Ventura Blvd December 2017/January 2018

WHERE WE LIVE

OURV E N TU R A B LV D.CO M

SIX DOLLARS

DEC 2017/JAN 2018

Calabasas | Encino | Sherman Oaks | Studio City | Tarzana | Toluca Lake | Woodland Hills

THE BEAUTY AND GRANDEUR

ARE NOW WITHIN REACH, EXCLUSIVELY AT WESTFIELD TOPANGA

OPEN NOW November 3 - December 31 Buy Tickets Now • Limited Engagement westfield.com/upclose

TOPANGA & THE VILLAGE

FORMER GOVERNOR OF HAWAII LINDA LINGLE

B.A. (JOURNALISM)

eaders aren’t born. They’re forged in the crucible of life. They’re mentored and molded. They experience, learn and grow. CSUN opens the door to opportunity to nearly 40,000 students every year and serves as the proving ground where individuals gain knowledge and confidence. Linda Lingle translated her CSUN education into ownership of a community newspaper and then furthered her impact by becoming the first woman to lead the

state of Hawaii as governor. She wanted to make her community — and the world — a better place, and she’s not alone. Across Southern California and beyond, CSUN’s 330,000 alumni are captains of industry, they are agents of change for social and economic justice, and they are vanguards of innovation. Students gain life-changing experience and motivation in and out of the classroom, making CSUN a true leadership incubator.

CSUN.EDU/RISE

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VPAC & Playhouse Square Present

E M O E H R TH S Y O A F LID O H

A Wickedly Delicious Musical Treat Musical by Justin Roberts & Ernie Nolan Fairy Tale by The Grimm Brothers Animation Director: Micah Chambers-Goldberg Directed by Michael Matthews Sun Dec 3 | 3PM

A MICHAEL FEINSTEIN HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Fri Dec 8 | 8PM M

VPAC & Star Entertainment Present FIESTA MEXICANA: FELIZ NAVIDAD Sat Dec 9 | 7PM THE KLEZMATICS Happy Joyous Hanukkah Sat Dec 16 | 8PM l rete

G el & ans

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ValleyPerformingArtsCenter.org

#MUSICKNOWSNOBORDERS

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VPACatCSUN

The Best Cosmetic Facial Services in Southern California

Dr. Namazie is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. Namazie does extensive facial plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures as well as his otolaryngology specialty, including balloon procedures for sinus obstruction, surgical procedures for sleep apnea, surgery procedures for thyroid disorders, and much more. He is qualified to treat the full range of medical and surgical ailments for all ages of patients with interests in aesthetic surgery, acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis, cancers of the head and neck, surgery for snoring and sleep apnea and disorders of the voice.

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DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

where we live 16

Q&A Tal Rabinowitz on The DEN

20 STYLE FILE Farm Fresh Decor 22 HOLIDAY SPIRIT 10 Valley Stops

32 WEEKENDER Park City, Utah

48

36 FAMILY MATTERS The Huntington Party of Four 38 DATEBOOK Fun Stuff to Do 58 ALOHA! The Art of Hula

30 GET YOUR GLITTER ON Night Out Makeup Tips

46 features 26 THE COUNTDOWN From lush velvet to sumptuous silks, indulge in the most festive looks of the season.

48 TURNING THE TABLE Elevate your holiday meal with vibrant, main course recipes from VB’s food stylist.

54 THE GIVING THREE Meet a trio of philanthropists who are making the world a better place.

60 SIMPLE PLEASURES Learn how a design-minded couple blended preservation with modern living.

66 DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE Meet a family of five— pediatricians—all of ‘em.

82 GENTLEMAN’S RETREAT Discover a decidedly masculine resort in England.

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the sauce 42 YEAR OF THE CHICKEN Wild & Free in Sherman Oaks 46 FOR THE FOODIE Locally Sourced Edible Gifts

and then some...

86 PROFILES Beauty and Fitness 91

REAL ESTATE Spectacular Local Listings

114 LAST WORD Tradition...and Tamales

COVER Photographed by Shane O’Donnell; dish by food stylist and chef Kara Mickelson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PUBLISHER

Linda Grasso

Robin Sanders 818-427-2050 | robin@moontidemedia.com

ART DIRECTOR Michelle Villas

ADVERTISING Account Executive | Sue Williams

EDITORIAL

818-625-3515 | sue@moontidemedia.com

Editorial Director | Darren Elms Account Executive | Erika Carrion Copy Editors | Peggy Jo Abraham,

310-897-2424 | erika@moontidemedia.com

Laura Watts Account Executive | Marcie Gutierrez Graphic Designer | Christine Georgiades

424-220-6337 | marcie@moontidemedia.com

VB’s The Sauce eNewsletter Editor

Account Executive | Amy Tetherow

Joshua Lurie

424-220-6338 | amy@moontidemedia.com

CONTRIBUTORS

GROUP PUBLISHER

Michalene Busico, Heather David, Jessica Cary

Jared Sayers

Fiers, Kathleen Laccinole, Veronica Lane, Kara Mickelson, Tanya Monaghan, Jennie Nunn, Anne M. Russell, Karen Young, Rachel Heller Zaimont PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Becker, Tegan Butler, Katee Grace, Tameka Jacobs, Angela Marklew, Andrew Noel, Shane O’Donnell

MANAGING PARTNERS Charles C. Koones

Todd Klawin

MARKETING & OPERATIONS Partner/Brand Publisher | Emily Stewart Partner/Managing Director, Media & Analytics | Warren Schaffer Brand Publisher | Hannah Lee Associate Brand Publisher | Cherice Tatum Director of Digital | Charles Simmons Director of Film & Video | Bryce Lowe-White Art Director | Angela Akers Operations Manager | Allison Jeackjuntra Director of Events | Danielle Price Marketing Manager | Rachel Gotko Accounting | Janet De La Cruz No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Moon Tide Media, LLC. Any and all submissions to this or any Moon Tide Media, LLC publication become the property of Moon Tide Media, LLC and may be used in any media. We reserve the right to edit.

TO OUR READERS Ventura Blvd magazine welcomes your feedback.

Please send letters to: Reader Response Department, Ventura Blvd Magazine, PO Box 3760, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Please include your name, address and email.

Edited letters may be published.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Email: info@moontidemedia.com or phone: 310-376-7800.

Subscriptions are $29 per year.

200 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 110, El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel 310-376-7800 | Fax 310-376-0200 | MoonTideMedia.com | OurVenturaBlvd.com

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VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

GREG S. KHOUNGANIAN, MD MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

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editor’s letter | LINDA GRASSO

With Tamara Hatwin, and Carnie Wilson

Think BIG. Start SMALL.

OPEN HOUSE EVENING Wed. NOVEMBER 29, 2017 RSVP online • Call for Tours

losencinosschool.org/rsvp (818) 990-1006

Grades Kindergarten – 6th 17100 Ventura Blvd., Encino

Break Out the Mistletoe!

I’m always amazed by people who put on complex, well-produced events for nonprofits. It takes such dedication to make sure guests have a great time and money is raised. That successful result was achieved by The BLVD Kitchen’s “Gladiators” event at their spacious Sherman Oaks cooking hub (page 73). The competition, benefiting United Cerebral Palsy, was a complete hoot with teams cooking recipes provided by celebrity judges. While making Carnie Wilson’s spiced churros recipe, my partner, Tamara Hatwin, and I kept chuckling at how hard we were trying to win—two grown adults, stressing over our attempt to heat oil to exactly 350° and hotly debating our secret ingredient (cayenne pepper). Kudos to Sharon Graves and J.J. Levenstein for putting on such a thoroughly fun evening!

Flipping through the pages of this Holiday issue of VB really gets me in the mood. The magazine is all about family and festive eats. Chef and food stylist Kara Michelson creates three main courses for the ultimate holiday meal (page 48). I’m torn between the trio but am leaning toward the lamb; those red pomegranates really make a statement.

Christmas brings up so many memories. When I was growing up, it was a big deal with my parents, piling up gifts (all from the local K-Mart) under the tree for us four kids and my dad dressing up as Santa on Christmas Eve. It was magical.

My husband carried on the dress-up tradition with our boys—but it didn’t last long. Our younger son Nick, a guy who has always called it like it is, caught on at about the age of 5—spotting my husband’s piercing, blue eyes through the white strap-on beard and quipping, “Daddy, is that you?”

One of my favorite holiday memories is one year when, after putting the boys to bed, we started trying to assemble a mini battery-operated motorcycle. It was such a complex ordeal putting this thing together; we were up until about 3 a.m. What we thought would be the hit of Christmas day, though, turned out to be a nightmare. Our son, Charley, then 4 years old, had the time of his life on the cycle. But we quickly discovered 2-year-old Nick was too young. Every time he got on, he’d crash. So he spent literally the entire day wailing at the top of his lungs, sitting on the sidelines watching Charley have a ball. Merry … merry.

Happy Holidays everyone!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! from Los Encinos School 12

VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

Linda Grasso Editor-in-Chief

Follow me on Instagram @linda.grasso and my podcast @she_sez

Tina’s TREES

Quality Christmas Trees Since 1977 Frequent Shipments of Fresh Trees

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VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

SHERMAN OAKS 4827 Sepulveda Blvd Between the Galleria and 101 Freeway 818-990-2571 9 AM-9 PM Daily

CALABASAS 23611 Calabasas Road In Old Town Calabasas 818-224-4665 10 AM-9 PM M-F 9 AM-9 PM Sat/Sun

Christmas Trees Wreaths and Garland Flocking Flameproofing Delivery Available www.tinastrees.com

dec/ jan FEAST

One of three gorgeous recipes designed to elevate your holiday meal.

More on page 48.

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

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VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

Zen Master

Tal Rabinowitz knows a thing or two about stress. As a former VP of comedy development at NBC, she was responsible for developing shows like The Mindy Project and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. But after nearly 20 years in the business, she was feeling burned out and when her contract wasn’t picked up in 2014, she was relieved. “While I was still at NBC, I had started meditating at home and at work. But it can be easy to get distracted.” Kicking off The DEN Meditation in LA nearly two years ago was her answer. Now on the heels of opening her second outpost in Studio City, Rabinowitz sits down at The DEN with VB editor in chief Linda Grasso.

Feeling more stress than cheer over the holidays?

With the new DEN Meditation in Studio City, Tal Rabinowitz hopes to change that.

The soothing vibe and plush fabrics here make me want to move in.

We tried to make it a place that people would want to live in! It should feel like your living room—cozy and very inviting. We used chenille, brick walls and wood floors, and the fabrics are from India.

I don’t see Buddha heads or lotus flowers.

That’s on purpose. Though I love Buddha heads and have several at home, I made an effort to make The DEN secular. It is as spiritual as you want it to be. You can go deep here, but you can also keep it as secular as you’d like. We really do want everyone to feel like they belong.

What exactly does The DEN offer in those two spacious rooms?

We have daily meditation classes. They have different themes including Joy, Energy, Self Compassion and Aromatherapy. It just depends what you want to work on. We also offer workshops in breathing, nutrition, stress and others—not to mention weekly soundbaths.

What are sound baths?

Sound baths are a sound healing meditation where the vibrations of different instruments wash over you and help you achieve a deeper meditation. Depending on the sound healer, they may use crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls, gongs, chimes, voice or other instruments to create sound waves that lull you into a deep state of relaxation.

Most people meditate on their own. What can a class offer that is beneficial or unique?

Classes give you accountability. If you are committed, you come to The DEN, you know it will happen. Plus a lot of people want to incorporate different practices. Our teachers cover the full range. If you don’t like one style, you can try another. Also a group setting gives you a very different energy and can make meditations go deeper.

Why did you choose Studio City for your new studio?

We have a small pop-up studio in Los Feliz and I’d been thinking of opening another full-size studio. I know a lot of people who live and work here, and they kept asking me when I was going to open in the Valley. I also found the perfect space. I’ve got Lemonade on one side and Tracy Anderson on the other—a perfect setting.

I guess the overall goals of meditation are calming and centering yourself—right?

Yes, but beyond that, it is about getting to know and tuning into yourself. When that happens, answers become clearer. Plus if done regularly over a period of time, meditation can start rewiring your brain.

So let’s just say someone is feeling stressed but they aren’t up for attending a class.

What can they do to take it down a notch?

Breathe. Go in a room, close your eyes and take long deep breaths in and out. Count to four as you inhale and do the same as you exhale. While you do it, really try and relax and label any thoughts or stress you are feeling, acknowledge it, and then let it go and get back to your breath. ■

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VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

WE DON’T REPLACE BODY PARTS WE REGROW THEM. Regenerative medicine: A game changing area of medicine with the potential to fully heal damaged tissues and organs, offering solutions and hope for people who have conditions that today are beyond repair. – M AYO C L I N I C

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DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

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3 4 2 1

Farm Fresh

Deck the halls this holiday with rustic-inspired wares reminiscent of a bucolic farmhouse.

CURATED BY JENNIE NUNN

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1. Birch mini-logs, $13. Crate & Barrel at The Village at Westfield Topanga, crateandbarrel.com

4. Hinkley Lighting “Heywood” down light pendant lamp, $899. fergusonshowrooms.com

2. Decorative milk can sculpture, $71. birchlane.com

5. Small marble and acacia wood paddle, $30. Sur La Table, Westfield Topanga, surlatable.com

3 Galvanized Cake Stand, from $10.

Cost Plus World Market in Sherman Oaks, worldmarket.com

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VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

6. Antuco two-piece serving set, $35.

Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com

7. Wooden bowls by Farmhouse Pottery, from $65. coyuchi.com 8. “Bay Stripe” towels in claret red; set of four, $15, Westfield Fashion Square, Westfield Topanga and The Commons at Calabasas, williams-sonoma.com 9. Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware rectangular dish in red, from $50. williams-sonoma.com

A P L U S S I Z E FA S H I O N B O U T I Q U E

Abundance is one of the very few upscale independent plus size fashion boutiques in the entire United States. From comfortable to casual or dressy - classic to funky and fun.

Abundance has it all!

(818) 990-6128 1 3 6 0 4 V E N T U R A B LV D. S H E R M A N OA K S , C A 9 1 4 2 3

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

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Get in the Mood 10 Valley pit stops to boost your holiday cheer WRITTEN BY JESSICA CARY FIERS

Feeling challenged about getting in the holiday spirit with our warm temperatures and sunny skies? Understood. I hail from the Northeast where snow is always part of the deal, and despite three years of living in LA, I still drag my feet when it comes to breaking out the mistletoe. However I have discovered a few ways to put a little holiday spring in my step—all of them right here in the Valley.

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CANDY CANE LANE

Since 1952, the residents of a Woodland Hills neighborhood have put on an extravagant holiday display spanning eight square blocks.

Folks come from across LA to drive through this dazzling display.

December 9 to 31; Mon.-Thurs. sunset to 10 p.m.; Fri.-Sun. until 11 p.m.

Between Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street near Pierce College

HOLIDAY AT AMERICANA AT BRAND

Every night, throughout the holiday season, this swanky outdoor mall turns into a winter wonderland with sudden snowfalls and a ginormous tree decked out with thousands of twinkling lights and ornaments.

ILLUSTRATED BY CHRISTINE GEORGIADES

Tree lighting celebration on November 16; 7:30 p.m.; Snowfalls at 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. through December 25 889 Americana Way, Glendale

LIGHTS ON DISPLAY

Sherman Oaks resident Mike Ziemkowski is an Emmy Award-winning video editor. His talents are on full display with the stunning high-tech spectacle he puts on at his house each year. Animatronic Frosty belts out tunes, cheery elves sway along, and multicolored lights dance across the property.

November 24 to January 1; 5 to 10 p.m. daily 3901 Longview Valley Road, Sherman Oaks

HOLIDAY STREET FESTIVAL AT TUJUNGA VILLAGE

This family-friendly event has been a holiday tradition in Studio City for over 35 years. Live music, Dickens-style carolers, classic cars, an express train and face painting. Stores offer goodies like cookies and apple cider, and Santa makes an appearance.

December 2; 5 to 9 p.m.

4300 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City

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VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL CITYWALK

In the center of the outdoor plaza, there is a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree illuminated with over 200,000 glistening LED icicles.

Throughout the season there are free live concerts, street performers, and Santa Claus is available for photo opportunities.

November 24 to December 23 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City

THE 34TH ANNUAL GRANADA HILLS HOLIDAY PARADE

CHRISTMAS IN THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER

December 3; 1:30 p.m.

Begins at the intersection of Petit Avenue and Chatsworth Street and ends at Granada Hills Charter High School

November 24 to January 7 Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City

More than 10,000 spectators line streets to watch this colorful, festive spectacle with vintage cars, marching bands, local dancers and a cappella carolers. Come hungry; this year’s theme is “Favorite Holiday Foods & Special Treats.”

JINGLE BELL RUN

This holiday-themed 5K run is certain to spark some festive holiday cheer.

Participants wear costumes or ugly Christmas sweaters and tie bells to their shoes, creating a chorus of jingles as they run or walk through the course.

December 10 Starting and ending at Glendale Central Park, 201 E. Colorado Street

This Universal Studios attraction is completely tricked out for the holidays. Hogwarts castle and the streets of Hogsmeade dazzle with lights and decor. Enjoy hot Butterbeer and melodious holiday tunes from the Frog Choir and Hogwarts students.

2017 HOLIDAY LIGHT FESTIVAL TRAIN RIDE

Climb aboard the Holiday Light Express for a magical train ride through a fully decked out Griffith Park. The classic 20th century locomotive snakes through ornate displays illuminated by more than 10,000 sparkling lights. Children 18 months and under ride for free.

November 24 to December 30 (excluding Dec. 24 and 25); Mon.-Thurs. 5 to 8 p.m.; Fri.-Sun. until 9 p.m.

4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles ■

WINTER NIGHTS AT THE VILLAGE AT TOPANGA

Live ice sculpting, carolers from the West LA Children’s Chorus, twinkling lights and tons of “snowfall” turn this outdoor mall into a picturesque scene for three consecutive Sundays.

December 3, 10, 17; 5 to 7 p.m.

6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Canoga Park

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

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Beyond

the textbook

Online admissions application now available!

Serving grades 5-12

Oaks Christian School is one of the top faith-based independent schools in the nation with 100% acceptance rate to a four-year university.

Woven into every academic lesson is an opportunity to prepare students to fulfill their God-given passions and talents. Our teachers excite students to dream big, beyond what they think is attainable. With our state-of-the-art MakerSpace classrooms, our entrepreneurship program, and our new Mac labs for film, animation, graphic design and photography, students have many opportunities to experience learning beyond the textbook.

Join us at one of our upcoming admissions events. Pre-register online.

Admissions Information Night

Thursday, January 18, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Visit our website at www.oakschristian.org or call us directly at 818.824.9492.

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VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

WE ARE OAKS CHRISTIAN Preparing Minds for Leadership and Hearts for Service

31749 La Tienda Drive, Westlake Village, CA 91362

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‘Tis the season to discover Aldik Home, LA’s favorite Winter Wonderland!

7651 Sepulveda Blvd.

Van Nuys, CA 91405

AldikHome.com (818) 988-5970

Waiting for 2018 in style.

STYLED BY TANYA MONAGHAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANGELA MARKLEW HAIR & MAKEUP BY VERONICA LANE

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VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

Iron mesh Tee by AQC, $276 and velvet slip dress by AQC, $358; Jill Roberts in Studio City. Beaded dangle earrings by Nakamol, $48; Nordstrom. Interlaced ring by Bony Levy, $495; Nordstrom Black Woodrow turtleneck sweater, $228, blue velvet Kennedy blazer, $468 and black Ferdinand trousers, $248; mrturk.com

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

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VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

‹ Fur jacket by H Brand, $698; Saks Fifth Avenue. Smocked chiffon top by Frame, $275 and black leather pants by Rag & Bone, $995; Neiman Marcus. Drop tassel earrings by Chan Luu, $85; Bloomingdale’s. Interlocking ring by Bony Levy, $495; Nordstrom Fellini Blazer, $498 and black Woodrow turtleneck sweater, $228; mrturk.com

› Pleated gold Kravitz dress

by ALC, $695; Saks Fifth Avenue. Interlaced ring by Bony Levy, $495, Windrose ring by Elizabeth and James, $150 and laced faux fur sandal heels by Raye, $198; Nordstrom. Drop earrings by Liz Law, $75; bylizlaw.com Randolf short sleeve polo, $198. Black and white houndstooth Alex trouser, $288; mrturk.com. Black tuxedo shoes by Calvin Klein, $110; Macy’s

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

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Get Your Glow On Tips from a makeup pro for creating a gorgeous— but understated—party face WRITTEN BY KAREN YOUNG

“No matter who you are or what you think of yourself, there is a movie star in each and every person,” muses celebrity makeup artist and Ambassador for the Chanel brand, Angela Levin.

The beauty pro has put her magic touch on Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Aniston and Michelle Williams, among others.

Angela, who has been nominated for three Emmy awards, including for HBO’s Big Little Lies, believes holiday makeup calls for more intense colors, dramatic lashes and a little shimmer. Below, the Valley Village resident offers makeup suggestions for a festive evening. ■

EYELIDS Decide on a color family and purchase a four-color palette, such as Chanel Les 4 Ombres or Neutrogena Nourishing Longwear. Use darker shades in the lid crease and lighter ones as an accent in the corner of the eye and under the brow.

PRO TIP: Reduce under-eye puffiness with Angels Makeup Intensive Collagen Pads, available at Naimies and Nigel’s Beauty Emporium.

BROWS

Brush brows up and down. Fill in with a fine pencil such as Anastasia Brow Wiz. Select a shade lighter than your hair color.

PRO TIP: Avoid brows that look stamped on.

LASHES Use a mascara with lengthening ingredients and apply up to four coats for the fullest, longest lashes.

PRO TIP: Use an eyelash curler. Brush through each coat with a tiny metal comb before mascara dries.

CHEEKS After applying foundation, dot cream blush on cheeks upwards from where you naturally blush and blend gently. Use a large brush to apply translucent powder. Follow with bronzer—such as Chanel Healthy Glow or Neutrogena Healthy Skin. Dot shimmer, like Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight or Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer in Pink Shimmer.

PRO TIP: Apply shimmer at top of cheekbones, under eyebrow arch, between brows, along top of nose and middle of chin.

LIPS As Audrey Hepburn once said, “There is a shade of red for every woman.”

There is no comparison to Chanel reds, especially the classic Pirate.

PRO TIP: Line lips with a neutral color like MAC Spice. Then dot on your chosen shade with a thin brush and blend until lips are filled in.

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VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

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VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

Need a Lift?

Thanks to some recent upgrades, Park City is primed for pleasure.

Whether you’re in town for the Sundance Film Festival or just out to catch some incredible Utah powder, the season is looking really solid in beautiful Park City.

No stone was left unturned in the recent $15 million renovation of the iconic ski-in/ski-out Grand Summit Hotel.

Located in the heart of Canyons Village, at the largest ski resort in America, the Grand Summit is steps away from the mountain. Natural textures and a soothing color palette reflecting the hotel’s stunning alpine locale create a modern yet understatedly elegant ambience throughout this distinctive property—now part of Vail Resorts’ premium RockResorts lodging collection.

Highlights at the Grand Summit include the also revamped RockResorts Spa, perfect for unwinding after a full day on the slopes and The Farm, the hotel’s in-house dining venue preparing from-scratch, sustainably-raised fare from local farms and purveyors. 4000 Canyons Resort Drive, 435-615-8099, parkcitymountain.com If you’re looking for something in town and more of the boutique variety, you can’t do better than the incredibly stylish Washington School House. As the name implies, the structure was built as a school in 1889 and has since graduated to a fine hotel. With only 12 rooms/suites, it offers guests a heated pool and terrace surrounded by aspens and a roaring fire in the nicely appointed lounge.

The hotel regularly serves a delicious breakfast menu in addition to a lively après-ski gathering for wine and relaxation. 543 Park Avenue, 800-824-1672, washingtonschoolhouse.com While both properties will be more than happy to assist you with your day of skiing, there’s plenty besides fresh powder to enjoy in Park City Town. The bustling Main Street is packed with retail—from fashionable winter and recreation wear to jewelry, art and trendy home design. On the dining side, options abound, so you’ll never get bored.

Some standouts from a recent visit include Firewood on Main, featuring New American heirloom cuisine, and Riverhorse on Main, one of the oldest and most distinguished restaurants in town. 306 Main Street, firewoodonmain.com and 540 Main Street, riverhorseparkcity.com.

Of course you can’t beat Atticus Coffee, Books and Teahouse for your morning cup, and a visit to Park City wouldn’t be complete without a tasting at High West Distillery, a popular saloon and happy hour hangout. 738 Lower Main Street, atticustea.com and 703 Park Avenue, highwest.com ■

MOUNTAIN SCAPES From top to bottom: enjoying fresh powder on the slopes; an appetizer from The Farm; an elegant sitting room at the Washington School House. Left: the School House, built in 1889

RACHEL FAVES: We’re obsessed with Coffee Source. The “Life of Pablo” drink hits the spot and is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. We also love Beeman Park because there are some shady spots, and it’s a great place to play basketball.

AUDREY (5) FAVES: My dream day is to go visit pets at the shelter and everyone gets one. We’d go to the beach and have cookies and cake. Then we’d paint birdhouses for an activity.

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Party of Four SAM FAVES: For date night, Rachel likes Mexican, so our current favorite is Mercado, and then our old standby is Casa Vega. We have been going there for ages.

CHARLIE (8) FAVES: For my perfect day, I would rollerblade outside before heading over to Universal Studios and ride every single ride there except Walking Dead … that’s too scary.

A creatively driven couple plant roots for their family in Studio City.

WRITTEN BY HEATHER DAVID PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

After a six-year stint living in Montreal, Sam and Rachel Huntington were thrilled to return to the Valley. They chose a home in Studio City and moved in with their two young kids.

He is an actor; she owns a kiddie party store on the Boulevard, called Bonjour Fête.

The couple, together for 16 years, has a typical LA story, falling in love at, well … first take.

“I was in my last year of college in Austin, Texas and Sam came there to act in an indie film. The actor Thomas Hayden Church was directing it, and he thought I would make a great girlfriend for Sam’s character. For the scene, eight of us had to cram into a car in the hot Texas sun. I ended up sitting on Sam’s lap for a good 12 hours. It was an easy way to meet somebody, especially when you have no choice,” Rachel chuckles.

Sam also had no complaints: “We still liked each other enough after a long sweaty day to still go out on a first date.”

They started their married life in the Valley, but in 2010 Sam landed a starring role in the Syfy network series Being Human, that shot in Montreal. So the couple, along with their baby boy, Charlie, relocated.

It wasn’t long before Rachel also came up with a new creative endeavor. “As soon as you have kids, you end up going to a lot of birthday parties, but in Canada the type of products I was looking for don’t really exist. Instead it’s whatever your local grocery store supplies,” she shares.

So Rachel kicked off an online business venture, Bonjour Fête, which offers an extensive selection of colorful, attractive paper party goods, favors and decorations.

Last year, after Sam landed a season on the FOX drama Rosewood, the family returned to the 818, now with a new addition, daughter Audrey. And Rachel decided to expand her business, opening a Bonjour Fête store on the Boulevard.

Just one year into it, the unique boutique has gained a loyal following. “I think what surprised me the most about having this business is relationships I’ve made with other moms and women. They’re planning for a celebration, so it’s a happy time.”

For the Huntingtons, it is also a joyful time.

“Initially, we had a lot of nerves moving back, but between the kids thriving at school, the success of the store and my work, everybody is really happy,” Sam says. ■

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datebook

Festive Follies Going on Now A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

A bawdy romp of mistaken identity and twisting plots.

Through December 31. garrymarshalltheatre.org

Taking Shape: Degas as Sculptor

See one of the largest collections in the world. Through April 9. nortonsimon.org

Stan Cline’s Nostalgia Gallery

Valley artist uses a paintbrush to preserve local landmarks. Through January 31. themuseumsfvnow.org

December 3 Kenny Loggins

Hear hits from his 12 platinum albums and 40-year career. wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com

10 Hanukkah Festival

This year’s festival explores traditions of LA’s rich and diverse Latin American communities. skirball.org

Valley Center for Performing Arts (“The Soraya”)

Robert Polidori: 20 Photographs of the Getty Museum

The Getty Center

Five-time Grammy nominee and consummate entertainer Michael Feinstein performs classics from his album, A Michael Feinstein Christmas.

December 8. valleyperformingartscenter.org

Acclaimed photographer Robert Polidori created a series of images shortly before the Getty opened. Organized to celebrate the museum’s 20th anniversary, this exhibition features behind-the-scenes shots during installation. December 12 – May 6. getty.edu

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Donate an unwrapped toy at the Sherman Oaks Homeowner Assoc. annual toy drive at Gelson’s on Van Nuys Blvd. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. shermanoaks914.com

Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys Benefit Concert

The singer-songwriter performs his iconic works. staplescenter.com

Rose Bowl Flea Market

Holiday shop at one of the country’s best flea markets. rosebowlstadium.com

21 Romesh in America

The Nutcracker LA Youth Ballet presents a production of Alex Theatre

Toy Drive

the classic by choreographer and LA Ballet Academy owner, Andrea Paris-Gutierrez.

The production stars Joffrey Ballet principal dancers Jeraldine Mendoza and Dylan Gutierrez, who is also Andrea’s son. December 22 & 23. alextheatre.org

VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

Romesh Ranganathan explores the rationality of his worldview. lagreektheatre.com

23 White Christmas Sing-Along

Sing along to the film’s songs as you watch a showing of the beloved 1954 classic, with all the lyrics on screen.

3 p.m. and 8 p.m. performances. laphil.com

NUTCRACKER PHOTOGRAPHED BY HERBERT MIGDOLL

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goldenstate.is The digital content destination celebrating the very best of California.

@ourgoldenstate

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BITE SIZE

Looking for something delicious to gift? We’ve curated a list of locally produced edible items— starting with these treats

by Bertha Mae Brownies.

More on page 46...

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Year of the Chicken Terry Heller fires up the rotisserie in Sherman Oaks.

WRITTEN BY MICHALENE BUSICO PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANDREW NOEL AND TEGAN BUTLER

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Five days after the doors open at Wild & Free, Terry Heller’s snappy new rotisserie chicken spot in Sherman Oaks, long lines are stretching from the counter late into the evening, the gas-powered Rotisol rotisseries are cranking out 200 birds a day instead of the expected 80, and Heller’s slightly shell-shocked employees are running around like … you know.

Some people have the touch: that uncanny ability to see what we all want before we even know we want it. When he started a career in music, Heller signed the Black Eyed Peas when he was just 18 years old. Five years ago, when he segued from real estate into the restaurant business, he created an idiosyncratic eatery called Plan Check Kitchen + Bar in West LA, and soon enough, the Plan Check Burger topped with “ketchup leather” had a devoted following, and the devotees had four locations to choose from. Now Heller has decided it’s time to rethink fast-casual dining. “It’s still a white

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space,” he says, explaining why he chose rotisserie chicken over, say, tacos or pizza. “I don’t see a lot of innovation. No one is doing anything that’s exciting.”

On the high end, Los Angeles is in a golden age of roast chicken.

Fancy whole birds are the stars of the menu at the new 189 by Dominique Ansel in the Grove and at Walter Manzke’s Republique on La Brea. Daniel Humm’s truffle-gilded chicken is likely to make an appearance at the downtown Nomad hotel next year. Heller’s birds come with a pedigree—they are free-range Mary’s chickens—but the surroundings are much lower key. Wild & Free is part takeout, part higher-design fast food. The menu is built around four plump, juicy rotisserie birds: “original” spiced with pepper and garlic, “wild” with chilies, canela and citrus, “smoky bbq,” and “savory” with lemon and rosemary. Side dishes have a touch of ambition too. Baby potatoes from Weiser Family Farms are roasted beneath the birds, picking up

a luscious coating of schmaltz and topped with bits of crisp chicken skin. Japanese sweet potatoes are mashed with miso butter. Thin-cut French fries are coated in spices that taste exactly like a barbecue potato chip. There are also chicken sandwiches served on sturdy rolls and a few bowls. The standout Sinaloa bowl, inspired by a motorcycle trip through Mexico, features shredded spiced chicken, grilled pineapple and seared green onions, served over herby green rice. Most everything is well under $20, and the whole operation is cash free— credit and debit cards only, please.

“This entire menu could change in a year,” Heller says, as he refines the concept with an eye toward growing it in the future. He’s already planning to replace the rectangular paper serving plates (a vague problem with the vibe), add more chicken to the bowls and streamline the service. How many Wild & Frees does Heller eventually want to open? His answer is simple: “More.” ■

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For the Foodie

Whether you’re looking to send something to an out-of-town relative or bring as a hostess gift, here are 5 Valley-produced edible treats sure to delight.

Baked goods from Bertha Mae’s Brownies have that moist, fresh-out-of-theoven taste. The company also makes cookies and breads—all of which include a handwritten note in your own words.

Choose from flavors like cinnamon chip, milk chocolate toffee and coffee cake. From $23.95; berthamaesbrownies.com

Give the gift of good fortune with Fortune Cookie Divas, which are one-of-a-kind, gourmet, white and dark chocolate-dipped fortune cookies packaged in a steamer basket. Custom messages and cookie decorations available. 25 fortune cookies, $39.99; fortunecookiedivas.com

Artisan Cheese and Wine, which just kicked off an evening program with small plates and an extensive wine list, is also now creating its own basil pesto, beer mustard and cherry fig jam, packaged in chic mason jars. Perfect for gifting foodies and entertainers. $13 to $18; 12023 Ventura Blvd., Studio City

With cool flask-shaped bottles, Tiffany’s Torcher Hot Sauce is in a class of its own. The sauce delivers balanced flavor and heavenly heat in three varieties: Torcher (everyday sauce), Ghost (smoky/ chipotle) and Scorpion (sweet/citrusy). Free of sugar, fats, additives and preservatives. Low sodium.

From $7.99; Order at torcherhotsauce.com or find at Epicurus Gourmet and EATALY L.A.

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These unique, homemade baked goods combine the crunch of a mandel bread and the sweetness of a cookie. Subarz are available in 11 flavors, ranging from chocolate chip with cinnamon sugar to a version with organic matcha, white chocolate chips and a hint of orange. Box of 8 bars, $12; box of 24 bars, $28; subarzsweets.com

T R A D I T I O N A L J A PA N E S E C U I S I N E

747-998-5244 SUSHISAZANAMI.COM 12918 RIVERSIDE DRIVE SHERMAN OAKS

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T H E D E S T I N AT I O N F O R VA L L E Y F O O D I E S

S I G N U P & E AT W E L L O U RV E N T U R A B LV D.C O M

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Turning the Table While we all look forward to standards like turkey and stuffing, sometimes it is fun to go outside the realm of tradition. Here are some creative alternatives to elevate your holiday menu.

STYLED & WRITTEN BY KARA MICKELSON PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

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Spaghetti & Pumpkin Squash Duo with Shitake, Pine Nuts, Sage, Tangy Kefir & Goat Cheese Serves 4 to 6 2 medium spaghetti squash (cut lengthwise, deseeded) 1 medium sugar pumpkin (quartered, deseeded) 1 bunch collard greens (6 to 8 leaves, stems removed) ½ cup creamy goat cheese ¾ cup lebneh kefir cheese, thinned with water to a pourable consistency, seasoned with salt to taste 16 fresh sage leaves 16 shitake mushrooms (slice if large, trim stems if using whole) ½ cup pine nuts 1½ sticks butter, unsalted extra butter for cooking squash coarse salt, kosher, to taste fresh ground black pepper, to taste pinch of fresh ground nutmeg

Preheat oven to 400º. Rub the inner flesh of the pumpkin and spaghetti squash with butter.

Season with salt and pepper. Cook on a sheet tray at 400º until fork-tender, approximately 35 minutes for the spaghetti squash and 40–50 minutes for the pumpkin. Once the spaghetti squash has cooled, create noodles by horizontally dragging a fork across each half.

The pumpkin is done when it is easily scooped out of the shell. Reserve both squash (pumpkin and spaghetti). Both can be refrigerated if making ahead of time.

In a large sauté pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add half the sage leaves and the mushrooms. Sauté until lightly brown. Add pine nuts and cook until light brown. Remove ingredients from pan and reserve. Add 2 more

tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of water and lightly sauté collard greens. As the greens wilt, add a few more tablespoons of water. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Remove from pan and reserve.

Reheat pumpkin and spaghetti squash until warm in the microwave or oven. Melt remaining butter in a sauté pan. Add remaining sage leaves and cook until crisp but not brown.

Individually plate squash noodles and add a couple tablespoons of goat cheese and a few scoops of pumpkin per serving. Warm the mushrooms, nuts and collard greens in the sage butter and top the noodles. If serving in a platter, assemble and keep warm in a covered oven-proof dish. Add lebneh just before serving or on the side.

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Fragrant Holiday Spice Lamb with Pomegranate Salsa & Butternut Squash Puree Serves 4 to 6 olive oil coarse salt 2 lamb racks, Frenched and trimmed of excess fat (approx. 2½ pounds each) Fragrant Seasoning Paste Pomegranate Molasses Butternut Squash Puree Pomegranate Mint Salsa Preheat oven to 450º. In a large sauté pan or cast-iron skillet, heat olive oil to high heat. Pat lamb racks dry with paper towels and generously season with coarse salt on both sides. Coat pan with a thin layer of oil. When the heat begins to move the oil in the pan, just before smoke point, carefully add the lamb racks, fat side down.

Sear until light brown on both sides, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Remove from pan and place fat side up on an oiled rack in a shallow baking pan or cast-iron skillet. Use the back of a spoon to coat the top of the lamb racks, avoiding the rib bones, with the Fragrant Seasoning Paste. You may have some paste leftover; just cover all the fat and both ends of the racks.

Roast for about 10 to 15 minutes, until internal temp is 130º for medium-rare. Brush lamb with Pomegranate Molasses. Let lamb rest up to 10 minutes before carving.

Slice between the bones and serve with Butternut Squash Puree, Pomegranate Mint Salsa and extra Pomegranate Molasses.

FRAGRANT SEASONING PASTE 1½ teaspoons fresh ground black pepper 1½ teaspoons cumin 1½ teaspoons coriander 1½ teaspoons ground cloves 1 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom ¼ teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika ½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper, or ¼ teaspoon cayenne 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard ¼ cup olive oil Dry toast spices in pan until fragrant. Blend in a spice blender until fine. Sift out any large pieces. Cool and reserve.

Can be made a week in advance. Mix spice blend with the mustard and drizzle in the olive oil until you have a spreadable consistency. Reserve, covered under refrigeration.

POMEGRANATE MOLASSES ½ cup pomegranate molasses ½ cup honey 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar Mix all ingredients until combined. Reserve under refrigeration.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE 1 butternut squash 2 tablespoons of butter 1 small white or yellow onion, diced Wash squash, cut end and peel with a vegetable peeler to remove hard outer skin. Slice lengthwise and remove seeds and string. Cut into cubes. Melt butter in a saucepan. Add a small amount of water. Add onion. Sweat ingredients by allowing steam to soften squash and onion without browning. Continue to stir and gradually add up to 1 cup of water. Continue cooking until the vegetables are forktender and the liquid is almost evaporated. Remove from heat, cool slightly and puree in a food processor until thick and smooth. Add a tablespoon or 2 of water if needed to smooth the puree.

POMEGRANATE MINT SALSA 1 pomegranate, deseeded 1 small orange, juiced 1 lemon, juiced 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced ½ cup mint leaves, washed, stemmed and chopped ¼ cup parsley leaves, washed, stemmed and chopped ¼ cup of cilantro leaves, washed, stemmed and chopped 1 tablespoon of honey 1/2 cup of mild olive oil 1 teaspoon salt Combine all ingredients except leaves. Add fresh herbs up to 2 hours before serving. Reserve under refrigeration.

Note: If you don’t want to make your own spice paste, use 2½ tablespoons of store-bought Arabic 7-spice, available at Persian markets. If the purchased spice blend includes allspice, don’t add more. If blending your own spice mix, you can substitute ground spices for whole and skip grinding; however, expect less fragrance.

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Cornish Hen or Quail with Prosciutto, Sage, Couscous and Cream Sherry Sauce

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Serves 6 6 Cornish game hens (1½ pounds each) or quail, 2 per person 18 slices prosciutto 1 bunch fresh sage vegetable oil Preheat oven to 425º. Remove hens from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Generously season with salt and pepper.

Truss legs and remove any giblets. Place fresh sage leaves on breast and top with thin, slightly overlapping layers of prosciutto to cover.

Heat medium to large sauté pan and add vegetable oil to lightly coat pan and prevent sticking. Sauté hens breast for 3 minutes over medium-high heat. Carefully turn bird(s) and cook another 3 minutes or until skin tightens and starts to brown.

Remove and place in a pan with a roasting rack, breast side up.

Sear all hens, adding additional oil only if needed. Reserve pan drippings for pan sauce.

Serve with Israeli Pearl Couscous and Cream Sherry Pan Sauce.

ISRAELI PEARL COUSCOUS 4 tablespoons unsalted butter ¾ cup pancetta, cut into small cubes 1 cup white or yellow onion, cut into small cubes ½ cup celery, cut into small cubes 6 leaves fresh sage, washed, dried and minced 2½ cups chicken stock 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt 2 cups pearl couscous ¼ cup dried currants ¾ cup toasted, unsalted pistachios In a medium saucepot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and sauté pancetta until light brown. Add 1 more tablespoon of butter and cook while stirring. Add onions and celery and cook until tender without browning. Add sage. Cook for a few seconds and then add stock, salt, couscous, pistachios and currants.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer covered until liquid is absorbed and couscous is al dente. Remove from heat and cool to room temp. Refrigerate if making in advance.

CREAM SHERRY PAN SAUCE 1 shallot, fine dice 4 tablespoons pan drippings 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour ¼ cup cream sherry 2 cups chicken stock 1 teaspoon ground white pepper 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste Add shallot to pan juices and sweat until tender without browning. Add butter and melt. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Add sherry and stir until combined. Slowly add stock and reduce sauce until it thickens. Remove from heat and strain if desired.

Check for seasoning.

THE GIVING

3

A trio making the Valley—and the world—a better place WRITTEN BY RACHEL HELLER ZAIMONT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL BECKER

YASMINE DELAWARI JOHNSON RALLYING VOLUNTEERS FOR TEEN MOTHERS IN FOSTER CARE The young woman was so shy that Yasmine Delawari Johnson could hardly coax her to speak. Allison (not her real name), 19, had come to a nutrition workshop organized by Alliance of Moms for teen mothers in foster care, such as herself. Yasmine, along with her Alliance co-founder, Jules Leyser, finally got Allison talking when they brought up one topic—her daughter.

The young mom and Yasmine bonded that night over stories they shared about their little girls: the dancing, laughter, and getting hugs and kisses in the morning.

When Yasmine saw Allison the next time, the young mother eagerly introduced her daughter to her. And when they met at another Alliance of Moms nutrition event, Allison—the once painfully reserved woman—asked if she could lead the group in a blessing of thanks before sharing a meal.

“She was like a different person,” Yasmine recalls. “It was touching to see her joy at being with women who remembered her and remembered her daughter’s name. I have those interactions all the time—I realized she didn’t. It gave her a sense of pride and self-esteem.”

Connections like this are among the rewards Yasmine never predicted when she and Jules founded the nonprofit in 2014. The idea started with a personal revelation Yasmine had while she was pregnant with her son, Maverick, and decorating his nursery at the family’s home. “As I was looking around at the life he would be born into, I was aware that my son’s life was starting off very differently than other babies in LA,” she says. “There’s a lot of good fortune he got just because of the circumstances he was born into.”

Yasmine began volunteering with the Alliance for Children’s Rights, a nonprofit that advocates for kids in foster care. (She’s now on the board.) As she fielded calls, she heard “sobering” stories of teen mothers—young women who had been abused or abandoned—struggling to raise their children with no parental role models of their own. More than 25% of girls in foster care become pregnant by age 17, and their children often enter the foster system themselves.

Yasmine, Jules and three other friends established Alliance of Moms as an auxiliary of the Alliance for Children’s Rights, aiming to break this intergenerational cycle.

Raising Baby, the group’s annual flagship event, features expert-led workshops in early childhood development. Teen parents learn the benefits of reading, singing and playing with their children. Another event, Raising Foodies, brings in top local chefs for lessons in child nutrition and healthy cooking classes. And Alliance of Moms just launched a mentoring program that will pair young mothers with teams of LA volunteer moms ready to lend an ear.

“So much of their lives is about social workers and lawyers,” says Yasmine, who has four children with Matthew Johnson, an entertainment attorney and the vice president of the LA Police Commission. “We want them to know we’re there for them as moms and women. We’re trying to figure out motherhood, too. We care about them and we have their backs.”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATEE GRACE

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JOSH KLINEFELTER INVESTING IN UNDERPRIVILEGED STUDENTS Josh Klinefelter was heartbroken when he got the news: Javier, the high school student he was mentoring as a volunteer with the nonprofit Fulfillment Fund, was passed over for a crucial scholarship to Santa Clara University. Without the scholarship, Javier, who was undocumented and had no access to federal aid, couldn’t afford to attend his first-choice college.

“I’ll never forget sitting in his living room with his parents and case manager,” Josh recalls. “It was brutal, after everything we’d gone through.”

But Josh, who had worked with Javier since the LAUSD student was in eighth grade, didn’t want his mentee to give up on his dreams. So he did something remarkable: He rallied his coworkers at Aurora Capital Partners to pitch in to send Javier to school.

“It’s awesome to see someone who’s talented, who worked really hard and almost didn’t have a chance, be able to do what he wanted to do,” says Josh, a managing partner with the private equity investment firm.

“With the right help and the right advocacy, he could make it.”

Since 1999, Josh has committed significant sums of time, energy and money to the Fulfillment Fund, which helps underprivileged students graduate from high school and get into college. The nonprofit was founded by Encino residents Gary and Cherna Gitnick.

Josh mentored two students as they worked their way through LAUSD schools. He also founded the Fulfillment Fund’s Leadership Council, bringing young professionals onto the organization’s team of volunteers, donors and mentors.

Now, as president of the board, he couldn’t be prouder of the nonprofit’s impact—95% of the 2,653 students enrolled in Fulfillment Fund programs last year graduated high school, and 97% have plans to go on to college. “We are taking the kids who would be lost in the shuffle and creating opportunities for them,” he says.

Education is a personally meaningful cause for Josh, who grew up in a single-parent household in New Mexico. Through a series of “lucky breaks,” he got into a prestigious prep school and thrived under the guidance of a handful of teachers. They helped him get a scholarship that clinched his college chances. “Without those people helping me, my life would be really different,” he explains.

Josh has paid it forward in several ways. He and five high school friends established a scholarship fund to send students to the school where he blossomed, Santa Fe Preparatory School. And with help from his colleagues at Aurora Capital, he amassed enough money to put Javier through college at Cal Poly. Javier graduated with a degree in biomedical engineering.

“Being involved in the lives of these students is without question the most rewarding thing I’ve done,” Josh says. “It’s like the American dream is still alive.”

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SCOTT MORRIS GIVING BACK WITH EVERYTHING HE HAS Scott Morris didn’t want to believe his son, Ryan, could be sick. There were reasonable explanations for all of the Laurel Hall eighth grader’s symptoms. Fatigue?

Understandable considering the accomplished athlete had hours of baseball and football practice after school every day. Constant thirst? It was unseasonably hot, even for LA. Of course he was drinking more to stay hydrated.

Everything changed on October 21, 2011—a date Scott can easily recall—when Scott’s wife, Kelly, insisted they take Ryan to the doctor. Ryan’s pediatrician sent the family to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where Scott sat stricken as Ryan changed into his hospital gown. The once-healthy 13-year-old had lost so much weight, “he looked like a skeleton,” Scott remembers.

The diagnosis—type 1 diabetes—turned the family’s world upside down. Suddenly life at their Studio City home revolved around learning to manage this chronic autoimmune disease. For the year that followed, alarms went off every night at midnight and 3 a.m. to test Ryan’s blood sugar, lest he slip into a diabetic coma in his sleep.

Scott made a promise that sustained him through the uncertainty: He would do anything in his power to help Ryan get better.

Six years later, Scott is on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) Los Angeles board of directors. He is also an LA team coach and recruiter for the organization’s Ride to Cure Diabetes cycling fundraisers. Scott, who had never biked long distances before, has now taken part in five grueling cycling events, including a 106-mile ride in Loveland, Colorado this past August.

He has also incorporated philanthropy into his business, SRM Real Estate Group, based in Sherman Oaks.

A portion of the profits from every home sale and purchase is donated to JDRF, and Scott also offers clients a monetary incentive to donate to a charitable cause meaningful to them. He hopes to inspire others to get in the habit of giving.

Scott, who has raised more than $100,000 for JDRF, tries to model strong values for his son and daughter, Katie: discipline, focus and working toward a goal. “I want to tell Ryan, whatever his dreams are, don’t let this disease get in his way,” he says.

How does Ryan feel about his father’s efforts? The college sophomore, still a fearsome presence on the pitcher’s mound, often texts Scott the night before an out-of-town ride to wish him luck. These moments strengthen Scott’s resolve and reaffirm the path of social change he has chosen.

“It’s about living a life that matters,” he says. “Even when a cure for diabetes is found, I’m going to adopt another cause and work for that. I’m not going to stop.” ■

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Aloha from the Valley At local hula schools, dancers of all backgrounds find their footing, a dose of island culture and sometimes even a second family.

WRITTEN BY RACHEL HELLER ZAIMONT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

Stacey Urauchi’s childhood memories revolve around hula. She recalls learning the movements at the Bay Area halau (Hawaiian for “school”) where she began dancing at age 3 and by watching her mother and sister dance competitively. She loved to listen as her father, who was born in Molokai, kept time on the drum during class.

So when Stacey moved to LA, and into a high-stress job teaching sex education and substance abuse classes in county jails, she found herself yearning for the joyful hula experience of her youth.

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“I knew I would need a form of stress relief with the job I was in,” says Stacey, 23, with a laugh. “With hula I could do something expressive, go back to being part of a community, do some self-care and reconnect with my roots.”

Stacey is one of hundreds of students enrolled at a halau in the Valley, which boasts a thriving hula scene that rivals other LA enclaves in size and spirit. From Northridge to Van Nuys, students of all walks of life are learning the steps to this ancient dance—also getting a window into the culture, language,

music and spirit of Hawai’i.

Some elements of hula are recognizable in the mainstream: the pa’u (flowing, calf-length skirt), pua (flower worn in the hair) and floral lei (garland) are customary components of hula dancers’ garb. But students who sign up for classes quickly learn that hula is about more than attire, footwork and form.

“People come looking for a place to express themselves and learn the dance, and they fall in love with the culture. It becomes a much bigger world than they realized,” says Kumu Hula Jannie Ka’ohinani L. Nance, who

runs Halau Hula O Uluwehilaukoa in North Hollywood, where Stacey is a student.

On a recent Thursday night, five female students, dressed in pa’u and T-shirts, line up at the entrance. In unison, they chant a request to enter the class, a sacred space, and Kumu Ka’ohinani chants back, granting permission. Warm-up stretches follow, and then the women practice their steps. Kumu Ka’ohinani deftly taps out a rhythm on the ipu heke, the traditional gourd drum, giving pointers as her students dance. “Push your hips!” she calls out at one point. “I want to see those skirts pop!”

Across the Valley in Granada Hills, a Tuesday night hula class at Aloha Hula Dance Studio finds students practicing basic conversational Hawaiian with head instructor Lyn-Del Laua’e Pedersen. Many of the attendees, ranging in age from teens to sixtysomethings, smile as they perform the graceful, undulating movements.

Lyn-Del opened Aloha Hula in 2007 and now teaches hula and Ori Tahiti (Tahitian dance) to about 200 students. She aims to give students “a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Polynesian culture, the origins and traditions taught through song and dance. Along with that, we try to inspire confidence, reiterate the importance of respect and kindness, and to always remain humble.”

These values resonate with Kahiau Clarke, 47, of Granada Hills, who has been dancing at Aloha Hula for 10 years. “Everything about hula, you can apply to the rest of your life: kindness, humility, patience, being part of something bigger than yourself,” she says.

Some students take lessons to get in touch with their Hawaiian backgrounds. “It’s a dying art,” says Cheyenne Muscovich, 25, who attends class at Halau Hula O Uluwehilaukoa.

“I feel like it’s my responsibility to keep it around and continue the ways of my ancestors.”

Others have no family connection to Hawai’i—they are simply drawn to the dance for its aesthetic beauty and uplifting spirit.

“I came to it by soul,” says Vanessa Davie of Northridge. “When I’m feeling down or going through personal trials, I can always turn to hula to lift my mood and put me in a better place of gratitude and joy.”

Serenity aside, the dance is also a workout.

With its reliance on thigh and core strength, hula is just as likely to raise your heart rate as your spirits. According to Sydni Martin, 22, “It’s like having a social club, a workout, a family and therapy all in one.” ■

HEAD OF THE CLASS Kumu Ka’ohinani teaches both kahiko (ancient) and auana (contemporary) styles of hula.

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Simple

Pleasures With a 1940s ranch-style home, a design-minded couple discovers how to live large in a small space.

WRITTEN BY HEATHER DAVID PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL (PEOPLE) AMY BARTLAM (HOUSE)

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N

estled on a quiet street in Studio City, just a short walk to the Boulevard, sits a 1,500-squarefoot, classic ranch-style home, with a welcoming porch and a bright pumpkin-colored door. Nothing unique about that, but still this house is a rarity. While many older Valley houses are being demolished to make way for sprawling new homes, despite its many incarnations, this one from the ‘40s stands proud.

Seventy years ago, it served as a 500-square-foot outbuilding or storage space for the main house next-door. In the 1960s, it was expanded to a full-size, twobedroom home with its own back house.

In 2012, the Jansz Vogt family of four moved in. Natasha and husband, Will, were drawn to the intimate, “throw-back” feel of the neighborhood. It was so different than what they had experienced growing up. “Will and I both moved around a lot as kids. So as parents, we’re even more intent on making a home and a community,” says Natasha, who lived in places like Sri Lanka, Australia and England.

They settled in a tight-knit neighborhood that conjures up images from a Norman Rockwell painting. Their two daughters, Saskia (9) and Camelia (5), often play ring toss on their front lawn with neighborhood kids. “We end up spending Christmas with our neighbors and also just getting together day-to-day. You can’t put a price on that,” beams Natasha.

That laid-back vibe continues throughout the home. Natasha, who runs her own interior design firm, Natasha Jansz Design, handled the décor.

“My aesthetic is rooted in comfort and practicality. With the open floor plan, I defined the front room (which is part of the original 1940s structure) by painting it a dark blue color that I find cozy, adding a

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“My aesthetic is rooted in comfort and practicality.�

variety of textures, then peppering it with art, books and objects that are meaningful to us,” she explains.

With her young girls in mind, Natasha chose comfortable, durable furniture. “For new pieces, I like West Elm, and I just make it my own with pillows or accessories. I don’t buy super expensive things; I would rather source something vintage and reupholster it.

I’m not obsessed with things being perfect,” Natasha shares.

Will and Natasha are also passionate about preserving some of the home’s history.

The original rustic red brick fireplace, the oak floors and the sweet, pink-tiled bathroom their young daughters share all remain intact.

Surprisingly the house has ample storage space, an unusual feature for a home from that era. The bedrooms have generoussized closets and there are large built-in vanities in the bathrooms. Having a double garage also helps.

The couple did make some structural changes, like remodeling the kitchen as well as the back house that now doubles as a design studio and guest quarters. Natasha also added a spa-like bathroom but did it on a budget. “For the bathroom, we decided to leave one structural beam exposed, drywall the rest and paint it white. I love the combination of white and wood. It feels modern and organic. We used inexpensive white subway tile in the shower and penny-round tile on the floor. Even though the bathroom has no window, we did a glass-paned door and added a tall, framed mirror from Ikea opposite the shower, to bounce light around.”

Will, who owns a property management and construction firm, spearheaded the renovations.

Like the best of creative collaborations, the well-crafted, charming space passes the muster.

“We came from an apartment, and initially we thought this would be our starter home, but now we never want to leave,” says Natasha. ■

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Doctor in the

House There‘s always a doctor in the Bruckner house.

Meet a Sherman Oaks family— all of them pediatricians.

WRITTEN BY ANNE M. RUSSELL | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

ALL IN THE FAMILY Two generations of Bruckner physicians relax in the backyard of the parents’ Sherman Oaks home.

Left to right: Emily, Laura, Danny, Irwin and Julia

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M

eeting the Bruckners makes one wonder if it’s something in the blood. The family of five—mom, dad and all three offspring—are pediatricians.

“We’re the Mannings of pediatrics,” jokes mom Laura Bruckner, MD, FAAP, referring to the multigenerational football dynasty.

Laura herself is the daughter of a physician—her father was a gynecologist. Plus, her husband Irwin’s brother Mark is a pediatrician as well, practicing in Simi Valley. But unlike the Mannings, they’re all on the field at the same time.

The story of the Bruckner family’s California dynasty began in 1979, when Irwin and Laura left the East Coast to start their three-year residencies at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. The couple, both graduates of the University of Pennsylvania, got their medical degrees from New York University Medical School. They met in chemistry lab at Penn in 1972, fell in love and married in 1976.

Thirty-two years ago, they settled in a spacious Cape Cod-style home in Sherman Oaks and had three children: Daniel, Emily and Julia. After getting his combined bachelors and medical degrees at University of Southern California, Daniel (“Dr. Danny”) joined his parents at Balboa Pediatrics in Encino. Emily, who is a grad of the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, practices at Westside Pediatrics, in Brentwood.

Following in her parents’ footsteps was not Emily’s initial plan.

“I was deadset on being an obgyn, but when I did my rotation I didn’t fall in love with it. My mom knew all along I was going to be a pediatrician,” Emily says.

Julia’s medical education has followed much the same trajectory. She has one more year of graduate medical training in pediatrics at Kaiser Permanente in LA. But she entered med school thinking that she’d go into orthopedic surgery and only slowly came around to following the family tradition.

you consult one Dr. Bruckner, you often benefit from the expertise of all five. “We text each other various medical questions all the time,” says Emily. “We talk medicine on a daily basis,” says Danny, who is engaged to be married next May. His sisters are still single, although all three say they are eager for children.

One of Irwin’s favorite anecdotes is about how his son solved a diagnostic mystery while still in med school. An infant patient, who was hospitalized, was terribly sick. “Every organ system was in bad shape, but the hospital couldn’t find the underlying cause,” Irwin recalls. During a drive to a USC football game he and Danny puzzled over the case.

“Danny said, ‘Dad, I think I know what your patient has: It’s hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.’”

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, known as HLH, is incredibly rare—one case in every 100,000 children. It’s a severe immune system disorder that often proves fatal. “It’s usually diagnosed in autopsy,” Irwin notes grimly. But Danny was right, and his intuition not only led to lifesaving treatment for the very sick baby, but also saved his twin brother who had not yet shown symptoms.

The boys are now 9 years old. “The family just worships Danny,” says Irwin. Danny even wrote mnemonic lyrics about HLH to the tune of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” which the family is happy to sing for you.

In fact, long-term relationships with patients are one of the great joys of the profession, the Bruckners all agree. “If we go to a local restaurant, kids run up to us,” says Danny. “It almost makes you feel like a celebrity.”

We're the Mannings of pediatrics.

IN THE HIVE The family dynasty functions as a kind of medical hive mind: When

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THE FLIP SIDE Irwin describes his profession as “the best job in the world,” but you have to wonder if there aren’t at least a few moments that make the family question their career choice. The patriarch concedes there are.

One unpleasant aspect of being a pediatrician is calling Child Protective Services when abuse is suspected, as is required by law.

Although that’s rare, it does happen, explains Irwin. Another is getting caught up in acrimonious divorces and being compelled to testify against one parent or the other. And the administrative work and insurance negotiations that a large practice requires are a headache.

But by far the toughest aspect of the job is when a young patient dies. The death of a child is a scenario that brings tears to the eyes of more than a few of the Bruckners when they talk about it. Each of them has faced a moment of truth where, after an unexpected death, they felt they couldn’t go on. That’s where the support and empathy of family really makes a difference: When mom or dad says they’ve been there, the siblings know they actually have.

Irwin recalls a young patient with a seizure disorder who Dr. Danny had examined post-seizure and cleared. But, says Irwin, “It turned out the boy had a bleed on the brain and they had to do neurosurgery on him and keep him in a [medically induced] coma. Danny said to me, ‘Dad, if he dies, I don’t think I can continue in medicine.’” The boy recovered and is fine now.

Emily remembers a tragic case of her own: “There was a kid being treated for leukemia with liver failure. I told her to just rest and I’d take of everything. She fell asleep and never woke up. I was crying for days.”

“It takes an emotional toll,” agrees Julia, who currently sees very ill children in her residency. “My family is helping me with that. It’s hard to go through.” Julia says she loved her rotation through pediatric

emergency medicine but changed her mind about making that her specialty when a 9-year-old boy was brought in with a bad reaction to chemotherapy. “He died in front of me. There wasn’t anything we could have done, but I was sobbing.” But even when treating terribly sick children, the Bruckners see a bright spot, which is that kids are much more resilient than adults and when faced with a diagnosis like leukemia, stand a good chance of beating it. “Kids fight and win,” says Julia. “They get better.”

BEDSIDE MANNER In spite of the sometimes sad stories, Emily believes, “It’s generally a happy field of medicine.” None of the Bruckners wear white lab coats in the office and all of them have tricks to keep kids distracted during exams. “I look for puppies in their ears,” says Emily, woofing to demonstrate. “I always ask if they know where their heart is,” says Danny.

“One kid told me he left it at home.”

Even in today’s troubled world, kids are still kids: spontaneous, funny, curious, engaging. If anything has altered in the last three decades, it’s the parents, says Laura. “The internet has really changed parenting. People are coming in with ideas about how they’re supposed to be a perfect parent. I feel sorry for parents now because they’re so pressured.” Adds Emily, “The mommy blogs make them think there’s only one right way. Really, there are so many right ways.” ■

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e provide Nursery (3-year-old) to 8th Grade students with an outstanding, inspiring, and nurturing education environment focused on unlocking each child’s potential.

ADMISSIONS COFFEE & TOURS Thursdays at 9:30am November 16 December 7, 14 January 11, 18, 25

@BerkeleyHallSchool • #BerkeleyHall • 310-476-6421

License #191604221

An Independent Coeducational N-8 Day School 16000 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049

License #191604221

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preschool - eighth grade

BRINGING CHILDHOOD BACK

NO HOMEWORK Preschool tours tuesdays - 10 AM elementary OPEN HOUSE - 10 AM NOV 15 | DEC 7 Middle school Tours Upon Request Schedule a tour: 818-769-2511 www.country-school.org

Louisville High School Louisville High School

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, December 3, 2017

22300 Mulholland Drive  Woodland Hills, CA 91364 818-346-8812  www.louisvillehs.org Half Page Nov 2017.indd 1

10/25/2017 2:24:52 PM DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

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seen

Night Out

An Evening Under the Harvest Moon, TreePeople’s annual gala, raised $705,000. Ed Begley, Jr. and Rachelle Carson hosted a Q&A with award recipient, Macerich Chairman and CEO, Art Coppolla, to discuss how he’s made sustainability a priority for his business. Proceeds will be used to protect against impacts due to climate change, to preserve LA’s urban forests, and to increase environmental awareness among California students.

Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna emceed the program.

Andy Lipkis, Holly Marie Combs, Cindy Montañez

Actress Julie Ann Emery

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Cook Off

The BLVD Kitchen in Sherman Oaks hosted a competition benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of LA, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. For “Kitchen Gladiator” participants prepared recipes provided by celebrity judges.

Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a meal at the chic, commercial space used by local caterers and chefs as well as for cooking classes.

Simon instructs participants on how to make his masala dish

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEREMY LEE

Melissa d’Arabian, Aarti Sequeira, J.J. Levenstein, Simon Majumdar, Carnie Wilson

Aarti Sequeira, Simon Majumdar, Melissa d’Arabian, Carnie Wilson

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seen

Hammer Time

Pete Carsey and Marcy Carsey

J.J. Abrams and Sarah Jessica Parker

Ava DuVernay and Hilton Als

Mark Bradford and Ann Philbin

Sarah and Joel McHale

Este Haim, Alana Haim, Danielle Haim

Fashion for a Cause 2017 VB Top Teen and Project Runway, Junior winner, Chelsea Ma, hosted a runway show launching her 2018 Spring/Summer Collection. A portion of the event’s proceeds went to the victims and families of the Las Vegas shooting.

Chelsea Ma

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Ysabel Hilado, Chelsea, Molly Elizabeth

VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

Rik Villa, Molly Elizabeth, Chelsea, Matt Sarafa, Ysabel Hilado, Amy Bond

PHOTOGRAPHS BY STEPHANIE KEENAN/GETTY IMAGES FOR HAMMER MUSEUM

The Hammer Museum hosted its 15th annual Gala in the Garden. The Gala raised $2.4 million to support the museum’s exhibitions and public programs, which are free to the public. Over 500 guests attended the Gala, honoring filmmaker Ava DuVernay and awardwinning writer Hilton Als.

COMING THIS FALL:

INTERACTIVE OPEN HOUSE EVENTS CALENDAR Ventura Blvd Magazine will host a comprehensive calendar of the finest Open House events for schools in our area. Plan your fall using this easy to navigate guide.

Find it live mid-September at

OurVenturaBlvd.com/OpenHouses

Want to include your events? Find out how by contacting Robin Sanders at 818-427-2050 or robin@moontidemedia.com

seen

Sweet Sounds

More than 225 guests came together at a private home to enjoy a concert performed

by Elizabeth Pitcairn, acclaimed classical violinist and owner of the Red Violin. After the performance, Elizabeth participated in a Q & A session led by Brian Werdesheim of The Summa Group of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit, Fulfillment Fund, which works to make college a reality for students growing up in under-resourced communities.

Stuart Herriott, Tracy Herriott

Elizabeth Pitcairn, Cherna Gitnick, Gary Gitnick, Louise Thomas, Maria Espinosa Booth, Brian Werdesheim

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Gary Gitnick, Maria Espinosa Booth, Brian Werdesheim

VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

Elizabeth Pitcairn

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ELAINE LEE

Brian Werdesheim, Jana Greer, Randall Greer

Elizabeth Pitcairn, Dianna Yedalyan, Harut Yedalyan

Ventura Magazine - Woodcrest School - 3rd Month.qxp_Layout 1 10/23/17 1:51 PM Page 1

OPEN HOUSE

Middle School November 15th at 7:00 p.m.

November 30th at 9:30 a.m January 18th at 9:30 a.m.

Kindergarten - 5th Grade November 30th at 9:30 a.m.

January 18th at 9:30 a.m.

• •

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• •

6043 Tampa Avenue Tarzana, CA 91356

Technology & Robotics Program NEW Sanford Harmony Mindfulness Program

818.345.3002

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BECAUSE OUR STUDENTS LEARN DIFFERENTLY, WE TEACH DIFFERENTLY.

Grades 2-12 Transforming the lives of students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and other language-based learning differences, often combined with ADD/ADHD. n

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Individualized StrengthBased Instruction College Preparatory Curriculum Educational & Assistive Technology

Westmark students come from over 80 zip codes throughout Los Angeles. We offer multiple bus routes to and from campus!

Contact Cindy Goodman, Director of Admissions at cgoodman@westmarkschool.org

5461 Louise Avenue, Encino, CA 91316 818-986-5045 | www.westmarkschool.org ©2017 Westmark School. All Rights Reserved.

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

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November 19 Grade 9 November & December

324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, CA 91105 • Westridge.org Bus service originating from Sherman Oaks and Studio City

We offer a unique seven-year learning experience that combines a rigorous academic curriculum with

robust offerings and extra-curricular activities. We prepare students for success in college and beyond while fostering in them deep moral values and a commitment to service that is grounded in the Catholic faith.

OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 5

NOVEMBER 19

19800 Devonshire St. Chatsworth, CA 91311 818.363.8127

7500 Chaminade Ave. West Hills, CA 91304 818.347.8300

Middle School 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

High School 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

CAN’T MAKE IT TO OPEN HOUSE? CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A CAMPUS TOUR.

APPLICATION DEADLINE JANUARY 12, 2018

chaminade.org A WCEA/WASC accredited school.

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10/30/2017 11:43:08 AM

It’s About Time!

More than 100 people joined the Winnetka Chamber of Commerce and city leaders to honor St. Martin’s Episcopal School, with a long overdue ceremonial ribbon cutting and celebration.

In 1957, when St. Martin Episcopal School was founded and admitted to the Diocese as a Parish, there was no time for a ceremony. So 60 years later, this effort was made to give the school the proper recognition.

Bob Blumenfield

John Milan, Dara Laski, Bob Blumenfield, Gabriel Ferrer, Dick Burden, Wendy Byrnes

On the Runway

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KEVIN BOOT

Artists For Trauma (AFT), in conjunction with Macy’s at Westfield Topanga and Michael Kors, presented a fashion show with AFT adaptive models. The nonprofit aims to connect trauma survivors with art as a source of healing.

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seen

On the Greens

The 8th Annual BMI Golf Tournament held at the Angeles National Golf Course raised support for music in disadvantaged LA schools. Over 80 music industry artists, leaders and guests attended the event.

Delia Orjuela and Alison Smith

Noah Becker, Edwin Cox, Patrick Clancy, Chad Irvin

Thor Fienberg and Nathan Blume

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James “JJ� Knerr

Arabian Prince, Danielle Roman, Zabra Yee

ETM-LA student, Alessandria Sandoval, performs violin

Mike Steinberg, David Vanacore, Trevor Morris, Matt Koskenmaki

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DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

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Gentleman’s Getaway A 350-year-old English estate boasts an unexpectedly American heritage.

WRITTEN BY DARREN ELMS

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ourventurablvd.com

L

ike many of us here in the “Colonies,” I tuned in season after season to find out what peril awaited the upstairs and downstairs residents of Downton Abbey. The popular British TV show captured the imaginations of audiences all over the world and introduced many to a fictional portrayal of wealth and title in early 20th-century England.

While visitors can tour the estate featured in the series, there’s another prestigious abode—similarly drenched in glamour, drama and intrigue—that doubles as a first-class hotel and National Trust garden. Located in the heart of the Berkshire countryside—a short car or train ride from Heathrow—Cliveden House has a colorful history. It was home to royalty, survived a devastating fire and even endured political scandal. After years of private ownership, the structure is now a hotel with 47 individually designed rooms and suites named after its most prominent guests.

ourventurablvd.com

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Feature Hed

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ourventurablvd.com

Built in 1666 by the Duke of Buckingham to entertain his mistress, the Countess of Shrewsbury, the stately home near the River Thames served nobility for centuries and even provided the inspiration for Toad Hall in the The Wind and the Willows. Guests have included Queen Victoria, Winston Churchill and The Beatles. And while the home has a distinctly masculine vibe, it was a woman— and an American—who was its final private owner.

Nancy Astor, wife of Waldorf Astor, inherited the property from her father-in-law, William Waldorf Astor, in 1906. William, the richest man in America, had left the States for England with his family to enjoy a life of privilege abroad. He purchased Cliveden for $1.25 million in 1893.

The Astor family was responsible for many of the existing well-preserved interiors in the home. Nancy, a native Virginian, would reign over the property for many years and even became the first woman to take a seat in the House of Commons. The house became a hotel in 1985.

Cliveden House retains the elegance and etiquette of the past, combined with a contemporary approach to service and hospitality. Each room and suite is totally unique, with vintage furnishings and details throughout.

The property also hosts a Spring Cottage, a private three-bedroom accommodation on the bank of the River Thames.

On the main level, guests can enjoy tea or cocktails in the library or dine at the awardwinning André Garrett restaurant—a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Cliveden recently debuted The Astor Grill in the former stables, a stylish wink at the home’s equestrian past.

This summer a new spa will also open.

And outside, 376 acres of National Trust garden await your stroll. The grounds also host both indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a fitness suite, golf nearby and the River Thames for vintage cruises.

While walking around the estate, you will notice architectural elements by Charles Barry, the architect commissioned to rebuild the mansion after a fire nearly destroyed the main house in 1849. This same architect also designed the Houses of Parliament in London and Highclere Castle … better known as Downton Abbey. Well, isn’t that grand? ■

PRO FILES

spa, beauty & fitness Here in the Valley, we aim to live a life of health and fitness—and we want to look our best. On the following pages, you’ll meet professionals who make those goals their business. From fitness to beauty, they will up your game and make you feel regenerated. Psssstt … a session with one of these specialists also makes a terrific holiday gift!

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AMAZING LASH STUDIO WOODLAND HILLS Lisa Ruby & Steven Ruby

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FULL MOON NAIL SPA Joann Nguyen

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THE SWEAT SHOPPE Mimi Benz

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BEAUTYSKINGLOW Gayle​ ​Miller

WRITTEN BY LAURA WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMEKA JACOBS

spa, beauty & fitness

“We are the largest national name brand that specializes in the application and care of eyelash extensions.”

Amazing Lash Studio Woodland Hills

A

mazing Lash Studio Woodland Hills provides semi-permanent eyelash extensions in a contemporary salon studio that features 12 private lash application rooms.

Owners Lisa Ruby and Steven Ruby are both Southern California natives who worked in other industries—marketing and law, respectively—before opening their own beauty studio.

What makes your services stand out from others?

“We are the largest national name brand that specializes in the application and care of eyelash extensions. Our team of licensed cosmetologists and estheticians are devoted exclusively to the art of lash beauty and utilize a patented technique to apply individual, semi-permanent extensions directly to your existing lashes so the look is more natural than strip extensions.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Our stringent sanitation standards include a multi-step sterilization process for the tools we use. We also offer our own line of aftercare products to maintain the health and longevity of your lashes.”

How do you customize your services depending on a client’s needs?

“We have four proprietary eyelash extension styles that are used to customize your look. Your stylist will conduct a consultation and lash health evaluation to understand your desired look and how to customize our styles to achieve it, answer any questions you have, and give you aftercare details. Our specially developed eyelash extensions are extremely lightweight, making them so comfortable you forget you have them. The eyelash extensions are varying lengths and thicknesses to naturally enhance your existing lashes, transforming them into something truly amazing.”

Lisa Ruby & Steven Ruby Owners 21785 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills 818-650-2444 | AmazingLashStudio.com @AmazingLashStudioWoodlandHills Do you offer any specials?

“For all first-time guests, we offer an introductory rate of $89.99 for their first full set of eyelash extensions. We offer a monthly maintenance program for our guests who want to consistently keep their look. The program includes one lash refill per month and several additional benefits such as a $10 credit for referrals and discounts on retail products and additional services.”

What would you tell someone who has never had eyelash extensions before?

“Eyelash extensions are new to many of our guests. We understand the unknown can be intimidating, but it is actually a relaxing, enjoyable experience. It’s like visiting a spa. In fact, since your eyes are closed for the duration of the appointment, many of our guests simply drift off for a ‘lash nap.’”

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spa, beauty & fitness

Full Moon Nail Spa Joann Nguyen Owner 13349 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks 818-784-8839 fullmoonnailspa.com

“I want my clients to feel comfortable, as though it’s their second home.”

F

ull Moon Nail Spa offers nail services, waxing, eyelash extensions and lash lifts. Owner Joann Nguyen developed her passion for the beauty industry when she was just 16, working part-time in her aunt’s salon. She is now a licensed manicurist, esthetician and makeup/tattoo artist and has a bachelor’s degree in health education.

What makes your company stand out from others?

“How we take care of our customers, our friends, our neighbors. We take pride in what

we do, and when something is not right, we make it right. We are part of the community.

When you come to Full Moon, it’s very likely that you will find someone you know here.

We build our business based on referrals by our customers.”

What is unique about your style and technique?

“Full Moon Nail Spa has been under my management for a little over one year. We have established an environment that is easygoing and comfortable. Our staff members are well-trained, and we offer a large selection of

services including organic/chemical-free gel colors and regular polishes. I want my clients to feel comfortable, as though it’s their second home. We stand by our work, and we look out for your best interest.”

Do you offer a reward program?

“We offer our Five Stars reward program, in which our customers earn points per dollar that they can redeem for free services. The program also randomly sends out special promotions, and we offer weekday specials and a free sugar scrub for Yelp check-in.”

The Sweat Shoppe Mimi Benz Founder “We have one of the most incredible communities of riders, staff and trainers.”

10620 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake 818-287-3997 | thesweatshoppe.com

T

he Sweat Shoppe is an indoor cycling studio that utilizes heat as a training tool through its proprietary training program. Owner Mimi Benz has worked in the fitness industry for 18 years and has been an exercise fan most of her life.

Why heat?

“Studies show that training in the heat can boost performance and develop athletes who can ride longer, harder and faster.

Heat training rigorously works the mental as much as the physical, forcing an athlete to remain focused while strengthening the

88

VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

mind-body connection.”

What makes your classes stand out from others?

“We have one of the most incredible communities of riders, staff and trainers. It is a judgment-free environment where everyone— no matter their physical shape or level—is welcomed and encouraged to participate. We truly believe that there is an athlete in all of us.”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“The positive change and growth we see with so many of our clients. We invite new

clients to check us out at a discounted price: a class for $10 or an entire month of unlimited classes for $149.”

How do you invest in your staff’s training?

“All of our instructors go through a rigorous training program that we developed, and we spend months helping them perfect their craft. Because we are the first and only indoor cycling studio utilizing the heat to boost athletic performance, our teacher training program was developed specifically to create classes that optimize the use of the heat in a safe and effective manner.”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

spa, beauty & fitness

“​It’s​ ​important​ ​to​ ​personalize​ ​ every treatment​ ​for​ ​that​ ​client’s​ ​skin.”

​BeautySkinGlow

B

eautySkinGlow in Woodland Hills is a boutique esthetic spa that offers a variety of facial services including oncology facials. Owner and Esthetician Gayle Miller has worked in the beauty industry for 18 years.

What​ ​makes​ ​your​ ​services ​ ​stand​ ​out​ ​ from​ ​others? ​​​“I​ ​believe​ ​that​ ​there​ ​is​ ​no​ ​one​-size​-​fits​-​all​ ​ when​ ​it​ ​comes​ ​to​ ​facials.​ ​Every person​ ​has​ ​ different​ ​needs,​ ​and​ ​it’s​ ​important​ ​to​ ​personalize​ ​every treatment​ ​for​ ​that​ ​client’s​ ​skin.”

What’s​ ​most​ ​rewarding​ ​about​ ​ your​ ​work?

“I​​ ​love​ ​working​ ​with​ ​people.​ ​​​I​ ​also​ ​love​ ​helping​ ​people​ ​feel​ ​good​ ​about themselves.”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

In​ ​what​ ​ways​ ​do​ ​you​ ​customize​ ​your​ ​ services​ ​depending​ ​on​ ​a​ ​client’s needs? ​“I​ ​may​ ​do​ ​some​ ​microdermabrasion​ ​on​ ​some​ ​ areas​ ​of​ ​the​ ​face ​but​ ​not others. ​I​ ​may​ ​do​ ​a​ ​ couple​ ​of​ ​different​ ​masks ​or​ ​different​ ​types​ ​ of exfoliation,​ ​etc.”

What​ ​in​ ​particular​ ​is​ ​unique​ ​about​ ​your​ ​ style​ ​and​ ​technique?

“Once​ ​someone​ ​comes​ ​in​to ​my​ ​room,​ ​it​ ​ is​ ​my​ ​hope​ ​that​ ​it​ ​is​ ​a​ ​safe​ ​space​ ​for them … that​ ​my​ ​room​ ​becomes​ ​theirs​ ​for​ ​the​ ​time​ ​ they​ ​are​ ​with​ ​me.​ ​​I​ believe ​that​ ​this​ ​is​ ​ important​ ​for everyone.”

How​​do you treat the whole client?

“Since​ ​skin​ ​is​ ​the​ ​largest​ ​organ​ ​of​ ​the​ ​body,​ ​ the​ ​whole​ ​client​ ​needs​ ​to​ ​be taken​ ​into​ ​consideration​ ​because​ ​it​ ​shows​ ​up​ ​on​ ​the​ ​skin​.”

Gayle​ ​Miller ​Owner/Esthetician ​20700​ ​Ventura​ ​Blvd.,​ Suite​ ​100,​ ​Unit​ ​19​ ​​ ​Woodland​ ​Hills 818​-9​ 63-0007 | beautyskinglow.com Is​ ​your​ ​approach​​ ​holistic? ​​​“Yes​ ​and​ ​no.​​ ​Due​ ​to​ ​my​ ​work​ ​with​ ​oncology​ ​ clients,​ ​I​ ​need​ ​to​ ​have​ ​very safe​ ​and​ ​natural​ ​ products.​ ​​I​ ​also ​have​ ​products​ ​for​ ​those​ ​ who​ ​like​ ​to​ ​‘get in​ ​there​ ​and​ ​get​ ​intense.’”

What​ ​is​ ​the​ ​most​ ​effective​ ​way​ ​for​ ​a​ ​ client​ ​to​ ​see​ ​fast​ ​results?

“Coming​ ​in​ ​for​ ​treatments​ ​regularly​ ​and​ ​ good​ ​home​ ​care.​ If​ ​there​ ​are breakouts,​ ​NO​ ​ PICKING!” Do​ ​you​ ​offer​ ​complimentary​ ​ refreshments?​ ​“I​ ​give​ ​a​ ​bottle​ ​of​ ​water​ ​after each​ ​service.”

Do​ ​you​ ​offer​ ​any​ ​specials​ for clients?​ “I offer 30%​ ​off​ a client’s ​first​ ​visit.​ ​​If​ ​ you rebook,​ ​you​ ​can​ ​still​ ​receive​ ​the​ ​ 30%​ ​off.”

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

89

1 2 3 09 VIEWCR E ST R D, ST U D I O C I TY $ 6 ,495,000 •

Extremely private

•

7,733 square foot interior space

•

Additional glass covered sun rooms

•

Long gated and hedged driveway

•

5 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms, Maid’s quarters

• •

2 full kitchens Lot over an acre and all usable

•

2 large grassy yards

•

Room for a pool and guest house

•

Carpenter School District

•

Close to Harvard-Westlake and Buckley Schools

•

South of Ventura Blvd

V i e w c r e s t E s t a t e .c o m

3 1 0. 9 03.1 876

real estate

EXQUISITE TRADITIONAL ESTATE

10433 Kling St, Toluca Lake Offered at $3,799,000 Represented by Craig Strong John Aaroe Group strongrealtor.com 10433kling.com 310.439.3225 See page 100 for more

EXCLUSIVE LUXURY LISTINGS

24002 LONG VALLEY ROAD | HIDDEN HILLS | $12,999,000

5382 SCOTT ROBERTSON ROAD | HIDDEN HILLS | $4,195,000

EMIL HARTOONIAN 310.990.0063 | MAURICIO UMANSKY 424.230.3701

KATHRIN NICHOLSON 310.963.6888

6 BEDS | 8 BATHS | 9,593 SQ. FT. | 67,953 SQ. FT. LOT

5 BEDS | 6 BATHS | 5,832 SQ. FT. | 57,266 SQ. FT. LOT

4715 ALONZO AVENUE | ENCINO | $4,295,000

25591 PRADO DE AZUL | CALABASAS | $4,195,000

JIMMY A. HIRSCH 310.413.7414

EMIL HARTOONIAN 310.990.0063 | ELLIE HARTOONIAN 818.262.2202

5 BEDS | 7 BATHS | 6,250 SQ. FT. | 19,039 SQ. FT. LOT

5 BEDS | 6 BATHS | 6,843 SQ. FT. | 17,072 SQ. FT. LOT

NEW PRICE

19321 WELLS DRIVE | TARZANA | $3,650,000

23341 OSTRONIC DRIVE | WOODLAND HILLS | $3,295,000

CRAIG KNIZEK 818.618.1006

JOHN TASHTCHIAN 818.968.2822

5 BEDS | 6.5 BATHS | 6,150 SQ. FT. | NEW HOUSE

An international associate of Savills

THE AGENCYRE.COM

6 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 7,400 SQ. FT. | 50,607 SQ. FT. LOT

97 STAGECOACH ROAD | BELL CANYON | $3,095,000

16863 MARMADUKE PLACE | ENCINO | $2,499,000

EMIL HARTOONIAN 310.990.0063 | JAMISON MALONE 805.660.6574 SARAH GHODSI 818.912.7476 | ELLIE HARTOONIAN 818.262.2202

ANDI YATES 310.924.2412

5 BEDS | 6 BATHS | 7,573 SQ. FT. | 47,480 SQ. FT. LOT

3 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 4,200 SQ. FT. | 19,308 SQ. FT. LOT

3868 VANALDEN AVENUE | TARZANA | $2,199,000

3724 BUENA PARK DRIVE | STUDIO CITY | $1,679,000

INGRID SACERIO 323.333.7018

INGRID SACERIO 323.333.7018

5 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 6,000 SQ. FT. | 17,899 SQ. FT. LOT

4 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 3,492 SQ. FT. | 15,801 SQ. FT. LOT

OFF-MARKET

5756 CANTALOUPE AVENUE | VALLEY GLEN | $1,165,000

3872 SHERWOOD PLACE | SHERMAN OAKS | $1,325,000

INGRID SACERIO 323.333.7018

CRAIG KNIZEK 818.618.1006 | KATHRIN NICHOLSON 310.963.6888

3 BEDS | 2.5 BATHS | 1,945 SQ. FT. | 8,107 SQ. FT. LOT

3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1,809 SQ. FT. | 11,843 SQ. FT. LOT

NEW PRICE

4107 VENTURA CANYON AVENUE | SHERMAN OAKS | $4,975,000 5 BEDS | 6 BATH | 7,357 SQ. FT. | 16,180 SQ. FT. LOT ICONIC ESTATE WITH GUEST HOUSE

OFF-MARKET

745 MORENO AVENUE | LOS ANGELES | $3,600,000

5 BEDS | 3 BATH | 2,995 SQ. FT. | 9,909 SQ. FT. LOT DUPLEX BEING USED AS MAIN HOUSE AND GUEST HOUSE

NEW LISTING

4152 GREENBUSH AVENUE | SHERMAN OAKS | $2,950,000 5 BEDS | 6 BATH | 4,821 SQ. FT. | 8,829 SQ. FT. LOT NEWER CONSTRUCTION DESIGNER DONE

NEW LISTING

8641 METZ PLACE | LOS ANGELES | $2,695,000

3 BEDS | 4 BATH | 2,244 SQ. FT. | 11,860 SQ. FT. LOT SUNSET STRIP VIEW PROPERTY

NEW LISTING

3319 CHARLESTON WAY | LOS ANGELES | $2,295,000 4 BEDS | 3 BATH | 3,258 SQ. FT. | 7,115 SQ. FT. LOT REMODELED VIEW ESTATE

NEW LISTING

4555 WINNETKA AVENUE | WOODLAND HILLS | $2,095.000 4 BEDS | 5 BATH | 4,826 SQ. FT. | 15,917 SQ. FT. LOT POOL, SPA AND OUTDOOR VIKING KITCHEN

ANDREA KORCHEK

ANDRE A.KORCHEK@THE AGENCYRE.COM 818.371.0933 An international associate of Savills

THE AGENCYRE.COM

The Finest Representation for the Finest Properties

T H E M O S T S P E C TA C U L A R S I T E D E S E R V E S T H E M O S T S P E C TA C U L A R H O M E . A W O R K O F A R T I N W H I C H S T Y L E , L U X U R Y,

RECORD-BREAKING SALE

A N D P R I VA C Y M E E T F O R T H E U LT I M AT E T R O P H Y E S TAT E .

RANCHO VIEW ESTATE | ENCINO | $20,000,000

8 BEDS | 12 BATH | 17,000 SQ. FT. | 130,637 SQ. FT. LOT

17085 RANCHO STREET | ENCINO | $8,750,000

7 BEDS | 8 BATH | 10,600 SQ. FT. | 67,058 SQ. FT. LOT

COMING SOON

WOODHILL CANYON ESTATE | STUDIO CITY | $8,500,000 3 HOUSES | 5 PARCELS | 159,452 SQ. FT. LOT

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

16780 OAK VIEW | ENCINO | PRICE UPON REQUEST

7 BEDS | 10 BATH | 10,109 SQ. FT. | 63,613 SQ. FT. LOT GUEST HOUSE COMPOUND CO-LISTED WITH MARK RUTSTEIN, PARTNERS TRUST

CRAIG KNIZEK

CKNIZEK@THE AGENCYRE.COM 818.618.1006 | CALBRE #01377932 An international associate of Savills

THE AGENCYRE.COM

MAY ALL YOUR

Holiday Dreams

$4,795,000 | 12958 Blairwood Dr, Studio City | 5BD/6BA C.Lucibello/A. Manning | 818.554.9798/818.380.2147

COME TRUE

Extending our best wishes of the holiday season to our clients and friends throughout the San Fernando Valley.

$2,580,000 | 2629 Bowring Dr, Altadena | 7BD/7BA C. Thomson/M. McIntyre | 626.484.5307/626.437.3643

Let us help you #FindYourPerfect.

SOLD $750,000 | 5230 Canoga Ave, Woodland Hills | 3BD/2BA R. C’Dealva/L. Kotal | 818.469.0800/818.825.9712

CALABASAS • 23925 Park Sorrento • 818.223.9100 | ENCINO • 16810 Ventura Boulevard • 818.50.4800 | SHERMAN OAKS ©2017 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions,

bhhscalifornia.com

$3,450,000 | 5000 White Oak Ave, Encino | 5BD/7½BA A. Manning/S. Jacoby | 818.380.2147

$2,799,000 | 17711 Karen Dr, Encino | 4BD/6BA Stephanie Payab | 818.269.2796

$2,595,000 | 23938 Aspen Wy, Calabasas | 8BD/6BA Jayme Colon | 818.554.1986

$2,150,000 | Custom View Home, Camarillo | 6BD/7½BA Ellyn Dembowski | 805.320.1206

$1,799,000 | 5025 Amigo Ave, Tarzana | 4BD/5BA Stephanie Payab | 818.269.2796

$1,395,000 | 4545 Matilija Ave, Sherman Oaks | 4BD/3BA Andrea Volore | 818.398.2539

$749,000 | 4304 Varsity St, Ventura | 3BD/2BA Jessica Purdy | 805.910.9353

$675,000 | 5101 Catalon Ave, Woodland Hills | 3BD/2BA R. C’Dealva/L. Kotal | 818.469.0800/818.825.9712

$9,600/mo | 4334 Farmdale Ave, Studio City | 4BD/4BA Gary & Traci Ruebsamen | 818.908.2420

-METRO ART • 14141 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 8 • 818.528.3200 | STUDIO CITY • 13300 Ventura Boulevard • 818.933.2400 and features of property. Info. is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Sellers will entertain and respond to all offers within this range. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. CalBRE 01317331

SO

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D

NEW LISTING in high demand ROYAL WOODS. FANTASTIC TRADITIONAL w/ CONTEMPORARY CLASS: $2,200,000 3508 Alana Dr. – Sherman Oaks. Stunning 5 Beds, 4 Baths, 4200 sq. ft. Formal entry. Den, Bonus room, Master Suite, entertainer’s back yard w/city light view. Pool, Deck. Westside access in minutes. Great Community Involvement. www.3508ALANA.com

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pr

ice p

ELEGANCE & BEAUTY! UPDATED ROYAL WOODS MID CENTURY: $2,000,000 15949 Tobin Way - Sherman Oaks. OVER 4500 Sq.ft, 5 Beds, 4 Baths. Beautiful home. Designer upgrades throughout, champagne & caviar! Pool & spa, views, deck, quiet culdesac street, EZ access to Westside. www.15949TobinWay.com

d en

ing

GREAT LOCATION IN ROYAL WOODS SINGLE LEVEL, VALLEY VIEWS: $1,400,000 15708 Castlewoods Dr – Sherman Oaks.

4 Beds, 3 Baths, near 3000 sq. ft, 12,000+ lot.

Quiet neighborhood, fast Westside and Valley access, first time on market in 40 years. Fabulous community.

L SO

D!

SWEETEST SPOT OF SHERMAN OAKS - White Picket Fence, Corner Lot, Won’t last! : $1,100,000 4480 Sherman Oaks Circle. 3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1700+ sq. ft. Move in perfect! Huge Rear Yard. www.4480SHERMANOAKSCIRCLE.com

BILLY WYNN

818-261-3400

text/cell billywynn@pacbell.net | www.billywynn.net

olson estates

“No agent has more transactions in Royal Woods of Sherman Oaks than Billy”

ng Co

ratulations

MATTEPSTEIN.COM SOMATT@AOL.COM 818-789-7408

to

Matt Epstein #1 #2 #5

Agent San Fernando Valley Agent Los Angeles Agent Nationwide for

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Follow me on Facebook: MattEpsteinRealty Top one-half of 1 percent of more than 1,250,000 REALTORS® nationwide

Follow me on Twitter: @SoMattEpstein CalBRE# 01121162

With proven results from the market leader, why call anybody else?

3421 Wrightwood Dr - SC - $2,995,000- 4Br+2.5Ba in 3,672 SqFt on a 15,607 SqFt lot- Amazing Views in this private gated Mid-Century Modern in the hills of Studio City. Features a formal living room w/ soaring exposed beam ceilings, fireplace, lots of natural light. Master suite has a spacious spa-style bathroom. The backyard has a covered patio, pool, outside shower, and a chinese garden with matured fruit trees.

#KeepingItRealEstate

3727 Meadville Dr. – SO - $2,495,000 – 4Br+3.5Ba in 4,877 SqFt on a 10,732 Lot – S. of the blvd contemporary home in highly sought after SO area. Living room w/ walls of glass & FP. Updated kitchen w/ wood floors & stainless appliances.

Master suite w FP + huge BA w spa tub.

Backyard has amazing views, pool & spa & covered patios.

3751 Multiview Dr. - SC - $2,499,000 - 4Br+5Ba in 3,800 SqFt on a 34,936 SqFt Lot – This contemporary home is situated in of the most scenic enclaves in Studio City. Feat. An open floor plan, gorgeous flooring, thoughtful amenities, pool & large, lush front/back yards.

Ideal venue for intimate gatherings or large scale entertaining.

4117 Davana Rd.–SO- $1,450,000 -3Br+2Ba in 2,099 SqFt on a 10,056 SqFt Lot –Traditional single family residence in a great, quiet neighborhood nearby all the great restaurants in Sherman Oaks. The updated kitchen features ss appliances and ample cabinets. The backyard has an upper terrace with ample space to entertain or to put a pool in.

13068 Greenleaf St. – SC- $1,250,000 – 3Br+2Ba in 1,925 SqFt on a 6,551 Lot Incredible S. of the Blvd. traditional home located in the heart of Studio City!

The bright formal living room features wood floors, French doors and backyard access. There are 3 bedrooms including a separate large master suite with a private bathroom. The home is on a street to street lot with room for a pool!

Call for your FREE market analysis! ©2016 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting this information. Based on information obtained from the MLS as of (11/1/2016). Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. CalBRE 1317331

STRONG REALTOR TOP 1% NATIONWIDE 2016

10433 KLING ST, TOLUCA LAKE AVAILABLE | OFFERED AT $3,799,000

SOLD OVER $100 MILLION IN 2016

6Bd | 7Ba | 6,700± sf | 18,998± sf lot

AVAILABLE | TOLUCA LAKE

4258 Forman Ave

AVAILABLE | TOLUCA LAKE

$2,950,000

AVAILABLE | TOLUCA LAKE

5121 Auckland Ave

10403 Valley Spring Ln

$22,000,000 $2,685,000

AVAILABLE | VENICE

$979,000

AVAILABLE | TOLUCA LAKE

235 S Main St #317

$1,595,000

AVAILABLE | BURBANK

CRAIG STRONG Executive Director, Aaroe Estates 310.439.3225 CalBRE 01450987 10225 Valley Spring Ln

$3,996,000

820 Grinnell Dr

$4,700,000

STRONGREALTOR.COM #1 AGENT SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

John Aaroe Group does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size, or other information concerning the condition or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from public records and other sources and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. CalBRE 01450987

TOLUCA LAKE

10433 Kling St $3,799,000

find open houses now

Exquisite traditional estate in Toluca Lake. ‘Smart Home’.

Enchanting resort-style pool and gardens. Guest cottage.

aaroe.com

10433kling.com Craig Strong 310.439.3225

SHERMAN OAKS VALLEY VILLAGE

12515 Addison St Lieberman & Gerber

ENCINO

$2,849,000 818.535.8755

ENCINO

4656 Balboa Ave Alan Taylor

$2,750,000 818.650.1603

VALLEY VILLAGE

3717 Bobstone Dr $1,395,000 Contemporary modern home with 3bd, 3ba and beautiful grounds.

3717bobstone.aaroe.site 17428 Oak Creek Crt Kevin Driscoll

$2,499,000 818.398.0797

ENCINO

$1,749,500 310.995.0900

STUDIO CITY

18030 Rancho St Kristin Neithercut

SHERMAN OAKS

11931 Hesby St Joan Duffy

$1,749,000 323.397.0800

STUDIO CITY

TOLUCA LAKE

12171 Valleyheart Dr Jarnigan & Binamo

BEVERLY HILLS

BRENTWOOD

Ridgway & Stambulski 818.519.3180

VALLEY GLEN

$1,230,000 818.521.4535

SUNSET STRIP

5704 Matilija Ave Patty Ray

BALDWIN HILLS/VIEW PARK

$1,159,000 818.406.1853

PASADENA

DOWNTOWN LA

John Aaroe Group does not guarantee the accuracy of sq. footage, lot size, or other info concerning the condition or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from public records and other sources and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy.

MICHAEL BERGIN |

LUXURY ESTATES DIRECTOR

FOR SALE

COMING SOON

Offered at $1,399,000

Offered at $3,200,000

4457 Camellia Avenue, Studio City

3724 Dixie Canyon Avenue, Sherman Oaks

JUST SOLD

JUST SOLD

Offered at $2,599,000

Offered at $2,599,000

4548 Van Noord Avenue, Studio City

4177 Kraft Avenue, Studio City

JUST SOLD

4557 Cartwright Avenue, Toluca Lake Offered at $1,199,000

“ YO U R # 1 N E I G H B O R H O O D E X P E RT ”

MICHAEL BERGIN | 310.600.0715 | BerginHomes@gmail.com | CalBRE 01845572 FRIEND

FAMILY

NEIGHBOR

REALTOR©

John Aaroe Group does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size, or other information concerning the condition or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from public records and other sources and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. CalBRE 01845572

PROPERTIES SOLD BY ALAN TAYLOR IN 2017!

13227 McCormick St, Sherman Oaks 4719 Atoll Ave, Sherman Oaks 1408 Torres Dr, Glendale 3946 Davana Rd, Sherman Oaks 4620 Rubio Ave, Encino 19250 Hamlin St #4, Reseda 6556 Murietta Ave, Sherman Oaks 5008 Bluebell Ave, Valley Village 4180 Klump Ave, Studio City 4828 Noble Ave, Sherman Oaks 4443 Ventura Cyn Ave #105, Sherman Oaks 4755 White Oak Place, Encino 14270 Gruen St, Arleta 4439 Ethel Ave, Studio City 5958 Yarmouth Ave, Encino 4342 Gentry Ave #10, Studio City 4518 Wortser Ave, Studio City 4660 Varna Ave, Sherman Oaks 19174 Doral Pl, Northridge 5435 Wortser Ave, Sherman Oaks 857 Via Colinas, Westlake Village 4477 Woodman #107, Sherman Oaks 4517 Ethel Ave, Studio City 12621 Milbank St, Studio City 15732 Lassen St, North Hills 4850 Longridge Ave, Sherman Oaks 6938 Laurel Canyon #211, North Hollywood 4107 Garden Ave, Los Angeles 3301 Longridge Terrace, Sherman Oaks 13227 McCormick St, Sherman Oaks 4719 Atoll Ave, Sherman Oaks 1408 Torres Dr, Glendale 3946 Davana Rd, Sherman Oaks 4620 Rubio Ave, Encino 19250 Hamlin St #4, Reseda 6556 Murietta Ave, Sherman Oaks 5008 Bluebell Ave, Valley Village 4180 Klump Ave, Studio City 4828 Noble Ave, Sherman Oaks 4443 Ventura Cyn Ave #105, Sherman Oaks 4755 White Oak Place, Encino 14270 Gruen St, Arleta 4439 Ethel Ave, Studio City 5958 Yarmouth Ave, Encino 4342 Gentry Ave #10, Studio City 4518 Wortser Ave, Studio City 4660 Varna Ave, Sherman Oaks 19174 Doral Pl, Northridge 5435 Wortser Ave, Sherman Oaks 857 Via Colinas, Westlake Village 4477 Woodman #107, Sherman Oaks 4517 Ethel Ave, Studio City 12621 Milbank St, Studio City 15732 Lassen St, North Hills 4850 Longridge Ave, Sherman Oaks 6938 Laurel Canyon #211, North Hollywood 4107 Garden Ave, Los Angeles 3301 Longridge Terrace, Sherman Oaks 13227 McCormick St, Sherman Oaks 4719 Atoll Ave, Sherman Oaks 1408 Torres Dr, Glendale 3946 Davana Rd, Sherman Oaks 4620 Rubio Ave, Encino 19250 Hamlin St #4, Reseda 6556 Murietta Ave, Sherman Oaks 5008 Bluebell Ave, Valley Village 4180 Klump Ave, Studio City 4828 Noble Ave, Sherman Oaks 4443 Ventura Cyn Ave #105, Sherman Oaks 4755 White Oak Place, Encino 14270 Gruen St, Arleta 4439 Ethel Ave, Studio City 5958 Yarmouth Ave, Encino 4342 Gentry Ave #10, Studio City 4518 Wortser Ave, Studio City 4660 Varna Ave, Sherman Oaks

ALAN TAYLOR Director, Aaroe Estates Trust and Probate Top 1% Nationwide

818.650.1603

Info@AlanTaylorRealEstate.com | AlanTaylorRealEstate.com Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size, or other information concerning the condition or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from public records and other sources and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. CalBRE 01369255

Nobody does it better...

sold

4121 Longridge Ave., Sherman Oaks $7,350,000 www.NewLongridgeEstate.com

sold

3833 Hayvenhurst Dr., Encino $3,799,000 www.RoyalOaksColony.com

sold

16214 Morrison St., Encino $1,539,660 www.HomeOnMorrison.com

#1 Agent

Rodeo Realty San Fernando Valley

sold

3925 Archdale Rd., Encino $5,499,000 www.ArchdaleEstate.com

sold

5421 Amestoy Ave., Encino $2,350,000 www.AmestoyAvenueEstate.com

sold

16716 Alginet Pl., Encino $1,532,500 Encino Hills

just listed

17437 Palora St., Encino $4,495,000 www.PaloraEstate.com

sold

4811 Encino Ter., Encino $2,199,000 www.EncinoTerraceEstate.com

sold

14839 Round Valley Dr., Sherman Oaks $1,520,000 www.RoundValleyDrive.com

sold

16167 Royal Oak Rd., Encino $4,449,000 Royal Oaks

sale pending

3856 Vista Linda Dr., Encino $1,599,000 www.VistaLindaEstate.com

active

19660 Greenbriar Dr., Tarzana $1,349,000 www.HouseOnGreenbriar.com

818.285.3688

www.CarolWolfe.com

CalBRE #00477745

Mortgage Capital Partners

Purchase & Refinance

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Who is actively managing your mortgage?

I manage my client’s mortgages which in many cases is the biggest liability they have. You have people managing your assets, but who is managing your biggest liability? I constantly monitor your mortgage for opportunities to meet your goals like maximizing monthly cash flow or minimizing the interest you pay over the life of the loan. Call Now for your Free Mortgage Review.

Trevor Lane - Your Local Mortgage Expert and Sherman Oaks Resident

Trevor Lane Vice President, Mortgage Lending

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BRANCHES

818.971.9380 cell/text

L.A. Westside (Main Office)

Beverly Hills

Newport Beach

Calabasas

Westlake Village

Venice

tlane@mortgcap.com

NMLS #531594, CALBRE #01814408 Mortgage Capital Partners

mortgagecapitalpartners.com

12400 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 900 Los Angeles, CA 90025

23564 Calabasas Road, Suite 204W Calabasas, CA 91302

9595 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 205 Beverly Hills, CA 90212 5701 Lindero Canyon Road, Ste 203 Westlake, CA 91362

1200 Newport Center Dr. Suite #185 Newport Beach, CA 92660 1842 Washington Way Venice, CA 90291

This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. Minimum FICO, reserve, and other requirements apply. Programs are subject to change at any time until locked in. LTVs are based on appraised value. Not all applicants will qualify. Mortgage Capital Partners, Inc. is a lender under California Real Estate License #01858965.

NMLS #239902. © 2017 Mortgage Capital Partners, Inc.

Oren David Mordkowitz ESTATES DIRECTOR | REALTOR ® CalBRE License #01246402 818-933-5866 oren@orenestates.com

JUST LISTED

JUST LISTED

NEW CONSTRUCTION

NEW CONSTRUCTION

www.4143HayvenhurstDrive.com

www.4957Edgerton.com

4143 Hayvenhurst Drive | $4,199,000

4957 Edgerton Avenue | $3,249,000

JUST LISTED

IN ESCROW

www.5406RheaAve.com

www.16613OldhamPlace.com

www.16725OakViewDrive.com

5406 Rhea Avenue $1,189,000

16613 Oldham Place $2,199,000

16725 Oak View Drive $1,249,000

IN ESCROW

SOLD

SOLD

www.4046StrawberryPlace.com

4046 Strawberry Place $1,589,000

17067 Escalon Drive $1,249,000

www.OrenEstates.com

17230 Luverne Place $1,620,000

datebook

Open House

Saturday

____

horaceheidtestates.com haleakalaapartments.com

818.784.8211 818.784.8212

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

2017

14

VENTURA BLVD | NOVEMBER 2017

@hheidtestates

@horaceheidtestates

@horaceheidt

Integrity. Experience. Service.

Every home is different, and so is every homebuyer. That’s why I’ve spent 23 years focusing on meeting the unique needs of every home loan client. As your lending specialist, I’ll take the time to understand your priorities and help you find the best possible financing solution.

Trust your home loan to John Musso

As a Bank of America lending specialist, I can offer you: • Low, competitive rates — call for a personalized quote • A range of loan options, from loans with lower down payments to loans for higher-value homes • Integrity, experience and personalized service so you can feel confident throughout the home loan process • Jumbo loans up to $5 million on owner-occupied properties, and up to $2 million on second homes1

Enjoy the peace of mind of working with a dedicated mortgage professional.

I’m looking forward to helping you get started.

Wealth Management Lending Officer, VP President’s Club NMLS ID: 448606 818-518-1008 Office johnmusso@bankofamerica.com mortgage.bankofamerica.com/johnmusso

Contact me today.

Minimum down payment requirements vary by property type and location. Loan amount, interest-only payment option, loan-to-value percentage, property and/or occupancy type may require a higher level of reserves and/or post-closing liquidity. For loan amounts greater than $3 million, certain minimum reserve amounts are required to be held in a Bank of America and/or its affiliates (Merrill Lynch and/or U.S. Trust) account. Two separate full appraisals may be required. Excellent credit required, including proof of recent consistent housing payment history. Not available on all loan programs. Other restrictions apply, ask for details.

Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. l Equal Housing Lender. © 2017 Bank of America Corporation. HL-121-AD ARDC33CJ 11/2016 1

last word

Tradition…and Tamales A family changes, but their holiday tradition remains the same.

WRITTEN BY KATHLEEN LACCINOLE | ILLUSTRATION BY CHRISTINE GEORGIADES

My grandmother and her eleven brothers and sisters came from Yuma, Arizona, a town bordering Mexico and “the iceberg lettuce capital of the world.” They were “border people,” and the Mexican culture, namely the food, slipped into our DNA as naturally as chips into salsa.

In the 1940s, when the family relocated to LA for the war effort, most landed in Venice, with its ocean air and rich MexicanAmerican culture. In the ‘70s, my immediate family moved to the Valley. By then, cousins had spread across the city like stars in an Arizona sky. But it was always the Mexican food that brought us together for birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, funerals … the elders enjoying a smoke, telling stories, telling jokes while kids ran wild, eating watermelon and taquitos.

The Yuma generation passed, along with the conventions of their time. Gone were the days when families lived in the same house, neighborhood and city. Gone were our bridge nights, poker tables, and vast yards studded with folding chairs topped by aunties and uncles, with stories of the Yuma days traditions blowing away like sand in a Venice breeze. We needed reunification—a way to

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VENTURA BLVD | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

pass stories to the next generation, to keep the family alive. The answer was tamales.

Tamales are a timeless tradition for many Mexican families; a special occasion meal because of the work involved in preparation.

For most, they’re a Christmas treat. For us, making tamales is a rebirth and a womenonly event—aprons and all.

“Tamale Day” started 35 years ago when a Mexican cousin-in-law came to our house with her daughter. She taught us everything we needed to know about making tamales and had strict quality control. Our crowd got a bit bawdy and the daughter learned a little too much about the facts of life. They never joined us again.

And so it began: On any given December day, my sister and cousin Debbie make the early morning trek to Carrillo’s in Canoga Park, standing in line for the best masa (corn paste) in town. My mom makes red chili, and everyone brings a shredded chicken.

Driving from as far as Northern Arizona, the women of my extended family gather in my mom’s kitchen, each taking a task: huskers, spreaders, fillers, baggers and cleanup.

We form an assembly line of sorts and work without a break until we have hundreds of

tamales, always more than the previous year.

Chatter centers on stories of the past, events in the coming year and gossip … culminating in a lunchtime feast replete with beer, beans, shellroni salad (a rogue addition, but family tradition nonetheless), fresh tortillas and the spoils of our labor. Everyone is packed up and on their way by midday, when time stands still until next year, when we meet again.

Our numbers go up and down, as does our weight. We age. We have babies.

Some have passed, others have joined.

And “Tamale Day” continues; the one time a year we can count on seeing each other to reconnect and keep the family alive.

We can’t bring back the past, but we can hold memories like sand in our hands, tightly, so it doesn’t blow away. We can pass family traditions to the ones who come next, wrapped with a ribbon like a holiday gift … wrapped in a cornhusk like a Christmas tamale. ■ Kathleen Laccinole is a freelance writer based in Sherman Oaks. For more of her work, go to kathleenlaccinole.com or pcharlottelindsay.com.

Andrew & Harriet Results That Will Move You! SO

LD

4529 Gloria Ave, Encino $4,225,000

SO

SO

SO

LD

16067 Valley Wood Rd, Sherman Oaks $3,500,000

SO

LD

16998 Encino HIlls Dr, Encino $2,710,000

4701 Hayvenhurst Ave, Encino $3,425,000

SO

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5128 Libbit Ave, Encino $2,700,000

16634 Oak View Dr, Encino $2,295,000

Andrew & Harriet Did It Again!

Recent Sales 4529 Gloria Ave, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,225,000 16067 Valley Wood Rd, Sherman Oaks. . . . $3,500,000 (represented both Buyer & Seller) 4701 Hayvenhurst Ave, Encino. . . . . . . . . . $3,425,000 (represented both Buyer & Seller) 5450 Topeka Dr, Tarzana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,753,750 16998 Encino Hills Dr, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,710,000 5128 Libbit Ave, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,700,000 16341 Meadowridge Rd, Encino. . . . . . . . . $2,392,500 3932 Vantage Ave, Studio City. . . . . . . . . . . $2,300,000 (represented both Buyer & Seller)

17149 McCormick St, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,273,880 4441 Densmore Ave, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,225,000 16634 Oak View Dr, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,137,200 14540 Valley Vista Bl, Sherman Oaks. . . . . . $1,970,000 3531 Alana Dr, Sherman Oaks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,860,000 16055 Meadowcrest Rd, Sherman Oaks. . . . $1,720,000 3619 Cananea Dr, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,650,000 15459 Dickens St, Sherman Oaks. . . . . . . . . . $1,630,000 16618 Oak View Court, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,560,000 (represented both Buyer & Seller) 14825 Sutton St, Sherman Oaks. . . . . . . . . . . $1,500,000

AndrewSpitz.com

HarrietCameron.com

BRE#924610 RealtorÂŽ

BRE#675971 RealtorÂŽ

818-817-4284

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818-380-2151

2017 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property.

Information is obtained from various sources and will not be vafified by broker or MLS. CalBRE 01317331

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HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s17) The Walking Dead © 2017 AMC Film Holdings LLC. All Rights Reserved. ©2017 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 17-ADV-22191