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Artist Alli Conrad

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Record stores that are surprising and thriving.

The Bar—Handrolls by Seabutter in Studio City.

Bacari in Sherman Oaks.

The Soraya’s Thor Steingraber reflects on the past 10 years.

A peek into the stunning home of showbiz power couple Rachel and Terry Winter.

The most stylish way to visit Napa.

Locals spotted out and about.

A preview of the best of art and culture this spring.

Longing for Provence? Take a shortcut to Cal-a-Vie.

The joys of an early-morning ritual.

The Salit Conservatory of Music.

Experience Colorado’s westward slope.

Meet the people who lead some of the best schools in Los Angeles.

Top-notch real estate professionals in the Valley.

Spectacular local listings.

Conrad photographed by Monica Orozco

Toscano Gold Collection Textured Necklace, 14K Gold, $899

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Editorial

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Linda Grasso

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Darren Elms

COPY EDITORS Bob Howells, Laura L. Watts

CONTRIBUTORS

Robert Earle Howells, Chelsee Lowe, Richard Lowe

Hadley Hall Meares, Jennie Nunn, Steve Seidel, Maira Suro

Creative

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Michelle Villas

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ajay Peckham, Yuiko Sugino

DIGITAL MARKETING Paul Fisher

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Becker, Jeffrey Fiterman, Jakob Layman, Luis Luque, Shane O’Donnell, Monica Orozco

Sales

CO-GROUP PUBLISHER Jill Epstein 213-309-0052 | jill.epstein@thegoldenstatecompany.com

CO-GROUP PUBLISHER Syd Hersh 310-890-0107 | syd.hersh@thegoldenstatecompany.com

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

Signature Diamond Stud Earrings, 18K Gold, $5,299

Open Heart Diamond Ring, 14K Gold, $1,899

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VENTURA BLVD IS A DIVISION OF THE GOLDEN STATE COMPANY

CO-CHAIRMEN

Charlie Koones Todd Klawin

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

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TO OUR READERS: Ventura Blvd welcomes your feedback. Please send letters to: Reader Response Department, Ventura Blvd at address below. Include your name, address and email. Edited letters may be published. 200 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 110, El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel 310-376-7800 | Fax 310-376-0200 | ourventurablvd.com

What A Ride

I wrote my December editor’s letter in an upbeat mood as we headed into the holiday season. Six weeks later, with the wildfires that have ravaged our city, much has changed. The loss of life; all the people who have lost homes—lost entire communities. It is gut-wrenching to the core. The day after the evacuation order was lifted in my neighborhood, I drove north back into the Valley. My spirits soared at the sight of the pristine Sepulveda Pass and majestic San Gabriel Mountains in the distance, but that feeling was quickly overshadowed by survivor’s guilt. I’m sure some of you feel that too. What can we do to assuage that? Help others in need and be kind to one another. In this time of stress and uncertainty, a little kindness goes a long way.

When I first started this job as editor of Ventura Blvd magazine back in January 2011 (see that first cover along with some of our favorites over the years on opposite page), I was flying by the seat of my pants. I’d been an on-air journalist for 16 years, took a few years off to raise our sons, and then tried to reenter the job market. I experienced a rude awakening. Many employers believe that caring for children somehow expunges a person’s smarts, skills, education and drive.

Another challenge: With the rise of social media, the news landscape was changing. No matter the source (or lack of one), credentials or experience, everyone and their brother was holding a microphone and delivering “news.” I couldn’t go back. The VB opportunity arose, and quite candidly, I thought I’d do it only until

something better came along.

Fourteen years later, I’m still here. Turns out I’m every bit as much of a magazine editor as I was an entertainment correspondent and news anchor/reporter. I’ve always joked that in my next life I’d like to come back as a fusion of Martha Stewart and Ina Garten. VB encapsulates all of my passions: cooking, gardening, interior design, fashion and photography. A bonus: My job introduced me to my community. I’d lived in the Valley for 15 years, but never really felt like a part of it. Now I do. And so many of the people I’ve met on the job have become cherished friends.

Back in 2011, we realized that kicking off a print magazine in the digital media age would be a challenge. But we beat the odds, publishing VB for 14 fabulous years. We were thrilled to survive the pandemic, yet 2020 presented a new set of challenges: Paper, printing and mailing costs rose dramatically.

The first time I sat down to write my editor’s letter, I thought: Why am I writing this? I never read editor’s letters! I always jump ahead to the good stuff. But that proved to be wrong thinking. Over the years, I’ve received so many emails, texts, DMs and LinkedIn messages about my editor’s letters—which at times have been very personal—as well as about the magazine. It’s been tremendously rewarding.

If I thought that first letter was hard to write, this one is even harder. Due to the economic challenges I’ve mentioned, this issue will be our last.

PHOTOGRAPHED

ventura blvd

I want to thank my terrific team. They not only trained me, but once I’d settled in as editor and started integrating my tastes into the magazine, they went to the ends of the earth to please me. Editorial director at our parent company, The Golden State Company, Darren Elms (who is also editor of our sister publication Southbay magazine), art director and my true partner in creating each issue Michelle Villas, co-publishers Jill Epstein and Syd Hersh, copy editor Bob Howells, profiles editor Laura Watts, photographer Shane O’Donnell and

illustrator Yuiko Sugino.

I also want to thank all our advertisers, some of whom believed in us since the very beginning. And finally I want to thank you, our readers, for giving us your rapt attention, and for all the buoying feedback over the years. It has been an honor and a pleasure.

Please keep in touch with me via my email linda@ thegoldenstatecompany.com and Instagram @she_sez. Stay safe.

Linda Grasso, Editor-in-Chief

Thank you for 14 terrific years of support in helping Ventura Blvd share about, connect with and celebrate our vibrant Valley community. We could not have done it without you.

ROBIN SANDERS • SUE WILLIAMS • DALE TIFFANY • HARRIET CAMERON (IN MEMORIAM) • CAROL WOLFE • ALDIK HOME • VALLEY RELICS MUSEUM • ANDREW SPITZ • THE SORAYA • LISA CERONE • LAZAR’S LUGGAGE • JENNY BIRCHFIELD-EICK • WISTERIA • MICHAEL BECKER • ANDREW MANNING • CRAIG STRONG • DAYNA CAMPBELL • MARLENE GEIBELSON • STEPHANIE PAYAB • CRAIG KNIZEK • CHELSEE LOWE • RICHARD LOWE • WOOD & WATER • TINA’S TREES • OSTERIA LA BUCA • CASITA • TAISHO • VITELLO’S • MATT EPSTEIN • CHRIS LUCIBELLO • KEVIN DEES • TAMEKA JACOBS • MICHAEL BERGIN • OREN DAVID MORDKOWITZ • DANIELLE PERETZ • MAIRA SURO • THE VERED • LA FURNITURE • ANDREW COHEN • MICHAEL A. PERSKI • ROBERT FOX • BEN BRIDGE JEWELER • KAREN SILVER • STANLEY SILVER FINE ARTS • JEFFREY SAAD • TERRANEA RESORT • ROSE EICHENBAUM • LAURENCE SCHOOL • DE TOLEDO HIGH SCHOOL • BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL • BEL AIR PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL • VIEWPOINT SCHOOL • SKIRBALL CENTER • KAREN YOUNG • THE WALLIS • LA PHILHARMONIC • LISA ZIFF DESIGNS • LOVI’S DELI • LIVELLE MULHOLLAND • EF ACADEMY • HRC FERTILITY • THE COUNTRY SCHOOL • COSMETIC INJECTABLES CENTER • VIBRATO GRILL • VERSE • CENTER THEATRE GROUP • MERCADO • DEUX BISTRO • THE VILLAGE • NEAT METHOD • GINA MICHELLE • GEORGE OUZOUNIAN • ANDREW DINSKY • TWIN CAPITAL • JOHN MUSSO • BLVD STEAK • MENDOCINO FARMS • TANYA MONAGHAN • KARA MICKELSON • DANA ASHER LEVINE • JENNY KARL • SHERYL MARCUS • JOSHUA LURIE • HESCHEL SCHOOL • LA JEWISH HEALTH • ROB DIAZ • ORIT SROUR DESIGNS • MARYMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL • BARRY DANTAGNAN • THE HELP GROUP • DIGNITY HEALTH • PROVIDENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER • BETH LASKI • ECO LANDSCAPE • DEGAS DANCE • CHAMPS CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL • STRATFORD SCHOOL • VALLEY BETH SHALOM DAY SCHOOL • KAHAN ORTHODONTICS • CAMPBELL HALL • OAKWOOD SCHOOL • GENE RUBINSTEIN • SIERRA CANYON SCHOOL • JEFFREY FITERMAN • HADLEY HALL MEARES • OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL • HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL • ALAN TAYLOR • PASADENA PLAYHOUSE • THE MILKEN SCHOOL • SHIRLI DEPAS DINER • ELLIOTT M. HIRSCH • ADI LIVYATAN • DENNIS CHERNOV • KEVIN PANE • BRIAN PANE • MICHAEL OKUN • CHLOE KING • ALLISON KNIZEK • PEGGY JO ABRAHAM • SCOTT MORRIS • THE WESLEY SCHOOL • STEAMER CLEANERS • THE BUCKLEY SCHOOL • ERNIE WISH • PROVIDENCE TARZANA FOUNDATION • LAURIE RASKIN • TAMEKA JACOBS • JANE ULMAN • • ANNE RUSSELL MONICA OROZCO • TARZANA MEDICAL CENTER SNYDER DIAMOND • UNIVERSAL APPLIANCES • PROVIDENCE TARZANA HOSPITAL PAULINE ADAMEK • WESTFIELD TOPANGA • WESTFIELD FASHION SQUARE • TOLBERT CENTER • TRISTONE & TILE • MIA CAPANNA • GARRETT MCKECHNIE • JEAN TRINH • CHRISTINA RICE • DIMA OTVERTCHENKO • JENNIE NUNN • STEFAN SLATER • CARA HARMAN • LAUREN TAYLOR • DIGNITY HEALTH • FACEY MEDICAL • DIANE HAITHMAN • TREND OFFSET PRINTING

Custom silk trees with real trunks

MASTER COLLABORATOR

THOR STEINGRABER, EXECUTIVE AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE SORAYA, REFLECTS ON 10+ YEARS OF BRINGING DIVERSE, WORLD-CLASS PERFORMING ARTS TO THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY.

Written by Robert Earle Howells

There’s no pigeonholing The Soraya. Classical? Sure. Chamber? Of course. Jazz? Lots of it. Dance? Twyla Tharp’s troupe is on the way. So is Ballet Folklórico de México. Big philharmonic orchestras, intimate evenings with singers and instrumentalists, a mariachi opera, a trilogy honoring endangered California trees, a virtuoso mandolin player rocking Vivaldi. Performances in Spanish. Performances in English. Performances that transcend language. If you’re looking for a common thread to characterize the docket at the Valley’s premier performing arts center—well, good luck with that.

It’s tempting to say that the eclectic range of events at The Soraya reflects the broad tastes and experience of its executive/artistic director, Thor Steingraber. That’s probably true. But Thor himself would sidestep that and point to the Valley itself to explain the diversity of the arts on display in the 1,700-seat venue on the campus of Cal State Northridge.

“It’s important to us as stewards of a community,” says Thor, “to celebrate the richness and the diversity of the Valley.”

Which is why Thor—rather than recounting programming triumphs and highlights like Joshua Bell or Yo-Yo Ma—leaps with pride into extolling the center’s Spanish-language events.

“The San Fernando Valley is one of the largest Spanishlanguage populations of any city in the United States. And CSUN is one of the three largest Hispanic-serving institutions in the United States. It was clear to me when I came to The Soraya that that would be one of our priorities. And

that audience loves being at The Soraya.”

Thor describes with delight how three generations of Hispanic Valley dwellers will attend in large groups such shows as the premiere of the mariachi opera or an evening with Chucho Valdés, and hang out for hours afterward in The Soraya lobby.

Which leads to Thor’s guiding principle when it comes to The Soraya’s programs: “They’re all a vehicle for community,” he says. “What’s most interesting to me is bringing people together for a positive experience. When you come to a show, you set all differences aside. To share an armrest with a stranger can be a profound experience when you’re getting lost in, immersed in, a concert or performance.”

That The Soraya offers such a range of performances to become immersed in does indeed owe to Thor’s own background in the arts and his proclivity for bringing performers together in synergetic, collaborative ways.

The Chicago native attended Indiana University, where he studied theater and sang in the choir. “That’s a big part of who I am—not just because of what it means musically, but also because singing in choir is its own collaborative activity.”

Choir led Thor to a passion for opera—not as a singer, but as an opera director. Opera, he explains, is the ultimate collaborative art form, embracing theater, music and the visual arts—not to mention a diversity of languages.

“Starting from the age of 22, I was very accustomed to working in a language that was not necessarily my own,” he recalls. “That really does influence the international flavor of some of our programming at The Soraya. I truly think that music and dance translate across all languages and cultures.”

Thor’s 20-year career in opera spanned time at the Lyric Opera Chicago as well as venues such as Lincoln Center, Santa Fe Opera, New York City Opera, and numerous productions at LA Opera. He worked with conductors such as Zubin Mehta, singers such as Renee Fleming and Placido Domngo, directors such as Julie Taymor, and artists such as David Hockney and Maurice Sendak. “There’s no end to the breadth of collaborators that you hang out with in an opera house,” Thor says with a chuckle.

“IT’S IMPORTANT TO US AS STEWARDS OF A COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE THE RICHNESS AND THE DIVERSITY OF THE VALLEY.”

“That’s really the coolest thing about opera.”

Opera ultimately led him to Los Angeles, where he was VP of programming for the LA County Music Center before joining what was then called the Valley Performing Arts Center in 2014.

Three years into his tenure in Northridge, Thor met with philanthropists Younes and Soraya Nazarian, who were considering a substantial gift to the center. Thor recalls Younes Nazarian challenging him with a question: “How is it that my friends in Beverly Hills would come here for a performance?”

Thor admits that he took a gamble with his reply: “Mr. Nazarian, this building was not built for your friends in Beverly Hills. They are very welcome here. But this venue was built for the 1.8 million people of the San Fernando Valley. Every decision I make is in service to those 1.8 million people. And your friends can come too.”

Younes smiled at his response. The endowment came through: $17 million. And hence the center is now known as the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts: The Soraya.

Commitment to the Valley community and a penchant for orchestrating collaborations have guided programming at the center ever since. Thor has a knack for introducing great artists and ensembles to one another and drawing out amazing synergistic performances. Recent case in point: The Soraya brought brilliant young New York-based pianist Conrad Tao to Northridge last November for an evening centered around the centennial of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” But the concert was far more than a piano recital. Thor paired Tao with the LA-based Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra for a roof-raising rendition of “Rhapsody,” and with another LA orchestra, Wild Up, for a varied set. Then the two orchestras combined with Tao for the premiere of an arrangement (by John Clayton) of Gershwin’s “Fascinating Rhythm.”

It was thrilling for both the audience and the performers. “I would never have had the chance to work with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra or Wild Up,” said Conrad Tao, “let alone both of them, without the muscle The Soraya has to make these things happen.”

“It doesn’t take a genius to program Emanuel Ax, Terence Blanchard or the London Philharmonic,” says Thor. “But curating is putting performances side by side such that the audience trusts you and then is willing to step outside the box and have new experiences.”

Of course, curating compelling performances entails plenty of challenges. “Programming is not like grocery shopping,” says Thor. “You don’t simply make a list and go pluck things off a shelf.” Instead, he likens the process to air-traffic control. Juggling the availability of high-demand artists, negotiating with them, and dealing with scheduling complications “looks a lot like a busy approach to LAX—a lot of information coming in. You have to sort it all and hope it doesn’t crash.”

Plus there’s the reality of competing in one of the most crowded entertainment markets in the U.S., where some large organizations require exclusivity terms from artists. “That means that all music and arts venues are competing for both audiences and artists,” laments Thor. “I think Los Angeles can do better than that. Most artists can appear in the nation’s second largest city more than once in a year.”

As for the challenge of persuading Westsiders to journey over the hill, Thor stands by his primary dedication to Valley residents. But anyone who has made the journey learns that the drive to The Soraya compares favorably to any downtown venue, that parking is a breeze, and that the center is simply spectacular. Then you settle into your seat, share an armrest with a stranger, and immerse yourself in whatever creative, collaborative immersion Thor and his team have conjured for the evening. ■

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

AFTER 10 YEARS AT THE SORAYA, THOR STEINGRABER RECOUNTS HIS 5 TOP HIGHLIGHTS AS EXECUTIVE AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR.

Thor with the Narazrian family (left to right): Sharon, Angella and Soraya.

organization in the 21st century, as well as CSUN’s core educational mission.

VIOLINS OF HOPE

Violins of Hope was an artistic and educational project centered on a collection of refurbished violins that were owned by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust. What was originally envisioned as a monthlong project in 2020 for The Soraya became a multiyear journey when the onset of COVID-19 interrupted the program. The precious instruments went into safe and secret hiding beneath The Soraya’s stage, awaiting the end of the pandemic. Eventually they reemerged for a single unforgettable performance before returning to Israel.

JAZZ AT NAZ

Few venues in Los Angeles are as dedicated to jazz as The Soraya. Major artists, from masters to

Niv Ashkenazi rehearsing for Violins of Hope.

Singer Samara Joy headlined a performance at Jazz at Naz in 2022.

newcomers, make their home here. In 2021, we upped our game with the launch of our annual festival, Jazz at Naz, now one of the most important winter festivals on the West Coast. Few evenings can surpass the excitement of singer Samara Joy’s sold-out debut at The Soraya in 2022. It was just weeks after the world first met her on the Grammys telecast, when the 23-yearold nabbed two awards.

TREELOGY

I’m proud to say The Soraya focuses on environmental sustainability. This is evident in our facility and operations, and sometimes related issues find their way into our programs as well. In response to the wildfires that have threatened California’s precious ancient forests, we commissioned three contemporary composers in 2023 to create “Treelogy,” a concert that

FEW VENUES IN LOS ANGELES ARE AS DEDICATED TO JAZZ AS THE SORAYA

celebrated the Golden State’s coast redwoods, giant sequoias and Joshua trees. Ahead of its world premiere at The Soraya, we collaborated with The New York Times in a global environmental forum, performing “Treelogy” excerpts to tech and business leaders, engineers, journalists and food innovators. “Treelogy” subsequently toured concert venues throughout California. ■

“Treelogy” had its world premiere at The

Soraya in February 2023.

MAHLER GROOVES

Inspired by the cult status of Gustav Mahler among Angeleno symphonic fans in the ’70s, Gustavo Dudamel leads an exploration of Mahler’s monumental music and his inner world.

FEB 20–23

MAHLER’S JOURNEY

Los Angeles Philharmonic Gustavo Dudamel, conductor

Ekaterina Gubanova, mezzo-soprano

Simon Keenlyside, baritone

In the opening weekend, Dudamel leads Mahler’s Blumine, Symphony No. 10: Adagio, and musical poems from Des Knaben Wunderhorn.

FEB 27–MAR 1

SONG OF THE NIGHT

Los Angeles Philharmonic Gustavo Dudamel, conductor

Dudamel describes Mahler’s Seventh as “a symphony of everything: from chaos to glory, sarcasm to tenderness, from a funeral march to a seductive tango. It is a cosmic symphony of perfect construction and galactic emotional scope.”

MAR 6–9

GUSTAV AND ALMA

Los Angeles Philharmonic Gustavo Dudamel, conductor

Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano

In Gustav’s Fifth Symphony and Alma’s Five Songs, Dudamel leads the LA Phil through the inner world and complex relationship of the Mahlers.

Scan to explore more festival events. laphil.com/mahler English/Español: 323 850 2000

Groups (10+) laphil.com/groups

The Diva is in T he De Tails

THE PEOPLE IN ALLI CONRAD’S PAINTINGS OFTEN DON’T HAVE FACES, BUT HER WORK CONVEYS A RICH SENSE OF INTIMACY THROUGH THE INTRICACIES OF DETAIL.

Written by Hadley Hall Meares | Photographed by Monica Orozco

The pleats of two crisp trench coats worn by faceless friends as they lean into each other. The way the braided hair on two sisters contrasts with the bright yellow backs of their dresses. The rugged sturdiness of a father carrying his daughter, clad in white tights and shiny black Mary Janes.

These are the cropped, tightly focused paintings of LA-based artist Alli Conrad. “I don’t typically paint faces.” A moment later, she chuckles: “In the art world there’s an inside joke that artists who don’t paint faces don’t know how to.”

But the 29-year-old maintains that for her, eschewing faces is a conscious choice. “I think there’s just so much more intimacy focusing on subtleties, such as how your fabric folds; and the pleats—how you’re crossing your arms or bending your fingers,” she says. “I think there’s so much expression and emotion within just the body language.”

Alli believes that this form of cropping, with compositions often focused only on the torso, also allows the viewer to interact with the work in a more intimate way. “I want the viewer to create their own narrative,” she explains. “I think when you have a face involved, you can’t really imagine too much.”

Alli says she is currently obsessed with mastering intricate details. For example, she will spend hours painting a series focused on drapery. “People are always shocked to hear that painting is very labor-intensive,” she says. “I have a fitness tracker, and it tells me how many calories I’ve burned, and I actually burn a lot of calories just from painting!”

For inspiration, she looks to older contemporary female artists including Poppy Jones, Julie Curtiss and Louise Bonnet. Her subjects are often strangers, inspired by reference photos she finds from hours spent scouring the internet. “A lot of them are very vintage references from the past—black and white film photos or very random photos that I find,” she says. “It’s an art selecting these photos to paint, and then I modify them so that it’s not a complete replica.”

Indeed, Alli’s art hearkens back to a simpler time, a romantic and vibrant remembrance of things past. “I’m a bit of a nostalgia queen,” she jokes.

These nostalgic works of art, like torn pieces of snapshots from a family album, have earned acclaim for the artist. Her work has been shown at galleries worldwide, including here in LA at Steve Turner Gallery, Richard Heller Gallery and Sow & Tailor. She has also been featured in Women’s Wear Daily Los Angeles and Juxtapoz magazines.

Growing up as a Chinese American, Alli’s world was large. She moved around the globe as a “thirdculture kid,” with her family constantly uprooting to accommodate her father’s supply chain job. “I was born in North Carolina and then moved to Houston, then Singapore, next Hong Kong, back to Houston and finally Los Angeles,” she says. One gets that sense that living in so many places is how Alli learned to focus closely on the intricacies of life that connect us all—the micro instead of the macro.

When it comes to marketing her art, though, she is macro. Alli has always had a keen interest in business, and thinks that in another life she would have been

“ i wan T T he viewer To creaT e T heir own narraT ive. i T hink when you have a face involve D, you can’ T really imagine Too much.”

creative director or CEO of a Fortune 500 company. She has taken an active role in promoting her work, making a name for herself mostly through social media. Word of mouth has also helped. Still, regarding her rising star in the art world, she admits she’s somewhat surprised. Her career started out somewhat haphazardly.

She loved to draw while growing up, and decided to take up painting as a hobby 8 years ago “purely for fun.” She did not take any classes, and instead relied on YouTube videos, articles and advice from other artists. “But really most of my learning came through practice and exploration. Then it turned into something. I decided to take a bit of a risk and fully commit to being an artist. And now I’m here.” ■

Wellspring of the Arts

OPEN YOUR HEART AND BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS WITH OUR THOUGHTFUL GUIDE TO THE BEST IN ARTS THIS SPRING.

GOING ON NOW

IMAGINING BLACK DIASPORAS: 21ST-CENTURY ART AND POETICS

Illuminating aesthetic connections among 60 artists working in Africa, Europe and the Americas, this exhibition is among the first to examine nearly a quarter century of production by Black artists. Featured artists include Angelenos Edgar Arceneaux, Widline Cadet, Patrisse Cullors, Awol Erizku and Paul Mpagi Sepuya. Through July 2025; lacma.org

CREATIVE MINDS

From the Jacuzzi and the telephone to the nuclear reactor and the Big Mac, Creative Minds examines the achievements and personal stories of Italian American inventors and vanguards. Featuring a range of objects, rare documents and images, the exhibit spans technology, science, cuisine, education and medicine. Through October 2025; iamla.org

ROMANCE REIMAGINED

A compilation of Western masterworks by artists Howard Terpning, Tammy Garcia, Tony Abeyta, Ed Mell, Thomas Blackshear, George Carlson, Mian Situ, Logan Hagege and more. From major works to miniatures, it is an opportunity to rediscover extraordinary artwork from The Autry’s collection. Runs through March 2025; theautry.org

Romance Reimagined

Imagining Black Diaspora

FEBRUARY

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD

In this Tony award-winning play (the continuation of Harry’s story), Harry’s headstrong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, sparking a race through time, replete with spectacular spells and an epic battle, all brought to life at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. February 15–June 22; broadwayinhollywood.com

LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE: THE MUSICAL

Inspired by Bernard Waber’s much-loved picture books, and packed with humor, heart and showstopping tunes, this lively musical is a funfest for the whole family. The Pasadena Playhouse production is taking place at The Colony Theatre in Burbank. February 15–March 16; pasadenaplaynouse.org

ALICE COLTRANE, MONUMENT ETERNAL

An exhibition inspired by the life and legacy of jazz musician Alice Coltrane (1937–2007). It features ephemera from the Coltrane archive alongside works by 19 American artists. Works featured range from sculpture, painting and photography to installation and performance. February 4–May 9; hammer.ucla.edu

Creative Minds

Construction, Occupation

Alice Coltrane, Monument Eternal

SATO, KOPKE OCCUPATION SERIES, 2015 (PHOTO BY THE ARTIST)

Symphonies for Youth

MARCH

CONSTRUCTION, OCCUPATION

Drawing on myriad visual languages and poetics, this exhibition includes the work of 24 artists and collectives. It investigates a radical urban vocabulary that blurs art and activism to address questions of infrastructure and vulnerability, circulation and segregation, and the body in public space. March 9–September 14; fowler.ucla.edu

ORQUESTA AKOKÁN

Chulo Records producer and instrumentalist Jacob Plasse, along with arranger Michael Eckroth, join forces to form this ensemble that also features some of Havana’s finest musicians. At historic, restored Spanish Gothic-style United Theater on Broadway in downtown LA. March 29; theunitedtheater.com

APRIL

WHAT THEY SAW: HISTORICAL PHOTOBOOKS BY WOMEN 1843–1999

This pop-up reading room surveys a global history of photobooks by women photographers from the Getty Library. As part of an international series showcasing the 10x10 Photobooks catalog titled What They Saw: Historical Photobooks by Women 1843–1999, it is complemented by notable photobooks by SoCal women artists after 2000. April 8–May 11; getty.edu

FURLOUGH’S PARADISE

In this play, two cousins return to their childhood town for the funeral of a relative; one is on a furlough from prison. The cousins try to make sense of grief, home, love and kinship while grappling with their conflicting memories of the past and shared hopes for the future. April 16–May 18; geffenplayhouse.org

AN EVENING WITH ISAAC MIZRAHI

Isaac Mizrahi’s one-of-a-kind show returns to The Wallis, bringing together comedy, commentary and an array of songs from Stephen Sondheim to Blondie, from Comden & Green to Madonna. The entertainer is accompanied by his six-piece jazz band. April 17; thewallis.org

MAY

LIFE OF PI

Lolita Chakrabarti’s dazzling stage adaptation of Yann Martel’s best-selling novel opened to critical acclaim on Broadway and the West End and is now captivating audiences around the globe. Tells the story of a 16-year-old boy who survives on a lifeboat with four animals after a shipwreck in the Pacific Ocean. May 6–June 1; centertheatregroup.org

SYMPHONIES FOR YOUTH: PAINTING WITH MUSIC

A 45-minute interactive Los Angeles Philharmonic concert (recommended for children ages 5–11) aimed at introducing young audiences to symphonic music. Before each concert, families are invited to participate in hands-on arts workshops. May 17 and 24; laphil.com ■

An Evening with Isaac Mizrahi

Orquesta Akokán

BERNADETTE PETERS LEA SALONGA

BERNADETTE PETERS, LEA SALONGA, AND THE LONDON COMPANY OF CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S PRODUCTION OF STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS. PHOTO BY DANNY KAAN.

Playing With Heart

WHETHER YOU ARE 7 OR 70, PLAYING A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT HAS ENDLESS VALUE. THAT IS WHAT VALLEY VILLAGE COUPLE RUFUS AND RUTH CHOI WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT THEIR SALIT CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC.

Written by Linda Grasso

Photographed by Shane O’Donnell

On a Monday afternoon, in a room tucked inside the Salit Conservatory of Music in Burbank, Anthony Schnell is instructing two boys playing violin.

“I want to challenge you to make your tremolo even stronger, faster. Think about it. What does tremolo sound like?” he asks.

Fourteen-year-old Bryce Young exclaims, “Tremble! It sounds like tremble.”

“Exactly,” Anthony replies enthusiastically. “You want to create that feeling, that exact emotion with the music.”

Bryce and his 16-year-old brother Kholin pick up the pace, smiling and clearly getting Anthony’s message.

This little interaction is representative of Salit’s overall teaching philosophy.

“We’re not just focused on teaching the basic technical aspects of music, like notes and rhythms,” says pianist Rufus Choi, who has owned and operated the school with his wife, Ruth, since 2023. “Our goal is to help students become fluent in the language of emotion through music. We teach them to use sound as a vehicle for communicating feelings, allowing them to connect with audiences on a deeper level through performance.”

Rufus’ musical journey began at the age of 6. He remembers the sound of classical music filling his home.

“Among all the pieces that played, Tchaikovsky’s Violin

Brothers Kholin and Bryce Young (in background). “I wanted to learn violin because I thought it looked like a cool instrument,” shares Kholin. Opposite page: Rufus Choi.

Left: Student Lea Pages on violin.

Above: Instructor Anthony Schnell leads a group of students rehearsing for an upcoming recital.

Concerto stood out as my favorite. It stirred something deep within me, making me feel heroic and igniting a passion for the emotions that music could evoke.”

He began taking piano lessons—and was hooked. At 17 he enrolled at The Julliard School, where he earned a bachelor of music degree. He pursued further studies at the Musik Hochschule in Hanover, Germany, before returning to Julliard to complete a master of music degree. As a concert pianist, Rufus performed all over the world.

After Rufus married Ruth, also a pianist, in 2006, the two settled in Valley Village and started a family. Rufus taught piano, all the while harboring a dream of owning a music school. When a building at the former Pickwick Gardens events center became available, that dream began to take shape. Just a stone’s throw from ABC and Warner Bros. studios, and with ample parking, the property seemed perfect. Rufus signed the lease.

The school offers private and group lessons in classical piano, violin, cello, guitar, flute, music theory and more. Rufus, who teaches piano, believes the benefits of playing an instrument go beyond creating music.

“Imagination and emotion are what truly shape a performance. With a vibrant imagination, the physical act of playing transforms, allowing musicians to create limitless colors of sound that convey beauty beyond words. We strive to help our students unlock their own voice and share their gift with the world.”

Rufus and Ruth have three children, so it is no surprise that the space was designed with parents in mind.

The school has a 140-seat recital space with a Steinway piano, a circular parquet wood floor, and a curved wall of large windows. Parents can observe lessons from waiting rooms with observation windows.

“As a parent myself,” says Rufus, “I understand how meaningful it is to watch your children grow and learn. I wanted to create a space where parents could be a part of that experience and see firsthand the progress their children are making. Additionally, I believe that a room without windows can feel a bit isolating and uninspiring. Natural light and a sense of openness can do wonders for creativity.”

“WE’RE NOT JUST FOCUSED ON TEACHING THE BASIC TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF MUSIC, LIKE NOTES AND RHYTHMS. OUR GOAL IS TO HELP STUDENTS BECOME FLUENT

IN

THE

LANGUAGE OF EMOTION THROUGH MUSIC.”

Salit also emphasizes the art of performing. Classes put on numerous group and individual recitals each year.

“Without performance, a musician can plateau. It’s the act of presenting music to others that forces you to grow beyond your practice room, to push yourself and challenge your limits. The connection with the audience, the energy in the room—these elements help you discover new facets of your music and your abilities,” says Rufus.

He adds that Salit’s student population is split 50-50 between kids and adults. A few students are in their 80s.

“We also have a husband and wife who take lessons together. They come in and take their class, and every time they leave with big smiles. It’s really gratifying.”

Vinyl Rediscovered

VINYL RECORDS HAVE MADE A BIG COMEBACK—AND IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT NOSTALGIA. AS THE OWNERS OF FREAKBEAT RECORDS AND CD TRADER EXPLAIN IT, EVEN YOUNGER MUSIC FANS ARE BUYING VINYL. SOME DON’T EVEN OWN A RECORD PLAYER.

Written and photographed by Steve Seidel

We live in an age of virtual experiences, and stream ing music—with any song in the universe available on demand—is one of them. Yet amid all the technology of the past several decades, the tactile experience of owning a record is still possible, and—to a growing group—of value. Perhaps it is the satisfaction of buying music that you love. Or maybe it has to do with the enjoyment of losing yourself in a record store.

Two of the finest spots for music discovery can be found on Ventura Boulevard: Freakbeat Records in Sherman Oaks and CD Trader in Tarzana. Mainstays of the Boulevard for well over 20 years, these music meccas offer new releases as well as rare collectible albums. At Freakbeat, for example, you’ll find a Nirvana “Smells Like Teen Spirit” 12-inch single; at CD Trader, original sealed pressings of the Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet and The Beatles’ White Album, both released in 1968. Hit the stores on any given day, and you’ll see people of all ages flip-flip-flipping through a record bin.

If you think about it, it’s amazing record stores are still around. The turn of the century saw a seismic shift in the music industry as vinyl records gave way

ways,” says Bob Say, owner of Freakbeat. For a while it seemed like plastic discs had been killed off for good. Yet somehow vinyl became cool again—and not just with boomers feeling nostalgic.

These days, Gen Zers are buying records—and not necessarily to play them. Bob recalls a couple of young women who came into Freakbeat, having noticed a poster in the window for the indie rock band MGMT. The teenagers bought the group’s new album, despite never having seen a record in their lives. They apparently were attracted to the album cover artwork and the satisfying feeling of ownership. Seeing the transaction go down, Bob thought, “Wow, that’s kind of weird.”

It may seem weird, but surprisingly it is actually common. According to a 2022 study reported in Billboard, 50% of vinyl record purchases were made by customers who didn’t own a turntable. Millennials and Gen Z have lived their lives immersed in technology, but seem to crave the tactile experience of collecting

“Albums are a cool thing to have. t he idea of owning something tangible— i don’t know how to explain it, but kids love it.”

vinyl. “Having a record in your hand and reading about who’s on it is still interesting to certain people,” says Bob. “They want to know who played on the record and who wrote the songs.”

According to CD Trader owner Dave Maples, “It’s an old experience that is somehow new now.” Musician Kip Brown, who works at the store, agrees. “Albums are a cool thing to have. The idea of owning something tangible—I don’t know how to explain it, but kids love it.” Kip says he often sees parents coming in over the holidays to buy records for their kids, passing on the pleasures of record collecting to the next generation of music lovers.

Then there’s the communal aspect of record stores as a place to see friends, talk about music and connect with locals. “On a Saturday, when it’s busy in here, you get tons of people just yakking away about this and that. They run into their friends here, or say, ‘Hey, let’s go to Freakbeat and meet up’ because they’re all into music,” says Bob. Dave concurs: “We are doing something in person, face to face, and there’s no algorithm involved.” A sweet symphony to any music junkie’s ears. ■

THE JAZZ EPICENTER OF LOS ANGELES RETURNS FOR ITS 4TH SEASON!

Pacific Jazz Orchestra with Eva Noblezada

Lakecia Benjamin, saxophone & Phoenix

ON-STAGE JAZZ CLUB

Christian McBride, bass & Ursa Major

ON-STAGE JAZZ CLUB

Jason Moran, piano Plays Duke Ellington with CSUN Jazz “A” Band

Kurt Elling Celebrates Weather Report with Special Guest Peter Erskine Featuring Yellowjackets

Chucho Valdés: Irakere 50 with Special Guest Arturo Sandoval

SCAN FOR TICKETS

Lakecia Benjamin Twyla Tharp 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee

Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández

Yamato–The Drummers of Japan 人の力 Hito no chikara | The Power of Human Strength

Israel Philharmonic Lahav Shani, musical director and conductor 22

Twyla Tharp Dance

HEAD OF SCHOOL

The Valley is home to some of the best schools in Los Angeles. With this special section, discover the professionals at the helm of several of those impressive schools. The people you’ll meet on the following pages are accomplished and forward-thinking and are dedicated to cultivating the next generation. Discover their backgrounds, philosophies and how they are making their schools—and students—beacons of excellence.

EDITED BY LAURA L. WATTS

BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL

Sarah Colmaire

A Berkeley Hall alum, Dr. Sarah Colmaire has been an integral part of the Berkeley Hall School leadership team for over a decade. She has served as dean of academics and assistant head of school, and in 2023 she transitioned to head of school.

Sarah holds a bachelor's degree from Vassar College, a master’s degree from Teachers’ College at Columbia University, and a doctorate from UCLA. She spent nearly 15 years teaching in Manhattan and Brooklyn and worked with various organizations supporting the professional growth of educators. She is a native Angeleno and attended Harvard-Westlake for high school.

Passionate about lifelong learning, Sarah is committed to Berkeley Hall’s mission to educate fearless scholars and conscientious citizens. “In our school, every child is not just a student but a unique individual with endless potential,” Sarah says. “We believe in the power of growth, both in the classroom and beyond.”

In pursuit of her own continued growth and lifelong learning, she enjoys performing improv, having trained at Los Angeles theaters such as M.I.’s Westside Comedy Theater and The Pack Theater.

She deeply values the strong connections within the vibrant BHS community. “This school feels like a family,” she points out. “Our small, loving community fosters an environment where challenges are seen as opportunities and where every success—big or small—is celebrated as a step toward becoming the best version of ourselves. Together we grow, we learn and we support each other, because true learning comes from knowing we can always improve.”

16000 Mulholland Dr., Los Angeles 310-476-6421

berkeleyhall.org

@berkeleyhallschool

HEAD OF SCHOOL

SINAI AKIBA ACADEMY

Lauren Plant

Dr. Lauren Plant, head of school at Sinai Akiba Academy in Los Angeles, has established herself as an inspiring educational leader with a strong commitment to academic excellence and Jewish values. With more than two decades of experience in education, she brings extensive knowledge and profound dedication to her role, shaping the school’s future.

Lauren joined Sinai Akiba Academy in 2023, following a distinguished career in educational leadership. Before taking the helm at Sinai Akiba Academy, she was head of school at Westerly School in Long Beach, where she led a major organizational restructuring and championed initiatives focused on inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism.

Prior to that, she served as principal at Kadima Day School, overseeing a successful accreditation process and significantly increasing student enrollment. Lauren also has experience as head of upper school at Mirman School, where she focused on faculty development and curriculum alignment.

In addition to her school leadership experience, Lauren is an accomplished researcher and innovator. She holds a Doctor of Education degree from UCLA, and her dissertation was on middle school girls’ relational aggression. Her research contributions have focused on inclusion, bullying prevention and teacher coaching. This academic background, combined with her hands-on leadership experience, has shaped her approach to education at Sinai Akiba Academy.

One of Lauren’s primary goals is to align Sinai Akiba Academy’s mission and values with its educational practices. “I believe my mission as head of school is to serve as a visionary leader and steward of a school that is unapologetically committed to fostering academic excellence and Jewish values in harmony,” she says. “It’s not only about academic success but also about instilling in our students the values central to Jewish life: kindness, respect, academic excellence, compassion, social responsibility and love of Israel.”

Since her arrival, Lauren has led several significant initiatives to enhance both the physical and educational environments at Sinai Akiba Academy. Under her leadership, the school has added new outdoor spaces, enriching the student experience. The Jacki and Jeff Karsh Terrace, Jonah’s Play Yard in the Douglas Family Early Childhood Center, and the Marc Becker Patio now offer beautiful, functional spaces for learning, play and community engagement. These additions reflect Lauren’s commitment to creating a dynamic environment that supports both academic and emotional growth.

Lauren is deeply connected to her family and the Los Angeles Jewish community. She enjoys spending time with loved ones and is an avid reader and traveler. Her family values and her love for Jewish tradition and education inspire her leadership every day. She continues to strive for a school environment where students feel seen, supported and empowered to grow both academically and personally.

“IT’S NOT ONLY ABOUT ACADEMIC SUCCESS BUT ALSO ABOUT INSTILLING IN OUR STUDENTS THE VALUES CENTRAL TO JEWISH LIFE.”

BEL AIR ED GROUP

Jillian Kim

Jillian Kim, CEO of Bel Air Ed Group, is reshaping the landscape of early childhood education in Los Angeles. She oversees Bel Air Preschool, the Bel Air Family Center and Parable Coffee Lab.

Since joining Bel Air in 2017, Jillian has championed innovation, earning the preschool a ranking among the top 25% of programs nationwide accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Bel Air Preschool boasts a robust kindergarten outplacement program, ensuring that children and families are equipped for their next educational step. Outgoing grads earn spots in LA’s most sought-after schools.

Jillian has overseen extensive expansion of the school. Renovations in 2022 provided more space, modernized classrooms and enhanced outdoor spaces. She recently launched her brainchild, the Bel Air Family Center—a dynamic community center designed for classes, events and support services for families across Los Angeles. It even includes a coffee shop: Parable Coffee Lab.

Beyond education, Jillian leads a mission to galvanize the community. She serves as president of the Los Angeles Preschool Partnership, furthering her commitment to supporting families and early education in local neighborhoods.

What’s next for Bel Air Ed Group? Jillian hopes to utilize her transformative leadership, coupled with Bel Air’s Christian-based values, to achieve her vision of shaping a bright future full of hope for Los Angeles— one family at a time. “At the heart of everything we do is the belief that strong communities are built through connection,” she says, “whether between a teacher and child, a parent and a friend, or a family and the resources they need to succeed.”

16221 Mulholland Dr., Los Angeles 818-990-6071

belairpreschool.org

belairfamilycenter.org

@belairfamilycenter

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY FITERMAN

DE TOLEDO HIGH SCHOOL

Mark Shpall

After a successful career as a practicing attorney, Mark Shpall joined de Toledo High School in 2002, motivated by a passion for helping young people discover their innate magnificence and realize their full potential as both A+ students and A+ human beings. Mark served as a teacher and then dean of students before becoming head of school in 2017.

Mark and his wife are proud alumni parents, having sent their own three children to the school. He describes its educational approach as “the de Toledo Difference” due to its commitment to academic excellence and a deep-rooted culture of kindness where students know they are never alone. Teachers and deans support students, know them and mentor them every step of the high school journey.

“At de Toledo, we have proven to the educational world that it’s not an ‘eitheror’ equation,” Mark shares. “Truly great schools don’t have to choose between students’ intellectual advancement and their character development. My message is, and will always be, that we are able to do both. We imbue our students’ minds with knowledge and wisdom—and their souls with ethical values and life purpose— in equal time and equal measure.”

A coed, college preparatory Jewish high school located in West Hills, de Toledo offers an extensive slate of AP and honors courses, dedicated Medical Science and Engineering & Robotics academies, intensive speech and debate/mock trial programs, award-winning theatre and dance, and championship-caliber athletics. The school frequently receives accolades for the close-knit community spirit and sense of belonging it helps foster.

22622 Vanowen St., West Hills 818-348-0048

dths.org @dths_jaguars

LAURENCE SCHOOL

Laurie Wolke

Nestled on a beautiful 5-acre campus in the heart of Valley Glen, Laurence School has been inspiring young minds since its founding in 1953. Built on the visionary philosophy of educating the “total child,” Laurence blends academic excellence with character education and social-emotional growth. Over the past 35 years, head of school Laurie Wolke has carried forward the mission established by founders Marvin and Lynn Jacobson, infusing it with modern skills and forward-thinking strategies to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

Laurie’s leadership is more than a role—it’s a passion grounded in research, experience and education. With a J.D. and a master’s degree in educational leadership, she brings a fresh perspective to her work, seamlessly integrating traditional values with cuttingedge innovation. Whether visiting schools across the nation or diving into research on education and business culture trends, she remains dedicated to making Laurence a beacon of innovation and excellence.

“By combining traditional academics with creative approaches to problem-solving and collaboration, we empower our students to become advocates for a kinder, more sustainable future,” Laurie shares.

Under her guidance, Laurence School remains a dynamic environment where learning extends beyond the classroom. Students as young as kindergarten are equipped with 21st-century skills through a curriculum that pairs core academics with creative exploration.

Laurie explains: “Education must reflect the world our children will inherit. We’re not just teaching facts; we’re nurturing minds that can adapt, innovate and empathize.”

Character education is woven into the fabric of Laurence’s culture, emphasizing empathy and kindness through relatable themes like “Keep Kind in Mind” and “Solve and Evolve.” Leadership development begins early, with opportunities for students to collaborate, present and lead.

One standout example is Kids Court, a nationally recognized program that Laurie introduced in 1990. This unique initiative engages elementary students in mock trials, integrating literature, public speaking and the legal system—experiences typically reserved for older students.

“I’ve always aimed to stay true to my parents’ vision,” she reflects. “Mr. Jacobson would tell the children they are unique and special, that no one else in the world is quite like them. Recognizing each child’s value and individuality is at the heart of everything we do.”

When she’s not championing innovation at Laurence, Laurie enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dogs and reflecting on the school that has been her lifelong passion. Under her leadership, Laurence School continues to set the standard for what education can achieve—rooted in character, driven by creativity and inspired by the vision of a brighter future for every child.

“EDUCATION MUST REFLECT THE WORLD OUR CHILDREN WILL INHERIT. WE’RE NOT JUST TEACHING FACTS; WE’RE NURTURING MINDS THAT CAN ADAPT, INNOVATE AND EMPATHIZE.”

13639 Victory Blvd., Valley Glen 818-782-4001

laurenceschool.com @laurencelightning

Raw Deal

DINING AT THE BAR: HANDROLLS BY SEABUTTER IS A PARED-DOWN EXPERIENCE—IN THE BEST WAY. THE NUMBER OF INGREDIENTS IN EACH DISH MAY BE LOW, BUT THE QUALITY IS SKY-HIGH.

Written by Chelsee Lowe

At a hand roll bar, chefs feel a bit like discreet dining companions. They take your order, then delicately fill a square of nori with warm rice and fish, all while standing mere inches from where you sit. The hand roll is set in front of you to enjoy — a delectable lesson in simplicity and freshness—and then it’s about timing. When one roll is eaten, the next one is prepared.

It is an intimate experience that can now be enjoyed in the Valley at The Bar—Handrolls by Seabutter. The Tujunga Village space has 22 seats and a menu designed by co-owners (and spouses) Angie Berezovsky and George Fratkin and executive chef Peter Moon. Their top priority? Sourcing the freshest, tastiest fish from around the world and preparing it with devotion.

“We are crazy about fish,” Angie shares. “We get it straight from the fishermen—in Hawaii, in Japan—before it ever gets to distributors or hits the fish market. Quality control is very important to us. The fish has to be perfect.”

That desire to source and serve exceptional fish is what inspired Angie and George to enter the throes of the restaurant world. They opened Seabutter sushi restaurant in Beverly Hills in 2018, serving both sushi and hot items such as tempura, udon and sizzling black cod. They went on to open Seabutter outposts in Laguna Beach and Westlake Village.

In the summer of 2023, the couple debuted another concept: a restaurant dedicated entirely to hand rolls. The Bar—Handrolls by Seabutter has no back kitchen, and nothing here is cooked. Anything that needs searing, such as scallops or wagyu, gets expertly blowtorched.

The menu is meticulously curated. Take the H.Y.E. handroll. Angie won’t divulge the meaning of its name,

but it is a bestseller and one of her personal favorites. Composed of yellowtail belly and kama, or collar (the fattiest and most tender part of the fish), the delicate meat is scooped out carefully with a spoon, lightly minced, then topped with a drop of sesame oil, a sprinkle of black volcanic sea salt and chopped kizami wasabi (pickled wasabi). The final product is nutty, light and delicious—and at $9 à la carte, the flavor is hard to beat in the sushi world.

Another menu hit is the Double T handroll ($10.50 à la carte), made with negi toro (bluefin belly) and shaved black truffle, plus kizami wasabi and nikiri sauce. To try a few of The Bar’s creations, diners can opt for a set menu of three ($17), four ($22), five ($27), or six hand rolls ($33).

“I don’t think you can buy a fancy lunch for under $30 anywhere nowadays,” Angie points out. “We haven’t raised prices since before the pandemic. We want to have the type of restaurant that people can go to multiple times a week.”

While hand rolls are the star of the show, the menu does include some accompanying bites, from pickled cucumbers and seaweed salad to donbori bowls—rice at the bottom and sushi or wagyu beef on top. White wine, Japanese beers, and hot or cold sake are also available.

When asked if she’s at all daunted by the vast number of sushi restaurants in Studio City, aka Sushi Row, Angie is pragmatic.

“The more sushi restaurants around our business, the better—it just means that’s where people go to eat. It’s like going shopping on Rodeo Drive. If you want something designer, you go there. If you want sushi, you’re going to Studio City.” ■

Dining With Vibe

ONE OF THE MOST COVETED LOCATIONS ON THE BOULEVARD IN SHERMAN OAKS FINALLY HAS A TENANT. BACARI IS LEANING INTO THE STORIED CHARM OF THE HISTORIC RIVE GAUCHE SPACE, SERVING WINNING SMALL PLATES IN A COOL ATMOSPHERE.

Written by Linda Grasso | Photographed by Jakob Layman

When the popular Rive Gauche closed down in 2018 after nearly 30 years in business, one of the most charming restaurant locations in the Valley became vacant. The 1930s space on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks—with two separate brick structures and an enchanting patio in between—often had a line out front. For brunch, it was known as a place to be seen. On any given day, ladies dressed to the nines would sit at the cloth-draped patio tables noshing on escargot. Longtime patrons were crushed when Rive Gauche’s owners retired to the south of France.

Every time I’d drive by, I’d wonder who was going to take over the space. But for years nothing happened; the property apparently was in estate limbo after the death of the owner. In 2023 the property was finally sold to a new owner, who made the lease available.

Danny Kronfils and his brother Robert, owners of the Bacari eatery chain, were among the first in line. “We grew up in La Cañada, and that was one of my mom’s favorite restaurants. We used to go there all the time as kids. So after Rive Gauche closed, we were tracking the property. As soon as it was put it up for lease, we jumped on it.”

The Sherman Oaks location became the brothers’ sixth Bacari location. They opened a seventh in Beverly Hills in December. Danny says the concept—which kicked off 20 years ago when the brothers took over an Italian restaurant in West Adams—was inspired by the festive, rustic wine bars in Venice (the Italian word “bacari” translates to “taverns” in English). But the original concept has been tweaked over the decades. Today Bacari serves as much Mediterranean fare as it does Italian.

“Our chef and business partner Leore Hillel is Israeli, and my brother and I are Lebanese. So that has influenced the cuisine. We serve small plates meant to be shared,” says Danny.

Yet plenty of the small plates are neither Italian nor Mediterranean. Classic restaurant fare like like chipotle chicken wings, mac and cheese, glazed pork belly, scallop medallions, a burger, and grilled chicken also adorn the menu.

The selection of Rive Gauche for Bacari’s Valley location isn’t surprising. The brothers have an appreciation for history. Two of their other eateries—one in Silver Lake and one on West Third—are also housed in historic buildings. “I think being in historic locations helps us become part of the community,” Danny shares.

The charm of the original Rive Gauche location—oldworld traditional meets California casual—remains intact. Before moving in, the brothers spiffed up the property with some new equipment and surfaces including walls, floors and countertops. The two indoor dining rooms are now called the “sun soom” and the “parlor room.” The sun room has lots of windows and its own bar; the parlor room is darker and moodier, also with a bar. The tree-filled brick patio with wrought iron furniture (sans tablecloths) remains unchanged.

We dropped in without a reservation at 7:30 on a Friday night, and the adjacent valet parking lot was packed. We weren’t expecting to get in, but the hostess surprised us by saying she’d have a table within 10 minutes, which turned out to be spot-on. On our way to the table we changed our minds, taking seats at the bar instead. I can’t stand brightly lit, ambience-killing dining rooms, and as we sipped our drinks, I enjoyed the perfectly dimmed lighting (present in both dining rooms).

We started with the little gem lettuce salad. As a veggie gardener who grows her own lettuce, I appreciated the farm-fresh taste of the lettuce, which was complemented by a zesty house-made dressing and warm, perfectly crunchy bacon bits. We were tempted by

This shrimp and rice dish is one of Bacari’s rotating seasonal tapas.

Above: a banquette in the parlor room and Royal Blood cocktail made with La Bay Za’atar gin, grapefruit cordial, blood orange and lime juices.

the lentil stew but opted for the lamb hummus instead. Served in a bowl, it featured braised ground lamb with pungent spices atop a creamy warm hummus. With a serving ample for two people, and on a chilly night, it was a taste sensation. To cap off our meal, we enjoyed one of their pizzas, which was tasty but nothing special. Next time I’ll stick to the Mediterranean dishes.

Alongside the tapas, Bacari serves a rotating curation of small-production wines sourced from Europe and California, eclectic beers, craft cocktails and mocktails. My husband enjoyed his old-fashioned exactly as served—noteworthy, because about a third of the time when this connoisseur—who barrel-ages his own bourbon—orders this drink, he requests amendments.

The owners aim to make Bacari a community gathering spot, and the eatery’s hours certainly cater to that goal. It is open seven days a week for dinner, lunch on Friday, and brunch on the weekends.

“With our restaurants, we usually hit the ground running, especially with our last two openings before Sherman Oaks (Silver Lake and Third Street). But Sherman Oaks has been our fastest opening. It’s incredible the amount of community support we’ve had here. With Bacari, it is always our intention to immerse ourselves into the community. So we were very happy that everybody has welcomed us with such open arms.” ■

Ricotta and beet gnocchi with chevre fondue and chimichurri.

“Finally

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ENCINO EMPIRE

WHEN TWO SUPREMELY CREATIVE PEOPLE JOIN FORCES TO BUILD THEIR DREAM HOME, THE RESULT PROMISES TO BE EXTRAORDINARY. SO IT IS NO SURPRISE THAT THE HOME OF SHOWBIZ POWER COUPLE TERENCE AND RACHEL WINTER IS A BRAZENLY ECLECTIC AND VIBRANT WORK OF ART.

Written by Maira Suro

by Shane O’Donnell

Photographed

Rachel and Terry Winter’s property is stunning. Perched high up on a hill in the coveted Royal Oaks neighborhood in Encino, the sprawling home is surrounded by 2.6 acres of mature trees and sophisticated landscaping. A long, circular driveway shaded by pine and oak trees leads visitors to a showstopping entrance that features a chevron-patterned, mint green wooden door, framed by red bricks and glass. It is instantly clear: This is no ordinary house.

Rachel is an accomplished producer who was nominated for an Oscar for Dallas Buyers Club. Her husband, Terence, who goes by Terry, is an acclaimed Emmyaward winning writer of The Sopranos and an Oscar winner for best adapted screenplay for The Wolf of Wall Street. He also created the Emmy-winning HBO series Boardwalk Empire and is currently executive producer of the series Tulsa King

Inside, a light-filled entry showcases a curved wooden staircase enhanced by a multicolored runner with bold, geometric patterns. Rachel worked with a textile artist to create something that would set the tone for the entire house. “Color is what connects the rooms,” she says, pointing to the runner and its five featured shades: coral pink, oyster white, black, red and green.

A black, industrial-looking Jonathan Entler light fixture—a commissioned piece—juts down from above. Rachel jokingly refers to it as “my Yellow Submarine moment” as it resembles the periscopes that rise from the top of the vessel on the cover of The Beatles album.

A vintage bench and a brass bird that once belonged to her grandmother complete the foyer, along with a kitschy, mint green mirror adorned with white cranes. Rachel spotted the unusual piece at a glass shop, where it was being refurbished for a customer. She offered

Immense yet elegant Mondrianinspired windows create light-filled spaces in both the living room (shown here) and the family room.

The

is lacquered in

kitchen cabinetry

a coral pink hue. Countertops are avocado green quartzite and the center island is trimmed in bamboo. Below: The view through a circular window in the Polynesianstyle cabana; Rachel in the family room.

to buy it, but was told it was not for sale. Undeterred, Rachel got ahold of the owner. This fearless “I commit to something I love” attitude is evident throughout the 11,762-square-foot house.

The dining room beckons just off the foyer. The walls, covered in dramatic red, black and white glossy abstract wallpaper, feature delicate vintage sconces repurposed from the couple’s New York apartment. A sizable, oblong-shaped, vintage Italian light fixture hovers over a wooden table that seats 12—a piece Rachel inherited from a relative. But the knockout feature: a massive antique Tibetan console that displays varying patterns of traditional Royal Crown Derby china.

The house boasts six bedrooms, including a primary suite with a sitting room and dual bathrooms. Their teenage kids, Simone and Max, occupy two bedrooms. The house also features a gym, theater, game room, his-and-hers offices, a sun terrace, a pool cabana and 12 bathrooms.

But the sheer size and space of this haven are not what make it noteworthy—rather it is the extraordinary design, bold choices and meticulous attention to details. When the couple bought the property in 2017, they hired a top-notch team: architect Linda Brettler and contractors MS Elite. The California ranch-style structure was taken down to the studs and reimagined as a family home that would blend seamlessly into the lush landscape.

The project took four years to complete. Rachel handled all the interiors herself. When asked how someone with a busy “day job” managed to pull this off, she replies, “I don’t sleep much.” Terry says he trusted Rachel’s vision implicitly, but kiddingly shares that he had veto power, in case anything “got too out-there.”

Other eye-catching details that are a testament to Rachel’s distinctive vision: the stand-alone metal and ceramic fireplace, for example, that Rachel discovered at an Italian salvage yard. And the magnificent paneled

The art in the home tends to “speak to us,” says Rachel. The painting on the right depicts a camera lens. “I just loved it, but also happen to be a filmmaker, so it was perfect.” The painting on the left depicting someone getting punched is by Roy Lichtenstein. “Terry and I both see comedy in absurd human behavior, and violence can play a part in that.”

Rachel’s love of the vibrant colors and geometric lines of Asian aesthetics is in full force in the dining room.

Having grown up in the Valley, she also drew on her love of California ranch-style homes while working on the interiors.

“I call it Asian prairie style,” she quips.

“COLOR IS WHAT CONNECTS THE ROOMS.”

closet doors—originally from the Pierre Hotel in New York—that were converted from a headboard. Also noteworthy: Several barstools in the playroom are props from The Sopranos set for “The Bada Bing”—the bar where character Tony Soprano ran his mob business. I’m guessing Tony (played by actor James Gandolfini) spent some serious time perched on those stools.

The couple’s eclectic taste is evident in the artwork and sculptures throughout the expansive property. A Slim Aarons photograph that captures a Beverly Hills poolside party adds a touch of glam to a hallway. An outdoor installation—the work of artist and landscape designer Dustin Gimbel—catches your eye from the family room, while a nearby credenza displays a treasure trove of colorful Gilt lava pottery that Rachel

became enamored with on trip to Iceland.

Rachel’s ability to curate, collect and design—not to mention her ability to artfully combine the old with the new—imbues the home with a feeling of permanence, timelessness and antiquity. Before leaving, I ask Rachel what she considers the heart of the home. She pauses and then responds: “There’s an emotional quality to sitting in the yard, knowing it all came together.”

The Winters’ time here will soon come to a close. As the couple prepares to be empty nesters, they’d like to downsize. The house has been listed with Craig Knizek at The Agency. Yet Rachel is pragmatic; she has created before and knows she will create again. As for the Encino property, she can’t help but be wistful. “I feel lucky to have lived here.” ■

A chandelier by Jon Entler is the centerpiece of the main staircase. Below: The primary bedroom features a laser-cut wood screen the couple and their design team created. The circular shape is echoed throughout the home including on the front door and on the windows in the peach-hued pool cabana.

Real Estate PROFILES

Buying and selling a home in the San Fernando Valley has been a roller-coaster ride in recent years—with soaring prices, rising interest rates and, at times, limited inventory. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, it is now more important than ever to have a capable, experienced, trustworthy professional by your side. The long-term impact of a good transaction can be life-changing, while the consequences of a poorly conceived deal can be financially (and mentally) derailing. Here we share our annual real estate profiles section, showcasing some of the most accomplished, skillful real estate agents in the Valley. These professionals are prepared to handle your needs—from simple strategizing sessions on first homes to complex closures on multimillion-dollar estates.

66 CAROL WOLFE RODEO REALTY

68 JENNY BIRCHFIELD-EICK DAVID KRAMER GROUP | COMPASS

70 ANDREW MANNING BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CALIFORNIA PROPERTIES

72 DANIELLE PERETZ THE BEVERLY HILLS ESTATES

74 CRAIG STRONG CRAIG STRONG GROUP | COMPASS

76 MARLENE GEIBELSON & DAYNA CAMPBELL BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CALIFORNIA PROPERTIES

EDITED BY LAURA L. WATTS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Carol Wolfe

Broker Associate, Rodeo Realty

For the past five decades, Carol Wolfe has served clients as a licensed broker, Certified Residential Specialist, e-PRO, architectural specialist and certified negotiator. In 2024 she ranked as the #1 individual agent in the Encino office of Rodeo Realty. Carol’s performance earned her a place among the top agents listed by The Wall Street Journal and RealTrends’ America’s Best Real Estate Professionals.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CLIENTS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

My slogan “Nobody Does It Better” reflects my commitment to delivering unparalleled service and exceptional results. It embodies my belief that I stand out in the industry through my expertise, marketing strategies and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for my clients. I’m confident that no one else offers the same level of professionalism, attention to detail and proven success, which is why this slogan perfectly represents my approach to real estate.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE THE BEST IN THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS?

First and foremost, a deep knowledge of the market, trends and local communities is essential. Equally important is the ability to build strong relationships, listen to clients’ needs and provide personalized solutions. Success in real estate also demands excellent negotiation skills, a robust marketing strategy and the resources to navigate complex transactions. Above all, integrity, honesty and a commitment to delivering results are key factors that set me apart from the rest. Consistently going above and beyond for clients and staying ahead of industry changes are what truly define the best in the business.

HOW DO YOU HELP CLIENTS BEAT THE COMPETITION?

I have built a strong reputation as a trusted professional who ensures successful sales. My exceptional marketing program has proven to be highly effective, often turning around properties that were previously listed with other agents but failed to sell. When I take over the listing and apply my tailored marketing strategy, the property is sold. With powerful negotiation skills, advanced tools and extensive resources, I consistently achieve the best outcomes for my clients.

WHAT DO CLIENTS SAY ABOUT YOU?

“Carol Wolfe recently represented us in the sale of our Encino residence after we were represented by another agent previously. Being represented by someone with integrity and perpetual availability, who knows the marketplace, is truly important. We found Carol to have these qualities and more; she has vast experience and she’s been very successful in her business for many years, yet

Highlights

• Expert Negotiation Skills

• Unparalleled Service

• Exceptional Results

• Trusted Professional

her down-to-earth personality and hands-on approach remain her strongest points. Carol is seemingly always available, responds quickly to questions, and addresses issues with honesty and expediency.”

— Bob and Andrea Decker

“Carol took me by the hand and led me through every step of the way with kindness, understanding and ability. She not only sold my house of 49 years, she also helped me find an apartment. Her knowledge, compassion and understanding made it a completely pain-free process. I will always be extremely grateful for everything she did to make this transition easy.” — Arlene Ginsberg

“Carol was readily available throughout the process—all phone calls were promptly returned, emails and texts answered with little wait, but most notably she initiated communications throughout, so we were always knowledgeable about each step. Barely a day went by that we didn’t hear from her, and this helped ease the stress considerably. Her marketing materials were spot-on—including advertisements in print and online, video and social media. She was well-versed for every potential hurdle and competently worked independently with no need for prompting or badgering. She moved the process through each step—from the initial meeting to the final closing.”

— Carol and Susan Becker

“Carol’s professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to ensure a smooth and successful transaction were truly remarkable. Her keen eye for detail and her strategic approach to marketing made a significant difference. We were particularly impressed with how she presented our property, highlighting its best features and ensuring it reached the right audience. She always kept us informed and promptly addressed any questions or concerns we had. Her ability to navigate the complexities of the real estate market gave us peace of mind throughout the entire process. Her patience, kindness and understanding made a challenging time for our family much easier. We are incredibly grateful for everything she has done.” — Dana and Jim Hornstein

Jenny Birchfield-Eick

Estate Agent, David Kramer Group | Compass

Realtor® Jenny Birchfield-Eick recently joined the David Kramer Group at Compass, where she will serve as a bridge from the Westside to the Valley. Her diverse professional background includes work as a TV and movie producer partnered with actor Jason Alexander, as well as in public relations, and local politics as a writer for the mayor of New Orleans. She began her real estate journey at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, working with the Spitz | Cameron Group and the late Harriet Cameron. Jenny is a native of Houston, Texas.

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES THE DAVID KRAMER GROUP AND COMPASS FROM OTHER BROKERAGES?

With over $1.7 billion in sales, David Kramer is renowned for selling some of the most distinctive properties and estates in Los Angeles and has gained much recognition during his 30-year career. I’m thrilled to collaborate with David and the elite David Kramer Group at Compass, bringing my expertise, professionalism and the highest level of client-focused service to every transaction. I continue to prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring personalized service that exceeds client expectations, with transparent communication and creative negotiation strategies. Compass empowers agents with best-in-class offerings, including state-of-the-art proprietary technology, cutting-edge marketing strategies and a globally recognized brand. Compass delivers unparalleled results for clients in today’s competitive real estate market.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL SUPERPOWERS?

Determination, intuition and resilience, which I believe stem from being a single mom of three boys. As all parents understand, raising kids garners qualities that directly help our families and communities. My skills benefit my clients and my team as I confidently go to battle armed with creativity, expertise and negotiation prowess. There is no crisis that I cannot manage, especially now with the David Kramer Group. Our business is all about our clients. They trust us because we handle every detail with skill, efficiency and genuine care. Our reputation speaks for itself, which is why clients return time and again and refer friends and family.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE THIS YEAR?

I am optimistic about the continued growth in home prices and sales this year. In Los Angeles, the tragic Palisades fire deeply impacted our community. Being evacuated myself, I’ve been inspired by the resilience and strength I’ve witnessed by so many. The devastation has led to an increased demand for rentals and may also drive more home purchases as rental availability tightens and rebuilding brings its own challenges. It’s been heartbreaking to

Highlights

• Represents Buyers & Sellers

• Top-notch Negotiating Skills

• Consistent Communication

• Clients Come First

see the loss and sadness that so many in our community have endured. Together, we will rebuild not just what was lost but also the sense of hope and unity that makes Los Angeles the special place we all call home.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THIS AREA?

I have lived and raised my kids in the Valley for the past 30 years. David Kramer is a Los Angeles native. We know the neighborhoods, schools and housing market, and we have strong relationships with other brokers, lenders and vendors, ensuring a smooth transaction from the first offer to the close of escrow.

I am deeply connected to the community, volunteering with the Encino Neighborhood Council’s outreach committee, Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count and as my Neighborhood Watch captain. I’m also a graduate of the LAPD Community Police Academy. I live in Encino, and my boys attended Curtis School and Campbell Hall and continued on to Brown, Berkeley and Carnegie Mellon University. I love Los Angeles and the communities surrounding Ventura Boulevard. And I love being a Realtor, helping make your dreams come true.

IN MEMORIAM.

In memory of my wonderful real estate partner, Harriet Cameron, an iconic real estate agent whose passion and dedication redefined the industry. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and inspired. Harriet was more than a mentor, partner and friend—she was a guiding light in my journey. May we honor her memory by upholding the values of excellence she championed. She is deeply missed and will always be remembered. I was honored to share this profile in Ventura Blvd with her in years past.

Disclaimer: Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the state of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. License #01991628, 01527235, 1527365.

Andrew Manning

Realtor®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

Andrew Manning is a luxury real estate professional who has served clients in Southern California and around the globe for more than 30 years. He is a licensed Realtor®, a certified EcoBroker®, and a member of the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals. Andrew has worked with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties since 2013 and is a founding member of the firm’s Luxury Property Division. He is also a specialist with the firm’s Senior Division, assisting older adults with big moves like selling, relocating, refinancing or downsizing. He earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation from the National Association of Realtors® to support clients in making these life-changing decisions.

WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT PROFESSIONALLY?

My business is about providing impeccable service and building trust with our clients—so much so that they recommend us to family and friends. More than 80% of my clients are repeat or referral clients. I’ve become a multigenerational broker helping original clients and then their kids and even their grandkids achieve their homeownership dreams.

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ATTRIBUTES FOR YOUR CAREER?

My professionalism—mixed with my sense of humor—has always saved the day in my career, helping people relax and see the bigger picture in their transactions. Also my stellar reputation among clients and my fellow agents, which affords me an edge in negotiation for both my buyers and sellers.

WHAT DO YOU CREDIT FOR YOUR SUCCESS?

My relationships with fellow agents locally and globally. My international contacts help me assist clients when marketing properties to an interested audience around the globe.

WHICH REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS ARE YOU PROUDEST OF?

With over $2.5 billion in career sales, I’ve had many amazing transactions and had the opportunity to meet and work with some of the most dynamic and fantastic people. But I’m most proud of the transactions in all price ranges where we have a happy buyer and seller at the same time. This can be rare, but it’s the ultimate accomplishment.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THIS AREA?

I grew up in several areas of the San Fernando Valley and the Mulholland Corridor. Many times I find myself selling homes on streets where I used to ride my bicycle as a kid. If you give me your address, I can give you your cross streets!

• Real Estate/Lifestyle Planning

• Luxury Real Estate

• Senior Real Estate Specialist

• Property Marketing Professional

DESCRIBE YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE.

Communication is the most important thing in real estate. Many agents prefer to only text when in negotiations or during the information-gathering process. However, it is crucial to pick up the phone and have a conversation. Many agents I work with are pleasantly surprised when I call them to establish a rapport. However, we like to find out what the preferred method of communication is with each client and agent to ensure the smoothest, most streamlined transaction for both sides. I work with many people in the senior community who don’t have email, which is never a problem. My motto is: Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR OWN HOME.

My husband, Steve, and I have been lucky enough to be the stewards of an incredible mid-century home in the upper Royal Oaks area of Encino for 24 years. My home was created by Benton/Park Architects, which constructed many of the mid-century homes in Encino, Brentwood and Trousdale Estates. We host multiple charity and fundraising events in our home each year, benefiting numerous causes close to our hearts. We enjoy sharing our home and giving back to the community at the same time—it’s a win-win.

WHAT IS NEW AND EXCITING FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

We are so excited to work with Pinnacle by Zoom Casa, one of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ many affiliated companies. It affords sellers a unique opportunity to maximize their home’s value by lending them money in advance of the sale, and offering project management to oversee the entire process. These project managers work closely with the seller and their agent. They do everything from light cosmetic refreshing to full-blown remodels, all under one umbrella. They offer various programs at different price points. Together we can truly create a one-stop shop for the home seller who is looking to maximize their return on investment.

Disclaimer: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC.

Danielle Peretz

The Beverly Hills Estates

Realtor® and real estate developer Danielle Peretz has lived and worked in Studio City for more than 20 years and oversees The Peretz Group. She has bought, sold and renovated countless homes while providing real estate investment services for builders and luxury developers and assisting buyers and sellers across Los Angeles.

Danielle joined The Beverly Hills Estates in 2022 after working for years with The Agency, where she ranked in the top 1% of agents in the Valley. Founded in 2020, The Beverly Hills Estates is a real estate brokerage that provides its client base of celebrities, Fortune 500 executives and government officials with door-todoor, white-glove concierge service. It also provides a private members club for all things lifestyle: art, design, construction, architecture and wellness. The firm’s agents represent buyers and sellers from Malibu, Trousdale Estates, Los Feliz and the Valley.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE REAL ESTATE WORK?

The sense of community. Real estate is one of the biggest financial decisions a person can make, and being a resource to guide people to their goals is very fulfilling.

TAKE A RISK OR PLAY IT SAFE IN REAL ESTATE?

There is a balance of both in every decision I make. I live by the saying “high risk, high reward” and challenge myself to apply not only sentimental valuation but also concrete evidence to support my decision. To achieve the lifestyle you dream of, taking calculated risks is necessary. There is always something to lose—money, time—but it’s imperative to consider how much there is to gain.

WHAT DO YOU

EXPECT TO SEE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE THIS YEAR?

The market is likely to experience a mix of resilience and recalibration, especially in the wake of the recent fires in Los Angeles. On one hand, the demand for homes in desirable neighborhoods remains strong, fueled by limited inventory and continued interest in Southern California’s unique lifestyle. On the other hand, I expect to see heightened attention on properties with safety and sustainability features, such as fire-resistant construction, defensible space and eco-friendly designs.

Additionally, areas directly affected by the fires may see temporary market fluctuations, with some homeowners opting to rebuild while others may look to relocate. Buyers and investors are likely to place a greater emphasis on location, insurance coverage and community safety measures moving forward. Overall, Southern California’s market remains robust, but there will likely be a greater focus on thoughtful development and preparedness in response to recent challenges.

• Property Listing and Marketing

• Market Analysis

• Negotiation Expertise

• Staging/Renovation Services

WHAT DO YOU CREDIT FOR YOUR SUCCESS?

You need relentless dedication to delivering exceptional client experiences. Real estate, especially in the high-end market, is not just about buying and selling properties—it’s about understanding the unique goals, lifestyles and dreams of every client. I pride myself on being deeply attentive, proactive and solution-oriented, always striving to exceed expectations.

Building lasting relationships, staying ahead of market trends, and maintaining a reputation for integrity and results have been the foundation of my success. At the heart of it all is my genuine passion for helping clients achieve their real estate goals while providing a seamless and rewarding journey. That dedication to trust, attention to detail, and delivering exceptional results has been the cornerstone of my success.

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL SUPERPOWER?

My professional superpower is my ability to anticipate my clients’ needs and deliver tailored solutions before they even ask. Whether it’s finding the perfect property, negotiating the best deal or managing complex transactions, I excel at staying one step ahead. This proactive approach, combined with my deep market knowledge and attention to detail, allows me to create a seamless and stress-free experience for my clients no matter how challenging the market.

WHAT PUTS A SPRING IN YOUR STEP AND KEEPS YOU FEELING ENERGIZED?

My clients’ happiness and spending time with my family. I treat every transaction as if it were my very own and become personally invested in securing happiness for my clients. Coming home to my beautiful family gives me all the energy I need after a busy day. Having an intimate dinner with my supportive husband, our three beautiful children and our precious dog is the highlight of my day. I also enjoy traveling, volunteering with local schools and playing golf, and I support Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Baby2Baby and families in need.

Craig Strong

Vice President, Luxury Home Sales, Craig Strong Group

| Compass

Craig Strong, a native New Yorker, rose to the position of vice president of manufacturing at Point Blank Body Armor before relocating to Los Angeles and transitioning to real estate work. Craig has been an award-winning, top-producing Realtor® in the area for more than 20 years and is the founder of the Craig Strong Group under the umbrella of Compass. He has been a Toluca Lake resident for more than two decades and has invested 15 years serving on the Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council. He has also served for years with the Toluca Lake Homeowners Association, the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce and Toluca Lake Beautification Partners. Craig produced the successful Toluca Lake Magical Holiday Parade on Christmas Eve 2023 and 2024.

WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT?

My experience—having navigated various market cycles and constantly adapting to new ones—sets me apart. Many newer agents have only known upward trends, but I bring over two decades of expertise, attention to detail and a deep understanding of the market. With thousands of homes successfully closed, I’ve truly seen it all and know best how to advise while navigating some very difficult transactions. Who better to have on your team?

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL SUPERPOWER?

I bring a genuine dedication to truly listening to my clients. My focus is on understanding their needs and delivering on their wishes. Paired with extremely strong negotiation skills, I’m committed to achieving the best results for them. I won’t stop until the job is done.

WHICH REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION DURING YOUR CAREER ARE YOU PROUDEST OF?

Selling the Bob Hope Estate was an unforgettable experience. When I moved to Toluca Lake over 20 years ago, it was the most iconic property in the area if not the entire Valley. Getting the call to list it for sale and then closing it was truly a full-circle moment and an honor I’ll always cherish.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THIS AREA?

I know Toluca Lake like the back of my hand. Over the years, I’ve sold some of the same homes more than once and have become familiar with nearly every property in the area. I’ve been deeply involved in the community, co-chairing the Neighborhood Watch system and the Public Safety Committee, and now I have the honor of leading the Toluca Lake Magical Holiday Parade. My dedication to Toluca Lake runs deep, and I’m proud to call it home. I can’t see myself living anywhere else.

My Local List

Favorite Sushi: Kabosu

Favorite Jeweler: Generales & Generales

Favorite Gift Shop: Pergolina

Favorite Coffee Shop: Priscilla’s Coffee Shop

WHO DO CLIENTS WORK WITH ON YOUR TEAM?

When you work with me, you get my full attention. I personally handle all showings and oversee every step of the transaction from start to finish. My assistant takes care of scheduling and paperwork, while my marketing director ensures top-tier social media and marketing support. Together, we provide a seamless and dedicated experience.

DESCRIBE YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE—HOW OFTEN ARE YOU IN TOUCH WITH CLIENTS?

I’m meticulous when it comes to communication and always strive to respond to my clients promptly, especially via text—I never leave anyone unread. While my email inbox can get overwhelming with thousands of emails, I do my best to stay on top of it and ensure nothing important is missed.

WHAT IS NEW AND EXCITING FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN 2025?

I’m so optimistic for 2025! After a strong rebound in real estate during 2024, I’m confident this year will be even better. With more inventory, motivated buyers and increased activity, it’s shaping up to be an exciting time in the market.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR FAMILY SUPPORT YOUR WORK?

I don’t travel much, but when I do, my phone is always in hand. With so many transactions, community events and projects I’m involved in, my family understands how important my work is to me. They know that staying focused on these commitments is a priority, and their support means the world to me. At times they all enjoy a good laugh at my expense, but they have learned the true definition of work ethic. I know they are proud and see my dedication to my town, community and family.

Disclaimer: Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Marlene Geibelson & Dayna Campbell

Realtors® Marlene Geibelson and Dayna Campbell have a combined 44 years of experience working in real estate. Marlene has been the recipient of several Top Producer awards and served as a member of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ International President’s Circle. Both have achieved the Luxury Specialist designation. Dayna began selling real estate in 2015 and holds the National Association of Realtors’ GREEN designation.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE THIS YEAR?

More than ever, we are entering a year of uncertainty and transformation. With the recent devastating fires, we have yet to see how the markets and communities will rebound. Los Angeles is an incredible city, and we are seeing the best of humanity in times of absolute tragedy. But here comes change: Builders may (and should) change the way they build. The city will undoubtedly change a variety of processes. Property owners may change the way they live. Business owners will rebuild and rely on the community around it to do the same. Though this is necessary due to the horrific recent events, our communities are strong and dedicated to starting over and supporting one another.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR UNIQUE APPROACH TO THE INDUSTRY.

We continue to lead the conversations in our community promoting quality home building that not only allows you the space to make memories, but provides additional benefits like superior ventilation, high-quality filtration, more costefficient home operations and higher presence of nontoxic materials in the home—all without sacrificing the quality of the environment or living experience.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER REALTORS?

2024 seemed to be the year of the team for Realtors. Teams were growing, and all of them were promoting the volume of their sales. We choose to focus on the quality of our sales and how we serve our clients. We are there for every showing, every conversation. We touch everything and everyone. We believe that our clients choose to work with us because of US. They trust us to guide them through one of the most important transactions of their lives. That is a genuine honor.

Disclaimer: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY FITERMAN

All That Glitters

Walk With Sally celebrated 20 years of serving children impacted by cancer at their annual holiday gala, The Beacon. The party, held at Motor Cars LA, was hosted by visual artist Beau Dunn. Sponsors included the Los Angeles Chargers, Cal Private Bank, Razavi Law Group, Banc of California and Ventura Blvd

Host Beau Dunn (second from right) with guests

Creative Collab

The Collective held a soiree at the Woodland Hills store to celebrate its twoyear anniversary and its collaborative collection with interior designer and TV host Kate Martindale (Capturing Home). Guests chatted with store owners interior designer Danielle Decker and husband Carlos Gonzalez, browsed among vintage items in the home and garden store, and noshed on savory treats from next-door neighbor at the Valley Country Mart, Lodge Bread.

Piper Chuthakieo and Shelby Dee

Kai Vies and Stacy Johnson

Karen Emile, Aidan Emile, Kate Martindale

Liz Young

Dani Boyd and guest

Danielle Decker and Kate Martindale

Inside The Huddle

Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WEDO) hosted its 11th annual event aimed at bringing together LA-based female founders and thought leaders.

A fireside chat with Jennifer Prince, chief commercial officer of the LA Rams, kicked off the evening, followed by a panel discussion with Courtney Claghorn, founder of Sugared and Bronzed; Maya French, cofounder of Koia and HappyPop; and Kat Hantas, cofounder of 21Seeds Infused Tequila.

The event was cohosted by WEDO LA chapter ambassador, Katie Chin of Wok Star Inc., Carol Cheng-Mayer, Ellen Chen, Janki Lalani Gandhi, Katy Spillers and Amy Stanton.

The event benefitted Girls Inc., and was sponsored by Bel Air Investment Advisors, Silicon Valley Bank and the LA Rams.

Amy Stanton and Jennifer Prince

Courtney Claghorn, Maya French, Madison Brodsky, Jennifer Prince, Kat Hantas, Amy Stanton

Annie Belanger, Kelly Atterton, Carol Cheng-Mayer, Melinda Moore

Courtney Claghorn, Marty Moore, Molly Barela

Carol Cheng-Mayer, Ellen Chen, Amy Stanton, Katie Chin, Janki Lalani Gandhi

French Connection

JUST A FEW OF HOURS FROM THE VALLEY, THIS SPA AND WELLNESS RETREAT TRANSPORTS GUESTS TO PASTORAL PROVENCE.

Written by Darren Elms

I still remember the first time I visited Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, just north of San Diego in Vista. How did I pass through Orange County and somehow end up in rural France? Hills soaked in purple lavender … the scent of orange blossoms at every turn … rooms filled with old-world antiques. It’s as if I traveled 5,000 miles, sans jet lag.

But that’s exactly what a visit to this bucolic retreat feels like—a transportive experience for all the senses. The pure beauty of the property, with historic structures, fountains and colorful gardens, would be enough to instantly reset your mood for the experience to come. But once you pepper in the fitness, spa, programs and delightful cuisine, the bliss is sure to linger long after.

Cal-a-Vie debuted four decades ago when owners Terri and John Havens created a retreat that matched their passions for antiques, French travel and a healthy lifestyle. The couple live in a home overlooking the spa grounds and often blend in among the small group of visitors who reserve a three-, four- or seven-night stay. Each package includes meals, treatments at the award-winning spa and

access to a menu of fitness classes.

A typical day at Cal-a-Vie starts with a hike or walk. While I think of myself as being in pretty good shape, it was humbling to watch a pack of octogenarians breeze by while ascending a summit. Cal-a-Vie enjoys a loyal—and fit—clientele. But don’t feel intimidated if you’re more comfortable in the back of the pack. Plenty of us just took our sweet time, absorbing the morning air and scenery at our leisure.

After a healthy breakfast, immerse yourself in more physical activity. Each day you’ll receive a list of classes and activities to choose from. Upon arrival at the resort, your advisor in the scheduling office will take time to help craft a fitness journey that best matches your goals and expectations.

This could include yoga or breathing classes, TRX, spinning, boxing and Pilates, to name a few. If you’re more of a water animal, the aquatics offerings at one of the two swimming pools will satisfy your H2O hankerings. For those seeking soul rejuvenation, sound baths and meditation put mindfulness front and

center. Mellow activities like chakra bracelet-making or insightful lectures about gut health and nutrition are also available.

Perhaps the best place to chill out is the spa bath house. Guests in robes wander in for treatments that include soothing massages, nourishing facials and full-body treatments. Be sure to take a dip in the cold plunge just outside the spa lobby to round out your experience. New activities are on the horizon with the resort’s plans to add a magnesium pool and infrared sauna this year.

When weather permits, which is often, diners enjoy breakfast and lunch on the patio. Guests are encouraged to mix it up and join different tables at each sitting.

The meals are not only beautifully presented but also delicious. Most of the ingredients come from local suppliers and are hand-selected by the culinary team.

At L’Orangerie, the resort’s elegant events space, guests can watch a cooking demonstration to learn some of the secrets behind Cal-a-Vie’s most popular recipes.

We enjoyed visiting the resort’s Sky Observatory, featuring eight flat-screen TVs and a state-of-the-art Takahashi telescope, allowing guests to peer deep into the cosmos (aided by a staff member).

As the resort continues to evolve and grow, so do the lucky guests who spend time in this little piece of Provence. A week in the country can do wonders for the body and soul. No passport required. ■

When The Vered of Encino opens in early 2025, you’ll discover a more graceful approach to assisted living and memory care. Surround yourself with the timeless glamour of old Hollywood as you live in dignity and style. ELEVATED senior living SUPPORTIVE CARE with attention

Westward Bound

ROOTED IN HISTORY WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF NEW AND NOTABLE VENUES, COLORADO’S WESTERN SLOPE IS ON OUR RADAR.

Written by Jennie Nunn

Thanks to new hotels, restaurants and a burgeoning wine country, Colorado’s Western Slope—the portion of the state west of the Continental Divide—is quickly sliding into the travel limelight. From Grand Junction, buzzing with boutique hotels and glampgrounds, to the teeny, red rock-flanked town of Gateway, it’s time to rethink Western Colorado. Here’s our don’t-miss list.

Getting There

Nonstop flights are available from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) on Thursdays and Sundays via Allegiant Air.

GRAND JUNCTION

Vibe: Down-to-earth and outdoorsy

Where to Sleep

Opened in 1908 by husband-and-wife William and Charlotte Ponsford, the recently revamped, 16-room Hotel Melrose is artfully appointed with stylish, mountain chic design touches such as rich navy-hued walls, black-andwhite photos, kitchenettes with microwaves and mini refrigerators, and an outdoor area with firepits. After strolling through downtown, grab a cocktail at the on-site watering hole Melrose Spirit Co., which features a neon

pink sign that states “This Must Be The Place.”

Poised beside the Colorado River and just minutes from downtown, Camp Eddy boasts an RV park and a fleet of Airstreams and tiny homes, each appointed with boho-modern accessories and all the creature comforts including a queen bed, TV, kitchenette and Wi-Fi. For guided mountain bike excursions with GJ Adventures, ask for the guest discount at the front desk.

Where to Dine

With a brand-new location downtown, Bin 707 Foodbar has been a city staple for more than 11 years, offering inventive regional fare such as elk tartare paired with plum tapenade and béarnaise sauce, and the Binburger layered with frisée, tomato and white cheddar. Save room for dessert with the infamous gluten-free milk bar “crack” pie served à la mode.

Jojo’s Dinette is the latest venture of the owners of Bin 707 Foodbar and Tacoparty. It showcases Southwestern-inspired regional cuisine including sunchoke hush puppies with cucumber, serrano and sorrel salsa verde and cotija cheese, and a tempura-fried ruby trout sandwich on a potato bun topped with piñon romesco mayo, radicchio slaw and tomato.

Where to Wander

Bucolic Belli Fiori Lavender Farm is lined with 11 varieties of more than a thousand lavender plants. The farm’s specialty boutique is stocked with homemade lavender-infused hand salve, lavender seasoning salt and scented candles. Established by California transplants Lisa and Dave Proietti, the family-run property feels like a mini version of Provence. Belli Fiori is also home to the family’s Highlands Distillery. Housed inside a yurt-turned-bar, the distillery offers libations such as the elevated blueberry lemonade on draft: housemade vodka, blueberries, lemonade and muddled mint; and the Mesa Massif: gin, Fever-Tree tonic water, lime juice and a lime garnish. On a sunny day, snag one of the red Adirondack-style chairs and order a charcuterie board, pan pizza or an Italian-style sandwich. Located just 15 minutes from downtown, Colorado National Monument is a 20,000-acre natural outdoor playground that is home to roaming bighorn sheep, mule deer, and countless indigenous plants and wildflowers. It features cliffs, mesas, rock formations and

canyons, and more than 40 miles of trails for hikers of all levels. Experience one of the most scenic drives in the country by taking Rim Rock Drive, a 23-mile winding road with overlooks.

PALISADE

Vibe: Laid-back wine country

Where to Sip

With a backdrop of Mount Garfield and the Book Cliffs mountains, Carboy Winery at Mt. Garfield Estate pours an assortment of wines from malbec to blanc de blanc. Can’t decide? Try a tasting to sample five wines including a 2022 rosé and a 2019 cabernet sauvignon.

Winemaker Ben Parsons, founder of The Infinite Monkey Theorem in Denver, opened The Ordinary Fellow winery and vineyard five years ago with varieties ranging from a 2020 sparkling rosé to a 2022 blanc de noirs. Occupying a former peach-packing warehouse, the tasting room is outfitted with wooden high-top tables, bistro stools, a leather sofa and a wooden sign displaying the phrase “Humble wine for the curious mind.”

Vines 79 Wine Barn, a 2-acre vineyard owned by winemaker Juliann Adams and her husband, Dan, produces wines like the signature Cowboy Cab Reserve and Silver Star Syrah. Inside the Wine Barn, sip varietals in an Old West-inspired saloon decked with vintage newspaper-clad walls, wine barrel tables and old-fashioned “reward” signs for famous outlaws Billy the Kid and Jesse James.

Where to Sleep

Painstakingly overhauled by owners Edwin Mocke and

Hotel Melrose

Belli Fiori Lavender Farm

Shari Cahill, TWP Winery and Farmhouse has stunning views of Mount Garfield, and feels like a secluded country escape. Shari has expertly decorated the fourbedroom inn with antique textiles, an antler chandelier, handwoven baskets from South Africa and artwork by Erté, Victor Klauss and Shonda Bowen. Don’t forget to set the morning alarm—breakfast, prepared in-house, is a delight.

Originally built in 1955 and purchased in 2018 by husband-and-wife Jody Corey and Jeff Snook, the revamped 17-room Spoke and Vine Motel charms with modern barn doors, red wire accent chairs and Volkswagen bus prints. After a day of exploring, grab a glass of wine from nearby family-run estate winery Mesa Park Vineyards or a cocktail at Motel Bar.

Where to Dine

Sourcing from local Grand Valley farms and purveyors including Ghost Rock Farm, Pea & Posy and Black Bear Orchards, Pêche Restaurant’s seasonal menu—served in a clean-lined space with wood-clad accent walls— features selections such as Palisade heirloom tomatoes with fennel and onion, and grilled chicken with pommes frites and a farm salad.

Owned by Jody and Jeff of Spoke and Vine Motel, modern taqueria Fidel’s Cocina & Bar pays homage to their dog—the namesake of the restaurant. Order the huevos rancheros topped with chicken and green chili, or the elk chorizo tacos filled with Monterey jack cheese and caramelized onions.

GATEWAY

Vibe: Secluded, yet with a bit of hustle and bustle

Where to Sleep

A result of the vision of former Discovery Channel founder John Hendricks, the 500-acre Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa is nestled in the Palisades, a towering, red-rock buttress that rises 1,700 feet above the confluence of West Creek and the Dolores River. Rooms are Southwestern-inspired, and activities—from golf to biking to fishing—are endless. Visit the full-service onsite spa or the auto museum, which showcases classic, modern and concept cars.

Where to Wander

For a snapshot back in time to the gold mining days, take a short drive south to Hanging Flume, a defunct, open-water chute built in the 1880s by Montrose Placer Mining Company. Once stretching 13 miles long and suspended 75 feet above the Dolores River Canyon, the engineering marvel affixed to the side of the sandstone canyon wall (only remnants remain) is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. ■

Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa

TWP Winery and Farmhouse

KIMBERLY IS A SAN FERNANDO VALLEY / LOS ANGELES NATIVE AND HAS BEEN TRANSFORMING HOMES FOR OVER 23 YEARS IN BUSINESS. SHE AND HER TEAM ARE DEDICATED T O HELPING YOU TRANSFORM YOUR HOME—WHETHER YOU'RE PREPARING TO SELL OR SIMPLY ENHANCING YOUR LIFESTYL E. SERVING ALL OF LOS ANGELES, WE SPECIALIZE IN HOME STAGING, INTERIOR DESIGN, CUSTOM FURNITURE, AND REMODEL ASSISTANCE, TAILORED TO MEET YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS AND ELEVATE YOUR SPACE.

Designs on Napa

A STYLISH GETAWAY AWAITS IN WINE COUNTRY.

Written by Jennie Nunn

With a burgeoning design scene, handsome eateries and chic retail, Napa Valley is proving that the region is not all about wine. For your next weekend trip, we suggest a crop of both new and celebrated staples.

HOME HAVENS

Located along St. Helena’s idyllic Main Street, newly opened NO|MA House Café & Collective is appointed with gray-and-white checkered flooring, a cozy white-brick fireplace and an indoor-outdoor bar, the part café-part retail space is stocked with a carefully curated selection: Japanese cast-iron cookware from Vermicular, handwoven wool pillows by Treko, glass match cloches by Skeem, amber-hued glasses by Hawkins New York, extra-virgin olive oil by Sardel Kitchen in Puglia, Italy, and an exclusive line of outerwear by British brand Marfa Stance.

In Downtown Napa, Juniper Station—an eco-conscious mercantile turned refillery—features handpoured soy candles in recycled glass by Flamingo Estate; refillable hand, detergent and body soaps; and gourmet pantry items such as organic honey, marinara sauce and trail mix in compostable packaging.

STYLISH SIPS

Poised right at the edge of the Napa River is Wilfred’s Lounge—a two-story, tiki-inspired watering hole layered with a bamboo-wrapped bar, colorful glass floats, thatched awnings and wooden carvings by artist Billy Crud. It serves up cocktails in tiki mugs including the Uma Ube with white rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and ube (the purple yam native to Southeast Asia), alongside pupu platters featuring kalua pork sliders with pineapple chutney and coconut-crusted fried

shrimp with mango habanero sauce.

Farther north in St. Helena, venture to Faust for wine tasting of limited-production and estate wines. (Reservations required; from $75 per person.) Take in valley views from the expansive outdoor terrace or comb the interior of the 19th-century Victorian Faust Haus appointed with a black-and-white staircase mural by Paris–based artist Roberto Ruspoli; a study clad entirely in a rich red paint; and a large framed goat tapestry by French artist Jean Lurçat.

GREAT EATS

Head to Brasswood Bar + Kitchen for seasonal fare spanning crispy arancini with duck Bolognese or basil pesto, house-made corn ravioli, and mains like flat iron steak Niçoise salad with red onion and kalamata olives, and spicy chipotle barbecue pork ribs paired with honey cornbread. If time permits, stop by the wine shop for a selection by consulting winemaker Angelina Mondavi from pinot noir to cabernet Franc, or wander to the

Brasswood Bottle Shop + Boutique for a curated assortment of jewelry, felt hats and clothing.

Culinary powerhouse Charles Phan—the mastermind behind San Francisco’s beloved Vietnamese eatery Slanted Door Napa, originally opened in 1995 and currently undergoing renovation in the Ferry Building— has recently opened doors to another location in Napa. Menu highlights include green papaya salad tossed with rau ram (Vietnamese coriander) roasted peanuts, fried shallots and fish sauce dressing, and cellophane noodles with wild Dungeness and blue crab, green onion, black pepper and sesame.

TURNING IN

Hotel Yountville, tucked in the heart of downtown Yountville near a slew of tasting rooms and eateries such as Bouchon Bistro helmed by famed chef Thomas

Slanted Door Napa

Faust

Keller, is sophisticated and upscale. The 80-room property features rooms with four-poster beds, rain showers and stone fireplaces; a heated outdoor swimming pool framed by cypress trees; a 4,000-squarefoot spa; an acclaimed on-site restaurant, Heritage Oak; a fleet of bikes available for guest use; and partnerships with select wineries for perks including two-for-one tasting fees.

“My favorite aspect of the hotel is the overall ambience, which creates the sensation of entering someone’s home,” says hotel manager Stephanie Burdette. “It emanates a warm and inviting atmosphere and lays the foundation for a memorable experience. Additionally, enjoying an añejo Manhattan, my personal favorite, at the Y-Bar Lounge and Terrace allows you to unwind by the stone fireplace in comfortable seating areas.”

Originally built in 1881 as a private estate for business tycoon John Paxton and his wife, Anna, The Madrona in Healdsburg completed a $6 million

THE MADRONA BY TANVEER BADAL AND MATTHEW MILLMAN; HOTEL YOUNTVILLE BY MARCUS EDWARDS

renovation in 2022. The 24-room boutique hotel is artfully layered with with an elegant parlor dotted with artwork and antiques (more than 30 pieces from the Paxtons’ collection were integrated into the current design), and a sunny yellow dining room highlighting

cuisine by chef Patrick Tafoya. The 8-acre hideaway also offers a saltwater pool, a fitness center replete with Peloton bikes and a Tonal smart gym, a garden, complimentary car service to downtown Healdsburg and daily complimentary breakfast. ■

The Madrona

The past few weeks have brought unimaginable challenges to our Los Angeles community, and our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. If you or someone you know needs assistance, we’ve compiled a list of available rental options—please don’t hesitate to reach out for live availability.

For those who have lost their homes and leased through me, all commissions paid to me will be given back to you in the form of essential items, based on your priority list, to help replace what you’ve lost.

We’re continuing to gather more options and resources, and together, as a community, we will rebuild and come back stronger than ever.

- Craig Strong

Also available for lease. Inquire for lease details & pricing.

• 400-Foot Private Drive

• Mountain, Valley & Treetop Views

• Soaring Ceilings

• Wide-Plank Light Wood Floors

• Open-Concept Chef's Kitchen

• Extensive Outdoor Patios

• Six Potential Bedroom Suites

• Expansive Primary Suite

• 4,000-Bottle Wine Tasting Pavilion

• Full-Sized Lighted Sport Court

• Separate Guest House

• Resort-Style Pool & Spa

| 1.28

• Sweeping Motor Court

• 150-Foot Gallery Hallway

• Walls of Glass

• Gourmet Kitchen

• Intricate Crown Molding

• State-Of-The-Art Theater

• Custom-Carved Travertine Fireplaces

• Temperature-Controlled Wine Cellar

• Five-Car Garage

• Chanel-Style Pool & Spa

• Breathtaking 360-Degree Views

• Expansive 2+2 Guest House

‘LA Strong’

The DEES group had a record-breaking year in 2024 with group sales exceeding $100M, while this is an honor, we solely share this information to demonstrate that our team has the experience and knowledge to help you and your loved ones navigate the challenges that 2025 has brought upon our communities. We are

MICHAEL BERGIN | LUXURY ESTATES

by

Photography

Inda Reid

Home Brew

THE ANATOMY OF AN EARLY-MORNING RITUAL.

Written by Richard Lowe | Illustrated by Yuiko Sugino

The world fades in gently as my first thought of the day zips through my brain—perhaps a task carried over from yesterday’s to-do list or a Sabrina Carpenter song my daughter had on repeat—giving me a tingle of energy. My face senses the chilly air of the bedroom, making me appreciate the warmth built up under the comforter. My body wants to hibernate longer, but it’s too late. My mind is churning and soon I’m sliding carefully out from under the sheets, not wanting to disturb my wife. My feet go into slippers as I wonder, “Which beans today?”

I shuffle into the kitchen. Outside, drizzle and fog hang gray in the air. It’s February, the rainiest month in the Valley, so there’s a certain vibe I’m looking for. A dark roast to shake me awake? A single origin to ease me into the day? A holiday blend that’s been hanging on for a few extra months?

I prep my gear like a surgeon’s instruments: grinder, electric kettle, scale (with timer), and Chemex. Forty-five grams of hard, round beans whirrrrr into delicate flakes. Their nutty, sweet aroma, now fully released, hits my nostrils and I take a second to savor the moment. The house is quiet. My actions feel clandestine. It’s like I don’t exist, but the warmth trickling through my limbs says otherwise.

The grounds go into the filtered Chemex. I start my timer, grab the kettle, and the next five minutes are bliss. :01, :02, :03...

Hot water, in concentric circles, soaks in and bubbles. My first pour done, I pause. Steam rises from the earthy silt, the umber deepening, the scent intensified by the alchemy of water and bean.

:15, :16, :17...

Oh, the alchemy! Its wonderful chemistry drips off the pointed tip of the conical filter, filling the basin with a translucent brown that gradually becomes opaque as it grows in weight.

:29, :30...

More water: 300 grams. Then I can relax for a bit. Outside, the other early birds have joined me, chirping. If only they could smell it too—they’d give up worms forever.

2:21, 2:22, 2:23...

Oops, I was daydreaming. I should’ve started my final pour at 2:00, but it’s fine, I’m not that fussy this early in the day. I top off and set the kettle back onto its platter as the water drains through the beans, leaving behind a cavernous hole of grounds.

Mugs. I go for ceramic. Something about the weight and the earthiness feels right. We have a collection, like most aficionados (or addicts—a fine line). Most gathered through our travels, like a forest green one from Banff, Canada; others for their aesthetics, like a pyramid-shaped one that holds deceptively more than you’d think.

The depleted beans go into the compost. I swirl the Chemex by its neck, its insides sloshing and aerating like a fine wine. I fill my mug. I take a sip. I am present, and the wintry sun on the horizon greets me. ■

Richard Lowe brews his coffee in Studio City, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. His favorite Valley roaster is Laidrey in Encino.