Ventura Blvd | June 2023

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“Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”

VIP’s Class of 2023:

Noa Almog

Matteo Augi

Madeline Bagtatlyan

Grigorii Bazhenov

Annie Bernstein

Ava Bouhadana

Hunter Breaux-Nelson

Emma Cohen

Alec Coulouris

Victoria Crawford

Jayda De La Paz

Camille DiPatri

Arina Drait

Olivia Drapkin

Nora Elinoff

Andrei Elizarov

Tal Erez

Maxwell Espinoza

Davynn Estevez

Richard Figueroa

Eliya Gaon

Emma Gazal

Faith Greenberg

Andrew Gross

Joshua Grossberg

Mona Hamazaki

Nicolas Hedges

Billy Hemmer

Victor Hernandez

Catherine Hogan

Zoye Hovhanessyan

Talia Isaacs

Rebecca Koyshman

Mia Kuroda

Jameson Lee

Emily Lin Hayes Lotts

Mattea Magerr

Aidan McCarthy

Cristian Olive

Alisa Orlova

Tatiana Pereyra

Xochitl Poindexter Douglas

Rebecca Postman

Nargol Rashidian

Nadia Robles

Colette Rogers

Olivia Rothenberg

Francisco Sebastiano

Jessica Serrano

Hannah Shain

Chloe Shelton

Lorelei Thornton

Guy Timor

Sophia Vietro

Daniel Weertz

Jason Weinstein

Max Weinstock

Max Welter

Noah Yung

Congratulations, VIP High School Class of 2023!

Yes, you are indeed going to sensational places!

Valley International Preparatory High School (VIP) is a four-year-college-prep public/charter high school... in other words, tuition-free!

Our seniors were accepted this year to the following colleges and universities:

University of Alabama

Alfred University

The American University of Paris

The American University of Rome

University of Arizona

Arizona State University

College of the Atlantic

Bangor University (UK)

Bar-Ilan University (Israel)

Belmont University

Beloit College

Bennington College

Bournemouth University (UK)

Bradley University

Brandeis University

California College of the Arts

California Lutheran University

California Polytechnic University-Humboldt, California Polytechnic University-Pomona

California Polytechnic University-San Luis Obispo

California State University-Bakersfield

California State UniversityChannel Islands

California State University-Chico

California State University-Fresno

California State UniversityLos Angeles

California State UniversityMonterey Bay

California State

University-Northridge

California State University-Sacramento

California State University-San Marcos

University of California-Berkeley

University of California-Davis

University of California-Irvine

University of CaliforniaLos Angeles

University of California-Merced

University of CaliforniaRiverside

University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara

University of CaliforniaSanta Cruz

Case Western Reserve University

Claremont McKenna College

Clark University

College For Creative Studies

University of Colorado

Columbia College Chicago

Concordia University

Connecticut College

Cornell College

Cornell University

Daemen College

University of Denver

DePaul University

Dickinson College

Drew University

Drexel University

Eckerd College

Elon University

Emerson College

Evergreen State College

Fordham University

George Mason University

Georgetown University

George Washington University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Goucher College

Hampshire College

Hartwick College

University of HawaiiWest Oahu

Hiram College

Hobart and William Smith Colleges

University of Idaho

University of Illinois

Indiana University

University of Iowa

Ithaca College

James Madison University

John Cabot University

Kalamazoo College

Kent State University

University of Kentucky

Kenyon College

Lafayette College

Lake Forest College

University of La Verne

Lawrence University

Lesley University

Lewis & Clark College

Lindenwood University

Longwood University

Los Angeles Pierce College

Los Angeles Valley College

Loyola Marymount University

Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University New Orleans

Macalester College

McGill University

University of Maine

Manhattanville College

University of Maryland

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)

Marymount Manhattan College

Maryville University

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Menlo College

Mercy College

Merrimack College

Miami University

University of Michigan

University of Montana

Morgan State University

Mount Holyoke College

Muhlenberg College

University of New Haven

The New School/Eugene Lang College

The New School/Parsons School of Design

The New School/School of Jazz & Contemporary Music

Oberlin College

Ohio State University

Ohio Wesleyan University

Oregon Institute of Technology

Oregon State University

University of Oregon

Otterbein University

Pace University

Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Northwest College of Art

University of the Pacific

Paul Smith’s College

Portland State University

University of Portland

Pratt Institute

Prescott College

Providence Christian College

University of Puget Sound

Purdue University

Recording Connection

University of Redlands

Reed College

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rhodes College

Rochester Institute of Technology

University of Rochester

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Saint John’s College

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University-Madrid

University of Salford (UK)

Salve Regina University

San Diego State University

University of San Diego

San Francisco State University

San Jose State University

University of San Francisco

Santa Monica College

Sarah Lawrence College

Savannah College of Art and Design

Scripps College

Seattle Pacific University

Seton Hall University

Simmons University

Skidmore College

Smith College

Soka University of America

Sonoma State University

University of Southern California

Southern Illinois University

Southern Methodist University

Southern Oregon University

St. Louis University-Madrid

St. Olaf College

Suffolk University

Swansea University (UK)

The University of Tampa

Texas A&M University

Trinity College

Tufts University

Tulane University

Ursinus CollegeVirginia Tech

Washington University in

St. Louis

University of Washington

Washington State University

Wayne State University

Wentworth Institute of Technology

West Virginia University

Western Oregon University

Western Washington University

Westmont College

Wheaton College

Whitman College

Whitworth University

Willamette University

University of Wisconsin

The College of Wooster

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Yeshiva University

“

With A Fully Retractable Roof, Vibrant Plant Decor And Woven Wicker Details, The Restaurant Offers A Relaxing Ambiance Inspired By The Lush Jungle Oasis Of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.”

As the region’s most preferred orthopedic practice,* our doctors at Southern California Orthopedic Institute provide you and your loved ones with the most advanced bone, joint, and muscle care available—when and where you need it.

Dr. Auerbach Dr. Bahk

Dr. Balch Dr. Bala

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Dr. Castañeda Dr. Erfanian Dr. Etcheverry Dr. Falakassa Dr. E. Ferkel Dr. R. Ferkel Dr. Gazmarian

Dr. Getelman Dr. Grossman Dr. Guanche Dr. Hamilton Dr. Hanker Dr. Hernandez Dr. Jaivin

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Dr. Oluyede Dr. Orlovich Dr. Saied Dr. Ramin Dr. Schamblin Dr. Schopler Dr. Shapiro

Dr. Shybut Dr. Simic Dr. Spelts Dr. Vassilev Dr. Vellios Dr. Wahba

An

44

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS

For those who have aged out of summer camp, we share activies that will enrich—and entertain—during downtime on your home turf.

50

COYOTE TALES

Separating fact from fiction on those wild animals we share our neighborhoods with.

54

NATURAL WONDER

Raw materials become refined at the Sherman Oaks home of two architects.

66

CHANNELING THE ISLANDS

We plan your summer excursion to the Channel Islands.

70

TOP COP TALKS SHOP

An enlightening conversation with LAPD Valley bureau head Alan Hamilton.

74 RURAL RESPITE

Hay rides, berry picking and animal petting are just part of the fun at Underwood Farms.

UNSUNG BLOOMER

Why you should plant geraniums in your garden.

82

GARDEN PARTY

The faces and happenings at VB’s first postpandemic soiree. Oh, what a night...

BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

DR. COHEN’S SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

• Mommy Makeover

• Breast Augmentations

• Breast Reductions & Lifts

• Breast Implant Downsizing

• Tummy Tuck

• Liposculpture

• Face & Neck Lifts

• Luctronic Genius RF Microneedling, CO2 Laser, Laser Genesis and LimeLight BBL

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• Botox & Facial Fillers

• Vaginal Rejuvenation (Labiaplasty)

• Peels, Facials and Skincare Products

Model

Join us for our upcoming Open House on June 22 @ 5pm. Please call to RSVP

Dr. Cohen is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and a Diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Cohen has been in practice for 22 years and specializes in aesthetic surgery of the face and body. His practice emphasizes a rejuvenation that is minimally invasive, while achieving a natural result.

Dr. Cohen operates in a AAAASF, fully-accredited surgery center in his office suite as well as at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he is the former, two-time Clinical Chief of Plastic Surgery.

Call for an appointment today at 310.659.8771 5400 Balboa Blvd., Suite 217, Encino, CA 91316 AndrewCohenMD.com | andrewcohenmd | andrewcohenmd

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Linda Grasso

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Darren Elms

COPY EDITORS

Bob Howells, Laura Watts

CONTRIBUTORS

Heather David, Chelsee Lowe, Tanya Monaghan, Jenny Karl, Jennie Nunn, Ginny Prior, Christina Rice, Anne M. Russell

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Michelle Villas

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Ajay Peckham and Yuiko Sugino

DIGITAL MARKETING

Paul Fisher

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dan Arnold, Cynthia Bullard, Jeffrey Fiterman, Dan Fletcher, Tameka Jacobs, Lottie Keenan, Shane O’Donnell

PUBLISHER

Robin Sanders

424-220-6340 robin@thegoldenstatecompany.com

ADVERTISING

DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

Sue Williams

818-625-3515 sue@thegoldenstatecompany.com

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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 MANAGING DIRECTOR, TECHNOLOGY | Charles Simmons DIRECTOR OF FILM & VIDEO | Bryce Lowe-White OPERATIONS DIRECTOR | Allison Jeackjuntra

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER | Melissa Hattab

ACCOUNTING | Janet De La Cruz, Tanisha Holcomb

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VENTURA

I’m not exactly a shrinking violet; I’ve got a voice that carries. Still, I needed all the help I could get to grab the attention of the boisterous crowd at Rolling Greens in Studio City during our May Home & Garden Issue party. (Photos and delish details on page 82.) Standing up on the bar made perfect sense at the time, though it might have been a wise move to ditch the 3-inch heels before scrambling to my perch!

This was our first post-pandemic VB event, and a whopping 200 people showed up. The soiree felt so good! Seeing familiar faces, catching up, giving and getting big hugs. The mood was ebullient as guests noshed and sipped up on the second level—a festive space replete with a wine bar and charming plant-filled patio. Adding to the fun: The Sherman Oaks-based Cosmetic Injectables Center—our sponsor for the party—gave guests mini Emsculpt Neo treatments. Who knew you could sip sauvignon blanc and tone your core at the same time?

It all reminded me that I don’t live in random suburban sprawl outside a big city, but rather in a vibrant

community where people are truly connected. So many guests said afterward, “I ran into so many people I knew!” and, “I didn’t know you were also friends with her!” That’s what makes such an event fun and rewarding. I love bringing people together.

Speaking of community, this issue is a good way to get to know yours. On page 44, we have an article on all sorts of cool ways to learn and play this summer on your home turf. Check out our insightful Q&A with Valley top cop Alan Hamilton (page 70) and a fact-versus-fiction piece on one of the Valley topics I hear the most about when I’m out and about: coyotes (page 50). This issue also includes a photo-filled retrospective of the Valley swimming pool—from the piano-shaped plunge at Liberace’s Sherman Oaks home to the Olympic-size pool at Barbara Stanwyck’s Northridge ranch (page 32). They hark back to an era when pools were an exclusive status symbol of the wealthy and famous. Today, of course, swimming pools are ubiquitous. And come to think of it, they’re also ideal venues for our own summer soirees. Hope you enjoy a few over the next months!

Follow me on Instagram @she_sez Linda Grasso, Editor-in-Chief

PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMEKA JACOBS

American Arizona Arizona State

Bard Barnard Baylor Belmont Brandeis

BU Bucknell Butler Cal Poly Pomona

Cal Poly SLO Chapman Cincinnati Clemson Colorado State

Columbia CSU Fullerton CSU Long Beach CSU Los Angeles

CSUN CU Boulder CUNY Brooklyn Delaware Denver Drexel

Duke Elon Emerson Endicott ESCP London ESCP Paris

Evergreen State FIDM Fordham George Fox George

Washington Gonzaga Hobart Williams Smith Hofstra

Illinois Indiana Iowa Ithaca James Madison Kansas Kenyon

Knox Lake Forest Lasell Lawrence Lewis & Clark Louisville

Loyola Chicago Loyola Marymount Marist Maryland

MarymountManhattan Mass Art Miami Michigan PREMIER

Muhlenberg

Ohio

Pratt Institute Puget Sound Purdue Quinnipiac Redlands

Reed

JUNE 2023

PREHISTORIC PERCH

The striking results of an architectural collaboration on a site where dinosaurs once roamed. More on page 54.

nautical by nature

GET ON BOARD WITH THESE SLEEK AND SEXY LOOKS THAT WILL TAKE YOU FROM SPRING THROUGH SUMMER.

Photographed by Shane O’Donnell | Styled by Tanya Monaghan | Hair & makeup by Jenny Karl

One-piece swimsuit by Ziah, $289, black sunglasses by Lu Goldie, $159, gold studded earrings by Cult Gaia, $138, black leather studded cuff bracelet by The Dark, $119.

Above

Right

Striped crop top by COS, $99, ivory bottom by Mikoh, $104, gold hoop earrings by Society Nautique, $90, black leather bracelet, $119, and shiny double wrap bracelet, $119—both by The Dark.

Alina one-piece black swimsuit with cutouts by Maygel Cornel, $360, black and gold hoops by J. Crew, $50, Skinny Hennie necklace, $80 and Riley thick link chain $140, both by Society Nautique, 18k Luna moonstone necklace by Chan Luu, $215, boho stretchy bracelet set by The Dark, $99.

Left

Sunglasses by Lu Goldie, $159, leather woven basket handbag by Hereu, $360, gold hoop earrings by Society Nautique, $90, gold beaded necklace by J. Crew, $40, black bikini bottom by Maygel Coronel (sold as set), $330, silk patterned blouse by La Prestic Ouiston, $690, golden parallel leather cuff by The Dark, $119.

Right

Cashmere bomber sweater by Maiami, $1,740, white top, $228, and white pants, $538, both by Anna Quan, gold squiggly hoops by Cult Gaia, $138, raffia heeled sandals by Dolce Vita, $100, gold starburst necklace by Satya, $99.

Red dress with cutout by Staud, $396. Gold starburst necklace by Satya, $99.

Above

Gold studded earrings by Cult Gaia, $138, resinhandled wicker handbag by Serpui, $458, knit crop capped sleeve top by J. Crew, $69, brown bikini bottom by Hunza G (sold as set), $216.

Right Micro tube top by SPRWMN, $226, gold studded earrings by Cult Gaia, $138, navy trousers with gold buttons by Veronica Beard, $395, slim zipper leather cuff by The Dark, $99.

SUMMER DREAM

Deck out your backyard with the finest outdoor options.

After a couple months of dodging crazy rainstorms, we’re all ready to reclaim our outdoor space. And if we’re being honest, after all this rain our patios could use a makeover. For more than half a century, Aldik Home has been a go-to source for anyone in Los Angeles looking to beautify their homes. If you’re dreaming of perfecting your backyard paradise with high-quality patio furniture, there is nothing like Aldik Home’s collection of Summer Classics on the market.

The line is meticulously crafted from premium materials using both age-old building methods and state-of-the-art finishing processes to ensure the furniture will last for years to come. While other manufacturers may be more well known, Summer Classics is built to a higher standard and is more comfortable than anything on the market.

All Summer Classics teak furniture is made with marine-grade, sustainably harvested teak and is available in two finishes: natural and a preweathered, low-maintenance finish called Oyster. Center-cut from the heartwood of Indonesian teak, this is the finest teak in the world—performing flawlessly even in coastal environments. The line is constructed from premium materials, as are the gorgeous Summer Classics resin wicker and aluminum pieces of furniture.

Summer Classics is that rare luxury outdoor furniture line that hits every note. It is stylish and sophisticated—as luxurious as indoor furniture and built to last. With more than 32 collections represented, Aldik Home features the finest showcase of Summer Classics furniture in the country.

If you’re looking to turn your outdoor space into the hottest new hangout, Aldik Home is proud to feature American Fyre Designs fire tables and bowls with a gorgeous collection made from durable GFRC. This composite material is strong, weatherresistant, fire-retardant, impermeable and

simply stunning. These fire tables and fire bowls are perfectly suited to even the harshest marine environments. Accented with your favorite selection of fire media, such as reflective glass, these American Fyre Design tables are not only stunning but will stand the test of time.

Beat the sweltering summer heat under the gorgeous canopy of a Treasure Garden cantilever umbrella. With 360° rotation, front-to-back and side-to-side tilting, and gorgeous fabric options, it’s easy to see why craftsmanship, beauty and ease of operation set Treasure Garden apart from other umbrella manufacturers. Custom order the umbrella of your dreams or choose from Aldik Home’s in-stock collection for an instant backyard transformation.

All of these beautiful outdoor furniture collections, fire tables and umbrellas are interspersed among the most realistic artificial trees, gorgeous floral arrangements and so much more that make Aldik Home the most beautiful store in Los Angeles. Discover everything you need to turn your backyard into an oasis. Prepare to be inspired; there’s no place like Aldik Home.

“DISCOVER EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO TURN YOUR BACKYARD INTO AN OASIS.”

swimming pools, movie stars

LONG BEFORE SWIMMING POOLS WERE UBIQUITOUS IN THE VALLEY, THEY WERE A STATUS SYMBOL THAT SHOWED OFF THE GLAMOUR AND WEALTH OF THEIR FAMOUS OWNERS.

Written by Christina Rice

The backyard swimming pool wasn’t invented by Hollywood, but it certainly came to symbolize the wealth and opulent lives enjoyed by movie stars of the 1920s and 1930s. As many members of filmdom made their way to the San Fernando Valley and settled on multi-acre ranches, residential swimming pools became almost a requirement. Not only did these watery wonders help beat the heat of Valley summers, they also provided opportunities for movie studio publicity departments to show off the lavish lifestyles of their larger-than-life stars.

Early pool installation was frequently handled by construction companies. Paddock Engineering Company earned many high-profile contracts, installing largely rectangular pools for Valley film stars, and ultimately making swimming pools a cornerstone of their business. Under the helm of Philip Ilsley, Paddock would come to revolutionize the swimming pool industry by popularizing free-form pool design and utilizing gunite, composed of small particles and sprayed on a surface, instead of regular poured concrete. Using gunite sped up installation times and significantly cut costs to such a degree that backyard pools came to be viewed, according to Ilsley, as “a necessity, not a luxury.” By 1963, the Valley Times newspaper declared the San Fernando Valley as the “World Swimming Pool Capital.” While swimming pools were no longer reserved for wealthy movie stars, they remained closely associated with the glamour of Hollywood.

Here we share a visual retrospective of Valley pools.

Early 1930s

Actor Ann Dvorak serenely floating in the pool at the Encino walnut ranch she owned with husband, actor-director Leslie Fenton. The rectangular pool was installed in 1934 by the Paddock Engineering Company. The 30-acre property, just north of what is now Ventura Boulevard, also featured a dramatic Andalusian-style main house, an impressive pool house that featured a box bed so the structure could double as a guest house, and an expansive greenhouse (featured in the May 2022 issue of Ventura Blvd). (Image courtesy of Christina Rice)

Late 1930s

Barbara Stanwyck struts past the massive swimming pool and tennis court at her Northridge estate. Another Paddock creation, the rectangular pool with rounded ends was built in 1937. The actor named the estate Marwyck Ranch and operated part of it as a thoroughbred farm with the actor Zeppo Marx and his wife, Marion. The property was later sold to actor Jack Oakie, who christened it Oakridge. The Oakridge estate is now owned by the city of Los Angeles and maintained by the Department of Recreation and Parks. (Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt, The LIFE Collection, courtesy of Getty Images)

1940s

Jane Russell enjoys iced tea alongside the free-form swimming pool at the hilltop mid-century modern home in Sherman Oaks she shared with her husband, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Bob Waterfield. Jane’s pool was installed by Landon Standard Pools, which started off in Northern California but relocated to Van Nuys in 1947 because, according to a feature in the Valley Times newspaper, “The company believes that this area will prove to be the fastest-growing center of residential building in the U.S.” (Image courtesy of Christina Rice)

Early 1950s

Perhaps the most famous Valley swimming pool: the piano-shaped pool installed by Liberace at his Sherman Oaks home in 1953. Baker Construction Company of Pasadena was responsible for bringing this musical vision to life at the Valley Vista Boulevard home. The pool not only bore the shape of a grand piano, but was rimmed with black paint and included a full set of painted piano keys, which were best viewed and photographed from above. The glitzy entertainer lived at the property until 1957, when he migrated to Palm Springs. (Valley Times Collection/Los Angeles Public Library)

Late 1950s

Philip Ilsley of Paddock Engineering may have made swimming pool installation more attainable for middle-class Valley families, but others sought to capitalize on this breakthrough during the Valley’s post-war building boom. Here, actor Jayne Mansfield touts the 1959 launch of her Dream Pools budget brand, which she briefly shared with her husband, bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay. The actor lent her name to the swimming pool company, which was located on Sepulveda Boulevard in Van

Nuys. (Photo by George Brich, Valley Times Collection/ Los Angeles Public Library)

In every issue, we share one story across The Golden State Company network that explores topics beyond the limits of the Valley. Our lifestyle platform SHLTR showcases inspirational environments selected by a global team of architects, designers and visionaries. To learn more and discover other stories like this, visit shltr.is.

A Warm Welcome

PALM SPRINGS DESIGNER MICHELLE BOUDREAU TAKES CUES FROM THE DESERT FOR A POOL HOUSE-TURNED-GUEST CASITA.

Written by Jennie Nunn

Photographed by CK Showhouse Photography

Palm Springs—once a preferred hideaway for Hollywood’s elite set, from Elvis Presley to Marilyn Monroe—is home to some of the finest examples of mid-century architecture and design. At October’s Modernism Week festival in Palm Springs, local designer Michelle Boudreau displayed a pool house she transformed into a cheery private casita and guest suite in Indian Canyons.

“It was dated and untouched,” explains Michelle. “Designer Christopher Kennedy graciously asked me to design the room. The clients wanted an inviting place for guests to enjoy the indoor-outdoor lifestyle in privacy. They envisioned colors that reflected the essence of Palm Springs.”

Playing off hues found in the natural desert surroundings, Michelle appointed the space with greens, blues, pinks and even black. “I was inspired by the lush landscaping of the property,” she recounts, “the variations of the green palms and plants, and the dusty pinks of the surrounding succulents and warm tones of the desert mountain sunsets that can be viewed from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Black brings in a

MICHELLE’S DESIGN HACKS

CHECK SURROUNDINGS “Ensure that the colors work with the environment.”

EXAMINE LIGHT “Study the light from dusk to dawn. Sunlight varies in warm and cool tones and different locations, making colors appear differently.”

CONSIDER PALETTE “If you are using multiple colors, ensure that they work nicely together. I stay away from jarring and bright colors in a home since that is a sanctuary of happiness and calm. There are no rules with color. It is a nice, easy way to express your personality and to reinvigorate a space.”

MICHELLE’S SHOPPING GO-TOS

LIGHTING “I love to create custom-designed lighting or find interesting vintage lighting. 1stDibs is great for sourcing pieces from all over the world.”

FABRICS “I source a lot of my fabrics from Schumacher. They have an extensive luxury collection of original prints that are elegant, high quality.”

ACCESSORIES “I always find one-of-a-kind objects on my inspirational travels all over the globe.”

PAINT “I work with Dunn-Edwards paints. They are leaders in curating the best colors and understand design palettes with highperformance quality.”

contrasting edge. I wanted the color palette to be refreshing and inspiring as well as calming and comfortable.”

Michelle added a unique twist to an ordinary medium and used it throughout the house. “One of the details I pulled through the design was inspired by the original pegboard material,” she says. “I updated this element by creating large perforations in the woodwork to nod to the prior detail for a modern update.” The design can been seen in the kitchenette, where she used a perforated screen panel to designate the space, and in bathroom cabinetry. The round element of the perforated panels was then repeated in the dimensional shape of the tile in the bathroom.

To maximize space and function, Michelle added a floorto-ceiling glass slider as a private entrance for guests.

Michelle says of the renovation, “I love that I have been able to keep the integrity of the original mid-century architectural details and shapes and use them in a new, updated way.” ¢

Expanded Horizons

SURE, TRAVEL IS A PART OF SUMMER FRIVOLITIES,

Written by Heather David | Illustrated by Yuiko Sugino

Ah, summertime … sun, fun and that never-ending social media feed featuring fabulous people doing fabulous things. One is playing boccie ball in Tuscany; another is scuba diving off the Seychelles. But if you’re staying local, there’s no need to fret. Exciting adventures and creative opportunities abound in the Valley.

GET HOOKED

Whether you’re a novice angler or a serious fisher, Guppies Fishing Adventures has a piscatory experience for you. For beginners, Valley native and outdoor adventure guide Lorenzo Sandoval brings all of the bait and tackle and patiently teaches the basics. These Lake Balboa out ings are catch-and-release.

For those more experienced, Lorenzo offers hiking and fishing expeditions at places like Castaic and Pyramid Lakes, where you can reel in rainbow trout, catfish or largemouth

bass to take home and enjoy. guppiesfishingadventures.com

CONVERSE COURTSIDE

Pickleball is considered America’s fastest-growing participant sport. Why not get in on the fun? Instructor Timothy Chuko teaches the fundamentals to first-timers and instructs experienced players on how to advance their game to the next level. You’ll get good exercise, and who knows—you might also make a friend. “Pickleball is often played in a doubles format,” says Timothy, “so you’re constantly interacting with your partner and opponents. This creates opportunities for communication, teamwork and building relationships both on and off the court.”

Interested players can text Timothy at 747-257-7695.

CUE IT UP

House of Billiards in Sherman Oaks is one of those no-muss, no-fuss joints that’s been going strong on the Boulevard since 1979. Their simple recipe for success? A room full of pool tables that rent hourly for $17, along with a $4 happy hour that features more than a dozen craft beers on tap. The familyowned establishment stimulates all of your senses with cue balls cracking, music rocking and televised sports airing nonstop. Prepare for a throwback experience replete with a cash-only policy.

thehouseofbilliards.com

BUT WHY NOT GET SOME PLAYTIME IN ON YOUR HOME TURF? WHETHER YOU’RE IN BETWEEN OR FORGOING TRIPS THIS SUMMER, THE VALLEY OFFERS PLENTY OF ACTIVITIES WITHIN EASY REACH.

IT’S MAHJICAL

Encino-based Ronni Rice, aka the Marvelous Mrs. Mahj, delights in sharing the game of American Mahjong (Mahj) with others. Your mind will be enlightened through this tactile and stimulating tile game that incorporates strategy and luck. Playing is great for your mood, too.

“If you’re not laughing while you’re playing Mahj, you’re not doing it right,” Ronni says. Originally created in ancient China, Mahj came to the States in the 1920s and now includes a daunting 36-page rulebook. But don’t be intimidated. Ronni patiently takes newbies through the intricacies of the game during the classes

she holds in her backyard, while keeping things light and positive. marvelousmrsmahj.com

IN THE CARDS

While many people think of canasta as a card game for grandmothers, today nothing could be further than the truth. Caroline Dann, one of only two registered canasta teachers in California, instructs all ages out of her Encino home—and she has never been busier. The former psychotherapist takes students through the complex rules and strategies of the mind-bending game during a series of four classes. Canasta, which emanates from the rummy family, is most commonly played by four in two partnerships with two decks of cards. It is a great way to engage your mind and creativity while having a good time with friends and family. facebook.com/ CanastaAcademy

FIRE IT UP

The bright and airy Fire Glass Studio in Canoga Park is the perfect space to learn the art of glass fusion. The studio provides glass art classes for kids and adults at all skill levels, from

beginner to accomplished artist. Beginners can paint objects such as plates, candle holders and pendants, while the instructors handle all the dangerous stuff, like cutting and firing the glass. After a piece is cooked at temperatures of 1,500°, the colors meld together to form beautiful and unique combinations. For those interested in a deeper dive, Fire Glass also offers a professional open-lab program for those who want to create more complex works of art.

fireglassstudio.com

CLAY PLAY

Creative Ceramics owner Kristin Davis describes the space as “a collaborative community of artists, young and old, who are inspired to play with clay.” The Sherman Oaks shop offers daily classes for kids and adults, as well as open studio times during which enthusiasts and experienced artists can create hand-formed sculptures or throw bowls and vases on the pottery wheel. “Our philosophy is simple,” Kristin says. “If you can imagine it, you can make it.”

creativeceramicstudio.com ¢

Marymount LOS ANGELE S

Congratulations,Class of 2023!

We are incredibly proud of our Class of 2023 graduates who have all been accepted to a four-year collegiate program and gained admission to 155 colleges and/or universities. Please note that all institutions with one or more graduates attending are denoted in bold, and schools with an * indicate multiple enrollees.

Arizona State University

Barnard College

Bates College

Baylor University

Boston College*

Boston University

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo*

Case Western Reserve University

Chapman University*

College of the Holy Cross

Duke University

Fordham University*

George Washington University*

Georgetown University*

Harvey Mudd College

Howard University

Indiana University

Johns Hopkins University

Kenyon College

King’s College

Lehigh University

Loyola Marymount University*

McGill University

New York University*

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Parsons School of Design at The New School

Purdue University

Rice University

Santa Clara University*

Santa Monica College*

Scripps College

Skidmore College

Southern Methodist University*

Spelman College

Swarthmore College

Syracuse University

Texas Christian University*

The University of Texas at Austin

Trinity College*

Tufts University

Tulane University*

University of California - Berkeley*

University of California - Davis

University of California - Los Angeles*

University of California - San Diego

University of California - Santa Barbara

University of California - Santa Cruz

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Georgia

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Notre Dame*

University of Oregon*

University of Pittsburgh

University of Richmond

University of San Diego

University of Southern California*

University of St. Andrews

University of Virginia

University of Washington

University of Wisconsin

Vanderbilt University

Villanova University*

Wake Forest University*

For more information on this outstanding group of young women, please scan the QR code:

Wesley Class of 2023

Coyote Tales

SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION WHEN IT COMES TO THE CLEVER AND SOMETIMES CUNNING CANIDS THAT SHARE OUR NEIGHBORHOODS.

Written by Anne M. Russell | Illustrations by Yuiko Sugino

Almost everyone who lives in the Valley has a coyote story. Like the Native Americans who came before us, we sometimes tell tales that feature a supernatural trickster coyote who is pure evil, and others in which he’s a benevolent friend.

But which are true and which are urban legends? We take a look at the ones we hear most frequently and examine where perception and reality may or may not diverge.

Perception: “The coyote population is exploding.”

Reality: No one knows how many coyotes (aka, Canis latrans, “barking dog”) live in California, nor can anyone say decisively whether or not their numbers are growing. Alexander Heeren, a research scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife who monitors human-wildlife interactions, says, “In the past few years, reports of coyotes have increased, but reporting for all wildlife has increased. That’s probably more a measure of human behavior.”

Heeren theorizes that the combined factors of human expansion into the wildland-urban interface and people being stuck at home during the pandemic led to more observations and encounters. Plus there’s the video doorbell factor, says Seth P.D. Riley, a wildlife ecologist and branch chief for wildlife with the National Park Service in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. “Over the last five years people have added Ring cameras, so they’re getting photos of animals in a way they didn’t before,” Riley notes. “I don’t think there’s anything to indicate a big change in the coyote population.”

Perception: “I was stalked by a coyote. It followed me on my walk.”

Reality: “This is not a thing!” exclaims licensed wildlife rehabber and founder/president of the nonprofit Animal Protection Agency, Jami LoVullo. “This ‘stalking’ is a myth that’s perpetuated. It’s a misinterpretation of coyote behavior.”

A coyote’s apparent focus on a human indicates either defense of its den or its naturally curious nature, experts explain. “They want to escort you out of the area near their den. They follow you to make sure you leave,” says LoVullo. Adds Heeren, “We get a lot of reports that coyotes are ‘hunting’ or ‘stalking’ people and often that’s just the coyote watching because they’re curious and inquisitive. They want to see if you’re putting out pet food.”

In fact, LoVullo and Heeren note, one way to discourage coyote visits is to make sure you’re not inadvertently attracting them. Clean up fallen backyard fruit. Don’t feed pets outside. Don’t let birdseed accumulate under feeders. And secure all garbage in closed containers, both to keep coyotes away and also to deter the rodents they prey on.

Perception: “A lone coyote will lure a dog to follow it and once it’s away from the owner, the coyote pack will kill it.”

Reality: Although coyotes will prey on small dogs (as well as chickens and cats), with larger dogs, coyotes are not the aggressors. “Coyotes are extremely smart animals,” LoVullo says. “There’s just no reason they’d risk

attacking a German shepherd.” If a dog chases a coyote, however, the coyote may bite in self-defense. But unlike wolves, coyotes don’t hunt in large packs of adults. Coyotes pair up for life and live in nuclear family units with young pups and juveniles, who later disperse to find their own mates.

Perception: “If someone would just trap and relocate the coyotes in my neighborhood, we’d be safer.”

Reality: This notion incorporates a couple fallacies: First, in California it’s illegal to trap and relocate any wild animal. If you catch wildlife, you must then kill it. Second, coyotes don’t recognize concepts like “my neighborhood” or “my backyard.” Heeren explains: “If you remove them, you’ll just get a new pair of coyotes. Most of the state is coyote habitat—there’s no blank

COYOTES: BY THE NUMBERS

20–35

Weight of a typical western coyote in pounds

6

Average pup litter size 43

The listing drew multiple bids, but the seller was specifically looking for a buyer who would be respectful to the environment and to the close-knit community.

Enter Peggy Hsu and Chris McCullough, who are married in life and in business with their architectural firm Hsu McCullough.

“We were looking for a hillside property on a quiet street, and we instantly fell in love with the view eastward across to the park—a ridge covered in oak trees,” Chris says. “Also, the property has a wide frontage, which is very exciting as it provides more horizontal ‘canvas’ for expression or to make a statement.”

Aware that there would be a bidding war, the couple felt their extensive background in building hillside homes and reputation for protecting the surrounding environment would help them stand out from the pack. Indeed, their offer was accepted, and the creative process to create their dream home began.

Before embarking on renovations, and with the complex permitting process underway on the dramatically sloped lot, they spent a full year living in the space, analyzing every last detail.

“In rebuilding, we didn’t want to rush it. We had to understand the natural light and the way it’s always moving. For instance, we designed a long horizontal clerestory window above the kitchen that shows the

roof garden above it, but it also enables you to see the purple and pink sunsets,” Chris shares.

The existing house was removed down to the ground except for a few key elements. One was the brick fireplace, which California now prohibits in new builds. The existing driveway and garage were also saved but updated and improved to make the garage door less visible. A wood siding-clad door was fabricated and installed to flush with the adjacent exterior wood siding. And a second story was added, giving the couple space for a cozy reading nook and primary bedroom suite.

When it comes to aesthetic inspiration, Chris says a lot of it came from the couple’s visits to Mexico City. “We were inspired by the modern minimalist homes we saw there and also by Brazilian mid-century modern architecture. We love authenticity, ruggedness, and natural materials that have a certain heft to them; refined in special layouts but raw texture in irregular shapes,” shares Chris.

Numerous examples of that ethos can be seen in the home. The floors of the entire first story—even the bathroom—are composed of irregular, oversized pieces of Indian flagstone, some with varying, uneven textures. The kitchen has a dark-hued concrete ceiling. The dining room walls are made of thick cement stucco with gravel in it, known as “seeded stucco.” The eastfacing main living area has a white oak wood ceiling and a steel and black walnut shelving system that runs across an entire wall.

The living room opens via pocketing glass walls to feature the horizon view that showcases Fossil Ridge Park. A mature crape myrtle tree is smack in the middle of the view, which Chris remembers “was in full bloom when we purchased the property.” There’s another in the front yard. “We designed the backyard patio layout and front yard exterior entry path to embrace these beautiful trees,” explains Chris.

Those solid interior materials—steel, stone and wood—are repeated outdoors, creating a seamless vibe

When a mid-century modern home in the hills of Sherman Oaks overlooking a protected green space hit the market in 2015, it garnered plenty of attention. Set on a quiet cul-de-sac, the one-story structure, built in the early ’60s, has unobstructed views of Fossil Ridge Park, which features fossilized marine life dating back millions of years.

“WE LOVE AUTHENTICITY, RUGGEDNESS, AND NATURAL MATERIALS … REFINED IN SPECIAL LAYOUTS BUT RAW TEXTURE IN IRREGULAR SHAPES.”

The circular sofa is from Anthropologie. Chris jokingly calls the mid-priced store “a secret weapon.” The chair is by Brazilian architect Lena Bo Bardi. “We sit and drink coffee here in a zen state, trying to count how many bird species fly by,” Chris says.

GO TROPICAL

5 OF CHRIS AND PEGGY’S FAVORITE HOUSE PLANTS

Monstera Deliciosa. Commonly called Swiss cheese plant, this flowering species comes from Central America. Due to its tropical nature, it likes to be misted once a week and may require a humidifier in the winter.

Monstera Adansonii. Known as Swiss cheese trailing vine, this plant is is easy to care for, quick to grow, and does well in low light. Note: All monsteras are toxic to pets.

Philodendron Xanadu. A hearty Brazil native that can handle direct morning sunlight. Philodendrons are toxic to dogs and cats.

Madagascar Palm. Needs well-draining soil and lots of light. With the right care, these decorative succulents can grow up to 6 feet tall.

Monkey Tail Cactus. This cactus, which needs only minimal care, is great as a hanging plant, displaying its drooping stems that look like tails. Indirect light is ideal.

between interior and exterior.

“You really can blur the boundary, so when the door opens, you don’t feel like there’s any breaking moment once you’re inside,” says Peggy. The 3-inch white oak boards on the ceiling and flagstone on the floors extend to the outdoor patio, which features a roof overhang. “The idea is to have the materials slip past the threshold,” Chris adds.

“We’re actually OK expressing with heavy forms that look balanced. So it can be the repurposed hand-hewn barn beam that we use to hold the roof up. Literally, you can see the markings from the person’s axe that cut that post. I love that,” says Chris.

As for the color palette, Chris and Peggy gravitated toward natural hues and muted jewel tones for the furnishings, most of which are classic designs from the mid 20th century. For example, the vintage Sergio Rodrigues Mole chair and ottoman in black leather and

imbuia wood (Brazilian walnut).

One of Chris’ longstanding passions is music. The former DJ has a vast and eclectic collection of more than 10,000 records, which are stored in the shelving system across the living room wall. His vinyls line the cold-rolled steel shelves from floor to ceiling.

“It’s not just a prop or something in the background. Records are something we listen to when we cook in the afternoon,” says Chris. “We’re homebodies. That’s why we made this kind of sanctuary.”

Adding to the calm vibe are luscious exotic plants showcased throughout the 3,000-square-foot space. Leaves trail down from a planter on the second floor. The planter (up on the second story landing), made from smooth steel, serves double duty as a guardrail for the floating walnut staircase.

“We love the use of indoor tropical plants throughout because the leaf shapes and their sprawling nature

complement the raw and highly textured materials of the home. Also, the organic shapes of the leaves—along with the curvaceous furniture—soften the sometimes sharp angles of our interior finishes.”

Outside, drought-tolerant gardens overlook the Valley basin and the Santa Monica Mountains, and Chris

and Peggy never tire of taking a seat and looking out.

“Architects go gaga for these extended views,” says Chris. “Once you embrace the landscape as the art or the beauty of your property, it’s always changing based on the seasons. It’s a hectic city, life and career. I think this, here, is our real moment.” ■

The custom 10-foot center island, made from solid American black walnut, and with sliding cabinet doors, was designed for functionality. “Not only do you have an eat-in area, it also serves as a library to store books and as a liquor cabinet,” explains Chris. There is also storage space for plates.

THE JOY IS IN THE JOURNEY

From international club DJ to real estate agent, Roger Drakes has walked the path to success.

Like many dream chasers before him, Roger Drakes arrived in Los Angeles in 2007 from Britain full of raw energy and enthusiasm—ready to embark on this new chapter in his life. Until that point, Roger (as DJ Dodge) lived the dream for 20+ years producing music in the United Kingdom for hundreds of artists—some of whom enjoyed certified gold records and chart success. This detail-oriented, creative career stuck in his DNA and would later find its way into his real estate business.

After all those years creating music, Roger never thought he would do anything else. However, out of financial necessity he found himself in 2010 at a foreclosure auction in Pomona, live-bidding on distressed properties that were being sold cheaply by banks to the highest cash bidders. The energy and adrenaline of that environment excited him greatly. What followed was a five-year stint as a buyer for one of California’s largest purchasers of distressed properties.

This was Roger’s introduction to the real estate market in the United States, where he gained valuable

knowledge about homes, ownership rights and financing. By 2014 he was a licensed agent at Keller Williams— soaking up every aspect of selling homes.

Today he is a broker associate with the mighty Sotheby’s International Realty and a (south-of-theBoulevard) Sherman Oaks resident. With over 10 years of home-selling experience and a genuine love for the process, Roger is always available to help his clients make the right decision and reach their real estate goals. From the first thought to the closing day, he likes to be immersed in every detail of his work—focused on the ideal outcome for those who use his services.

Based on personal experience, he understands the needs of his clients from a whole-family perspective.

He is a husband and father of two young children, so he understands the many ways a home should function to serve its occupants best—especially for growing families. He brings a keen awareness of the importance of neighborhoods and schools.

Roger’s wife, Natalia, is also an expat from Britain and also works in the service industry—placing nannies and general household staff with some of the world’s most celebrated individuals. In 2021 Roger and Natalia realized their personal goal of buying a home with a pool in Sherman Oaks. In true investor fashion, they snagged the cheapest one on their street with a clear vision of what the home could be. Two years later they are still remodeling—attempting to renovate the home without additional borrowing.

This savvy financial approach is something Roger takes very seriously. “The dream of homeownership can quickly become a nightmare if your numbers don’t work,” he explains. Now as an owner and landlord of three homes in the Valley, Roger sees himself as perfectly positioned to guide buyers and sellers when they make this monumental step in life.

Sotheby’s International Realty is a brand synonymous with quality and luxury throughout the world. It’s a place where those with the finest taste look first when homehunting. It’s where superior presentation is a minimum expectation and exceeding the goal is usually the outcome. Roger’s good energy and experience combined with this tailored approach to luxury marketing result in what you would expect from a brokerage with 279 years of global heritage and history.

Disclaimer: 2023 Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty Inc.

BRE #0089496

ROGER DRAKES | BRE #01964370

818-390-2833 | ROGER.DRAKES@SOTHEBYS.REALTY

MEMBER OF BHGLAAR.COM

@DRAKESESTATESLA

DRAKESESTATESLA.COM (ROGER)

KNIGHTSBRIDGENANNY.COM (NATALIA)

“THE DREAM OF HOMEOWNERSHIP CAN QUICKLY BECOME A NIGHTMARE IF YOUR NUMBERS DON’T WORK.”

Channeling the Islands

A DIVE INTO THE ENCHANTING CHANNEL ISLANDS. JUST A STONE’S THROW FROM THE VALLEY, THE NATIONAL PARK IS FILLED WITH WONDERS FOR WILDLIFE LOVERS AND DIVING ENTHUSIASTS. THE SHORT BOAT RIDE OUT IS AT LEAST HALF THE FUN.

Written by Ginny Prior

Bison, bobcats and bears. These creatures are common in our national parks. Garibaldis, island foxes, and island scrub-jays—not so much. Yet the waters off Channel Islands National Park are teeming with the bright orange fish—the California state marine fish— and the tiny foxes and scrub-jays are among Channel Islands species found nowhere else on the planet.

The Channel Islands are eight bodies of land that stretch off the Southern California coast, as near as 12 miles and as distant as 70 miles from the mainland. Five of them make up Channel Islands National Park. The wildlife is abundant, and the crystal clear water makes it one of the best cold-water diving spots on the planet. In less than an hour from the Valley, you can be on a boat bound for this enchanting offshore world.

Within the national park, San Miguel Island is known for its tens of thousands of seals. Santa Rosa Island has stands of rare Torrey pines, and Santa Barbara Island (currently closed due to storm damage) is a sanctuary for nesting seabirds. Anacapa, nearest island to the mainland, is a safe haven for the world’s largest breeding colonies of western gulls and brown pelicans. Santa Cruz, the second-nearest and largest of the islands, has hundreds of sea caves to explore.

Independent kayakers can paddle in and among these caves, but guided tours with the Park’s official concessionaire, Channel Islands Adventure Company, are recommended. Once in the caves, you’ll see purple sea stars and tiny crabs scurrying across the dripping rocks. You may even spot a sea lion resting on a rocky outcropping.

Painted Cave on Santa Cruz Island is one of the largest sea caves in the world—big enough to house a blimp. Even if you don’t opt for a kayak tour, you can see Painted Cave on a boat tour with Island Packers Cruises, the park’s official boat concessionaire. The family-owned company takes passengers from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands year-round, and the outer islands from March through November.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LOTTIE KEENAN

Island Packers co-owner Cherryl Connally says each island has its own charm, but one of her favorite spots is on Anacapa. “Inspiration Point is just a great place to breathe and rest and enjoy the ambiance,” she says, adding that “it’s outrageously beautiful.”

Santa Rosa Island, she shares, is popular for camping. Santa Cruz is known for its vast kelp forests off Scorpion Anchorage, where the diving and snorkeling are amazing. “It’s a protected marine sanctuary, so snorkeling there, you’ll see a lot of fish,” says Cherryl. Channel Islands Adventure Company offers snorkel and wetsuit rentals and guided snorkeling and kayaking

tours from the sandy beach at Scorpion.

Each island offers scenic trails for hikers. One Anacapa trail leads to a 1932 lighthouse, and another to Inspiration Point. On Santa Cruz Island, Prisoners Harbor is known for its native plants such as giant coreopsis and island buckwheat. Cherryl notes that more than 2,000 species of plants live on the Channel Islands, and 200 of them are found nowhere else on earth.

You can camp on any of the five Channel Islands, except the currently closed Santa Barbara Island. It’s a shared experience. You’ll cohabit with thousands of birds, seals and sea lions on Anacapa; island scrub-jays and the indigenous island fox on Santa Cruz; marine birds and an island fox subspecies on Santa Rosa; and the prehistoric-looking brown pelicans on both Anacapa and Santa Cruz.

Getting to the islands is often half the fun, because you’re almost certain to see whales, dolphins, and scads of seabirds en route. “For many years we didn’t have the whales in our channels,” says Cherryl, “but because we have a sanctuary and the ocean has changed, we pretty much have them year-round.”

If all these adventures haven’t piqued your interest about the Channel Islands, there’s the appeal of romance. With the water so clear, you may be able to see male garibaldis luring ladies into their kelp dens during the spring-to-fall reproductive season. When their eggs have been laid, the females swim away, leaving the males to raise the fry. It’s just one of nature’s many wonders in Channel Islands National Park. ■

GETTING TO THE ISLANDS IS OFTEN HALF

THE FUN, BECAUSE YOU’RE ALMOST CERTAIN TO SEE WHALES, DOLPHINS, AND SCADS OF SEABIRDS EN ROUTE.

Elephant seals on San Miguel Island. Opposite page: rare Torrey pines forest on Santa Rosa Island; brown pelicans on Anacapa Island.

Top Cop Talks Shop

AN IN-DEPTH CONVERSATION WITH ALAN HAMILTON, THE HEAD OF LAPD’S VALLEY BUREAU.

Illustrated by Yuiko Sugino

When it comes to the LAPD’s Valley Bureau, the buck stops with Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton, a guy who, after more than 30 years with the force, believes that being a police officer is “one of the most rewarding careers you can have.” He’s worked in nearly every one of LAPD’s divisions, from patrol to vice. He has also worked as a detective. As a captain, he worked with the Topanga Patrol Division. He was later promoted to commander and transferred to serve as assistant commanding officer of operations for the Valley Bureau in 2018. Promoted to deputy chief in 2021, he now heads the Valley Bureau. Here Chief Hamilton talks to VB editor Linda Grasso, giving her an overview of crime in the Valley—from tips on safe parking to avoiding conflict on the roads.

In terms of crime overall, how are we doing in the Valley?

Well, we’re actually seeing decreases in crime this year. It could be weather-related—all the rain we’ve had—but we’re working hard on areas with violent crime and trying to get guns used in crimes and narcotics off the street.

How do police go about confiscating guns used in crimes? What is that process?

Everything from regular investigative stops to traffic stops to the follow-up on investigations involving homicides, serious assaults and robberies. We also have informants that tell us where guns are. And we have undercover officers who buy guns. We come across guns through the course of our everyday activities.

What are the areas of the Valley where you see the most crimes?

I would say we see a mix of violent and

property-oriented crime in the North Hills, Sun Valley and Reseda areas.

What about the murder rate in the Valley? How does that compare to previous years?

We had 67 homicides in the San Fernando Valley in 2022. That was an increase from 2021 of approximately 15%. This year we’re doing much better. Some of it probably has to do with the weather. Right now, with 14 homicides in the Valley so far in 2023, we’re down about 20%.

What are the most common crimes in the Valley? Probably breaking into a car and removing items. Most often we see this in multi-unit dwellings when there are lots of vehicles around with easy access.

If you live in a complex like that, or say you are at a mall in underground parking, what kind of precautions can you take?

Park in a well-lit area near a camera if you can. This is particularly important if it is nighttime. If there is security on the property, park near that. You don’t want to be parked in areas with blind spots or places where you are hidden from view.

Many residents are concerned about dangerous encounters with homeless people. Give us some guidance here with regard to safety. You should act with caution at all times. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Homeless people are not more dangerous just because they’re unhoused. The ones who are involved in criminal activity are just as dangerous as someone who is involved in criminal activity that’s not homeless. They’re dangerous regardless. What

we do find, though, is that a lot of the people who are homeless are afflicted with two high-risk factors: mental health and substance-abuse issues. You should always use caution when you encounter those populations.

Another thing I constantly hear about is people having deliveries stolen from their doorstep, mailbox, or driveway. Residents often catch these thieves on tape with security cameras. What do you suggest here?

If you have criminal activity on tape, give it to police. You can go online at lapdonline.org, our community online reporting system, and submit it. We retain that kind of video because that is a theft.

I’m assuming people should not expect police to try to track down the thief when you share video—right?

Yes, correct. But that absolutely can occur though. We’ve found videos helpful in solving some investigations.

What other crimes should we be heads-up about?

The San Fernando Valley is the worldwide capital of

road rages. You see them not just on freeways but on surface streets. Suggestion: When you start to get angry with another motorist, make a right turn and get the hell away from the other party. And just cool your jets. Nothing is going to be gained from a confrontation—ever.

What has the anti-police movement and the decrease in the force been like for you and your officers?

I tell them that as long as they remain professional and forthright, they will be fine. We’ve been put in a position where we have decreased resources. No organization is going to go from 10,000 officers down to just over 9,000 and not be affected. In the Valley, we are 240 officers short of our normal force. And that is about average; it is no more short than the other bureaus in the city.

Why exactly are we 240 short on the Valley force?

It’s a combination of factors. We’ve had a large number of retirements or people who are retirement-eligible age. There are some people who have opted go to other agencies or departments. Others have moved out of state, feeling it is a better living situation for their families.

Do you guys feel pinched to cover all the demands of the job?

We’re managing it now, but if the numbers dwindle much more, we’re going to be in the locker pretty quick.

What kind of people are you looking for to fill those open slots? What makes a good police officer?

The most important thing we look for is integrity, because your word is your bond with the community. If we fail, then we immediately have a problem. So character is the linchpin upon which everything else is built. We are also looking for people who are willing to work long hours and who will try to come up with solutions for community members. It can be a really rewarding career. Where else can you go to help people and be that person who is a shining light in the darkness? ■

“THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE LOOK FOR IS INTEGRITY, BECAUSE YOUR WORD IS YOUR BOND WITH THE COMMUNITY. CHARACTER IS THE LINCHPIN UPON WHICH EVERYTHING ELSE IS BUILT.”

Rural Respite

U-PICK EXPERIENCES, WAGON RIDES AND GOAT ENCOUNTERS ARE PART OF A DAY’S VISIT TO UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS.

Written by Chelsee Lowe

Photographed by Cynthia Bullard

Perusing plums, peaches and pickles at the local farmers market is often a highlight in my week, but when my family and I are willing to drive a bit farther, visiting an actual farm is a lovely change of pace. When my kids and I crave open space and a rustic, throwback experience, we head to Underwood Family Farms.

Open since 1980, this Moorpark destination is both a working farm and hands-on education center. My eldest daughter first visited with her kindergarten class. The field trip was designed to help students better understand where their food comes from, and to have them appreciate the myriad workers who tend, pick, pack and transport that food. They went to the farm “classroom,” sitting on hay bales while farmers taught about plants. Then it was off to the fields via tractor-pulled wagon. The kids disembarked and got their hands dirty, pulling carrots, beets, lettuce and herbs right from the soil and taking them home to use in meals.

That U-pick experience, for which you pay by the pound, is available year-round, with produce options changing with the season. Crops like bok choy, fennel, turnips, kohlrabi, beets and mandarins were available in April. Berries, cucumber, tomatoes, squash and beans

are some of what’s available now through September. Kids will love the independence as they wander the rows, plucking ripe berries and filling their own personal cartons.

Additionally, the Animal Center here offers play equipment (from tire tunnels in a hillside to a combine that’s been turned into a giant slide), and lots of opportunities to observe, pet and feed farm animals. Sleepy pigs rest in the mud, and chickens cluck about and sit on their eggs. Turkeys, bunnies and alpacas live here too. The goats are particularly fascinating to watch as they climb around on an elaborate setup of ramps, some 20 feet in the air, bleating as they go.

If you want to see the farm in party mode, visit during one of its annual holiday events. Underwood’s Fall Harvest Festival runs September 30 to October 31— great for U-pick pumpkins—and the Christmas on the Farm event runs throughout December. You can choose your tree from a large lot, and kids can visit Santa and get a snapshot. Crying allowed. ■

wood & water

Kitchen & Bar serving seasonal New American Cuisine with multicultural influences and flavors. Featuring the freshest seafood, sustainable protein, and farm-to-fork produce.

13359 Ventura Blvd

Sherman Oaks, CA 818-855-1661

Woodandwaterla.com

Unsung Bloomer

THEY MAY NOT GET ALL THE OOHS AND AHS OF, SAY, ROSES—OR THE GOOD PRESS OF DROUGHTTOLERANT NATIVES—BUT WHEN IT COMES TO WHAT REALLY THRIVES IN A VALLEY GARDEN, GERANIUMS ARE WORTH A CLOSE LOOK.

Written by Linda Grasso

When I first moved to LA in 1993, I visited my grandmother’s sister, who lived a stone’s throw from Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank. She was in her 80s then, and her once-tidy property had gotten away from her. With no sprinkler system, her yard was a dried heap of brown. However, in one spot in the backyard, there was a vibrant lemon tree surrounded by beautiful, flowering, mounding geraniums. I marveled that something was able to grow so well without water.

My long journey as a passionate gardener started soon after that visit. A native Marylander, I started out trying all kinds of things that are established no-no’s in SoCal: tulips, lilacs, peonies. Then acceptance set in, as I learned about what would grow in zone 9, and moved toward water-sucking flowering annuals. The next best thing—right? My next mindset: “I’m going to be money-smart.” I moved into perennials. Then an acute awareness of the drought set in, sparking another shift: “I’m going to plant drought-tolerant natives.” In came the salvias, manzanitas and buckwheats. The notion of including geraniums never entered my mind— until I went to a drought-tolerant-plant festival at the Sepulveda Gardening Center this spring.

Pink Fizz

Martha Washington

White Lady

On display by the Los Angeles Geranium Society: a fascinating display of geraniums, part of the Pelargonium genus (as opposed to the Geranium genus, aka “true” geraniums), most of which were the creations of Jay Kapac. For the past 40 years the Val Verde Park-based plant breeder has undertaken the delicate process of propagating geraniums–many of them cross-bred—and selling them to nurseries across the state.

“Geraniums have been here forever,” Jay shares. “The first people who colonized California brought roses,

JAY’S TOP 5 REASONS WHY GERANIUMS MAKE A TERRIFIC ADDITION TO A VALLEY GARDEN

1. Once established in the ground (they do better in the ground than in pots), they are drought-tolerant.

2. When it gets hot, several species, including the bright orange and maroon-hued hybrid “Amelita,” continue to flower though summer. If you want blossoms that can tolerate heat, stay away from varieties like “Martha Washington.”

3. Rabbits do not eat geraniums.

4. There is great value with geraniums because they are easy to propagate. You can snip off a cutting and then put it in the ground to create another plant. (Best done when there are no flowers on the cutting.)

5. They have interesting characteristics. Some varieties are scented. One smells like lemon; another smells like a rose. One scented variety, “Citronella,” keeps bugs away.

For more go to geraniumsociety.org

irises and geraniums with them because you can propagate them with cuttings.”

Some of Jay’s varieties were award-winners at the show, including “Queen of Hearts,” a striking plant with bold scarlet flowers that are maroon in the middle; and “Pink Fizz,” which has a delicate pink flower and an elegant presence.

I bought Pink Fizz as well as a couple of other varieties. They’re pretty small right now but my guess is by summer, when they’ve erupted with blossoms, I’ll be saying plenty of oohs and ahs. ■

The heat-tolerant Amelita blossoms through summer.

Thank you

A big thank you to everyone who made our May Home & Garden Issue party at Rolling Greens at The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City a success. Thank you to Cosmetic Injectables Center, our party sponsor. Delicious eats were provided by Taisho and Casita; wine from Nectar of the Dogs; cocktails by Gray Whale Gin; and dessert by Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. Thank you also to Lisa Ziff Designs for bringing all the gorgeous gold jewelry to sell at the event. We are so grateful for all our partners!

Garden Party

It was a sea of verdant, vibrant hues at VB’s soiree to celebrate the May Home & Garden issue of Ventura Blvd at Rolling Greens at The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City. More than 200 guests partied on the second level of the new store, a light, airy space filled with plants, pots and outdoor furniture that doubles as an events rental space. Cosmetic Injectables Center, our sponsor for the party, treated guests to complimentary EmSculpt Neo muscle-toning treatments as well as Upneeq Eye-Opening Lift eyedrops, which brighten up the eyes. Guests noshed on sushi from Taisho and tacos from Casita—two of Sherman Oaks’ hottest eateries—and sipped wine from Nectar of the Dogs as well as cocktails by Gray Whale Gin. A constant crowd surrounded a table topped with stunning gold jewelry by Lisa Ziff Designs. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream—also located at the outdoor mall—served scoops of Honeycomb for dessert.

Karen Silver, Linda Grasso, Paul Carroll, Jeffrey Saad, Robin Sanders

Spencer Allyn, Phyllis Appel, Scott Morris, Robyn Allyn

Keri Meglen, Robin Sanders, Sybelle Sprague, Tanya Forman, Tom Forman

Ramit Varma, Charlie Koones, Sybelle Sprague

Third from left: Dr. Anna Guanche, Frank Pita and Sue Williams, with guests

Virginia Levanas and Kristin Hector

William Turner and Sandy Gleysteen

Diana German Tagle, Yochanan Kabaker, Liron Fisch

Laura Lopez, Sophia Lopez, Dr. Michael Persky

Siobhan Kelly, Dr. Sherly Soleiman of Cosmetics Injectables Center and Jessica Olarewaju of EmSculpt

Vinnie Malcolm and Michaela Cadiz

Jeweler Lisa Ziff of Lisa Ziff Designs

Sara Sutakajana, Amy McHale, Chelsee Lowe

Heath Bernstein and Braxton Overgaauw of Gray Whale Gin

Brandon Guerrero and Kirsten Collins

Monica Pontrelli and Melanie Garibay of Nectar of the Dogs

Part of the crew from Casita and Taisho restaurants

Tacos from Casita in Sherman Oaks

Teri Gillivray and Dana Delena

TOP DOCTORS & HEALTH CARE PROS

As most of us know, finding good doctors and medical providers can be a challenge—whether for a loved one or yourself. And we don’t want to endure long drives to see them. On the following pages we highlight some local health care professionals who are at the top of their game and have the track record to prove it. Whether you need assistance with a specific health challenge or simply want to improve your appearance, these Valley practitioners are available to help you feel and look your best.

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ERIC W. SNYDER, MD Medical Director, Emergency Services, Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center

As medical director of the emergency department at Providence CedarsSinai Tarzana Medical Center, Eric W. Snyder, MD, works with nursing, medical and ancillary staff to ensure 24/7 emergency medical care for the community. Dr. Snyder grew up in Tarzana and was treated at Tarzana Medical Center when he was just 7 years old. He joined Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center as a physician 12 years ago and has been in his current role as medical director of Emergency Services for six years.

Providence Tarzana’s emergency department has been providing lifesaving care to the community for decades. The facility is certified as a STEMI Receiving Center and accredited as a Stroke Receiving Center. With the need for these and other critical services rising dramatically each year, a larger, modernized emergency department has become essential. The hospital will open its new emergency department this year, expanding from 18 treatment bays to 33, upgrading to the latest medical equipment and state-of-the-art technology, and adding staff members.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND DREAMS FOR 2023?

To improve the care and services we provide to our community. I want to lead a successful transition into our new facility and ensure that my staff and I work together to provide the high-quality care in the ED that we have been providing for the past 50 years in our community—while also looking at our plans to grow and expand the services and possibilities we offer in the future.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TEAM.

I am blessed with an amazing administrative

team that has expertise and compassion for our patients: Rose Bisellach, RN, emergency room nursing manager; Ralph Baca, MD, emergency medicine physician; Alex Ruby, MD, associate medical director; Bobak Zonnoor, MD, associate medical director; and Paula Whiteman, MD, pediatric emergency medicine physician. We cannot do anything without the support of our entire nursing staff; we all work together to provide quality care. Additionally, to make the emergency department a success, we require the support and dedication of other departments—such as environmental series, radiology and labs—to function efficiently. We are very fortunate to have an executive administration team that puts patients first. Our chief executive, Nick Lymberopoulos, has demonstrated time and time again that he cares about doing the right thing for our community.

DESCRIBE SOME WAYS YOU HELP PATIENTS IMPROVE THEIR HEALTHY HABITS.

I am a huge fan of proactive education and preventive health when it comes to tobacco, safety equipment and drugs. If I know someone smokes, I spend the limited time I have in the ED discussing strategies to quit. With children, if there is an injury from a skateboard or bicycle accident, I explain the importance of wearing a helmet—as the next injury could be catastrophic. Additionally, I speak with all kids about the dangers of drugs—fentanyl in particular.

I educated a young boy about the dangers of drugs. He had come to the ED after taking too much Xanax. I told him, “You caught a lucky break and cannot do this again. If you had taken fentanyl, you wouldn’t be waking up and I’d have to tell your parents that their son had died.” I’d like to think that had a lasting impact. There are

a lot of kids who are still not aware of how dangerous fentanyl is. It’s important that we educate kids and spread this information about the dangers.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR WORK MAKE YOUR PATIENTS’ LIVES EASIER?

I have my ED doctors call back at least two patients every shift to see how they’re doing. Not only are the patients extremely happy about this, but our doctors get to further see the impact their care provided. If there is an issue, they can ask the patient to return for a follow-up visit.

I’ve had personal connections with patients because I live in the community. Ten years ago, there was an elderly woman who cut her knee open on her back porch. She required numerous stitches and debridement. I told her to come in every day, and that her knee needed to be meticulously cared for so she didn’t get an infection. Her husband didn’t drive, and after speaking with her further I realized that she only lived two blocks away from where my parents lived. So for the next two weeks I’d stop by to dress the wound, and eventually I took out her stitches. We developed a friendship, and I stayed in touch with her and her family.

WHY THIS CAREER?

I was exposed to the medical field at a young age by my father, an orthopedic surgeon. I spent a lot of summers working with him in his office and thought it was so cool how great he was with his patients and how he made people better. During college, I developed a passion for emergency care while working as an EMT. While not everyone can be saved in an emergency, providing dignity and respect in their final moments is something very meaningful.

Dr. Eric Snyder, Nurse Rose Bisellach, Dr. Ralph Baca

ANTHONY CARDILLO, MD

Owner, Mend Urgent Care

Mend Urgent Care in Sherman Oaks was founded in 2015 by a group of experienced health care professionals with a mission to provide top-quality, patient-centered urgent care services to the community. Owner Anthony Cardillo, MD, earned his medical degree from Keck School of Medicine of USC and completed a residency in emergency medicine and internal medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He has worked in health care for the past two decades.

WHAT MAKES YOUR PRACTICE STAND OUT?

Mend Urgent Care stands out from its competition in several ways. We offer extended hours, including evenings and weekends, to provide patients with convenient access to care. We also offer online check-in, allowing patients to reserve their spot and wait from the comfort of their home. We prioritize patient care and comfort with a welcoming, friendly environment and an emphasis on communication and transparency. We are committed to treating every patient with compassion and respect, and to providing clear and understandable explanations of diagnoses and treatment options. We also stand out because of our commitment to communication and transparency. Our dedication to providing top-quality urgent care services and our responsiveness to the needs of our community make us a valuable asset to the Sherman Oaks area.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR WORK ASSIST A GROWING POPULATION OF SENIORS?

As the population of seniors continues to grow, it impacts the demand for urgent care services. Seniors are more likely to suffer from chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, which require ongoing management and can lead to acute exacerbations that require urgent medical attention. Additionally, seniors are at a higher risk of falls and other accidents,

which can result in injuries that require urgent care. The growing population of seniors also places increased demand on primary care providers, who may refer patients to urgent care clinics for non-lifethreatening conditions. Urgent care clinics can also provide specialized geriatric care and accommodate mobility issues.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAITS TO SUCCEED IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

To succeed in the urgent care industry, strong communication skills are crucial, as urgent care providers need to be able to effectively communicate with patients, their families and other health care professionals in a fast-paced environment. Urgent care providers should also have excellent problem-solving abilities, as they will often need to make quick decisions to diagnose and treat patients in urgent situations. Flexibility and adaptability are important traits, as urgent care providers must be able to respond to unexpected situations and changes in patient needs. The ability to work well under pressure and handle stress is also important. A commitment to ongoing learning and professional development is essential, as the urgent care industry is constantly evolving, and providers must stay up to date with the latest medical advances and technologies.

DESCRIBE SOME OF THE WAYS YOU HELP PATIENTS IMPROVE THEIR HEALTHY HABITS.

Mend Urgent Care is committed to helping patients improve their health and wellbeing by providing a range of services and resources that promote healthy habits, such as:

Preventive care services: Mend Urgent Care offers a range of preventive care services, including vaccinations, physical exams and health screenings. These services help patients identify and manage potential health risks before they become more serious.

Nutritional counseling: The clinic has

licensed providers on staff who can provide patients with personalized nutrition plans and advice on healthy eating habits.

Smoking cessation resources: We offer smoking cessation programs and resources to help patients quit smoking and improve their respiratory health.

Promoting physical activity: The clinic provides advice and resources on how to increase physical activity, which can help patients improve their cardiovascular health, maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress.

Mental health support: Mend Urgent Care has mental health professionals on staff who provide counseling and therapy services to help patients manage stress, anxiety and other mental health concerns.

HOW DID YOUR TEAM PERFORM DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we quickly adapted our operations to ensure the safety of both patients and staff. We implemented a variety of safety protocols, including temperature checks, mandatory mask wearing and frequent disinfection of surfaces. We also began offering telemedicine appointments to allow patients to receive care remotely. We worked closely with local public health authorities to ensure that we were following the latest guidelines and recommendations.

Mend Urgent Care was involved in community outreach and education during the pandemic. We provided information and resources to local schools and businesses, helping promote awareness and prevent the spread of COVID-19. We partnered with local organizations to provide COVID-19 testing and vaccination services, helping increase access to these critical resources.

Additionally, Mend Urgent Care was one of the first clinics in the area to offer COVID19 testing to patients, and we also provided vaccination services when they became available. Mend Urgent Care played a crucial role in helping the community navigate the challenges of the pandemic.

PEYMAN GHASRI, MD & PEDRAM GHASRI, MD

Castle Dermatology Institute

Castle Dermatology Institute specializes in the full spectrum of dermatology including adult and pediatric dermatology, medical and surgical dermatology, and cosmetic and laser dermatology. Founder Peyman Ghasri, MD, and his brother, Pedram Ghasri, MD, are both double board-certified in dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery and skin cancer reconstruction.

Both doctors have extensive expertise in advanced aesthetic techniques such as Botox/Dysport to soften lines and wrinkles, and injectable fillers including Sculptra, Radiesse, Restylane, Voluma and Juvéderm. To address a wide array of cosmetic and medical concerns, the practice provides dermatologic laser treatments including IPL Photofacial, CoolSculpting, vascular laser, PRP, microneedling, Ultherapy, laser hair removal, Xtrac laser for vitiligo and psoriasis, chemical peels, thread lift, and treatments for varicose and facial veins.

Dr. Peyman has worked in the medical field for two decades and founded Castle Dermatology Institute in 2006. Before long the practice outgrew its space in Encino, so the team moved to a Tarzana location with spacious rooms and complimentary valet parking. Dr. Pedram joined Castle in 2015.

The brothers grew up in the Encino/ Tarzana area and have identical educational backgrounds—even though they are years apart in age. At different times, they both graduated with the highest honors from UCLA with a degree in neuroscience; attended UC Irvine School of Medicine, graduating at the top of their respective classes; and completed a dermatology residency at UC Irvine.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR WORK MAKE PATIENTS’ LIVES EASIER?

In addition to providing comprehensive medical and surgical dermatologic care, we are fortunate to have the skills and tools to make our patients look their best.

We offer the whole spectrum of cosmetic care, including injectables, lasers, chemical peels and skin-tightening devices. We enjoy watching patients regain their confidence and feel their best.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB?

The most rewarding part of our job is the relationships we’ve formed with our patients. We consider ourselves community dermatologists and have enjoyed being considered part of patients’ extended families. We’ve been fortunate to bear witness to many of their milestones, from graduations and weddings to new children and retirements. These personal and friendly bonds are what sets us apart from larger practices.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TREATMENTS YOU ARE EXCITED TO OFFER?

One of the most impressive lasers in rejuvenation is the fractional CO2 resurfacing laser, which can erase 10 years in one hour. You really can minimize all the fine lines and acne scars and turn back the years with dramatic skin rejuvenation. The newest technology that we are excited to offer is Potenza—one of the latest and greatest radiofrequency microneedling devices. This technology helps tighten the skin in the lower face and neck area and reduces acne scars, wrinkles and stretch marks with minimal downtime. It is safe for any skin type.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND DREAMS FOR 2023?

We are always striving to be the best dermatology practice in the area as we provide comprehensive care to our loyal patients. We hope to continue to grow our practice with our extended availability and incorporating the latest advancements in lasers and other dermatological devices and treatments. Dermatology is always an evolving field, and so we constantly stay up

to date with the latest medical and surgical treatments that we can make available to our patients.

Dr. Pedram is excited to announce the opening of a second Castle Dermatology location. At this brand-new, state-of-the-art clinic in Valencia, he will provide the same excellent care and increase patient access to those in the Santa Clarita and northern San Fernando Valley area.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TEAM.

We are blessed to have a wonderful team at Castle Dermatology. We have eight medical assistants: Roxy, Neyda, Mari, Flor, Andrea, Damaris, Samantha and Isabelle. They are hardworking and reliable, and their positive attitude helps maintain an efficient and friendly environment for our patients. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are.

We are also excited to announce the recent addition of our certified dermatology physician assistant, Melissa. Having years of prior dermatology experience, she is a skilled clinician with a very personable bedside manner. Her addition to the practice allows quicker access to excellent care for our patient population.

Our aesthetic registered nurse, Monica, is an expert in providing cosmetic services and especially laser hair removal.

DOES YOUR FAMILY LIVE NEARBY?

We grew up in a large family of four children. Our parents are both retired and live in the same house that we were raised in, just a couple of miles from the office. Our brother, Poya, is an attorney with Marquee Law Group, and our sister, Poneh, is a dentist at Encino Smile Makeover.

We are both married to practicing dentists, and are each blessed with three small children. They keep us very busy! We are fortunate to all live close to one another, which allows us to get together at least once a week and enjoy lots of love, laughter and home-cooked meals.

ELLIOT M. HIRSCH, MD

Owner, Elliot M. Hirsch, MD Inc.

Elliot Hirsch, MD, grew up in Westlake Village and attended Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He returned to Southern California and earned his medical degree at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Dr. Hirsch completed his residency in integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where he received several awards for his research and teaching.

Dr. Hirsch has been practicing medicine for the past 16 years and opened his own practice in 2014. He is 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. He was named to the Top Doctors in Los Angeles list by Los Angeles Magazine

Dr. Hirsch practices the full spectrum of plastic and reconstructive surgery and has a full-service medspa on-site. His medspa staff offers nonsurgical facial rejuvenation procedures such as Botox and other fillers, chemical peels and facial treatments, lasers, and PRP to reduce wrinkles, add volume and work in conjunction with other treatment options.

Dr. Hirsch specializes in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery including microsurgical and other forms of complex breast reconstruction, breast reduction, breast lift, breast augmentation and breast implant removal and revision. He performs several cosmetic surgery procedures that can enhance patients’ aesthetic appearance including breast augmentation, body contouring after massive weight loss and facial plastic surgery—all of which are enhanced by the team’s medspa treatments.

HOW DO YOU HELP PATIENTS IMPROVE THEIR HEALTHY HABITS?

We always explain to our patients that a surgery’s outcome is much better when a patient goes into the procedure with a healthy exercise and eating routine already in place. Recovery time is much faster when patients are up and walking after surgery, and it is easier to make yourself move when you have a healthy lifestyle going into surgery.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES A GROWING POPULATION OF SENIORS IMPACT YOUR WORK?

We all wish we could drink from the fountain of youth, but since it hasn’t been found yet, we offer our patients noninvasive facial rejuvenation treatments like microneedling and laser sessions to help boost skin elasticity and encourage cell turnover. We also remind all patients with breast implants that these are not lifetime devices. They need to be checked by a board-certified plastic surgeon every 10 years and removed and/or replaced when necessary.

HOW CAN WE KNOW WHOM TO TRUST WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH ADVICE?

In this era of social media experts and Google at our fingertips, it is easy to get sucked into believing information we read without knowing the source. As a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, I was trained to research and publish papers on cutting-edge techniques in plastic surgery. Every surgery and procedure I do has been thoroughly vetted by years of research and thousands of successful cases. I will never advise my patients to undergo a surgery or procedure that will not give them the safe and desired outcome they came to me

for. It is important that patients only go to board-certified physicians and surgeons for health advice and surgery, because then they can trust that the information they are being given is accurate.

ANY “WISE WORDS” YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

Now that we are finally experiencing warmer weather, I can’t stress enough the importance of never leaving the house without sunblock. There are some great medical-grade sunblocks that have additional ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and antiaging benefits that can help boost our skin’s glow in addition to protecting it from the sun’s dangerous rays. Some of our favorite brands that we sell in our office have a nice glowing tint, so you don’t need to layer on foundation or lotions before you leave the house.

HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT YOU LIVE A BALANCED LIFE?

I am an avid surfer and snowboarder in my free time. Any time I get out of surgery early, I head to the beach to catch some waves. I love snowboarding in Mammoth or Tahoe with both of my kids—spending time on the mountain together. I also help out with my son’s baseball team. It’s very important to me that my staff and I all have work-life balance, so no one works weekends or late hours.

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 care that soothes, renews and protects their skin. Patients also love our HA Calming Balm and HA Soothing Serum.

GENE RUBINSTEIN, MD Owner, Dermatology & Laser Centre

Gene Rubinstein, MD, is a medical and aesthetic dermatologist certified by the American Board of Dermatology. He completed undergraduate studies at UCLA, where he received a Bachelor of Science in biology, and then graduated from the Boston University School of Medicine with honors. Dr. Rubinstein was a research fellow in lasers in dermatology at Harvard Medical School and completed his dermatology residency at UC Irvine. He opened Dermatology & Laser Centre in 2003.

WHAT IS YOUR PRACTICE’S PHILOSOPHY?

Our company philosophy is that we consider ourselves the gatekeepers for dermatology innovation and care. There are new medicines, injectables, lasers and other treatments that continuously come into the dermatology marketplace. Our mission is to stay on top of the latest developments in medical, cosmetic and laser dermatology, and to bring our patients only the best, most effective treatments. Sometimes we are the first to introduce an exciting treatment, and sometimes we wait a year or two to make sure the treatment has proven itself. Many treatments we offer in the practice are best in class, and we continue to offer them simply because they work.

WHAT IS YOUR PRACTICE KNOWN FOR?

We specialize in a comprehensive array of dermatology, dermatologic surgery, cosmetic dermatology and laser therapies. Our providers have a variety of expertise in specific areas—some are more focused on medical dermatology, acne, psoriasis and conditions of aging skin, and others are experienced in skin cancer surgery, laser skin resurfacing or CoolSculpting. Patients are treated by the most experienced providers in a specific concentration.

DESCRIBE SOME OF THE TOP WAYS YOU HELP PATIENTS IMPROVE THEIR HEALTHY HABITS.

I am a huge advocate for healthy eating.  Specifically, numerous studies of healthy populations over decades have shown that they prefer the Mediterranean diet over other dietary plans. This is a diet rich in vegetables, fish and olive oil. I also advocate for low meat intake and a limit on high glycemic foods such as cereal, sodas and anything with processed sugars. For teenagers, who may rely on fast food and processed foods, cleaner eating works along with medical skin care to help keep their skin clear.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES A GROWING POPULATION OF SENIORS IMPACT YOUR WORK?

We love our senior patients and are always grateful to learn life lessons from them while we treat them. Some long surgical days turn into the life stories of the most interesting people. Another component is helping long-term sufferers of conditions like psoriasis and eczema. In the past we did not have a cure for these conditions, but now we can offer treatment and our patients enjoy the clear skin they have always wanted. Dermatology has made very effective advances, and we are excited to offer these treatments to our patients.

HOW CAN WE KNOW WHOM TO TRUST WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH ADVICE?

In medicine, trust is our most valued possession. Physicians and other medical professionals study for many years and continue to learn throughout their medical careers as medicine advances. At this time, a plethora of information is available online, and many people use such information as a first line of advice. Making sure that information is coming from a reputable source is most important. Universities, medical institutions and published, peer-reviewed articles are

safe sources of information. However, proper diagnosis is a critical step in medical care and should be handled by a medical professional and based on the patient’s medical history and symptoms. Diagnosing yourself with a medical condition based on internet criteria can lead to negative consequences and delayed treatment.

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR THERAPIES AND SERVICES YOU OFFER?

We offer many options for skin rejuvenation. Clear skin can be achieved by a combination of therapies that includes lasers, peels, skin care products and medical intervention. As the skin ages and the effects of the sun take hold, we see the appearance of brown spots and small blood vessels, fine lines and loss of collagen. At this stage there are multiple ways we can combat the aging process. To reverse the loss of volume, we can use fillers or energy-based devices such as Morpheus8 microneedling treatment, intense pulsed light therapy and Ultherapy. Sometimes what appear to be benign spots are actually precancerous or cancerous lesions, so we always make sure to know our patients’ skin and examine them carefully every time.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOUR PATIENTS LIKE MOST?

The RUBINSTEIN | MD line was developed with our patients in mind. In addition to our antiaging offering, we have products that address sensitive skin, dry skin of the face and body, and oily skin. Our patients’ favorite sunscreen is Daily Defender CE. Vitamins C and E are used by the skin to produce collagen, which has an important antiaging function. In addition, these vitamins help improve the effectiveness of sunscreen for cancer prevention as well as aging. The melanin tint looks natural with any skin type. Our products, along with recommended regimens, are available on our website.

L to R: Jessica Kramer, PA-C, Jacquiline Habashy, DO, Eric Lovato, PA-C, Gene Rubinstein, MD, Simona Fikhman, PA-C

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

The Cohen Outpatient Surgery Center is an AAAASFaccredited, state-of-the-art medical facility in the heart of Encino. Owner Andrew T. Cohen, MD, Alana Brager, RN, BSN, and the medical staff offer comprehensive plastic surgery care as well as nonsurgical treatments and injectables. The goal of the team is to provide impeccable customer service, a safe environment and complete patient confidentiality.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO DEVELOP HEALTHY HABITS BEFORE UNDERGOING PLASTIC SURGERY?

All surgery results are made better when we take care of our skin and our overall health. Prior to surgery, focusing on overall health allows you to get the most out of your surgical investment.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NONSURGICAL OPTIONS.

Nonsurgical options for skin tightening and resurfacing have come a long way in the 22 years that Dr. Cohen has been in practice. On a weekly basis, he tests new devices and lasers that promise results. We advise that many of these treatments be done in a series of three for maximum results. The real results happen in between treatments as you build collagen. Each treatment plan starts with a visit with Dr. Cohen and nurse Alana to evaluate the patient’s overall health and what they are looking to achieve.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE TREATMENTS.

Laser Genesis helps with fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, melasma and rosacea. It stimulates collagen, helps decrease active acne and targets bacteria on the skin. It can be done monthly with no downtime.

LimeLight (IPL) helps with sun damage, hyperpigmentation and rosacea and boosts collagen production. It can be done monthly with minimal downtime.

Genius radiofrequency microneedling helps with fine lines, wrinkles and scarring. It stimulates collagen and helps lift and tighten the skin. We recommend doing three treatments with four to six weeks in between.

Skin Pen microneedling with exosomes targets fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, enlarged pores, scars and pigmentation by using small needles that create microchannels in the skin. This helps stimulate collagen and elastin while improving overall skin texture and appearance.

DEKA DOT (dermal optical thermolysis) is a fractional CO2 laser system that can rejuvenate the skin by stimulating new collagen production. During this skin resurfacing treatment, the advanced laser creates microscopic channels in the skin, leaving a pattern of tiny wounds that alert the body’s natural healing process. This can be done under local anesthesia or at a deeper level under full anesthesia. It is often paired with a face-lift surgery.

Alana Brager, RN, BSN, and Andrew Cohen, MD, FACS

NOAH MARCO, MD & CASEY OTT, MD Los Angeles Jewish Health

Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH), formerly Los Angeles Jewish Home, offers the latest in senior living options and compassionate, innovative health care for the elder population. LAJH offers independent housing, short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and end-of-life care through hospice services. Clients have the option of residing on one of the residential campuses or receiving services in the comfort of their own homes. Los Angeles Jewish Health is also home to the awardwinning Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) program, where older adults receive all-inclusive Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits during the day before returning to their own homes.

Noah Marco, MD, chief medical officer, has been a practicing physician for 35 years and has worked with LAJH for almost 10 years. Casey Ott, MD, medical director of the Brandman Centers for Senior Care, has worked as a geriatrician and internist for 23 years.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR WORK MAKE PATIENTS’ LIVES EASIER?

We focus not just on making our patients’ lives easier but also fulfilled. We also focus on the lives of family members. We give families comfort by providing high-quality, compassionate care to their loved ones in a calm, nurturing environment. We aim to provide the right care at the right time, all of the time.

HOW DO YOU HELP CLIENTS IMPROVE HEALTHY HABITS?

LAJH offers a comprehensive array of services and develops specific care plans based on the goals of each participant. We want clients to live a long, healthy and quality life. We discuss with them (and their support system) the proven methods that accomplish their goals—from healthy eating to the importance of exercising and engaging in the many social activities we offer. Dr. Ott tells those seeking to live a healthier life, “You are the captain of the ship, and I am your navigator.” This way they maintain control of their medical decision-making and become more engaged in the journey to becoming healthier.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAITS TO SUCCEED IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

Too many health care providers focus on providing services in the most efficient and profitable manner possible and are stagnant in what they do. That has led to the growing dissatisfaction of those who receive health care as well as those who provide health care. For more than 100 years, LAJH has had one mission: to deliver excellence in senior care, rooted in Jewish values. We have evolved and will continue to strive to meet the ever-changing needs of each individual we serve.

STEPHANIE WOLFF, PA-C

Owner/Founder, Novus Anti-Aging Center

Stephanie Wolff always wanted a career in medicine and has worked as a physician assistant since 2003. After relocating to California and working with a Glendale family practice, she realized her patients were continuing to suffer, taking too much medication and not improving their diet, exercise and hormones. She became certified in antiaging and peptide therapy and opened Novus Anti-Aging Center in 2016 to better help her patients become passionate and proactive about their health. The practice offers a variety of services, combining a modernized approach to Western medicine with complementary therapies while maintaining an emphasis on the body’s natural healing abilities. Treatments include hormone optimization, peptide therapy, PRP, stem cell exosome treatments, shockwave therapy and Morpheus8.

WHY IS ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE SO POPULAR?

People are sick and tired of being sick and tired. They want to be a part of their health care plan, making decisions based on what they know as well as what they feel. Western medicine is needed for certain situations, but it typically just reacts to the problem.

HOW DOES YOUR WORK MAKE PATIENTS’ LIVES EASIER?

My work brings back patients’ lives, joy in their jobs, enthusiasm with their children and, most of all, intimacy with their spouses. I get to see patients transform, and it’s exhilarating. With the changing landscape of medicine available to us, there is no reason not to strive for the best.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TEAM.

We have grown this practice as a team and respect each other immensely. We are all looking to help each patient and will do everything possible to help them achieve their goals. There is no limit to this team, and I admire them.

WHAT TRAITS ARE IMPORTANT TO SUCCEED IN HEALTH CARE?

Empathy, patience, listening skills and most of all treating each patient as if they were an extension of your family. I had a mentor once tell me, “If you treat each patient as if they were your mother, father, daughter, son or grandparent, you will never do wrong by them. They will know that you did your absolute best for them and their health.”

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN YOUR ENERGY?

I practice what I preach. I wake up early every morning and get my daily exercise in. I optimize my hormones, use peptide therapy and have quarterly stem cell exosome IV treatments. I eat a well-balanced diet and limit alcohol intake. I get eight hours of sleep each night and focus on a work-life balance.

STEPHANIE WOLFF, PA-C Cofounder/President, Launch Medical

Launch Medical was founded at Novus Anti-Aging Center in 2017 by board-certified physician assistant Stephanie Wolff and Dustin Wolff to offer science-backed, medically sound solutions for a variety of challenges. The two joined forces with inventor Jon Hoffman to create The Phoenix, a low-intensity shockwave therapy device that men use at home to improve sexual decline that naturally occurs with age. The patented, FDA-registered device helps men restore sexual performance without traveling to a clinic or spending thousands of dollars on treatments.

HOW DID THE PHOENIX COME ABOUT?

Dustin had the idea of helping millions of men worldwide with a home-use device that would solve the embarrassing problems of sexual decline. Jon created the very first device; then we formed a corporation and got to work. Two years and 20 prototypes later, we went to market with no investor money. Our son, Austin Wolff, designed a presale campaign that generated $3 million in under three months, and the rest is history. We are now headed into international sales, with many exciting projects yet to come.

WHY IS THIS AN IMPORTANT PRODUCT?

Studies have shown that erectile dysfunction is a sign and symptom of atherosclerosis or micro-plaque that has developed in the small arteries of the penis. It will progressively worsen with time and can lead to a heart attack approximately three to five years after the first sign of impotence.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TEAM.

We have an incredible team of around 30 employees/contractors who live all around the world. They work for a cause they believe in. It’s amazing when you find like-minded people who want to change lives and will do what it takes to make this happen.

WHAT MAKES THE HEALTH CARE SECTOR A GOOD CAREER CHOICE FOR ENTREPRENEURS?

Health care is an incredible field for people who want to make a tangible difference in the lives of their patients while finding new ways to innovate in a recession-proof industry. We are always learning something new. Science is always developing, and people are always aging.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND DREAMS FOR 2023?

Our goal is to be in Canada, Australia, Mexico, Thailand, Korea, Hong Kong and Europe by the end of 2023. We hope to double our team and double the number of lives we are changing. We are confident that we will obtain our FDA clearance by the end of this year and start the FDA approval process.

SYLVIA ASHOUR, MD Medical Director, ReNu Med Lounge

ReNu Med Lounge is a luxury boutique med lounge offering beauty and wellness treatments including Botox and fillers, IV vitamin therapy, lasers, body sculpting, Morpheus8 microneedling, hair restoration therapy, and medical weight loss. The ReNu team includes master injectors and experienced proceduralists Sylvia Ashour, MD, MA, Mari Abdulian, PA-C, Armita Amini, PA-C, and nurse practitioner Monica Mikhael. Esthetician Yvonne Cervantes specializes in hydrafacials, European facials, skin care and waxing. Caty Van Houten-Williams, DC, is a chiropractor with over 35 years of experience who uses a myriad of modalities to help the body heal and function at its best capacity. Dietician Galia Kesheshian works with patients to implement a specialized nutrition and weight-loss plan.

WHY DID YOU START RENU MED LOUNGE?

I have more than 14 years of experience in

the field of anesthesiology in plastic surgery and aesthetics. After surgery, many of my patients asked me to administer IV vitamin therapy to help in their recovery process. This experience fueled my passion for helping others feel and look their absolute best. We opened ReNu Med Lounge in October 2020, and it has been incredibly fulfilling to help so many patients with their concerns. I have the privilege to be at the med lounge every day performing procedures and interacting with our patients firsthand.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAITS TO SUCCEED IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

Giving our patients honest guidance is something we really pride ourselves on. When it comes to aesthetic and beauty treatments, it’s important to have a practitioner whom you trust and who will only facilitate treatments that will really benefit you. Also, having the right team of seasoned injectors and proceduralists has helped us

build a community of patients who rely on our expertise. Our patients have a personalized experience at ReNu, where we all work cohesively to help patients reach their aesthetic and wellness goals.

DESCRIBE SOME OF THE WAYS YOU HELP CLIENTS IMPROVE THEIR HEALTHY HABITS. When you look good, you feel good, and this feeling expands into all other areas of your life. Our treatments are curated to reverse the aging process, boost wellness and provide an overall drive to be your best self. We keep you looking and feeling youthful, energized and rejuvenated.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS?

Our success is measured by the satisfaction of our patients. Nothing makes us happier and more fulfilled than seeing transformative results and addressing our patients’ concerns. Enhancing our patients’ lives for the better is the reason we do what we do.

L to R: Yvonne Cervantes, Mari Abdulian, Dr. Caty Van Houten-Williams, Dr. Sylvia Ashour, Galia Kesheshian, Armita Amini

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

The Tolbert Center for Rehabilitation and Wellness is a stateof-the-art medical facility specializing in nonsurgical and minimally invasive procedures to help people enjoy longterm pain relief. The mission of founder Glenna Tolbert, MD, and her team is to help patients identify the root cause of their chronic pain in order to restore their quality of life and wellness and enhance their ability to function.

HOW DO YOU HELP PATIENTS IMPROVE THEIR HEALTHY HABITS?

We understand that everyone is unique, so we tailor each health plan to patients’ individual genetic makeup and metabolism. We provide ongoing support and coaching to help them stay on track with their program. Our focus on regenerative medicine sets us apart. Through the use of our exercise lab, nutrition guidance, hormone therapy, pain procedures and cellular therapy like PRP and stem cells, we help patients find healing without the need for surgery or pills. We also perform traditional steroid injections, epidurals, nerve blocks, and opiod weaning for pain and arthritis. We believe that everyone has the power to heal, and we work to identify the root cause of chronic pain rather than relying on medication or surgery as a quick fix. By combining personalized care with cutting-edge regenerative medicine, we help clients achieve their health goals and live their best lives.

HOW DO YOU CARE FOR SENIORS?

We specialize in providing care for seniors and those who will one day be seniors. As my grandmother used to say, “Take care of your body when it’s young, and it will take care of you when it’s old.” That’s why we encourage patients of all ages to prioritize prevention and performance programs. Our goal is to help seniors and those approaching their golden years enjoy optimal health and quality of life.

ANY “WISE WORDS” YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

At the Tolbert Center, we believe that your body was made to heal. Your immune system plays a crucial role in your ability to fight infections, manage chronic diseases and achieve optimal health after trauma. While no one is completely immune to illnesses like COVID-19 or RSV, correcting micronutrient and hormone deficiencies can slow down disease progression and help prevent future injury. That’s why we offer DNA-based micronutrient testing with all of our executive physicals. 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. By evaluating your gut health, exposure to environmental toxins and more, we can identify potential deficiencies and help you optimize your health.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY THOMAS CUNNINGHAM IV

Traditional Meets Hollywood Glam

Hollywood glam meets modern styling with the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. This absolutely stunning, completely remodeled 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom 2-story home is perched in the famous enclave of Sunset Plaza mixing the convenience of city living with the quiet, coziness of a true family home. With its gorgeous rooms, stunning city views, and beautiful outdoor spaces, it is the perfect place to call home for those who appreciate timeless character and style. Easy access to the most desired restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife destinations in Los Angeles. This home stands out amongst them all!

1340 Londonderry Place, Los Angeles | Offered at $4,999,000 | www.1340Londonderry.com

Harriet Cameron Realtor® | 818-380-2151 | DRE #00675971 | Harriet@HarrietCameron.com | HarrietCameron.com

Jenny Birchfield-Eick Realtor® | 818-601-8663 | DRE #02070744 | Jenny@JennyBirchfield.com | JennyBirchfield.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

BY THE PANE TEAM

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17455 Oak Creek Court, Encino

19323 Redbridge Lane, Tarzana

19200 Allandale Drive, Tarzana

* Citi Mortgage Relationship Pricing A Citibank deposit account is required to receive the interest rate discount or closing cost credit. Automated monthly transfers of the mortgage payment from a Citibank Deposit Account using automated drafting will be required. Actual interest rate discount or closing cost credit will depend on the level of the Citi Eligible Balances, which will be verified after final loan approval.

Deposit Account Balances must be in the account five (5) Business Days following final loan approval and Investment Account balances must be in the account six (6) Business Days following final loan approval. Citi eligible accounts include a personal, consumer Citibank Deposit Account in which the borrower is a direct signer, Citibank IRAs, and Investments held in linked Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”) accounts. The borrower must be an account holder on investment accounts. IRA and annuity positions shown on linked CGMI Account statements are eligible (except tax qualified annuities under sections 401, 403, or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code). Balances from Citibank Business / Commercial accounts, ERISA accounts, Keogh accounts, Bank Collateral accounts, Foreign accounts, Fiduciary accounts, and Trust accounts where the borrower is only listed as the Beneficiary are excluded. All Custodial type accounts are excluded with the exception of Custodial IRA accounts through Citibank or Pershing LLC where the borrower(s) is the beneficiary, which are eligible unless otherwise noted. Citibank IRAs that are not linked to a Citibank Deposit Account are excluded.

Citi Eligible Balance Relationship Pricing Benefit

$1 – $49,999.99 $500 off closing cost

$50,000 – $199,999.99 1/8% (0.125%) off interest rate

$200,000 – $499,999.99 1/4% (0.250%) off interest rate

$500,000 – $999,999.99 3/8% (0.375%) off interest rate

$1,000,000 – $1,999,999.99 1/2% (0.500%) off interest rate

$2,000,000 or more 5/8% (0.625%) off interest rate

The closing cost credit offer will be applied at closing and may not be used prior to closing. In Texas, the credit may not result in you receiving cash back.

If you are interested in Citi’s banking account relationship offers, please contact your Home Lending Officer or Mortgage Representative. Speak to your loan officer about whether the relationship offer is best for you.

Citibank Mortgage Relationship Pricing for Citibank account holders can only be applied prior to loan closing and is subject to account and balance validation. Citibank Mortgage Relationship Pricing is subject to change without notice.

Glossary of terms for this offer: Business Day means Monday through Friday and does not include federal holidays; Eligible Balances means total funds showing in the account at the time we verify the balances less any funds we determine you will need for a down payment or closing costs; Deposit Account means a Citibank personal checking and/or savings account as well as certificates of deposit and money market accounts; Investment Account means IRAs and investments held in Citigroup Global Markets Inc. accounts.

Terms, conditions and fees for accounts, programs, offers, products and services are subject to change without notice at any time. Offer may be modified or withdrawn at any time without notice. Offer cannot be combined with other offers, except when applied with specific Community Lending Programs. Offers are not applicable on Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit. This is not a commitment to lend.

INSTEAD OF BATTLE SCENES, SYMMETRY TO REPAIR BROKEN WORLDS.

A MEANS OF PROTEST TO EASE THE PAIN.” —PETER KRASNOW

The Peter Krasnow: Breathing Joy and Light exhibition at the Skirball Cultural Center showcases 20 paintings and drawings made primarily after World War II and the Holocaust. To ease the despair brought on by that painful period, Krasnow (1886–1979) created vibrant paintings teeming with exuberant, abstract forms, radiating optimism and evoking a spiritual world of renewal.

The artist emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S. in 1907. In the 1920s he established himself in the LA art community, where he was inspired by the hope and possibility of SoCal. His paintings incorporate elements of his Jewish heritage and the organic forms and vivid hues found in the plant life at his Atwater Village home and studio. The exhibition runs through September 3. ■

Peter Krasnow, Casa Verdugo (1923, repainted 1963). Oil on board. Gift of Peter and Rose Krasnow. Skirball Cultural Center. Photo by Robert Wedemeyer.

“WHEN TRAGEDY WAS AT THE DEEPEST POINT, MY PAINTINGS BREATHED JOY AND LIGHT COLOR STRUCTURES

Remodeled Traditional Meets Hollywood Glam in Sought After SUNSET PLAZA AREA WITH CITY VIEWS

1340 Londonderry Place | $4,999,000 | 4 BD | 4.5 BA | 3,743 SQ FT

Hollywood glam meets modern styling with the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. This absolutely stunning, completely remodeled 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom, 2-story home is perched in the famous enclave of Sunset Plaza mixing the convenience of city living with the quiet, coziness of a true family home. We welcome you to the Londonderry Lifestyle... the epitome of luxury living! With its gorgeous rooms, stunning city views, and beautiful outdoor spaces, it is the perfect place to call home for those who appreciate timeless character and style. Easy access to the most desired restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife destinations in Los Angeles. This home stands out amongst them all!