a consultant, lies on her bed in her Redondo Beach home—far away from the bombs and smoke—and recounts her experience. Suddenly, her 3-year-old daughter wanders in. “I’m doing a phone call about Mommy,” she softly says to her, “about being in the Army. When I’m done, I’ll come help you, OK, my love? Love you.”

Transitioning from such intense experiences to the world of crayons and goldfish was a challenge, but Katie manages to find peace through optimism. “I feel like I have a perspective that is not like everyone else. I know how delicate life is,” she expresses. “You never know what people have gone through.”

Hopefully one day she’ll retell these stories to her children—of her selfless bravery, the unconventional (yet romantic) way she and their father were married, the people she fought beside and all she’s learned. They should feel lucky to know their mother is what she claims she isn’t: a hero. ■

A COMPETITIVE EDGE

Tyler Morant helps his real estate clients stay ahead of the game through his expertise and tenacity.

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

From a very early age, Tyler Morant was obsessed with sports—in par ticular tennis and skiing. “I grew up in upstate New York, and I lived essen tially at the base of a mountain,” he shares. “I played in the woods every day of my life— which included hiking the mountain behind my house to ski or sled in the winter.”

His grandparents lived next door and had a tennis court, so practically as soon as he could walk, Tyler was on the tennis court with his family as often as possible. “My passion for sports and adventure has dictated my entire life and career path,” he says.

When Tyler’s grandparents got satellite TV—a big deal in the rural area where the family lived—his future as a competitive skier was set in motion. Throughout elementary school, when he wasn’t in class, his days were split between skiing on the nearby mountain and watching almost every major World Cup Ski race live on television. Tyler put a great deal of energy and time into perfecting and simplifying the technical aspects of skiing— studying complex movements to simplify them and repeating the methods he came up with over and over again.

ENTERING THE WORK FORCE

That practice of zealous study and simpli fication would serve Tyler well in his future careers, which began at age 16 when he started competing as a professional skier.

After graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder— at the foot of the Rocky Mountains—with a bachelor’s degree in

economics, he transitioned into a career as coach and sports agent to top athletes, including gold medal winners in the X Games and Olympics.

Tyler and his college sweetheart, Jenny, relocated to the South Bay in 2009, and a few years later he decided to pursue a law degree. He had noticed that other sports agents with “JD” after their names attracted top clients and knew this extra step would help him stand out in the industry.

Tyler’s plan after he passed the bar in 2015 was to continue his work as a sports agent.

However, an opportunity to work as general counsel for a technology startup presented itself, so he changed course—excited about the new challenge to help build a fledgling company’s brand and supply chain. This career change eventually led Tyler into private law practice, where he represented multiple tech startups in venture capital financings, commercial and corporate mat ters, and in their eventual exits.

TRANSITIONING TO REAL ESTATE

Several years later, Jenny—now Tyler’s wife

“MY PASSION FOR SPORTS AND ADVENTURE HAS DICTATED MY ENTIRE LIFE AND CAREER PATH.”

and a successful Los Angeles real estate agent—asked him to join her firm and use his talents as a lawyer and director of marketing and operations. Tyler jumped at the oppor tunity and became vice president of the Jenny Morant Group in June 2021. “I wanted to work on a transaction where the under lying asset had real tangible value—like real estate—instead of just perceived value based on growth—like most of the startups I was working with,” he says.

Working in real estate would satiate his personal needs as well. “What I loved about being a corporate deal lawyer was negotiat ing, problem-solving and helping my clients achieve their dreams and goals,” he says. “But I lived behind my desk, rarely got to see my family and friends, and never got to take vacations or even have time to exercise.”

Although it wasn’t an easy choice, he’s never second-guessed his decision to join the family business and apply his skills to a

new industry. “It was the best decision of my life,” he shares. “Now I can spend time with my family and share my love for sports and adventure with my kids.”

Tyler uses his experience with negotiations to ensure his clients enter into winning deals that both address and limit risks that exist in every transaction. He works collaboratively with clients to first identify their priorities and come up with workable solutions, and then to get the deal done quickly and efficiently. “Through my passion, dedication and suc cess simplifying the complex, I coach my cli ents to the best possible outcomes,” he says.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Today Tyler is still authorized to practice law in California and is still very passionate about sports. He spends his free time with Jenny, their two kids and two dogs, or out doors surfing, skiing, hiking, golfing or play ing tennis. He also coaches two American

Youth Soccer Organization teams—sharing the keys to success with local kids. Tyler, Jenny and their team at Jenny Morant Group support the South Bay community they love by hosting clothing and food drives for local organizations.

While his path to real estate contained some unexpected twists and turns along the way, Tyler credits this journey for making him the successful real estate agent, attorney, husband, father, athlete and neighbor that he is today. “Every person I have met in this community has been so supportive of me, my family and my business. I try to pay that generosity forward as much as possible. It really does take a community!”

JENNY MORANT GROUP | COMPASS 1221 HERMOSA AVE. #210, HERMOSA BEACH JENNYMORANT.COM | @JENNY_MORANT DRE #02155473

“NOW I CAN SPEND TIME WITH MY FAMILY AND SHARE MY LOVE FOR SPORTS AND ADVENTURE WITH MY KIDS.”

surfing the web

FOUR DECADES AFTER GRACING HIS FIRST MAGAZINE COVER AND FOUNDING SPYDER SURFBOARDS, PROFESSIONAL SURFER AND ENTREPRENEUR DENNIS JARVIS SPINS A NEW ARTISTIC PASSION.

Written by Quinn Roberts | Photographed by Jeff Berting

“Simplicity is the key to a good design.” It’s a saying that Dennis Jarvis has lived by for more than 40 years. This quote has seen him through surfing professionally, creating a local surf empire with Spyder Surf and now working as an artist.

“It is stuck in my head,” Dennis says of the quote. “I hold that to everything I do. Sometimes I have the tendency to get too deep, so I need to back up.”

Talk to him for just a few minutes, and you can feel the energy he’s had his entire life. This drive helped him become so successful. He’s a Hermosa Beach local to the core—attending Mira Costa High School and learning to surf at 16th Street with a Hap Jacobs surfboard. He also surfed 30th Street with his brother and in the winter would be down at El Porto in Manhattan Beach.

Dennis knew early on that he was destined for a nontraditional job and life. Art got him through his ad olescent and high school years, and he was airbrushing surfboards as early as middle school. He even painted Gene Simmons of KISS onto his surfboard and then did so for other friends who liked the way it looked.

It was through those kinds of activities that Spyder Surfboards was born. Dennis drew inspiration for the iconic logo after opening a MAD magazine in April 1977 and seeing a cool-looking spider crawling up the side of the page. He then started painting a similar spider on his and his friends’ boards. Given the technology in those days, he had to hand-design all the logos, which took a great deal of time.

After being on the cover of Surfer magazine in 1982, Dennis decided to open a shop the following year in Hermosa Beach right near the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Gould Avenue. He realized he could use his magazine cover as a marketing tool, and he had saved enough money to open the store. Yet the

beginning wasn’t exactly smooth sailing.

“I’d surf at the Manhattan Pier in the morning, take a shower and then go up to the shop—and no one was there,” says Dennis. “I’d listen to KLOS radio station with my hands on my face, with cars going by on PCH and no one at the store.”

It was then that Dennis realized how important cus tomer service was if he wanted to keep his shop alive. In a time before cell phones, he knew that anytime someone called the shop, he somehow had to get them there in person.

His store inventory was as barebones as it gets in the beginning. Dennis carried surfboards he had shaped, about 100 pairs of OP board shorts—which he got from being on the OP surf team—as well as Spyder shirts and stickers.

“The first two years were probably the roughest times,” he says. “I still surfed, did competitions and was on magazine covers, but I didn’t travel. I couldn’t be away from the shop that long.”

He had unusual but successful marketing campaigns that got young, local surfers especially interested. One of those was Richard “Dickie” O’Reilly, who today is a managing partner at Spyder Surf. Dickie began hanging out at the shop when he was only 13.

“We’d have midnight pizza sales in the ’80s,” he remembers. “Every kid in Hermosa and Manhattan would come, and a line would be out the door. We’d do crazy business.”

Spyder managed to make it through, thanks to a boom in the summer of 1984 when skateboarding became big again and the store started carrying specific brands. Dennis also finally got a space next to the store where he could solely shape and airbrush surfboards.

During this time, most surfers wanted to be actors or models—and Dennis was no exception. His first movie was the 1986 film Short Circuit; he had one line. Dennis also acted in nearly 40 national commercials. While he fully admits that he was a terrible actor, his big break

came with 1991’s Point Break starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze.

While he had no acting parts in the movie, he was brought on as a surf tech advisor. He taught all of the actors how to surf and also created all of the surfboards for the movie. Hermosa Beach played a big role in get ting the actors ready. Dennis took them to 30th Street and taught them how to surf.

That experience didn’t just create more exposure for Spyder Surf. Dennis saw firsthand how Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow made impor tant, calculated decisions. He knew he had to operate his business in the same way.

Throughout the 1990s Dennis attracted the top surfers in the world to ride his boards and even broke records with his brand, which has been featured on more covers of surf magazines than any other Los Angeles-based surfboard manufacturer since the 1960s. From 1994 to 1997 Spyder was one of the biggest surfboard brands in the world, selling close to 15,000 surfboards globally.

Those accomplishments took plenty of hard work. “The detail and craftsmanship with the boards are amazing,” says Dickie. “Dennis has had to fight to get credibility and respect. He’s had a chip on his shoulder about it in a good way. I think that is why he continues to work so hard.”

In 1997 Dennis decided to open a second Spyder Surf shop on the Hermosa Pier. While many weren’t sure that opening a second shop in the same city would be a good idea, Dennis and his partners knew better—espe cially since they grew up here. The store continues to be successful, and Spyder opened a Manhattan Beach store about six years ago.

Dennis was inducted into the Hermosa Beach Surfer’s Walk of Fame in 2015 and the Mira Costa Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame in 2019. Given his ties to the community, he was especially honored to receive these awards. He founded the Spyder Surf Fest at Hermosa’s Pier Plaza, bringing together the surf industry’s most

prominent brands and surfers.

“His name should be in bold on the Surfer’s Walk of Fame. What he means to surfing here in the South Bay is up there with the legends,” says Dickie. “He has always repped Hermosa, talking about how we are the real Surf City because of the history.”

An aspiring artist since he was young, Dennis’ pas sion has shifted recently from everything Spyder to creating one-of-a-kind pieces that can eventually allow him to create his own art show in the South Bay. “As far as how I draw my inspiration, I can honestly say I am inspired by those who are better than I am,” he says. “I look through books and walk galleries when ever possible, seeking inspiration.”

“I’D SURF AT THE MANHATTAN PIER IN THE MORNING, TAKE A SHOWER AND THEN GO UP TO THE SHOP—AND NO ONE WAS THERE. I’D LISTEN TO KLOS RADIO STATION WITH MY HANDS ON MY FACE, WITH CARS GOING BY ON PCH AND NO ONE AT THE STORE.”

Dickie has always seen Dennis as an artist. “One of the first times I met him, he had a giant painting in his house that he had painted. I was blown away. It’s not too surprising that this is the path he’s currently on.”

Dennis is the first to admit that he is hard on him self. He’s finished pieces and then covered them up. However, he’s begun to be less critical and consider it all a learning experience.

As he continues to work on his art and play a big part in Spyder’s success and growth, one thing continues to be true: Dennis is willing to take chances and bet on himself. “I’m still an excited 16-year-old surfboard builder on the inside with aspirations to do challenging, fun stuff as I get older,” he says. “That’s why I am do ing my art again. It keeps me sane and humbled.” ■

Many Sports. One Team.

At El Camino, we come together as Warriors. Whether you join one of our nationally ranked sports teams or come cheer on our scholar athletes, here you’ll find a vibrant community that supports over 20 intercollegiate athletic programs.

Learn more at wwww.elcamino.edu/warriors.

Anthropologie

A unique, full-lifestyle shopping destination with a mostly exclusive assortment of clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty, furniture, home décor, garden, bridal and more.

Manhattan Village 3100 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite B, Manhattan Beach 424-344-9698 | anthropologie.com

IG: @anthropologie

shopping guide

The South Bay community is out and about, and our local shops welcome your business. Here’s a closer look at what some retailers are offering this season so you can give your look and your space a fall refresh.

Beauty Treats

Boutique and skin care spa specializing in facial treatments, eyelash extensions, waxing and custom airbrush spray tans with a beautiful selection of curated gifts, clothing and self-care essentials.

1704 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach 310-346-1642 beautytreatsspa.com

IG: @beautytreatsspa

Brooke Wilen Fine Art

A local artist whose work focuses on life’s simple pleasures, offering limited edition prints on museum-quality papers. Shop by appointment.

224 Center Place, Manhattan Beach 310-796-1900 brookewilen.com

IG: @brookewilen

Faherty

A family-run business that makes high-quality, sustainable, feel-good favorites that you’ll love to wear.

Manhattan Village

3160 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite S-120 Manhattan Beach 310-545-0041 fahertybrand.com

IG: @fahertybrand

Highlow Gift Shop

The South Bay’s new specialty shop with a unique curation of design-forward goods you will love and won’t find anywhere else.

2140 Artesia Blvd., Unit J, Torrance 424-327-8128 highlowstudio.com

IG: @highlowgiftshop

gorjana

Jewelry you’ll live in. Shop diamonds, 14K gold, gift sets and more in a warm, inviting store featuring coastal-cool design elements.

Manhattan Village

3160 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite S-115 Manhattan Beach 323-591-8107 | gorjana.com

IG: @gorjana

Manhattan Denim

The South Bay’s ultimate destination store for men’s and women’s luxury labels and superlative customer service. For any occasion—business or social, casual or formal—we make sure your clothes help you look and feel amazing.

920 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-798-5326 | manhattan-denim.com

IG: @manhattandenim

Gum Tree Shop & Cafe

Gum Tree is a beautiful home and gift shop, with two locations in the South Bay.

Visit their Hermosa location for lunch at Gum Tree Cafe.

324 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach 238 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach 310-376-8744 gumtreela.com

IG: @gumtree_la | @gumtreecafe

Tabula Rasa Essentials

This award-winning gift shop in the heart of Downtown Manhattan Beach offers the ultimate southern California shopping experience with unique curated gifts and exceptional service.

919A Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-318-3385 tabularasaessentials.com

IG: @tabularasamb

The Right Moves

POPULAR EL SEGUNDO ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR KARLA VEGA DANCES HER WAY INTO CLIENTS’ HEARTS.

Written & photographed by Kat Monk

The line grew outside the door of the largest studio at the Bay Club in El Segundo. Several people anxiously peered through the glass wall hoping they would make it off the waitlist. It was easy to spot Karla Vega in her matching day-glo yellow bandana and T-shirt with orange tennis shoes and black leggings—even though she was not standing in front of the class.

As Latin music started blaring, the class quieted down. Within seconds, the room converted from small talk to Karla’s domain. And in that domain, Zumba rules. Zumba, founded by Colombian dancer and choreog rapher Beto Pérez in 2001, is an interval workout with a spicy flair that gets your heart rate up and boosts cardio endurance. “We take the ‘work’ out of workout by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party,” explains the official Zumba website. The class is a total workout that combines cardio with muscle condition ing, balance and flexibility while boosting energy.

While growing up in Huatabampo, Mexico, run ning was Karla’s exercise of choice. It wasn’t until she lost part of her college scholarship while attending Universidad Kino in Hermosillo, Sonora that she found a part-time job at a local gym. Karla soon learned that fitness instructors were making $30 per class while she was earning $30 for five hours.

Despite never taking a group fitness class herself, Karla made a deal with the gym that if any instructors were unable to teach, she would substitute for them until she became credentialed. When an instructor canceled the very next day, Karla taught her first fitness class. The members lauded Karla’s enthusiasm and

EVEN IF YOU CAN’T REPLICATE THE SAME MOVEMENTS SHE DEMONSTRATES WITH VIBRANCY, SHE’S GOING TO MAKE SURE YOU WORK OUT BOTH YOUR BODY AND SOUL.

instant appeal. Soon she was given her own classes.

After moving to Tijuana in search of better oppor tunities, Karla worked in human resources while also teaching classes on the side. “I was telling my cowork ers, ‘I have to go teach classes,’ of those days doing double duty.”

While teaching classes at Curves fitness center, she discovered Zumba. Loving the music and energy of the program, she quickly took Zumba training courses in Corona. Eventually she earned licenses in several facets of Zumba, including toning, aqua, Sentao (serious core workout), gold (for older adults looking for a modified class), kids, step and Zumba in the Circuit.

By 2010 she was married and moved to Los Angeles.

She started taking classes at the YMCA in Westchester. She applied for a work permit, but before she even received it she had secured a volunteer position at the Westchester YMCA. Not long after, she became an employee. Karla embraces the idea of manifesting your future by determination, planning and foresight.

An admitted workaholic, she now has more than 20 years of experience as a fitness instructor, as well as a dedicated following in the South Bay. Currently

she teaches several Zumba classes at the Bay Club in El Segundo, as well as a Sunday early-morning class on the beach in Playa Del Rey and an online class on Thursdays.

Laughter, excitement and energy encapsulate the feeling you get when you take Karla’s Zumba class. Even if you can’t replicate the same movements she demonstrates with vibrancy, she’s going to make sure you work out both your body and soul. ■

the flying fish

ALTHOUGH A RELATIVE NEWCOMER TO SURFSKIING, MANHATTAN BEACH’S TIM BURDIAK WILL SOON COMPETE FOR HIS THIRD WORLD TITLE IN THE SPORT.

Written & photographed by Kat Monk

Two-time world champion and three-time national champion surfskier Tim Burdiak will soon be on the hunt for his third world title in Riccione, Italy, at the Lifesaving World Championships hosted by the International Life Saving Federation. He will compete in the surfski race and the Taplin relay. After a four-year hiatus, this year’s Lifesaving World Championships is a streamlined showcase of the best lifesaving athletes from around the world in the Open division.

The United States Lifesaving Nationals were held in August in Hermosa Beach. “The relay was amaz ing to watch,” shares lifeguard Tom Seth. “Tim got in the water 75 yards behind first place and paddled the guy down. They rode the same wave, but he sprinted to shore and tagged his runner two seconds before the other team for the win. Not only is he an amazing ath lete but just a super fun guy to be around.”

A layman would look at a surfski and think it is just another paddle. It is a paddle, but the primary benefit of a surfski is its ability to glide through the water easily. It could be considered a cross between kayak ing or canoeing and paddling. A surfski differs from a kayak in that the athlete is on top rather than enclosed. However, both are very easy to tip over.

Once the technique is mastered, it works your core, legs and hips more than your arms and shoulders. “Your arms are not doing the work anymore; they are just connecting everything,” explains Tim.

He credits his older brother, Nick, for influencing him and his two younger brothers, Dan and Andrew, to become watermen both at the beach and in the pool. Although he is at the top of his game now, that wasn’t

always the case.

At 9, while trying out for the Junior Lifeguards, a sympathetic timer may have steered his trajectory. Humbly and jokingly, Tim suggests the timer was le nient and might have pushed him through a bit, though he won’t name any names. But if he had never cleared that tryout, it’s likely he wouldn’t have achieved his position today.

Competing as a Junior Lifeguard for eight years, Tim consistently performed on top in paddling and Taplin events—a relay with a runner, swimmer and paddler. He also excelled on the water polo team at Mira Costa High School, but an unfortunate injury dashed his plan to play Division 1 water polo at Loyola Marymount University. Making lemonade out of lemons, he passed the rigorous testing process to become a Los Angeles County lifeguard while also majoring and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mechanical engineering.

Tim is no longer a Los Angeles County lifeguard, as summer work conflicts with the lifesaving competi tions. Luckily, alumni are permitted to compete in the events. Tim has worked as chief operating officer at Xero Solar in El Segundo for the last nine years, a role that affords him much more flexibility to pursue com petitions and travel.

So far, he has competed in many types of paddling events, including prone paddleboarding, lifesaving (swim, paddleboard, surfski and run), flatwater kayak ing, outrigger and even dragon boating (10 pairs of paddlers sit facing forward in two rows).

One of Tim’s early mentor groups was an outrigger team called Malolo Taco—named for the lifeguards’ booth at the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair where they sell fish tacos to help raise money for international lifeguarding competitions. Tim is competing with the Lanakila Outrigger Canoe Club this year after winning the Lanakila Classic long course race in February.

In a quest to qualify for the Olympics, Tim turned to sprint kayaking from 2014 to 2019. He learned the sport with the help of mentors—even spending a season training in Australia with the good fortune of racing on

the Sunshine Coast, Sydney and Victoria. Unfortunately, the U.S. men failed to qualify for a spot in Tokyo.

“I think that his intensity and dedication are ap plicable in all the different facets in life, and that is what separates him from everybody else,” shares Tim’s mentor and Olympian Cliff Meidl of Hermosa Beach.

Tim discovered surfskiing in an Ironman competi tion and soon realized that the surfski portion was his best event. Although it was a discipline he didn’t know much about at the time, he is now a master and seeking a world championship for the third time.

While surfskiing is not an Olympic sport, there are talks of including lifesaving as an exhibition event in the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, Australia. “It is up for debate how competitive I will be in 10 years!” says Tim. ■

“I THINK THAT HIS INTENSITY AND DEDICATION ARE APPLICABLE IN ALL THE DIFFERENT FACETS IN LIFE, AND THAT IS WHAT SEPARATES HIM FROM EVERYBODY ELSE.”

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YOUR LONG WEEKEND GETAWAY

Time stands still at this high-end ranch retreat, where guests can gather eggs, take a walk with llamas, relax at the skin care spa or discover fine dining and world-class wines in the area.

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS

Two South Bay entrepreneurs oper ate a private guest ranch just a couple hours away, where guests can experience Tuscany right here in Southern California. Established in 2017, The Ranch at Canyon Ridge is located in the heart of Santa Ynez wine country on 20 acres with incredible views, a sprawling farmhouse, huge lawn, an infinity pool with jacuzzi, and two smaller cottages.

Guests enjoy a cozy, comfortable, upscale getaway surrounded by endless views, chickens, goats, cows and llamas. Husbandand-wife owners Greg and Bernadette Hindman came across this scenic site several years ago and knew they had found a magical place centered on their shared passions: a peaceful lifestyle, a small town,

good food, good wine and good friends.

“The Ranch brings all these things together,” says Bernadette, who owned Elegance Boutique Spa in Manhattan Beach for nearly 40 years. “We love to share our rural homestead dream with others!” says Greg, who founded Nearfield Systems Inc. in Torrance and today owns and operates Next Phase Measurements in Garden Grove while managing all the home automation devices and IT needs for The Ranch.

As guests approach The Ranch, located just 40 minutes from Santa Barbara, they enjoy a beautiful drive that meanders through green and golden rolling hills, passing farms and Lake Cachuma, then entering the beautiful Santa Ynez wine country. They are greeted with muffins, homemade cookies, farm-fresh

eggs, cream and a complimentary bottle of The Ranch’s own wine. After a day of wine tasting, hiking, biking, horseback riding or shopping in the villages of Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez, guests can enjoy total relax ation at the on-site, charming spa.

For a soothing slice of country life, choose The Ranch at Canyon Ridge for your next vacation, unforgettable holidays or as the perfect venue to host a yoga or corporate retreat or even a cooking workshop.

THE RANCH AT CANYON RIDGE

Riding High

WHEN DR. ERIN O’MAHONY FOUNDED MANES FOR MOVEMENT IN PALOS VERDES FOUR YEARS AGO, SHE MERGED HER PASSION FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY WITH HER LIFELONG LOVE OF HORSES.

Written by Diane E. Barber | Photographed by Shane O’Donnell

After finishing a clinical rotation at The Shea Therapeutic Riding Center in San Juan Capistrano to complete her doctorate, Dr. Erin O’Mahony accepted a pediatric physi cal therapy job in Torrance and relocated to the South Bay—a move that became a significant stepping stone in her career path. While working at her new job, the Oregon native commuted to Orange County two days per week to continue her specialized horse-assisted therapy work (hippotherapy). She soon realized that several people from the South Bay were also making the trek south to access the medical services.

“It made no sense for all of us to drive so far, espe cially the patients. I had just moved my horses to Peter Weber Equestrian Center in Rolling Hills Estates, so I decided to ask the managers, Gil Houle and his wife, Doreen, about the prospect of bringing hippotherapy to the community,” she shares. “They were very open and supportive. Gil and their daughter, Chantal, generously offered the family’s private barn for me to get started.”

Key to making the Manes for Movement vision a reality beyond securing the location was the addition of qualified staff members. Palos Verdes resident and pro fessional horsewoman Niki MacLeod and Dr. O’Mahony previously met at a training weekend for adaptive rid ing instructors. “I jokingly said to Niki, ‘Let me know when you are ready to start a facility with me.’ Not long after that, we did!”

Niki is currently the program director and certified therapeutic riding instructor. Dr. Elizabeth Pauly, an occupational therapist, joined the team in 2021.

The nonprofit organization offers two primary

programs for children and adults with disabilities and special needs: hippotherapy and adaptive rid ing. Hippotherapy (for patients 18 months old through adulthood) is the use of the horse as a treatment tool by a licensed physical therapist, occupational thera pist or speech therapist to address the functional goals of medical patients. Adaptive riding is a recreational horseback riding program that begins at age 5 and can be a lifelong activity.

“Hippotherapy is a powerful tool to help improve skills such as walking, talking or other daily living ac tivities,” says Dr. O’Mahony. “While I focus on physical therapy with big body movements like walking, Liz concentrates on fine motor skills, such as handwriting, eating and using scissors. On the recreational horse back-riding side, Niki uses different teaching tools including visual markers and adaptive equipment, such as reins that are easier to hold, so students can succeed in reaching their riding goals.”

Having fun is paramount in both programs and fosters participation. During some therapy sessions, toy horses are hidden around the arena for children to work on visu ally scanning their environment while moving. It also encourages them to reach outside their base of support to retrieve the toys, which further challenges their balance, core strength and postural control while on the horse.

With the fun and enjoyment has come great prog ress and many notable milestones. Some children have taken their first steps to their parents at the barn, and some have uttered or signed their first words there.

“Cayden has been coming to Manes for Movement

since the very beginning,” says Kara Lee, whose 8-yearold son is a client with cerebral palsy. “The first time, he cried until the horse moved. Then he instantly stopped crying. He is more motivated outdoors with a live animal than in traditional indoor therapy. He sings and laughs when he is on a horse. We love the program!”

Dr. O’Mahony has her sights set on expansion to serve more people. “We are the only facility within 40 miles of the South Bay that offers both hippotherapy and adaptive riding under the same roof. We started with two therapy horses and two clients. Now we have five horses (Lizzie, Mali, Chance, Dolly and Rufus) and provide over 40 therapy sessions per week. We are grateful for the community support and are looking forward to future growth.” ■

“THE FIRST TIME, HE CRIED UNTIL THE HORSE MOVED. THEN HE INSTANTLY STOPPED CRYING. HE SINGS AND LAUGHS WHEN HE IS ON A HORSE.”

a gifted education

ONE CENTURY AFTER A PRINCIPAL INSPIRED A FIRST PURCHASE, THE INCREDIBLE ART COLLECTION AMASSED BY GARDENA HIGH SCHOOL MAKES A GLORIOUS RETURN— THIS TIME ON THE WALLS OF THE PALOS VERDES ART CENTER.

Written by Gail Phinney | Photography courtesy of GHS Art Collection, Inc.

Building a legacy begins with a vision and a call to action. So it was in 1919 when Gardena High School principal John H. Whitely engaged students in his vision of purchasing California plein air paintings as a senior class gift to the school. The class gift tradition continued for the next 37 years through the influenza pandemic, the Great Depression and two world wars. The legacy they left behind tells the story of Southern California art through the eyes of the students who collected it.

The program ended in 1956 when the current high school opened with limited exhibition space, and the majority of the 72 art pieces went into storage. The story might have ended there and the legacy might have been forgotten, if it weren’t for a group of dedicated alumni and supporters who took action to save the Gardena High School Art Collection and bring it back to light.

The story of the Gardena High School Art Collection begins in the early 20th century. Founded in 1904, the school was the third high school built in Los Angeles County. When Whitely was appointed principal of Gardena Agricultural High School in 1918, Gardena was an ethni cally diverse and sparsely populated farming community. The following year the school was renamed Gardena High School, and Whitely instituted an arts-enriched cur riculum incorporating a hands-on approach to education inspired by the landscape.

Whitely’s progressive beliefs mirrored ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement embraced by early plein air artists of the Arroyo Seco region. So it was no surprise that the graduating class would be encouraged to visit artist studios and select plein air landscapes by painters in the area.

“The principal saw something that was happening in the Arroyo with these plein air artists, and he thought it was important and it needed to be documented,” observes art historian Susan M. Anderson, author of the publication GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919-1956

With the 1919 class gift of Valley of the Santa Clara by Ralph Davison Miller, the tradition began. The 1920 class followed with the gift of Jean Mannheim’s On the Road to San Gabriel, the first of four paintings purchased from the artist. Rockbound, a unique seascape by Edgar Alwin Payne, noted for his Western scenes, was gifted by the class of 1921. The class of 1922 returned to plein air

Right page, clockwise: The Brass Bowl by John Hubbard Rich, class of S1924; The Santa Barbara Coast by Elmer Wachtel, class of W1926; After the Shower, Cuernavaca by Alson Skinner Clark, class of W1938; The Mountain Brook by Paul Lauritz, class of S1925

Previous page: On the Road to San Gabriel by Jean Mannheim, class of 1920

“THE FACT THAT THEY WERE CHOSEN BY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, THAT THEY WERE CONTEMPLATED, THEY WERE RESEARCHED, THEY WERE DISCUSSED WITH THE ARTISTS—THAT’S REALLY REMARKABLE.”

landscape with their selection of Morning at Montrose by Hanson Duvall Puthuff.

Beginning in 1923, when the student body grew to include winter and summer graduating classes, the school became the beneficiary of two gifts per year. With a larger student body came increased fundraising opportuni ties, enabling the class of summer 1924 to purchase two paintings, including the collection’s first figural work, The Brass Bowl by John Hubbard Rich—the figure reflecting Gardena’s large Hispanic population.

Pride in the collection was evident when the new 1923 high school building included an auditorium designed to house the paintings. It became known as the Gardena High School Art Gallery. The classes of summer 1925 and winter 1926 commissioned two monumental paintings to flank the stage: The Mountain Brook by Paul Lauritz and Elmer Wachtel’s The Santa Barbara Coast.

In 1928, at the suggestion of painter Hanson Puthuff, Principal Whitely expanded his vision for the program by launching the annual Gardena High School Purchase Prize Exhibit. The school invited artists and galleries to the exhibition, which became an annual event—as did the banquet dinner that kicked off the exhibit. Artist John Frost was the first recipient of the prize. His painting, Desert Twilight, was purchased for $300.

Ticket sales from the banquet, along with class plays and teas, became the primary funding source for class gifts. During the three-week exhibition period, seniors were re quired to attend a class called Senior Problems—structured to give them the art appreciation skills necessary to make an informed decision when it came time to vote.

Over the years the Purchase Prize Exhibit grew to become a coveted showcase for artists competing for the honor of having their work added to the collection. Some artists reduced their prices to make these purchases pos sible, while others gifted their artwork. Other gifts to the collection included paintings produced under the Public Works of Art Project, a federal program created to employ artists during the Great Depression.

In addition to the artists, hundreds of teachers, parents and community groups worked with the senior classes to

organize and support these events, making them impor tant catalysts for engaging the entire Gardena community while connecting the school and its students to the larger Southern California art world. All this, Susan suggests, gives the collection “an educational value beyond the financial considerations.”

For the now-alumni who lived with it daily, the value of the Gardena High School Art Collection is beyond mea sure—engendering a lasting commitment to its preserva tion. For Janet Perdew Halstead-Sinclair, class of summer 1950, this has translated to decades of service to the art.

Janet started at the six-year school as a seventh grader in 1944. By then, one-third of the student body was absent following the Japanese community’s relocation to internment camps. Wartime life fostered persever ance through adversity, no doubt informing the students’ selection of art.

Class of summer 1943 gifted the Japanese-inspired Cranes Under a Giant Fern by Jessie Arms Botke. Class of summer 1944 chose Maynard Dixon’s 1932, Men of the Red Earth, an iconic depiction of the enduring Native American spirit.

Janet vividly recalls, “I entered Gardena, and the first time I went into the auditorium I was stunned! Absolutely stunned! There were these gorgeous paintings. I had never seen anything like it. Then I went into the library and there they were, on all four walls, above the books. That was my introduction to art.”

Since graduation, Janet has worked tirelessly to pre serve the Gardena High School Art Collection and assure that the class gifts remain in the hands of the Gardena High School student body. When she and a group of fellow alumnae became concerned about the deterioration of the artwork in the 1990s, they copied a 1952 book about the collection and sold it to alumni. The women were respon sible for some of the first conservation efforts—cleaning and restoring 19 paintings with proceeds from book sales.

“When you realize that these big, beautiful pieces of art are just drawing dust, you have to do something—you absolutely have to!” Janet asserts.

Following these early restoration efforts, the collec tion remained largely unseen until the president of CSU,

Dominguez Hills decided to show it at the University Art Gallery. The 1999 exhibition, Painted Light, brought the collection back into the public eye.

Jean Stern, The Irvine Museum’s founding director, was invited to be the guest curator. He remembers his first view of the art: “We went to the high school and were led into a small room, like a janitor’s room. The paintings were all lined up and separated by pieces of cardboard. Some of the paintings had been displayed for a long time at the school and had suffered damage. One had a pencil hole through it. There was cracking, some of the paintings were dirty, and some of the paintings had paint loss.”

Thanks to a $300,000 grant from the W. M. Keck Foundation, the university was able to conserve and ex hibit 31 California Impressionist paintings, as well as pub lish a catalog written by Stern. The exhibit traveled to The Irvine Museum and was well attended in both locations, introducing the collection to a whole new generation.

The Gardena High School Art Collection is well known among art collectors, dealers and art historians for its quality. But for Stern, the degree of student involve ment in the acquisition of the paintings is what truly sets it apart. “The fact that they were chosen by high school students, that they were contemplated, they were researched, they were discussed with the artists—that’s really remarkable,” he says.

All these early efforts by alumni and supporters laid the foundation for the formation of GHS Art Collection, Inc.

(GHSAC), a nonprofit organization established in 2010 to protect and preserve the collection. Following the success of Painted Light, the group continued to raise funds for the conservation and restoration of the paintings, but they lacked expertise in collections management. They needed guidance. Enter Simon Chiu.

A collector of California art, Simon’s journey with the Gardena High School Art Collection began in 2005. When the Pasadena Museum of California Art (PMCA) mounted a retrospective on artist Alson Skinner Clark, they borrowed one of Simon’s paintings for exhibition alongside class of winter 1938’s After the Shower, Cuernavaca. It was kismet.

By the time Simon was introduced to the GHSAC board in 2012, he had already honed his skills in exhibi tion planning, publication and nonprofit fundraising as a trustee of the PMCA. He met with the group trying to make improvements to the storage space at the high school. “They had a good heart,” says Simon. “They wanted to preserve the legacy of the collection, but they were doing it all wrong.”

Simon convinced them that the collection needed to be removed from the closet, cleaned by a conservator and professionally photographed. In addition, an art historian had to be hired to research and write the story so they could publish a book. When he told them the total cost would be $250,000, he recalls, “Everyone just laughed.”

Simon joined the board and used his relationships with art professionals to get much of the work done pro bono,

and raised funds from private collectors, friends and mu seum associates. In 2015, Simon engaged Susan to write the publication and curate an exhibition in conjunction with its 100th anniversary.

In 2019, GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919-1956 premiered at the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University and has since traveled to other Southern California institutions. Bruce Dalrymple, class of summer 1961 and president of the GHSAC board, says of Simon, “It’s amazing what he’s done. We’re indebted to him.”

Palos Verdes Art Center is the latest venue for GIFTED

On view through November 12 are 50 of the 72 paintings from the collection, including the newly restored class of summer 1930’s Beethoven by Carlo Wostry.

CEO/executive director Daniela Saxa-Kaneko, who selected the exhibit, says, “This is an important show for Palos Verdes Art Center in terms of building com munity and reaching a broader audience.” She hopes the exhibition will be the catalyst for a lasting relationship between the neighboring communities—closely connected geographically and through a shared history of engaging the public through art.

Gardena High School principal Frank Davies, who serves on the GHSAC board, is committed to bringing awareness of the collection to his students. While the board has pro vided copies of GIFTED to the school and installed giclée prints of the collection in the library, he has arranged for

them to come face-to-face with their legacy at PVAC. “It’s one thing to take it from a book and another thing to see prints in the library,” he explains. “The key is to actually go there and have that learning experience.”

What is the future of the Gardena High School Art Collection? The GHSAC board hopes to see the collection housed in a permanent location with space to exhibit it and funding for its care. Where is still undecided. In the meantime, making the collection accessible to the public is priority #1.

Susan agrees: “It’s institutions like Palos Verdes Art Center that are taking the collection and showing it and making it available to people who will keep it alive and help keep it together. There are points it almost went away because it wasn’t in the public view. It needs to stay in the public view.” ■

GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919-1956 is now on view at Palos Verdes Art Center through November 12. For tours and info visit pvartcenter.org.

From left: Valley of the Santa Clara by Ralph Davison Miller, first gift class of 1919; Rockbound by Edgar Alwin Payne, class of 1921; Desert Twilight by John Frost, first purchase prize class of W1928; Men of the Red Earth by Maynard Dixon, class of S1944

L to R: Hilary Ockey, Senior Registered Client Service Associate; Kevin Ou, Senior Vice President/Financial Advisor; Devon Silber, Financial Planning Specialist/Financial Advisor; Michael Baghramian, Senior Vice President/Financial Advisor

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

The Peninsula Group’s financial advisors turn the spotlight on their clients’ goals.

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING

It’s all about you and your goals. Focusing on every aspect of your financial world, The Peninsula Group at Morgan Stanley thrives on helping you achieve your dreams—whether lofty and long-term or focused and immediate.

“Our clients face daily decisions about immediate needs, longer-term objectives and aspirations for future generations,” says senior vice president Kevin Ou. “We provide a solid plan to help them pursue what is possible today, plan for life’s uncertainties and preserve wealth for generations to come.”

Kevin began his financial career in 2007 and is a senior portfolio management director for The Peninsula Group. He was named to Forbes’ 2022 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list, 2019 Best-In-State Next Gen list and Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club in 2021 and Century Club in 2020—elite groups com posed of the firm’s top financial advisors.

The Peninsula Group believes that the most successful wealth management strate gies encompass all aspects of their clients’ lives. “Building and maintaining wealth goes beyond numbers and investments. Your wealth strategy should be tailored to address the personal life goals you’ve identified and prioritized,” says senior vice president Michael Baghramian, who met Kevin during their early days working with Morgan Stanley.

Michael is a lending specialist and an executive financial services director. He was named to Forbes’ Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors in 2018 and 2021, and Best-In-State

Next-Gen Wealth Advisors in 2019 and 2022. He was also part of Morgan Stanley’s Century Club in 2021.

Reaching goals often involves going beyond investment advice, and Kevin and Michael and their team provide a wide array of services customized to help clients do just that, including insurance, philan thropy, business planning, and cash flow and liabilities strategies.

When clients first work with The Peninsula Group, they meet with the team to com prehensively explore their financial goals. The discussion can include sensitive topics, like children, personal relationships, health issues, legal and philanthropic matters, with an optional review of their estate plan, liabil ities, insurance policies and budgeting/cash management needs. Then a written financial plan is developed that incorporates these goals and an investment strategy designed to produce optimal portfolio performance.

For more than 85 years, Morgan Stanley has worked to help families around the world achieve their financial goals and is committed to five core values: put clients first, do the right thing, lead with exceptional ideas, commit to diversity and inclusion, and give back.

THE PENINSULA GROUP AT MORGAN STANLEY 6700 E. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, SUITE 110, LONG BEACH 562-901-4331 ADVISOR.MORGANSTANLEY.COM/ THE-PENINSULA-GROUP

Disclaimer: Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please visit us at morganstanleyindividual.com or consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 4954017 09/22

Source: Forbes.com (April, 2022) Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algo rithm that includes: client retention, industry experi ence, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or represen tative of any one client’s experience. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pay a fee to Forbes or SHOOK Research in exchange for the ranking. For more infor mation: SHOOKresearch.com.

Source: Forbes Magazine (September 2019). NextGen Best-In-State Wealth Advisors. Data provided by SHOOK Research, LLC. Data as of 3/31/19. SHOOK considered Financial Advisors born in 1980 or later with a minimum 4 years relevant experience, who have: built their own practices and lead their teams; joined teams and are viewed as future leadership; or a combination of both. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures: telephone and in-person inter views, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under manage ment and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. The rating may not be representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future perfor mance. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pays a fee to Forbes or SHOOK Research in exchange for the ranking. For more information: SHOOKresearch.com.

Range Rover

A WYOMING RANCH OFFERS THE FULL COWBOY EXPERIENCE. YOU BRING THE BOOTS.

Written by Darren Elms

Arriving at Casper-Natrona Airport in Wyoming, the men’s restroom greets me with a sign: “Please Do Not Spit Tobacco in the Urinals.” Crude? Maybe. But this is cowboy country, and already I’m 100% here for it.

Since spending a few summers as a kid at my grandfa ther’s brother’s ranch in southern Utah, I often long for the Western adventure. I miss the stories of campouts and deer hunts, surrounded by cousins who rode ATVs and horses like we did dirt bikes and station wagons here in Los Angeles.

Those times were unfussy, often dirty, sometimes dan gerous and always memorable. And although it felt like another world from my cushy suburban life, a small part felt like home.

Maybe that’s why I jumped at the chance to visit Reid Creek Lodge in Wyoming. The lodge is one small part of the sprawling 300,000-acre Wagonhound ranch located north of the little town of Douglas. The ranch touches three counties in the shadow of the Laramie Range and varies between 5,000 and 9,000 feet of elevation. This is a real working ranch— home to horses, cattle, outfitting and farming. It’s also the home to Catherine and Art Nicholas, who took ownership of the historic property in 1999 and helped steward its preserva tion, growth and sustainability over the last two decades.

Reid Creek Lodge is a brand-new offering introduced to give guests a taste of the Wagonhound experience. A former hunting lodge, the 8,000-square-foot structure was reno vated and outfitted with Western-inspired furnishing and art and comfortably sleeps up to 22 people. When you book the Reid Creek Lodge, you get the whole kit and caboodle: accommodations, transportation, a private chef and your choice of ranch-style daily activities. If you’ve dreamed of having a whole “national park” to yourself for a spell, this is your ticket to paradise.

Your party will fly into Casper and be greeted by your host

for the trip. Ours was Mitch, born in Douglas, well-traveled and a reliable guide to all things Wagonhound. En route to the ranch, he made a fortuitous stop at Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters, a destination for more than a century for boots, hats and all things cowboy. We stocked up on ranch essen tials and hit the highway for an hour-long journey into the glorious Wyoming wild.

At the ranch, you’ll meet the family of employees who keep the property and business in working order, includ ing cowhand Tait and married stable and arena managers Cougar and Heather.

At the lodge, your private chefs (ours were the incred ible Nancy and Ashley) cook up three square meals a day, which you can enjoy from the comfort of the dining room or alongside your adventure somewhere on the ranch. And this is not your average ranch fare: fresh-baked rosemary bread, tri-tip sandwiches, fresh salads, French toast, spiked wa termelon juice and rich chocolate cake, to name a few menu items. It’s elevated but still true to the seasonality and local ingredients.

You can have your pick of activities including horse back riding, hiking, archery, shooting, fishing and more. Horseback riding is a must for this urban cowboy, and I got saddled up with Hollywood—my trusted companion for a beautiful saunter through the yellow grasses, rolling hills and unusual rock formations that span the property.

If two wheels rather than four legs is more your style, they have a fleet of e-bikes to take you up and down the unpaved paths in and around the lodge. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of the regular wildlife, like an elk, mule deer or antelope.

And don’t forget to watch the sunset and stargaze. From some of the higher vistas on the ranch you can take in nature’s panorama. It might not be home, but you may wish it was. ■

Change is Good

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY SOUTH BAY’S JOEY SHANAHAN KNEW

THERE WAS ONLY ONE WAY TO KEEP SUPPORTING PARTICIPANTS DURING

THE PANDEMIC. CSC WAS GOING TO HAVE TO EVOLVE.

Written by Amber Klinck | Photographed by Shane O’Donnell

It was early 2020 when Joey Shanahan took on the role of executive director for Cancer Support Community (CSC) South Bay. Originally known as The Wellness Community, the organization was founded in 1982 by Harold Benjamin in Santa Monica. In 1987, The Wellness Community-South Bay Cities opened its doors and then became Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach.

Today the nonprofit is known as CSC South Bay to better reflect the broader community it serves. There are 175 CSC locations worldwide.

For 34 years, CSC South Bay has provided free support services to cancer patients and their families from their location on the Redondo Beach Pier. 2022 marks CSC South Bay’s 35th anniversary, as well as the opening of its new location in the Rolling Hills Plaza in Torrance.

The model for CSC services was in-person, peer-topeer support. So when the COVID-19 pandemic hit— only two months after Joey joined the organization— the team at CSC South Bay had to change the way they were connecting with their community … and fast.

“To even wrap our heads around how to move to a virtual world was pretty overwhelming,” she notes. “But we did it really quickly.”

Within two weeks, all of CSC’s support groups were available on Zoom. Providing 200 support programs per month was a massive achievement and an invaluable resource for participants navigating cancer with the added uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. “Now sometimes when I look back, I’m kind of amazed at what a great job we were able to do,” she says.

For Joey, who has devoted her entire career to the

nonprofit sector, joining CSC South Bay was an excit ing opportunity. As someone who has lost a loved one to cancer, she appreciates the chance it’s given her to pro vide others with the kind of support she and her family could have used.

“I was the sole caregiver of my father, who passed away in 2016 from esophageal cancer. That was my first close cancer experience,” she says. “When I learned of the Cancer Support Community, I thought, ‘Wow, I wish my father and I had known about this.’ As a caregiver of somebody with cancer, you do the best you possibly can to try to understand how they’re feeling. It’s impossible. If you haven’t had cancer yourself, it’s really impossible to know what they’re going through.”

Being able to communicate with people navigating similar experiences creates a safe space for open and honest expression. “My father was not the kind of guy who wanted to talk about his feelings, but I did find that when he was at the hospital for chemo and he would meet other people with cancer, all of a sudden he was the talkative guy he had never been before,” shares Joey. “If we had something like Cancer Support Community, I think he really would’ve participated. It would’ve been so beneficial for his mental health, his anxiety, his frus tration with the whole process and the unknown to have somebody to talk to about treatment decisions that were being made, emotions that he was having around that and how to interact with his family.”

Expanding the reach of CSC South Bay so everyone who needs cancer support is aware of the programs available is important. But so is making sure everyone

who needs CSC’s support has access to it. Ironically, the challenges presented by the pandemic have opened the doors to virtual support programs, giving access to participants unable to attend in person.

“It’s been a silver lining, which is just incredible and totally unexpected,” Joey shares. “Nowhere on my radar was serving participants virtually. It wasn’t even a conversation before COVID.”

For participants who may be too sick to come in, are under hospice care, don’t drive or live in underserved communities, virtual support is invaluable. And Joey only sees it getting better. “We’re going to be here for the long haul. We’re so fortunate. This is such a wonderful community. We have so many wonderful supporters and generous donors. To be able to do this is an honor and a privilege.” ■

Bowl Me Over

LAWN BOWLING, A POPULAR PASTIME IN COUNTRIES

LIKE CANADA AND AUSTRALIA, ENJOYS AN 86-YEAR HISTORY AS AN OFFICIAL CLUB OF HERMOSA BEACH.

Written by Quinn Roberts | Photographed by Shane O’Donnell

It was a Thursday around 11 a.m. in the middle of the September heat wave, but that didn’t stop the Hermosa Beach Lawn Bowling Club (HBLBC) from playing. Multicolored umbrellas shaded about a dozen members from the sun while upbeat music played from the loudspeakers.

After competing for a few hours, the members picked up their equipment, put it in their lockers and headed back out to the patio to enjoy drinks and snacks while shooting the breeze. It’s become a common ritual.

“We aren’t like a lot of other lawn bowling clubs,” says vice president Art Lester, who has been a member for five years. “We keep the beach vibes going and try not to take things too seriously.”

The club is a hidden gem. Located right next to Clark Field on Valley Drive, the HBLBC was formed in 1936 by John Clark, a former mayor of Hermosa Beach who was originally from England. Clark, the first club president, owned the land the club is on along with parcels next to it. At one point the club had three different greens.

The flags are one of the first things you notice when walking to the club grounds. Each one represents coun tries where members are from and include the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany and England. The last flag is Ukraine, which is hung as a sign of support for the country.

“I’ve lived in the South Bay for 50 years, and for so long I didn’t know what was behind the fence,” says 85-year-old Detlef Herbst, the club’s only member from Germany and also its oldest.

Tony Crutchfield, who is originally from Australia, has been a member of the club for 27 years and its president for six years. He has been amazed at the growth of the club since he became president—espe cially during the pandemic. It had about 15 members when he took over and has grown to 91 members.

“People really were looking for things to do outside [during the shutdown], and lawn bowling is perfect,” says Tony. “It’s not your traditional way of exercising, but it keeps you limber and a lot of times you walk a mile during a full game.”

Lawn bowling is not a sport often played in the United States and has the stigma of attracting only older participants. While the majority of the members are retired, the club is trying to change that narrative and does have some members in their 30s and 40s.

Most of the younger members come on Saturdays, when the club is busiest. You can also find members at the club on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Those interested in a free lesson can stop by at 9:30 a.m. before competition begins.

Incredibly popular in other countries, especially Australia, many participants in the U.S. have to be edu cated on the sport to learn the nuances. That’s a big rea son why the club has open houses throughout the year.

Lawn bowling requires a combination of skill and strategy. The objective is to roll biased balls so they stop close to a smaller ball called a “jack” or “kitty.” Since the biased balls are not perfectly round, they roll on a curve.

After each competitor has played all of their balls, it’s then determined which are closest to the jack. Points are awarded for each ball that one player gets closer to the jack than another player. A singles match is decided by whoever reaches 21 points first. Competitors also play pairs or triple matches.

The club has gone through its ups and downs. In 1994 it was down to one member named Alice Ehlers. Had she decided to give up and stop playing, the land would have been taken over by the city and lawn bowl ing would no longer exist in Hermosa Beach. However, she recruited Brian Osbourne to join the club, and more signed up after that.

Pictures of Alice, along with other former presidents

and members, line the walls inside the club. One shows Clark instructing women dressed in all white how to play. Glass cases display trophies and medals dating back decades.

Because of the club’s past, the current number of members is so important to Tony. He realizes the his tory and tradition of the club and never wants it to get back to small ranks again.

“I’m so proud that since I have become president, we have continued to grow as a club and the community has become so interested in lawn bowling,” he says. “You can see how much people enjoy it, and we want to make sure that continues for many years to come.” ■

A ROAD MAP TO SUCCESS

Vince DiLeva and his team help clients achieve their financial goals, one step at a time.

LAURA L. WATTS

SHANE O’DONNELL

With clients who represent almost every phase of life— from young professionals to those well into retire ment—advisor Vince DiLeva and his team at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC® (SEIA) understand that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to financial solutions. Their clients have a wide range of goals and values, and Vince endeavors to help them achieve success— whatever that looks like to each individual.

“My team and I spend a lot of time with our clients and have a very close relation ship with them and their families,” says Vince, who works as a managing senior partner with SEIA and has more than 25 years of wealth management experience. “We pro vide each client with a collaborative process from the start, taking care to understand their personal objectives and custom-tailor ing our advice to meet their specific needs.”

All the while, Vince encourages client involvement—an approach that gives his team a deeper understanding of their clients while helping clients become informed investors. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of his team members: advisor Jeff Zuanich, CFP® , CFA®, associate advisor Sara Hendrix, CFP®, client service manager Tammy Patterson and client service associ ate Stephanie Chow.

“As personal financial concierges, my team at SEIA is always there to help with all aspects of investment management, retirement planning, estate and legacy plan ning, tax planning, philanthropic and family foundation management, college savings and insurance,” Vince shares. “Our opendoor policy means clients can always reach someone on our team with any questions.”

Vince is well-versed in investment man agement and overall wealth management strategies. He holds a master’s degree in financial planning and serves on SEIA’s Investment Committee, which analyzes trends

in the fixed income, equity and alterna tive investments markets. Vince holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certifica tion, the Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor designation and the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation. He is a partner with Signature Comprehensive Insurance Services, LLC and a licensed insurance agent.

As a fiduciary, Vince is uniquely positioned to provide a variety of comprehensive and unbiased solutions. “My goal is always doing what’s best for my clients,” he says. “I have guided generations of families through numerous market and economic cycles and various life changes. We help manage the many complexities of our clients’ busy financial lives.”

SEIA was founded in 1997 as an inde pendent Registered Investment Advisory firm and offers wealth management and financial planning services to affluent indi viduals, families and business owners. The firm manages more than $17 billion in client assets as of December 31, 2021, and has been recognized by many well-respected financial publications. SEIA’s Signature Fund for Giving supports local youth, and Vince, who resides in Redondo Beach with his wife and three children, personally supports the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Be The

Match. He encourages clients to consider charitable planning, helping implement the most effective strategies to accomplish their charitable wishes.

Vince’s ultimate goal is to be there for his clients when they need him—especially dur ing times of uncertainty. “The world markets and economies are fluid and ever-chang ing,” he points out. “The key is to have a solid financial and investment plan based on your overall goals and needs. We’re here to help you achieve that.”

Disclaimer: Securities offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through SEIA, LLC. Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. (CA Insurance License Vince DiLeva #0B84300). Opinions expressed here are the authors’ and do not necessarily represent the opinions of SEIA. Third-party rankings or recognition from rating services or publications are no guarantee of future investment success. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the Advisor by any client, nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation or experience.

SIGNATURE ESTATE & INVESTMENT

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

FB: VINCE A. DILEVA-SEIA

L to R: Tammy Patterson, Jeff Zuanich, Stephanie Chow, Vince A. DiLeva, Sara Hendrix

The Fast Lane

EXPERIENCE ALL PORSCHE HAS TO OFFER FIRSTHAND, INCLUDING FAST DRIVING AND FINE DINING.

Written by Kara Mickelson | Photography courtesy of Porsche

As we head toward the end of the year, it’s time to take your foot off the brake. Seriously, dust off the bucket list and add a few check marks. The saying “Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all” encourages us to get out of our comfort zone and make memories beyond the mundane aspects of daily life.

For South Bay residents, an adventure of this kind is right next door. The Porsche Experience Center (PECLA), a 53-acre complex in Carson, offers high-adrenaline driving, coffee culture and elegant trackside dining.

The PECLA is a destination where customers and car aficionados have the opportunity to experience the Porsche brand up close. The driver development track consists of eight modules, including a “wetted track” designed to simulate everyday driving conditions and the thrill of driving a Porsche sports car.

If you are already a Porsche owner, booking a track experience is a way to get more familiar with your vehicle and improve your driving skills. The Porsche owner experience includes a personalized driving coach in a lead-follow format. While not all Porsches are suited to the track, they also have an extensive fleet to test drive, including the 911, Panamera, 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, Macan, Cayenne and Taycan models.

For Porsche devotees, the on-track experience is just one way to connect with the brand. You can also join a local Porsche Club of America chapter. Victoria Varon, Porsche Club of America Vineyard Region president, has planned club events at the center and improved her driving skills on the track and on simulators. Even her mother, a Porsche owner, signed up for a driving

experience to enhance her behind-the-wheel skills.

The good news is you don’t have to be a Porsche owner to book a driving experience or immerse yourself in the Porsche culture. The PECLA is open to the public and includes several driver experiences, meeting and special event space, a gallery space with rotating ve hicles from the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, a studio for private design consultations, the casual Speedster Café and the fine-dining Restaurant 917 with a view of the track.

Four drive sessions and two demonstration lap ses sions are available Tuesdays through Saturdays. The driver development track includes eight modules, or courses, to test driver and vehicle limits. At the accel eration straight, drivers can experience a replica of the Karussell, the famous banked curve on the Nordschleife track at the Nürburgring, a sports complex in Germany.

The kickplate course simulates a loss of wheel trac tion; the 7% slope on the ice hill creates precarious winter road conditions. The handling circuit replicates dynamic country roads to test skills in braking and negotiating corners. There is also a low-friction circle course, an off-road course including 45% declines and ascents, a low-friction handling course with dry pol ished concrete surface and curves, and a dynamic area course to show how to navigate through dry traction.

Every third Sunday, the “Morning Shift” is back from 9 to 11 a.m. It’s free, and so is the coffee. On a first-come, first-served basis, you can purchase a Demonstration Lap experience for $120. After you buckle up in the passenger seat, a Porsche driving coach

takes you for a ride on the 1.3-mile handling circuit. Or book a 30- or 60-minute simulator experience to perfect your driving skills on iconic world-class tracks like Monaco, Le Mans and Daytona before lunch at Restaurant 917.

For the real adrenaline-fueled deal, get behind the wheel with a customizable driver experience that may be booked online. Single-session experiences start at $450 and up, depending on the vehicle and experience selected. Porsche Academy is the most comprehen sive professional level training, including a dedicated coach, on-track exercises and four sessions that can be scheduled within 60 days. Packages range from $4,600 and up.

For younger drivers, the Porsche Driver Experience focuses on safety and education beyond the basics. Part classroom instruction and part on-track instruction— including a driving coach—this gives young drivers real-world experience with the 911 and Taycan for less than $900.

While day-to-day in the fast lane might have the opposite effect of calming your nerves, there are times when you need to leave it all on the track, so to speak. The Porsche Experience Center fuels your adventurous spirit and creates a safe environment to satisfy your inner racer.

■

remembrance road

SOUTHBAY PHOTOGRAPHER, ARTIST AND HISTORY BUFF SHANE O’DONNELL JOINED HIS FATHER ON A EUROPEAN TOUR HONORING THE SACRIFICE OF WWII’S “GREATEST GENERATION.”

Written by Kara Mickelson |

Photographed by Shane O’Donnell

Pat is a pilot, and every member of Shane’s family has a favorite type of plane. He and his father are both fascinated with the stories and places of World War II. With a degree in photojournalism and a minor in his tory, Shane was excited to see Normandy and floated the trip idea to his father. He wasn’t sure his dad was interested because he didn’t say much at the time. Later Shane found out that his dad was telling friends they were going to Europe.

Shane realized it was time to start planning the adventure while his dad was healthy and motivated to travel. Also, it would give them quality time together now that they live far away from each other.

Shane’s childhood was spent in the north woods of Wisconsin, surrounded by thousands of acres of timber forest, dairy farms, lakes and streams. Though an idyllic place, Shane says he still felt restless. He left home the day after high school graduation to explore the world and find a sense of belonging outside the small town. Although he still maintains some aspects of small-town life, he is very much settled in Southern California.

Shane has worked for years as a professional pho tographer, and the photos from his trip highlight the beautiful scenery and some harsh reminders of the once war-torn land. They are a modern-day sanitized peek into the past with the comfortable backdrop of a father-and-son bonding adventure. This is where Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy and dug into foxholes during brutal winters to hold off German forces during the Battle of the Bulge.

Not only was the trip a way to spend time over a shared interest, but this was going to be their first foray

into Europe together. Shane’s dad had experienced only limited travel outside the country. It was a “now or never” type of trip. Shane mapped out the itinerary and all the ground logistics including visiting the sites of significant WWII battles. He added a few detours to the schedule to satisfy a bit of wanderlust.

The two started their tour in Paris—exploring the city at night and wandering near the Seine. Next they went on to some significant locations highlighted in the popular book and subsequent television series Band of Brothers, including a nod to the movie The Monuments Men viewing the Bayeux Tapestry, the Ghent altarpiece and other destinations of interest. Shane shares that it was an art, beer and history pilgrimage of sorts.

They took a train to Caen, where they rented a Fiat to travel the narrow roads of the Normandy region. The charming town of Caen, a little more than two hours from Paris and 10 minutes from the coastline, is dotted with many museums and beautiful churches. “It’s not a touristy type of town. It feels more like the medieval war-torn history is an integral part of the community’s identity,” explains Shane.

On their first day in Caen they visited Juno Beach, where the British and Canadians landed on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Later, they toured Utah Beach, one of two landing zones for Allied infantry and airborne troops.

Standing on the shores of Normandy, Shane watched his dad in silence while he viewed the serene beach and commemorated the fallen. As if a movie reel was occupying his thoughts, noise, blood and fear created hauntingly “loud” visions in his mind.

“As you are standing on Omaha or Utah beach, imag ining the dramatic and somber scene, it’s hard not to contrast the beauty of the landscape with the absolute horror of the war,” says Shane.

The reality of the historical events settled into his consciousness like an artillery blast while he can vased the coastline punctuated with cannons like lawn ornaments; saw blood-stained pews left over from the war in a small neighborhood church in the French

While growing up, Shane O’Donnell connected with his father, Pat, in their mutual passion for both history and aviation. “It’s where we relate and find some common ground,” says Shane.

countryside; and witnessed the replica of Private John Steele hanging from a parachute off the steeple of Sainte-Mère-Église.

After Normandy they headed to Mont-Saint-Michel (occupied by German troops during the war) for a bucket-list check mark and some hard cider and beer sampling. They honored veterans at Omaha Beach and visited Bastogne, a small town in Eastern Belgium that was one of the most important towns in the defeat of the Germans.

“I wanted to document my dad with my photos, as

I don’t get to spend much time with him,” Shane says about his journey of a lifetime. “It was important to me that I photograph him in as many places and moments as possible.”

Shane regularly captures a deeper understanding of people and places through his lens. His recent trip to Europe with his father allowed the two to share stories, memories and their fascination with WWII history while standing in the countryside once occupied by Nazis.

“It was great to experience that with my dad,” says Shane. “I never took that part for granted.” ■

Return to Harmony

Southbay celebrated the release of its annual Women’s Issue with Indivisible Arts at Resin in Hermosa Beach. Guests enjoyed a curated art show featuring female artists, an opening sound bath with Farnaz Reneker and Queenie Hilfer, a talk by Heathere Evans, live music by Kira Lingman and a set with DJ Erin Vee. Food and beverage vendors included The Inspired Palate, Cultured Slice, Barsha, Two Guns Espresso and Gray Whale Gin.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMEKA JACOBS

N2 Aesthetics Grand Opening Celebration

Manhattan Beach Village welcomed new medical spa N2 Aesthetics, founded by longtime South Bay resident Nicola Lowrey. Guests visited the office designed and constructed by local Manhattan Beach couple Albert and Alexis Soof of Soof Construction and Design and enjoyed catering and cocktails by Tin Roof Bistro, live demonstrations of clinical procedures, raffle prizes and live music.

64th Annual Portuguese Bend National Horse Show

Peninsula Committee Children’s Hospital presented the 64th annual Portuguese Bend National Horse Show September 9-11, with proceeds benefiting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. This highly regarded A-rated horse show challenged some of the West Coast’s finest riders with difficult and exciting courses, including the prestigious PCHA Horsemanship Medal Finals.

Al Walsh, Jim Scharffenberger, Joan Scharffenberger, Jackie Halverson

Martha Tuffli, Bev Post, Don Tuffli

PHOTOGRAPHED BY MAUREEN HAZARD & MELANIE MACLEAN

Georgia Storm Claessens Jumper Classic and PCHA Medal Finals (18-34) winner Jordyn Chaffee

Betty Davidson and Jim Rice

Nicola Lowrey, Mike Simms, Sonia Simms

Albert Soof, Pete Kelley, Jim Lowrey, Nicola Lowrey, Alexis Soof

Diana Rand, Cambria Welling, Nicola Lowrey, Emalee Herschberger, Natasha Dutko, Amanda Trutanich

Terry Durham, Kaitlin Cobb, Shannon Cobb, Heather Ramsdell, Wally Durham

Meredith Edwards, Carey Romer, Josefina, Tanya Steve, Sebastian Ascensio

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@OURSOUTHBAY

“We have a high level of expertise in our firm and the highest form of integrity. From our attorneys to the administrative staff, our team cares for and respects one another. The collaborative process we use and our team environment make the firm more efficient and keep projects moving in a timely manner for our clients.”

– DENISE M. GUZMAN, FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL ATTORNEY, GUZMAN LAW GROUP

TRUSTED ADVISORS

The key to 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 chal lenges. When making decisions that impact business, home, finances and family, we can depend on the guidance of these South Bay specialists, known for innovative solutions and top-notch client care.

100 GUZMAN LAW GROUP DENISE M. GUZMAN

102 PALM REALTY BOUTIQUE & PALOS VERDES REALTY KEITH KELLEY, BILL DAVIS & TONY PUMA

104 LAW OFFICE OF BAKER, BURTON & LUNDY

106 GERMAIN DICARLO WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP OF WELLS FARGO ADVISORS VINNIE DICARLO & JEFF GERMAIN

108 MIONI FAMILY LAW

110 DERENZIS REAL ESTATE  DARIN DERENZIS & MEREDITH JOHNSON DERENZIS

112 NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL PAUL BABOOLAL

114 STRATEGIC VIEW ADVISORS EDWARD MOYZES

116 KINECTA WEALTH MANAGEMENT

118 SALTY WATER PROPERTIES | RE/MAX ESTATE PROPERTIES ALISON CLAY-DUBOFF

120 CHASE LAW GROUP DEANN FLORES CHASE

121 EDWARD JONES AUDREY A. STANSBURY

122 ROSEN SABA

123 NAVIGOE PROFESSIONAL FIDUCIARY SCOTT LEONARD

124 LAW OFFICES OF SANFORD JOSSEN SANFORD JOSSEN

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

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TRUSTED ADVISORS

GUZMAN LAW GROUP, PC

Denise M. Guzman, Founder and Principal Attorney

Manhattan Beach-based legal firm Guzman Law Group has been advocating for the South Bay community for more than 30 years. Their clients represent the diverse industries that define the vibrancy and inno vation of the South Bay. The firm provides high-caliber legal services in business and finance transactions, trust and civil litigation, estate planning and trust administration. With their proximity to Hollywood, Guzman Law Group also focuses on entertainment law and celebrity estates.

Founder Denise M. Guzman is a noted business, estate planning and trust attor ney who earned her bachelor’s degree from USC and her law degree from UCLA. The firm is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION?

Marcus Chang, Business and Estate Planning Attorney: My inspiration comes from my desire to please my clients, whether it is providing information to help them bet ter understand their situation or acting as their advocate—or shield—when necessary. I apply as much passion and care to our cli ents’ matters as I would to my own personal matters, and I believe our clients see that.

HOW IS YOUR FIRM UNIQUE?

Drew Hallett, Business and Litigation Attorney: Our firm’s litigation department has a unique skill set for handling both civil and trust litigation matters. Our focus is on individuals and companies facing gen eral and complex business issues, as well as individuals dealing with family conflict concerning the division of assets of a trust or an estate. We also provide counsel and strategic advice to family-owned businesses experiencing a dispute within the company.  Our litigation department understands the nuances of both the civil and probate divi sions of the court and can expertly guide our clients through matters like these.

Jane S. Lee, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Attorney: Our firm can help fam ily businesses with both their business and estate planning needs, providing peace of mind surrounding their succession planning. As Drew mentioned, if any conflict arises during the trust administration process, we are also in the unique position to be able to assist with trust litigation.

WHAT’S THE #1 WAY YOU EARN THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE OF CLIENTS?

Edward Powell, Corporate, Securities, & Finance Attorney: We earn the trust and confidence of clients by being available and honest. Our clients know that when they have issues, we will address them compe tently and professionally and in a timely manner. Clients also need to hear bad news in a straightforward manner that avoids unnecessary legal work and stress.

Marcus Chang: We are honest with our clients and educate them so they can make an informed decision based on the situation. One of my primary goals in the attorneyclient relationship is to make sure that the client understands why certain actions are taken during the process versus just taking my word that the action needs to be taken.

WHAT FULFILLS YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER?

Carol T. Contes, Entertainment, Copyright & Trademark Attorney: I enjoy being of service to clients who are trying to bring their projects to fruition.

WHAT DO YOU WISH ALL CLIENTS WOULD DO ON A REGULAR BASIS?

Edward Powell: Clients are well-served by communicating with us regularly—well in advance of making big decisions for their businesses. We can save the client time and money by helping organize their strategic planning before the term sheet or letter of intent stage, or before undertaking involved and expensive steps that might not be the

most efficient or advisable way to structure a deal. Our extensive experience can help avoid issues before they arise and circum vent costly renegotiations.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO BUILDING AND GROWING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS?

Drew Hallett: The key is how much we care about our clients. We always want the best for them. We listen to what they want and ask questions about their circumstances that may affect the situation at hand, providing tailored, practical advice that best serves their needs and goals. We are diligent about putting our clients in the best position pos sible. They recognize the level of care and commitment we provide, and that leads to strong client relationships.

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU MAKE OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE?  Denise M. Guzman: It has always been part of my nature to give back to the commu nity. It started in high school when I was on student council. As I grew in my career, I realized I could make a greater impact in the community and give my time where I saw need.

In the early ’90s there was an absence of networking organizations for business women. So in 1993 I started the South Bay chapter of the American Business Women’s Association—founded on the premise of giving back to the community and bringing businesswomen together to network. We raised funds to provide college scholarships for young women. I served on the board for 12 years before turning to the next genera tion to lead the chapter, which continued for another 17 years.

Throughout my career I have served on several boards. I concentrate my time and effort on causes that are near and dear to my heart, such as Palos Verdes Art Center, Joy2Learn Foundation and the P.S. I Love You Foundation. I feel a sense of duty to share my knowledge, time and support with organizations where I can make a difference.

BY MARISA GUZMÁN-ALOIA

L to R: Attorneys Alisha R. Swain-Fall, Carol T. Contes, Drew C. Hallett, Edward Powell, Denise M. Guzman, Charles Shelton, Marcus Chang, Maaha Khan, Jane S. Lee

PALM REALTY BOUTIQUE & PALOS VERDES REALTY

Kelley, Bill Davis

Puma

After selling real estate in the Beach Cities and Palos Verdes for 10 years, Tony Puma purchased Palos Verdes Realty with the goal of maintaining and growing its long history of prosperous transactions. Soon after, fellow top-producing agents Bill Davis and Keith Kelley joined the team, bringing their complementary strengths and areas of expertise.

IN WHAT WAYS IS THE BUSINESS MODEL OF YOUR FIRM UNIQUE?

We are a casual and unpretentious team with solid work ethics and a no-nonsense approach to helping our clients achieve their real estate goals.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM.

Palos Verdes Realty is a boutique real estate office—the oldest real estate firm in Palos Verdes—built on a solid foundation of the professional knowledge and hands-on experience of our team. Collectively, we have more than 50 years of experience facilitating successful real estate transactions. We work with Palm Realty Boutique's nine offices and together have a combined total of more than 100 topproducing Realtors focusing on the South Bay and other high-end markets.

TONY, TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND.

Tony Puma: I have been involved in real estate for more than 30 years. I owned a manufacturing and distribution business in the automotive industry in Texas, where I was raised. I sold it and moved to California in the late 1990s to pursue real estate full time.

I had been investing in and flipping commercial, industrial and residential real estate for years during my automotive

career and had a real passion for it. I initially got my California real estate license to handle my own investment transactions, but I quickly realized how rewarding it was to help my friends buy and sell property. It wasn’t long before I was closing many more transactions for others than for myself.

Since then my business has focused primarily on my clients’ real estate goals, while mixing in my own flips and investments. Most of my clients appreciate my knowledge of architecture, remodeling and construction while I help them buy or sell a home—whether to help them visualize what’s possible with a prospective new home purchase or simply to help them prepare their home for sale. Many of my buyers tap into my experience and my contractor relationships during the updating process of turning a home purchase into their dream home.

I live in Palos Verdes Estates with my wonderful wife, Victoria, and our daughter Layla. My older daughter, Erica, and granddaughters Roxie and Sloane live in Texas, along with most of my extended family.

KEITH, YOU’RE A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NATIVE. TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF. Keith Kelley: After attending the University of California, Santa Barbara on a baseball scholarship, I moved to Seattle, where I began my career in the mortgage industry as a loan officer. After living in Washington for three years while my wife attended law school, we moved back to California and I became the in-house lender for Keller Williams Realty in Rancho Palos Verdes.

After eight months of being the premier loan officer for both Keller Williams Realty offices in Palos Verdes, I joined Gordon

Inman as a Realtor to establish The Inman Team. I helped build that team to our highest producing year, selling more than $65 million in homes. That year we were awarded the Platinum Medal for production and continued to receive that award year after year. The Inman Team also reached a level where we were recognized as the highest producing team in the Southern California Region for all Keller Williams offices. We were #1 for numerous years.

My focus for the future is to expand my area of expertise in my partnership with Bill and Tony. The three of us specialize in every area from Manhattan Beach to Long Beach. We have also completed transactions from Santa Barbara to San Diego.

BILL, TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK. Bill Davis: I have completed transactions in several areas including Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills Estates, Torrance, Los Angeles and Orange Counties. I have been in the real estate business for 15 years, and HomeLight has ranked me as one of the top listing agents in Palos Verdes Estates and as one of the top 16% of agents who sell homes fast.

WHAT IMPORTANT LESSON HAVE YOU LEARNED IN YOUR WORK?

Trust your instincts. Whether it’s a stressful rushed decision of how much to pay for a property at auction or a relaxed but engaging decision of where to place a kitchen island and how big it should be, your first instinct is usually right!

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL HOT SPOTS.

Willingham’s World Champion BBQ in South Redondo. You have to order Phil’s incredible smoked brisket!

LAW

OF

Baker, Burton & Lundy is a full-service law firm whose award-winning lawyers assist clients with a wide range of practice areas from personal injury and probate litigation to employment, estate planning, business and real estate law. Brad N. Baker and Kent Burton founded the law firm in 1976 and invited Albro Lundy III to become a partner in 1997. More recently, Evan Koch and Clint Wilson have become partners, and today the attorney team also includes Brian Selogie, Mary Korkodian, Stephen Semos and Alese Lesser. BB&L’s nine attorneys are joined by their experienced paralegal team, with several individuals being part of the BB&L team for more than 10, 15 and 25 years.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO BUILDING, MAINTAINING AND GROWING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS?

There is one overriding trait that we believe applies across the board to a grieving widow as well as to a sophisticated businessperson, and that is to treat the client like we would like to be treated. We also have a measuring stick that seems to be appreciated by our clients. If we are likely going to come out better than our client, we do not wish to play. Our goal is to have the client come out better in the situation than we do.

WHAT’S THE #1 WAY YOU EARN THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE OF CLIENTS?

Communicate in a concise and clear manner. To do so, we must understand the subject matter in order to explain it simply. In addition, doing what we say we are going to do in a timely fashion is tremendously appreciated.

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. For decades we have assisted clients with life decisions that extend past the legal issues by creating long-term relationships built on trust.

WHAT DO YOU WISH ALL CLIENTS WOULD DO ON A REGULAR BASIS?

You may think that we would say something along the lines of “payment of our bills,” but in actuality asking us to repeat a point that was not clear to the client is extremely helpful to us. We would hope that the environment at BB&L is conducive to the client feeling comfortable enough to ask us to repeat something.

HOW HAS YOUR ROLE SPREAD BEYOND TRADITIONAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES?

Keeping clients sane during the oftenprotracted projects and litigation is critical. Coaching the client to compartmentalize events and not have litigation become central to their lives can be challenging, but it is critical. The client needs to be strong with reserves sufficient to hang tough when the real negotiations commence.

HOW IMPORTANT IS A SENSE OF HUMOR DURING TOUGH SITUATIONS?

When a person has lost his or her sense of humor, the journey is going to be much grimmer than it needs to be. A favorite thing to mention to a client who is up to his or her eyeballs in alligators is: “Ten years from now, this is going to be a great story!”

IN WHAT WAYS IS THE BUSINESS MODEL OF YOUR FIRM UNIQUE?

Having a law partnership for 46 years right out of law school is in itself very unique, but having the three named partners—who actually like each other—bring different but complementary skill sets to the table is equally rare. This allows us to handle a wide range of practice areas and do each of them with proficiency.

WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE LOOK FOR IN A TRUSTED ADVISOR?

We recommend that a referral from a trusted friend is often a good starting point. Then see if the attorney gives you a sense of calm through his or her ability to listen and address your concerns. Sincerity and clear answers are excellent measuring sticks of an attorney’s competence and knowledge.

WHY DO YOUR CLIENTS CONSIDER YOU THEIR TRUSTED ADVISOR?

We have been residents of Hermosa Beach since 1981 and active in our local schools and South Bay community. With more than 170 years of collective experience, our legal team has won significant verdicts and results for our clients. Our aim is always to resolve problems as successfully, efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

WHY DO YOU LIKE WORKING IN THE SOUTH BAY?

The people, pure and simple. The combination of common sense, strong work ethic and civility is very heartwarming.

L to R: Albro Lundy, Evan Koch, Brad Baker, Brian Selogie, Kent Burton, Clint Wilson, Alese Lesser Rajaniemi

Not pictured: Mary Korkodian, Stephen Semos

GERMAIN DICARLO WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP OF WELLS FARGO ADVISORS

Vinnie DiCarlo & Jeff Germain, Private Wealth Financial Advisors

Jeff Germain and Vinnie DiCarlo provide financial advice and money management services for high net worth individuals and families through their practice Germain DiCarlo Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.

Jeff has worked in the financial industry for 30 years and holds a Certified Investment Management Consultant designation. He serves as chair of the board of Dignity Health California Hospital Foundation and chairman emeritus for Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles. Jeff and his wife have six children and four grandchildren.

Vinnie has been a financial advisor for eight years and practiced as a CPA for 10 years before that. He is co-chair of the Dignity Health California Hospital Annual Professional Symposium and has served as a Gala committee member since 2015. He is active in the Santa Clara University and Loyola High School alumni associations. Vinnie resides in the South Bay with his two young sons.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO BUILDING AND GROWING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS?

Being accessible when clients need us and staying in contact even when there isn’t something work-related to discuss. We keep in touch with our clients in both up and down markets and check in just to hear what’s going on with them. We also spend time with clients outside work hours—seeing them around town, sharing a meal together, attending important events for them and/or their families.

IN THIS DIGITAL WORLD, WHAT’S YOUR MOST EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE WITH CLIENTS?

We take a multipronged approach. We send out timely white papers via email. We host a quarterly Zoom call with Joe Terranova from CNBC for our clients, attorneys and accountants to hear a third

party’s perspective on the market. We make good old-fashioned phone calls directly with our clients to see if they have questions about the pieces we provide them. Nothing replaces in-person meetings and discussions, even though Zoom was highly effective during COVID-19 and with clients who do not reside in California. We like to make an effort to see and be seen by our clients whenever possible.

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR SERVICE YOU OFFER?

Finance and investing can be very complex endeavors. We focus heavily on educating our clients and guiding them through their plan—taking into account all of their financial assets and goals/ objectives—so they can better understand the logic behind our approach to investing and so they (hopefully) do not worry when markets are down as much as some other investors might.

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL CLIENT.

Our ideal client is someone who genuinely appreciates the care and service we provide to them and whom we enjoy working with. Our practice currently has roughly 100 clients, and we get to know the people and families we bring on board so they know we are here for them. We treat our clients like family.

IN WHAT WAYS IS THE BUSINESS MODEL OF YOUR FIRM UNIQUE?

Our team brings a unique background to our clients. Jeff has been managing money for almost 30 years, and Vinnie has a tax and planning background—having practiced as a CPA and then spending time with Wells Fargo’s fiduciary services group where he dealt with families’ estate plans and provided alternative scenarios. Individually we have been recognized by Forbes (Jeff as Best-in-State for 2020

through 2022 and Vinnie as Best-in-State in 2020 and Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor in 2022) and by Barron’s (Jeff as Top 1,200 Advisors for 2019 through 2022) for our approach to providing financial services to our clients and the care we take in constructing customized, independent portfolios for their individual situations.

HOW DO YOU KEEP STRESS LEVELS LOW?

When we’re off work, we can be found supporting our local restaurants. Jeff spends time with his family and rides his bike on The Strand with his two dogs, and Vinnie can be found at the beach with his two sons, Luca (age 6) and Giovanni (age 8), who was recently featured in Southbay magazine for his surfing.

Disclaimer: Wells Fargo Advisors and its affiliates do not provide legal or tax advice. Any estate plan should be reviewed by an attorney who specializes in estate planning and is licensed to practice law in your state. The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors; Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a rating. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. The Barron’s Top 1,200 State By State Advisors ratings are based on the previous year’s assets under management, revenue generated for the advisors’ firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices. Investment performance isn’t an explicit factor because clients have varied goals and risk tolerances. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. CAR 0922-02784

LAW,

Lovette Mioni is a certified family law specialist who attended Southwestern Law School and opened Mioni Family Law in 2014. She has worked as a family law attorney since 2010, previously working at other firms before opening her own business. Her associate Christopher Choi attended law school at the University of Illinois before joining Mioni Family Law. Both attorneys practice family law exclusively, specializing in assisting clients with divorce and custody matters.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO BUILDING, MAINTAINING AND GROWING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS?

We try to educate our clients on what the law is and what their rights and responsibilities are, and to help them navigate the process of their case as effectively and efficiently as possible. Most clients feel so much better and so much more at ease when they have a clear understanding of the path forward.

WHAT’S THE #1 WAY YOU EARN THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE OF CLIENTS?

We do good work. A lot of our clients come to us by way of referrals from past clients. Trust is sometimes there from day one because they have been referred to us by a current or past client. For other clients, we earn that trust by being skilled attorneys and doing a good job for them.

IN THIS DIGITAL WORLD, WHAT’S YOUR MOST EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE WITH CLIENTS?

We use it all. We Zoom, we DocuSign, we appear at court appearances virtually (if that is what clients want), we have online portals for clients and we’re a paperless office. We fully embrace technology. For

our clients who aren’t ready to also fully embrace technology, we are happy to meet them at whatever level they are comfortable with.

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR SERVICE YOU OFFER?

The vast majority of our cases are divorce cases. But we’re a full-service family law firm, so we also do prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements and paternity cases.

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL CLIENT. Clients who will take our advice—they are truly the best clients. We see their case from a 10,000-foot view. Sometimes clients are so emotionally engrossed in their emotional and legal issues, it’s hard for them to have perspective. We take the emotions out of the equation (to the extent possible) so we can help them make sound and reasonable decisions—not emotional ones. The best clients are the ones who take our advice; that’s how we get them the best results.

HOW DO YOU KEEP STRESS LEVELS LOW?

We try to avoid emergencies in our office. Waiting until the last minute stresses everyone out. If we have the ability to get things done right away or ahead of deadlines, we do it. We also try to operate our cases on a “big-picture” level so our clients don’t get thrown off by little issues and everyone stays on course.

IN WHAT WAYS IS THE BUSINESS MODEL OF YOUR FIRM UNIQUE?

We want to move you through your divorce effectively. We want to get you the best results. We often do this by hiring private judges to handle your case. Private judges offer much quicker resolutions of your case

than a traditional method of going through the Los Angeles Superior Court. You’re not stuck waiting a year or more for a trial. Oftentimes we do mediation with a private judge and resolve your case in a fraction of the time that it would take to litigate it in court.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH CLIENTS NOT ACCEPTING YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS?

We understand that it’s hard sometimes to trust someone else with these huge issues of your finances and your children. But we are very good at what we do. So when we have a client who disagrees with our recommendations, we tell them that we disagree. Ultimately the decisions are up to the clients because they are the ones living with those decisions.

YOUR ADVICE TO POTENTIAL CLIENTS?

Try really hard to settle your case. Be open-minded in settlement discussions. We try to settle all of our cases outside court because ultimately that is what is best for the parties, their children and their finances. You should only go to trial when you absolutely have to. And even in those instances, use a private judge if possible. There are better divorce options than “I’ll see you in court.”

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL HOT SPOTS. We’re located in the Hollywood Riviera in South Redondo, so we’re going to go ahead and say the Riviera is our favorite local hot spot. We all pinch ourselves to be two blocks from the ocean and to have all the restaurants and shops available to us for lunch or dinner after work.

Christopher Choi, owner/attorney Lovette Mioni, paralegal Erin Hawthorne

TRUSTED ADVISORS

DERENZIS REAL ESTATE

DeRenzis Real Estate Group, established in 2019, is operated by husband-and-wife team Darin DeRenzis and Meredith DeRenzis. Darin is a partner of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty, and Meredith has years of both commercial and residential real estate experience, with a particular passion for luxury real estate. They have both been ranked in the top 75 real estate professionals nationwide by RealTrends, and together they assist clients throughout the South Bay with making buying and selling decisions.

WHAT MAKES YOU A “TRUSTED ADVISOR”?

Darin: Our clients depend on us for so many facets of life. Our success lies in the achieve ment of what is in the best interest of those we love and care about. Those are the rela tionships that wake me up in the morning.

WHO IS YOUR MOST TRUSTED ADVISOR?

Meredith: I am fortunate to have several trusted advisors. The older I get and the more “adulting” I do, my respect grows and rela tionships deepen because of the professional expertise of these advisors and how much I value their guidance. We hope our clients consider us a consistent advisor on their team as well, whether we represented them in the sale of a house 30 days ago or 15 years ago.

WHAT TOPICS DO YOU MOST OFTEN DISCUSS WITH CLIENTS?

Darin: As a parent, I speak regularly with clients regarding their kids and the future. Often the conversation will turn to the purchase of a home near where our clients’ kids attend college. We’ve built an extensive referral network across the country, and we can help make those important family tran sitions easier with reliable connections.

Meredith: Topics of conversation generally involve solutions to meet the needs of my clients at a specific moment in time. This could range from options for aging parents

and how to handle a property when a loved one passes away to seeking “more house” for a growing family. We also find joy in pro viding solutions for the more mundane—an emergency plumber, a last-minute babysit ter, an accountant referral, a venue for a celebratory dinner, and my specialty, which is vendors for home projects!

WHAT SHOULD YOUR CLIENTS BE ASKING ABOUT?

Darin: California has passed multiple laws in recent years that have made a tremen dous impact on our clients’ investments, both for their own homes and for income property portfolios. The recent SB 9 and ADU legislation has opened opportunities to exponentially increase the value of real estate investments. Conversely, the Coastal Commission’s involvement in coastal devel opment has created some challenges for our clients, for which we can offer resources and solutions to help them adapt quickly to these changes in policy.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH CLIENTS NOT ACCEPTING YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS?

Meredith: Ultimately, our clients make deci sions on their own. Our recommendations are based on personal experience and the breadth of information we have available. We share that with our clients, but the deci sions are theirs to make. We can be confi dent that our clients aren’t caught off guard, because all possible options and outcomes have been discussed.

Darin: Also, sometimes the recommendations we make may not be in our own best interest. Some of my proudest moments as a Realtor involve advising a client to not make a purchase. Sometimes a client will fall in love with a house for the wrong reasons, and it really won’t work for them long term. In those cases, walking away from a sale is a good thing. If we always ask ourselves what is in the best interest of our clients, we will always make the right decision. It’s never about us.

WHAT FINANCIAL LESSON DID YOU LEARN WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG THAT STILL APPLIES TODAY?

Darin: My dad, Ed DeRenzis, was a banker for large financial institutions and later a Realtor. He taught me at a young age that investing in multiple asset classes, conserva tively and consistently—whatever that means for you—is the best way to achieve financial independence. No surprise, one of his and our favorite classes is real estate and devel opment (physical assets) because it has historically been one of the safest vehicles to grow generational wealth.

HOW IMPORTANT IS A SENSE OF HUMOR DURING TOUGH SITUATIONS?

Darin: A sense of humor is very important when dealing with my wife.

Meredith: I don’t think that’s very funny. (laughs)

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING A HUSBAND-AND-WIFE TEAM?

Meredith: Aside from his amazing sense of humor, my husband is an incredible connec tor. He sees synergies within our network that have given birth to many successful collabo rations, transactions and opportunities for our clients that aren’t just real estate-related. We have a powerful combination of skill sets and perspectives. Our professional experiences— "past-life" careers, as I call them—create a strong collective network and contribute to our clients’ wealth, health and happiness.

WHAT DO YOU WISH ALL OF YOUR CLIENTS WOULD DO ON A REGULAR BASIS?

Darin: Invite us over! You should always have an idea of what your home is worth. While we love hearing about what our clients have done in their homes, seeing it is not only better, it’s critical to our ability to act as your trusted advisor.

TRUSTED ADVISORS

NORTHWESTERN

Paul Baboolal, Wealth Management Advisor

Paul Baboolal is a wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual Manhattan Beach with more than 30 years of experience. He partners with successful estate attorneys, business owners, commercial real estate developers, CPAs and South Bay families to assist them with their financial goals. Paul started his career with Northwestern Mutual as a college intern in 1992 and began working full-time upon graduation from UCLA. He is a 12-time member of the Northwestern Mutual Forum, an annual recognition of the firm’s top advisors.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR BUILDING, MAINTAINING AND GROWING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS?

No one should advise you without first listening to you. Our rule of thumb is to always understand our clients’ goals, objectives and circumstances before creating a plan. Additionally, a trusted advisor should be able to acknowledge, prepare and manage expectations for challenges that you may encounter, such as current market conditions, rather than trying to sell you on superficial solutions that won’t weather the storm. A trusted advisor should be invested in your growth and rooting for your success.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO EARNING THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE OF CLIENTS?

One of the main reasons our clients trust us is because we establish long-term relationships from the beginning. Our financial plans are meant to last for decades, and we remain an active part of the plan’s evolution as a client encounters significant life changes. We are always transparent in what we are trying to achieve, and we do what we say we are going to do. Up front, we make our recommenda tions and our process as clear as possible.

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR SERVICE YOU OFFER?

We offer simplified, comprehensive financial

planning that is designed to be easily digestible. Our specialty is taking a complex financial picture and making it actionable and understandable for our busy clients. It’s our job to alleviate financial fear and make sure that our clients’ money is working hard for them so they can focus on the things that are truly important.

WHAT ATTRIBUTES DOES THE IDEAL CLIENT HAVE?

Our ideal client shares our family values, appreciates advice from trusted professionals and is seeking a long-term financial partnership—not just a one-time transaction. We have many of the same concerns as our clients, so we know what it’s like to be in their shoes, raising kids, running a business and being active in the South Bay community. We plan for our clients the same way we would plan for our friends and family.

HOW HAS YOUR ROLE SPREAD BEYOND TRADITIONAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES?

Not only can our team create solutions for a wide array of financial concerns, but we have intentionally built a network of local professionals in other areas, such as estate planning attorneys and CPAs, who can help serve our clients’ needs as a supplement to the plan we’ve established. This means our services do not stop with our clients’ financial lives but extend to address their greater needs. We also live and work in the South Bay ourselves, and we understand our clients’ mindset of working hard while enjoying our beautiful environment.

IN WHAT WAYS IS THE BUSINESS MODEL OF YOUR FIRM UNIQUE?

Our planning strategy is comprehensive and holistic. Our philosophy is that you cannot execute effective financial strategy without considering all pieces of the puzzle. Other firms tend to focus on either asset accumulation or defensive planning, but

we are unique in that we can speak fluently about both, with an emphasis on effective distribution planning.

WHAT FINANCIAL LESSON DID YOU LEARN WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG THAT STILL APPLIES TODAY?

At a very young age, I learned about the importance of planning for the “what ifs” in life. When my mother was only 2 years old, her father passed away, leaving my grandmother to raise three young children by herself and forcing her to become the breadwinner of the family. Because their home had been fully paid off, my grandmother was saved from financial ruin. Now, I help my clients brace for the unexpected and protect their families, no matter what life throws at them.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR FIRM MAKE OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE?

We feel that it is a privilege to give back to our community. As partners of the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation, Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, the Hermosa Beach Little League and childhood cancer, we are focused on improving the lives of future generations, especially when it comes to financial literacy. Giving young people the gift of a financial education will set them up for success in the future.

Disclaimer: Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability Insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance), Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, and member of FINRA and SIPC, and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and trust services), a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. Paul Baboolal is an Insurance Agent of NM and NLTC. Investment brokerage services provided as a Registered Representative of NMIS. Investment advisory services provided as an Advisor of NMWMC.

STRATEGIC VIEW ADVISORS

Edward Moyzes,

Strategic View Advisors is a financial planning team that partners with their clients to help them Achieve Financial Peace of MindTM. The team, led by CEO Edward Moyzes, operates under the umbrella of the Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group. Northwestern Mutual has been in business for the past 163 years.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR BUILDING AND GROWING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS?

Every “advisor” will ask for budget and account details, but people don’t build their lives around numbers. You need to understand what keeps people up at night and what gets them up in the morning. It starts with asking thoughtful, relevant questions and continuing to do so over time as the relationship grows and deepens.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO EARNING THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE OF CLIENTS?

Demonstrating care and competency. Clients need to see that you are interested in what matters most to them and that you can tie those interests into an analysis that reflects their unique circumstances. Clients will know if you cut corners or provide boiler plate recommendations. We invest the time and energy to understand our clients and translate that understanding into actionable steps backed by rigorous, analytical work.

IN THIS DIGITAL WORLD, WHAT IS YOUR MOST EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE WITH CLIENTS?

Being responsive to client preferences. Some clients tend not to answer when you call but will respond to your email within 10 minutes. Some clients love the virtual meeting option, while others deeply value face-to-face interaction. There is no shortage of tools that we can use to connect virtually, and while it’s important to be able to utilize those tools, the human element remains at the core of our client relationships.

WHAT ATTRIBUTES DOES THE IDEAL CLIENT HAVE?

Our best clients come in many shapes and sizes, but they have some consistent attri butes that we see across age, gender, family status, etc. First and foremost, they are car ing people who have meaningful goals for their wealth. Second, they are open to shar ing those goals and accepting advice. Third, they are willing to take action when a trusted advisor provides clear guidance based on their specific circumstances.

WHAT DO YOU WISH ALL CLIENTS WOULD DO ON A REGULAR BASIS?

Take a moment to consider the purpose behind their financial plan. Contributing to a retirement account? That’s so you can have time to enjoy your spouse and visit the grandkids. Funding a 529? That’s because you want your kids to leave college with all options on the table. Opening a donoradvised fund? That’s so that your kids and grandkids can see the importance of chari table giving. We make it a point to treat every client review as an opportunity to connect their financial decisions to the bigger picture.

HOW IMPORTANT IS A SENSE OF HUMOR DURING TOUGH SITUATIONS?

Difficult situations require empathy, and humor is a big part of that. Understanding when a client or a team member needs to laugh and knowing how to walk the line between appreciating something funny and making light of a tough situation is crucial to maintaining long-term relationships. Some light, self-deprecating jokes can go a long way toward easing tension.

IN WHAT WAYS IS THE BUSINESS MODEL OF YOUR FIRM UNIQUE?

We think long term about our client relation ships. The “big lie” that is so often told in our industry is: “I’ll always be there for you.” In reality, no one—myself included—can

promise that. Sickness, death or retirement come for us all. Our entire model—from hir ing to development to partnership tracks—is all predicated on the assumption that while “I’ll always be there for you” may not be true, “We’ll always be there for you” is a promise we can make and keep.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR FIRM MAKE OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE?

We believe that emotional energy is a finite resource, so any emotional energy that is being spent on worrying about finances is being taken away from important things like family, friends, work or charity. We believe that by helping people Achieve Financial Peace of MindTM, we are increasing the amount of emotional energy available for those important things, thereby improving the communities in which our clients live.

Additionally, this year we launched SVA CARES, a philanthropic arm of our firm. We’ve already gathered clothing donations for Foster Nation and are participating in the Walk for Alzheimer’s in the fall.

Disclaimer: Edward Moyzes, Carol Anne Bates, Christopher Hall, Mollie Alyssa Kaiser and Shanelle Medequiso Sua use Strategic View Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as representa tives of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) and Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS). Strategic View Advisors is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency or federal sav ings bank. Edward Moyzes, Carol Anne Bates, Christopher Hall, Mollie Alyssa Kaiser and Shanelle Medequiso Sua provide investment advisory services as Advisors of NMWMC, a subsidiary of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, located in Milwaukee, WI (NM) and a federal sav ings bank, and provide investment brokerage ser vices as Registered Representatives of NMIS, a sub sidiary of NM and a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA (finra.org) and SIPC (sipc.org). Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group is a select group of Northwestern Mutual advisors and representatives. Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency, federal savings bank or other legal entity.

Headquartered in Manhattan Beach, Kinecta has served the South Bay for more than 80 years. The Kinecta Wealth Management team provides financial guidance to assist members of the South Bay by turning their life aspirations into financial realities. The team consists of financial professionals who each have more than 20 years of experience in the financial industry: private client services manager Laura Tompkins, LPL financial advisor Farhang “Frank” Azizi, manager of financial planning and Certified Wealth Strategist® Whitney Bullock and insurance specialist Paul Smith.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TEAM.

Laura, Frank, Whitney and Paul provide a holistic approach to managing business, individual and family finances. This process of financial planning, retirement planning, wealth transfer, insurance strategies, succession planning, tax management and college savings. They offer an exceptional level of service and customized advice to help businesses, individuals and families pursue their financial goals.

Laura serves as a single point of contact for clients, ensuring that relationships are developed, needs are assessed and financial aspirations are evaluated. She acts as a liaison to the team and provides financial resources to assist with managing clients’ finances.

Whitney supports the team by providing comprehensive goal-based financial planning, using a defined and disciplined approach that enables clients to envision their financial futures with confidence. She works with Laura, Frank and Paul to prioritize clients’ goals and put an action plan into place to pursue them.

Frank analyzes the short-term and longterm goals of the client and implements their financial plan, identifying the most suitable investments required to fulfill the

plan. Paul collaborates with the team by providing advanced insurance planning and risk management advice to clients and the public.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO BUILDING, MAINTAINING AND GROWING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS?

Genuine concern for the success of each client, listening and understanding of needs, desires and concerns, together with consistent communication are the foundation for strong client relationships. The building of relationships begins with personal connection, development of a financial plan upon which all recommendations are made, and implementation of that plan. The maintenance of these relationships is achieved through the consistent communication clients receive from the team. Communication is especially important during times of market turbulence when clients most need reassurance.

Our dedicated team and breadth of financial products assist our clients with accumulation, distribution, protection, legacy planning and business succession planning, allowing for long-term and growing client relationships.

WHAT’S THE #1 WAY YOU EARN THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE OF CLIENTS?

We find that our confidence and trust in each other while we collaborate toward clients’ goals is the ultimate way to earn their trust and confidence.

IN WHAT WAYS IS THE BUSINESS MODEL OF YOUR FIRM UNIQUE?

The combination of our relationship management commitment, team of dedicated financial professionals, financial plan-based approach and extensive product access is unique and sets us apart.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR FIRM MAKE OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE?

For decades, Kinecta Wealth Management has proudly supported individuals, families and businesses in local South Bay communities. Kinecta invests and serves where members live and work by giving back through volunteerism, financial support and financial education. Kinecta Wealth Management regularly hosts workshops on multiple financial topics such as understanding trusts, financial planning, social security, long-term care insurance and estate planning with the goal of providing financial empowerment to our communities. We believe that the financial success of our clients ultimately makes the community and world a better place, as their financial confidence and resources allow them to give back in meaningful ways.

Disclaimer: Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Kinecta Federal Credit Union and Kinecta Wealth Management are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Kinecta Wealth Management and are employees of Kinecta Federal Credit Union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Kinecta Federal Credit Union or Kinecta Wealth Management. Certain fixed insurance products may also be offered through Kinecta Financial & Insurance Services, a subsidiary of Kinecta Federal Credit Union. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates and fixed insurance products offered through Kinecta Financial & Insurance Services are:

L to R: Farhang Azizi, LPL Financial Advisor; Laura Tompkins, Private Client Services Manager; Paul Smith, Insurance Specialist; Whitney Bullock, CWS®, Manager of Financial Planning

SALTY WATER PROPERTIES

Clay-Duboff,

Alison Clay-Duboff has worked in real estate for 18 years. She owns and operates Salty Water Properties and hangs her license at RE/MAX Estate Properties in Manhattan Beach. In addi tion to living in the South Bay for the past 21 years, she has lived in France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and St. Barts.

WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT REAL ESTATE?

I maintain that real estate is and will always be a contact sport requiring hands-on, interpersonal engagement to be able to cross the finish line of my clients’ goals—be it the sale of their home (including all of the emotions that accompany such a transac tion), the purchase of a principal residence (equally emotion-filled) or investment property acquisitions. Twenty-one years in the South Bay have passed in a flash; I am beyond humbled by the impact I’ve made on these communities I’ve served.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO BUILDING AND GROWING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS?

The words are diminished by overuse, but communication, honesty and transparency are the building blocks to deep, effective, lasting business relationships.

IN THIS DIGITAL WORLD, WHAT’S YOUR MOST EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE WITH CLIENTS?

Communication methods are varied. I dis cover and respect my clients’ preferred mode.

WHAT’S THE #1 WAY YOU EARN THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE OF CLIENTS?

Trust is indeed earned—created by a solid reputation. Offering a tableau of repeated transactional business and referrals garners attention.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND.

Life with all its wondrous experiences is the most crucial education, but I’ve rounded it out

RE/MAX ESTATE PROPERTIES

by achieving a degree in radio/TV broadcast ing from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., with a minor in language from the American College in Paris.

WHY DO CLIENTS CHOOSE TO WORK WITH YOU?

Curating a pleasurable, immersive real estate experience makes me a popular choice as a real estate agent!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST TRUSTED ADVISOR.

My most trusted advisor is learning. Growing through loss. I was widowed at 36 (the first time) and left in dire financial ruin. Perseverance, grit and determination gave me the tools to create the successful real estate career I so cherish.

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL CLIENT.

My ideal client is one who requires my brand of professionalism, understands my experi ence and knowledge, and allows me to be the shoulder they may not be aware they need. Lean in, lean on—that’s my DNA.

TELL US SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW.

Prior to the one-year anniversary of my second husband’s passing on August 3, 2021, I published a book about his journey from life as we knew it to hospice and legally ending his own life by the use of medical aid in dying.

On a lighter note, I was invited to Paris this year to present my unique branding/market ing and real estate practices to 500 people at Disneyland Paris as a keynote speaker.

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU MAKE OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR WORLD A BETTER PLACE?

Betterment of my community and larger global concerns are woven into my work— not simply by financial donations to various charities but by hands-on volunteering. Being a deeply caring individual and neigh bor proffers boundless rewards.

WHAT PERSONALITY TRAITS ARE MOST IMPORTANT FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS?

The ability to listen, integrity, empathy and generosity of spirit. Also ethics, compassion and education are important for success in any field.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE YOU’VE MADE PROFESSIONALLY?

Not getting into the real estate business sooner. I have value that can be shared to better others’ lives.

HOW DO YOU COMBAT THE FEAR OF MAKING WRONG DECISIONS FROM DAY TO DAY?

I don’t allow fear to impact my decisionmaking. I’m guided by information and by asking for help from other professionals.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST CONSIDER WORKING IN REAL ESTATE?

When I lived in Paris after I attended uni versity, I assisted expats in finding housing. That was the moment of germination for me. I matched professionals who were relocat ing to Paris with an apartment that mirrored their personalities, locational requirements and budget. Paris is my second home, and for the expats it often was an unknown city. My role was to navigate through to achieve a perfect lifestyle fit for them.

IS RISK-TAKING WORTH THE REWARD?

It’s all about balance. Life is about weighing what is actually being risked.

DESCRIBE YOUR PROFESSION.

I have to quote Marc Davison of 1000watt, who describes my profession perfectly: “Buying and selling a home is not just com plex. It consumes the totality of what it is to be a human being: rationality and emotion, intuition and logic, joy and loss. The CrockPot of psychic stew that simmers during a transaction requires a skilled hand throttling the heat.”

CHASE LAW GROUP, PC

DeAnn Flores Chase, Founder & CEO

Attorney DeAnn Flores Chase has practiced law for more than 25 years and has owned Chase Law Group in the South Bay since 2007. She has been recognized and awarded many honors, including the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating for the high est ethical standards and professional ability, the Longstanding Local Business Award by the city of Manhattan Beach for more than a decade of dedicated service to the commu nity, and the Los Angeles Business Journal

WHAT SETS YOUR LAW FIRM APART FROM OTHERS?

I am not your typical lawyer. I don’t sit at a desk in a high-rise office building with glasswalled conference rooms. My office is local and accessible. I am an entrepreneur. My cli ents appreciate that I talk to them as a peer because I understand what it means to run a business. I provide not only legal advice but also strategic consultation to help clients

grow their businesses. It is my mission to give business owners peace of mind knowing I have their backs so they can focus on grow ing their businesses.

I am a generalist in a world of specialists. There are so many different kinds of lawyers, and clients often either don’t know what kind they need or their legal matters are spread out between several law firms. We provide a range of practice specialties under one roof, including LLC and corporate formation, part nerships, contracts, trademarks, employment, franchise and real estate.

WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS?

We work with growing businesses. Our sweet spot is businesses that have been operat ing for three to five years. We provide value by helping clean up their business struc tures, implementing legal structures to help them scale and grow, as well as securing their brand through trademarks. We work with clients across many fields: dentists,

chiropractors, general contractors, and pro fessionals in the areas of fitness, entertain ment, marketing and real estate.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE BUSINESS OWNERS MAKE?

Improperly classifying employees as inde pendent contractors. In California, every worker you hire to perform services for your business is presumed to be an employee. In order to have a proper independent contrac tor relationship, the worker must meet all parts of a three-part “ABC” test or fall within one of several exceptions that are highly factspecific and narrowly interpreted. Failure to properly classify workers can lead to lawsuits, audits, fines and penalties. If a worker is truly an employee, it is critical that a business has a comprehensive employment program, including an employee handbook and other policies and procedures. We help our clients properly classify independent contractors and implement employment programs.

EDWARD

As a financial advisor for Edward Jones, Audrey Stansbury helps local families meet their financial goals, including retirement plans, insurance needs, education savings and estate considerations. Audrey joined Edward Jones in 2004 and was named a limited partner in 2014 and a principal of the firm in 2022. Edward Jones has nearly 19,000 financial advisors with offices in all 50 states and more than 8 million clients.

WHAT IS A COMMON MONEY MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE?

Letting their emotions get in the way of their long-term goals. There have been several times when the stock market has dropped more than 20% in a one-year period, including the environment we currently are in. This is when the average investor tends to sell, rather than stick to their long-term invest ment goals. I coach my clients to remember these goals and, if it makes sense, use a dip in the market as a buying opportunity.

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR SERVICE YOU OFFER?

Retirement planning is the most popular and perhaps the most important service we offer. My approach to retirement plan ning is comprehensive, starting with where my clients are today and where they would like to be when they retire. I look at their entire financial picture: income sources, liabilities, necessary and discretionary spending, tax bracket, assets and current savings rate. Then we can determine the likelihood that they will meet their retirement goal and partner over their lifetime to make sure they remain on track toward this goal.

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL CLIENT. Someone I can connect with emotionally and have a lifelong relationship with—getting to know them, understanding their unique situation and what is most important to them, and working to achieve their goals. My ideal client is local because I understand the challenges and opportunities of our area. I am passionate about making a real difference in my clients' lives.

WHAT DO YOU WISH ALL CLIENTS WOULD DO REGULARLY?

I wish all my clients would be prepared for the unexpected: enough money in emergency funds, life insurance to make sure loved ones are covered in a time of tragedy, up-to-date estate documents such as a will and/or a trust. This is especially important with the recent market fluctuation in 2022. Being pre pared with assets on the sideline allows individuals to keep their long-term investments in the market without having to liquidate when the market is down.

Disclaimer: Edward Jones, Member SIPC

ROSEN SABA, LLP

Rosen Saba, LLP is a full-service 12-attorney civil litigation law firm representing a broad-based clientele throughout California and beyond. The firm handles high-profile and cutting-edge cases, primarily concerning business and employment disputes, professional respon sibility, catastrophic injury claims and class actions. Jim Rosen founded the firm as a solo practice in 1993, and Ryan Saba joined him in 1999. They have been practicing as Rosen Saba, LLP since 2006.

WHAT’S THE #1 WAY YOU EARN THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE OF CLIENTS?

We earn our clients’ trust by embracing them and their causes, by fighting hard to achieve their goals and by always being straight, forthright and candid with them in all our dealings. Also by winning.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE?

We communicate with honesty and compassion, by whatever means.

TRUSTED ADVISORS

HOW IMPORTANT IS A SENSE OF HUMOR DURING TOUGH SITUATIONS?

If that means not taking ourselves too seri ously, it’s essential. Litigation can be a bruis ing, rough-and-tumble business. Being able to laugh at oneself and bounce back with humor and grace lowers our stress levels, makes for better relationships and demon strates confidence in our abilities without having to boast about them.

IN WHAT WAYS IS THE BUSINESS MODEL OF YOUR FIRM UNIQUE?

Our practice is comprised of diverse, unique individuals, each with certain talents and dif fering perspectives and all with a desire to do right. We aren’t beholden to any industry or a plaintiff’s or defendant’s ideology. Our clients are plaintiffs, defendants, corpora tions, employees, manufacturers, consum ers, victims of others’ misconduct and the wrongfully sued. Our internal roundtabling of our cases is always lively, and we don’t miss many opportunities to celebrate our good fortune with our colleagues.

HOW DO YOU KEEP STRESS LEVELS LOW ON THE JOB?

Our office is dog-friendly, and our pets keep us in check. We also have a “lounge” in the office, which we often use for settlement discussions, winding down after a long day, partnership meetings and general well-being.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU’RE OFF WORK?

A lot of us are sports fans, foodies, wine aficionados and globe-trotters.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL HOT SPOTS.

The South Bay is chock-full of terrific restau rants and bars, stores, recreational activities and, of course, the beach. When Rosen Saba moved here from Beverly Hills, many of us moved our residences here too. We’re still exploring. However, we do eat a lot of lunches at Paul Martin’s (ground floor of our office building). They have the best steak salad!

L to R, back: Todd Lander, Jim Rosen, Francesca Dioguardi

Front: Ryan Saba, Elizabeth Bradley

NAVIGOE PROFESSIONAL FIDUCIARY

Scott Leonard, CFP ®, AIF ®, Owner

Scott Leonard, a Licensed Professional Fiduciary, serves his clients as a professional trustee, executor and/ or guardian. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and owns a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor, providing wealth management services to high net worth families in the South Bay. Scott started Navigoe 26 years ago and has worked in the industry for more than 30 years.

WHAT FULFILLS YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER?

The education and mentoring process of serving as a trustee and wealth advisor is enriching. I receive great satisfaction watch ing the confidence and freedom people obtain as they increase their financial IQ and control their finances.

WHAT PROBLEMS DO YOU SOLVE FOR CLIENTS?

Finding someone to serve as a trustee is

difficult for many wealthy families. The large banks and trust companies tend to be impersonal. Using family members as trustees comes with its own set of concerns. As my clients’ wealth advisor, I have spent years—sometimes decades—working with them and their family members. It became a natural progression to become a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary to be able to serve as their trustee too. My knowledge of their entire financial situation and their unique goals and wishes has allowed me to be the solution to the question of who will serve as their trustee.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO EARN THE LABEL “TRUSTED ADVISOR”?

My 30+ years of experience as a wealth advisor has provided me the expertise to serve as a trustee for clients. Experience is critical in various financial topics: estate, tax, trusts, insurance, investments, retirement, cash flow, etc. My professional experi ence working with many families over the

decades also enhances my ability to serve as a trustee.

IN WHAT WAYS IS YOUR INDUSTRY CHANGING WITH THE TIMES?

Trust companies have grown to be huge, impersonal investment management com panies. Back when a family would have a long-term, personal relationship with their local banker, it was a natural fit to have them serve as successor trustee. But the local community bank has vanished. As a result, large institutions are now serving as trustees. This has resulted in the need for a different type of professional trustee: an individual with a long-term relationship with the family, and the experience and expertise to help manage all aspects of their finances. The Licensed Professional Fiduciary, com bined with a Registered Investment Advisor, addresses the problem. As the financial services industry continues to evolve into consulting firms, providing trustee services is a natural evolution.

LAW

OF

The Law Offices of Sanford Jossen has specialized in civil litigation for over 40 years in the areas of personal injury, sexual molestation of minors, injured minors, vehicle acci dents, premises liability, police excessive force, arbitration and mediation. Owner Sanford Jossen earned his law degree from the University of San Diego Law School and has received extensive training in arbitration and mediation.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO BUILDING, MAINTAINING AND GROWING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS?

One has to build trust and maintain and nurture that trust as time goes by. We understand that clients invest trust in us and that the cases they come to us with may have a significant effect on them. That motivates us to do our best for our clients. We recognize that clients have many choices for attorneys, so we look to create and nurture a relationship of trust, support and encouragement with every client so we can relieve the stress of the situation that brought them to us and care for them as much as possible.

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR SERVICE YOU OFFER?

We pride ourselves on providing personal service to our clients. We introduce every client to our entire staff so they are on a first-name basis with every staff member. This creates a con sistent, reliable, trusting relationship. We have a stable office where employees have worked for as long as 23 years. We believe that clients like knowing who they are speaking to and the familiarity that comes with consistency.

HOW HAS YOUR ROLE SPREAD BEYOND TRADITIONAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES?

In addition to litigation, our office provides extensive mediation and arbitration services to other lawyers in the legal community. This enables us to evaluate a case in the most objective way. We believe this adds value to our representation of clients because many attorneys do not have mediation or arbitration practices.

IN WHAT WAYS IS THE BUSINESS MODEL OF YOUR FIRM UNIQUE?

It is plain to see from television advertising that for some the practice of law has become a mass-market endeavor where clients are “handled” by case managers who do not have law school experience, and cases are only passed on to attorneys when the injuries are significant. We believe that clients are shortchanged by this business model; that is why we pride our selves on the personal service we provide to our clients.

life is good

Contemporary and Sleek Beach Living

A BEACH HOUSE FOR EVERY SEASON

home to The Villas and Casitas at Terranea,

exclusive collection

whole-ownership vacation

Palos Verdes

Discover an ocean-view coastal getaway that’s as carefree as a vacation should be. The Villas and Casitas at Terranea afford privileged access to the best of the award-winning resort — including its world-class dining venues, championship golf course, indulgent spa and serene pool environments — while ownership comes with VIP status, preferred pricing on dining, spa treatments, shopping and golf, a personal Owners Concierge and around-the-clock upkeep. Be among the fortunate few to call Terranea your very own seaside sanctuary, every season of the year.

MANHATTAN BEACH STRAND

1408 THE STRAND, MANHATTAN BEACH

Fabulous family home in perfect condition located in a highly desirable walk-to-town location. Situated on an elevated lot just 3 blocks north of the Manhattan Beach Pier and the shops, restaurants and nightlife in Downtown Manhattan Beach. Finished in a warm modern design with natural stone, copper and mahogany woodwork on the exterior. The home has 4 bedrooms plus an ocean-view office. Indoor and outdoor living seamlessly blended with two large covered patios and every great feature you’d expect - including gym, theater, in ground jacuzzi in a private courtyard, 3-stop elevator, 5 fireplaces, 3-car garage, mature tropical landscape and much more.

HILLS

canvas

front of

kitchen w/ adjacent family room, woodpaneled library, a wine tasting room, and media room.

a two-story foyer,

flooring throughout, custom pedestal cabinetry, tasteful use of granite, amazing ceiling detail, and multiple zoned

wood

bedrooms, 10 Baths, 5 fireplaces, 4-car garage, 3 stop elevator, pool

patios and balconies making it the perfect setting for entertaining. All on a quiet cul-de-sac street with about

ft.

has mature landscaping and offers a bonus parking area.

is fenced, gated, and centrally located with easy access to the Westside, any beach cities, or PV center. This extraordinary home comes with the location, size, VIEW, quality, and privacy...truly a rare opportunity!

Lights. Camera. Action

AFTER TIME AWAY FROM MOVIE THEATRES, GELATO MAMA IS READY FOR HER CLOSE-UP.

Written by Emily Tecklenburg | Illustrated by Yuiko Sugino

I’ve always had a love affair with the movies.

As a kid it was cheap entertainment—just a few bucks for a ticket and popcorn along with a quarter to call home when we were ready. High school brought us giggly girlfriends to the theatre to watch Titanic more times than I’m comfortable admitting. Then, as a poor student living in New York, I lived a dangerous life of crime—paying for just a single ticket, then roaming the giant 42nd Street chain complex all afternoon, slipping in and out of two or three films. My good-girl felt guilty; my wallet felt satisfied.

In Los Angeles, with nobody but strangers around, I sunk into the comfort of Laemmle Sunset 5, where it didn’t mat ter what was showing; it only mattered that it distracted me from the lonely reality that awaited after the credits would roll. Moviegoing has always been my favorite date, my favorite excuse to escape, my favorite way to pass a rainy day. It was a friend, always available, whenever needed.

But then COVID-19 disrupted our lives—a plot twist that won’t stop turning, resulting in the shuttering of so many beloved theaters. Believe me, no one was more thrilled than I to sit in a packed, giant theatre for the first time in over two years as Tom Cruise regaled us with nostalgia and newness alike, but I couldn’t help but mourn what was left in its wake.

My Laemmle, my Landmark, my Arclight—a small, intimate audience of likeminded cinephiles.

How I long to stuff some stale, snack-sized candy into my purse, spend a paycheck on popcorn and sink deep into the darkened solace of a quiet, generational saga or squint my eyes at foreign subtitles or cry shamelessly at an offbeat indie. How I long to sneak away to an afternoon matinee to see a film I know only my quirky tastes will appreciate, shielding my eyes from the sun as I exit, freshly inspired and filled with wonder.

I don’t want the comfort of my sofa and my streaming and a superhero. I want the comfort of a seat that almost reclines and a booming reminder that silence is golden as I take a sharp look to glare at the person to my left with the squeaky straw until at last we settle into the dim lights, not knowing if magic or mishap awaits.

I dream that some Daddy Warbucks is going to descend and save independent theatres, at least the ones dearest to me. But my hope has dwindled, and I worry that my “remember Blockbuster” will be my kid’s “remember movie theatres”— leaving them just a smattering of moviegoing memories. Those memories are pretty happy ones though. The only thing bet ter than a matinee by myself was a matinee with my two best little buddies, scrunched up close to me, their tiny hands held out awaiting melted M&M’s and sticky lollipops until at last the lights would dim and we would wait for the magic or the mishap.

It didn’t really matter. We were just happy to be there. ■

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