Ventura Blvd January/February 2020 by Moon Tide Media

THE ARTS ISSUE

Top Brass HERB ALPERT

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12 IT’S INSTRUMENTAL The sound of music inside Vibrato—helmed by Herb Alpert and daughter Eden

22 HOME IS WHERE THE SONG IS Tune in to the sultry sounds of singer/ songwriter Manda Moscher.

24 FOUND ARTIST

36 48

AND THEN SOME... 60

Explore the creations of sculptor Christian Tedeschi

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77 REAL ESTATE

COVER

Spectacular local listings Herb Alpert at Vibrato

Grill; photographed by

LAST WORD

Michael Becker

A parting shot of Coldwater Canyon

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PUBLISHER

Linda Grasso

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VB’S THE SAUCE ENEWSLETTER EDITOR

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Karen Young

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Corry Cook, Heather David, Robert Earle Howells, Hadley Hall Meares, Susan Spillman, Karen Young PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Becker, Matthew Cooke, Phillip Graybill, Tameka Jacobs, Shane O’Donnell, Monica Orozco, Beau Ryan

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Second Gen In our annual ARTS issue, you’ll meet creatives of all kinds—starting with the man on our cover, music legend Herb Alpert.The award-winning musician and front man for the Tijuana Brass runs the live music venue Vibrato Grill with his daughter Eden. To say Herb is multitalented is an understatement. As you’ll learn (page 12), he not only has an amazing track record of writing, producing and performing hits, but also cofounded a record label (A&M)—and he’s an accomplished painter and sculptor. Talk about finding the perfect person to be on our cover! Also, don’t miss our food section, The Sauce. We have articles about the happenings at Arcwood Wine Bar (page 46) and at Sweet Butter (page 50), which is now helmed by Andrew Smith, son of the late owner, Leslie Danelian. Sweet Butter will always hold a special place in my heart. We featured it in our very first issue of Ventura Blvd 10 years ago this month. I remember frantically running around town trying to get stories for that premiere issue, constantly encountering scrunched-up noses and quizzical looks. Whaaaat? A lifestyle magazine for the Valley? Leslie Danelian, however, immediately got what we were trying to do and enthusiastically jumped on board. We shared a passion for our Armenian heritage (I can feel your nose scrunching; my beloved maternal grandmother was Armenian), as well as a set of nerves over starting new ventures. We became fast friends and through the years we helped each other. When the city threatened to shut down Sweet Butter for noncompliance with sidewalk dining laws, Leslie asked me to come down to speak before the LA city council, which I gladly did. When I needed food (or really anything) for a charity event, or an introduction to someone, I could always count on Leslie to make it happen. When, in the prime of life, Leslie got diagnosed with brain cancer, I was overwhelmed by how unfair and cruel life can be. I know Leslie’s eyes would dance with delight seeing Andrew making his mark and Sweet Butter thriving as the

Linda Grasso Editor-in-Chief

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

PHOTOGRAPHED BY AMY NEUSINGER

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JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2020 Step inside the creative lair of street artist Keith Biele. More on page 36...

it’s instrumental AS LEGENDARY MUSICIAN HERB ALPERT AND HIS DAUGHTER EDEN EMBARK ON THEIR 16TH YEAR OF RUNNING VIBRATO GRILL, THEY REFLECT ON THEIR PARTNERSHIP, THE JAZZ CLUB’S SUCCESS AND THEIR DEEP DESIRE TO PAY IT FORWARD. Written by Karen Young | Photographed by Michael Becker

It’s 10 in the morning on a Tuesday at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill. Although the supper club won’t open for seven hours, the kitchen is being prepped and the management team is fast at work. Herb’s daughter Eden is dealing with a pressing issue that she needs to discuss with her dad, who happens to be in New York City for a 10-day appearance at Café Carlyle. Although they are partners in the music venue/supper club tucked up in the swanky Beverly Glen Centre in the hills of Bel-Air, it is Eden who oversees the daily operation. “I’m here all the time. I’m the face. I like to say he’s the magical creator and visionary, but I keep it in alignment with his authentic wishes,” Eden Alpert explains, adding that their mission is to maintain a venue that will “keep music and creativity alive.” The name is an indisputable part of the club’s success. Nine-time Grammy Award winner Herb Alpert is one of the most successful pop instrumentalists and label executives in the industry. The musician was born in Boyle Heights to Eastern European Jewish immigrants. Though his first hit, “The Lonely Bull,” was inspired by music heard at a Tijuana bullfight, his famous 1960s group was not a mariachi band; it was made up of session musicians whom he has humorously described as “two lasagnas, two bagels and American cheese.” Over his 60-year career as a musician, the trumpeter has sustained an extraordinary run. In 1966, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass sold more albums than the Beatles, and in the same year, earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records with five albums simultaneously

in Billboard’s Top 20. He is #7 on the Greatest of All Time

I’m an extrovert in every which way, so we balance each

Billboard 200 Artists, with 29 gold and platinum albums,

other,” Eden says with a little laugh.

and is the only musician to have had a #1 instrumental

“We are 180 degrees apart from each other in terms of

song (“Rise”) and vocal single (his rendition of Burt

personality,” confirms her dad, who refers to himself as a

Bacharach’s “This Guy’s in Love with You”). He’s been

“card-carrying” introvert.

inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, has a star on

The 53-year-old attributes her problem-solving abili-

the Hollywood Walk of Fame and received the National

ties to her dad, explaining that when she and her siblings

Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama. Fun fact:

were growing up “he’d immediately zoom in to help

The band’s instrumental version of “Spanish Flea” was

figure out how to work out whatever was going on.”

the theme song for ABC’s “The Dating Game.” His career as a recording industry executive is

Eden, who is adopted, and her older brother Dore were born during their dad’s first marriage. Their half-sister,

equally prolific. It includes a partnership with producer

Aria, was born to her dad and Lani Hall, his wife of 46

Lou Adler, which spawned the hits “Only Sixteen” and

years. A two-time Grammy winner herself, Lani met Herb

“Wonderful World,” composed for the late soul singer

when he signed Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66 to A&M—

Sam Cooke, and cofounding A&M Records in 1962 with

and she was the lead singer.

Jerry Moss. From its beginnings in his West Hollywood

Eden has a 24-year-old daughter from her first mar-

garage, A&M grew to become the one of largest and

riage and remarried a year ago. She and her husband live

most significant labels in music history, counting Cat

in the hills of Sherman Oaks.

Stevens, the Carpenters, Joe Cocker, the Police, Quincy Jones and Janet Jackson on its eclectic roster. The

THE ‘CHEERS’ OF BEL-AIR

label was sold to Polygram in 1989 for $500 million.

As the face of Vibrato, Eden is on a first-name basis

Two decades later, Rondor, A&M’s music publishing

with many customers who are regulars and show up

company, sold for $400 million. Both are now part of

almost nightly.

Universal Music. Eden, who grew up in Beverly Hills and Malibu, insists she has zero musical talent, but has a keen ability to

ner. We’re known as a steakhouse, but have options for

discover musicians, having spent several years working at

everyone,” citing cauliflower shawarma, whole branzino,

Rondor prior to its sale. When Vibrato opened, Eden was,

lamb lollipops and sweet corn agnolotti as popular choices.

she shares, at an “in-between place” in her career, bal-

the late Stan Getz, who was a “dear friend and one of the

Centre in a florist’s shop. She approached her dad about

greatest jazz musicians of all time. We were going to call it

working as a hostess at Vibrato. Six months into the job,

Uncle Stanley. Unfortunately, Stan passed away too soon.”

“Eden proved herself quickly. She has a talent for

Herb worked side by side with Vincent Danoff, the acoustician who helped design the studio at A&M Records,

building relationships. She’s an integral part of suggest-

over a period of two years to create Vibrato’s sound

ing talent and making sure the ambience and food is just

system, which is as “consistent upstairs as it is down-

right,” Herb says.

stairs.” He compares the angled wood walls to that of a

The pair describe themselves as complete opposites who respect and admire each other. “He’s an extrovert on stage and an introvert in life.

Years ago, Herb talked about opening a jazz club with

ancing her life as a single mom and working at the Glen

her dad suggested that she be his partner.

“We’re the ‘Cheers’ of Bel-Air,” quips Eden. “People come in for cocktails, just to listen to music, or a full din-

cello “with a beautiful human quality. It’s important not to have parallel walls because in any environment, it is going to make a funny little bouncing sound. I wanted

Brenna Whitaker on the Vibrato stage

“I GET MY ENERGY FROM PERFORMING WITH THE BAND. IT’S A CREATIVE EXPERIENCE EVERY NIGHT. I THINK THAT’S THE THING THAT KEEPS ME JUMPING, MAN.”

to make sure it was one of those spaces where musicians

was going to fall over at any moment, but then sat down

come on stage, hear their instrument and know it’s a

at the piano and played like a teenager. And then when he

good sound.”

was done, he schlepped back off. I thought, ‘Man, isn’t that beautiful how the arts can stimulate a person and

THE VIBRATO VIBE

make them feel like there was no age attached.’”

Herb’s artistic talents extend beyond music. He is an accomplished sculptor and painter, and Vibrato, you

AN ARTIST’S LIFE

might say, serves as his gallery. The abstract expres-

Listen to Herb count down his interests and schedule, and

sionist works of art on the club’s walls are all his. A

you can’t help but think that a life in the arts somehow

bronze quartet of jazz musicians, commissioned for A&M

taps the fountain of youth. Turning 85 in March, he shows

Records, hangs above the long L-shaped bar. Holding

no signs of slowing down.

court at the entrance is a 14-foot painting bursting with

He wakes up at the crack of dawn at his Malibu home

vibrant yet earthy tones. It once hung above his late

and starts riffing on the trumpet—followed by painting

friend’s fireplace—he calls it “Uncle Stanley.”

or sculpting. Canvases are filled with bold strokes of color

The intimate 100-seat dining room is anchored by a

using an improvisational method similar to how he creates

half-moon stage large enough to hold a grand piano and

music, and the same goes for his totem sculptures inspired

an 18-piece band. A bold painting with swirls of gray, black

by those at Vancouver’s Stanley Park. But his are free-form

and white sets the mood, while the 40-seat upstairs lounge

versions made of bronze in varying sizes, topping out at a

provides a perfect bird’s-eye view. Amber hues filter down

majestic 18 feet. He has exhibited worldwide and currently

from the ceiling pods to tables topped with black linen and

has shows at the Field Museum in Chicago, the Wynn Palace

candles. Herb explains the pods were built to “disperse the

Macau in China, the National Wildlife Museum of Art in

sound as part of the acoustic treatment. They look good and

Wyoming and Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage.

they have a purpose. It’s a nice combination.” Among those who’ve graced the stage: Idina Menzel,

Herb describes art as coming from a “feeling—whether you’re a poet, a dancer, musician, painter, sculptor, it

Sheila E., Taylor Dayne, Katharine McPhee, Tony Bennett

doesn’t really matter. If the feeling resonates and it comes

and Wayne Brady. Regular performers include Steve

through, it’s worthy.”

Tyrell, Amy Keys, Frankie Jordan and Seth MacFarlane. Gladys Knight celebrated her 75th birthday with a red

Since 2006, he’s played 50 concert dates a year with his band, which includes Lani Hall and Grammy-winning

carpet bash in October. And in November music producer

bassist Hussain Jiffry—who is also the musical director

Quincy Jones held a benefit headlined by Chaka Khan for

at Vibrato and responsible for booking acts. The group’s

the Jazz Foundation of America honoring Joni Mitchell

latest album, “Over the Rainbow,” released last September,

and Wayne Shorter.

debuted on the Billboard chart as #1 Jazz Album and #1

Over the years, guests have popped up to jam. John

Contemporary Jazz Album. Upcoming appearances include

Mayer recently hopped on stage to sing with frequent

Santa Barbara’s historic Granada Theatre on February 28

performer Brenna Whitaker—as did Tom Jones. And

and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London this June.

Stevie Wonder has made repeat impromptu appearances. Herb reminisces about when the late jazz great Dave Brubeck did a rare spur-of-the-moment performance. “It was an amazing aha moment for me. He was 88 or 89 at the time and schlepped up on stage looking like he

“I get my energy from performing with the band. It’s a creative experience every night. I think that’s the thing that keeps me jumping, man. I’m excited about waking up in the morning—I paint, I sculpt ... I can’t imagine not doing it.”

PAYING IT FORWARD

Among programs funded in his name: UCLA School of

Eden remembers her dad telling her early on that most of

Music, Los Angeles City College, Harlem School of the

his money will go toward helping others.

Arts, New Roads School and CalArts.

She follows his lead of giving back, most notably to

childhood, when at age 8 he picked up a trumpet in a

tion founded in 1908 as the Jewish Orphan’s Home of

music appreciation class. “I couldn’t make a sound out of

Southern California, where she was adopted as an infant.

it at first, but when I did, it was talking for me, and I was

She started volunteering at a young age alongside her

hooked,” shares Herb. Describing himself as shy, he says

Aunt Mimi, and now sits on the board of the Eden Alpert

the trumpet gave him a voice.

Therapeutic Music Program. She recently facilitated a fundraising event with Seal.

age just like I did, and it shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a right. I think our government should under-

Vista. I have to be hands-on with helping anyone, espe-

stand the value of the arts,” he states. “I’m just looking

cially when it comes to children.”

for a life of purpose and honesty. I’ve been very lucky,

have dedicated their lives to championing the arts for all ages, awarding $180 million over the last several decades.

“Kids should have experience in the arts at an early

“I feel like I wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for

Through The Herb Alpert Foundation, Herb and Lani

His passion for supporting the arts is inspired by his

Vista Del Mar, a social services and educational founda-

so I just want to show my gratitude and help others to keep the arts alive.” ■

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Home Is Where the Song Is AMERICANA MUSIC ARTIST MANDA MOSCHER WRAPS UP A DECADE PERFORMING ON THE ROAD—BY PUTTING DOWN ROOTS IN THE VALLEY. Written by Hadley Hall Meares

You might describe country singer and musician Manda

bad, we were indoors all the time and we were working

Mosher as a Southern California girl through and

on music,” she recalls. “It’s a good place to study on the

through. A thoughtful, warm blonde with soulful eyes,

East Coast, because you’re just hunkered in. There are

she shares a cozy home in Van Nuys with her husband

no distractions like out here. When I was a teenager and

and business partner, Eric Craig, and their young daugh-

stuff, it was just like, ‘Well, there’s the beach!’”

ter. Her coveted vinyl record collection lines the shelves,

working for hit songwriter-producer Andy Goldmark,

idol, the late rocker Tom Petty.

who lives in Encino. She spent years working on the

Growing up in LA, Manda was steeped in the sounds of Southern California, particularly music that emanated

performing her own music at night. In 2009, her first record Everything You Need was

Mitchell, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and Jackson Browne.

released, followed by her second album, City of Clowns.

She says that growing up, she was also inspired by music

The next few years were a blur of accolades. Manda

she heard at North Hollywood’s legendary Palomino Club,

won numerous LA Music Awards, was an AmericanaFest

where Linda Ronstadt often sang her version of country

showcase artist and an SXSW showcase artist. And her life as artist on the road began. “It’s like one

of a West Coast feeling, which is very different than Texas

big adventure,” she says. “There’s highs, there’s lows.

country and Nashville country,” she says. “The California

Financially, it’s the same thing when you’re out there

sound—it’s a little more laid-back. It’s a little breezier.”

because some nights are good, some nights aren’t. Some

From her early teens, Manda acted as her own man-

nights you can have a really good meal. Some nights

ager, putting together bands to play local gigs. “I was

you’re scrimping by. It feels like you’re leaving your fate

singing and playing electric and playing lead guitar and

out there to whatever the universe has in store for you in

stuff,” she remembers. “And that at the time was not

that particular town. So, there’s an excitement to it.”

very common. It was kind of an odd thing. But I’m like,

Through it all, Manda worked tirelessly writing her

well, Sheryl Crow’s doing it. I know one—she’s doing it

own material. Described as a “rootsy, seductive song-

out there!”

stress” by one music critic, today she is become a cel-

Her next significant stop was the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. “Because the weather was so

business side of music, learning the ropes by day, and

out of Laurel Canyon in the ’60s from artists like Joni

rock. “Everything felt pretty connected to me. It was sort

After graduating, Manda moved back home and began

and on one shelf, something of a shrine is laid out to her

ebrated songwriter. “I think songs are like little philosophies,” she

explains. “A lot of songwriting comes from the compli-

Blackbird Record Label, and they sell kitschy cloth-

cations of relationships and things you wish you would

ing through their California Country Apparel brand. The

have done, wish you would have said, wish you could

couple also built a home studio, where their 4-year-old

change, the lesson you’ve learned from those things, or

daughter can often be found playing the drums and riding

messages that you just were never able to get across.”

her bike.

The last 10 years have been a whirlwind with Manda

“We’re just kind of taking everything in while my

touring with her award-winning all-girl band, Calico.

daughter is at this age. We’ve brought things in a little

Manda produces California country shows, featuring

more insular. We can work on the music here. Record

artists like Shooter Jennings, who keep the tradition of

here. Work on the label. Work on the clothing, and just

alt-Americana alive. Together she and Eric launched

keep all of these irons in the fire.” ■

found artist WITH A STORIED PAST THAT IS PART REBEL AND PART ESTABLISHMENT, SCULPTOR CHRISTIAN TEDESCHI SEES ART IN THE MOST UNUSUAL PLACES. Written by Hadley Hall Meares | Photographed by Monica Orozco

For artist Christian Tedeschi, sculpture

school or punished by my parents, I loved it because I just

can take many forms. It can be an old

wanted to be in there and just create something. My mom

door with salami covering the window,

Once enrolled at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts,

It can be a pitchfork he has found,

he found his calling. “My teachers really liked me there. I

beer can cast in resin. His sense of humor and enthusiasm for creation is evident in all of his work—an ethos

got along really well with everyone else, like, it was like I found my home, my people,” he remembers. For graduate school, Christian went to the Cranbrook Academy of Art outside of Detroit, where he studied with noted ceramicist Tony Hepburn. After graduating, he taught and worked in Detroit, living in a huge studio in

he tries to impart to the students he

a rough neighborhood filled with abandoned houses that

teaches sculpture to as an associate

were health and safety hazards, not to mention emotional

professor at Cal State Northridge. Christian has lived a life of a struggling artist—until

barriers for residents who could not convince the city to tear them down. “I started painting these houses that were dilapidated,

recently. He recently moved into a rambling, historic

that were uninhabitable. I started painting them bright

stone cottage in a wooded area of Tujunga with his

orange—me and a couple friends. And then like a week

wife, the artist Erika Ostrander. “I’ve always only lived

later, the city tore it down. And we’re like, huh? And

in warehouses, studios and things like that—a car,” he

everyone in the neighborhood was super excited.”

says. “But now I’m domesticated in a way since getting

Christian kept painting uninhabitable buildings. In

married, and it’s really nice being out of the city. Walking

2006, with the Super Bowl coming to town and the

down the street, people wave!”

government in Detroit attempting to “clean up the city,”

An avid walker, he spends hours walking the hills that

he made a grand artistic statement. In the middle of the

ring his home, collecting found materials like leaves and

night, he and a group of friends and Cranbrook students

acorns to use in his works along with his favorite man-

painted an abandoned neighborhood of eight houses that

made materials including resin, woven speaker wires

could be seen at the intersection of two major freeways. It

and salami.

made national news, and Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick

It’s a far cry from his childhood growing up in New Jersey, near Philadelphia. One of four children in a

was furious. “He was saying we were going to go to jail because

Catholic-Italian family, the former altar boy experienced

it’s an act of vandalism. Every act of vandalism is 90

a troubled youth. “I was a troublemaker,” he says. “My

days in jail. We probably did like 15 houses at this time,

parents didn’t know what to do with me. When I was 17,

something like that. So that was horrifying to me. And I

they had me exorcised. They thought I was possessed by

started applying for jobs,” he says.

the devil, which was a little bit of a wake-up call for me.” Christian was happiest in the art studio at high school,

school for art.’”

which shimmers like stained glass. encased in plexiglass, or a crushed

at some point realized, ‘Maybe you would like to go to

After a year teaching in Colorado, the artist arrived in LA to teach at Cal State Long Beach. “I think that there’s

skipping class so that he could paint and throw pots.

something interesting about LA, which feels like some-

He also loved his family basement, where he would go

where in between Detroit and Hawaii,” he says. “It’s kind

when he was punished. “Every time I got in trouble at

of gritty, but then there’s still palm trees.”

After a stint at Long Beach, he worked for the pioneering performance artist and sculptor Chris Burden and his wife, the sculptor and installation artist Nancy Rubins, working on

was made out of rock. So they just started making houses and stuff out of rocks.” While Erika often works outside, Christian creates his

Burden’s iconic “Metropolis II,” now on permanent display

clever, stark pieces in the converted garage studio. “Recently

at LACMA. He was then visiting artist at Claremont Graduate

I’ve made a battery out of salami. I can power an LED with

University before making his way to Cal State Northridge,

it, so I’m thinking about making a chandelier or something

where he met his wife.

related to it,” he says heartily.

Their rustic home is filled with creative endeavors both

“Nancy Rubins told me a great bit of advice, which was your art

separate and joint. “Tujunga itself was founded by artists

practice is like a small flame and you have to protect it. Sometimes

trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the city,” Christian

it can go like a raging fire; sometimes it’s just a flicker. But you

explains. “No one wanted to be out here because everything

have to protect that and always keep that going.” ■

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE T N O RKE MA

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

A THOUGHTFUL RENOVATION An architectural gem from another era enjoys a face-lift while retaining its historical authenticity.

he illustrious history of celebrity

suite with a large walk-in closet. The thought-

enclave Toluca Lake and its promi-

ful renovation preserved the wrought iron rail-

nent allure that continues today

ings, arched windows and curved doorways.

access, with a single-car driveway on the

are perfectly exhibited by the

Walls are thick plaster, and the gorgeous

northern portion of the property perfect for

Klump Estate on Forman Avenue. Sited at the

lighting fixtures and sconces hearken back to

welcoming business associates to the adja-

heart of the community—across from Bing

another era.

cent office. The elaborate wooden beams

Crosby’s former estate, around the corner

A new generation has enjoyed dwelling

refreshing shade. The compound enjoys multiple points of

and original fireplace preserve the sense that

from the massive compound owned by

in this stellar residence. Current owners

innovative and important business was con-

Bing’s buddy Bob Hope, and a quick stroll to

Ward Carpenter and Russell Hicks describe

ducted here. A detached guest unit above the

bustling Riverside Drive near famed director

their favorite aspects of living in this historic

garage comes complete with a kitchen.

Garry Marshall’s Falcon Theatre—this classic

home. “I fell in love with the lore of the grand

Timeless charm abounds throughout the

Spanish Revival home guarded by 10 tower-

gatherings that took place in this house,”

house. From niches that display intriguing

ing palm trees has enjoyed tremendous curb

remarks Carpenter, a medical professional. “I

sculptures to bejeweled hardware and intri-

appeal and a coveted location for the past

could sense that a loving family lived here, and

cate wrought iron staircase railings, the home

100 years.

the meticulous renovation took great pains and

appeals to those who appreciate quality

expense to maintain that elevated lifestyle.”

materials and craftsmanship.

Built in 1926 by Toluca Lake pioneer William Klump, the residence has been an iconic

The house abounds in luxury. “I appreciate

The huge arched windows allow generous

landmark in the community from day one. As

how the master suite has the space to accom-

streams of light to enter. Nowhere is this more

Hollywood royalty moved into this burgeon-

modate our needs,” Hicks shares, referring

realized than the upstairs sitting room, where

ing neighborhood, they solicited top-drawer

to the large walk-in closet and spacious

the view of the Valley expanse is the perfect

architects to design their homes. The Klump

bathroom. “But I really love how they built the

accompaniment to enjoying a cup of after-

Estate sits solidly among the pantheon of

master bedroom fireplace to match the other

noon tea—now, as in decades past.

Toluca Lake’s famed architectural gems. After

original fireplaces throughout the house.”

Klump passed away, the property remained

Original hardwood flooring runs through-

The floor plan presents ample secondary bedrooms and bathrooms that retain the look

in the family but wasn’t lived in … and thus lost

out this private estate, and carved wood

and feel of Klump’s original vision. The dual

much of its original luster.

beams grace the ceilings. There are four fire-

staircases connect all corners of the house

places, some bordered by authentic Calco tile.

and make this grand estate feel like a cohe-

Carpenter and Hicks appreciate the expan-

sive cozy home. The basement with daylight

Fortunately, in this day and age when so much of the Valley’s history is being demolished in favor of indistinguishable East Coast

sive grounds and walled perimeters for their

windows is ideal for a studio exec to screen

Cape Cods and “modern farmhouses,” a

three large dogs. There is a veritable orchard

their latest movie release or a Hollywood

2015 renovation completely modernized

of orange and lemon trees. Longtime area

musician to record an album. All of the

the home’s functional systems yet critically

residents recall the younger Klump family

mechanical systems were also updated.

retained all of its resplendent charm and

members serving fresh-squeezed lemonade

The entire estate provides great space

grandeur. It features an open, modern kitchen

to passersby. The mature olive and oak trees

for entertaining. A sun-drenched circular

and great room, as well as a superb master

add to the homespun character and also add

porch off the formal living room lends itself to |

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

sipping a hot cup of coffee in the morning and a cool cocktail while the soft glow of the sunset descends over the Valley. A newly remodeled pool is tucked in the corner of the yard, framed by more historic trees. The immediate feel is that of a luxury boutique hotel. Kevin Dees of The Agency, local resident and co-listing agent for the property, was familiar with the house when he was a kid growing up in Toluca Lake. “My dad and I would walk by the house, and because the family didn’t live there, there was always this mystery about it. Now that I’ve had the pleasure to be inside, it’s so amazing to see the transformation and how this extraordinarily rare renovation is here in this neighborhood.”

Klump Estate 4352 Forman Avenue, Toluca Lake Price upon request Kevin Dees, Craig Knizek & Ben Belack The Agency 818-618-1006 CKnizek@theagencyre.com BRE #01377932

ON THE MARKET

Triple Threat BRADLEY BREDEWEG, CO-CREATOR OF THE FOSTERS AND GOOD TROUBLE, ON HOW MADONNA HELPED KICK OFF HIS CAREER, WHY HE TRADED SILVER LAKE FOR VALLEY VILLAGE AND WHY THIS YEAR MAY BE HIS MOST CHALLENGING EVER, AS HE DIRECTS HIS FIRST FEATURE FILM. Photographed by Tameka Jacobs

Walk into Bradley Bredeweg’s handsomely appointed

WHEN DID THE SHOWBIZ BUG BITE?

Valley Village home and you can easily miss his Emmy. It’s

When I was six, my mom took me and my little brother to

not prominently displayed on shelving in the living room

the drive-in theater a lot. She was trying to keep us busy

or in his guest house office out back. The gold statuette

and excited as our family was going through a rough time.

that the writer/producer/co-creator won for The Fosters

My real father was pretty absent. I’ll never forget the first

(2013–18) sits on a small table in the dining room. “I had

time we saw E.T. It felt so magical. I remember getting lost

it packed and out of sight for a long time. But my mom,

in that world and those characters. I knew that one day I

who helped me decorate, persuaded me to put it out,”

wanted to reach people like that and be a storyteller.

Bradley shares. The soft-spoken Laguna native is equally modest about his career, which spans TV, Broadway, and,

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST BIG BREAK?

most recently, film. VB editor Linda Grasso caught up with

The first pilot I developed was called Alyx when I about 24

Bradley at home, tracing his career from working as a teen

years old. It somehow found its way into Madonna’s hands

at the Laguna Beach Playhouse to his current passion proj-

back when she was producing a lot. Maverick (her compa-

ect: directing a film by screenwriter Paul Schrader.

ny at the time) fell in love with it, optioned it, and we were off and running. We packaged the project and it eventually

SHARE A BIT ABOUT HOW AND WHERE YOU GREW UP.

sold to ABC. Although Alyx never went anywhere—you can

I was born and mostly raised in the OC/Laguna area. It was

do really well in this town just writing and selling pilots

a very creative and artistic community back then made up

that never see the light of day—it lit this fire in me and

of hippies, artists and gay men—much different than it is

made me believe that anything is possible.

now. It’s still a gorgeous part of the world, but when the money moved in, it pushed out a lot of what made that

IT’S BEEN SEVEN YEARS SINCE THE FOSTERS, WHICH

part of the coast really special. I miss the diversity.

CENTERED AROUND TWO LESBIAN MOMS RAISING A FAMILY OF FOSTER, ADOPTED AND BIOLOGICAL KIDS,

WHEN DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED

DEBUTED. REFLECTIONS?

IN STORYTELLING?

The Fosters happened at the right time for a lot of people.

I started going to the Laguna Playhouse as kid and joined

My producing partner at the time and I wanted was to be

their youth program. It taught us kids so much about the

able to put a show like that on the air so that audiences

art of live theater. From stage managing, acting, produc-

could come to understand that all families, no matter

ing, backstage crew work, lighting, sound—we got to learn

what they look like, tend to go through and struggle with

all aspects of what it takes to put up a show.

similar things. We also wanted to do a show that spoke to

LGBTQ issues that so many teenagers and young viewers

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE THEATER ARENA?

had never seen on their screens before. I would have given

I came up with this idea for a Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo

anything to see a character like Jude on my screen when I

(Broadway-bound) musical that I’m writing and produc-

was a kid, or to watch loving and devoted parents like Stef

ing. I really was like that 6-year-old boy at the drive-in

and Lena raise a family made up of such diversity. I still

all over again. It just makes me so giddy. It’s all a careful

receive hundreds of tweets and messages a week and it

dance to balance everything I have going on in my career.

really moves me.

We are now in production on Good Trouble and on long weekends I fly to NYC to work on the musical.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR THE SPIN-OFF GOOD TROUBLE?

HOW DID YOU WIND UP LIVING IN VALLEY VILLAGE?

The network (Freeform) approached us about a spin-off,

I lived in Silver Lake for a long time and I loved the culture

but Peter Paige (co-creator), Joanna Johnson (EP) and I

there. It reminded me of my days in NYC. But the moment

kept saying no. We just weren’t sure how we were go-

I stepped foot into my house, it just felt like I had come

ing to beat The Fosters. But once Trump got into office,

home. It had such a warm feeling. There is so much new

we realized we had an opportunity to still tell stories of

construction in the Valley where developers are going into

diversity. So many people in this world still need a voice.

the older homes and tearing them down in order to mod-

So we finally agreed to do it, and the show launched in

ernize them. I saw a lot of those homes, but they all felt

January 2019.

so cold. There wasn’t a heart center to them. And as you

We sat down and started talking about the main char-

know, I approach everything from the heart. My house was

acters, Mariana and Callie, moving to LA. We realized that

built in 1929, and you can just feel the history in it. It has

it couldn’t just be another roommate story or one about

a heartbeat. It’s a three-bedroom with a little back house,

20-somethings living together. I brought up to both of

and I share it with my dog, Gertie.

them this idea of communal living. I loved the idea of a bunch of different people from very different backgrounds

ANY FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS?

having to share a nontraditional space. We eventually

I love Black Market. Their food is so damn good. The dev-

landed on an old LA theater.

iled eggs, the chips, just all of it. I also love sitting in the front library room of Firefly for a martini. It just feels so

YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON MAKING

swanky and cozy in there.

YOUR FILM DIRECTORIAL DEBUT WITH LIFE FROM THE OTHER SIDE, OPTIONED BY SCREENWRITER PAUL

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT LIVING

SCHRADER. DETAILS?

IN THE VALLEY?

Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, American Gigolo) is a

I love the community feel of it. Everyone here just feels so

huge idol of mine. The movie is about a young woman who

warm and open. It feels suburban and yet still a part of the

is a beautiful yet broken social media influencer and a man

big city. And I love being central to so much. Many of my

who is an Algerian immigrant who comes to the U.S. with

friends live out here and I can pretty much get to any place

a dream and just wants to become an American citizen.

in the city in a decent amount of time. It just feels like the

It’s about these polar opposite characters from different

Valley is having this renaissance moment right now and I

walks of life struggling to achieve very different versions

love being here. ■

of the American dream.

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creative hub in the hills STREET ARTIST KEITH BIELE AND FILMMAKER DANIELA AMAVIA TRANSFORM A SPRAWLING FORMER CELEBRITY ESTATE INTO AN IMAGINATIVE OASIS. Written by Susan Spillman | Photographed by Shane Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell

He’s one of Los Angeles’ premier

removed from exterior and interior walls and the fireplace

street artists. She’s a former model/

and refinished with a smooth surface. The wood veneer

actress turned house flipper and filmmaker. Together, Keith Biele and Daniela Amavia cultivate their talents in a meticulously remodeled

The floors, formerly a hodgepodge of terra-cotta tile, hardwood and carpet, were replaced with white oak in the master bedroom and ceramic and concrete tiles throughout the rest of the house. Twins Lennox and Georgiana “can Rollerblade through almost the entire house, says Daniela.

Shirley Jones.

“The tile we put down is basically indestructible.” They chose Restoration Hardware’s paint in “slate” for both the exterior and interior walls, in varying tones. For

think the property was a bit much for her to take care of,”

example, in some rooms, 50% of the paint color’s pig-

says Daniela. Jones’ sons helped move out some of her

ment was used.

things, but they left behind a mock dual street sign that

“Each house has its own story and it’s our job to tell

reads “Cassidy” and “Ingels” streets, which remains out

it,” says Daniela. “This one didn’t want to be all white

by the pool.

and bright. It wanted to have a mood, to be an earthy

“I walked inside the house and saw the potential immediately,” shares Daniela, who was on the lookout primarily for space. She and Keith have 9-year-old twins,

color, from nature.” The bathrooms are each tiled with different playful, blackand-white designs from Arizona Tile’s Cementine line.

and both wanted to be able to work from home. “It’s our

“We like our materials in each house to be part of the

creative lair,” adds Daniela, who was born in Greece and

same family, so as you walk through the house, you can

raised in Germany.

feel a calmness through the unity of vision,” says Daniela.

In addition to her movie career, Daniela also flips homes

A big part of the home’s character comes from Keith’s

under the banner Bravia Design, which she co-owns. She

artwork, displayed in every room—even the bathrooms.

and her partner Dale Brasel spent six months updat-

In the living room, the sense of drama is heightened by

ing the secluded, five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath

a cohesive gallery of his bold, graffiti-style paintings.

home, which was built in 1957 and remodeled in the ’80s.

They mostly feature vibrant colors, though some are

Daniela’s makeover entailed extensive updates, including

black-and-white.

new floors, a new roof and almost everything in between.

As on the street, his work displayed at home imparts

Still, Daniela and Dale were determined to maintain some

messages about teaching peace, empathy and protect-

of the home’s original architectural integrity.

ing our planet. Each painting is signed with the moniker

“We felt that the house was special and needed to stay its meandering, magical ranch self,” says Daniela. They moved interior walls and raised the ceilings to

“Teachr.” (The “e” is omitted to represent budget cuts in public education, his initial and constant protest issue.) Some pieces are purely decorative; others honor famous

open up the space, added skylights and replaced the

people he admires. Portraits on display include educa-

expanse of dated windows and French doors with single-

tional activist Malala Yousafzai and the late pop icon

paned, black-rimmed styles that welcome in views of the

Prince, who, Daniela shares, was a friend.

backyard, pool and Santa Susana Mountains. Typical of today’s ranch remodels, giant rocks were

master closet was enlarged to an enviable 17 by 20 feet.

Encino estate bought from actress

“Her husband, Marty Ingels, had passed away and I

kitchen cabinets were upgraded to solid oak, and the

If Keith’s style looks familiar, chances are you’ve seen his graffiti on walls and electrical boxes throughout the

city. He attended Ringling College of Art & Design in Florida, and originally moved to LA in 1999 with aspirations of being a volleyball player. But after a few commissions, he pivoted into being what he describes as an “activist artist.” He worked on a 9/11 remembrance piece at the Pentagon, and his first graffiti art was a 2010 protest of public education cuts. The image was of a dollar bill with a picture of a baby—Georgiana at age 4 months—and the message “teach.” It now hangs in a bathroom. Keith sticks to blank surfaces like electrical boxes rather than vandalizing billboards or signs. “Most of them are gray,” he says of the electrical boxes. “Why not put some art on them?” Armed with spray paint and elaborately cut stencils, he hits the streets between midnight and 2 a.m. at least twice a month. Lately he’s branched into placing sculptures in public as well, including a series of a small

“EACH HOUSE HAS ITS OWN STORY AND IT’S OUR JOB TO TELL IT. THIS ONE DIDN’T WANT TO BE ALL WHITE AND BRIGHT. IT WANTED TO HAVE A MOOD, TO BE AN EARTHY COLOR, FROM NATURE.”

French bulldog known as the Climate Watchdog. Keith, who goes by @Teachr1 on Instagram, has 18,500 passionate followers. The artist often hides trademark

“Having a gallery that is free for everybody 24 hours

symbols in his work, including peace signs, a spray paint

is the best thing that happened to me as an artist,” says

can with wings, and a triple cross with the words Teach,

Keith. “Sometimes you can reach people who make a dif-

Peace, Learn.

ference. But it can also be therapeutic in making me feel

His creative process begins in his home studio, which occupies half of the family home’s eight-car garage. Here

like at least I’ve made an effort to get a message out.” Above Keith’s studio, Daniela and Dale’s talents are in

you’ll see the tools of his trade —including hundreds of

play. They share a spacious loft office with skylights and

stencils, some as large as 7 by 11 feet. Each takes between

vaulted ceilings. She divides her time between design and

an hour and several weeks to make. Keith pioneered a sten-

house flipping duties for Bravia Design and those for her

cil-making technique using paper and fiberglass window

burgeoning career as an independent filmmaker.

screen that’s been adopted by other street artists. He shares

Daniela’s debut feature, A Beautiful Now, about a group

that his custom-crafted stencil process makes it easier to

of 30-something friends in LA, was a hit on the festival

cut highly intricate designs and allows for multiple uses.

circuit and scored a run on Netflix. Next up, this summer

Among Keith’s favorite outdoor venues are an electrical

she’ll shoot and direct her latest script, Get Lost, in Europe.

box for Amoeba Records and another at the top of Vine

A modern-day Alice In Wonderland, the film’s cast includes

Street, both in Hollywood. Political pieces, he says, work

John Malkovich and Rosanna Arquette. Daniela’s twins,

well on a box at the top of Lookout Mountain just off

both aspiring thespians, have small parts in the movie.

Laurel Canyon. Prime Valley locations include boxes at

Summing up her family’s vibrant, active hub, Dan-

the corner of Burbank Boulevard and Hayvenhurst Avenue

iela quips, “There’s something about this weird, strange

and another at Ventura and Balboa, both in Encino.

commune going here. It’s a very creative place.” ■

I N G O O D H E A LT H

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Dr. Andrew Fox

BACK TO BASICS PROVIDENCE CEDARS-SINAI TARZANA MEDICAL CENTER’S COMPREHENSIVE SPINE PROGRAM HELPS PATIENTS GET BACK ON TRACK. WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMEKA JACOBS

If your back is bothering you, you’re not

quality of life. Services include pain manage-

artificial discs and coflex®. Dr. Khounganian,

alone. An estimated 75% to 85% of Americans

ment, psychological treatment, surgical inter-

surgery department chair and orthopedic

experience some form of back pain during

vention and rehabilitation.

division chair, received his medical degree

their life, reports the American Association of

from the Keck School of Medicine of USC and

Neurological Surgeons. It is one of the most

DREAM TEAM

completed a spine fellowship at the Southern

common reasons for ER visits and missed

Heading the team are neurosurgeon Andrew

California Orthopedic Institute in Van Nuys,

work and other activities, impacting people of

Fox, MD, and orthopedic spine surgeon Greg

where he learned innovative orthopedic

all ages. Whether the discomfort is caused by

Khounganian, MD. Dr. Fox, neurosurgery

methods to treat spine conditions with nonop-

an accident, a sports injury, arthritis, stress or

medical director, received his medical degree

erative techniques as well as microscopic and

a common, everyday movement, seeking help

from Finch University of Health Sciences/

minimally invasive procedures.

to alleviate back pain is a smart move.

Chicago Medical School and completed

Both physicians are Los Angeles natives

The spine program at Providence Cedars-

residencies at the University of California

and lead active lifestyles. Dr. Fox is passion-

Sinai Tarzana Medical Center offers a team of

Davis Medical Center in Sacramento and

ate about mixed martial arts and basketball,

specialists and care providers highly expe-

SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn. He

while Dr. Khounganian enjoys a variety of

rienced in treating the full spectrum of neck

served as director of spinal surgery at Sutter

personal fitness and outdoor activities.

and back disorders. The goal is to help each

of Sacramento and has a keen interest in

patient restore function and improve their

motion preservation technology such as

“Our team truly understands the impact that back pain has on daily life, and we

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

I N G O O D H E A LT H

Dr. Greg Khounganian

support our patients every step of the way,”

surgery. However if surgery is necessary, the

says Dr. Khounganian. “Our surgeons, nurses,

spine program offers state-of-the-art, mini-

exercise therapists and pain management

mally invasive techniques that typically carry

experts all share the same common goal: to

less risk than traditional surgery.

help relieve patients’ pain and restore their

“We stay on top of the latest in neurology

function and return them to good health with

and spine care through active research

as little intervention possible.”

projects and clinical journals,” shares Dr. Fox.

Dr. Fox concurs. “Since we have an avid

“We are experts in technology—from improve-

interest in sports and active lifestyles, we

ments in artificial disks to constantly emerging

understand that back health and support

new best practices and recommendations in

means much more than performing pro-

minimally invasive techniques.”

cedures,” he says. “It means surrounding

The reward for the treatment team is see-

you with a supportive team of experts who

ing patients become active and pain-free.

understand the impact that back pain has on

“Whether someone is able to return to a sport

your life.”

they love or simply engage in a more active routine, knowing that our treatment has had a

COMPREHENSIVE CARE

positive impact on their quality of life is deeply

Patients of the spine program receive a

gratifying,” expresses Dr. Khounganian.

thorough workup and comprehensive care

“SINCE WE HAVE AN AVID INTEREST IN SPORTS AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES, WE UNDERSTAND THAT BACK HEALTH AND SUPPORT MEANS MUCH MORE THAN PERFORMING PROCEDURES.”

Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical

plan before treatment begins. The medical

Center has served the San Fernando Valley

team assesses each patient to determine the

since 1973. It has consistently been ranked

most conservative, effective steps to recovery.

as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals™

PROVIDENCE CEDARS-SINAI TARZANA

Patients are offered in-person pre-op educa-

by Healthgrades, named a Best Regional

MEDICAL CENTER

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earned a five-star quality rating from the

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Not all spine injuries or conditions require

THE SAUCE

Soupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On Get it hot and healthy at the new Gracefully Fed in Sherman Oaks. More on page 48...

Dom Riccard

THE SAUCE

Born on the Bayou CAN’T MAKE IT TO NEW ORLEANS FOR MARDI GRAS? HEAD TO ARCWOOD WINE BAR IN TARZANA, WHERE A LOUISIANA NATIVE IS SERVING UP CLASSICS LIKE SHRIMP & GRITS AND JAMBALAYA—AND THEN SOME. Written by Linda Grasso | Photographed by Shane O’Donnell

When Hitesh Ambalal opened Arcwood Wine Bar two years ago, he served a tasty blend of American and Los Angeles

Dom’s menu. “It was the right move. Turns out our customers wanted

cuisine paired with a curated selection of refined, old-world

wines that felt more accessible,” says Hitesh. These days

wines. Business was good. But like any smart restaurateur,

customers can’t seem to get enough of varietals like a red

Hitesh sensed something needed to change.

blend made by Dave Phinney at Orin Swift for $60 a bottle.

Enter Dom Riccard, a 31-year-old Louisiana born-and-

Dom grew up near Baton Rouge, and her earliest memo-

bred chef. “I’ve known Dom through the industry for a

ries are of being in the kitchen. “I can remember at four

while and I knew what she was capable of.” Hitesh hired

years old helping my mom in the kitchen.” She attended

her to helm Arcwood’s kitchen, and the two started talking

culinary school in Louisiana and worked in a succession of

about Dom’s passion: New Orleans cuisine.

restaurants, ultimately moving to LA and working in eater-

“I’ve been cooking in a kitchen since I was four years old.

ies from Long Beach to West Hollywood.

No one else really wanted to be in there except me. First I

“I’ve had a lot of restaurant experience, but this was the

watched and then I helped. I cook how my mother cooked

first menu I created. People sometimes think New Orleans

and how her mother cooked,” Dom shares.

cuisine is very spicy, but that’s a misconception. I think of

The opening salvo was cornbread, which Dom’s mom always topped with a homemade sweet red pepper jelly. After baking the cornbread in a cast-iron pan, Dom put her

it as flavorful. With dishes like gumbo, we offer a hot sauce, and you can make it as spicy as you like,” says the chef. A few customers complained that they missed the burger

own spin on it, capping off the bread and pepper jelly with a

on the menu so—always wanting to stay on the cusp of

dollop of honey butter.

what customers want—Dom has been working on a Cajun

“Dom made a couple of other dishes that day, but the

burger that will appear on the menu in the New Year. “It has

cornbread was the first thing I tasted. It was simple but so

pepper jack cheese and a homemade relish on it. We’ll see

good. Once I tasted that and the jambalaya and the black-

how it does,” she says.

ened rockfish, it just made sense to let her take the reins,” Hitesh explains. The next logical step was an overhaul of the wine program. Arcwood patrons seemed ho-hum about the in-

In January, Arcwood kicks off a chef’s tasting series, a 10-seat multicourse dinner with wine pairings, that will be held Thursday through Saturday nights. Hitesh says he plans to keep switching it up, listening

ternationally inspired wine menu. So Hitesh switched gears,

to customer feedback and riffing off Dom’s inspirations.

offering a collection of unique, reasonably priced California

“When you have someone of that caliber in the kitchen, you

wines from small boutique vineyards that complemented

get out of the way and let them do their thing.” ■

THE SAUCE

Soup to the Rescue AT GRACEFULLY FED, THE SOUP IS HOT, AND FOR SOME, THE GATEWAY TO GOOD HEALTH. Written by Karen Young

Watching Traci Weintraub energetically scramble around

The business really escalated when her friend Teddi

Gracefully Fed, her newly opened Sherman Oaks grab-

Mellencamp (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) posted soup

and-go food shop, no one would guess that five years ago

photos on Instagram. Within a year, Traci started ship-

she found herself in and out of hospitals plagued with

ping soups nationwide, and she added local catering and

fatigue, leg pain and “neurological issues.”

meal plan delivery to the mix. Opening up shop along the

The 39-year-old had just moved to New York from LA where she worked in TV production.

two dozen soup flavors that are gluten-free, dairy-free,

walking I was doing … I wasn’t used to it anymore since I

nut-free, and vegan, plus a few poultry choices. A hand-

was in Los Angeles for 10 years,” she quips.

ful of fresh daily soups rotate, while the full soup menu is available frozen for takeaway. Traci shares that some of

she was diagnosed with panic attacks and migraines. She

the most popular varieties are carrot ginger, lentil mush-

says she “just went with it” until her symptoms progressed.

room chili, and chicken turmeric.

After seeing dozens of doctors, she finally met a

Seasonal entrees and meal plans are available for

cardiologist who reported she did not have anxiety, but

weekly delivery or to pick up. Selections include a variety

instead diagnosed her with postural orthostatic tachycar-

of salads, Italian chicken meatballs with roasted eggplant,

dia syndrome, also known as POTS—a rare condition that

poached salmon and lentil pasta. Sweets, such as vegan

affects heart rate and circulation. Traci later discovered it

chocolate chip cookies and zucchini muffins, are made

was a syndrome brought on by Lyme disease, which had

with coconut sugar and pureed butternut squash.

lain dormant. Traci moved back to LA and as part of her recovery,

Traci thought a career in television would be “it” for her, but now revels in her newly minted brick-and-mor-

doctors suggested clean eating, essentially eliminating

tar. “Helping others who’ve been in a similar situation and

gluten, dairy, soy and alcohol. Cooking and entertaining

having real conversations just makes my heart soar.” ■

were always a big part of her life, so once Traci regained her strength, she started developing recipes, which led to sharing soup with friends. It wasn’t long before those friends told other friends, and soon she started selling it out of her home kitchen. “I really started feeling like I was gaining my life back.” Overwhelmed with orders, she moved her operation to BLVD Kitchen, the communal space in Sherman Oaks.

Using only organic ingredients, she offers a selection of

“Initially I attributed my symptoms to the amount of

When the pain progressed to dizzy spells and fainting,

Boulevard seemed the next logical step.

Clockwise from upper left : Traci Weintraub; vegetable puree soup; chicken sausage soup

THE SAUCE

Sweet Success 2.0 SWEET BUTTER EMBARKS ON ITS SECOND DECADE, WITH THE FOUNDER’S SON AT THE HELM AND A NEW DINNER MENU. Photographed by Tameka Jacobs | Written by Karen Young

For years, the Valley’s “restaurant row” was firmly en-

assisted in the business, to helping him navigate the

trenched in Studio City, but Sweet Butter’s opening in 2011

“uncharted waters.” And Emily, now in her third year

in Sherman Oaks changed the scene. The cheery yellow and

of law school, who he says is always available to talk

white farmhouse-style café with pillowed banquettes and

through big decisions. “I couldn’t do this without her.”

tables spilling out on the sidewalk turned a nondescript

hancing the rustic, plant-filled courtyard with a stand-

could be seen from early morning to late afternoon, sipping

alone European-style wine bar. French bistro chairs

coffee and enjoying leisurely breakfasts and lunches.

now accompany custom-made Italian stone tables in

Other restaurateurs took note, and soon eateries, as well as retail shops, started opening at a rapid pace. Cut to 10 years later and some might argue the dining scene in Sherman Oaks now rivals that of Studio City. Sweet Butter was the brainchild of longtime lo-

encircled by black railing. And, as was his mother’s dream, he has expanded into full dinner service with beer and wine Wednesday through Sunday evenings. The menu integrates recipes from Leslie’s heritage, including lahmajun—an Armenian thin-crust,

customers with a radiant smile, treating them like old

pizza-like dish topped with minced meat and tomatoes. The dinner menu also features Barcelona potatoes, co-

success, and after a few years was contemplating opening

conut ceviche and harissa lamb gnocchi. Louisa’s Caesar

a second outpost on the westside. But Leslie was diag-

is named for Leslie’s mother, who once owned a salad

nosed with brain cancer and, after a two-and-a-half-

dressing company. And Leslie’s spicy rosemary mixed

year battle, passed away in 2015.

nuts bring memories of her entertaining finesse.

Leslie left the eatery to her children, Andrew Smith and

Wine varietals include some from lesser-known

Emily Smith. Emily took over, while Andrew continued

regions, such as Txakolina from Basque country

working in the music business. But after a year, Emily

in Spain, and a classic premier cru Burgundy from

decided to attend law school.

Gevrey-Chambertin.

“My mom always supported the passions of others,

Dimmed hanging Edison bulbs, candlelit tables featur-

whether family members or those in the community.

ing flower arrangements from nearby Mark’s Garden, food

We knew she would want Emily to follow hers,” ex-

served on English china alongside cloth napkins, and clas-

plains Andrew, 32. “I decided to step in so I could make

sic American and French jazz all add to the evening vibe.

decisions in an educated way and then I just sort of fell deeper and deeper into it.” Andrew credits longtime employees—from the bookkeeper to the cooks—as well as his mom’s friends who

the courtyard, and the street-side patio was recently

cal caterer Leslie Danelian. The petite brunette greeted friends. She was surprised and delighted at Sweet Butter’s

Andrew has put his own stamp on Sweet Butter, en-

corner almost overnight into a vibrant gathering spot. Diners

“Sweet Butter is evolving and feels very special at night,” states Andrew, easily evoking his mom’s enthusiasm. “I am excited for people to be able to experience that with us.” ■

The late Leslie Danelian with husband, Rick Berge, in 2011.

Andrew Smith

as seen in

Ventura Blvd is part of the Golden State network, a family of digital, social and print media brands celebrating the people, pursuits, lifestyles and ideas of California. In every issue, we are sharing one story across our network that explores topics beyond the limits of the Valley. These California stories speak to the meaningful impact our state and its residents are making on the global stage. To learn more about Golden State and discover more stories like this, visit goldenstate.is.

no fear of flying PETER JONES’ RECENT DOCUMENTARY, BLUE SKY METROPOLIS, TELLS THE STORY OF HOW AVIATION—WITH A STRONG DASH OF CINEMATIC FLAIR—HELPED SPUR THE GROWTH OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND ITS MELTING POT OF PIONEERS, CELEBRITIES, IMMIGRANTS AND DREAMERS. Written by Robert Earle Howells | Photographed by Phillip Graybill

Very early in Blue Sky Metropolis, Peter Jones’ four-part documentary on the history of aviation in Southern

and the point is driven home: Southern California is more than the historic setting for the development of aviation. It is also the present and the future of aerospace. It is the

of a propeller-driven dirigible

vantage from which we gaze into the heavens and contin-

Los Angeles International Air Meet in Dominguez Hills. It looks utterly preposterous. No one watching— then or now—could hold any hope of it getting airborne. But fly it does, as a nattily attired and apparently

ue to realize the dreams portrayed by those magnificent flying machines and their makers in 1910. But Blue Sky Metropolis has even more to say than that. As we learn in the course of four hour-long episodes, the development of aviation didn’t just coincide with the development and growth of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. It essentially dictated it. By 1929 there were 53 landing fields within 30 miles of Los Angeles City Hall. Most were developed by aircraft manufacturers. Those sites determined population pat-

untethered pilot steers from an

terns in places like Hawthorne, Burbank and Lakewood

exposed framework underneath the

(touted as “Tomorrow’s City Today”), as workers settled

behemoth airship. The image says a great deal. It speaks to the audac-

in suburban clusters surrounding these scattered aviation hubs. All the while, another force was at work, perfectly

ity of early aviation pioneers, those magnificent men

coinciding with the burgeoning growth of LA and avia-

and women in their flying machines. It speaks to the

tion: the motion picture industry. As footage from that

power of dreams and to the can-do spirit of a collection

1910 air show testifies, cameras were present from

of dreamers. And more specifically, it establishes Los

the moment of creation onward, and celebrity culture

Angeles—and all of Southern California—as the cynosure

overlapped both arenas. It’s no coincidence that the first

of a nascent movement to reach the sky, the heavens and

Academy Award for best picture went to the film Wings

beyond. The dreams and the dreamers belonged uniquely

in 1929, and that Jones titled the first episode of his

to Southern California.

series “Wings.”

Incidentally, that 10-day air show—only the second in

An intoxicating sense of showmanship permeated the

the world—drew 254,000 spectators at a time when the

early days of aviation, whose pioneers inevitably became

population of Los Angeles was 319,000.

celebrities. We see Amelia Earhart glammed up for pub-

“The ability to fly is the most coveted of superpow-

of a dreamscape of nebula, stars and distant galaxies,

California, we see an old film clip attempting to take off during the 1910

Just about then, the visual shifts to telescope images

licity photos and endorsements. We see spectacular aerial

ers—more than immortality, superhuman strength, speed

footage from the 1930 film Hell’s Angels and learn that a

or intelligence,” says Jones through Blue Sky narrator

certain aircraft manufacturer and film director named

Tony Goldwyn, as we watch an aerobatic pilot loop-de-

Howard Hughes flew many of the stunt scenes himself.

looping in the sky, inscribing fantastic cursive contrails

Later we see Walt Disney devoting the resources of his

in the plane’s wake. “For more than a century, Southern

film studio to aid the war effort in the early 1940s, using

California has been a primary point of access to the heav-

cinema-style magic to disguise aircraft plants as towns

ens. First the skies, then space.”

and cities.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PETER JONES PHOTO COURTESY OF NASA (SERIES SIGNATURE IMAGE)

Interviewing stunt pilot Anthony Oshinuga, who is featured in Blue Sky Metropolis

A B-52 soars above a Northrup HL-10 and pilot Bruce Peterson after a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base, circa 1966.

BORN TO MAKE THIS MOVIE

on the phone late at night, and there were parties at the

It’s not a stretch to assert that Peter Jones was born and

house with generals, politicians and royalty. We got a

bred to make Blue Sky Metropolis, which he wrote, directed

pound of caviar every Christmas from the shah of Iran.”

and produced. Jones is a Los Angeles native and Stanford

As a young boy, he went snorkeling with rocketry wizard

grad who studied the art of biography and 20th-century

Wernher von Braun and as a teen once sat beside aviation

American history under Pulitzer Prize-winning historian

pioneer General Jimmy Doolittle at dinner.

David M. Kennedy and honed his journalistic chops as a television reporter in Virginia and Texas. When he returned to Los Angeles, it was to make

“My father was one of the first executives to have a Gulfstream—his pilot flew Air Force One for LBJ—so flying around in that was fun. But I was a kid. That was my

Hollywood celebrity documentaries that inevitably told

world. I only learned how different it was as I lived the

the story of the place as well as the people. Two of his ce-

rest of my life.”

lebrity docs won prime-time Emmy awards: Judy Garland:

Did he ever have a desire to pilot airplanes? “Absolutely

Beyond the Rainbow (1997) and Stardust: The Bette Davis

not. I was right brain.” But like most kids of his genera-

Story (2006).

tion, Jones followed the space program. “I loved watching

His bio-documentary Johnny Carson: King of Late Night

the launches, loved astronauts.” Hanging on a wall in

(2012) for PBS remains the highest-rated film in the

his Brentwood office are autographs of Neil Armstrong,

network’s American Masters series. Jones dived even

Wally Schirra and Alan Shepherd—obtained by dint of his

deeper into LA history with his two-hour documentary

paternal connections.

Inventing LA: The Chandlers and Their Times (2009) about

All the while, showbiz hovered in the Jones household.

the history of the Los Angeles Times and the dynasty of its

His grandfather was actor Conrad Nagel, who was among

longtime owners, the Chandler family. That film won a

the founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and

Peabody Award.

Sciences. His step-grandfather was Sidney Franklin, who

So when PBS SoCal’s Juan Devis reached out to Jones about making a documentary on the history of aerospace for KCET, it was with that background in mind: LA native,

directed the film The Good Earth and produced Mrs. Miniver and Random Harvest. “I grew up around creators of fiction, but I wanted to

a crack track record of documentary filmmaking and a

tell stories about real people,” Jones recalls. He cites the

deep sense of LA history. He didn’t realize that Jones also

freshman-year seminar he took at Stanford with David

had aviation and showbiz running through his veins.

M. Kennedy as particularly influential. “It was called

“It was only later,” recalls Jones, “that Juan found

Biography/Autobiography/History. I learned that you

out about my father. Having a name like Jones gives you

can absorb the history of an era through the life of an

great anonymity.”

individual who experienced it. Through someone’s life,

Peter Jones’ father was Thomas V. Jones, the CEO of

you can offer a view of life and understand the human

Northrop Corporation for 30 years and the man who

condition. How did Judy Garland or Otis Chandler respond

guided the manufacture of the T-38, which became one

to life? What does that say about the human experience?”

of the world’s most successful fighter jets. He pioneered the making of drones (initially for the motion picture

AVIATION AS A HUMAN EXPERIENCE

industry) and won the coveted contract to build the B-2

It’s not surprising, then, that much of the storytell-

stealth bomber.

ing in Blue Sky Metropolis focuses on individuals—and

So aviation entered Jones’ consciousness somewhat by osmosis. “I would hear him [his father talking aviation]

many of them you likely have not heard of. Among his favorite on-camera interviewees, who include a slew of

“I GREW UP AROUND CREATORS OF FICTION, BUT I WANTED TO TELL STORIES ABOUT REAL PEOPLE.”

academics, historians and engineers, was a former truck

We see early shots of Finley as a fresh-faced work-

driver from Downey: Bob Thompson, who drove for North

ing gal, in the parlance of the time, and a shot of her

American Rockwell.

colleagues in a room filled with women at their desks—

“Through the beginning of time, all the great leaders

reminiscent of familiar images of clerical pools. But these

of the world have seen the moon,” Thompson tells Jones.

women were not secretaries. They were rocket scientists.

“Even Jesus Christ himself has seen that moon. And

Finley still is one, though at one point she retired for

Downey was the place that built that vehicle that took

six years to raise a family. She returned to JPL, where she

that man to the moon for the first time, and I’m very

remains an engineer for the NASA Deep Space Network

proud of that.”

that she helped create. “Sue was a perfect example of

Jones introduces us to a Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) engineer named Sue Finley and returns to her several

telling history through an individual,” adds Jones. Featured prominently in Episode 4 are two other

times. Finley began working for NASA in 1958 and was

aerospace women whose stories underscore the critical

tasked with solving complex math equations using pencils,

role immigrants have played in aviation—and Southern

paper and gigantic first-generation Friden calculators.

California—history. Diana Trujillo tells how she spoke

“She was a human computer,” says Jones. “She cal-

no English when she came to the U.S. at age 17—fleeing

culated rocket launch trajectories by hand. I loved having

drug violence in Colombia—then worked her way through

a real human being speaking for generations of women

college as a housekeeper to eventually became one of the

who were supposed to be stay-at-home moms. It was OK

chief engineers on Curiosity, NASA’s vaunted Mars rover.

to have a career and to be a professional.”

Her colleague Vandi Verma recounts her journey

from India to JPL, where she specializes in the robotic

of the future. We see crazy contraptions plummeting to

technology that controls the Mars rover. The women are

earth in the 1910 Los Angeles Air Meet. We see Voyager

currently working together on Mars 2020, a rover due to

photos of Saturn and Jupiter, and deep-space images of

launch sometime this year.

galaxies almost incomprehensively far away.

Jones weaves other social-trend stories into Blue Sky

The documentary is an extraordinary visual treat, and

Metropolis—never from a soapbox vantage but rather

we’re left grateful that the photographic and cinematic

by depicting human experiences of the time. He tells in

arts evolved concurrently with the science of aviation.

Episode 1 how a shortage of white male labor in the aircraft industry prompted the hiring of, first, light-skinned

TO THE FUTURE

Hispanics, then women, then high school students—and

While 2020 could well be a year of award-reaping for

yet North American wouldn’t hire African Americans

Jones—Blue Sky has already been named a 2020 Golden

except as janitors.

Mike winner for best documentary by the Radio &

Even President Franklin Roosevelt’s Executive Order

Television News Association of Southern California—he

8002 in 1941, banning discriminatory employment prac-

is deep into his next project. It’s called All Man: The

tices in the nation’s defense industry, is depicted largely

International Male Story. “It centers around the San Diego-

as an act of necessity rather than justice. “Sometimes

based International Male catalog that came out in 1976,”

change occurs this way,” says Jones. “It was: ‘We need

he explains.

these airplanes, so you’ve got a job.’”

Catalog founder Gene Burkard thought that strong visuals and buff models could make men’s fashion more

VISUAL STORYTELLING

interesting to men “than what they were seeing in Sears

The war years visuals are as stunning as the statistics. As

or Brooks Brothers.” The catalog became phenomenally

2 million people working in Southern California plants

popular with gay and straight men alike.

churn out 300,000 airplanes, we see blacks replacing

“It’s a great way to tell a bigger story—the coming of

Japanese Americans when the latter are sent to intern-

age of the gay liberation movement and men’s fashion.

ment camps. We see more than 6,000 African Americans

Marky Mark. Gender fluidity and the spectrum of sexu-

a month streaming into Los Angeles for work during the

ality.” Teaser: Jerry Seinfeld’s poufy pirate shirt makes

World War II years—and though their living conditions

an appearance.

are shown as gruesomely crowded (apartments often oc-

It’s fitting, of course, that such an ahead-of-its-time

cupied in shifts), one of the workers tells a camera, “The

phenomenon hailed from Southern California—where,

war made our lives better. It really did. Hitler got us out

as the final episode of Blue Sky Metropolis tells us over

of the white folks’ kitchen.”

a clip of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket lifting off from

Later, as suburbs spring up after the war—“minimal traditional houses” lining long, straight, right-angled

Vandenberg Air Force Base, “reality and fantasy thrive in equal measure.” ■

streets—African Americans are greeted with signs reading: “This tract is exclusive and restricted.”

KCET in Southern California on March 22, 1 to 5 p.m., and the

10,000 film clips for Blue Sky Metropolis, and they tell

documentary streams on the KCET website at kcet.org/shows/

stories that are alternately eye-opening and delightful.

blue-sky-metropolis. Many of Jones’ celebrity documentaries

We see Formica tables, electric kitchens, duck-and-

are available on streaming services. For information, visit

cover drills, evolving hairstyles and fashions, Disney’s

peterjonesproductions.com.

Tomorrowland and, naturally, cinematic sci-fi projections

All four episodes of Blue Sky Metropolis will re-air on

Jones’ archivist, Brian Tessier, accumulated some

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E B E S T O F C A L I F O R N I A

goldenstate.is

@ourgoldenstate

“I love what I do. I am having great success with our company’s new Pinnacle Concierge Program. With this unique service, our firm supervises all cosmetic renovations, staging and everything from plumbing repairs to a new roof. Clients can arrange for their expenses to be fronted through this service and paid back at the close of escrow. This is an ideal situation for clients who may be property rich but cash poor at the time of listing the property for sale.” – ANDREW MANNING, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CALIFORNIA PROPERTIES

REAL ESTATE As we embark on spring—peak season for home sales—some of you may be entering the real estate market. Buying or selling a home can be one of the most impactful decisions we make in life. We count on these investments to ensure that we meet our financial goals and are provided for down the line. There is no better way to accomplish those objectives than having knowledgeable, accomplished professionals by your side. Hiring a highly skilled real estate agent or mortgage broker who understands the market and can anticipate critical fluctuations will ensure a smooth, stress-free experience and, most importantly, excellent results. On the following pages you’ll meet some of the leading real estate professionals in the Valley. They share their stories, including the skills and philosophies that have put them at the top of their field.

CAROL WOLFE Rodeo Realty

SPITZ | CAMERON GROUP

ANDREW MANNING Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

CRAIG STRONG LUXURY HOMES

ANDREA KORCHEK The Agency

INGRID SACERIO The Agency

GEORGE OUZOUNIAN The Agency

DANIELLE PERETZ The Agency

STEPHANIE PAYAB The Payab Group

ANASTASIA CLEMONS & PHILIP LUCAS The Lucas Renaissance Group

EDITED BY LAURA L. WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY MATTHEW COOKE & TAMEKA JACOBS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

REAL ESTATE

CAROL WOLFE Realtor , Rodeo Realty ®

or more than four decades, estate broker associate Carol Wolfe has assisted clients in buying and selling properties throughout the San Fernando Valley. She is a licensed broker, a Certified Residential Specialist, e-Pro, Architectural Specialist and Certified Negotiator. In 2019 Carol had another record-breaking year as the #1 agent in the Encino office of Rodeo Realty. She was also recognized by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal in 2019 as one of the Top 200 Influential Business Leaders in the San Fernando Valley. Carol is an active member of the Encino Chamber of Commerce and supports the local community. Providence Tarzana Medical Center is investing $540 million to build a new state-of-the-art hospital, and Carol serves on the committee of real estate industry experts for what will be the largest health care construction project ever in the San Fernando Valley. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE THE BEST IN THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS? “What I bring to the table is outstanding client representation, detailed market knowledge and high-tech marketing solutions. I have always been on the cutting edge of technology. I am very good at negotiating the best price for my clients and great at problem-solving.” WHAT TREND IS DEFINING THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY TODAY? “Transactions have gotten more complex over the years, and there are often many difficulties. Many of my clients have expressed a desire to work with me because they trust that things will be handled with expertise and the utmost professionalism. My clients often include referrals from business managers, attorneys, CPAs, real estate agents and past clients.”

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE POTENTIAL CLIENTS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? “I will take good care of them; they have chosen the best agent in the area. I will work relentlessly to make sure my clients get the best possible results. My slogan is ‘Nobody Does It Better.’ For more than four decades I have been striving to provide clients with an unparalleled level of service—based on integrity, honesty and a commitment to excellence.” IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU PROVIDE TOPNOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE TO SELLERS WHO LIST WITH YOU? “My goal is to help my clients get the highest sales price possible. Therefore, having a strategic plan to accomplish this is vital. First, I may recommend staging and/or small changes or repairs be made to enhance their property’s appeal. Next, I implement my comprehensive marketing program, which includes vast exposure on social media and on the internet. Once we are in escrow, I help them prepare for their move by recommending moving companies, companies that help them organize the sale and estate sale companies. I personally walk them through the entire process from beginning to end—resulting in a successful closing.” WHAT’S MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK? “The many friendships I’ve made. To have clients thank me for a job well done and refer me to their friends and families is the best reward. Following are some examples.” “Thank you for your dedication to the speedy sale of our property in the Royal Oaks Colony in Encino. Your exceptional follow-up and

professionalism was much appreciated and evident in the two weeks from the MLS listing of our property to an accepted offer. Wow, thank you and hope we can work together in the future. You’re my #1!” – Rob Glass “Carol is highly talented technologically and made excellent use of the relevant search engines and real estate databases to sell my property. She also managed to sell my house for an excellent price. I found Carol to be a highly attentive agent. She returned all phone calls and emails the same day. I never felt neglected or unimportant. She is also highly personable with an engaging personality. She is hands-down the best in the business.” – Dikran Sassounian “Carol came highly recommended from friends—retired agents themselves. She knows the local market well and prices homes to generate interest and get offers. Our listing almost blew up the internet it was so hot. She locked in a buyer in under a week. With a sweet smile and strong presence, Carol gets it done.” – Dan and Jessica Munday “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your handling of the sale of my parents’ house. Your knowledge of the market, marketing strategies and negotiations proved essential to the rapid sale of our property. Your staff was responsive to our needs, guiding us through the emotional process of selling our family home. Your tenacity and tireless efforts made this rapid sale possible. Your ability to provide services to expedite the sale (contractors, estate sale and clean-out personnel) was so important to assure things went smoothly. Thanks to you and your staff for everything you have done.” – Valerie Sussman

17501 VENTURA BLVD., ENCINO | 818-285-3688 | CAROLWOLFE.COM | CAROL@CAROLWOLFE.COM

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REAL ESTATE

SPITZ | CAMERON GROUP

or more than 25 years the awardwinning team of Andrew Spitz, Harriet Cameron and Fran Chavez, known as the Spitz | Cameron Group, has represented luxury residential properties along the Ventura Boulevard corridor and beyond. They are certified Luxury Collection Specialists and repeatedly earn Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ Chairman’s Circle Diamond award and Legend award— placing them in the firm’s Top 100 (out of 55,000+ BHHS agents worldwide). In 2019 the Spitz | Cameron Group was again named one of America’s Best Real Estate Teams by Real Trends, ranking in the top ½ of 1% of more than 1.4 million licensed real estate agents in the United States. HOW DO YOU HELP YOUR CLIENTS SAVE MONEY? “By caring more about our relationship with them than making a sale. We always talk to buyers about the exit on every purchase, ensuring the property is an investment that will always grow. We help sellers determine if money needs to be spent getting their homes ready to market—and if so, what the best return on their investment will be. With Harriet’s eye for design, she is able to create a masterful room for very little expense.” IS THE CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE BOOM OVER? “The long and short answer is ‘no.’ Statistics reveal that the luxury market remains solid, prices remain stable and the median length of time—as well as the selling price to the list price ratios—remain consistent. The most lucrative real estate niches largely depend on market trends and shifting buying interests, but there are always long-term moneymakers.”

HOW DO YOU EARN YOUR CLIENTS’ TRUST? “Selling or buying one home is not the intent of this group. We cultivate relationships with our clients, which is why we have such a strong referral base. We offer integrity and strong customer service skills that go beyond helping clients buy and sell homes. Keeping in touch with past clients and nurturing possible clients for one, two, five years and beyond is not unheard of for this group. Our vast experience and knowledge of the inventory are unmatched assets for our clients. Exemplary service and direct communication are part of every step of the sale process. We offer a critical, analytical approach to help buyers and sellers understand the realities of the current market and set expectations to ensure their goals are achieved.” SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOUR JOB. WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL? “We create innovative and aggressive marketing campaigns for our clients while tailoring strategies to each listing to maximize exposure for every property. Backed by a dedicated team of five licensed real estate agents who do no selling allows us to do what we do best including: pricing, negotiating and networking with business managers, attorneys, builders, vendors and other Realtors— providing connections for our clients they normally would not have.” WHAT MAKES YOU A VALLEY EXPERT? “Loving where we work and living in the neighborhood. Andrew was born, raised and schooled in Encino; this gives him the ability to remember the history of homes, owners and remodels on any given block. Previewing properties every Tuesday and Friday along the Ventura Boulevard corridor while checking

the city and Valley MLS numerous times daily for new and reduced properties allows us to search for our buyers while checking competition for our sellers.” WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGES YOU’VE SEEN IN THE VALLEY MARKET OVER THE YEARS? “There has been increased emphasis on building real estate that is eco-sensitive, providing environments that offer well-being natural elements and healthy amenities with calm spaces for meditation and yoga. We’ve seen a shift to living holistically with a less-is-more attitude and more multifunctional spaces.” WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO FIND ZEN WHEN YOU NEED IT? “In addition to meditation, Andrew works out six days a week, trying to include yoga classes, while his once-a-year vacation always includes scuba diving. Harriet is an avid hiker and enjoys snow skiing. Fran is an incredible golfer and tennis player.” HOW DO YOU ASSIST THOSE LESS FORTUNATE? “We are active supporters of several charities near and dear to our hearts including the American Cancer Society and the ASPCA. We have been sponsors of Lanai Road Elementary School’s booster club for more than 15 years. Additionally, a portion of every single transaction that closes includes a donation from each of us to our company’s charitable foundation, which provides support to 100+ Los Angeles nonprofits creating a positive change within our community.” Disclaimer: ©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. CalDRE#01317331

16810 VENTURA BLVD., ENCINO | 818-817-4284 (ANDREW) | 818-380-2151 (HARRIET) | 818-517-1411 (FRAN) | SPITZCAMERONGROUP.COM

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L to R: RealtorsÂ® Andrew Spitz, Harriet Cameron, Fran Chavez

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REAL ESTATE

ANDREW MANNING Realtor / Luxury Property Director & Specialist, ®

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

ndrew Manning has been a licensed real estate agent in California since 1986. He joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties in 2013, where he is a founding member of the Luxury Property Division. Andrew is a designated Luxury Property Specialist and teaches classes on preparing properties for sale and negotiating. He works with clients in the San Fernando Valley and Westside areas, primarily focusing on homes along the Ventura Boulevard corridor. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE STEPS YOU TAKE TO EARN YOUR CLIENTS’ TRUST? “I let them know that I really don’t want their home to sell the first day. It’s more about the right price and the right buyer. We take the process as quickly or as slowly as they feel comfortable with. I offer advice at every step and welcome the client’s participation in the process and their ideas. My philosophy is creating clients for life—not for just this transaction. When you are looking out for their best interests and not your own, trust and mutual respect will evolve naturally.”

WHAT MAKES YOU A VALLEY EXPERT? “I was raised in the Valley, and throughout my life and real estate career I have developed personal and business relationships that have greatly contributed to my life. My connections in the real estate industry—both throughout the Valley and the Westside—have been key in negotiations and acquiring and selling homes for clients. I was one of the first Valley agents in my original office to join the Westside/ Beverly Hills Board of Realtors®, and I was named by my peers the Valley’s first Icon Realtor® of the Year in 2014 when the award was created. This was far more rewarding than any of the many sales production awards I have earned.”

WHAT DO YOU OFFER CLIENTS? “Our hands-on approach begins with my team touring the home, meeting the sellers and getting to know what they love about their home. We discuss showing techniques, schedules, photography and expectations on everyone’s part throughout the process. We are known for our hands-on approach, patience and exceptional follow-through.” WHAT IS THE #1 WAY YOU HELP CLIENTS SAVE MONEY? “My favorite thing to do is to talk the client into spending ‘smart’ money prior to marketing their home. Many clients have grand ideas of expensive improvements that likely will not translate to an increase in sales price. Smart money gets smart results, but overspending in the wrong areas can lower your return.” DESCRIBE SOME RECENT PROJECTS. “My latest project involves an original-owner Richard Neutra view home we are preparing for sale early in the New Year in Encino. The seller, who was almost 101 when he passed, built the house with the famed architect. I enjoy historical property preservation and have mixed feelings about all the torn-down homes in our wonderful market areas. I also had the pleasure of negotiating the sale of an amazing dog rescue/kennel facility to the ASPCA-LA as an adjunct facility for rescuing animals and rehoming them.” DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL PERSONAL LIVING SPACE. “I have been lucky enough to live in my dream home for almost 20 years. It’s a mid-century modern home built by a noted architect in the Royal Oaks area of Encino. I likely live with too much ‘stuff’—as many of us do—and would advise myself to declutter and stage if I ever sold my home!”

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY? “I grew up in a family of real estate investors. My parents remodeled homes and apartment buildings when I was young, and I was fascinated with the process. I was always fascinated with cars and houses from a young age, so I found my calling with real estate.” IS REAL ESTATE A GOOD INVESTMENT? “I think real estate is always a good investment. Many people’s biggest investment is their home; how great is it to live in and enjoy your biggest investment?” WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR DAY? “The true best part of my day is when I come home to my partner, Steve, and our three rescue pups who always offer unconditional love. In business, the best part of my day is when I know I have made someone else’s day by conducting a successful negotiation— whether it be a home inspection negotiation, a home sale or making that wonderful call to let someone know their home has closed escrow.” WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO FIND ZEN WHEN YOU NEED IT? “Hiking, my Beatbike spin classes (shout-out to Beatbike Tarzana!) and adventure travel whenever possible.” HOW DO YOU ASSIST THOSE LESS FORTUNATE? “I enjoy volunteer work and fundraising with several animal rescue charities, health organizations and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I have hosted many charity dinners and events at my home.” Disclaimer: ©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC.

14141 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 8, SHERMAN OAKS | 818-380-2147 | ANDREWMANNING.COM

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REAL ESTATE

CRAIG STRONG LUXURY HOMES

HOW DO YOU EARN YOUR CLIENTS’ TRUST? “I’ve been in real estate for more than 20 years and completed more than 1,000 transactions. This alone builds trust. Much of my business comes from referrals. Thanks to a portfolio of amazing clients, new referrals approach me having an idea of what it’s going to be like working together before our initial meeting. I recognize the importance of being extremely straightforward with my clients. I inform buyers if there is something wrong with a property. I tell sellers exactly what I believe their house to be worth; I never inflate the price to get the listing. In other words, I represent my clients’ best interests.” DESCRIBE THE SPECIAL SERVICES YOU OFFER CLIENTS. “I’ve built an expansive vendor list that includes plumbers, roofers, painters, electricians, contractors, etc., who offer my clients discounts on home improvement

needs. Compass also offers a service called Compass Concierge that allows sellers to prep their home for sale without any upfront fees or interest. Many of our clients use this service to paint, repair and stage their home, and they appreciate that they don’t have to pay a dime until after their property sells.” WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN REAL ESTATE? “Growing up in an apartment in Manhattan, I was always fascinated to visit the homes of friends from surrounding areas such as Long Island and Westchester County. I enjoyed seeing the large homes, the architecture, their yards and pools. I dreamed of having my own property. To this day, the attraction of walking into a home for the first time, seeing what there is to admire or re-imagining the possibilities of what could be is undeniable.” WHAT MAKES YOU A VALLEY EXPERT? “The truth is, an agent can’t be an expert in all neighborhoods. I specialize in the southeast Valley. The first home I ever purchased in Los Angeles was in Encino. Since then, I’ve lived in Calabasas, Bell Canyon, Studio City, Sherman Oaks and Toluca Lake, which I’ve called home for the past 17 years.” DESCRIBE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. “I love Toluca Lake. It’s one of the greatest places to live. It maintains a small-town feel with an amazing community. A sense of acceptance and belonging brings residents together, from family-friendly events to the neighborhood watch, from unique stores and restaurants to holiday celebrations. People are friendly, and locals often stop by the office to say hello. There’s a reason so many want to move here—it truly is a hidden gem! Please don’t tell anyone.”

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TYPICAL WORKDAY. “Along with coffee, each day begins by organizing priorities and delegating to-do lists to my talented and hard-working team. Next I spend time networking, making appointments to meet with potential new clients, getting homes ready to go on the market, showing properties and attending inspections. Every day is different, and every day is exciting.” DO YOU HAVE ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE? “Don’t believe what you see on TV. The real estate business is not something you can do part-time or to make extra money while you’re doing something else. Real estate is extremely important in people’s lives, and a large part of the job is making dreams come true for both buyers and sellers. A transaction should never be about the commission. It should always be about what the clients need. My best three words of advice: listen, listen, listen.” WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO FIND ZEN WHEN YOU NEED IT? “To find zen in the middle of the day, I head over to Lakeside Golf Club and hit a few golf balls. Chipping and putting—that’s all I need.” WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR DAY? “Monday through Sunday: 6:15 a.m. Coffee, coffee, coffee!”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY CATHRYN FARNSWORTH

native New Yorker, Craig Strong graduated from Ithaca College with a computer science degree. Afterwards he helped operate Point Blank Body Armor, a four-generation family business, and rose to be vice president of the firm. When Craig relocated to Los Angeles, he became a property investor. This led to his interest in real estate, and now he has worked as a Realtor® in the area for 20 years. Today Craig is vice president of the Luxury Sales Division at Compass Real Estate. He has won many awards and continues to be a top-producing sales agent. He is also very involved in his community, volunteering for the Toluca Lake Homeowners Association, the Toluca Lake Chamber and the Toluca Lake Neighborhood Watch. He has served on the Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council for 15 years and has also co-chaired Public Safety in Toluca Lake.

10154 RIVERSIDE DR., TOLUCA LAKE | 818-930-4050 | STRONGREALTOR.COM

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L to R: Oran Shevach, Kristin Neithercut, Norma Paladines, Stefanie Kahn, Jessalyn Wanlim, Rachael Feigelson, Craig Strong, Sasha Kacher, Meadow Scott, Allison Danno, Andrew Kline, Katherine Disque, Brendon Blincoe

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REAL ESTATE

ANDREA KORCHEK Director of Luxury Estates, The Agency

fter working as a successful lawyer, Andrea Korchek transitioned to the field of real estate nearly 20 years ago and specializes in selling luxury Los Angeles properties. Soon after joining The Agency in 2017, Andrea was honored with the firm’s 2018 MVP award. She has three grown children—two of whom are Type 1 diabetics. Finding a cure for juvenile diabetes is a cause she and her family are passionate about, raising more than $32,000 in a 2019 fundraising effort. WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT AMONG SO MANY REALTORS IN THE AREA? “I bring it! My background has made me a great dealmaker and an at-ease, effective negotiator who is proficient in drafting and interpreting contracts. I avoid problems because I foresee them. On the marketing side, I love design and exploit the latest technologies and platforms to implement beautiful, robust marketing plans with maximum local and international exposure for each of my properties. I have great relationships with my colleagues and can use those relationships to achieve my clients’ objectives. But what really makes me stand out is my motivation. I am a serviceoriented agent known for breaking records, and I plan to ‘show my clients the money’ in 2020.” WHAT ARE SOME OF THE STEPS YOU TAKE TO EARN YOUR CLIENTS’ TRUST? “By doing a stellar job and never giving my clients a single reason not to trust me. With my legal background, the fiduciary duty that I owe clients is part of my DNA. My open and direct communication allows my clients to be informed decision-makers throughout the process, which sometimes means walking away from a purchase or sale with my blessings.” WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGES YOU’VE SEEN IN THE VALLEY MARKET OVER THE YEARS? “We are experiencing a real estate renaissance in the Valley. Affluence and celebrity are flocking here—not because they can’t afford the city but because they know it’s a great place to live. Our office is at the helm of double-digit million-dollar closings in the Valley, the highest of which was a $20 million home in Encino. It’s truly exciting to be a part of putting the Valley in its rightful place on the map!” Disclaimer: Andrea is no longer an active member of the state bar, devoting all of her energies to selling real estate. CalBRE #01311917

11401 VENTURA BOULEVARD, SHERMAN OAKS | 818-371-0933 | ANDREA@ANDREAKORCHEK.COM

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REAL ESTATE

INGRID SACERIO Director, Residential Estates, The Agency ,

he daughter of Cuban and Spanish parents, Ingrid Sacerio was born in Spain and grew up in Northern Spain and Southern California. She holds a BS degree in neuroscience from UCLA and a master’s degree in education from Pepperdine. Before becoming a Realtor®, Ingrid had successful careers in the sciences and education. Both her parents were accomplished real estate agents in Orange County, and 12 years ago Ingrid decided to follow in their footsteps. She currently lives in Studio City with her husband and their two children. WHAT MAKES YOU THE BEST IN REAL ESTATE? “I am a tireless advocate for my clients! Lindsey S. from Studio City says, ‘You won’t find anyone who works harder for you. Ingrid was never too busy to answer even the smallest question. I have never worked with anyone more devoted, loyal, accomplished

and hardworking.’ Mike and Robyn R. from Tarzana say, ‘When we needed our hands held, she was there to help us through. When we needed to hear the reality of the situation, she gave it to us in a clear and concise way. She balanced professionalism with a personal touch better than any agent we’ve ever seen, and we really appreciate it.’” WHAT ARE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TWO SKILLS? “My negotiation skills and attention to detail are noted among my clients and colleagues. Jonathan L. from Studio City shares, ‘Ingrid’s advice regarding pricing, marketing and staging was spot on! Her professionalism, knowledge of the area and responsiveness are unmatched.’ And George E. of Hollywood Hills says, ‘Ingrid is incredibly knowledgeable in all aspects of real estate and never missed an opportunity to go above and beyond the call of duty. She made sure we got the best

deal possible and handled a number of unexpected issues.’” WHAT SPECIALTY SERVICES DO YOU OFFER CLIENTS? “I take the time to know my clients on a personal level, understand their desires and needs and then turn them into reality. My client Mike J. of Sherman Oaks expressed it this way: ‘My wife and I have bought and sold 10 homes as our career has taken us to all parts of the country. Ingrid is by far the best agent we have been involved with. Follow-up, process knowledge, local relationships and enthusiasm are all five stars.” And Denise G. from Sherman Oaks shares, ‘Not only does Ingrid have a great head for business, but she has a great eye for style and aesthetics as well. We were able to ask her opinion about literally everything, which was invaluable.’”

14140 VENTURA BOULEVARD, SUITE 101, SHERMAN OAKS | 323-333-7018 | INGRIDSACERIO.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

REAL ESTATE

GEORGE OUZOUNIAN Director, Estates Division, The Agency

or more than 15 years, George Ouzounian has specialized in residential real estate sales in the San Fernando Valley. He joined The Agency in January 2019 and proceeded to sell more than 70 homes over the next 12 months. He is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™ and a Certified Negotiation Expert®.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE STEPS YOU TAKE TO EARN CLIENTS’ TRUST? “Gaining my clients’ trust is an integral part of my business. It means that I will always put my clients’ interests before mine. Real estate is a referral-based business; the first step in getting a referral is making sure your current clients are completely satisfied from the beginning to end. My proven track record provides them with the comfort of knowing they have hired a professional who offers stellar communication, consistency and reliability. My team and I work relentlessly to make sure clients get the best possible results.” WHAT MAKES YOU A VALLEY EXPERT? “I have been a Valley resident for the last 20 years. I have studied the market, have extensive knowledge of the communities and schools, and am up to date with local real estate statistics. Every city is unique, and the agent you choose should be a master in that specific area.” WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER? “After years of hard work and helping hundreds of families buy and sell real estate, getting recognition from the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the most dynamic brokers in L.A. is my proudest career highlight. Having a record-breaking sale of $7.4 million on Mount Olympus Drive for a property that was previously listed with four different agents is also a very proud career moment.” WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO FIND ZEN WHEN YOU NEED IT? “The easiest way for me to find zen and relax is by making exercise a part of my daily routine. I consistently wake up early to meditate, read and journal. My morning routine is incredibly important and sets the tone for the rest of the day.” HOW DO YOU ASSIST THOSE LESS FORTUNATE? “I am proud to support Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, local food drives, Compassion International, the Epilepsy Foundation and The Animal Rescue Alliance.”

14140 VENTURA BLVD. #101, SHERMAN OAKS | 818-900-4259 | THEAGENCYRE.COM/AGENT/GEORGE-OUZOUNIAN

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REAL ESTATE

DANIELLE PERETZ The Agency

or more than two decades, Danielle Peretz has lived, worked and volunteered in her Studio City community. She has bought, sold and renovated countless homes personally while providing real estate investment services for builders and luxury developers and assisting first-time buyers and homeowners across Los Angeles. She has worked with The Agency since 2018. WHAT IS THE #1 WAY YOU SUPPORT YOUR CLIENTS? “Being myself is the key. I handle every transaction as if it’s my own. I’m 100% supportive and available to my clients at any time.” WHICH PERSONALITY TRAITS ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR FIELD? “Having an engaging personality, hustle and tenacity, honesty and integrity, being selfmotivated, taking the time and dedication to

understand the market, and truly loving what you do.” WHAT COULD WOMEN BE DOING TO BETTER ADVANCE THEIR CAREERS? “They could expand their skill set and embody the role of a lifelong student. While it is important for women to play to their strengths, I would suggest they expose themselves to new ideas, experiences and challenges to help develop a new skill—or even master one that may not be their strong suit. The more well-rounded one is, the more one is capable of achieving.” IS RISK-TAKING USUALLY WORTH THE REWARD? “If you ever want to achieve the life you’ve always dreamed of, you’ll have to start taking calculated risks. It is absolutely necessary to take chances in order to achieve anything great in life. As with any risk, there is always

something to lose when it come to your business, reputation, money and time—which are also the very same things you stand to gain! Taking risks will enrich your life and make your career more rewarding.” WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR DAY? “Family is the most important thing to me, and the best part of my day is coming home to my wonderful husband, our three beautiful kids and our precious dog and having dinner together after a productive day at work.” WHEN DID YOU MOVE TO THIS AREA? “I first moved to Studio City 30 years ago with my parents and my five younger siblings. I love Studio City and can’t imagine myself anywhere else.”

331 N. FOOTHILL DR., BEVERLY HILLS | 818-644-1477 | DANIELLEPERETZ.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

REAL ESTATE

STEPHANIE PAYAB The Payab Group | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

hile attending Santa Monica High School and West Los Angeles College, Stephanie Payab worked in manufacturing and retail management. She took time off to focus on being a mother before becoming a Realtor® 16 years ago. She and her team assist clients with purchasing and selling homes and investment properties. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE STEPS YOU TAKE TO EARN YOUR CLIENTS’ TRUST? “My clients describe me as hardworking, straightforward, prepared and fun. I love working in real estate, and it shows in everything that I do. I want to find clients the right home and/or sell their home at the best price with the least amount of stress on them as possible. I use my market knowledge and experience to navigate them through the deal while providing amazing customer service. Most of my clients are referral-based by former clients.” WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE? “The most important thing I’ve learned is how to be proactive. Things don’t always work out the way you think they should. Also, it’s incredibly important to be completely transparent. Keep clients in the loop throughout the whole process so they don’t have any surprises and everyone is on the same page.” DESCRIBE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. “I love my neighborhood. I’ve lived in my house in Tarzana for more than 15 years and would not trade a moment of it. I love that I am minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Ventura Boulevard, yet my street is quiet and serene. I love my view that overlooks the Valley and the beautiful sunsets it affords. I love that just a few minutes from my house are the most incredible hiking trails and a few minutes in the other direction are delicious restaurants and cafes.” WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO FIND ZEN WHEN YOU NEED IT? “I try hard to find a work-life balance. I love to hang out with my friends and family. I’m a foodie, so I like trying new restaurants, cooking a delicious recipe or tasting a good bottle of wine. I enjoy spin class, walking in the hills and travel.”

16810 VENTURA BLVD., ENCINO | 818-827-3400, EXT. 2 | THEPAYABGROUP.COM

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REAL ESTATE

ANASTASIA CLEMONS & PHILIP LUCAS Luxury Real Estate Specialists, The Lucas Renaissance Group

he Lucas Renaissance Group was formed by Philip Lucas and Anastasia Clemons under the umbrella of Compass brokerage. With more than two decades of experience, the group specializes in both residential and commercial real estate and offers a variety of services including luxury sales, public relations, staging design and marketing. WERE YOU INTERESTED IN HOMES WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG? Philip: “Yes! From the time I was 12 years old, my mother sold model homes and vacant lots in the now-developed Estates of the Oaks. I would tour lots with interested buyers; it was a blast! On family vacations, we went to beautiful destinations and explored the real estate offices and inventory in the area.” Anastasia: “My father has been a broker my entire life. I grew up riding around with him assessing commercial properties. I’ve always been drawn to development and the evolution of a city, block by block. Mixed-use developments and industrial zones flourishing into meccas of culture and art—not unlike Los Angeles’ Arts District—are opportunities that attract me the most.” HOW DO YOU EARN CLIENTS’ TRUST? “Individually and as a group, we are led by Compass’ foundational principles. We dream big, move fast, learn from reality, are solutions-driven, obsess about opportunity, collaborate without ego, maximize our strengths and bounce back with passion.” WHAT MAKES WORKING WITH YOU UNIQUE? “In today’s marketplace and with all of the moving parts of a real estate transaction, working with the Lucas Renaissance Group offers a competitive advantage. Compass has truly taken real estate to the next level, empowering sellers, buyers and agents with technology since the beginning. We consult our clients utilizing the best products on the market, including an elite proprietary range of services such as Compass Concierge (covers the upfront costs of updating and staging homes for sale), Compass Bridge Loans (offers competitive rates and dedicated support from industry-leading lenders) and Compass Coming Soon (offers exclusive marketing before launching a client’s home for sale).” HOW DO YOU ASSIST THOSE LESS FORTUNATE? “As intentional community philanthropists, we give back to local organizations through Compass Cares, a program designed to empower Compass agents and employees to support meaningful causes right where it counts the most: within their own community.”

5016 PARKWAY CALABASAS, SUITE 100, CALABASAS | 818-339-2024 | LUCASRENAISSANCEGROUP.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

OVER $1/4 BILLION IN REAL ESTATE SOLD FOR SALE 15000 Sunstone Place Sherman Oaks

SOLD

SOLD SOLD

SOLD

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve helped

more than 250 buyers & sellers!

Alan Taylor | 818.650.1603 | info@alantaylorrealestate.com Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01866771. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. DRE 01369255.

R E A L E S TAT E

Tudor Style Toluca Lake Celebrity Estate Charming English country manor on large, gated, private lot. Beyond a half-timber/brick exterior and diamond pane leaded glass, an elegant foyer leads to formal rooms, beautifully detailed with wall molding and trey ceilings. Rich hardwood floors and built-ins embody a romantic ideal. 10415 Sarah Street, Toluca Lake | Offered at $4,195,000 Listed by: Craig Strong | Vice President, Luxury Home Sales | Compass info@strongrealtor.com | StrongRealtor.com | 818-930-4050

17015 Adlon Rd, Encino Sold for $6,475,000

4146 Beck Ave, Studio City Sold for $2,703,750

22723 Burbank, Woodland Hills Sold for $1,435,000

3676 Crownridge, Sherman Oaks Sold for $1,300,000

4431 Ethel Ave, Studio City Sold for $1,310,000

320 Gramercy #303, L.A Sold for $375,000

3538 Alana Dr, Sherman Oaks Sold for $1,652,500

4924 Bellaire, Valley Village Sold for $1,300,000

11608 Canton Pl, Studio City Sold for $2,250,000

2949 Deep Cyn, Beverly Hills Sold for $2,765,000

4453 Farmdale, Studio City Sold for $2,330,000

3822 Green Vista Dr, Encino Sold for $7,950,000

15452 Albright St, Pacific Palisades Sold for $8,150,000

3895 Berry Dr, Studio City Sold for $1,509,942

12339 Cantura, Studio City Sold for $2,200,000

16108 Dickens St, Encino Sold for $2,750,000

4379 Firmament, Encino Sold for $7,595,000

12020 Guerin #305, Studio City Sold for $975,000

3554 Alginet Dr, Encino Sold for $1,800,000

12731 Bloomfield, Studio City Sold for $1,260,000

4207 Cedros, Sherman Oaks Sold for $3,735,500

14100 Dickens St #2, Sherman Oaks Sold for $845,000

6506 Forbes Ave, Van Nuys Sold for $630,000

12020 Guerin PH4, Studio City Sold for $1,039,500

26020 Alizia Cyn #A, Calabasas Sold for $512,000

4227 Bluebell, Studio City Sold for $3,110,000

7039 Claire Ave, Reseda Sold for $650,000

11442 Dona Cecilia, Studio City Sold for $2,200,000

3570 Frances Ave, Mar Vista Sold for $3,900,000

14822 Hartsook, Sherman Oaks Sold for $1,135,875

4146 Allott, Sherman Oaks Sold for $3,180,000

9317 Brightwood, Northridge Sold for $930,000

4452 Conchita Way, Tarzana Sold for $1,319,000

4224 Elmer, Studio City Sold for $2,549,000

4450 Gayle Dr, Tarzana Sold for $3,550,000

4224 Gentry Ave, Studio City Sold for $1,725,000

6734 Amigo Ave, Reseda Sold for $620,000

1025 Bundy Dr, Brentwood Sold for $4,575,000

4326 Coronet Dr, Encino Sold for $2,975,000

4909 Encino Terrace, Encino Sold for $1,935,999

818.432.1524 INFO@CHERNOVTEAM.COM WWW.CHERNOVTEAM.COM

15039 Hartsook, Sherman Oaks Sold for $2,020,000

20239 Inland Ln, Malibu Sold for $2,400,000

3620 Longridge Ave, Sherman Oaks Sold for $3,450,000

4212 Rhodes Ave, Studio City Sold for $2,915,000

4224 Sunnyslope, Sherman Oaks Sold for $1,800,000

4222 Troost #24, Studio City Sold for $$720,000

4425 Haskell Ave, Encino Sold for $10,550,000

11280 La Maida #401, N Hollywood Sold for $638,000

14001 Morrison, Sherman Oaks Sold for $1,382,500

14839 Round Valley, Sherman Oaks Sold for $1,650,000

11553 Sunshine Ter, Studio City Sold for $2,125,000

3904 Valley Meadow, Encino Sold for $14,100,000

13520 Hesby St, Sherman Oaks Sold for $1,200,000

12403 Landale St, Studio City Sold for $3,265,000

3556 Mound View, Studio City Sold for $1,955,000

3924 Sapphire Dr, Encino Sold for $1,465,000

4205 Teesdale, Studio City Sold for $2,750,000

10439 Valley Spring Ln, Toluca Lake Sold for $4,249,000

12727 Hortense St, Studio City Sold for $2,576,000

4919 Laurel Cyn #5, Valley Village Sold for $510,000

5025 Noble Ave, Sherman Oaks Sold for $850,000

12643 Sarah St, Studio City Sold for $3,400,000

4240 Teesdale Ave, Studio City Sold for $3,375,000

3850 Vanalden Ave, Tarzana Sold for $2,280,000

12721 Hortense St, Studio City Sold for $2,890,000

5204 Lennox, Sherman Oaks Sold for $840,000

14622 Otsego, Sherman Oaks Sold for $1,130,000

16805 Severo Pl, Encino Sold for $1,440,000

4302 Teesdale Ave, Studio City Sold for $2,720,000

4524 Vesper, Sherman Oaks Sold for $2,020,000

15967 Meadowcrest Rd, Sherman Oaks Sold for $1,745,000

4358 N Clybourn, Toluca Lake Sold for $2,500,000

16746 Otsego St, Encino Sold for $2,300,000

19532 Shirley Ct, Tarzana Sold for $3,655,000

3643 Terrace View Dr, Encino Sold for $1,415,000

19173 Wells Dr, Tarzana Sold for $3,599,000

15147 Rayneta, Sherman Oaks Sold for $1,335,000

4454 St Clair, Studio City Sold for $2,254,000

4540 Tobias, Sherman Oaks Sold for $1,985,000

4139 Wilkinson Ave, Studio City Sold for $1,700,000

DRE #01428774

Craig Strong Knows Luxury 23 YEARS COMBINED REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE

1000+ HOMES SOLD IN LOS ANGELES

$100 million+ in 2019 Closed Sales Volume

Craig Strong

Vice President, Luxury Home Sales 818.930.4050 strongrealtor.com DRE 01450987

ACTIVE

10415 Sarah Street, Toluca Lake | $4,195,000

ACTIVE

COMING SOON

ACTIVE

COMING SOON

10060 Toluca Lake Avenue, Toluca Lake | $20,000 / month

10441 Sarah Street, Toluca Lake | $1,825,000

3768 Berry Drive, Studio City | $3,995,000

4649 Cartwright Street, Toluca Lake | $1,295,000

4540 Beck Avenue, Studio City | $3,495,000

3601 Viewcrest Drive, Burbank | $4,750,000

4338 Laurelgrove Avenue, Studio City | $2,295,000

2649 Angelo Drive, Bel Air | $1,375,000

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01866771. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

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

IN ESCROW

4230ValleyMeadowRoad.com

TheWResidences6A.com

IN ESCROW

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Curious what your home is worth? Contact Oren for a complimentary home analysis!

OrenEstates.com

3610 Dixie Canyon Ave | Sherman Oaks

5 Beds, 5.5 Baths | Aprx. 6,911 S.F. | Over 1 Acre Lot | Built in 1936 | Offered at $5,750,000 Spectacular views! Gated, top of Dixie Canon near Mulholland Dr. & hiking trails. Tennis Court and Pool/Spa with amazing private grounds. Expected in the MLS March 2020.

ANDREW MANNING

LUXURY PROPERTIES DIRECTOR andrew@andrewmanning.com 818.380.2147 | DRE 00941825

©2019 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

ng Co

ratulations

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

Matt Epstein #1 #2 #5

Agent San Fernando Valley Agent Los Angeles Agent Nationwide for

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Top one-half of 1 percent of more than 1,250,000 REALTORS® nationwide

Follow me on Facebook: MattEpsteinRealty Follow me on Twitter: @SoMattEpstein Follow me on Instagram: @MattEpsteinRealEstate

CalBRE# 01121162

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

PE N DI N G

15023 Encanto Dr – SO- $2,399,900 5 Br + 4.5 Ba in 4,272 Sq. Ft. on a 6,276 Sq. Ft. Lot– Beautiful traditional yet modern Spanish 3-story home in the foothills of Sherman Oaks. The home features open beam ceilings, an updated kitchen, and a spacious master suite with views of the hills. The private backyard oasis that features king palm trees and a large grassy area.

#KeepingItRealEstate

3716 Alomar Dr – SO $3,995,000- 5Br+6.5Ba in 4,742 SqFt on a 43,763 SqFt Lot- Spectacular Longridge Estates gated property w/ 180-degree views from every room. Enter the foyer into a beautiful open floor plan & views of the mountains, canyons & city lights. In addition to the main house, there is a detached guest house, a detached gym, and a pool.

15227 Valley Vista Blvd. – SO$2,950,000 5Br+7Ba in 4,180 SqFt on a 8,498 SqFt Lot – New construction home in Sherman Oaks! It features a bright open floor plan, chef’s kitchen & a 1,200 sq ft rooftop deck. The entertainer’s backyard offers a pool, spa, bbq, pool cabana, & much more.

3835 Alomar Dr -SO- $2,925,000 4Br+4.5 Ba in 4,000 SqFt on a 16,641 SqFt Lot- Contemporary modern home with amazing views is located in the highly exclusive Longridge Estates and designed by the famed Southern California architects, Buff & Hensman. This two-story modernist custom-built home features a chef’s kitchen, wine room, and much more. The backyard has a grassy area and a sitting area.

13243 Valleyheart Dr. – SO$1,385,000 3Br+2 Ba in 1,823 SqFt on a 6,329 SqFt Lot-Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with ultimate privacy and a pool. It features two fireplaces, a living room with a wall of french doors, a separate art studio/office, an outdoor patio, and a rear backyard.

Call for your FREE market analysis! © 2019 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

Nobody does it better...

coming soon

16908 Bosque Dr., Encino $5,500,000 Encino South Brand New Modern

sold

4926 Louise Ave., Encino $2,669,000 Encino South

sold

16036 Valley Meadow Pl., Encino $4,799,000 Royal Oaks Colony

sold

17515 Embassy Dr., Encino $2,349,000 Amestoy Tennis Estate

just listed

17516 Margate St., Encino $4,100,000 Amestoy Estates

sold

3937 Vista Linda Dr., Encino $1,999,000 English Manor View Estate

sold

active

4670 Encino Ave., Encino $3,999,000 Rancho Estates

sold

3623 Green Vista Dr., Encino $1,999,000 Encino Hills Mid-Century w/View

sold

10430 Wilshire Blvd., #904, Los Angeles $1,800,000 The Mirabella - Wilshire Corridor

4734 White Oak Ave., Encino $1,799,000 Rancho Estates

sold

4212 Grimes Pl., Encino $1,399,000 Lake Encino

15712 Sutton St., Encino $1,535,000 Encino Cul-de-Sac

818.285.3688 www.CarolWolfe.com sold

19050 Wells Dr., Tarzana $1,299,000 Tarzana Gem with Privacy

#1 AGENT RODEO REALTY ENCINO OFFICE

sold

16839 Adlon Rd., Encino $1,199,000 Encino Development Opportunity

FROM RISING STARS TO MVPS

OUR MVPS

Meet The Agency’s eight top-performing real estate experts located right in your neighborhood.

Calabasas DANIELLE PERETZ

ROOKIES OF THE YEAR

Sherman Oaks KEVIN DEES

Calabasas KEVIN NGUYEN

RISING STARS

Sherman Oaks BAILEY CUNNING

Sherman Oaks GRIFFIN SWEET

Sherman Oaks COREY KESSLER

Calabasas JOHN TASHTCHIAN

Calabasas HOLLY HATCH

LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE 2020 A YEAR TO REMEMBER. LUXURY REAL ESTATE AT THEAGENCYRE.COM

EXCLUSIVE LUXURY LISTINGS IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2800 WHITE STALLION ROAD WESTLAKE VILLAGE

EMIL HARTOONIAN

310.990.0063 | LIC. # 01796925

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CRAIG KNIZEK

818.618.1006 | LIC. # 01377932

4648 ALONZO AVENUE ENCINO

EMIL HARTOONIAN

310.990.0063 | LIC. # 01796925

5266 VANALDEN AVENUE TARZANA

JOHN TASHTCHIAN

818.968.2822 | LIC. # 01453364

YOUR MOVE.

$9,990,000 7 BEDS 10 BATHS 12,656 SQ. FT. 1,022,788 SQ. FT. LOT

14547 VALLEY VISTA SHERMAN OAKS

CRAIG KNIZEK

818.618.1006 | LIC. # 01377932

PRICE UPON REQUEST 5 BEDS 7 BATHS 6,087 SQ. FT. 18,752 SQ. FT. LOT

17173 STRAWBERRY DRIVE

$4,599,000 6 BEDS 8 BATHS 8,000 SQ. FT. 18,513 SQ. FT. LOT

16070 VALLEY WOOD ROAD

$2,999,999 6 BEDS 7 BATHS 6,093 SQ. FT. 19,458 SQ. FT. LOT

5733 PENFIELD AVENUE

ENCINO

DANIELLE PERETZ

818.644.1477 | LIC. # 01897529

SHERMAN OAKS

ANDREA KORCHEK

818.371.0933 | LIC. # 01311917

WOODLAND HILLS

DANIEL OHANA

818.633.5521 | LIC. # 01941646

PRICE UPON REQUEST 5 BEDS 7 BATHS 6,611 SQ. FT. 23,399 SQ. FT. LOT

5474 JED SMITH ROAD

$5,475,000 7 BEDS 8.5 BATHS 7,520 SQ. FT. 16,000 SQ. FT. LOT

4704 BALBOA AVENUE

$4,195,000 5 BEDS 7 BATHS 5,247 SQ. FT. 17,521 SQ. FT. LOT

4535 ENCINO AVENUE

PRICE UPON REQUEST 3 BEDS 2 BATHS 2,535 SQ. FT. 30,375 SQ. FT. LOT

HIDDEN HILLS

ANDRE MANOUKIAN

818.259.7969 | LIC. # 01921187

ENCINO

BRYAN CASTANEDA

310.895.5572 | LIC. # 01309833

ENCINO

DENISE SNANOUDJ

323.646.8866 | LIC. # 01101684

15000 SUNSTONE PLACE SHERMAN OAKS

ANDREA KORCHEK

818.371.0933 | LIC. # 01311917

$6,499,000 5 BEDS 6 BATHS 5,663 SQ. FT. 57,934 SQ. FT. LOT

$4,750,000 5 BEDS 5 BATHS 6,700 SQ. FT. 49,397 SQ. FT. LOT

$3,499,000 5 BEDS 7 BATHS 5,900 SQ. FT. 22,368 SQ. FT. LOT

$2,499,000 5 BEDS 6 BATHS 5,000 SQ. FT. 24,707 SQ. FT. LOT

THEAGENCYRE.COM

NEW YEAR, ALL-NEW REAL ESTATE COMING SOON

CRAIG KNIZEK CKnizek@TheAgencyRE.com 424.230.3718 | Lic. #1377932 THEAGENCYRE.COM

7. 1. 17173 STRAWBERRY DRIVE

2. 4850 ANDASOL

3. 813 N SPAULDING AVENUE

4. 5325 COLLINGWOOD CIR

5. 5205 WHITE OAK #2

6. 501 N POINSETTIA

New listing | Encino | $695,000 3 Beds | 2.5 B 07 Sq. Ft.

7. 12031 MOUND VIEW PLACE

DANIELLE PERETZ | Danielle.Peretz@theagencyre.com | 818.644.1477 | Lic. # 01897529 LUXURY REAL ESTATE AT THEAGENCYRE.COM

ENCINO

5359 Oak Park Ave $4,149,000

Arman Grigoryan 818.444.7700 DRE 01711745 Two-level Tuscan-inspired private gated home in the sought-after Amestoy Estates.

STUDIO CITY

4226 Lemp Ave $4,500,000

SHERMAN OAKS

Michael Bergin 310.600.0715 DRE 01845572

15000 Sunstone Pl $2,499,000

Alan Taylor 818.650.1603 DRE 01369255

STUDIO CITY

4540 Beck Ave $3,495,000 TOLUCA LAKE

10533 Kling St $2,495,000

SHERMAN OAKS

Hugh Gehrke 310.770.1713 DRE 01711642

14806 Hesby St $2,330,000

Craig Strong 818.930.4050 DRE 01450987

4104 Goodland Avenue

TOLUCA LAKE

10441 Sarah St $1,845,000

Craig Strong 818.930.4050 DRE 01450987

Kristin Neithercut 323.397.0800 DRE 02003278

Distinctly Modern, forward-thinking design, Thermador appliances, pool, spa, waterfall and guest house.

$1,599,000 Eric Lieberman 310.849.4900 DRE 01008206

5536 Tyrone Ave $1,250,000

STUDIO CITY

SHERMAN OAKS

Patty Ray 818.406.1853 DRE 01162851

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate.

Your #1 Real Estatae Expert

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2 - Secure a bridge loan with the lender of your choice. 3 - Get the 1st 6 months of your bridge loan payments fronted. 4 - Move into your new home while I work to sell your current home faster and for more money. 5 - When your old home sells, simply use the proceeds to pay back the bridge loan & any fronted monthly payments.

The financial flexibility you need.

310.600.0715 www.michaelbergin.com michael@michaelbergin.com

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

ACTIVE

Encino

16881 Oak View Dr.

16881OakView.com 5 Beds | 8 Baths | Approx. 6,175 Sq Ft IN ESCROW

Philip Lucas Anastasia Clemons Luxury Sales & Leasing 818.339.2024 | 310.871.0974 LRGROUP@Compass.com DRE 01928803 | 01455570

Privacy awaits at this 5 BD, 8 BA reimagined manor off posh Oak View Drive. Situated down a long driveway, behind double gates, this oneof-a-kind home offers nearly 6,200 SF of state-of-the-art amenities. Enter an arched entrance, accented by a reclaimed façade, into an impressive foyer, where a dramatic staircase holds court. Set the mood with one touch, using your Control4 system. Wide-planked European oak floors flow throughout. The formal living room welcomes abundant natural light. Entertain guests in a formal dining adjacent to a spacious Thermador kitchen, complete with stainless-steel appliances. The open kitchen adjoins the family room, which leads to an exterior patio and an elevator. A laundry area features dual washer/dryer sets. Upstairs living space adjoins 4 en-suite bedrooms. Dual masters feature walk-in closets and his/her baths. The larger master features vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets, a steam shower, and a freestanding tub. Step outside to a turf-ribboned hardscape and escape into a sprawling oasis. Stairs lead down to a pool deck surrounded by custom iron gating. An infinity edge pool is enveloped by a blanket of ivy and surrounded by a canopy of trees. Lush landscaping reiterates a sense of solitude on this 26K SF lot. Close to Ventura Boulevard shopping, dining, houses of worship, and the award-winning Lanai Road school.

lucasrenaissancegroup.com

Compass Real Estate is a licensed real estate broker with a principal ofﬁce in New York, NY and abides by all applicable Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sourcesdeemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

h 4151 Colbath Avenue Sherman Oaks Offered at $1,299,000 • 3 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 6,100 Sq. Ft. Lot • 1,600 Sq. Ft. Home • Pool & Spa

∂

www.4151Colbath.com

JUST LISTED

JUST SOLD

JUST LEASED

3831 Hilton Head Way, Tarzana | $1,899,000

13030 Valleyheart Dr. #301, Studio City | $825,000

3439 Shernoll Place, Sherman Oaks | $7,000

FOR SALE

JUST SOLD

COMING SOON

Guard Gated Silverhawk Ridge

South of the Blvd.

4223 Murietta Ave., Sherman Oaks | $1,425,000

4232 Allott Avenue, Sherman Oaks | $1,275,000

14916 Round Valley Dr., Sherman Oaks

COMING SOON

BARRY DANTAGNAN

818.426.8677 barrydantagnan@gmail.com

4029 Sumac Drive, Sherman Oaks $1,549,000 15053 Rayneta Drive, Sherman Oaks $1,699,000

COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE

©2020 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned By a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. If your property is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation. Cal RE #01020477

A home that exceeds expectations deserves a mortgage to match.

• Up to 89.99% financing on a primary residence may be available on loan sizes up to $2 million1 • 80% financing on loan sizes up to $3 million-loan sizes up to $8 million available to well-qualified buyers who meet Citi’s High Net Worth2 requirements • Dedicated support every step of the way

Let’s find a mortgage that fits your needs. Call me today. John Musso Home Lending Officer 818-518-1008 john.musso@citi.com citi.com/johnmusso NMLS# 448606 Terms, conditions and fees for accounts, programs, products and services are subject to change. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit and property approval. Certain restrictions may apply on all programs. Offer cannot be combined with any other mortgage offer. This offer contains information about U.S. domestic financial services provided by Citibank, N.A. and is intended for use domestically in the U.S. 1

A minimum FICO score of 740 required. Must be primary residence. 1-unit properties only including condos, co-ops and PUDs. Borrowers must have a minimum of 12 months reserves. Mortgage insurance required. The property must be located in a stable market. Refinances are limited to rate/term refinances of an existing CitiMortgage loan. Refinances can result in cash back to the borrower. Properties in any MSA depreciating 5.01% or more per the Citi seriously declining market list or information found on the appraisal are not eligible. A Citibank deposit account is required for this action. A minimum of $50,000 in eligible post-close balances must be in place no later than 10 days prior to your scheduled closing loan. The anticipated post-close Citi eligible balances are based upon the balances you are anticipated to have following the closing of the mortgage loan and taking into account any down payment and/or closing costs you will be paying out of pocket at closing. Citi eligible balances include your personal account balance in your Citibank deposits accounts (checking, savings, certificate of deposit and money market). Balances from Citibank N.A. business accounts and retirement accounts other than IRAs and Keoughs (except Keough Plans with participants other than the account owner and spouses, or partners and their spouses) are excluded. Conforming loans are loans that are up to $510,400 or up to $765,600 in certain high cost markets. Jumbo loans are loans that exceed those conforming loan amounts. A Citibank Mortgage Representative can inform you what the conforming loan amount is in the area where your property is located. A minimum FICO score of 720 required. Available for clients with a minimum of $500,000 or more in investable post-close assets, and at least $50,000 in traditional assets must be on deposit with Citi at least 10 days prior to closing. This amount may be part of the $500,000 eligibility requirement. Real estate, loan proceeds, stock options, restricted stock and personal property will not be counted as part of the $500,000 or more investable post-close assets or the $50,000 in traditional assets. Net cash value of life insurance can be counted as part of the $500,000 but not part of the traditional assets. Investable assets are defined as deposit accounts (checking, savings, money market, certificates of deposit), unrestricted stocks, non-vested stock and restricted stock, bonds and retirement accounts held by the individual who is personally liable on the loan. These asset types held in revocable trust may be used provided the trust document meets the Trust Policy. 100% of the face value of all assets, except non-vested stock and restricted stock, may be used to calculate the amount of funds available to meet the eligibility criteria. For non-vested stock and restricted stock, the borrower must be 100% vested within 1 year of closing and a maximum of 70% of value may be used to calculate qualifying equity. Additional conditions apply.

©2020 Citibank, N.A. NMLS# 412915. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Citi, Citi and Arc Design and other marks used herein are service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates, used and registered throughout the world.

LAST WORD

Viewpoint

Lifestyle photographer Beau Ryan has traveled all over the world capturing compelling sights, but one of his favorite places to shoot is the Valley. A Studio City resident for 17 years, he is known to pull off the road when something captures his imagination. This shot, taken just off Mulholland Drive at an overlook, shows Coldwater Canyon “towards the end of golden hour.” “When I look at this photo, I feel the mood. It’s the way the sun hits the mountaintop, allowing the feeling of solitude,” Beau says. “It almost makes you forget you’re in a city. We are always so focused on the endgame (sunset) that we often overlook what surrounds us.” Beau views the Valley as a truly congenial place—in an almost small-town way. “Once you look past all the structure, the concrete, the strip malls, there is genuine hospitality here.” ■

3932 Vantage Ave, Studio City $6,500,000

3025 Arrowhead Dr, Lake Hollywood $3,995,000

3644 Westfall Dr, Encino $2,875,000

3973 Westfall Dr, Encino $2,075,000

16461 Dorado Dr, Encino $2,865,000

WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR FROM

4338 Empress Ave, Encino $2,750,000

The Spitz | Cameron Group,

your Luxury Real Estate Specialists AndrewSpitz.com

HarrietCameron.com

FranChavez.com

DRE#924610 Realtor®

DRE#675971 Realtor®

DRE#01013357 Realtor®

818-817-4284

818-380-2151

818-517-1411

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