Ventura Blvd July 2021 by Moon Tide Media

VENTURABLVD.GOLDENSTATE.IS

Beach Bound 7 GREAT EATS ALONG THE WAY

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JULY 2021

TERRANEA C A L I F O R N I A

Rediscover Adventure at Southern California’s hidden gem.

You Inspire Us.

Mazel Tov, de Toledo High School Class of 2021! You are going places! WE ARE SO PROUD OF OUR SENIORS FOR GETTING ACCEPTANCED INTO THE FOLLOWING SCHOOLS: American University Amherst College Arizona State University Art Center College of Design Bard College Belmont Boston University Bradley University Brandeis University Brown University California College of the Arts California Lutheran University California Polytechnic Pomona San Luis Obispo California State University, Channel Islands Chico Fullerton Los Angeles Northridge Sacramento Carnegie Mellon Case Western Reserve Chapman University Clark University Colgate University

College of New Jersey Colorado State Cornell University Digipen Institute of Technology Drexel University Elon University Emerson College Fashion Institute of Technology Franklin and Marshall College Franklin College of Switzerland George Washington University Gnomon School of Visual Arts Gonzaga University Hamilton College Hawaii Pacific Hofstra University IDC Herzliya Indiana University at Bloomington Ithaca College Kenyon College Lafayette College Lehigh University Lewis & Clark College Los Angeles Pierce College Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University

Loyola University, Maryland Maryland Institute of Art Miami University, Oxford Michigan State University Moorpark College Mount Holyoke College Mount Saint Mary’s University Muhlenberg College New York University Northeastern University Northern Arizona University Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences Ohio State University Oregon State University Otis College of Art and Design Pace University Pacific University of Oregon Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Pratt Institute Quinnipiac University Reed College Ryerson San Diego State University San Francisco State Universit San Jose State University

Santa Clara University Santa Monica College School of the Art Institute of Chicago Seattle University Skidmore College Sonoma State University Southern Methodist University St. Edwards University Syracuse University The American University of Paris The New School The University of Montana Tufts University Tulane University University of Alabama University of Arizona University of British Columbia University of California Berkeley Davis Irvine Los Angeles Merced Riverside San Diego

Santa Barbara Santa Cruz University of Chicago University of Colorado, Colorado Springs University of Colorado at Boulder University of Connecticut University of Denver University of Illinois Chicago Urbana Champaign University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Maryland, College Park University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Miami University of Michigan University of Missouri, Columbia

University of Oregon University of Portland University of Puget Sound University of Redland University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Southern California University of Texas, Austin University of Virginia University of Washington University of Washington, Bothell University of Wisconsin, Madison Vassar College Washington University in St. Louis Wesleyan University Whittier College Williams College

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Valley International Prep (VIP) High School salutes its Class of 2021 as it moves into its new campus! Seniors, all of us at school are so happy that you are getting to spend some of your final high school days with us on our new campus at 18827 Roscoe Blvd. in Northridge. We know it’s been a long and arduous haul in having to deal with the pandemic-concerned limitations of at-home classes and social distancing, and we commend you for delivering a job well done. We will miss you in the fall when you go off to your colleges — We are SO proud of you!

Congratulations, VIP High School’s Class of 2021!

Kayla Acosta Emilio Attencio Julien Bitton Sarah. Bonver Christina Borisow Zoe Boul Dani Boyle Nicholas Boulton Emily Cocea Graeme Cote Kieran Cox Abigail Cuellar Max Damon Carly Dutcher

Julia Duva Chika Ezeh Eden Fischer Alina Foley Sarah Glickfeld Ella Green Naya Hall Sterling Jackson Maya Jacobs Noah Korduner Sarah Kwak Catherine Lake Kate Land Callie LaVanway

Audrey Lesser Fanny Lubensky Renata Macfie Jay Martinez Ciel McDaniels Rand Meyer Diego Murillo Riley Myant Caroline Newhart Angel Palacios Thomas Petrella Abigail Raderman Sandra Russo Shiva Saham

Elijiah Salvatierra Jessica Sarrag Elizabeth Schmerzler Isabella Schoneberger Martin Seok Jose Serrano Juan Silvestre-Cardona Avery Ursini-Rodriguez Matthew Velazquez Christina Villa Paul Weertz Delilah Weitz Liam Williams Geneva Wright

VIP’S CLASS OF 2021 WILL ATTEND THESE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES: The American University of Paris. The University of Arizona. Benedict College. Bennington College. California Lutheran University (3). California State University-Channel Islands. California State University-Northridge. UC-Berkeley. UC-Davis. UCLA. UC Santa Barbara. UC Santa Cruz. Carnegie Mellon University. Clark University. Columbia College Chicago (3). Cornell College. Culinary Institute of America. Drexel University. Emory University. Franklin & Marshall College. Humboldt State. University. Kalamazoo College. Kenyon College. Lewis & Clark College. Northwestern University (2). Oregon Institute of Technology. Oxnard College. Pierce College (3). Pratt Institute (2). University of Redlands (2). Rochester Institute of Technology. San Francisco State University. Santa Monica College. Sarah Lawrence College. University of Southampton (Great Britain). Valley College. Villanova University. Williams College.

Minutes Matter More Than Ever

Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center’s upgraded Emergency Department and new Urgent Care facility in Burbank will make sure the entire community has access to world-class health care close to home. Help us bring this vision to life. Give now at supportsaintjoseph.org/minutesmatter or call 818-847-4673

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JULY 2021

24 TARZANA GETS ITS CLOSE-UP A new movie shot entirely in the Valley

32 GOOD SPORT Sassy summer looks for the court—and beyond

38 HAPPY DAYS

The power of yellow

44 EDUCATED ADVICE

THE SAUCE

Navigating the college admissions process now

70 BEACH BITES

Seven pit stops for chowing down

THE SECRETS OF PLANTS

on your way to the beach

Ancient plants at CSUN may provide info on global warming—and more.

78 SUMMER SIPS

Innovative cocktails inspired

IT TAKES A TINY VILLAGE

from the Southwest

A local nonprofit gets innovative with homeless shelters.

82 FAMILY TIES

Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks

RELAX, READ, RESET Nurturing books for body & soul

70 AND THEN SOME... 100

88 ALL IN GOOD TIME Meet a local independent watchmaker.

PROFILES From doctors to hospitals, a curated list of

the Valley’s top medical resources

INTO THE WOODS Restorative relaxation at Canyon Ranch

118 REAL ESTATE Spectacular local listings

COVER Actor Melia Kreiling in

138

a vintage Mustang from

LAST WORD

777 Exotics Car Rental;

One woman’s unexpected transformation

photographed by

from Venice snob to Valley & proud

Michael Becker

We invite you to make history with us. Introducing the reimagined Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center. Coming early 2023. To ensure the very best in health care, it’s going to take a community. Join us. Make a gift today. Contact the Foundation at 818-757-4384 or CAFoundation@Providence.org www.tarzanafoundation.org

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

PUBLISHER

Linda Grasso

Michelle Villas

Robin Sanders

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

robin@goldenstate.is

Darren Elms

Nikki Smith

COPY EDITORS Bob Howells, Laura Watts

424-220-6340

ADVERTISING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

DIRECTOR OF BRAND

Kristin Anderson

PARTNERSHIPS

Michael Becker

Sue Williams

CONTRIBUTORS

Matthew Cooke

818-625-3515

Jenny Karl, Dakota Kim,

James Hogue

sue@goldenstate.is

Chloe King, Joshua Lurie,

Shane O’Donnell

Kara Mickelson, Tanya

Justin Ruhl

Monaghan, Jennie Nunn, Jean Trinh, Anne M. Russell, Shaun Tolson

VENTURA BLVD IS A DIVISION OF THE GOLDEN STATE COMPANY

MANAGING PARTNERS Charlie Koones

Todd Klawin

MARKETING & OPERATIONS PARTNER/BRAND PUBLISHER | Emily Stewart PARTNER/MANAGING DIRECTOR, MEDIA & ANALYTICS | Warren Schaffer DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL | Charles Simmons DIRECTOR OF FILM & VIDEO | Bryce Lowe-White OPERATIONS DIRECTOR | Allison Jeackjuntra SENIOR SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER | Evelyn Hitchcock ACCOUNTING | Janet De La Cruz, Margy Way To learn more about us, visit thegoldenstatecompany.com.

No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from The Golden State Company LLC. Any and all submissions to this or any of The Golden State Company LLC publications become the property of The Golden State Company LLC and may be used in any media. We reserve the right to edit. SUBSCRIPTIONS Email: info@goldenstate.is or phone: 310-376-7800. Subscriptions are $29 per year. TO OUR READERS Ventura Blvd welcomes your feedback. Please send letters to: Reader Response Department, Ventura Blvd at address below. Include your name, address and email. Edited letters may be published. 200 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 110, El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel 310-376-7800 | Fax 310-376-0200 | goldenstate.is | venturablvd.goldenstate.is

PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL BECKER

EDITOR’S LETTER

At our cover shoot in Malibu

Blue Skies…At Last With the Valley now on the cusp of being back to normal,

A big thank-you to our photographer Michael

the mood seems infinitely lighter than this time last

Becker, who shot this issue’s cover. Whether working

year. And—from our sportswear feature (page 32) to our

in broadcast TV or at a print/digital lifestyle platform,

story on a new movie Take Me To Tarzana (page 24) shot

I’ve worked with professional photographers my entire

entirely in the Valley—our editorial coverage in this issue

career, and there has always been one with whom I am

certainly reflects that. It feels good to think about aim-

completely synched with from a creative standpoint.

less pleasures like fashion and funny movies again.

With VB, Michael is that photog. If I have a challenge,

Food falls into that category, too. It warms my heart to

he helps me solve it. Michael spent the better part of

see the sidewalk seating in front of restaurants bustling

two weeks hunting through the canyons above Malibu

with action. Seeing people out enjoying food, drink and

for the perfect spot for us to capture the ocean as well

each other and having our eateries up and running again

as the roadway for our cover story, “Beach Bites” (page

feels invigorating. Will the city let those sidewalk areas

70). It’s not as easy as you’d think. He even secured our

stay open? It appears, for now, they are. I can’t help but

cover model, the actor Melia Kreiling. He’d photographed

think back to 10 years ago when the late Leslie Danelian,

her for a TV show she was on a few years back. And

owner of Sweet Butter, almost got shut down by the city

when I described the look we were after (not the posed/

for opening her sidewalk dining area. At the time, there

come hither look of a professional model—you know the

was nothing like it along the Boulevard. Another era...

face—but rather just a pretty, natural woman who looked

We so often cover new eateries in VB, it was nice to

like she was out for a helluva fun day) he said, “I’ve got

cover a well-established one in this issue, Anajak Thai

the perfect person!” Indeed she was, and thank you to

(page 82). Chef-owner Justin Pichetrungsi is bringing a

Melia as well.

scrappy street mentality to the Sherman Oaks restaurant that his parents opened 40 years ago. Serving dishes like

Whether traveling or in your backyard, hope you are enjoying some blue skies of your own this summer!

Thai-Mexican tacos and offering a 10-course Thai omakase dinner, Justin is deftly keeping it interesting.

Follow me on Instagram @she_sez

Linda Grasso, Editor-in-Chief

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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2021 We’re so proud of you, Buckley graduates. Welcome to our alumni family!

WWW.BUCKLEY.ORG

JULY 2021 UNDER THE TOPANGA SUN Grabbing a bite on your way to the beach has never been more fun. Details on page 70.

Tarzana Gets Its Close-Up THE VALLEY TAKES CENTER STAGE IN THE NEW MOVIE TAKE ME TO TARZANA, WHICH COMBINES LAUGHS WITH SOME OF THE MORE SERIOUS ISSUES OF TODAY. Written by Dakota Kim

When three millennial friends travel to Tarzana to thwart

Creer) and Jane (Samantha Robinson) and their party-

hilarity ensues (and Tarzana shines) in the new film

happy pal Jameson (Jonathan Bennett) find even more

Take Me to Tarzana. But the movie sets its sights higher

chaos in Tarzana than they expected. Tarzan of the

than straight comedy, as it takes a sober look at some of

Jungle gives both the film—and the city of Tarzana—its

the top issues of our time. That nefarious plot, you see,

name. The city was the site of a ranch owned by author

involves spying and digital data harvesting.

Edgar Rice Burroughs, who wrote the Tarzan novels.

Director Maceo Greenberg and producer Aaron Brenner

estate, sponsored the film and donated memorabilia and

like Facebook’s 2018 Cambridge Analytica data-harvest-

props. “Viewers will see that in the home of the Tarzan-

ing scandal. While the adventure film is fun and wacky,

obsessed CEO, there’s tons of great memorabilia and

and aimed at millennials, it also delves into digital

props from that private collection,” Aaron shares.

The Big Lebowski as inspirations. “Mike Judge and the Coen Brothers are really great at

The film is also a coming-of-age story for younger millennials. “As millennials are entering the workforce, they’re finding it’s not as glamorous as they were hoping

taking you on hilarious adventures. We were hoping to

and not a dream job right out of the gate, and this movie

create a similar vibe with Take Me to Tarzana, but we also

does a good job of showing that,” Aaron notes.

wanted to subvert the traditional slacker comedy by tak-

The film was shot at numerous locations across the

ing a look at darker issues like data privacy, gender and

Valley from Tarzana to Studio City, including Pinz Bowling

income inequality, and student loan debt,” Aaron says.

Alley in Studio City and the dive bar Crazy Harry’s in

Aaron is an Emmy Award-winning producer (LA Kings: 2012 Stanley Cup Moments) and executive producer at Silo Films. He grew up in Reseda, attended Van Nuys High

Edgar Rice Burroughs Inc., which manages the Burroughs

collaborated on the project, and were inspired by events

privacy concerns. Aaron cites classics like Office Space and

In the movie, disillusioned coworkers Miles (Andrew

their loony, Tarzan-loving CEO’s nefarious master plan,

Winnetka. “These are all places I spent time as a kid and it was great to be able to shoot our film in them.” The Valley itself is a character in the film. “The Valley

School, and lives in Northridge. Maceo is cofounder of the

plays a big role—the Valley is Los Angeles, but it’s not

production company Story Well. The two were connected

the glitz and glam. It’s the normal, relatable space where

through Terrance Stewart, a mutual friend and the film’s

normal people live, not the hustle and bustle and crazi-

cinematographer.

ness of Los Angeles.”

Actor Jonathan Bennett

Clockwise from top: Andrew Creer, Samantha Robinson and Maria Conchita Slonso doing a scene at Hazeltine Market in Van Nuys; Aaron Brenner; Oliver Cooper and Jonathan Bennett; the cast at Crazy Harry’s in Van Nuys

“THE VALLEY PLAYS A BIG ROLE— THE VALLEY IS LOS ANGELES, BUT IT’S NOT THE GLITZ AND GLAM. IT’S THE NORMAL, RELATABLE SPACE WHERE NORMAL PEOPLE LIVE…” For Aaron, making the movie was like going down memory lane. “Looking back, I had my first job on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City at Echo Entertainment. It was a great place to start my career, diving head-first into production.” The production crew had to shut down the Boulevard, illuminate it, then run camera cars down it. LAPD provided traffic control to keep everyone safe during the shoot. “We shot overnight, in the early morning hours while most of Tarzana was fast asleep,” says Aaron. “Ventura Boulevard is an iconic Valley landmark, and being able to shoot there was special.” The film debuted at the 20th annual Valley Film Festival at The Plant movie theater in Van Nuys, and received three nominations—including one for Best Picture— at the NoHo CineFest. Movie watchers can check it out on major digital streaming platforms including Apple iTunes, YouTube and Amazon Prime. ■

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I N G O O D H E A LT H

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

L to R: Mark Geller, MD, Internal Medicine & Endocrinology Jayvee Regala, MD, Pediatrics Daniel Lewis, MD, Internal Medicine Jody Levy, MD, Internal Medicine Jeﬀrey Shukhman, DO, Internal Medicine Not pictured: Mina Moussavian-Assadi, MD, Pediatrics & Hitasha Singh, MD, Rheumatology

THE MAGNIFICENT 10 Providing personal care in a health system world PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTIN ANDERSON

he traditional health care experi-

and online education programs to enhanced

role in that. Seeing patients over Zoom took a

ence has been turned on its head

safety and security measures, the group has

little getting used to, but it’s become an indis-

due to COVID-19. But that hasn’t kept

adapted nearly every aspect of its services to

pensable tool for us to make care safe and

the doctors of Facey Medical Group

ensure patients aren’t left behind.

convenient. Even routine tasks like paying bills

from finding ways to continue providing excellent care to patients. At their Tarzana clinic, which offers primary

“It’s been a very long time since we as

and checking in for appointments are easier

a nation have had this kind of widespread

now thanks to Providence’s patient portal,

health crisis,” says Facey internist and endo-

MyChart.”

care, women’s health care and rheumatol-

crinologist Mark Geller, MD. “Thanks to our

Signs point to the future of health care

ogy services, 10 Facey physicians have built a

affiliation with Providence, we’ve been able

becoming a hybrid of what we were used to

community clinic dedicated to providing care

to grow stronger during a really stressful year.

before the pandemic. The new ways doctors

for the whole family that’s as compassionate

Everyone’s working together to keep patients

care for patients are partly a result of lock-

as it is convenient. From video-based visits

healthy, and technology has played a huge

downs and stringent safety measures. While

S P E C I A L A D V E RI N TIG S IO NO G DS E OH N HCE TAILT

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

L to R: Tina Verder, MD, OB-GYN Dafna Trites, DO, OB-GYN Diana Wong, MD, OB-GYN

many will be happy to return to regularly seeing their doctor in an exam room whenever possible, telehealth isn’t going away anytime soon. For many, it’s become the preferred way to see their doctor. Dr. Geller is more than happy to see his patients however they wish to connect.

“THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATION WITH PROVIDENCE, WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO GROW STRONGER DURING A REALLY STRESSFUL YEAR.”

“Getting the care you need when you need it— that’s the important thing,” he says. “We have a big, beautiful office in the heart of Tarzana,

helps us coordinate that care for our patients

is hard to ignore,” she says. “I’m able to give

but your own living room can be a Facey clinic

quickly and easily. We can even prescribe

my patients the attention they need and the

now too—and that’s a really cool thing.”

educational and support tools in the exam

quality we all want while keeping stress levels

room that patients can access in the comfort

manageable for everyone. It’s a winning com-

of their home.”

bination that any parent would appreciate.”

Facey Medical Group’s regional director Daniel Lewis, MD, also works at the Tarzana office and agrees with Dr. Geller. “The doc-

Mina Moussavian-Assadi, MD, joined

To learn more about the services Facey Medical Group offers, visit facey.com.

tors at Facey have always done an amazing

Facey’s pediatrics team in Tarzana alongside

job of helping patients navigate the crazy

Jayvee Regala, MD, five years ago—in part

maze that is health care,” says Dr. Lewis. “So

because the office created a private prac-

much of that work is about communication

tice feel even though it’s aligned with a large

FACEY MEDICAL GROUP

with each other. We try to make that easy on

health system. “The luxury of having lab and

18133 VENTURA BLVD., TARZANA

our patients by keeping most of the special-

imaging services on-site combined with the

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ists they need all in one house. Providence

Valley’s only pediatric ICU just down the street

FACEY.COM |

good sport A PLAYFUL MIX OF SPORTSWEAR TO TAKE YOU FROM THE COURT TO THE BEACH Styled by Tanya Monaghan | Photographed by Justin Ruhl Hair & makeup by Jenny Karl

Left:

Above:

Red bikini top and bottom by Solid & Striped, $79 each.

Black leather captain bag, $900; clear tote, $300; ball

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Star sneakers by Golden Goose, $496. Oversize tote by

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Black sports top by No Rest For Bridget, $34. Large gold hoop earrings by Shashi, $62. Black slides by GANNI, $346. Black aviator-style sunglasses from Target, $10. White pants by Ecru, $163.

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Right: Tennis dress with cutout by Adidas, $126. White sheer leggings by Alo Yoga, $88.

Happy Days WITH LIFE RETURNING TO NORMAL, ONE OF PANTONE’S COLORS OF THE YEAR, “ILLUMINATING,” CAPTURES THE MOOD. HERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO INCORPORATE IT INTO YOUR SUMMER FUN.

1. Beaumont City Bike-Step Through 7 Speed, $300; retrospec.com

5. Parker sofa, $2,298; Anthropologie at Westfield Topanga (mall) or anthropologie.com

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Congratulations CLASS OF 2021!

alexandra

amara

amelia

austin

connor

david

devin

grant

isabella

jacob

jonah

jordan

juliana

kaitlin

lana

rory

zachary

Westmark’s Class of 2021 has been accepted to and is attending the following Universities and Colleges: American University The University of Arizona Becker College Boston University California CollegeSan Marcos California Lutheran University California State Polytechnic University-Pomona California State UniversityLong Beach

California State UniversityNorthridge University of California-Riverside University of California-San Diego Champlain College Chapman University Colorado Mountain College Curry College Dean College University of Delaware University of Denver

DePaul University Dominican University of California Emerson College High Point University La Sierra University Lake Forest College Landmark College Lesley University Linfield University Loyola University Chicago Lynn University

Marymount Manhattan College McDaniel College Monmouth University New York University (Tisch School of the Arts) Northern Arizona University Oregon State UniversityCascades Campus University of the Pacific Pepperdine University Los Angeles Pierce College

Point Loma Nazarene University Prescott College University of Puget Sound Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art and Design Sonoma State University Southern Oregon University Western Washington University Whittier College Willamette University Woodbury University

TO THE

Congratulations

Class of 2021 Sabrina Abselet Eitai Abutbul Navid Aframian Diba Amid Amanda Amirieh Daniel Armin Tomer Azrad Benjamin Bakhaj Tom Bareket Elinor Barnea Lilienne Bazel Jack Behar Celine Behnam Brayden Bekhrad David Ben-Naim Ariel Berookhim Adam Binder Seth Bleet Jacob Blyakhman Rod Bostani Jack Bricker Coby Broukhim Talia Byrnes Miya Carmy

College Acceptances

American University Arizona State University (Main Campus) Arizona State University (Polytechnic) Bard College Barnard College Bennington College Bocconi University Boston University Brandeis University Butler University California Lutheran University California State Polytechnic University (San Luis Obispo) California State Polytechnic University (Pomona) California State University (Bakersfield) California State University (Chico) California State University (Northridge) California State University (Sacramento) Chapman University College of Charleston Colorado State University Columbia University

Ariel Cohen Kevin Cohen Melody Cohen Mika Cohen Mia Cooper Kayla Dadbin Alexander Dardashti Cooper Davis Maurice Douek Joshua Ehrlich Jakob Eisen Jason Ellis Ariel Emrani Elijah Faridnia Ava Fox Aaron Frey Alexander Gabayzadeh Talia Gandin Stefan Gerber Dylan Gilardian Nathan Gilardian Taylor Golshan Talia Haghani Eleanor Hanasab

DePaul University DePauw University Drexel University Eckerd College Elon University Emerson College Emory University Florida State University Fordham University George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia State University High Point University Humboldt State University Illinois Institute of Technology Indiana University Jewish Theological Seminary of America Kenyon College Lehigh University Lewis & Clark College Los Angeles Pierce College Loyola Marymount University McGill University Miami University (Oxford) Middlesex University New York University Northeastern University Oberlin College Occidental College Oregon State University

Chloe Harris Benjamin Hebert Sophia Herzog Benjamin Hochman Talia Illoulian Ethan Isaac Sara Kahn Sophia Kangavari Arie Kattan Aaron Kermani Ethan Khorsandi Yahli Kijel Shmuel Kligman Madison Kohan Jacob Kolker Dean Kossoff Michelle Lalezarian Sarah Lande Asher “AJ” Leveen John Levy Michael Lippman Dimitri Lupescu Sol Manor Kayla Manzour Amelia Marengo Evan Marks Madeleine Massey Arielle Meisel Chloe Messian Jonathan Mills

Pace University Pennsylvania State University (Abington) Pennsylvania State University (Main Campus) Pepperdine University Point Park University Pomona College Purdue University Reed College Rutgers University San Diego State University San Jose State University Santa Monica College Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art and Design Scripps College Seton Hall University Skidmore College Smith College Southern Methodist University SUNY at Binghamton SUNY at Purchase College Syracuse University Temple University The New School The Ohio State University (Lima Campus) The University of Alabama The University of Texas at Austin The University of the Arts

Nathan Moore Sky Nahum Eliana Namvar Rachael Namvar Isabella Nassir Brandon Nehorayan Aaron Neman Kaitlyn Nickfardjam Kayla Nickfardjam Noa Noudel Ori Nozar Liana Pakravan Elijah Pimstone Tara Pourshamtobi Elijah Pressman Shannon Rad Sabrina Raminfar Ethan Ritz Raquel Rodef Liya Rotem Simon Max Rubin Misha Rudajev Jonathan Ryan Marcus Scheer Jessica Schiff Amalya Schwartz Dylan Seidel Dylan Shabbouei Sawyer Shalit

Tufts University Tulane University University of Arizona University of British Columbia University of California (Berkeley) University of California (Davis) University of California (Irvine) University of California (Los Angeles) University of California (Merced) University of California (Riverside) University of California (San Diego) University of California (Santa Barbara) University of California (Santa Cruz) University of Chicago University of Cincinnati University of Colorado Boulder University of Denver University of Maryland University of Miami

Spencer Shalit Sabrina Sharafian Justin Shemian Jonathan Shenassa Candice Shohed William Slomovic Jennifer Smokler Natalya Soofer Saben Spira Samantha Steinsapir Eliyah Stern Ava Tabachnick Natalie Tabibian Brandon Tavakoli Jake Thomas Shahrzad Townsend Julian Tucker Andrew Turquie Hunter Tweed-Field Jake Tweed-Field Shirel Volchuck Ethan Walsh Daniel Weisenberg Joshua West Ashton Yadegar Justin Yassinger Leemai Zakaria Leeona Zakaria Miriam Zoghi

University of Michigan University of Minnesota University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina School of the Arts University of Oregon University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Southern California University of St Andrews University of the Arts London University of Toronto University of Utah University of Vermont University of Washington University of Wisconsin Vassar College Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Washington University in St Louis Wesleyan University Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Congratulations

CLASS of 2021 We applaud the resilience, courage, and optimism of our seniors.

Together at Last SENIOR DAY 2021

We wish them well in their extraordinary futures. VIEWPOINT SCHOOL I 23620 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, CA 91302 I 818-591-6500 I www.viewpoint.org

Educated Advice TWO EXPERTS OFFER COUNSEL ON HOW TO BEST SUPPORT CHILDREN THROUGH THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS AMID A CHANGING AND CHALLENGING LANDSCAPE. Illustrated by Nikki Smith

The Varsity Blues scandal blew the lid off the college admissions process two years ago. For many parents, the

skills they need to thrive in the real world. And we’ve learned that we parents shouldn’t constant-

scandal reinforced suspicions: The process is not only

ly talk about college rankings. Be cognizant of the biases

challenging, but it can also be unfair and even corrupt.

you are putting on your kids about what you perceive are

With so many deferrals and postponements in 2020—and

better, bigger-name colleges. Focus on the right fit for

an absence of standardized testing—COVID has made the

your kids’ learning style and objective.

process even more challenging. College admissions experts Cynthia Muchnick and

BUT SO MANY PARENTS, IT SEEMS, THINK THAT

Jenn Curtis address the challenges and offer guidance in

FOR THEIR KID TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE, THEY

their new book The Parent Compass: Navigating Your Teen’s

NEED TO GO TO A BIG-NAME COLLEGE.

Wellness and Academic Journey in Today’s Competitive World.

J: Yes, agree. One of the parents said when they went

Here VB editor Linda Grasso queries the authors about

to jail something that is so potent: “I realize now that

some of the new challenges that have arisen, gleaning

cheating on her behalf was not about helping her, it was

some critical dos and don’ts.

about how it would make me feel.” Same goes for attending a prestigious college: Much of it is about what those

HOW HAS THE VARSITY BLUES SCANDAL CHANGED

parents wanted for themselves. They totally lose sight of

THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS?

what their kids want and need.

Jenn: Varsity Blues was a loud wake-up call. It was an important explosion because it held a mirror up to so much

ADVICE ON THE COLLEGE ESSAY?

of what has been going on that is wrong when comes to

J: Don’t write your kid’s essays or heavily edit them.

parenting and the college admissions process. That is a

The student essay is a chance for your child’s voice to be

large part of why we wrote The Parent Compass. It is a par-

heard. It’s called a personal statement for a reason. When

enting etiquette guide. What are right behaviors? What are

the essay sounds like the parent, it silences the student

the gray areas? And what are the wrong behaviors?

and tells them that their voice isn’t worth being heard.

Cynthia: We have learned from this how important it is to

WHAT IF YOUR KID ISN’T A GOOD WRITER?

really see our kids for who they are. When we don’t truly see

C: That’s OK. They will find a way for their voice to be

our kids, it undermines our relationship with them, and they

heard. There is no greater red flag than a B or C student

don’t feel understood and accepted. We do not empower our

writing an essay that looks like a New York Times reporter

kids when we pave the way for them. It is essentially saying

wrote it. I encourage students to read their essay out loud

they’re not good enough. And it is not letting them learn the

in front of a mirror to make sure it sounds like them.

J: It is obvious to colleges when parents write the essays,

the same situation for this year’s applicants. That said,

and it hurts kids in the long run.

we parents need to be flexible. Going straight into a four-year college out of high school isn’t always the right

WHAT ELSE SHOULD PARENTS AVOID DOING?

route. And if kids have overreached in terms of schools

C: We don’t think social media announcements and

applied to and they don’t get in, parents need to be open

celebration videos by parents are a good idea. It can make

to alternative routes: taking community college classes

other kids and their parents—who perhaps haven’t gotten

and transferring, joining the workforce or military, doing

in—feel bad. Other kids can even blacklist your kid for

an internship. Those options can be silver linings, giving

what they perceive as bragging.

students another story to tell.

J: We share a lot of anecdotes in the book about this. One

DO YOU FEEL THAT THE IMPACT OF COVID ON THE

parent posted a celebratory video on their Facebook page

PROCESS WILL BE FELT FOR MULTIPLE YEARS?

and the next day at school that student was basically dis-

C: I think that over the next few years we will see the

owned by their friends. Her entire senior year was ruined.

economic impact. I think we may see colleges respond to the increased number of applicants and use some of their

HOW HAS THE CANCELLATION OF STANDARDIZED

endowments to build more dorms. And I think we’ll see

TESTING IN 2020 IMPACTED THE PROCESS?

more well-rounded kids who have had life experiences

J: With the testing sites shut down, pretty much every

before attending college.

school had to go test-optional. That was a short-term change, but it has the potential to change the long-term.

DO YOU THINK COLLEGE COSTS WILL RISE?

Schools are still deciding if they are going to go test-

C: There is a lot of revenue to recoup like lost housing

optional for another year—maybe forever. Lots of families

and food services revenue and professor pay. I think col-

are unsure whether or not they should have their rising ju-

leges are scrambling with their business models. When

niors and seniors test. My advice at this point is yes. Also,

colleges have huge endowments, why can’t they bail

the College Board has now officially dropped the require-

themselves out of this financial crisis? I realize there are

ment of the SAT essay, as well as the SAT Subject Tests

limitations on what they can do with an endowment but I would think a crisis like a pandemic should qualify.

C: As a result of the year with no standardized testing, we saw wait lists grow, and applications skyrocket at some of

WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO AS PARENTS?

the most competitive schools. At the same time, applica-

J: Allow our kids to take ownership of the process. Kids

tions plummeted at some of the less-selective schools,

can and should own every part of the college search/se-

which has created a kind of chasm.

lection process. Expose them to a variety of schools and keep an open mind. Most importantly, research tells us

WHY DID THAT HAPPEN?

that it matters more what you do on your campus more

J: With the competitive schools going test-optional, kids

than where you go. Integrate that into how you approach

thought that they had a better chance of gaining admis-

the admissions process.

sion. Students applied to a lot more schools—schools they wouldn’t have in a normal situation.

For more counsel from Jenn and Cynthia, check out their episode on the SheSez with Linda Grasso podcast, available

C: There was a lot of disappointment this past spring when kids got their admission decisions. And it could be

across all platforms and at SheSez.com. ■

CONGRATULATIONS Zachary Tanner Chappellet Flagler Colin Jack Flannery Hudson Samuel Forster Shirin Fozounmayeh Grace Ellen Frautschi Zachary Frazier Semaj Ammar Freeman Maximo Julian Garcia Nathalie Nicole Garcia Jordyn Nicole Link Sophia Gillibrand Nasser Giovannie Xavier Lizarraga Lauren Anne-Marie Glover Natalie Helena Long Natalie Cate Golan Jayden Lor Alexis Angie Golin Logan David Ludwig Kristina Junod Greenwood Mason James Maclear Asher Jules Grossman Piper Alixa-Rose Mape Kayla Grace Guran Kira Leanne Mark Jade Gina Haakonsen Cierra Reign Martin Malia Michal Haakonsen Gabriel Michael Martin Svea Rose Hallberg Luc Eamon Martin Christopher Bryan Hance Jay Juan Martinez Braden Christopher Hanley Christian Daniel Massell Emma Harrington Paul Mata Jack Edward Harris Darian Mauriello Kaila Danielle Harris Matthew Simon Mekari Laila Donielle Harris Yesika Anabel Menera Ybarra-Bernal Jaime Elizabeth Hassard Ava Marie Miele Aliya Isabella Heredia Jaxson Gehrig Mitchell Luke Matthew Hermelee Maximilian David Mitterberger Ka’ili Kohana Higa Jordan James Montgomery Spencer Edward Hill III Alexandra Hanako Moore Kaitlyn MeShel Hoefflin Kaylin Arayan Moore Ashley Elizabeth Hopkins Samantha Madison Morales Ryan Patrick Hopkins Cooper Jacob Morrow Gianni Nikko Horvat Lisa Renee Motz Jiacheng (Terry) Hu Liam Thomas Murtagh Hannah Shae Hughes Macy Kay Muxlow Gracelyn Autumn Hurst Graham Thomas Nash Gina Grace Iritano Abigail Paige Newman Michael Robert Iritano Claire Nguyen Micah Nikko Jackson Emma Jayden Noble Maren Leigh Jacobson Kylie O’Connor Jalan Jaffe Grant Zino Okah Deven K. Jain Shanda Otchere Princess Alexandria Jenkins Camden Keith Park-Coburn Grace Montgomery Jensen Annabella Rose Pascarelli Gongzhen Jin Michael James Paxson Alexandra Karena Lord Johnston Kekoa Elijah Kanahele Pele-Allen Nevaeh Victoria Jones Mica Ariel Pessin Ryder Jun Josue Carson Joel Jackson Phillips Douglas Joys Hannah Dowell Portzel Brooks Harrison Kastor Gavin Haynes Price Lily Aria Katz Sophia Grace Prudholme Lauren Paige Konkel Tiffany Grace Pugh Trinity Ann Korn Roy Li Rao Jon August Krawczyk Cole Raschke Jordan Kate Krystyniak Presley DeLano Regier Lilian Vaughn LaBrie Joshua John Matthias Rhodes Kaelynn Rose Lackey Luke Speed Ricci Romain Anthony Lagree Jahzara Anaya Richardson Jack Paul Lambert Nicolas Anthony Rivera Jett Austin Landis Tiffannie Marissa-Alyce Root Isabella Marie LeChau Emily Rose Russo Alexander Ryan Leko Makena Jeanne Ryan Luke James Lenthall Nicholas Ander Salstrom Daniel Ethan Lesser Christian Charles Sampras Tierra Elle Lewis Nicholas Ayman Sarriedine Noah Edward Leyson David James Sauer Xiang Li Ryanne Willow Schack Noah Edward Lindeman Lily Ashley Schenk Alexis Linder Seth James Schneider Alyssa Lauren Lindstrom Carson James Schwesinger

Brenden Segovia Fiona Irene Sewell Aidan Luc Sherazi Jiayi Shi Alexa Janice Sikola Samoa Mohr Silofau Charlotte Elizabeth Simonds Jordan Elizabeth Simonsgaard Sean Thomas Simpkins Caleb Allan Sjodin Jameson Paige Smith Wyatt James Smith Adelina Faith Smithers Elsa Lesa Somanza Alex Justin Soudani Nicole Spaccarelli Emily Ann Spaeth Olivia Kathleen Speaker Ella Rose Spett Henry Thomas Sprague Dane Erik Swenson Samuel Andrew Tafoya Summer Hope Tashjian Makaila Serena Teagle Ashley Kiele Thomas JaShawn Master Todd Kyle Ryoki Tomlinson Taylor Madison Via Madeline J. Virella Sonia Kaur Virk Sydney R. Vroman Peyton Anne Wadley Fiona-Joy Wagner Johnnie Walter Nicole Elizabeth Wambaa Chuminglei Wang Jialin Wang Yihan Wang Riley Zane Weitzman Joshua David Wennes Maximus Ivan Richard West Russell Devin West Ashley Wiegman Ashleigh S Williams Trustin Williams Zachary Lamar Williams Kylee Nicole Windes David Gregory Woertz TianQi Wu Han Yan Ryan Lai-Yin Yick Jacob Alec Yniguez Annan Yuan Joseph Jesus Elias Zambrano Jiheng Zhao Yuanpei Zhao Ruochen Zhong

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CLASS OF

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Lian Alima Amalie Allan Alysa Alvarez Stone Wesley David Anastasi Abigail Anderson Gabriel Dax Anderson Anthony Marc Angell Raeshell Ruby Austin Youssef Awad Nicholas Christopher Aye Adrien Omid Badakhsh Riley Alexander Banvard Haley May Barney Tyler Rae Bartlett Parker Johnson Beard Jack Beetlestone Kennedy Grace Benz Michael Bespalov Liam Patrick Bird Rylie Lauren Bjork Beau Douglas Bledsoe Nailah Bombata Nicolas Bondarczuk Brenden H Borck Ethan Mark Brackenhoff Finnegan Brendan Bradley Breanna Brambila Ileanna Bravos Carson Raymond Brown Jordan Alexander Burton Ethan Calvert James Thomas Cameron Micayla Campanelli Corrigan William Campbell Ruize Cao Yifan Cao Trent Steven Carmandalian Kevin James Carmichael Grace Victoria Cassar Francis Jude Catalano Nicholas Adam Cavalier Siwu (Steve) Chen Morgan Lee Chobanian Emma Lee Christie Jaden Allen Christl Nicholas Clark Troy Woodrow Coale Brooklyn Jean-Vaughan Courtnall Elise Renee Craft Elijah Rangel Dallmer Josiah Rangel Dallmer Grace Isabella Daly Makayla Jie Davis Oludara Emmanuel Denloye Atticus Scott Derrickson Audrey Royal Dewey Alexis Sterling Di Stefano Ava Renee Dominick Zhixian Dong Greer Olivia Drummond Sterling Campbell Drummond Austin Kristofer Dudas Thomas Joseph Durisseau Daniella Echeverria Anika Joy Erlenborn Kyla Adley Anne O. Escosar Morgan Leanne Fanner Avery Lauren Fardad Giselle Brianne Farless Joshua James Feinstein Camille Gabriela Figueroa

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The Secrets of Specimens CSUN’S EXTENSIVE BOTANICAL COLLECTION IS NOW PART OF A DECADELONG EFFORT TO LAUNCH HERBARIA INTO THE DIGITAL AGE, PROVIDING CRITICAL INFORMATION ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE AND MORE. Written by Anne M. Russell | Photographed by James Hogue

At California State University Northridge, in one of the

DIGITAL DISASTER-PROOFING

newer science buildings, there’s a closet stuffed full of

Schiffman notes that there’s an important second-

thousands of dead plants.

ary benefit to creating a digital repository of images:

Known as an herbarium, that collection of dried, pressed plants is an invaluable and irreplaceable resource

and other disasters that destroy specimens.” While CSUN

for students and researchers of many disciplines, as well

itself was established in 1958, its herbarium contains

as curious amateur botanists. “This is a library,” says

specimens that are more than 200 years old, because—in

James Hogue, who has been collections manager since

the spirit of scientific collegiality—herbaria around the

1996, “but instead of books, it’s objects.” And, while

world cooperatively trade and gift specimens.

previously little known outside the university, the her-

recalls, the herbarium was temporarily off limits while

people worldwide, thanks to an online database known as

the CSUN staff waited anxiously to learn whether the

Integrated Digitized Biocollections, or iDigBio.

building where it was then housed had survived intact.

Science Foundation put up $100 million for the 10-

(It had.) An older earthquake story that sends chills through

year Advancing Digitization of Biodiversity Collections

every collections manager concerns the fire following the

(ADBC) initiative. CSUN received $33,000 to add its small

1906 San Francisco earthquake that almost completely

California-focused herbarium to the massive project that

destroyed the California Academy of Sciences’ extensive

has so far digitized 1,000 collections of birds, bugs, fish,

herbarium. Alice Eastwood, the Academy’s heroic curator

fossils and plants. It took Hogue and students working

of botany at the time, climbed into the badly damaged

under him more than a year to get through 25,000 speci-

and soon-to-be burning building to save 1,000 “type

men cards. “The images are so good,” says Hogue, “it’s

specimens,” the term for the first record of a new spe-

like having the specimen in your hands.”

cies. All others were lost.

“It democratizes collections that people didn’t have

After the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Dr. Schiffman

barium in Chaparral Hall is now accessible to millions of

The database was made possible when the National

“Herbaria are really vulnerable. There’s fire and insects

A more recent botanical horror story involves the

access to before,” says CSUN professor of terrestrial ecol-

500,000-specimen herbarium at the University of

ogy Paula M. Schiffman, Ph.D. “Now, anyone can explore

Louisiana at Monroe (ULM), which came close to ending

all sorts of collections everywhere.”

up in a dumpster. The collection, the largest in the state,

Clockwise from upper left: Student Destini Kananipour examines a specimen card; coral bells from 1898; collections manager James Hogue; the label from a false sandalwood tree collected in 1961 that was reclassiﬁed in 2011.

was housed in a stadium field house that the university

used has to do with forecasting how species will respond

wanted to renovate. In 2017, university management set

to climate change. Using the locations where specimens

an “or-else” deadline of midyear.

were collected, coupled with information about tempera-

At the last minute, the Botanical Research Institute of

ture, precipitation, and elevation, we can project where

Texas (BRIT) in Fort Worth stepped in to rescue the doomed

the species might occur in the future under different

herbarium. BRIT noted in a statement at the time, “The

models of minimal to extreme climate change.”

ULM collection represents more than 99% of the species

Once that modeling and analysis is complete, Dr. Soltis

in Louisiana’s vascular flora. Its loss would have seriously

says, “This information can help guide conservation

impaired botanical scientific research not only locally within

strategies, agriculture, and more.” One such strategy is

Louisiana but also nationally and even internationally.”

known as “assisted migration,” in which land managers

Fortunately, the enormous collection’s specimen sheets

like the National Park Service move seeds and tree seed-

had all been digitized at that point thanks to ADBC,

lings to cooler, higher elevations to save them from rising

although not all the associated data had been attached. It

temperatures. Farmers, too, need to plan their climate-

is an ongoing effort, says BRIT collections manager Tiana

change response as the environment grows hotter and

Rehman. She notes one other upside to digitizing these

drier (or, in some areas, wetter) and will no longer be

orphaned herbaria that are now stored far from their

able to sustain certain traditional crops.

home turf: “Digitizing these records is a way of repatriating collections.” “This happens over and over again,” says Hogue, sadly,

DIGITIZATION’S DARKSIDE You might expect only positive consequences of this

of the evicted herbarium. “We always have problems with

kind of widespread knowledge sharing, but as always

money. We always have problems with space.”

with technological innovation, there is a downside: plant theft. As the California Native Plant Society notes, “Plant

BIG DATA GOES BOTANICAL

poaching is a serious problem that puts dozens of species

Both Hogue and Schiffman teach field classes that take

at risk every year. Succulents like Dudleya, orchids, cacti,

students outside to botanize, a practice that has changed

and carnivorous plants are regularly stolen from wild-

little since Gherardo Cibo came up with the idea of col-

lands and sold on the black market.”

lecting and preserving plant specimens in 1532 to create

To date, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife

the world’s first herbarium. (Astonishingly, some of his

has prosecuted four criminal cases and made other arrests

collection still exists.) Hogue describes collecting expedi-

of succulent stealers, who are estimated to have poached

tions humorously as, “You just rip the plants up like you

hundreds of thousands of native Dudleya (sometimes

are making a salad,” meaning that collectors take speci-

called liveforevers) valued at tens of millions of dollars.

mens roots and all. The plants are then laid flat between

Of iDigBio, Hogue says, “People who steal plants use

sheets of newspaper until they can be put into a press to

these data too. That’s a reality when you make your data

be arranged and dried properly.

available to the world.” Specimen records are so specific

But what has changed dramatically is how iDigBio’s

that they essentially provide a street address for would-

127,899,469 specimen records can be analyzed—which is

be thieves, which has led iDigBio to make certain digital

what makes this initiative critically important. Director

specimens accessible only on request.

for Research at iDigBio Pamela S. Soltis, who is also

Still, Hogue is optimistic about iDigBio’s larger impact.

a distinguished professor at the University of Florida,

“It’s enabling more people to participate in science. I

explains: “One example of how these records are being

think it makes them appreciate it more.” ■

Congratulations to the Class of 2021!

“Learning is life, a supreme experience of living...” Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

We are extremely proud of our graduates who have proven to be resilient, ﬂexible, and true upstanders. We are so excited to watch their continued growth and accomplishments. Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School • 17701 Devonshire Street, Northridge, CA 91325 (818) 368-5781 • www.heschel.com

Oh, the Places They’ll Go... accepted by these wonderful high schools! Archer School for Girls Brentwood School Buckley School Campbell Hall School Crespi Carmelite High School Episcopal School of Los Angeles Geffen Academy

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it takes a tiny village THE LOCAL NONPROFIT HOPE OF THE VALLEY BELIEVES IT MAY HOLD THE KEY TO HELPING HOMELESS PEOPLE— AND SOME LOCAL LUMINARIES, FROM SHOWBIZ TO SPORTS, ARE PLEDGING SUPPORT. Written by Linda Grasso | Photographed by Michael Becker

Rhonda, a resident at the Alexandria Park Tiny Home Village in North Hollywood. Before moving to the shelter, she was living in a nearby encampment that she describes as “dangerous.”

The accommodations are fairly simple. Constructed of aluminum and composite materials, they are prefabricated cabins featuring builtin beds and shelving, measuring a miniscule 64 square feet. But for some of our city’s estimated 40,000 homeless, the modest structures make shelter living an option. “Congregant shelters lack some of the privacy that a tiny home provides. Also, residents appreciate the fact that they can control their own temperature and have a locking front door,” says Ken Craft, chief executive of Hope of the Valley, which currently services three “tiny village” homeless shelters in the Valley. Take, for example, a resident at the tiny village on Chandler Boulevard in North Hollywood. That resident had been homeless since 1994, when the Northridge earthquake partially collapsed his apartment. “Those events were very traumatic for him, so much so that he’d never slept inside since then. When an outreach worker talked to him about coming here, he thought it might be something he could do,” explains Ken. “When he first moved in, he’d sleep with the door open every night because that made him feel less vulnerable. And now we see that he’s starting to be able to close the door at night.” The amenities and on-site services are significant: heat and air conditioning, walkways, outdoor tables, an area for dogs to play, and security as well as case managers and counselors available to help them work toward getting jobs and moving into permanent housing. The city of LA has bought the prefab homes and constructed sites for a total of five tiny village locations, three of which are currently open: the Chandler facility, another one in North Hollywood, and one in Reseda. Two more tiny villages, in Tarzana and Los Angeles, are slated to open in the second half of 2021. In addition to the tiny village sites, Hope of the Valley services eight other traditional and hybrid shelters in

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the LA area, including ones in Arleta, Chatsworth and Burbank, which house individuals and families. The idea to create mini villages morphed out of Ken’s work with the University of Southern California’s architectural and engineering division. “We built a prototype of a tiny home and we had it at our HELP Center location in Van Nuys. We thought it looked promising. It was still kind of expensive and bulky and not quick to install. And about that time, the Seattle-based company Pallet Shelter unveiled their tiny home, which can be installed in 90 minutes,” says Ken. The units have two beds, storage under the beds, and two electrical outlets on each side. And that one coveted feature: a front door that locks. “It was like, why reinvent the wheel? About that time, the city of Los Angeles was starting to look at the possibility of these units. And then I was approached by the city councilmember Paul Krekorian’s chief of staff, who says, ‘Ken, what do you think of this?’ And I said, honestly, I think it’s brilliant.” That conversation spearheaded the creation of the first tiny village on Chandler Boulevard in North Hollywood. The shelter sites are built on unused, city-owned land. The LA Bureau of Engineering designs and builds the infrastructure if needed (in most of the tiny villages, sewer and electric were already in place). “Then we (Hope of the Valley) have to come in and put in the Wi-Fi, put in the video surveillance, get all the units ready with sheets, pillows, blankets and all that, ready to go. And we have to hire all the staff to operate it. Then the city allows us to do what we do best: operate the site.” The nonprofit relies on donors to help defray the cost of running the shelters. Actor Jon Cryer and wife Lisa Joyner, Valley residents for 15 years, donated $50,000 to sponsor the Chandler Boulevard site. Site sponsors help fund excess operational costs for the site. The impetus for the couple’s donation was their daughter. “It crushes me to hear people complain about the homeless epidemic and act as if these people are a nuisance. These are friends, families, neighbors, mothers, daughters, sons. Each day as I drove through the encampments with our 11-year-old on her way to school,

Before becoming a resident at the Alexandria Park Tiny Home Village, Mr. Jackson was living in his car. “You know you’re going to be fed. You’re looked out for and taken care of. You have shelter. It’s a lot more comforting and comfortable,” he says.

I would witness the compassion and sadness she felt. She really was my incentive to do more,” says Lisa.

“THE TINY HOMES HAVE REALLY CAPTURED

before the Jeopardy! host’s death, the couple made a $100,000 donation from their Trebek Family Foundation. “I remember Alex and I talking about the increase in homelessness in the San Fernando Valley and we felt

THE IMAGINATION OF A

called to do something—but what? We were interested

LOT OF PEOPLE ABOUT

were doing in addressing this situation. Then Alex read

WHAT COULD HAPPEN…

North Hollywood (Raymer Bridge Shelter). Needless to

IT’S SCALABLE,

(Ken’s wife) passion,” says Jean Trebek.

AFFORDABLE AND

here at my desk one day and Alex called out of the blue

DOABLE. IT’S MADE

he came and saw it and then I didn’t hear from him for

PEOPLE THINK THAT

how much money you make.’ I said, OK, I make right

MAYBE THERE IS AN END GAME HERE AND WE CAN ACTUALLY ADDRESS THIS HUMANITARIAN CRISIS.”

in what both local government agencies and individuals an article about Hope of the Valley’s rescue mission in say, he was very impressed with Ken and Laurie Craft’s Ken remembers when the call came in. “I was sitting and said he’d like to come see the first tiny village. So three weeks. Then he called and said, ‘Ken, I need to know around a hundred thousand dollars. I offered to send him our audited financials. He got them and then he called me back and said, ‘Ken I’d like you to come to my house tomorrow.’ So I went to his house and went inside his library. And on the desk there was our audited financials, all highlighted. He explained that he’d supported charities before where the CEO, the executive director, was making, you know, $400,000+. And he said that’s just not what he wanted to support. He said, ‘I love the way you’re running this. You have earned income; you have social enterprise.’ And he handed me a check for $100,000.” That money went toward the Raymer Bridge Shelter in North Hollywood, where a community room was named after the game show host. Then last summer Ken got an-

Lisa reached out to Ken to get a tour of the first tiny

other call from Alex asking if he and Jean could come see

home facility. “Both of us just marveled at how quickly

more sites. They went to Van Nuys Bridge Shelter, which

and efficiently these communities were being put to-

was still under construction.

gether and all the thought that went into it. All the social

“All of a sudden Jean reached in her pocket and

services they were addressing in addition to the basics of

handed me a check for $500,000 and I was just blown

having a safe place to sleep,” Jon adds.

away,” recalls Ken.

The site sponsor for the Reseda tiny village is LA Lakers

much time. “Alex was the kind of person that did not feel

Park Tiny Homes in North Hollywood. Hope of the Valley

limited because of his diagnosis. He was a man of great

has yet to secure a sponsor for the Tarzana location.

fortitude and when he set his mind to something, that

Also among the donors: the late Alex Trebek and his wife, Jean (Fryman Canyon residents). In the months

At the time, the game show host knew he didn’t have

player JaVale McGee. Wells Fargo is sponsoring Alexandria

became his focus. He was already motivated to assist the community’s unhoused and Hope of the Valley gave him

Ken Craft

an actual place to do that,” says Jean.

beds—cost considerably less.

Ken asked the couple if the money could be put to-

“The Chandler site was raw land with no utilities.

ward a down payment on the old Skateland property in

The City was eventually going to have to upgrade their

Northridge. The city was trying to buy the site for a shel-

property. They chose to do it now and determined the

ter. The Trebeks agreed, and that site, named the Trebek

highest and best use for the property was to open a tiny

Bridge Shelter, will offer 107 beds. Jean says she plans to

home community. When the community is no longer

visit when the shelter is completed later this year.

needed, they will be able to utilize or sell their property

There has been some criticism of the tiny shelter concept—focusing mainly on the expense. It’s not just the $8,500 cost of each unit, but the expense of building out the

for a significant amount because it now has the utilities on it,” says Ken. City officials insist that subsequent sites will be cheap-

site. The Chandler site, which has received the brunt of the

er to build on because they won’t need as much work as

criticism, was built on an unused dirt lot owned by the city

the Chandler one did.

between the Orange Line busway and Chandler Boulevard.

Ken remains staunch in his belief that the Valley’s

The site had to be cleared, graded and paved. Walkways

tiny homes are a game changer. “The tiny homes have

were installed as well as an access road for emergency vehi-

really captured the imagination of a lot of people about

cles, and concrete pads were built for each unit. There’s also

what could happen. What really excites people is that it’s

an administrative office for service providers and a booth

scalable, affordable, and doable. It’s made people think

for a security guard. With 39 tiny homes, it cost more than

that maybe there is an end game here and we can actually

$5 million. Other shelters in LA—with a similar number of

address this humanitarian crisis.” ■

Relax, Read, Reset A FEW READS TO NURTURE YOUR INNER AND OUTER WELL-BEING THIS SUMMER. Edited by Michele Garber

EAT BETTER, FEEL BETTER: MY RECIPES FOR WELLNESS AND HEALING, INSIDE AND OUT

QUENCH: BEAT FATIGUE, DROP WEIGHT AND HEAL YOUR BODY THROUGH THE NEW SCIENCE OF OPTIMUM HYDRATION

HOW Y’ALL DOING?: MISADVENTURES AND MISCHIEF FROM A LIFE WELL LIVED

By Giada De Laurentiis

By Dana Cohen, MD & Gina Bria

By Leslie Jordan

After more than two decades on the go, Giada

A deep dive into the importance that fluids play

Emmy-winning character actor Leslie Jordan

De Laurentiis’ whirlwind schedule finally

in all of our vital bodily functions, which offers

has suddenly become an overnight sensation

caught up with her. The chef, restaurateur,

a better understanding of why simply drink-

after delighting audiences in TV and film for

TV personality, best-selling author and single

ing water is not always enough. Armed with

more than three decades. His Instagram videos

mom was working 24/7, and constantly

groundbreaking new research into the field of

replete with his signature wry wit, bathed in

traveling the world. Finding time to exer-

hydration, integrative medicine specialist Dana

his trademark Southern charm, have attracted

cise, eat well and get enough sleep was an

Cohen, MD, and cultural anthropologist Gina

more than 5 million followers. Now this self-

afterthought. Like most, the health shortcuts

Bria debunk the common myths on “getting

proclaimed Southern Baptist celebutante brings

she took with little consequence in her 20s

enough water” while highlighting the myriad

his joie de vivre and quirky perspective to a

and 30s caught up with her in her 40s. As she

benefits of adding moisture to the body. They

collection of entertaining yet intimate personal

approached 50, her waning energy, weight

outline an innovative five-day hydration jump

essays. A seasoned raconteur, Jordan regales

gain and gradually declining health were a

start, offering nutrient-packed smoothies, elix-

readers with observations and stories of his

wake-up call. She reconfigured her diet and

irs and meal plans, and their micro-movement

fascinating life. His prose is charmingly deliv-

reprioritized exercise, self-care and sleep.

approach to circulating water into the fascia—

ered in his quintessentially authentic, amusing

In her 10th book, De Laurentiis shares her

the connective tissue that hydrates our bodies.

and oft-irreverent voice, lifting our spirits and

lifestyle tweaks as well as 100 recipes to help readers heal from the inside, find balance and restore wellness.

warming our hearts.

A master class for the modern woman. The SheSez Podcast Available wherever you listen

More at SheSez.com Follow @she_sez

CHAMPS Charter High School of the Arts

Class of 2021 Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine. - Roy T. Bennett

Congratulations,Class of 2021! We are incredibly proud of our Class of 2021 graduates who were all admitted to four-year collegiate programs and gained acceptance to over 150 college and/or university programs. This fall, they will attend the following schools: Please note that a school denoted with an * indicates multiple enrollees. Amherst College

George Washington University

Syracuse University *

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Barnard College

Gonzaga University

Texas Christian University *

University of Notre Dame *

Bates College *

Hamilton College

The American University of Paris

University of Oregon

Bennington College

Harvard University *

The University of Alabama

University of Rochester

Boston College *

Holy Cross College

Tufts University *

University of San Diego *

Boston University *

Loyola Marymount University *

Tulane University of Louisiana *

University of Southern California *

Brandeis University

Marquette University

University of California, Berkeley *

University of Wisconsin *

Bucknell University

Mount Saint Mary’s University

University of California, Irvine

Vassar College

Chapman University *

New York University *

University of California, San Diego

Villanova University

Colgate University

Northeastern University

University of California, Santa Barbara * Wake Forest University

Cornell University

Pennsylvania State University

University of California, Santa Cruz *

Creighton University

Pepperdine University

University of Chicago *

Dartmouth College

Pitzer College

University of Denver

Drexel University

Saint Mary’s College of California

University of Miami

Emerson College

Southern Methodist University *

University of Michigan *

Washington University in St. Louis *

For more information on this outstanding group of young women, please visit: www.mhs-la.org/Classof2021

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF CALIFORNIA

goldenstate.is

@ourgoldenstate

THE SAUCE

Wet Your Whistle Imaginative twists on summer cocktails. More on page 78.

THE SAUCE

Beach Bites 7 PLACES TO CHOW DOWN THIS SUMMER ON THE WAY TO THE BEACH. Written by Joshua Lurie Photographed by Michael Becker & Nikki Smith

Topanga is a canyon of contrasts. The art-filled Great Wall of Topanga and pirate-themed facade at Hidden Treasures Vintage are vivid reminders of the area’s bohemian history. At the same time, yellow Lamborghinis and amped-up Harley Davidsons flaunt modern luxury. In summer, this winding, dramatic corridor that connects the Valley with the beaches comes alive as a vibrant spot to people-watch and grab a bite to eat. From inventive pizzas to much-ballyhooed tacos, here are our favorite places to make a pit stop.

CAFÉ MIMOSA Claire Denis and husband Larry Cohn have run this multifaceted cafe with a shaded patio and bustling coffee and tea bar for 17 years. The business doubles as a gift shop selling Topanga Canyon books, T-shirts and mugs, plus aprons Claire’s mom makes in France. Mimosa bun is their signature breakfast item: an open-faced sandwich slathered with kale pesto and topped with Swiss cheese, tomato, avocado and omelet. They also make atypical drinks like frothy rosewater spice chai. As Claire puts it, “Try things you can’t get everywhere else. It’s more fun.” 395 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd., cafemimosatopanga.com

CAFE ON 27

CANYON BISTRO & WINE BAR

Locals are thrilled that this bucolic restaurant, which

The couple behind Café Mimosa built on their success by

debuted in 2019, survived the pandemic. Topanga-roasted

expanding to Pine Tree Circle shopping plaza with this

Abalona Coffee beans are brewed at a tree-slab bar, but

eclectic Cal-French bistro and wine bar. A covered patio

most action takes place on shaded, plant-lined patios

with a trickling fountain and flower-topped sills helps

overlooking the canyon. Chef Rohan Jain serves California

to frame the space, creating what feels like an escape;

comfort food early in the day, including a deluxe break-

you’ll forget you are in a strip mall. The menu changes

fast sandwich featuring eggs, three cheeses, bacon or

seasonally, but order pan-fried crab cakes with grilled

sausage patty and aioli on a toasted English muffin.

asparagus and horseradish aioli when available. Salads

Dinner service is more ambitious and global, touting

and sandwiches at lunch give way to steaks and pasta

entrees like pepper steak and lamb chops, plus Indian

dishes at dinner.

chef specials. 120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., canyonbistrotopanga.com 1861 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., cafe-27.com

Left: Cafe on 27 Terrace Right: Caprese Toast at Cafe on 27

Tacos with black beans, rice, onions, guacamole | and 74 hot peppers from La Chingona Tacos

THE SAUCE

ENDLESS COLOR An erupting volcano that spells “pizza” with magma greets visitors to Endless Color. A light-strung patio with pastel tables and upside-down-cactus light fixtures festoon a space that—in typical Topanga style—also houses a wine shop, record store and coffee bar. Crispy, thincrust pizzas include the distinctive Young Italian Stallion, topped with mozzarella, artichoke hearts, thin-shaved pork loin, fontina cheese, tomato confit, black olives and basil. Seasonal salads served from the refrigerated counter display beside the register might include black lime yogurt cabbage slaw or roasted brussels sprouts with blood orange and burnt-honey harissa dressing. 123 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd., endlesscolortopanga.com

LA CHINGONA TACOS Tacos bring people together—in the most visceral and earthy of ways. Guatemala native and la chingona (“badass woman”) Adriana Lemus moved to Topanga in 1999 and has been feeding locals three nights a week in a real estate office parking lot. It’s quite an alfresco dining scene, with people dancing to live music and eating from tables draped with colorful cloths. Lines form in front of vivid pop-up tents, where her team presses and tops thick handmade corn tortillas with rice, beans, and a choice of gluten- and dairy-free fillings like shredded tilapia, shrimp and stewed hibiscus flowers. 137 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd., on Instagram @lachingonatacos

ROCKWELL KITCHEN Malibu native Alla Rockwell parks her seasonal food truck on a PCH bridge overlooking Topanga Lagoon and Topanga Beach’s surfer-filled waves near the foot of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Rockwell Kitchen sports a palm tree mural and epitomizes the SoCal lifestyle. Her food, including tuna burgers, lobster BLTs and shrimp scampi, appeals to more than just surfers—witness the

A few of the vibrant dishes at Endless Color

lines that form around noon. She named J’s Burrito for

then expanded to eat-in dining, creating an environment

a good friend, combining scrambled eggs, Dominican-

that looks like a design magazine spread and has become

style beans, rice, avocado and bacon in a griddled flour

something of a magnet for models and influencers. A cov-

tortilla. The chef also serves cascading nitro cold brew

ered patio transitions to a space with tile counter, pastel

for added fuel.

pink espresso machine and geometric mirrors and shelves. The food is nearly as fashionable, including falafel salad

18741 Pacific Coast Hwy., rockwellkitchen.net

served atop bright-purple beet hummus. Creative smoothies make for refreshing post-hike treats. An invigorating

TOPANGA LIVING CAFE

Green Leaf smoothie blends herbs, pineapple, lemon juice,

Topanga Living Cafe has come a long way since the space

coconut water and spirulina.

housed a rough bar known locally as the “Stop and Fight.” Bali-born Bayu Suryawan and sister Augustina Ferguson took over the space, which at first was just a market. They

1704 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., topangalivingcafe.com ■

An Uncommon Perspective

Premium fine-art photography from the world’s best creators

Explore the collection at

driftward.com

Summer Sips BEAT THE HEAT WITH COCKTAIL RECIPES INSPIRED BY THE SOUTHWEST. Written, produced & photographed by Kara Mickelson

COWBOY COMFORT HONEY WHISKEY LEMONADE Serves 1 Saddle up with soothing caramel, vanilla and woodsy notes of bourbon whiskey paired with tart lemon, sweet honey and earthy thyme. Combine sugar and salt; transfer

Combine honey and water in a small

to a small plate and distribute in

pot over medium heat. Cook and stir

an even layer. Dip rim of glass into

until honey is fully incorporated and

or more to taste

lemon juice and then into sugar-salt

sauce bubbles on top, about 2 minutes.

2 tablespoons sugar

mixture to coat. Add ice. Slowly pour

Remove and let cool. Honey syrup

1 tablespoon crushed flake salt

mixture into glass. Add a sprig of

can be made three days in advance

large ice cubes

thyme for garnish.

and should be stored in refrigerator.

½ cup lemon juice Honey Simple Syrup (recipe below) 1½ ounces bourbon whiskey,

Add dash of water to thin out

thyme sprig

Honey Simple Syrup Combine lemon juice, Honey Simple

¼ cup water

Syrup and whiskey in a pitcher.

¼ cup honey

consistency—if necessary.

DESERT ROSE STRAWBERRY DATE PALOMA Serves 2 This blended, tart drink of grapefruit juice, lime, honey and sweet strawberry is just the right amount of cool to beat the heat. 10 to 12 slightly frozen strawberries ½ cup fresh grapefruit juice 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon honey 4 Medjool dates, seeded 3 ounces mezcal or tequila, divided ½ cup club soda 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 tablespoons flake salt, crushed small ice cubes 2 drops rosewater per drink (optional) garnish: cocktail pick with 1 lime wedge, 1 small Medjool date (seeded) and ½ small strawberry Blend strawberries, grapefruit juice, lime juice, honey and dates in a blender until thoroughly combined. Stir in mezcal or tequila and club soda. Combine sugar and salt; transfer to a small plate and distribute in an even layer. Pierce the inside of a lime wedge with the edge of the glass and run the lime around the edge to moisten glass rim. Dip glass rim into the sugar-salt mixture. Repeat on second glass. Fill both glasses with ice; pour in equal amounts of blended drink. Sprinkle rosewater on top and add garnish.

MICHELADA Serves 2 A refreshing combination of Mexican beer with lime, tomato juice, piquant spices along with a subtle kiss of the sea.

Seasoned Tomato Juice ½ cup lime juice 2 teaspoons Chili Spice Mix (recipe below) (2) 5½-ounce cans V8 juice ¼ cup (4 ounces) clam juice 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 to 2 teaspoons Tapatío hot sauce lime wedges for garnish 12 ounces Tecate beer Combine lime juice, 2 teaspoons Chili Spice Mix, V8 juice, clam juice, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce in a pitcher. Set aside. Pierce the inside of a lime wedge with the edge of the glass and run the lime around the edge to moisten rim of glass. Spread remaining Chili Spice Mix in an even layer on a small plate and dip the rim of the glass into it. Repeat on second glass. Fill glasses with ice and pour in equal parts of the Seasoned Tomato Juice. Split the beer and add additional lime wedges for garnish.

Chili Spice Mix 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (ahumado) ¼ teaspoon celery salt 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder 3 teaspoons granulated sugar pinch cayenne pepper

family ties WITH A SECOND-GENERATION CHEF AT THE HELM, ANAJAK THAI REMAINS RESILIENT AS IT ENTERS ITS FOURTH DECADE IN THE VALLEY. Written by Jean Trinh

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIC NG

It’s a scene on Tuesday nights in Anajak Thai’s dimly lit alley. A few

dry riesling that’s best matched with spicier fare like a papaya salad. Despite all of Justin’s moves toward modern dishes and

wooden tables and ’90s R&B tunes ﬁll

wines, he hasn’t forgotten that Anajak Thai is a neigh-

the outdoor space of the 40-year-old

borhood spot. He keeps his longtime customers in mind.

Sherman Oaks mainstay. Chef-owner Justin Pichetrungsi serves his ThaiMexican creations like tacos ﬁlled with grilled, dry-aged Paciﬁco striped bass and topped with chili crisp, lime and pickled shallots. Guest chefs join in on the fun and invent their own dishes to add to the menu. “That’s the spirit of what great Thai food is—sort of a

Favorites like pad thai and panang curry are staples on his regular menu, but he says he creates the best versions he can without any shortcuts. “The transformation is really about bringing the previous generation of customers along with us as well, to make sure that they know that the place will change, because if it doesn’t change, then it dies,” Justin says. He seems to be following in his father Rick Pichetrungsi’s footsteps: a tradition of resiliency, diligence and passion. Rick, who immigrated from Thailand, worked as a sushi chef at nights and at Jack in the Box in the mornings before

scrappy street mentality that you want to do something

he launched Anajak Thai in 1981. It was one of the first Thai

cool with what you have and not worry about its refine-

restaurants in the Valley, and at the time, had Chinese dish-

ment,” says Justin, 34.

es like wonton soup and stir-fried noodles in the lineup.

The second-generation owner introduced Thai Taco Tuesdays to the restaurant during the pandemic. As he describes it, the idea came out of boredom and an at-

Justin says back then, Valley folks didn’t know Thai food. “I think people saw it as spicy Chinese food,” he posits. Justin’s mother, Rattikorn Pichetrungsi, ran the front

tempt to drum up business on a slower night. Tuesdays

of the house, and his father cooked and visited the tables.

have since become Anajak Thai’s busiest day of the week.

He sees similarities between himself and his father. “I

Justin also gets to feed his artistic hunger through his

really am my father’s son (in that) he’s very romantic, a

10-course Thai omakase dinners on weekends (which,

good host, always trying to please people, and good with

after a hiatus, resume in July). One of the cornerstones

recipes,” Justin says. “And I just think he’s an artisan.”

of his project is featuring high-quality ingredients such

Justin has worked at the restaurant throughout his

as Peads & Barnetts pork, which he ages for 28 days.

life. He started cooking his father’s recipes in high school

He gets his sugar snap pea tendrils from Santa Monica

and worked the front of the house. Simultaneously, he

Farmers Market and blanches them in a pork and Wagyu

was studying to become an artist, and ended up with a

beef broth: a palate cleanser. The chef creates a version

decade-long career in the field. His last gig was as an art

of his father’s pat pong gari, a dry curry stir fry with milk

director at Walt Disney Imagineering.

and egg that’s usually made with crab; Justin’s version features Skull Island tiger prawns. Over the years, Justin has brought his passion for

But everything changed when Rick had a stroke in 2019. Justin left Disney and took over the reins of Anajak Thai. Even before his father’s hospitalization, Justin admits he

wines, especially of the natural variety, to the restaurant.

had already been thinking about his parents’ mortality.

He currently carries about 50 types of bottles, including a

“I grew up seeing them have the restaurant at the

Cédric Bouchard champagne that he suggests pairing with

height, and then also at its lowest point through the

his Southern Thai fried chicken, and a Hofgut Falkenstein

recession,” Justin recalls. “And that’s a hard thing to see,

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIC NG

“I REALLY AM MY FATHER’S SON (IN THAT) HE’S VERY ROMANTIC, A GOOD HOST, ALWAYS TRYING TO PLEASE PEOPLE, AND GOOD WITH RECIPES. AND I JUST THINK HE’S AN ARTISAN.” how much Mom and Dad were there working seven days a week during the recession just to make ends meet.” Justin says his parents were able to weather the recession because of their resilient attitude to “stomach the challenging times” and in great part to their loyal customers. Some diners would come in once or twice a week just because they knew the family needed the boost. Their customers have also been doing the same during the pandemic. “The recession was darker in many ways because there wasn’t social media (like during the pandemic) to overcome the hump,” Justin says. Over the last decade, Ventura Boulevard has seen an influx of new bars and restaurants, including Petit Trois, Sushi Note and Augustine. Justin’s not fazed by it; he’s actually excited about the energy the eateries are bringing to the neighborhood. Before that, the boulevard was dotted with chains like Marie Callender’s, Cold Stone Creamery and Jamba Juice. He’s seeing younger families move into the area now. The evolution of Ventura Boulevard’s culinary scene is mirroring Anajak Thai’s shift as well. “Restaurants aren’t museums, Justin says. “They’re galleries. “They change; there’s a rotation of things. The walls stay the same, but the artwork can change.” ■

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 in the Valley— and beyond. 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.

all in good time AN INDEPENDENT WATCHMAKER PROVES THAT THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE OFTEN WORTH THE WAIT. Written by Shaun Tolson

Every story has an origin point.

these things. You have to figure that out on your own.

Joshua Shapiro’s journey as a

Invariably, you have to talk to other watchmakers.”

watchmaker has two. In 2011 Josh’s wife gifted him a quartz Bulova wrist-

paper to explain a process, and it’s only by getting your

was the catalyst to his now passionate commitment to

hands dirty and figuring those things out that you can

building complicated mechanical timepieces of his own.

understand it.” Fortunately, Josh had some experience getting his

enthusiasm. It was an advertisement he saw at Feldmar

hands dirty. That’s the second origin point of his watch-

Watch Company when he took his wedding gift to the

making tale.

boutique on Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles to have his

For all intents and purposes, he grew up inside a ma-

watchband resized. The poster that caught Josh’s eye

chine shop. His grandfather was, as Josh describes him,

showcased a skeletonized timepiece—a watch that lacks

“a renaissance man.” He worked with his hands and did a

a customary dial and instead shows many of the intricate

little bit of everything. He was involved in the Manhattan

moving pieces at its core.

Project during the 1940s, working as a welder. Once he

“I was pretty enthralled,” the 36-year-old recalls. “I wondered what it takes to make a watch like that—to skeletonize a watch.” At the time Josh worked as the principal and taught history at a private Jewish high school. Over the next year he spent much of his free time researching and learning

retired, the elder Shapiro refined metals and poured his own gold bars. “I smelted gold when I was 6 years old,” Josh says, recalling time spent with his grandfather. “That was really cool.” Josh’s father followed in his father’s footsteps, oper-

about watchmaking, including the intricate processes and

ating a sandblasting shop in the same work space where

the mechanical wizardry the trade required. In the spring

the watchmaker’s grandfather had toiled. Reflecting on

of 2012—wanting to formally learn the vocation—he

his childhood years, Josh acknowledges that he got to

enrolled in a distance learning program offered by the

see a lot of beautiful vintage cars up close, as their own-

British Horological Institute.

ers regularly brought them into the shop to have their

Through that program, Josh was introduced to the late George Daniels’ seminal tome—a 462-page compendium

fading paint jobs stripped and prepped for a new color application.

simply titled Watchmaking. Widely regarded as one of the

“It was a fun childhood,” he says. “The shop itself was

greatest watchmakers of the last 250 years, Daniels pub-

a huge junkyard. I spent my childhood climbing over junk

lished his comprehensive guide to watchmaking in 1981,

and old machines, getting filthy and chasing lizards.”

and its contents have inspired a handful of today’s most exceptional and highly revered independent watchmakers.

have no idea what these things are. They’re just words on

watch on their wedding day. In some ways, that watch

However, it wasn’t the watch itself that sparked his

Josh recalls his initial experiences reading Daniels’ book. “He’ll reference a mandrel or a faceplate, and you’ll

The appreciation for metals and a desire to work with his hands were both ingrained in Josh during his child-

“It seemed extremely daunting,” Josh remembers.

hood, and reading Daniels’ book while engaging in the

“When you’re just starting out, the amount of tools you

lessons taught through the British Horological Institute

need to make a watch, which tools to buy, which makers

pulled them to the forefront of his consciousness. In

to buy them from and then how to use them … there’s

particular, Watchmaking introduced him to the practice of

a tremendous amount to learn. Daniels doesn’t walk

guilloché—a decorative technique that utilizes engine-

you step-by-step through the very basics of some of

turning machines to mechanically engrave an intricate,

repetitive pattern onto a metallic surface. The art of guilloché appealed to the aspiring watchmaker. After an early foray spent skeletonizing as many movements as he could find, Josh focused his attention on this specific technique—knowing that if he were to master it, he could craft exceptional dials that would lead to even bigger projects down the road. After finishing the self-guided aspect of the British Horological Institute’s study program in 2012, Josh spent the next three years waffling about his future plans as they pertained to the trade. As he acknowledges, “There was a limbo stage.” He collected modern and vintage timepieces (a hobby he still pursues) while also acquiring the necessary classical machinery he would need to build watch components himself. By the beginning of 2015, Josh owned a set of engine-turning machines. However, not knowing then how seriously he wanted to pursue the trade as a profession, he sold them to actor Aldis Hodge—who serves as a board member of the Horological Society of New York and also enjoys a successful side hustle as a watch designer. The sale of those machines allowed Josh to acquire a Patek Philippe Calatrava—a classic modern wristwatch from the revered Swiss horological house. But only a month later he knew he had made a mistake, in part because he was then certain that he wanted to transition to watchmaking as his long-term profession. After tracking

“I DON’T THINK IT’S POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN PERFECTION OBJECTIVELY, BUT THE PURSUIT OF THAT MAKES US BETTER PEOPLE. I HOPE PEOPLE ARE INSPIRED BY MY INFINITY WEAVE AND ARE INSPIRED TO PURSUE PERFECTION IN WHATEVER THEY’RE DOING.”

down another pair of engine-turning machines—a British rose engine from the 1920s and a German straight-line

as $40,000. “I can be working on a machine that’s 100

engine from the 1940s—Josh sold the Calatrava, along

years old that’s all hand-operated with no electricity, and

with a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, to raise the neces-

then go to another machine made a few years ago that

sary funds to purchase them.

uses lasers and computers,” he says.

“It still hurts me,” he says of the thought of selling

Three years ago, Josh unveiled a selection of introduc-

that revered muscle car, “but it was definitely the right

tory timepieces under his eponymous watch brand J.N.

decision. I bought the other set of machines and never

Shapiro that comprise the Infinity Series. They feature

looked back.”

multilevel, engine-turned dials accented by a signature

Now, from a 2,800-square-foot shop outfitted with

repeating guilloché pattern that Josh invented—a finish-

almost $1 million worth of machinery—both vintage and

ing technique that requires a week to complete and is the

contemporary devices—Josh crafts elegant, complicated

first of its kind. “It’s extremely difficult to do, and I still

wristwatches that start at $26,000 and can cost as much

mess it up quite frequently,” Josh says of the pattern that

he describes as a basketweave within a basketweave. “It’s

He will soon unveil a limited-edition watch that is

classy and timeless, but it’s also mind-boggling.”

housed in a case made of tantalum—a dense, blueish-

Since unveiling the Infinity Series in the summer of

first time a wristwatch with a tantalum case has been

filling about half of them. Along the way, the burgeoning

manufactured outside Switzerland.

watchmaker unveiled a limited, 10-piece special edition of

watch powered by an in-house movement. (Up un-

of meteorite. But that only scratches the surface of the

til now, his Infinity Series timepieces have utilized an

advancements and new offerings Josh has planned.

outsourced Swiss movement made exclusively for the brand.) He also acknowledges that he will eventually

he’s proven to himself that he can machine other watch

unveil a tourbillion and has already accepted an order

components at a high level—Josh has ventured beyond

from an existing customer.

engine-turned dials. He has begun making cases inhouse, which he acknowledges is a difficult undertaking.

Additionally, Josh has plans to introduce a time-only

the wristwatch that featured an engine-turned dial made

As he’s grown more comfortable in the trade—and as

gray alloy. According to Josh, that release will mark the

2018, Josh has received more than 60 orders—thus far ful-

Josh anticipates that the aforementioned time-only wristwatches will likely cost twice as much as the Infinity

Series pieces and that the tourbillions will likely carry a

says. “Now I’m all in for watches, and I’m so glad.”

price tag more than double the cost of a time-only watch.

Josh shares the mission statement of his business: the

As for that already-reserved tourbillion prototype, he says

pursuit of perfection. “I don’t think it’s possible to obtain

it will require thousands of hours of work, all of which

perfection objectively, but the pursuit of that makes us

will ultimately guide him in setting a commensurate price

better people. I hope people are inspired by my infinity

for future models.

weave and are inspired to pursue perfection in whatever

“It doesn’t matter what machinery you have; there’s a lot to figure out and a lot you have to do,” he says.

they’re doing.” As for his own horological pursuits, Josh is still

“There’s a lot of trial and error and making parts one at

constantly learning—through both hands-on trial and

a time.”

error, and studious research. On the latter topic, he still

Although the events that ultimately led Josh away from

routinely opens the tome that drew him so passionately

a career in education and into watchmaking occurred

into the craft of watchmaking—and it’s one that he

recently, they aren’t so contemporary that he’s unaware

knows still holds future discoveries. “Even now, I don’t

of their significance. “The machines called me back,” he

understand every part of that book.” ■

into the woods SURRENDER TO NATURE AND REAP SOULFUL REWARDS WITH A RETREAT IN THE REDWOODS. Written by Darren Elms

If tech created the insatiable need to stay connected to a frantic world, a refuge west of Silicon Valley invites you to unplug and connect without a single device. It’s a stark contrast, less than an hour from the headquarters of Apple and Facebook, to the centuries-old redwoods that

from as far as the Berkshires in Massachusetts to as near as the Las Vegas Strip. But it’s the California property—a recent acquisition—that figures into this story. Located just beyond the town of Woodside, a 30-minute drive from SFO airport, this Canyon Ranch boasts forests that stretch from the hills of the Peninsula to the Pacific coast. To heighten the experience, the property hosts several treehouse accommodations. These glassclad rooms immerse you in a magnificent canopy of redwoods as you begin and end your day. While it would be easy to submerge in such a breath-

cradle Canyon Ranch at Woodside.

taking living environment, the retreat journey beckons

Like a fairy tale, it’s tempting—often

you to the main lodge. This three-story building offers

unsettling—to disappear into the stillness and solitude of a digital-less world, even for a few days. But once you reemerge, the lessons could carry you for months or years to come. Canyon Ranch established a reputation for wellness four decades ago in Tucson and has since spread its services

everything you’ll need outside your room for the weekend. The first floor welcomes you to the lobby, where guest services will help with any additions or modifications to your itinerary. The gym hosts regular classes indoors, on the patio and at select locations throughout the grounds. Start your day with a Roll & Release to wake up any tired or stiff muscles. Yoga, tai chi and other fitness classes are offered throughout the day. Meditative practices like qigong,

creative drawing and forest bathing are also available. Be sure to schedule an off-property hike, like the Djerassi Resident Artist Program Sculpture Hike, a magical three-hour adventure into the private woods donated by Carl Djerassi, developer of the oral contraceptive pill. There you’ll find decades of artist installations nestled among the trees for the curious hiker to discover and enjoy. Also located on the first floor, the spa gives you the opportunity to nourish both the physical and spiritual being. Set up a soothing massage or invigorating facial inspired by sustainable NorCal ingredients. The resort also offers spiritual guidance and wellness coaching with its resident provider. Through open and nonjudgmental dialogue, you’ll be encouraged to connect with your personal mission or goals, allowing you to look to the future with optimism, awareness and clarity. Moving on to the next level, you’ll find your culinary destination for your entire stay: The Hearth. Chef Isabelle Jackson Nunes works with regenerative farmers and ranchers to source the best local and seasonal ingredients for her creations. She also presents meals driven by wellness philosophies including root-to-stem use of vegetables and fruits, meat raised by humane animal husbandry practices, and ingredients and beverages that respect and do not strain the region’s natural resources. The results are healthy and delicious—served with forest views enjoyed on the wraparound patio. Try the shakshuka for breakfast, then indulge in a gorgeous salad and seasonal catch for lunch. Finish the day with roasted artichokes and mushroom and rye panzanella for dinner, saving room for a tasty dessert and bottle of wine that you can keep handy during your stay at the adjacent Hideaway. The top level, known as The Loft, hosts yoga, drumming, and other fitness and creative classes in a large open space. A fireplace provides the perfect gathering place for evening chats—many presented by outside guest speakers—on topics ranging from reconnection, mindfulness and forgiveness to living and working with purpose. Like the mighty redwood, conclude your Canyon Ranch experience stronger, taller and fully rooted in the world. After the past year, there seem to be so many lessons that we can learn from nature’s resilience. ■

TOP DOCTORS

One thing we have all learned over the past year: It is essential to have access to—and even more importantly, a relationship with—experienced health and wellness professionals. The experts on the following pages of this health-oriented profiles section are at the top of their game—and have the track record to prove it. Meet them and learn how they are working to keep us healthy, active, and feeling and looking our best.

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DR. H. JEFF NAZAR THRIVE MEN’S CLINIC

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PROVIDENCE CEDARS-SINAI TARZANA MEDICAL CENTER ROBOTIC SURGERY PROGRAM

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DR. GENE RUBINSTEIN DERMATOLOGY & LASER CENTRE

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DR. ALI SADRIEH & DR. ALEXANDRIA STERN EVO ADVANCED FOOT SURGERY

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DR. ILYA REYTER AMERICAN SKIN INSTITUTE

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DR. KRISTI A. CRISPIN & DR. BRUCE J. CRISPIN ESTHETIC PROFESSIONALS

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DR. ANDREW T. COHEN COHEN OUTPATIENT SURGERY CENTER

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DR. JOSE-LUIS RUIZ SUPRA-GINGIVAL DENTISTRY

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DR. GLENNA TOLBERT TOLBERT CENTER FOR REHABILITATION AND WELLNESS

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STEFFI GAINES & DEVYN REGGIO A BETTER WAY IN HOME CARE, INC.

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DR. ELLIOT M. HIRSCH

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTIN ANDERSON, MATTHEW COOKE & SHANE O’DONNELL

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TOP DOCTORS

H. JEFF NAZAR, DO Owner, Thrive Men’s Clinic

hrive Men’s Clinic is a wellness center that serves patients throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, helping them optimize their health. Dr. Jeff Nazar and his team provide care tailored to the unique medical needs of the adult male. They specialize in hormone replacement therapy for men and also treat erectile dysfunction and hair loss. They also provide weight loss solutions and offer IV vitamin therapy for men and women. Dr. Nazar trains future physicians nationwide for their licensing exams utilizing an online platform he built. He has trained more than 100,000 physicians. He practices part-time and teaches the remainder of the time. PLEASE GIVE A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR SERVICES. “Testosterone replacement therapy is the primary service we offer. We have an in-house CLIA-certified laboratory that allows us the convenience of providing lab results within minutes rather than having to wait days for results from an outside laboratory. We also dispense the most popular medications at our clinic so patients can get treated the same day rather than having to wait at pharmacies for conditions that many men are embarrassed to talk about with anybody other than their physician.” HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO MEDICINE AND START YOUR PRACTICE? “I chose this field of medicine because I was in my patients’ shoes not long ago and wasn’t getting the help that I needed. My symptoms were blamed on something else or I had to jump through many hoops to get the proper diagnosis and treatment. This inspired me to start Thrive Men’s Clinic, providing the care that I wish I had available when I was dealing with the symptoms that my patients deal with.”

DID YOU HAVE AN EXPERIENCE AS A CHILD THAT INSPIRED YOU TO CHOOSE THIS CAREER? “My father was a well-known physician in the San Fernando Valley who helped tens of thousands of patients throughout his career. Growing up, I spent a lot of my free time at his clinic, and I saw the impact he had on his patients and the fulfillment he got from serving the community. I knew at a young age that I wanted to follow in his footsteps and become a physician in order to have a similar impact on patients.” WHAT SERVICES DO YOUR PATIENTS LIKE MOST? “Our most popular services are testosterone replacement therapy and IV vitamin therapies. Both of these treatments give our patients immediate relief from fatigue, weight gain, poor sleep habits and many other life-altering symptoms. Also, medical weight loss solutions have recently become a very popular service at our clinic.” WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF LOW TESTOSTERONE? “Low testosterone affects patients in various ways. Lowered sex drive or erectile dysfunction often lead to issues with relationships. Some patients have difficulty at work due to decreased motivation, energy and mental clarity. Others experience weight gain and decreased lean muscle mass. It’s usually a combination of two or more of these symptoms, and testosterone replacement therapy quickly reverses these issues.” IN WHAT WAYS ARE LISTENING SKILLS CRUCIAL IN THE MEDICAL FIELD? “Listening is absolutely crucial because patients are at a very vulnerable position when they are speaking to their physician and may be embarrassed about their symptoms. It’s equally important to ask questions because the presenting symptom is often not the root issue. It’s important to dig deeper to be able to properly treat patients.”

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU AND YOUR STAFF HELP PATIENTS FEEL THEY ARE IN GOOD HANDS? “We try every treatment before implementing it into our practice to ensure that our patients are getting the best products and receiving the best treatment protocols. We make an effort to check in with our patients—especially when they first start treatment—and make sure everything is going as desired.” WHAT FULFILLS YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER? “I’m lucky to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people who trust me with their care. The treatments my clinic offers improve patients’ self-esteem, motivation, relationships, careers and more. Being on this journey with my patients while their lives turn around is one of the most rewarding things I can ask for.” HOW DO YOU PERSUADE PATIENTS TO TRUST YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS? “In my field of medicine, there is something referred to as ‘bro-science.’ This is the ‘science’ that comes from men’s health forums but isn’t very reliable. While I’m very openminded about new treatment protocols, I make sure all of our recommendations are backed by published studies and not just hearsay. This helps build trust and ultimately gets the best results over time.” TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. “I’m blessed with a beautiful wife, an 8-yearold daughter and a 6-year-old son. We’re a very tight-knit family and enjoy spending our free time traveling, bike riding or playing board games at home. We also have a Maltipoo puppy that we enjoy spending time with.”

18740 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 101, TARZANA | 818-906-8888 | MENSTHRIVE.COM

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TOP DOCTORS

PROVIDENCE CEDARS-SINAI TARZANA MEDICAL CENTER Robotic Surgery Program

rovidence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center offers the latest advancements in robotics technology to provide patients with robot-assisted surgical options. Robot-assisted surgeries are high-tech procedures with the potential for significantly less pain, decreased risk of complications, shorter hospital stays and faster returns to normal daily activities. The Robotic Surgery Program at Tarzana Medical Center was established in January 2015 and is one of the highest-volume programs in the area— performing more than 500 cases each year. Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana has been serving the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities since 1973. The Robotic Surgery Program offers general surgery as well as gynecologic, urologic and colorectal surgeries.

TELL US ABOUT A UNIQUE FEATURE OF YOUR MEDICAL CENTER. “In robotic surgery, our surgeons use endoscopic cameras and control miniaturized robotic instruments that allow them to perform less-invasive surgical procedures. Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center has the leading robotic surgery program in the San Fernando Valley, using the state-of-the-art da Vinci® Xi™ System. The da Vinci robot has various arms attached to a base unit. It is wired to a computer console, where every arm movement is controlled by one of our trained and experienced surgeons. The arms feature endoscopic cameras, scissor-like instruments for cutting, sophisticated sewing tools, laser tools and miniature scalpels, enabling surgeons to operate with enhanced vision, precision and control.” HOW HAS YOUR MEDICAL CENTER ADAPTED TO WHAT IS NEEDED DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? “Many surgical procedures were either canceled or delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we are seeing an increase in patients who have an immediate need for a surgical procedure and face deteriorating

health if the procedure is further delayed. We currently have adequate capacity within our hospital and feel confident that we can safely care for additional patients who need an essential procedure. Masking, distancing, routine screenings of employees and visitors, and regular sanitizing of waiting areas and exam rooms are just a few of the steps we’re taking to protect the health of everyone who enters our doors.” WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOUR TEAM HELPS PATIENTS FEEL THEY ARE IN GOOD HANDS? “Patients undergoing surgery can trust their care to the experienced team at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center. Our services are provided with unparalleled standards, and our dedication to every patient has earned us a reputation for clinical excellence and award-winning care. Thanks to our investment in the latest medical technology, patients who undergo robotic surgery can experience better outcomes and other benefits. The increased precision during surgery results in reduced trauma, less pain and blood loss, faster recovery, and reduced scarring and risk of complications following surgery. Our staff, physicians and nurses work tirelessly to care for every patient’s physical, emotional, medical and spiritual well-being. We make it our mission to provide cuttingedge medicine with unwavering compassion and personalization.” IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU GIVE BACK AND SUPPORT THOSE IN NEED? “Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center fosters a culture of philanthropy to provide compassionate, community-focused health care and wellness services. Through the support and generosity of our donors, the Providence Tarzana Foundation dedicates itself to the health and well-being of all our neighbors, including those in the San Fernando Valley who are poor or vulnerable. Our foundation’s fundraising efforts help provide programs and services that otherwise

would be unavailable, including access to the latest technology, equipment, new and renovated buildings, and research.” TELL US ABOUT THE HEROES ON YOUR MEDICAL TEAM. “The heroes in our Robotic Surgery Program contribute to a collaborative team approach that is instrumental to our success. We ensure that patients have the right anesthesiologists and nursing staff, both in the operating room and post-op.” WHAT ARE SOME ACHIEVEMENTS OF YOUR ROBOTICS PROGRAM? “Our Robotic Surgery Program has the highest volume of robotic kidney surgery in the San Fernando Valley and performs the most robotic prostate surgeries within the California Providence health system. This program is the busiest in the Valley, and we’re the only providing center that does robotic colorectal surgery. We’ve seen vast improvement with robotic colorectal surgery in terms of recovery of bowel function. We’re looking to expand our gynecologyoncology service line. We’re also collaborating with Cedars-Sinai to bring robotic thoracic surgery to the Valley. And we now have two robotic platforms in-house. We recently celebrated 3,000 robotic surgical procedures and cannot wait to see what the future holds for our program.” WHAT NEW TECHNOLOGY HAS THE PROGRAM RECENTLY INCORPORATED? “We just performed our first case with new kidney cancer software called Ceevra, an imaging platform that creates 3D kidney models accessible from a smart device. Surgeons can rotate this model 360º, so they know exactly how deep to cut into the kidney and only remove as much tissue as needed. Our first case was one of our fastest robotic kidney cases. The patient was in and out of the hospital in 24 hours.”

18321 CLARK ST., TARZANA, 818-881-0800 PROVIDENCE.ORG/TARZANA

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L to R: Dr. Mayank Patel, Dr. Ali-Reza Sharif-Afshar, Dr. Charles Headrick, Dr. Richard Shapiro

TOP DOCTORS

GENE RUBINSTEIN, MD, FAAD Dermatology & Laser Centre

ertified by the American Board of Dermatology, Dr. Gene Rubinstein has extensive expertise in both medical and aesthetic dermatology. He graduated from the Boston University School of Medicine with honors and was a research fellow at Harvard Medical School. He completed his dermatology residency at UC Irvine. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Academy of Dermatology Virtual Biopsy Working Group. Dr. Rubinstein has been in practice for 18 years and established the Dermatology & Laser Centre in 2003. The practice has two locations: Studio City and Simi Valley. The offices offer medical, surgical, aesthetic and laser dermatology. WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF DERMATOLOGY & LASER CENTRE? “To provide the best individualized service to patients using cutting-edge, effective technology in a friendly and professional environment.” HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE DIFFER FROM OTHERS? “We strive to be the go-to dermatology practice for all of our patients, their friends and their families. We now offer a variety of digital tools that allow our busy patients better access to our providers; mole-mapping technology, which allows us to photograph the entire body and digitally compare it on future visits to analyze changes in moles and any new moles; and virtual biopsies using a confocal microscope to digitally analyze many lesions without cutting. These tools are the future of dermatology, and we are excited to be a part of it.”

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER AT DERMATOLOGY & LASER CENTRE? “In our practice, we treat a wide spectrum of patients. On the medical side, we treat all dermatologic conditions and perform skinrelated surgical procedures. As a dermatology practice, we focus on skin exams for the detection of atypical moles and skin cancers. If skin cancer is found, we perform surgery— including Mohs surgery—to treat the cancer. On the cosmetic side, we are experts in lasers and use many in the practice. We use lasers as tools in our toolbox to treat many different conditions and aging skin, combining various modalities to achieve results. Our expert injectors are highly skilled in neuromodulators such as Botox, and fillers. Achieving natural-looking results is always our goal.” WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU AND YOUR STAFF HELP PATIENTS FEEL THEY ARE IN GOOD HANDS? “As new products and services enter the market, we evaluate and scrutinize all new technologies to bring our patients the safest and most effective products and procedures. This year, we introduced Morpheus8 skin rejuvenation and recently added Morpheus Body for skin tightening. During the pandemic we found that many of our patients experienced hair loss, so we introduced Nutrafol to add to our PRP hair rejuvenation protocols.” HOW DO YOU COPE WITH HIGHLY STRESSFUL SITUATIONS IN YOUR WORK? “We work as a team. This was most important through the pandemic and continues to be important every day. First and foremost, our goal is to provide the best medical care to our patients. This takes a strong team who support each other. To lighten the mood, we laugh and tell stories and get to know our patients on a personal level. This makes the day more fun, and our patients enjoy our company.”

HOW WOULD YOUR PATIENTS DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH? “My approach is intensely personal. I want to know who my patients are, their interests, and what they do because it allows me to treat them better and leads to better outcomes. Good communication is very important.” IN WHAT WAYS ARE LISTENING SKILLS CRUCIAL IN THE MEDICAL FIELD? “Each person is an individual and has their own unique perspective. In dermatology, the patient’s history is important in making a correct diagnosis, so listening to the patient is crucial in our specialty.” WHAT FULFILLS YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER? “Being able to diagnose and treat skin conditions and diseases and make people feel better about themselves. Conditions such as psoriasis and acne can negatively affect how people present themselves. We have heard a multitude of stories about how we changed patients’ lives when their skin became clear. This is what drives and fulfills us.” WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE PROFESSIONALLY IN 2021? “2021 is well underway, and we are glad to welcome back patients in a safer environment. Last year Dr. Jacquiline Habashy joined our practice and has already built a loyal patient following. This year we are continuing to expand our laser center with a new procedure suite where we perform our Morpheus8 and Ultherapy treatments.” WHAT DO YOU DO OFF THE CLOCK? “The guitar my parents gave me for my 14th birthday really got me excited about music. I studied jazz and rock guitar and have played in musical groups since that time. For me, music is more than just a hobby. I consider it a creative outlet that complements my work.”

3959 LAUREL CANYON, STUDIO CITY, 818-505-9300 | 135 MACAW LANE, SUITE 200, SIMI VALLEY, 805-522-3300 | LASKINMD.COM

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L to R: Jessica Kramer, PA-C; Dr. Gene Rubinstein; Eric Lovato, PA-C; Dr. Jacquiline Habashy

TOP DOCTORS

ALI SADRIEH, DPM, & ALEXANDRIA STERN, DPM evo advanced foot surgery

n practice for 20 years, Dr. Ali Sadrieh designed evo advanced foot surgery to offer active professionals advanced medicine and technology to correct foot problems with a quality experience and a simple recovery process. He is joined by aesthetic foot surgeon Dr. Alexandria Stern. In 2003 Dr. Sadrieh developed the subspecialty of aesthetic foot surgery and invented three new procedures that simplify the recovery process and improve the patient experience. WHAT IS YOUR SPECIALTY? “At the core, it’s all about the feet! As foot surgeons, we treat everything below the ankle. But back in 2003 I realized a need for a new kind of surgical approach. I called it aesthetic foot surgery. The concept is designed around fixing structural problems before they cause issues and symptoms but performing the procedures with aesthetic technique. Seventeen years later, numerous practices have been inspired by our work and offer patients a modern way to experience foot surgery.” HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE? “We’ve always believed that the barriers of the patient-doctor relationship should be eliminated. That’s why, since the inception of technologies like the iPad or electronic health records, we’ve been early adopters and have had the privilege of collaborating with developers in Silicon Valley to build the nextgeneration system. We leverage DrChrono EHR, Apple Business Chat for secure patient communications, DocuSign for paperless HIPAA-compliant document signatures, and we are an iOS-based practice—so you begin and end your experience with us on an iPad.”

HOW IMPORTANT IS A PHYSICIAN’S BEDSIDE MANNER? “I’ve always held the belief that doing what we do well is a minimum deliverable. Attending medical school and residency, there’s a minimum expectation of excellent medical knowledge and work. Everything above this is what achieves the A grade—and that’s where bedside manner comes in!” WHY DO DOCTORS OFTEN SEEM TO BE IN A HURRY? “Since the beginning of my time in practice, I’ve held to the formula of Q=1/v. Quality is inversely proportional to volume. The more volume, the less quality. The numbers vary from product to product, but the relationship holds true across industries. This is why our practice is designed around the lowvolume, high-quality model of care. We limit the number of patients and surgeries we perform to make sure our work is the best it can be.” WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR EVO ADVANCED FOOT SURGERY? “We’re excited about our concept practice in Beverly Hills. It’s truly a revolutionary vision of what excellence in health care feels like. This project provides patients with technologies and a user experience design that has never been seen before. Our goal has always been to improve the patient experience by making cutting-edge technology available to all of our patients, and with this new concept we’re setting a new standard.”

GRAPPLING WITH INSURANCE CAN BE A CHALLENGE. HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HANDLE IT? “We’ve always been a patient-centered practice, and consistent with that philosophy is our relationship with insurance. Our practice is out-of-network with insurance so we can work for the patient without dealing with the bureaucratic hurdles that insurance companies place in the way of an excellent patient-doctor relationship. Despite our outof-network status, we accept all insurance plans so our patients still have access to the evo philosophy.” WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND THE TEAM AT EVO FOOT? “Our team is what makes us special because every one of our team members subscribes to the ethos of ‘Do what you love ... love what you do.’ We come to work every day to do better than we did the day before and challenge ourselves to stay on top of the relentless pursuit of excellence.” WHAT’S ALL THE MEDIA AND NEWS COVERAGE ABOUT? “Doing great work for our patients is a privilege, and to do this we had to create a new model of practice and new procedures as well. Back in 2003 these procedures began to pick up the attention of TV shows like The Doctors and newspapers like The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. We had the privilege of participating in these opportunities to help spread the vision of what an excellent surgical practice could look like, as well as the latest in surgical procedures for the foot.”

12265 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 107, STUDIO CITY | 310-691-5411 | EVOFOOT.COM

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TOP DOCTORS

ILYA REYTER, MD Owner/Founder/Medical Director, American Skin Institute

WHAT MAKES YOUR PRACTICE UNIQUE? “American Skin Institute was designed to provide the highest level of care available for all skin conditions. From pediatric to adult patients, our specialists are trained to provide state-of-the-art care. Dermatology is a unique field, as the medical and cosmetic are often intertwined. Our practice specializes in maintaining and enhancing our patients’ appearance. We take great pride in the cosmetic services we provide, which range from Botox and fillers to laser procedures, skin tightening, fat reduction and more extensive cosmetic surgery.” HOW DO YOU BUILD PATIENT TRUST? “Most of our patients are referrals from physicians and the friends and family of other patients, which automatically builds trust. We highly value these recommendations and understand that maintaining our reputation for excellence is of paramount importance.” HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHEN A PATIENT NEEDS COSMETIC ENHANCEMENTS RATHER THAN SURGERY? “I first work to understand the goals a patient has and then create an approach that meets the objective in the simplest, least invasive way possible. It’s surprising how many issues can be corrected nonsurgically in just a few minutes in the office.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS? “We provide patients with the same level of attention and care one would give themselves or a loved one. Medicine is becoming more corporate day by day, and that generally results in a more soulless encounter at the doctor’s office. We take the opposite approach and aim to treat everyone like they would want to be treated.” WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER AT AMERICAN SKIN INSTITUTE? • Comprehensive medical dermatology • Pediatric dermatology • Mohs skin cancer surgery & reconstruction • Cosmetic dermatology • Cosmetic surgery • Laser center • Aesthetician center WHAT SERVICES ARE MOST REQUESTED? “Injectables, lasers and skin cancer treatments are very popular. As a center known for expertise in skin cancer surgery and reconstruction, we take patients who even some local university centers are not equipped to accommodate. We have a reputation for doing cosmetic treatments properly. There’s a fine line between natural-looking beauty and a ‘done’ appearance. Patients want to look natural and amazing, so they choose us.” WHICH DO YOU ENJOY PROVIDING MORE: MEDICAL OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS? “I love them both and find that they are totally intertwined. In the field of dermatology, almost all skin conditions are visible and therefore have an intrinsic cosmetic element. It is rewarding to fix a condition or remove skin cancer and see the dramatic improvement. We also use cosmetic treatments to restore the elements of youth lost over time. The psychological impact of those treatments is massive; they produce immense happiness for our patients. It is very enjoyable to be surrounded by happy, grateful people. Who could ask for anything more at work?”

WHY DO CELEBRITIES CHOOSE AMERICAN SKIN INSTITUTE? “High-profile patients visit our offices because of the quality of our work. Many patients come from other cities and countries to receive care from us. It does sound a bit cliché, but we treat all of our patients as if they are VIPs. Everyone appreciates receiving extra attention.” WHAT IS AN UNDERRATED PROCEDURE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT? “Laser skin resurfacing! This treatment is essential for someone dealing with acne scars, fine lines/wrinkles and enlarged pores. Over time the texture of skin changes, becoming coarser and duller. Correcting these texture changes is much easier with procedures like microneedling and fractional laser resurfacing. These treatments have rapid healing and produce visible results.” WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOUR MOHS RECONSTRUCTION THAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER SURGEONS? “Repairing surgical wounds is an art, and this is what drew me to the field in medical school. I love the creativity involved in the reconstruction. No two surgeries are fully alike, and the skills of surgical repair are honed over a lifetime of practice. The meticulous process is quite meditative for me. It gives me great satisfaction to see a repair that is so well healed that it is almost impossible to locate the original surgical site.” DESCRIBE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE. “We use platforms like Instagram to give patients more insight into our practice, our providers and the services we offer. There is such a wide, confusing array of treatment options presented in the media. The goal of our online presence is to simplify options, educate patients and answer the most common questions such as: What does it treat? How does it feel? What’s the downtime? Most importantly, we love to show followers beforeand-after photos of our AmSkin patients so they can see our real-life patient results.”

4836 VAN NUYS BLVD., SHERMAN OAKS, 818-907-7546 | 1240 S. WESTLAKE BLVD. #217, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, 805-497-0097 AMSKIN.COM | INSTAGRAM: @AMERICANSKININSTITUTE

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY SOLEIL SANTANA

fter graduating magna cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles, Ilya Reyter attended medical school at the University of California, San Francisco. He completed his dermatology residency training at the University of Southern California, where he served as chief resident. He was offered a fellowship in Mohs surgery/procedural dermatology, which provided him advanced training for complicated dermatological and surgical issues. Dr. Reyter joined USC’s clinical faculty and started his own Beverly Hills-based private practice in 2012, which became the American Skin Institute.

TOP DOCTORS

KRISTI A. CRISPIN, DMD, & BRUCE J. CRISPIN, DDS, MS Owners, Esthetic Professionals

ather-daughter team Dr. Bruce Crispin and Dr. Kristi Crispin, co-owners of Esthetic Professionals, are both accredited dentists in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Bruce is a boardcertified prosthodontist and renowned lecturer. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Prosthodontics and professor emeritus of the UCLA School of Dentistry. Dr. Kristi earned her dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston and completed extensive postgraduate training in cosmetic, reconstructive and implant dentistry. She serves as a senior faculty instructor at the practice’s on-site dental educational center, helping dentists learn new techniques to master the craft of dentistry.

HOW HAS YOUR PRACTICE ADAPTED DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? “When the world stopped working, we kept pushing. We made our practice as safe as possible for our team and patients—from

customizing signs and temperature checks to developing and implementing our COVID19 safety plan. We essentially reimagined our new normal by prioritizing everyone’s safety. We rose to the occasion, and our team truly shined. They took pride in their work, and we couldn’t be prouder of the professionalism and kindness they have shown to our patients during these unpredictable times.” WHAT DO YOUR PATIENTS LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE? “Visiting the dentist is not always easy, so our practice thrives on providing a comfortable, stress-free experience for our patients. Our friendly staff is always eager to help or answer questions, and our modern facilities are always clean. We’ve gotten great feedback from patients on how reassuring this is to them. But most of all, the quality of the dentistry we provide is unparalleled in the business.”

WHY CHOOSE ESTHETIC PROFESSIONALS? “Of course, you could go anywhere to get dental services. But why would you trust your smile to anyone who provides a second-rate service for less? We take tremendous pride in restoring both the health and appearance of your teeth, because ultimately this leads to more confident, happier patients.” WHAT FULFILLS YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER IN DENTISTRY? “The simple joy of seeing a patient react to his or her new smile. The tears of joy we’ve witnessed firsthand make being dentists the most rewarding job we could ever have. What’s even more satisfying is when a patient visits for a 10-year recall, and we see that the work we’ve done has stood the test of time. It makes all the time and care spent so worth it, especially if it’s done for a patient who has never previously had a healthy mouth.”

18981 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 300, TARZANA | 818-654-7100 | ESTHETICPROFESSIONALS.COM

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TOP DOCTORS

ANDREW T. COHEN, MD, FACS Owner, Cohen Outpatient Surgery Center

r. Andrew Cohen grew up in Southern California, the son of a general surgeon and a teacher. He completed his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and performed his plastic surgery residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center. A board-certified plastic surgeon, he has worked in health care for nearly two decades and opened his practice in 2001. WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOUR STAFF HELP PATIENTS FEEL THEY ARE IN GOOD HANDS? “It is most important to have great communication with our patients from the moment they call for an initial consultation. We are able to speak with our Spanish-speaking patients, and we use a HIPAA-compliant texting system to help our patients communicate easily with my staff. My staff members are all knowledgeable in pre- and post-op care and are familiar with each patient’s specific situation, which puts all of my patients at ease.” WHAT PRODUCTS OR SERVICES DO YOUR PATIENTS LIKE MOST? “Patients love that we stay on top of the most recent products in scar care, and the CO2 laser is amazing. We can resurface a patient’s skin or help fade a scar with this magic machine. We carry iS Clinical, a fantastic line of skin care; AQ Skin Solutions, which uses growth factor technology; and EltaMD, a great line of sunscreen. We also offer Dysport and fillers—great for maintenance.” WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU DISAGREE WITH A PATIENT? “We always do our best to make our patients happy. There have been times that a patient doesn’t agree with my medical advice, and that is fine. I can only give my honest advice on achieving their surgical goals. I am not going to tell a patient who has a lot of loose skin that they will achieve their desired flat stomach with liposuction when I know that a tummy tuck is the only thing that will achieve their goal.” WHAT’S THE BEST WAY FOR US TO CALM STRESSED NERVES? “I am a big believer in the power of healthy foods as fuel, meditation and doing some form of exercise every single day—either a workout, or sometimes I take my surfboard and hang out in the water or take one of my dogs for a walk. I have to keep myself healthy and my head clear to be my best in the operating room every day.” IN WHAT WAYS ARE LISTENING SKILLS CRUCIAL IN MEDICINE? “Listening skills are crucial for your professional as well as your personal life. If I am not listening to my patients’ questions and desired outcomes, we are not able to be on the same page as far as their surgical plan.”

5400 BALBOA BLVD., SUITE 217, ENCINO | 310-659-8771 | ANDREWCOHENMD.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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JOSE-LUIS RUIZ, DDS Owner, Supra-Gingival Dentistry

upra-Gingival Dentistry by Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz provides cosmetic and general dentistry. Supra-gingival (above the gum) dental procedures offer patients benefits such as healthier gums, tooth preservation, less chance of root canal and less discomfort. Dr. Ruiz has been practicing for more than two decades. He is a leading researcher and educator in modern, minimally invasive dentistry, developing and teaching a number of new techniques in aesthetic and restorative dentistry. He has published several clinical and research papers on adhesive dentistry, aesthetic dentistry and occlusal therapy. Dr. Ruiz has made numerous television appearances and is the director of the Los Angeles Institute of Clinical Dentistry. TELL US ABOUT YOUR REPUTATION AS A “COSMETIC DENTIST OF THE STARS.” “I feel my calling was to make beautiful smiles. That is why I went to dental school;

that was my focus. In that quest, I directed the USC Esthetic Dentistry Continuum program for several years and developed new smile design techniques that are now used by dentists worldwide. I am also honored to provide the veneers for many dentist colleagues, their families and many famous stars.” HOW DO YOUR PATIENTS DESCRIBE YOU? “My patients describe me as caring, gentle and an artist. They see me as someone they can trust and rely on when it comes to oral health—not only cosmetically but for overall health in the mouth.” WE UNDERSTAND YOU OFFER A “NEW LEVEL OF VIP” SERVICE. PLEASE EXPLAIN. “Have you ever gone to a doctor’s or dentist’s office and not had to wait? Our ‘New Level Of VIP’ means zero wait time. You arrive and immediately get seated! Also, it means personalized attention one patient at a time, extended hours by request, comfort technology such as

aromatherapy, and the latest equipment.” WHY DO YOU NOT LIKE DENTAL CROWNS? “Crowns are extremely invasive, requiring the removal of up to 75% of the tooth structure and often hurting the gums. People who have had crowns know how traumatic that is. I developed and use supra-gingival dental techniques, which are less invasive and healthier for the patient.” WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH AS HOLISTIC? “We are not holistic, but we are a new level of healthy—based on scientific evidence. The way we practice protects the patient’s health. There are fewer issues that patients encounter after leaving our office.”

11966 VENTURA BLVD., STUDIO CITY | 818-755-2920 | DRRUIZ.COM

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GLENNA TOLBERT, MD, QME, FAAPMR Founder/Medical Director, Tolbert Center for Rehabilitation and Wellness

he Tolbert Center for Rehabilitation and Wellness specializes in using nonsurgical and minimally invasive procedures to help people enjoy long-term pain relief. Founder Dr. Glenna Tolbert is a dual board-certified physician who has worked in the medical field for 28 years. She teaches and publishes as an assistant clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. “We specialize in treating patients with regenerative medicine, which makes it possible to avoid surgery and pills and get back to an active lifestyle without pain. We have always been firm believers that we all have the power to heal and that it is important to get to the root cause of someone’s chronic pain—not just look to surgery and medication as the solutions. For example, I have been able to help patients avoid surgery using injectable platelet-rich plasma, dextrose prolotherapy

and cell therapy. One of my patients Yelped, ‘If it’s good enough for Kobe, then it’s good enough for me!’ I’ve also helped patients reduce burning nerve pain by simply correcting a vitamin deficiency.” WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENTS DURING THE RECENT CRISIS? “I am so proud of my staff’s resilience, flexibility and compassion toward our patients and one another. They responded with a smile—quickly covered by their masks— and showed up daily for patient care. I asked if they had questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, and they promptly stepped up to be among the first vaccinated.” WHAT SERVICES DO YOUR PATIENTS LIKE MOST? “The most popular services are our regenerative medicine injections, exercise training, nonsurgical solutions for arthritis such as PRP and

prolotherapy (nonsurgical ligament strengthening), and DNA-based micronutrient testing.” WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP FIGHT COVID-19? “One of the underlying problems the virus has exposed is that a person’s immune system is a crucial factor in his or her ability to heal, survive an infection, manage chronic diseases and achieve optimal health after experiencing trauma. I’m not saying any one of us is immune from the coronavirus or its complications. But correcting micronutrient and hormone deficiencies can not only slow down the effects of disease progression but may also help prevent future complications and promote recovery. That’s why we use DNA-based micronutrient testing with all of our executive physicals at the Tolbert Center. These tests measure levels of more than 35 nutritional components including vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and amino acids within our white blood cells, which fight infection.”

17609 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 114, ENCINO, 818-784-7197 240 S. LA CIENEGA, SUITE 250, BEVERLY HILLS, 424-355-0344 DRGLENNATOLBERT.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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STEFFI GAINES & DEVYN REGGIO Co-owners, A Better Way in Home Care, Inc.

Better Way in Home Care is a private caregiving referral agency that provides hourly and live-in assistance for clients, offering companionship, meal preparation, personal grooming, transportation, light housekeeping and other caregiving services. Before opening A Better Way in Home Care in 1998, Steffi Gaines worked in other industries, helping refugees new to the United States secure employment and working with the disabled. Steffi’s daughter, Devyn Reggio, joined A Better Way while attending UCLA and has worked with the agency for 22 years. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE PROFESSIONALLY IN 2021? “If 2020 taught us anything—a year when COVID-19 restrictions and regulations dominated life as we know it—it’s that flexibility and adaptability are necessary for business sustainment. Technology has helped immeasurably with the concept of satellite offices and

video communication. We hope to continue to provide clients with exceptional service while sourcing highly qualified referrals. Our agency is built on the foundation of relationships, and we’ll maintain that culture in 2021 and beyond.” HOW DO YOU PERSUADE PATIENTS TO TRUST YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS? “Trust builds through consistent and dependable action. At A Better Way, we remain true to our philosophy and business ethic. We only refer caregivers whom we feel will be a compatible match. If for any reason a client isn’t comfortable or satisfied with a caregiver, we never encourage them to remain with that particular caregiver. The patient comes first; it’s about their well-being.” IN WHAT WAYS ARE LISTENING SKILLS CRUCIAL IN THE MEDICAL FIELD? “Active listening is essential to the health and well-being of a patient. A patient is more

than a clinical chart; they are individuals with emotional and physical needs. When we refer a caregiver to a client, we never rush through the matching process. We spend time speaking with a client to get a sense of who they are, who they were at various stages in their life and what’s important to them. If a patient feels they’re being heard and communication is clear, trust and assurance develops.” WHAT’S THE BEST WAY FOR US TO CALM STRESSED NERVES? “An important step to calm stressed nerves is to keep a proper perspective. Very often when a stressful situation is up close and personal, it can appear larger and more unmanageable than it is. Getting plenty of rest, eating well, avoiding excess sugar and alcohol, taking a walk outdoors, and sitting on the porch to interact with neighbors are helpful tips to manage stress. Talking to a trusted friend is also productive when it comes to working through stress and anxiety.”

13547 VENTURA BLVD., #131, SHERMAN OAKS | 323-650-2211 | 818-788-9995 | ABETTERWAYINHOMECARE.COM

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ELLIOT M. HIRSCH, MD

Los Angeles native, Elliot Hirsch earned his medical degree at the Keck School of Medicine at USC and completed a residency in integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Over the years, Dr. Hirsch has been an active researcher in the field of plastic surgery and has coauthored more than 40 manuscripts and book chapters. He has received several grants for original research projects and holds patents for wound care devices. Dr. Hirsch and his team practice the full spectrum of plastic and reconstructive surgery. His on-site full-service medspa offers nonsurgical facial rejuvenation procedures such as Botox and other fillers, chemical peels and facial treatments, lasers and PRP.

HOW DO YOU PERSUADE PATIENTS TO TRUST YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS? “When patients come in for surgery, we always have a very open and honest conversation with them about their goals, expectations and what is achievable. It’s pretty common for patients to ask for a certain procedure; what they don’t realize is that the procedure may not be the best one for them, based on their anatomy, goals, etc. If we don’t think their goals are realistic or if they are asking for something that is not possible or safe, we tell them up front. We help them pick the procedure that will give them the best possible result. This creates an atmosphere of trust.” TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW. “Patients may not know this, but I am an avid surfer and snowboarder in my free time. Anytime I get out of surgery early, I head to the beach to catch some waves.”

WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOUR PATIENTS LIKE MOST? “We developed a skin care line called Orá Rx to meet the needs of our patients looking for medical-grade skin care that soothes, renews and protects their skin. Patients love our HA Calming Balm post-procedure to soothe irritated skin, and some even use it as aftershave or for their baby’s diaper rash!” TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE. “I have a weekly radio show on GoCountry 105 FM on Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. called Skin Deep, discussing all things plastic surgery and medspa-related. I also have a podcast, Below the Surface, which you can listen to on Apple, Spotify or wherever else you like to listen to podcasts. You can find us on Instagram @hirschplasticsurgery and Facebook, Elliot M. Hirsch, MD.”

4955 VAN NUYS BLVD., SUITE 715, SHERMAN OAKS | 818-825-8131 | HIRSCHPLASTICSURGERY.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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SOLD

REALTOR®

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Curious to know what your home is worth in this surging market? I’m ready to assist you. SOLD

SOLD

SOLD SOLD ICONIC REPUTATION UNRIVALED RESULTS

SOLD

Andrew Manning REALTOR® SOLD SOLD Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties (818) 380-2147 andrew@andrewmanning.com DRE LIC #: 00941825

SOLD

© 2021 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Afﬁliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway afﬁliate.

SOLD

R E A L E S TAT E

Magical Storybook Sprawling Ranch Beautiful 4 bed/4ba house + casita on a 12,000 sqft lot in the highly coveted Tujunga Village neighborhood on a quiet & private double cul-de-sac! Picturesque white picket fenced front yard with mature western sycamore trees & roses. Large living room and family room, both with wood-burning fireplaces. California living at it’s finest with serene pebble tec saltwater pool, expansive modern kitchen with oversized island, elegant formal dining room and the dreamiest master bathroom. 11149 Valley Spring Ln, Studio City | 3,939 Sqft on .28 Acre Lot | $2,695,000 Douglas McFarland & Ashley Fultz | Broker/Owner |Redesign Properties info@redesignproperties.com | RedesignResidential.com | 323-308-9494

HISTORIC HOMES SOLD The Bob & Dolores Hope Estate Designed in 1939 by celebrity architect Robert Finkelhor. The 5+ acre estate hosted decades of star-studded gatherings and visits from neighbors like Bing Crosby & Frank Sinatra.

9956 Toluca Lake Avenue “Architect to the Stars”, Paul Williams, created this utterly enchanting home set on the edge of Toluca Lake.

Sold for $15,000,000

Sold for $5,850,000

4701 Sancola Avenue Designed by architect Paul Williams. The home of William Holden and Denzel Washington, and the setting for Ronald & Nancy Reagan’s 1952 wedding reception.

Sold for $4,445,000

4201 Toluca Road Historic estate that belonged to Audie Murphy, World War II’s most decorated war hero as well as film industry pioneer and Disney legend, Harry P. Archinal.

Sold for $4,600,000

& more to come...

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

SOLD 10125 VALLEY SPRING LANE, TOLUCA LAKE | $4,350,000

ACTIVE

IN ESCROW

4424 PONCA AVENUE, TOLUCA LAKE $1,995,000

160 S. PARISH PLACE, BURBANK $1,699,000

4263 FORMAN AVENUE, TOLUCA LAKE $3,495,000

IN ESCROW 4560 CARPENTER AVE, VALLEY VILLAGE $2,990,000

IN ESCROW 4229 FAIR AVENUE, STUDIO CITY $1,875,000

SOLD 4245 CLYBOURN AVE, TOLUCA LAKE $2,825,000

CRAIG STRONG DRE # 01450987 VP, Luxury Home Sales Top 1 % Nationwide #1 Individual Agent Companywide 1.3+ Billion Total Sales Volume strongrealtor.com

THE LIVYATAN GROUP FEATURED PROPERTIES 15537 Valley Vista | Encino 7 bed | 8.5 bath Approx: 6,883 sqft | 22,130 lot Offered at: $6,475,000

ACTIVE

IN ESCROW

7 bed | 9 bath Approx: 10,580 sqft | 26,835 lot Offered at: $10,249,000

ACTIVE

FOR LEASE

15237 Weddington #7 | Sherman Oaks 7 Bed | 9 Bath | Approx: 2,500 sq ft Offered at: $1,099,000

4848 Encino Ave | Encino

556 Flores |West Hollywood 3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | Approx.2,350 sqft | 5,753 sqft lot Offered at: $7,999/month

IN ESCROW

5110 Whitsett Ave | Valley Village 2-3 bed | Approx: 1,720-2,463 sq ft Offered at: $899,000-$1,299,000

IN ESCROW

4422 Camillia Ave |Studio City 5 Bed |7.5 Bath | Approx. 5,198 sqft | 6,751 sqft lot Offered at: $3,499,000

17210 Killion | Encino 4 Bed |3 Bath | Approx. 2,182 sqft | 10,890 sqft lot Offered at: $1,645,000

9291 Flicker Way | Los Angeles 3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | Approx. 3,000 sqft | 6,072 sqft lot Offered at: $3,995,000

SOLD

15601 Meadowgate Rd | Encino 7 Bed | 10 Bath | Approx. 10,420 sqft | 15,751 Sold: $10,350,000

SOLD

12225 Gorham | Brentwood 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | Approx. 3,857 sqft | 7,500 sqft Sold: $3,695,000

SOLD

3951 Royal Oak | Encino 6 Bed | 10 Bath | Approx. 10,902 sqft | 23,296 sqft lot Offered at: $10,530,000

5934 Comey | Los Angeles 3 Units | 1,900 sqft | 6,500 sqft lot Sold: $1,645,000

SOLD

3950 Royal Oak | Encino 6 bed | 10 bath | Approx: 10,902 sqft | 23,296 lot Offered at: $13,750,000

16766 Bosque Drive | Encino 5 bed | 9 bath | Approx: 8,500 sqft | 25,607 lot Offered at: $6,800,000

ACTIVE

14540 Valley Vista Blvd | Sherman Oaks 3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | Approx. 3,260 sqft | 15,246 sqft lot Offered at: $2,785,000

IN ESCROW

4710 Ventura Cyn Ave |Sherman Oaks 5 Bed | 5 Bath | Approx.2,827 sqft | 9,949 sqft lot Offered at: $1,549,000

SOLD

4926 Petit | Encino 5 bed | 7 bath | Approx: 4466 sqft | 8,249 lot Sold: $3,145,000

SOLD

12223 Gorham Ave | Brentwood 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | Approx. 3,857 sqft | 7,500 sqft lot Offered at: $3,695,000

Adi Livyatan

New Construction and Luxury Home Specialist Wall Street Journal Ranked #15 in CA | #28 in the Nation Mobile: 818.919.4060 • Office: 818.285.3220 Email: adilivyatan@yahoo.com DRE# 1892750

www.AdiLivyatan.com

SOLD OVE R $25 0 M I LLION I N 2 0 2 0

F O L L O W U S O N I N S TA G R A M @RedesignProperties Outstanding Experience Preparing, Negotiating, & Selling Properties

Local Valley Experts With Over 15 Years of Home Sales Experience

Full Home Services Available Including Staging, Design, & Construction Support

JUST LISTED 11149 Valley Spring Lane, Toluca Lake 5 B EDS | 5 B AT HS | 3 ,9 3 9 ± S QF T L IV IN G | 1 2 ,0 6 8 ± S Q F T LO T

Offered at $2,695,000 Th i s i s t h e m a gi c a l s t or y book s pr a w l i n g r a n c h h om e y ou r f a m i l y h a s be e n w aiting fo r! 4 b ed / 4b a th ma i n h ou s e + 1 be d/ 1 ba t h + l i v i n g room c a s i t a on a 1 2 ,0 0 0 + s f l ot i n the hig hly c o v eted Tujung a Vi l l a g e n e i gh bor h ood on s u pe r qu i e t & pr i v a t e c u l - de - s a c ! A s y ou dr i v e u p y o u’ ll b e enc hanted b y the p i ct u re s qu e w h i t e pi c k e t f e n c e d f ron t y a rd w i t h m a t u re w e s t e r n s y c a m ore trees & ro s es . F ro m the e n t r y w a y y ou ’l l di s c ov e r t h e w e l l - a ppoi n t e d l a rge f or m a l l i v i n g room w i t h w o rking w o o d firep lac e +

DOUGLAS MCFARLAND Real Estate Broker/Owner, BRE 01519642 Mobile | 323.308.9494

f a mi l y room & 2 n d f i re pl a c e t h a t l e a ds t o s pa c i ou s ba c k y a rd & prov i de s drea m y ind o o r/ o utd o o r liv ing wi t h a c c e s s t o s e re n e s a l t w a t e r pool .

Email | dmcfarland@redesignproperties.com

www.redesignresidential.com

ASHLEY FULTZ Real Estate Agent, DRE 02142644 Mobile | 323.482.7250 Email | afultz@redesignproperties.com

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.

THE DINSKY TEAM OVER $60 MILLION ALREADY SOLD IN 2021! JUST SOLD

4545 LEMP AVE | STUDIO CITY

JUST SOLD

4911 RADFORD AVE | VALLEY VILLAGE

JUST SOLD

3366 SCADLOCK LANE | SHERMAN OAKS

JUST SOLD

11512 LA MAIDA ST | VALLEY VILLAGE

REPRESENTED BUYER

JUST SOLD

12652 HUSTON ST | VALLEY VILLAGE

JUST SOLD

12040 LAUREL LANE | STUDIO CITY

JUST SOLD

11549 ADDISON ST | VALLEY VILLAGE REPRESENTED BUYER

JUST SOLD

16853 MARMADUKE PL | ENCINO

11844 OTSEGO ST | VALLEY VILLAGE

JUST SOLD

12209 EMELITA ST | VALLEY VILLAGE

JUST SOLD

4360 FARMDALE AVE | STUDIO CITY

JUST SOLD

4233 IRVINE AVE | STUDIO CITY

REPRESENTED BUYER

JUST SOLD

13443 GALEWOOD ST | SHERMAN OAKS

JUST SOLD

5524 RADFORD AVE | VALLEY VILLAGE REPRESENTED BUYER

JUST SOLD

11734 HARTSOOK ST | VALLEY VILLAGE

JUST SOLD

4533 VESPER AVE | SHERMAN OAKS

LET US SHOW YOU WHY WE ARE THE BEST VALUE IN REAL ESTATE.

ANDREW DINSKY 310.729.3393 andrew@thedinskyteam.com

THEDINSKYTEAM.COM

Each office is independently owned and operated. The information contained herein has been obtained through sources deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed as to its accuracy. Buyer to verify accuracy of information. DRE #01724985 & #01811831

ng Co

ratulations

MATTEPSTEIN.COM SOMATT@AOL.COM 818-681-2000

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?

Dreaming about getting away from it all, and yet it’s difficult during these unprecedented times. Just an hour away in Oxnard, Ventura and Santa Barbara the dream of long luxurious days by the ocean, kayaking through a harbor, bicycling near the beach and watching sea lions, dolphins and pelicans sounds pretty good - doesn’t it? I’ve been assisting many of our clients who are now buying weekend/ vacation homes in Ventura and Santa Barbara County. Call me if you’re interested, and I’ll show you how that feeling of vacation can be yours more than just once a year! Jane Kaplan Epstein Dre#01922991

4712 Park Encino Ln Unit #221– EN$1,499,000 3Br+3Ba in 2,500 SqFt on a 338,373 SqFt Lot – Here’s your chance to own one of the hardest to obtain and most desired units in the valley. 24-hour security guard gated complex. This unit features a view, lots of natural light, recessed lighting and much more. The Resort-Style Amenities include Landscaped Grounds, Pool & Spa, Waterfalls, Tennis Courts, Tree-Top Views. Each Floor Contains Only 2 Units Maximizing Even More Security And Exclusivity. 4143 Nagle Ave. - SO- $1,500,000 3Br+2 Ba in 1,684 SqFt on a 8,825 SqFt LotTraditional home on a beautiful street south of Ventura Blvd in a great neighborhood. It features lots of natural light, two fireplaces, and much more! This house has not been on the market for over 50 years. Great south of Ventura opportunity in Sherman Oaks!

#KeepingItRealEstate

11555 Amanda Dr. – SC- $3,250,000 4Br+4Ba in 3,001 SqFt on a 34,167 SqFt Lot- S pectacular Studio City gated property w/ 270-degree views from every room . Enter the foyer into a beautiful open floor plan & views of the mountains, canyons & city lights. The entertainer’s backyard is perfect for lounging or dining al fresco around the pool. The grassy area is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.

3843 Longridge Ave.– SO - $2,750,0004Br+3.5Ba in 3,382 SqFt on a 8,999 SqFt Lot-A timeless Contemporary Mid Century architectural home in the prestigious Longridge Estates. This unique home offers designer touches throughout, with the perfect entertaining space. The first level features the master suite, a den, a laundry room & a guest bathroom. This stunning architectural home which has stood the test of time doesn’t come around often, especially on the most sought-after street in Sherman Oaks!

12943 Addison St.– SO- $1,250,000 5Br+4 Ba in 2,862 SqFt on a 6,565 SqFt Lot– Beautiful 5 bedrooms 4 bathrooms in one of the best neighborhoods in Sherman Oaks. This spacious home offers a large bank of windows in the living, a formal dining room, large kitchen with Viking appliances and a large laundry room. This house has it all and should not be missed.

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.

Mid-Year Highlights MAKING A SPLASH IN 2021

443 N. Almar Ave.

3754 Whitespeak Drive

4030 Riverton Ave.

15640 Woodvale Road

5131 Chimineas Ave.

4934 N. Cartwright Ave.

431 Inverness Drive

14236 Margate Street

11918 Darlington Ave.

PACIFIC PALISADES | $7,200,000

ENCINO | $6,000,000

L A CANADA | $ 4,000,000

15227 Valley Vista Blvd.

SHERMAN OAKS | $2,425,000

TARZ ANA | $1,933,000

SHERMAN OAKS | $1,930,000

211 S. Spalding Drive

SHERMAN OAKS | $2,979,000

UNIT S109 | BE VERLY HILLS | $1,925,000

3476 Alana Drive

2261 Vasanta Way

SHERMAN OAKS | $2,600,000

1554 Scenic Drive PASADENA | $2,435,000

TOTAL TRANSACTIONS: 21 CLOSED

STUDIO CIT Y | $1,527,227

NORTH HOLLY WOOD | $1,380,000

BRENT WOOD | $1,152,500

10701 Wilshire Blvd.

UNIT 1606 | LOS ANGELES | $1,085,000

12222 Wilshire Blvd.

LOS ANGELES | $1,750,000

P.H. 5 | LOS ANGELES | $1,070,000

12653 Albers Street

13080 Pacific Promenade

SALES VOLUME: OVER $45M

AVERAGE SALES PRICE: $2.3M

VALLEY VILL AGE | $1,695,000

UNIT 201 | PL AYA VISTA | $1,050,000

NUMBERS DON’T LIE. READY TO MAKE A MOVE? LET’S GO.

MICHELLE SCHWART Z LE AD AGENT MSCHWART Z@THE AGENCYRE.COM 424.230.3716 | LIC. #01889141

CORE Y KESSLER

AGENT COREY.KESSLER@THE AGENCYRE.COM 818.571.3352 | LIC. #01882925 THE AGENCYRE.COM

JONNELLE LE WIN AGENT J.LE WIN@THE AGENCYRE.COM 310.770.9848 | LIC. #02108080

MICHAEL BERGIN |

LUXURY ESTATES DIRECTOR

PROUD TO JOIN THE SUMMERS GLOBAL TEAM! I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Madrid, Spain

Paris, France

Aspen, Colorado

Saint-Remy-de-Provence, France

Miami, Florida

Tuscany, Italy

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Villa Volpi, Sabaudia, Italy

L O CA L

IN ESCROW

531 Nolan Avenue, Glendale $1,999,000 3 Beds 3.5 Baths 2,900± Sqft Views, views, views!!

IN ESCROW

6002 Allott Avenue, Valley Glen $1,999,999 5 Beds 6 Baths 7,613± Sqft Media Room Huge Basement Wine Cellar

JUST SOLD

4907 Valjean Avenue, Encino $3,300,000 5 Beds 6 Baths 4,312± Sqft Represented Buyer

Michael Bergin Luxury Estates Director 310.600.0715 Michael@MichaelBergin.com DRE 01845572

Your #1 Real Estate Expert 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.

Nobody does it better...

CAROL

sold

4908 Edgerton Ave., Encino $3,300,000 Encino Woods

sold

15620 Woodvale Rd., Encino $2,399,000 Royal Oaks

OLFE

sold

19212 Rosita St., Tarzana $2,699,000 Tarzana Gated Estate

sold

18164 Chardon Circle, Encino $2,335,000 Lake Encino

sold

16957 Encino Hills Drive, Encino $2,500,000 Encino Hills

sold

16397 Mandalay Drive, Encino $2,000,000 Encino Hills

sold

20335 Howard Ct., Woodland Hills $2,499,000 Magnificent Woodland Hills Estate

new listing

17035 Oak View Drive, Encino $1,699,000 Encino Hills

sold

3902 Woodfield Dr., Sherman Oaks $1,689,000 Royal Woods

17201 Weddington St., Encino $1,600,000 Amestoy Estates

sold

16411 Otsego St., Encino $1,575,000 Encino Woods

12334 Longacre Ave., Granada Hills $1,350,000 Cagney Ranch Estates

818.285.3688

www.CarolWolfe.com

sold

16201 Dickens St., Encino $1,249,000 Encino South of Ventura

TOP 250 INDIVIDUAL AGENTS IN THE NATION

#160

sold

25921 Voltaire Pl., Stevenson Ranch $1,000,000 Stevenson Ranch

Oren David Mordkowitz ESTATES DIRECTOR | REALTOR ®

818-933-5866 JUST LISTED

3601DellvalePl.com

CalDRE License #01246402

oren@orenestates.com JUST LISTED

IN ESCROW

4915RupertAve.com

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

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

OrenEstates.com

12221 Valleyheart Drive STUDIO CITY, CA 91604

6.5

BEDS

B AT H S

3,585

SQFT LIVING

ACTIVE

7,000

SQFT LOT

ACTIVE

4433 SAINT CLAIR AVE | STUDIO CITY

ACTIVE

3581 WOODHILL CANYON RD | STUDIO CITY

ACTIVE

1 4 5 4 0 VA L L E Y V I S TA B L V D | S H E R M A N OA K S

UNDER CONTRACT

15224 DEL GADO DR | SHERMAN OAKS

JUST SOLD

5907 JUMILLA AVE | WOODLAND HILLS

SOLD OFF MARKET

UNDISCLOSED ADDRESS | STUDIO CITY

JUST SOLD

12108 VIEWCREST RD | STUDIO CITY

OVER

$340

UNDISCLOSED ADDRESS | ENCINO

ACTIVE

4848 ENCINO AVE | ENCINO

UNDER CONTRACT

3761 MOUND VIEW AVE | STUDIO CITY

JUST SOLD

13047 BLOOMFIELD ST | STUDIO CITY

JUST SOLD

4907 VALJEAN AVE | ENCINO

ACTIVE

1 5 5 3 7 VA L L E Y V I S TA B L V D | E N C I N O

UNDER CONTRACT

15257 ENCANTO DR | SHERMAN OAKS

JUST SOLD

3781 MOUND VIEW AVE | STUDIO CITY

JUST SOLD

5027 RUBIO AVE | ENCINO

818.432.1524 INFO@CHERNOVTEAM.COM WWW.CHERNOVTEAM.COM DRE #01850113

MILLION

SOLD IN 2020

#1 TEAM IN THE VALLEY | #6 IN LOS ANGELES | #16 IN CALIFORNIA

Each ofﬁce is independently owned and operated. If your property is listed with another broker, this is not a solicitation. Keller Williams Realty does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size, or other information concerning the condition or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from public records or other sources and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection with appropriate licensed professionals.

3820 RHODES AVENUE | S TUDIO CIT Y | $1,799,900 4 BEDS | 4 BATHS | 2,650 SQ . F T.

DANIEL L E PERE T Z DANIELLE.PERE T Z@THE AGENCYRE.COM 818.644.1477 LIC. #01897529

THE AGENCYRE.C OM

A home that exceeds expectations deserves a mortgage to match

• Mortgage discounts with Relationship Pricing1 • Dedicated support every step of the way • Jumbo 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

We’ve got a mortgage to fit 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 Citibank deposit account and automated monthly transfers of the mortgage payment from a Citibank personal deposit account using automated drafting will be required to receive Citibank mortgage relationship pricing. Ask a mortgage representative for details on eligible balances and the qualifying closing cost credit or rate discount. Availability of the Citibank mortgage relationship pricing for Citibank account holders is subject to change without notice.

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

Serendipitous Journey HOW A NATIVE VENETIAN AND SELF-ADMITTED SNOB BECAME A BONA FIDE VALLEY GIRL. Written By Chloe King | Illustrated By Nikki Smith

The distance from Venice to Sherman Oaks is a mere 15 miles.

to be shot almost entirely in the Valley!

For me, in 1982, it might as well have been 15,000. I would

Bitchin’? Not! Gross? Totally!

not have been caught dead in the Valley.

I remember the day we piled into my 1962 Rambler

I’m a native of Venice Beach. In 1982, I was a 10th grader

Americana, decked out in our thrift shop finest, hair teased

attending Crossroads High School in Santa Monica. My friends

and bleached platinum, combat boots on, safety pins in place,

were the “out” crowd—a combination of skate rats, surfers,

and made that unimaginable drive to Sherman Oaks. The

stoners and punk rockers. We spent our days scouring thrift

shoot location was the home of Julie Richman (played by

shops and our nights watching alternative bands at seedy

Deborah Foreman) on Dixie Canyon. The idyllic, tree-lined

music clubs. The Valley might as well have been the moon.

street and the house—so traditional, lovely and normal—

I had never so much as stepped a foot there. Or, god forbid,

were so absolutely contrary to anything I’d ever experienced

befriended someone from “the other side of the hill.”

in bohemian Venice. It felt like a real home, a forever home,

Then a funny thing happened. My best friend at the time,

and it made a lasting impression on me. In spite of myself.

Sean Frye, a child of Hollywood like me, had a surrogate mom

Now, here’s the real kicker...

of sorts named Delia Javier. Delia fell in love with Sean’s fa-

Almost 40 years later, I found myself looking to purchase

ther while he was working as an actor in the Philippines. The

my first home. After losing out on a property in Westwood, I

relationship didn’t last, but Delia became like a dorm mom

saw a house on Zillow—a forever kind of home on an idyllic

to all of us self-proclaimed rebels. While we were at school

street. So lovely, so traditional, so normal. So contrary to

(or not), she was working on film sets all around LA. In late

anything I’d ever aspired to, and yet it called to me.

1982, she announced that she had landed a job as production designer on a movie called ... wait for it ... Valley Girl. Among Delia’s responsibilities: supervising the looks for

I am sitting in that home now as I write these words. Looking out my window onto a yard full of roses and citrus trees. A San Fernando Valley dead giveaway. A house that

the Valley girls as well as the “cool” Westsiders. As fate

happens to be a mere six blocks from that home on Dixie

would have it, Delia found her inspiration for the latter in the

Canyon. Yup, Chloe King, native Venetian, snob of all things

styles that Sean and I wore, and she actually hired us as style

east and north of the 405 and 101 interchange, is now a bona

consultants on the film. Charged specifically with the looks of

fide, certified, Valley Girl. No gagging on spoons. Not even

Nic Cage and his gang, we knew this was a big deal, our first

once! And I’d have it no other way.

break, and we took it seriously. There was only one hitch: Save for one scene in a club in West Hollywood—where I made my first on-screen appearance as “punk girl in bathroom boozing it up”—the film was

138

Chloe King is a screenwriter who lives with her boyfriend and two sons in Sherman Oaks. ■

The Spitz | Cameron Group C A L L TO DAY TO F I N D O U T H OW O U R U N I Q U E M A R K E T I N G S T R AT E G I E S H E L P E D U S S E L L I N T H I S N E W N O R M A L R SO

15316 Valley Vista Bl, Sherman Oaks SO

4107 Stansbury Ave, Sherman Oaks

EN LL

4644 Arriba Dr, Tarzana

4411 Placidia Ave, Toluca Lake

Nearly $100,000,000 In Closed Transactions For 2020 Ranked # 14 In The Nation (Out of 50,000+ BHHS Agents) AndrewSpitz.com

HarrietCameron.com

FranChavez.com

DRE#924610 Realtor®

DRE#675971 Realtor®

DRE#01013357 Realtor®

818-817-4284

16301 Celinda Pl, Encino SO

17003 Rancho St, Encino

5173 Gaynor Ave, Encino SO

R Y

3727 Winford Dr, Tarzana

17925 Medley Dr, Encino

818-380-2151

818-517-1411

© 2021 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. 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. DRE #01317331

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