Ventura Blvd | May 2022 by Moon Tide Media

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MAY 2022

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THE BEST IN SHOPPING AND DINING O V E R 265 S T O R E S & R E S TA U R A N T S

W E S T F I E L D.C O M

MAY 2022

14 BORN GREEN The eco-conscious Studio City home of Ed Begley Jr. and Rachelle Carson-Begley

22 GROWING WILD Wallpaper with bold, garden-inspired themes

28 MY FAVORITE ROOM Where three people in the showbiz

AND THEN SOME...

industry cool their jets.

DESIGN SHOWCASES

OH HEY, BOUCLÉ

The Valley’s top pros for creating

Fresh and inventive ways to incorporate

exquisite homes.

the nubby fabric into your home.

REAL ESTATE

A GARDEN OF HER OWN

Spectacular local listings

A historic Encino estate emerges triumphant after a loving restoration.

106 LAST WORD

The purple empress that shrouds

RAISE A GLASS

the Valley this time of year.

Photographer and graphic designer Susan

THE SAUCE

Vizvary shows off her striking line of barware.

68 SHE KNOWS HER WINE

Meet the sommelier/restaurateur behind

THIS ROOM IS FOR LIVING

Buvette and Vintage Wine + Eats

A California ranch-style home gets a midcentury-inspired makeover.

70 MAIN SQUEEZE

Get inspired by the flavor

CHANGING OF THE GUARDIANS

and beauty of the lemon.

The Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association gets new leaders for the first time in 30 years.

COVER A historic greenhouse, staged by Rolling Greens; photographed by Shane O’Donnell

CELEBRATES THE SORAYA Sat Apr 30 | 7pm Broadway Celebrates The Soraya Eden Espinosa, Joshua Henry, and Megan Hilty Richard Kaufman, Music Director and Conductor Three of Broadway’s most celebrated performers — Eden Espinosa, Joshua Henry, and Megan Hilty — will raise the roof with songs from classic musicals and hits from the roles they made famous from Wicked, Hamilton, and Carousel.

EDEN ESPINOSA

JOSHUA HENRY TheSorayaStage | TheSoraya.org | (818) 677-3000

MEGAN HILTY

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

PUBLISHER

Linda Grasso

Michelle Villas

Robin Sanders

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

robin@thegoldenstatecompany.com

Darren Elms

Ajay Peckham and Yuiko Sugino

COPY EDITORS Bob Howells, Laura Watts CONTRIBUTORS Rohina Hoffman Chelsee Lowe Hadley Hall Meares Kara Michelson

424-220-6340

ADVERTISING

DIGITAL MARKETING

DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

Paul Fisher

Sue Williams

PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Becker

818-625-3515 sue@thegoldenstatecompany.com

Tameka Jacobs Shane O’Donnell Monica Orozco

Jennie Nunn Heather Platt Anne M. Russell

VENTURA BLVD IS A DIVISION OF THE GOLDEN STATE COMPANY

MANAGING PARTNERS Charlie Koones

Todd Klawin

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

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

June 13 - August 5 Morning + Afternoon Camps Multi-week Creative Arts Academy Grades K-8

Baseball Basketball Cheer Flag Football Girls Basketball Soccer Softball Sports & Games Volleyball Tennis Softball Dance Creative Arts Academy Magic N Fun Secondary Dance Intensive (dancers in grades 7-12)

Chess Design & Digital Storytelling Engineering Exploration My Big Idea Funshop: Turning Your Big Idea Into A Business

Robotics STEAM Strategy Based Gaming Coding and

18 Afternoon Camps including Lego Masters

American Sign Language Drone Flight Workshop Fashion Design and many more!

Check it out! campbellhall.org/summer

PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL BECKER

EDITOR’S LETTER

Owning a home—creating a space where my husband

filling in with different textures, complementary but not

and I can unwind that truly feels like us—has been one

“matchy-matchy” hues, and statement pieces mixed in

of the highlights of my life. I cherish having a safe and

with basics. All of this is to say VB’s Home & Garden is-

serene space to call home. When I’m away too long, our

sue is perhaps my favorite of the year.

California ranch-style abode beckons. I guess you could say it’s my happy place. Plus, I have a passion for interior design—as anyone

Each spring I go full force into this issue. To be honest, I have a little anxiety trying to do the category justice, covering all aspects with enlightening copy and

who has perused my Instagram (@she_sez) knows. I’m

beautiful images. This year my anxiety eased consider-

fascinated by how color, textures, furniture and acces-

ably when I strolled the amazing historic Encino property

sories can transform a space, and I have great admiration

owned by Penny and Glen Alpert, featured on page 36. As

for those who do it with panache. For me, a home isn’t

a passionate gardener, I literally shouted with glee when

about size or scale or the bells and whistles that some

I stepped into the massive, lovingly restored greenhouse.

design platforms call must-haves. A pot filler by your stove!

When I asked Rolling Greens to stage it for our cover

An extra sink in the center island! What? No beverage center?

shoot and they said yes, I knew this issue would be a

I think you should have what you want and will use.

winner. Rolling Greens, the high-end nursery, furniture

Anything else is a waste, as I am reminded of when my

and home decor store, is opening a new location this

eye catches the oil-rubbed bronze hand shower in our

fall at The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge. The expansive

master bathroom; I last used it a decade ago.

two-story space will also have a wine bar, presided over

The most exquisite homes are those where the owners

by a sommelier. I have answered my husband’s “What do

put their touch and personality on just about every-

you want to do on your birthday?” question in the past

thing. They break rules to create spaces that reflect

by saying, “I want to go to Rolling Greens downtown!”

their own tastes and lifestyle. The result: an authentic-

Needless to say, I’m thrilled by the Studio City outpost.

ity that money can’t buy. I also love homes with design that embraces the concept of layering—starting, say,

I’m also delighted to bring you this issue. May it inspire you as it has inspired this Valley homebody.

with a unique rug and then crafting a room around it,

Follow me on Instagram @she_sez

Linda Grasso, Editor-in-Chief

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MAY 2022 SERENE SPACES A historic estate in Encino is restored to its full splendor. More on page 36.

born green A FRENCH MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED HOME IN COLFAX MEADOWS SETS THE BAR FOR SMART LIVING, THANKS TO THE TENACITY AND DEDICATION OF ACTORS AND ENVIRONMENTALISTS RACHELLE CARSON-BEGLEY AND ED BEGLEY JR. Written by Chelsee Lowe Photographed by Shane O’Donnell

It all began with an oak tree. When Rachelle Carson-Begley and Ed Begley Jr. bought their Studio City property in 2011, they planned to sustainably remodel the structure. Then they discovered that the shade of a magnificent 100-year-old oak tree to the south would render rooftop solar panels inefficient, and that the aging bones of the house wouldn’t allow for building up and away from the oak’s branches. Starting from scratch was Plan C. “Though building from the ground up wasn’t what we’d intended, we got a lot out of it,” Ed says. “We could add features to the house that we couldn’t have done otherwise.” So the Begleys set out on what would ultimately be a five-year project to build the greenest home possible. The couple worked with Los Angeles architect William Hefner, builder Scott Harris and several LEED advisors to ensure that their building choices would garner enough points to achieve LEED Platinum status—a rarity among residential buildings. Though the home’s self-sustaining features are mostly hidden from view, they are Ed’s favorite talking points. (His journey as an environmental activist began in 1970, when the first Earth Day got him wondering about what he could do to help the planet the other 364 days a year.) The “envelope,” or shell of the house, is made of steel rather than wood, decreasing the amount of trees needed and increasing termite resistance. It is also more energy efficient; the steel layers are spaced in such a way that even when the outer layers heat up, the inner ones keep cool and help maintain temperatures inside. To preserve water, there’s a 10,000-gallon rainwater storage tank buried in the backyard that irrigates the entire property. Solar panels and two Tesla Powerwalls provide and store almost enough energy to power the entire house and charge three electric cars. And a graywater system uses gravity to carry suitable wastewater—think shower and laundry machine leftovers—to the fruit trees in the yards. The interior design also leans green. Light oak floors throughout the entire 4,000-square-foot home

are made from reclaimed barn wood. It’s unique and beautiful, lest anyone think that going green has to

5 KEY GREEN FEATURES

mean sacrificing style. Nontoxic paints were used on all surfaces, and tiles inside and out are made from post-

PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN

consumer recycled glass. Bathroom and kitchen fixtures

This type of home design takes advantage of

are low-flow products by Kohler. There’s even a Kohler

the site, climate and materials to minimize

tub in the upstairs master bathroom that’s made from

energy use. The Begleys positioned their home

90% recycled material.

on the lot so it would collect heat as the sun

If the tech is Ed’s territory, the decor belongs to

shines through south-facing windows, retain-

Rachelle. Guests enter the home through a gray-blue

ing it in materials that store heat. “In winter

door inspired by the doors in the French town of

the sun comes into the glass and heats the

Besançon, which bewitched Rachelle when she visited.

house; in the summer it does not,” explains Ed.

Inside, Rachelle’s love for art and trinkets—many of them whimsical—make the home especially fun to

STEEL ENVELOPE

wander. Works by LA artist and longtime friend Edward

The frame or shell of the house is made of steel

Ruscha adorn the walls above an eco-friendly couch

rather than wood; 12-inch-thick walls house

made with organic cotton and sustainable wood in the

6 inches of steel framing. The use of steel

sitting room. A nearby dining table that the actor made

increases energy efficiency, utilizes fewer trees

himself is surrounded by shelves and carts that show-

for construction and prevents termite damage.

case collectibles. An entire wall off the dining room is devoted to everyday objects like purses painted with

ZONED HEATING AND

renderings of saints by artist Pam Goldblum (actor Jeff

AIR CONDITIONING

Goldblum’s sister). Art by Val Kilmer and Alison Van

By dividing the house into four zones, the

Pelt are also part of the couple’s collection.

Begleys can opt to heat or cool only the areas they are in, rather than the entire house.

“There’s no consistency in this house,” Rachelle says with a laugh when asked to describe her decor. “My husband says there’s not a surface I don’t want to clut-

ON-DEMAND WATER SYSTEM An AO Smith water heater and looping pump

ter. I always have a tableau going.” Even in the kitchen—which has a remarkably high

system uses room sensors attached to the

ceiling, towering glass-paned hanging cabinets and

ceiling to prepare warm water when someone

sustainable Caesarstone (quartz) counters bought lo-

enters the kitchen or a bathroom. “You get hot

cally—Rachelle has managed to commandeer space

water instantly,” shares Ed.

for a tableau. There are Edwardian dishes on display and a distinct wall-mounted ceramic piece by Ojai

LUTRON LIGHT CONTROLS

artist Beatrice Wood. This room is where the fam-

Dimmers, sensors and timers allow for lower

ily spends much of their time, enjoying meals at the

energy consumption and longer bulb life.

breakfast table that overlooks their wooded backyard with rectangular pool (“We chose that shape so the pool could be covered and retain heat,” notes Ed) and

drought-tolerant garden. Also on this floor is Ed’s book-filled den. Upstairs are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a sunny balcony that extends along the entire back of the house. Furnishings throughout the home are thrifted. Rachelle was a longtime customer of the National Council of Jewish Women Thrift Shop on Ventura Boulevard until it closed during the pandemic (a Burbank location remains open). As for Ed, he’s happy to inspire others to live sustainably. He is quick to remind anyone who will listen that you don’t need a LEED-certified house; any action you can take is better than no action. “People today go, ‘I can’t afford solar panels. I can’t afford a Tesla,’” Ed says. “Neither could I when I started. What can you do? That’s the list that’s interesting to me. We’ve got some real problems, but let’s save what we can. Let’s do what we can.” ■

Growing Wild WALLPAPER WITH BOLD, GARDEN-INSPIRED THEMES CREATES IMAGINATIVE SPACES FOR QUINTESSENTIAL VALLEY LIVING. Wallpaper has long been a secret weapon of interior designers. Whether the goal is to make a small space feel cozier or to create interest in a larger space, wallpaper is a terrific resource. And so many of the verdant patterns available now cater to our lifestyle, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. From lush green ferns to structural palm fonds, here are a few of our favorite patterns.

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C AT E G O R Y

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TURN UP THE HEAT Bita Milanian spotlights food, family and entertainment to reach audiences worldwide. WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS

ita Milanian’s home kitchen in Los

a global citizen. She is fluent in multiple

Angeles is a veritable melting pot.

languages and has traveled the world,

Latin and Mediterranean fare, her recipes

This culinary influencer combines a

experiencing cuisines from many lands.

tend to be infused with a ton of Persian flavor.

cornucopia of healthy ingredients

She is just as passionate about sharing

While she gathers inspiration from Asian,

“Once you taste the mouthwatering flavors of

to make plant-based, gluten-free recipes

her Iranian heritage and love of Persian food

from a variety of cultures, as she shares her

as she is about bringing people together

foodie fun with thousands of fans via her

through her cooking. “Food connects us,”

tahdig, a crispy, bottom-of-the-pot saffron

social media channels.

she says, “and when we are connected, we

basmati rice dish with a golden crust; khoresh

have the power to bring cultures together for

bademjoon, a vegan eggplant stew topped

positive change.”

with air-fried crispy potatoes; and gluten-free

Originally from Iran and an Angeleno for more than 30 years, Bita considers herself

Iranian cuisine,” she says, “you’re hooked!” Some of her specialties include the classic

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

vegan makaroni, which is Persian spaghetti. Bita has been a social media influencer

B U S I N E S S S P OT L I G H T

In her free time, Bita trains and competes

MAKARONI (PERSIAN SPAGHETTI)

in Latin ballroom dancing. She is a proud

and blogger since the early 2000s, and

grandmother and treasures the time she

1 box spaghetti or bucatini

her popular channel, BitaKitchen.com, has

gets to spend with family. An active commu-

½ cup olive oil

garnered more than 100,000 engaged fol-

nity organizer, she volunteers her time and

1 cup mirepoix (chopped onion, celery,

lowers across the globe since she founded

expertise in support of numerous causes. “I

it in 2018. Fans enjoy watching her create

feel so fortunate for my life and career, and I

salt & pepper, to taste

meals, dance around her kitchen and share

try to give back as much as I can,” she says.

2 cups cremini & white mushrooms,

stimulating conversations with friends, family members and other culinary aficionados. Bita’s popular dinner series on Instagram

As a globally recognized branding and

& carrots)

rough-chopped

communications strategist, Bita is regu-

1 cup cooked lentils (optional)

larly featured in major publications. She is

1 tablespoon turmeric

features home cooks and renowned chefs

a member of the Forbes Communications

¼ teaspoon powdered saffron, divided

from some of L.A.’s greatest restaurants.

Council, an invitation-only organization for

2 teaspoons Advieh or nutmeg

“It’s been an incredible partnership where

leaders in the communications industry,

2 cloves garlic, chopped

I’ve learned from the greatest names in the

and Chief, a prestigious private network for

3 tablespoons tomato paste

industry,” she shares.

powerful women in leadership.

3 cups tomato sauce

Bita finds that cooking and entertaining

Follow her journey on social media to

½ cup grapeseed oil, divided

help her disconnect from real-world chal-

experience Bita whipping up healthy, quick,

lenges. “Cooking is my true passion,” she

rustic meals made with love. “Food is one

Parboil pasta with plenty of salt until not

points out. “I love hosting dinner parties and

of my love languages,” she says, “and it’s an

quite done; drain and rinse with cold

opening my home to friends and family. It

honor to share such an important part of

water. Heat saucepan and add olive oil.

is also a joy to collaborate with chefs who

myself with others.”

Sauté mirepoix with a pinch of salt and

welcome me into their kitchens. We bring

pepper. Once translucent, add mush-

unity through food.”

rooms, lentils, turmeric, pinch of saffron,

She frequently creates new recipes and

Advieh (or nutmeg) and garlic. Continue

fresh content for her social channels. She

BITA’S KITCHEN

stirring for 2-3 minutes. Add tomato paste

loves to share foods that have bold flavors

BITA MILANIAN, CURATOR

and continue stirring gently over medium

and are quick and easy to make at home.

BITAKITCHEN.COM

heat. Mix in tomato sauce and simmer on

And this truly resonates with her audience.

SOCIAL MEDIA: @BITAKITCHENOFFICIAL

medium-low heat for 15 minutes. In a large bowl, gently toss sauce with parboiled pasta and set aside. Mix remaining saffron with ½ cup boiled water and 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil; set aside. Place a medium nonstick pot on high heat and add remaining grapeseed oil. Pour pasta and sauce mixture into the pot. Pour saffron water and oil mixture on top. Cover pot with a kitchen towel and then the lid. After 5 minutes, lower the heat to medium-low; cook for 45 minutes. Turn off heat, remove pot from the stovetop and let rest 5 minutes. Remove lid and towel. Place serving plate on pot, flip pot over and serve. Enjoy—especially the crusty bottom! |

My Favorite Room THREE SHOWBIZ PROFESSIONALS SHARE WHERE IN THEIR HOMES THEY LIKE TO COOL THEIR JETS. Photographed by Michael Becker

THE GAME ROOM When Delante Desouza isn’t on the set of his new HBO series Winning Time, he is often relaxing in the game room at the Sherman Oaks complex where he lives. “We picked it because it is really close to Warner Bros. where we shoot the show,” he notes. With a contemporary vibe and hues of powder blue, saffron yellow and soft gray, the space has several comfy sofas, high tables and stools, and several game tables. Delante calls it the “hangout lounge.” “Usually if I’m just chilling or I have friends over, we come down here for a little foosball. There’s also a pool table. It’s a nice open space to entertain,” he shares. Delante jokes that he finally has friends to actually invite over. A native of Baltimore, he booked the pilot for the 10-episode series in 2019 and moved to Sherman Oaks in 2020—“Not exactly a great time to move to a new city,” he laughs. On the series, which chronicles the meteoric rise of the LA Lakers in the 1980s, Delante plays the role of Lakers shooting guard Michael Cooper. Although he’d worked some in theater, Winning Time was his first professional acting job and he had to learn to play basketball for the series. “I’m still learning. When we aren’t shooting, we’re training like NBA athletes. We do three-hour practices, two times a day, five days a week. It’s intense.”

Styled by Lara Nixon Hair by Michael Russaw Grooming by Taylour Chanel

Xxxxxx Xxxxxx XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Written & photographed by xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

THE SALON

on a sofa designed and built by interior designer

it comes to relaxing at his sprawling 1930s French

Tim Hawkins. The coffee table is an antique from

Revival-style home in Pasadena. The entertainer and

Michael’s husband’s family. On the coffee table: a

co-owner of the supper club Feinstein’s at Vitello’s in

small Dali sculpture.

Studio City says when at home he tends to gravitate to

The most arresting color is turquoise, showcased

Musician Michael Feinstein has a lot of choices when

The main bar offers a peek into the couple’s library.

the main bar. “It’s off the large living room where I

“It is full of what I call historical paintings. Most of

often spend time before dinner, and I like the comfort

those paintings have been collected by my husband and

of the space even if I’m not drinking, which honestly is

are not the type of artwork that appeals to me, but I

most of the time,” he jokes.

appreciate their importance. A number of them were in

When Michael has guests, the bar is the preferred

our former home in Los Feliz. David Hockney came to

gathering spot. “I love that it has a modern sensibil-

dinner one night and carefully perused each painting,

ity in a home that is otherwise so traditional. It is very

but never said a word. I have often wondered if he liked

much a happy room, filled with light and color.”

them or loathed them.”

THE PUB

this bar,” Wendy says, settling into one of the whimsi-

If you ask music industry manager Wendy Dio what

cal chairs. “They’re from a shop in Ventura.”

the favorite space in her Country English-style Encino

Wendy owns and operates Niji Management, which she

home is, she immediately sashays into a large, dramatic

established more than 30 years ago. One of her first cli-

living room. Filled with eclectic antiques and several

ents was her husband, the late heavy metal singer Ronnie

pieces of noteworthy art, the room’s showstopper is a

James Dio (Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell). She also owns

sprawling mahogany bar.

her own record label, Niji Entertainment Group.

“We bought it from an antiques store in the 1980s.

When the music business “went all grunge” in the

It was from a pub in Epping in the county of Essex,

early ’90s, Wendy keyed in on her love of antiques, open-

England. The bar apparently dates back to 1910,” she

ing a store in Studio City called The Ivy. Although it closed

shares. “It is a real entertaining spot. We have 150

a few years back, Wendy still owns an outlet in Ojai. “My

people here for New Year’s Eve, for example. But really

tastes in furniture and art are eclectic. My philosophy is

whenever we have guests over everyone wants to sit at

if something appeals to me, I buy it.” ■

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8 32

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

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a garden of her own NEARLY 90 YEARS AGO, A TROUBLED ACTRESS CREATED A SERENE, VERDANT RETREAT ON A SPRAWLING ENCINO RANCH. HERE’S THE REMARKABLE STORY OF HOW A VALLEY COUPLE DISCOVERED THAT LOST JEWEL, RESEARCHED ITS HISTORY AND METICULOUSLY RESTORED IT TO ITS FORMER GLORY. Written by Anne M. Russell | Photographed by Shane O’Donnell Greenhouse styled by Rolling Greens—opening this fall at The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge

Penny Alpert doesn’t take orders from ghosts, yet it’s hard to imagine a more faithful restoration of a deceased woman’s beloved garden than what Penny and her husband, Glen, have accomplished. When the couple acquired an Andalusian-style ranch property in Encino built in 1934 for movie star Ann Dvorak (1911–79) and her British actor husband, Leslie Fenton, they realized they’d taken on a huge job. The formerly manicured property had been swallowed in a billowing sea of Boston ivy and was choked with dying trees and terminally sun-scorched oleander hedges. Yet the beauty—and the history—shone through everywhere. “A lot of what you are seeing, from an architectural standpoint, is original to the home. But sadly, some of the original architecture had been lost or altered by prior owners. We kept the best of what remained, and reimagined the balance,” Penny shares. A primary example are the 1930s tiles surrounding the living room. They were excavated from Jayne Mansfield’s Pink Palace and were originally installed for Rudy Vallee, who owned the home before the actress. “It is meaningful to live with such delightful history surrounding us,” Penny says. Under Ann Dvorak’s ownership, the property had been a well-kept working ranch, with more than 30 acres of walnut groves, livestock, and an enormous greenhouse in which the Hollywood actress propagated orchids and other exotic plants. When Dvorak and her husband divorced in 1946 she sold off the walnut groves in parcels that were developed into suburban

“ANN DVORAK HAD A GREAT CONNECTION TO THE GARDENS. SHE LOVED BEING OUTDOORS, AND SHE HAD A GREEN THUMB. HER TIME ON THE RANCH WAS THE MOST STABLE, HAPPY TIME OF HER LIFE.” homes, leaving only the main house and outbuildings— barn, pool house, servants’ quarters, all built in Spanish Colonial Revival style—on the remaining 2 acres. The property changed hands several more times over the decades. In 2011, the Alperts acquired it from prominent UCLA neuropsychiatrist Dr. Arne Scheibel, who owned it for 52 years and lived there until 2012. The Alperts, who are avid art and antique collectors and empty nesters, have stellar credentials as amateur restoration specialists. They’d previously bought and brought back to life another Encino estate just a stone’s throw away. A Spanish mission style rancho, it was built for The Wizard of Oz dance director Bobby Connolly in 1932. So with ample experience, the couple began a similarly loving three-year restoration of the Dvorak home and garden. The goal was simply to return the property to its glory days of the 1930s. “My husband and I are nostalgic for a time we never lived in,” Penny jokes.

One of several original fountains on the property, which spans nearly 2 acres. Above: the main residence.

HIDDEN GARDEN

spectacular weeping bottlebrush tree, one of the largest

With the help of Emily Booher, an associate at the

in California, according to the arborist who inspected it.

landscape design firm Christine London Ltd., Penny

Only two venerable walnut trees remain of the thou-

tackled the task of transforming the weedy chaos into a

sands that once filled the property.

lush and welcoming garden. “The bones of the property were already there,” recalls Emily. “Our job was to

Emily discovered a charming faux stream, pond, and

enhance and augment that.”

tiny moon bridge that Dvorak had built at the rear of

The first order of business was assessing the health

the property. Although all the water features are dry

of the massive mature trees—and save as many as pos-

now, “We kept the pond as a relic of the former design,”

sible. “We took out a few trees in the interest of getting

Emily explains. They also discovered original brick walk-

light in,” Emily says. Another goal: improving sight

ways that had been entirely hidden in the ivy and linked

lines between different “rooms” in the garden and

and extended them to create more routes to meander.

spotlighting two enormous, gnarled olives, as well as a

In the process of battling back the ivy, Penny and

“I really like structure and form in the garden,” says

Penny. “But I like some wildness within that.” To that end,

thrice-married actress’ life was marked by strife, “She

the “back nine”—the far end of the property—remains

had a great connection to the gardens. She loved being

wreathed in ivy, passion fruit vines, and a sprawling white

outdoors, and she had a green thumb. Her time on the

rambling rose. Today, a colony of feral honeybees fly in

ranch was the most stable, happy time of her life.”

and out of a decorative chimney, and lemon, orange, and

The garden may have also provided Ann with an es-

tangerine flowers perfume the air. Some of the fruit trees

cape from her domineering husband and the constrict-

are original, but others, including loquat, nectarine, and

ing studio system of the period. It was a unique place

apple, were added in the restoration.

where she could call her own shots. Emily says the garden “has the layout of someone who designed it just

A SINGULAR VISION

the way they wanted it. It’s this jewel to be discovered

Ann Dvorak, according to her biographer, Christina Rice,

as you take your time to look for details and relics.”

“didn’t always make good choices for herself.” Rice,

Among the details are a wealth of original and

who published the engrossing Ann Dvorak: Hollywood’s

salvaged tile work, an area in which the couple has

Forgotten Rebel in 2013, says that although the

become experts. Thanks to copious publicity photos

of Ann on the ranch, Penny had a library of historic

well-defined spaces, i.e., “rooms,” the property is ideal

images to use for reference in the restoration, but

for outdoor entertaining. Penny hosts large gatherings

where there was nothing to work from, she turned to

on holidays, using the restored greenhouse as the food

the 1929 Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum,

service area. She also has offered the garden for fund-

a prime example of Spanish Colonial Revival architec-

raisers for Our House Grief Support Center in Woodland

ture, for inspiration.

Hills. Penny works for the nonprofit, facilitating grief

Penny’s formal vegetable and herb garden of raised brick beds behind the greenhouse is all new to the property, but the curvilinear planters echo shapes you

support groups for children and serving on the Valley Advisory Board. More than anything, the garden feels like a sanctu-

see in a Spanish Colonial Revival gem like the Adamson

ary, a state of being that eluded Ann Dvorak most of her

House. Like all the new features Penny and Glen added,

life. “I knew these gardens had great potential,” says

the kitchen garden is so beautifully integrated into the

Penny. “Reviving them was very exciting.” Ann would

property that it looks like it has always been there.

no doubt feel the same. ■

Because the different garden areas create

A whimsical bronze horse peeks its head out of one of the stables. Left: Penny tends her veggie garden, which was planted by Pam Rownak Kitchen Garden.

2 6

3 4

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B U S I N E S S S P OT L I G H T

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Raise a Glass PHOTOGRAPHER AND DESIGNER SUSAN VIZVARY IS THE CREATIVE MIND BEHIND A UNIQUE LINE OF BARWARE FOR ENTERTAINING AT HOME. Written by Hadley Hall Meares

Susan Vizvary is someone who loves color. No surprise it translates to her art. In her stylish, light-filled home in Calabasas, the artist and designer’s sparkling, colorfully bold custom glasses, shot glasses, trays, napkins, tea towels and coasters are stacked in crates. At face value, they are cheerful, expertly made items. But there is more to these pieces than meets the eye. Susan is a conversationalist as charming and bold as her designs. Valley born and bred, even as a child she had an eye for detail and a passion for decor. “I used to love when you’re driving by people’s houses at night and you can see in. I always wanted to see how it was decorated,” she laughs. She received a certificate in interior and environmental design through UCLA Extension and became a set decorator working primarily on commercials. After pausing to raise a family, she was eager to pursue her next creative endeavor. “I picked up a camera and ended up on the other side of the lens instead of being the decorator,” she says. “I started shooting in about 2008, started traveling and joined a photo group. I was just doing it for fun at first. Then it became profitable. People wanted my artwork in their house!” Susan’s photos are deeply color-saturated, detailoriented stills that bring the viewer a sense of wonder

Susan’s creations begin with a photo. Left: the photo that inspired the glasses below.

and curiosity. “I do like the more abstract, colorful, off-the beaten-path type of image,” she says. But COVID and lockdown had Susan housebound and creatively itchy. “I went back into my library as we were all sitting around the house doing nothing. I started to play with my images, and I started to digitally manipulate my images,” she says. “I found that they were kind of cool and abstract and unique and modern, and one image led to another image to another image. Before I knew it, I had a collection of dozens of different abstract images.” Susan decided to put these images—swirling, colorful and witty—on glasses, using an expert vendor from London who specializes in the sublimation process, which dyes designs directly into glass. She posted the results online, and things snowballed from there. “Next thing I knew I had people messaging me left and right: ‘Are you going to sell those?’ So I thought, you know what, let me try this. Let me see what happens.” She created a line and a website and before she knew it, customers were asking for more, many buying the items as gifts. “It’s like gifting pieces of art because each set comes with a card that shows you what the original photograph was,” Susan says. “So there’s a before and after.” Those origin stories can be a geometric blue pattern made from a photo of waves in Malibu, or a forest of swirls created from a photo of a French garden. “Everything in the line relates around the bar and entertaining. And if we’ve learned anything from the last two years, it is that we all like to entertain at home. We like to have our friends over. I think that’s been a driving force of why this has taken off,” Susan says. Coming up on the one-year anniversary of her company, Susan Vizvary Home (svpathome.com), Susan also picked up a camera again, taking a trip down old Route 66. With her new business in mind, she has expanded her process. “It’s interesting because now when I’m shooting, I’m not just shooting for the fun of it. I’m also thinking what that will look like as an abstract,” she says. “Not every image works. Not every pattern works, but when it does work, you know it right away.” ■

DESIGN SHOWCASES 56

AMORPHOUS STUDIO LLC

RONNIE GOR 58

ORIT SROUR

GIANT FIRST CONSTRUCTION INC. ALBERT PERETZ & LEÓN PERETZ

ORIT SROUR DESIGNS

LA FURNITURE STORE ALAN SORIA

LA TECHS RUSSELL GASKAMP & CALVIN LARSEN

EDITED BY LAURA L. WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMEKA JACOBS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DESIGN SHOWCASES

AMORPHOUS STUDIO LLC Ronnie Gor, Owner 19315 Wells Dr., Tarzana 310-633-4735 ronnie@amo.studio amorphousstudio.net

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

strategic pops of color in tiles, indoor and

In this design we sought to blur the boundar-

outdoor plants, art and other furnishings.

ies between inside and outside. The use of

Artificial lighting follows the placement of

glass and solid forms clad in carefully selected

furniture and circulation within the house.

textures and tones completes the look. The house is carefully crafted around an existing

WHICH HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

pool and cedar tree. We added a lily pond

ARE YOUR CLIENTS ASKING FOR?

and drought-tolerant landscaping. Much

Kitchen remodeling, bathrooms, family and

attention was paid to the orientation of the

living rooms, and home office. Multiuse or

spaces inside the house with respect to the

multipurpose spaces—including adding an

sun’s movement and its impact on different

ADU—work great when we have kids and

times of the day. This project was recognized

aging parents in the family. Healthy lifestyles

by AIA SFV for Design Excellence 2017.

and mental well-being are the most important aspects of today’s post-COVID-19 placemaking.

TELL US ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS. Amorphous Studio is a design-build business;

HOW DO PASSIVE HOUSES CONTRIBUTE TO

we frequently build the homes we design. I am

IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND QUALITY OF

a licensed general contractor and have been

LIFE OF THOSE WHO DWELL THERE?

educated and trained in the field of architecture.

Natural light brings in a lot of cheer, positivity,

I am on the board of the Association for Women

and energy savings in heat and electrical

in Architecture and Design and the American

usage—ultimately helping lessen the carbon

Institute of Architects, San Fernando Valley.

footprint and achieving sustainability. Fresh

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAN ARNOLD

air and ventilation improve our health and HOW CAN WE KEEP A MINIMALIST

save energy. Using green materials with a low

APPROACH FROM BEING BORING?

impact on our environment saves our planet.

By bringing in natural light through windows,

Local labor and locally sourced materials help

doors and skylights. It is all about being in

the environment by creating less pollution

balance and harmony with colors, textures

in travel and manufacturing. Using existing

and the flow of spaces—nothing overpowering.

structures and terrain preserves wildlife

I am very mindful of one’s feelings in the

habitat, underground reservoirs, trees and

space they are in and the emotions that a

plants, and places less impact on our city’s

space evokes due to the way it is put together.

utility departments. Greywater recycling,

We bring in some fun and life through use

rainwater harvesting, passive cooling and

of natural materials like stone and marble

heating, and solar panels are some other

with geometric patterns used minimally, and

sustainable methodologies.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DESIGN SHOWCASES

GIANT FIRST CONSTRUCTION INC. Albert Peretz & León Peretz, Owners 818-535-9909 | 818-535-9907 L to R: León Peretz, Danielle Peretz, Albert Peretz

leonperetz@gmail.com facebook.com/GiantFirstConstruction

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

WHICH HOME OR GARDEN FEATURES

We built this kitchen in Sherman Oaks,

DO YOU INCLUDE TO INCREASE

including the 15-foot island. The other photos

A SENSE OF SERENITY?

are of a modern farmhouse in Encino that

We plant mature olive trees in front of the

we built new in 2021. Its master bath features

homes we build for a sense of serenity. They

a freestanding bathtub, and the backyard

represent peace, prosperity and community.

boasts an oversize pool. THE NUMBER OF WOMEN WORKING IN WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE READERS TO

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IS ON

KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?

THE RISE. WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DOES

We are brothers who started our careers as

THIS BRING TO THE INDUSTRY?

home improvement contractors 25 years ago.

We believe having women in the industry

We realized that the quality of work being

brings a more thoughtful approach to build-

produced in these homes was subpar, and

ing, along with a deeper understanding of

there was a need for detailed craftsmanship.

what clients are looking for.

Since then we have been building homes to a higher standard, which our clients and our

HOW DO I KEEP A MINIMALIST APPROACH

company are proud of.

FROM BEING BORING? Mixing materials and using the best quality

WHAT IS AN ICONIC CALIFORNIA-STYLE

will always bring a stunning result to the

ITEM THAT SHOULD BE IN EVERY HOUSE?

simplest features. There is an art to mixing

Any concept that allows for an indoor-out-

metal and wood or glass and concrete;

door flow, like floor-to-ceiling windows and

these details are the most important part of

pocket doors. These additions in California

any project.

homes have traditionally complemented their environment.

WHAT ROLE DOES REALTOR® DANIELLE

WHAT RELAXING FEATURES DO YOU LIKE

Danielle, León’s wife, goes above and beyond,

TO ADD TO BATHROOMS?

sending us potential development opportuni-

A bathroom should be a relaxing and

ties. A lot of agents send what they may think

calming space. To achieve this, we add

is an opportunity, but they don’t understand

steam showers, heated floors and towel

the numbers or what it takes to build. Danielle

warmers for ultimate comfort. Wood grain

understands both and delivers. She also puts

and stone countertops emit a serene feeling

us in contact with her clients who are looking

through organic, natural tones, and subtle

for renovations, and she helps with the interior

brass hardware adds a nice accent for a

design of our homes. A well-designed house

luxurious space.

with good finishes will always be desirable.

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY TODD GOODMAN

PERETZ PLAY IN YOUR BUSINESS?

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DESIGN SHOWCASES

LA TECHS Russell Gaskamp & Calvin Larsen, Owners Sherman Oaks 310-919-5452 hello@latechs.com | latechs.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

aesthetics. Fortunately, the solution is quite

The featured project is the concept known as

simple. We can design a technology system

“integration,” made possible by a platform

with aesthetics in mind, which is even more

called Control4. Integration combines various

effective when the aesthetic design keeps

home technologies into a unified system,

technology in mind. We love working alongside

controlled via the user interface or dashboard

designers to create technology solutions that fit

(pictured in the main image). The dashboard

and even enhance their aesthetic vision.

is fully customizable to suit the user’s preferences and needs.

WHAT IS THE MAIN THING CLIENTS ARE

TELL US WHAT YOU’D LIKE READERS TO

Simplicity. Integration and automation elimi-

KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.

nate many of the steps required to accom-

LA Techs is a locally owned, full-service, low-

plish a given task. Many home entertainment

voltage company with expertise in a wide

systems require three or four remote con-

range of technologies. We work with home-

trols—one for the TV, one for the receiver, one

owners to design and implement customized

for each source. With an automation system

technology solutions.

like Control4, only one remote is required and

LOOKING FOR WITH HOME AUTOMATION?

many tasks can be programmed to require HOW HAS HOME TECHNOLOGY CHANGED

a single user command. Lighting and envi-

OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS?

ronmental controls, security and surveillance

Technology has become ubiquitous, espe-

systems, window shades and door locks—a

cially these last couple of years. This has

single user command could, in theory, alter all

amazing benefits, of course, but also presents

of these systems simultaneously.

a number of challenges. Our primary focus is to simplify the interaction between home-

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPACT-

owners and the technology that has become

FUL WAYS THAT TECHNOLOGY DESIGN

part of their daily lives.

MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN HOW WE LIVE?

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY LA TECHS

Too often, technology can be a source of stress. HOW DO I KEEP A MINIMALIST APPROACH

Eliminating that stress is a big part of what

FROM BEING BORING?

we do. But that’s just the beginning! Wouldn’t

When it comes to home technology, the risk of

it be nice to be woken by subtle changes in

a minimalist approach isn’t being boring—the

the environment—gradually brightening lights,

risk is being ineffective. While technology is

gentle music, changes in temperature—rather

compatible with a minimalist aesthetic, the

than by a jarring alarm? Technology has the

compatibility only goes so far … and at some

power to enhance daily life by creating condi-

point you’re losing functionality in favor of

tions that facilitate the lives we’d like to live.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DESIGN SHOWCASES

ORIT SROUR DESIGNS Orit Srour, Owner 818-631-2595 oritsrour@gmail.com @oritsrourdesigns

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.

HOW HAVE CLIENTS REACTED TO YOUR

Prior to the pandemic, like most designers, my

NEW BUSINESS MODEL?

business was predicated on charging a flat

They love it! I hear all the time about how

fee and marking up purchases. While this is

my approach has removed stress. Clients

the industry norm, I’ve always found that the

also like the fact that the process is swift.

process can be intimidating for many people.

The client and I carefully review the options.

Prices can feel excessive, and some feel a lack

Typically the goal is to elevate the style and

of control when projects escalate and snowball.

aesthetic of the home. And then together

Then the shutdown happened, and I

we make decisions. Sometimes I need to go

began receiving inquiries for my services

to the home once. Other times I go a dozen

over Zoom. Some people were renovating;

times. It just depends on the scope and scale

others were simply refreshing rooms and had

of the project.

design-related questions. I thought: Why not offer consulting services at an hourly rate

WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET BULLET” AS AN

and allow clients to hire me based on their

INTERIOR DESIGNER AND CONSULTANT?

specific needs and budget? So essentially, I

I’m a really good listener. I try to understand

am now a concierge design consultant.

clients’ needs and the way they live. A house

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

for an empty-nester couple has different HOW EXACTLY DOES IT WORK?

needs than one for a couple with young

Although I often work on a project from start

children. Both can be chic and beautiful,

to finish, with this approach there is more

but certain factors need to be taken into

flexibility. Clients can determine where they

consideration. For the empty-nesters, it

need me most in the process. For example,

might be what we can do with an empty

if a client is renovating a kitchen, they

room so they can use it. For the young

might need the most help in the beginning

family, we have to pay more attention to

when they are choosing floors, cabinets,

stain-resistant fabrics, rugs and countertops.

stone and paint. For many people, it is a

From “to the trade” showrooms to online

challenge to pull those things together and

retailers that make knockoffs, there are

create cohesiveness and harmony in the

a plethora of options out there for every

design. Another client might simply need

budget. I find them, and we collaborate.

help making paint color choices or choosing

Collaboration is key.

furniture with the proper scale. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DESIGN SHOWCASES

LA FURNITURE STORE Alan Soria, Design Director 4900 Triggs St., Los Angeles | 323-215-1645 | 22223 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills | 818-877-4254 sales@lafurniturestore.com | lafurniturestore.com

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LA FURNITURE PHOTO STUDIO

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THE SAUCE

Nosh Like You’re in Napa Meet the sommelier behind two of the Valley’s best places to sip great wine. More on the next page.

THE SAUCE

She Knows Her Wine MEET REBECCA ROSE PHILLIPS, A SOMMELIER WHO OWNS TWO WINE-CENTRIC ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE VALLEY. Written by Heather Platt

“Life is too short not to have fun, and wine should be no exception,” says restaurateur and sommelier Rebecca Rose Phillips, referring to the ethos of her two San Fernando Valley establishments. Rebecca, who grew up in Wisconsin, opened Vintage Wine + Eats in Studio City in 2018 and the intimate wine and cocktail bar Buvette in Sherman Oaks a year later. “I have been working in restaurants for 20 years. My first restaurant job, I was 14. I was a cake cutter at this 24-hour diner. And I really did every job since then: hostess, cashier until I worked my way up to server, and then I served all through college.” She moved to Los Angeles 13 years ago to pursue a career in acting. Rebecca says pivoting into the restaurant business was something that happened gradually. “When I moved to LA, I was acting and doing that kind of thing that everybody does in LA, and I was waiting tables the whole time.” Eventually she was promoted to management positioins and landed a gig at Los Feliz favorite Little Dom’s, where she took over the wine list and subsequently gained a sommelier education.

“That’s when I got really serious about wine and realized, Oh, this is like a whole thing. You could do this as a job.” From there she worked at Barbrix Wine Bar in Silver Lake and All’Acqua in Atwater Village before realizing that she wanted to do her own thing. “I felt like if I’m going to do this, I want to do it for myself. I want the blood, sweat and tears to be my own investment.” Through a mutual friend Rebecca met her future business partners who were looking to launch wineA charcuterie cone, wine and the elegant bar at Vintage Wine + Eats. Opposite: a drink from Buvette’s rotating cocktail menu.

oriented concepts. In 2018, inspired by what she felt was a need for more female leadership in the industry, she opened Vintage Wine + Eats, a charming restaurant and wine bar on Ventura Boulevard with a comfort-food menu of everything from vegan meatballs to beef bourguignon to bratwurst on a pretzel roll. Rebecca describes the menu as a collaborative effort centered around her wine selections. “I like to say this is like the country house and Buvette is like the city house,” says Rebecca of the difference between her two establishments. “Buvette is really a proper bar. There’s no food. There’s cheese and charcuterie and olives. It’s just kind of a sleeker vibe.” Whether it be a wine tasting event, visits from local winemakers, food pop-ups, burger nights or Taco Tuesdays where Rebecca makes the tacos herself, she seems to be embracing her new role wholeheartedly. She spends most of her time at Vintage Food + Eats, where she curates the always-changing wine list. “The food is just meant to be easy and shareable and pairable with the wines,” she says. ■

THE SAUCE

Main Squeeze FROM RECIPES TO TABLE DECOR, HERE WE GET INSPIRED BY THE FLAVOR AND BEAUTY OF THE LEMON. Written, photographed and produced by Kara Mickelson

When the world feels topsy-turvy, we are reminded of the time-honored saying: “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” We think that’s perfect advice as we ease into spring after two stressful years. Lemons symbolize light and energy, guiding us toward harmony and balance. The vibrant color of the lemon is often associated with the warmth of the sun, freshness, happiness and cheer. It’s also a noble hue that draws in our focus, highlighting what’s in front of us. Here, a few tips on using these bright babies to freshen up drinks, add a burst of flavor to homemade vinaigrette and a pop of color to a festive table.

SPARKLING LYCHEE LEMONADE Makes approximately 4¾ cups The lychee syrup provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart lemons. Add the seedless lychees to each drink—like nature’s version of boba—or save them for an exotic fruit salad or breakfast fruit bowl. 1 (8.1-ounce) can seedless lychees in syrup (found in Asian or specialty markets) ¼ cup fine white baker’s or castor sugar 1½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 8 lemons) 2 cups sparkling mineral water 1 whole lemon, ¼-inch-thick slices fresh thyme sprigs, one per drink as garnish 1 cup seedless lychees, optional Strain lychee syrup into a pitcher or tall container, reserving lychees. Stir sugar into lychee syrup until fully dissolved. Stir in lemon juice. Chill in refrigerator for two hours or overnight. Add sparkling water to pitcher just before serving. Add additional sugar or lemon juice as desired. Garnish with fresh-sliced lemons, thyme sprigs and lychees. Tip: To get the most juice from the lemons, roll them on a hard, flat surface. While rolling, add medium pressure with the palm of your hand to break up the pulp and release more juice. Cut the lemons horizontally down the center. Place half of a cut lemon into a lemon press or hand juicer. Grow your own: Plant a lemon tree to reap the benefits of this fresh fruit. A potted dwarf lemon tree can thrive on a sunny patio or in a small space and will provide a generous supply of fresh lemons. Meyer lemons, a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, provide an extra-sweet flavor and are less acidic. Intensify the flavor: Get your hands on an organic lemon and finely grate the skin. The skin adds evenmore flavor to a recipe.

LEMON, GARLIC & SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE Makes ½ cup This flavorful homemade vinaigrette can be made up to three days in advance.

BRIGHT SUNNY DAZE Our tablescape (page 70) draws inspiration from the vibrant hue of the lemon—and the California coastline. The Amina Portuguese place setting by Crate & Barrel and copper cutlery radiate varied hues of warm sand tones, the sea and iridescent coral. Repurposed cloth placemats were hand-painted with Soft Buttercup by Behr Paint. Delicate ranunculus and other scattered fresh florals complete the sunny vibe. ■

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar 1 tablespoon champagne or apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon plus 1½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon) 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon mild olive oil 1 tablespoon minced shallot 1 medium garlic clove, minced ⅛ teaspoon granulated garlic powder ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper ⅛ teaspoon ground white pepper ¼ teaspoon kosher salt Combine vinegar and lemon. Slowly whisk in mustard and then olive oil, about a tablespoon at a time, until fully incorporated. Whisk in shallot, garlic, garlic powder, both peppers and salt. Season to taste. Refrigerate. Whisk before serving. Drizzle on lettuce salads, grain salads with vegetables, fish or grilled veggies.

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COMING THIS JUNE Ventura Blvd ‘s Top Doctors & Health Care Professionals Profiles Section Whether you’re a physician, surgeon, fertility center or anti-aging specialist, share your story with our community of more than 88,000 active, affluent, educated readers. If you would like more information, please contact sue@thegoldenstatecompany.com

This Room Is for Living A LARGE OPEN SPACE IN A STUDIO CITY RANCH-STYLE HOUSE IS TRANSFORMED INTO A SOPHISTICATED GREAT ROOM WITH A MID-CENTURY VIBE. Written by Chelsee Lowe Photographed by Shane O’Donnell

My husband and I have an affinity for relics of the past, so when we first saw our 1954 California ranch house, it charmed us immediately. We could see beyond its stained grass cloth walls, dated windows and beaten-up flooring, envisioning mid-century beauty, especially in the main living area. Our goal was to transform the great room into a comfortable, chic space that could showcase aspects of that era that we love most. We decided to leave some of the architectural details—original to the house—untouched, including the working brick fireplace and the beamed wooden ceiling. Our first task: a wall refresh. The old wallpaper was removed, and the plaster walls were painted a clean white (Suprema by Dunn-Edwards), offering a bright palette on which to design. We swapped out the wood windows with aluminum, black-framed ones (Anderson Windows), adding contrast and a modern vibe. Culver City-based interior designers Deborah Rhein and Taylor Christner of DL Rhein helped us with layout, decor and vintage furnishings. Deborah sourced a magnificent, three-piece Milo Baughman sofa from a

before

WE COULD SEE BEYOND ITS STAINED GRASS CLOTH WALLS, DATED WINDOWS AND BEATEN-UP FLOORING, ENVISIONING MID-CENTURY BEAUTY, ESPECIALLY IN THE MAIN LIVING AREA.

vintage-furniture hunter in Florida, and we reupholstered it in a vibrant emerald linen/cotton blend. A built-in wooden shelf runs along the sectional’s top edge, offering a space for a coastered cup of coffee, family photos and curios. The oversized sofa anchors the space and creates two separate areas: one for relaxing and one for dining. A vintage Turkish rug with specks of green that echo the couch pulls the room together. The coffee table, with a brass and marble top, was purchased from Anthropologie and ties into brass fixtures around the house. We placed a Mr. Chair—a classic piece reminiscent of the Mad Men era that makes you want to curl up with a good book—in a sunny corner. The vintage theme carries into the dining room with our selection of six Danish chairs and a MonteverdiYoung burl wood dining table. The table is mesmerizing with its undulating lines and knots in the wood’s grain. To add some pops of color, I fulfilled a personal dream of hunting down original Charley Harper lithographs, which we placed on the wall behind the table. The chandelier above, from West Elm, is a contemporary version of the space-age Sputnik chandelier that dominated mid-century lighting designs. My family and I have lived in the house for six months now, and our work on the room has continued. It’s my favorite place in the house. Sometimes it’s just us—me on the sofa doing crossword puzzles, my husband napping, the kids eating snacks below Charley’s birds and minnows. Other times the children drift to the playroom while the adults have cocktails and conversation at the dining table. It’s the ideal gathering area that somehow seems to pull all our lives together. ■

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Changing of the Guardians THE INFLUENTIAL SHERMAN OAKS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION USHERS IN A NEW ERA WITH DIFFERENT LEADERS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES. Illustrated by Yuiko Sugino

When SOHA president Richard Close died in January,

are no minimums or percentages included. It’s called

he left big shoes to fill. He’d been president of the

trickle-down housing. The idea is if you build enough

Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association for more than

housing, there will eventually be enough affordable hous-

40 years. With a membership that reportedly includes

ing. So you let developers build and build, give them all

3,000 people, it is one of the most powerful homeown-

sorts of ways to do it on existing properties (like apart-

ers associations in the LA area.

ment buildings on existing single-family properties or

Matt Epstein, a local realtor who was SOHA’s VP for 28

multiple units), and hope housing prices will eventually

years, now takes over as president. Bob Anderson, a re-

drop because there’s too much supply. It is not going to

tired aerospace engineer who had chaired SOHA’s trans-

work. It’s flawed thinking, because developers are smart.

portation committee and was on the board, takes on the

They won’t put themselves into a situation where housing

role of VP. Here VB editor Linda Grasso talks to the new

prices are going start to drop and they can’t make money.

leaders about some of the topics on their agenda.

They are not going to continue to build housing, so you’ll never reach the point that housing prices will drop. And if

Let’s start with affordable housing. Senate Bills 9 and 10

you do, it’s going to take 25 years. That won’t help today.

have passed already. You guys don’t like the direction that

those bills are taking us in. Why?

That leads us to AB 1910, which would provide incentives

BOB: SB 9 and SB 10 take away local control. They’re

to businesses or landowners who enter into a development

purported to be bills that will increase affordable hous-

agreement to convert golf courses into housing and publicly

ing. But though they do talk about affordable housing,

accessible open space.

they never actually require any affordable housing. There

MATT: We oppose it because it’s allowing housing to

be built on public golf courses, which are there for a reason. We have very little public open space in Los Angeles, and to take some of that away, removing the greenery and the trees and everything else, is unthinkable. These are places where people who are not wealthy, who don’t belong to a country club, can go and play a round of golf. What are some other options for affordable housing space? MATT: There are lots of properties around that are city, state, or county owned that could be used for other things. For example, on Sepulveda Boulevard, just north of Oxnard where the Orange Line is, there is a Metro parking structure. There’s a big lot there behind LA Fitness. It’s huge, and not many people park there to use the Orange Line, so they rent it to automotive dealers to store new cars. If you look at the Metro lot next to the Orange Line at Van Nuys Boulevard, there are three sections of the lot. They rent part of that lot too.

“SOHA IS AN ORGANIZATION THAT JUST DOESN’T TAKE

So that’s another option.

NO FOR AN ANSWER,

Let’s shift to Metro’s Sepulveda Pass transit. There are six

AND WE’VE WON

proposals currently under consideration. You guys believe that, with some modifications, three of them might work for the Valley. BOB: Metro is studying six final alternatives. The only ones we can afford are alternatives 1 or 2. Some people don’t like these alternatives because they’re monorails that run above the 405 freeway, so you’d see them. But they’re affordable. They have a little higher capacity than the heavy rail alternatives, or about equal. And they can be built much more quickly. Alternative 3 is a monorail on the 405, but it would go under UCLA and give them a station. But that would cost an additional $2 to $3 billion. You have to think about that. If you don’t have that money, where does it come from? The heavy rail alternatives 4, 5 and 6 cost at least twice as much as Metro’s budget.

SOME HUGE BATTLES. ELECTED OFFICIALS KNOW THAT WE’RE NOT A PUSHOVER GROUP OF FOLKS WHO SIMPLY ACCEPT THEIR STUMP SPEECH.” —MATT EPSTEIN

As long as I can remember there’s been talk about a subway or rail coming through the Valley. Nothing concrete ever happens. Why should people here tune in to the discussion? BOB: Because we don’t want something to happen like Metro alternative 4. That would be a subway on the Westside that goes under UCLA and would give them their own station. Then it goes under Bel Air and Sherman Oaks, coming out of a huge tunnel where Valley Vista and Sepulveda Boulevards meet—right there next to the 405 freeway near Whole Foods. The 40- or 50-foot diameter tunnel would require eminent domain of many houses and exit that hill some 30 feet in the air, running the elevated heavy rail trains above Sepulveda for 5 miles. It would knock out two lanes of traffic on Sepulveda, running next to apartment build-

“ALL THE PROPELLER PLANES ARE USING

ings and homes. These are not like those cute little light-rail Expo Lines you see in Santa Monica. MATT: These are Red Line kind of subways. They run about every minute and a half in both directions. You’re

LEADED FUEL,

going to hear that all day.

POLLUTING THE HELL

Matt, I know in the past you’ve said you don’t think city

OUT THE VALLEY. WE

MATT: That’s true. Do you know how many subway

ARE BREATHING THE

tion of 2 million? There’s one in Universal City and one

AIR THAT THESE PLANES

two subway lines. The majority of Assembly members

ARE DUMPING IN OUR

regard for our quality of life.

NEIGHBORHOODS.”

Airplane noise and traffic is a big concern here. The other

—BOB ANDERSON

Boulevard and honestly it was terrifying how low a huge jet

officials have enough consideration for the Valley. stops there are in the Valley where we have a populain North Hollywood. The entire San Fernando Valley has and senators don’t fight for the Valley and have little

day I was visiting a friend in Encino just north of the flew overhead. It was as if you could reach up and touch it. MATT: The door keeps getting slammed in our face. The reality is Whitman, Camarillo and Santa Monica Airports are all being shut down. All the traffic is going into Van Nuys Airport so that the superrich can fly their

private jets. There’s zero control over that. The Bob

reality is, a lot of these younger people don’t engage.

Hope Airport in Burbank is the exact same thing. It is

They complain, but they are not willing to step up, do

owned by the cities of Burbank, Pasadena and Glendale.

the work and do what it takes to fight.

They get all the profits and revenues, and zero flights

BOB: I walk around my block every day and I bump

go over their properties. There have been all these

into a lot of younger people. I tell them about all the

studies that show you can safely fly over those cities,

stuff that is going on here. They get very outraged, but

but they won’t do it because they don’t want to upset

they don’t want to commit.

their constituents. The fact is that you’ve got huge lobbying efforts by flight companies and large sums of

I think the key might be showing all these new young

money being spent on greasing politicians, so they just

residents how over the years you-all have gotten things

look the other way.

done. You don’t just meet and talk; you enact change. MATT: True. We’ve got a very committed board and

Doesn’t all of this break FAA rules and regulations?

numerous hardworking committees. I’ve been involved

BOB: The FAA mission statement is to make flying safe

in committee fights against the city that have cost tens

and efficient and has nothing to do with the people on

of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

the ground. They occasionally change some of the routes

We have raised the money privately numerous times to

depending on who is complaining, but the FAA doesn’t

fight issues. SOHA is an organization that just doesn’t

have to hold any public hearings. They don’t have to

take no for an answer, and we’ve won some huge

have environmental impact statements. They don’t really

battles. Elected officials know that we’re not a pushover

care about the people on the ground.

group of folks who simply accept their stump speech.

MATT: The answer here is holding politicians ac-

BOB: I’m particularly proud of the work I did with

countable. Unfortunately, we haven’t. We’ve got

Richard Close on the recent redistricting. We kept tell-

Congressman Brad Sherman and Assemblymember Bob

ing everybody the Valley wasn’t getting its fair share,

Hertzberg— guys who have been in there for years and

and we were getting screwed. We kept explaining this

years and say we’re gonna do something. And they do

to the redistricting commissions and spent hundreds of

nothing. No one actually deals with the problem. We

hours working with all the commissions, but especially

need to hold politicians accountable or vote them out.

the LA City commission. And you’ll notice that Nithya

BOB: Also, there isn’t an unleaded gas station at the

Raman’s District 4 used to be 30% Valley and 70%

Van Nuys airport. So all the propeller planes are using

over the hill. Now it’s opposite: 70/30. This is a perfect

leaded fuel, polluting the hell out the Valley. We are

example of what we do at SOHA. We work to make

breathing the air that these planes are dumping in our

sure—in many cases not just Sherman Oaks, but the

neighborhoods.

Valley—gets its fair share. ■

You have an older constituency. Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a lot of young families move into the Valley. How will you incent them to get involved? MATT: Our board talks about that all the time. We constantly reach out. We would love to get a younger, active membership and board participation. But the

RECORD SALE!

$4.76M

NEW LISTING

SOLD PRICE

$1,273.06 4651 Louise.com, Encino 5+6.5 | 6,114 SF | $6,298,500

Spitz | Chavez Group Knows The Valley

WOODL AND HILLS

3627Cody.com, Sherman Oaks 5+5 | 3,739 SF | $4,760,000

RECORD SALE PRICE PER SQUARE FOOTAGE *

IN ESCROW

CO-LIST WITH STEVE SHANKS, BHHS | DRE 01029330

15916HighKnoll.com, Encino 6+5.5 | 4,780 SF | $3,895,000

IN ESCROW

4509Encino.com, Encino 4+4.5 | 4,648 SF | $3,595,000

SOLD $390K ABOVE ASKING!

Off-Market, Sherman Oaks (Rep. Buyer) 3+2.5 | 2,400 SF | $2,500,000

Andrew Spitz & Fran Chavez Executive Directors of Luxury Estates Top 1% Nationwide • Top 100 in So. Cal. 818.453.9119 | Andrew@AndrewSpitz.com 818.517.1411 | FranChavezRE@gmail.com DRE 00924610 | 01013357

CO-LIST WITH KEVIN HAFEZI, DRE 02041652

14348 Riverside Dr #7, Sherman Oaks 2+2.5+Bonus Room | 1,669 SF | $719,000

4880 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills 4+3 | 3,162 SF | $2,565,000

SpitzChavezGroup.com Opening Soon! — New SCG Office 15760 Ventura Blvd, Encino CA 91436

ENCINO

IN ESCROW

S H E R M A N OA KS

IN ESCROW

STUDIO CIT Y

OPENING SOON! — NEW SCG OFFICE IN ENCINO

TO L U C A L A K E

5 0 + C LO S E D T R A N S AC T I O N S Y E A R LY

TA R Z A N A

$ 2 + B S A L ES VO LU M E

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. DRE 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. * Source: MLS data as of 03/25/22.

R E A L E S TAT E

Unparalleled Luxury and Exquisite Design Unite! Set behind gates with a circular drive, this spectacular, newly remodeled transitional farmhouse in Rancho Estates boasts soaring 20+ foot high ceilings. modern pendent lighting, and large sliding pocket doors to create a seamless indoor/outdoor dining and entertaining experience. Luxurious common rooms include a living room, formal dining room, movie theater, wine locker, office, and a chef’s dream kitchen. The opulent primary suite features a majestic fireplace, sitting area, 3 walk-in closets, pocket doors to a private balcony and a spa-like bathroom to rival any 5-star hotel. The resort-styled rear oasis features a heated pavilion, alfresco kitchen, bar area, gazebo, fire pits, infinity pool/spa and multiple waterfalls. A rare opportunity to own a property of such refinement and style. 4651 Louise Ave, Encino | 4651Louise.com | $6,298,500 Andrew Spitz & Fran Chavez | www.SpitzChavezGroup.com | 818.453.9119

THE AGENCY CONGR ATUL ATES

DANIELLE PERETZ FOR RECEIVING THE 2021 CHAIRMAN AWARD AND BEING NAMED A TOP AGENT WITHIN THE VALLEY OFFICES.

23622 CAL ABASAS ROAD, SUITE 148, CAL ABASAS, CA 91302

$6,900,000

JUST SOLD

5510 JED SMITH

$5,999,900

6310 MIRROR L AKE

JUST SOLD

14308 GREENLE AF

17946 VALLE Y VIS TA BLVD.

$5,999,900

$1,449,000

Danielle Peretz DANIELLE.PERET Z@THEAGENCYRE.COM | 818.644.1477 | LIC. #01897529 | THEAGENCYRE.COM

Top Team for 2021

in our

Encino

Brokerage

Kevin Pane | Brian Pane DRE#02007794

DRE#01209478

424.535.0550 | info@PaneTeam.com | www.PaneTeam.com Kevin Pane, Broker Associate DRE# 02007794, Brian Pane, Broker Associate DRE#01209478. #1 Ranking is Based on 2021 Sales Volume at Sotheby’s International Realty, Encino Brokerage. © 2022 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

6 BED | 6 BATH | 6,811 SF | 58,244 SF LOT

424.535.0550 | info@PaneTeam.com www.PaneTeam.com

© 2022 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

ENCINO

CALIFORNIA

17862 Via Vallarta

ENCINO, CA 91316

Listed at $5,999,999

KEVIN PANE

BRIAN PANE

LAURA SHAW

DRE#02007794

DRE#01209478

DRE#00907456

818.621.4038 | laura.shaw@sir.com www.LauraShawRealtor.com

ng Co

ratulations

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

Matt Epstein #1 #2 #5

Agent San Fernando Valley Agent Los Angeles Agent Nationwide for

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

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

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

CalBRE# 01121162

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

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

SO LD

Jane Kaplan Epstein Dre#01922991

#KeepingItRealEstate

12561 Kling St.– SC- $3,995,000 5Br+6.5Ba in 5,369 SqFt on a 13,234 SqFt Lot – Stunning modern farmhouse in Studio City. This home features 5 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms, a chef’s kitchen, two fireplaces, a huge master suite, pool house, pool, outdoor patio, and much more.

13952 Davana Ter - SO- $2,440,000 4Br+3.5 Ba in 3,308 SqFt on a 6,208 SqFt Lot- This stunning & sophisticated remodeled home in Sherman Oaks. Features 4 bd and 3.5 ba, views of the neighborhood three fireplaces throughout, and much more. The backyard has a large covered patio and grassy yard to run & play. There are designer touches throughout which help to create a stunning home to be enjoyed.

14722 Greenleaf St.– SO- $1,500,000 3Br+2 Ba in 1,544 SqFt on a 10,740 SqFt Lot– Traditional home on a huge lot with plenty of room to remodel or build your dream home south of Ventura Blvd. in a great neighborhood. This natural light-filled home with wood floors throughout offers a wonderful living room with large picture windows and a fireplace. here’s a beautiful backyard with multiple sitting areas, a large pool, and a grassy area. The garage has been converted into a recording studio but can be a possible adu or pool house.

11680 Sunshine Ter.– SO - $1,180,0002Br+2Ba in 1,484 SqFt on a 6,686 SqFt LotCharming 2 bd 2 ba home in prime Studio City neighborhood s. of Ventura Blvd. Hardwood floors run throughout this beautiful home which is filled w/ windows & lots of great natural light. Very large living room w/ brick fireplace & a fantastic wood-paneled vaulted ceiling dining room/ family room. And to top it off there’s a beautiful backyard with multiple sitting areas w/ room for a pool. Also includes a two-car garage.

3130 N. Marengo Ave– ALT- $895,000 4Br+2Ba in 1,468 SqFt on a 7,143 SqFt Lot- A charming English Tudor inspired by Janes cottage in the very desirable Altadena. This unique home offers lots of natural light and flows beautifully from the kitchen to the dining room, to the living room. The backyard has great potential to create your dream setting. There’s a detached garage.

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

TOP 1% OF NETWORK | TOP 100 IN PRODUCTION AND TRANSACTIONS | 10 YEAR LEGEND

TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR CLIENTS “The Team is a pleasure to work with and

You guys are the best, It was a pleasure

“We feel so blessed to have you on our team

looks out for the best interests of her clients.

to do business with your company! You

because without you, none of this would

Their positive attitude keep the clients calm

guys literally found us a home in less than

have been possible. We don’t have the

in the stressful time of looking for a home.

a month, in our budget thanks to your great

words to express how thankful we are for

They know what is best for their clients and

negotiation skills. Thank you so much, we

your generosity. But from the bottom of our

will go out of their way to get the deal done,

love our new home!!!! – Denise & Josh

hearts, we hope you know how much we

all while keeping a professional, positive,

value your wisdom and guidance through this

and happy attitude!” – Allen H

entire process. – Juli, Andrea & Sophia

TeamAmalia-k.com Amalia Khachikian | DRE # 00989919 | 818-281-8407 Tina Mansoorian | DRE# 02102141 | 818-378-3844 Serli Tasci | DRE# 02047320 | 818-298-9896 © 2021 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.

SOLD

No.13 Agent Worldwide 2021

Out of 50,000+ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network agents

SOLD

READY TO HELP YOU IN 2022 SOLD

SOLD

Andrew Manning

SOLD

REALTOR® Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties SOLD (818) 380-2147 SOLD

SOLD

andrew@andrewmanning.com DRE LIC #: 00941825

SOLD

© 2022 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Afﬁliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway afﬁliate.

SOLD

FEATURED

4565 Encino Ave | Encino 8 Bed | 14 Bath | Approx: 12,300 sq ft | 22,196 sq ft lot Offered at: $12,995,000

IN ESCROW

SOLD

4021 Royal Oak Place | Encino 7 Bed | 10 Bath | Approx: 13,000 sq ft | 24,393 sq ft lot Offered at: $14,995,000

SOLD

18018 Medley Dr | Encino 4 Bed | 4 Bath | Approx. 3,228 sqft | 18,123 sqft lot Sold: $2,597,000

16908 Bosque Dr | Encino 64 Bed | 7.5 Bath | Approx. 6,500 sqft | 17,001 sqft Sold: $5,800,000

SOLD

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

4045 Strawberry Pl | Encino 6 Bed | 8 Bath | Approx: 7,602 sq ft | 19,398 lot Sold: $7,995,000

SOLD

324 S Medio Dr|Brentwood 5 Bed|5.5 Bath |Approx 5,210 sqft | 9,886 sqft lot Sold: $8,250,000

SOLD

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

4301 Valley Meadow Rd | Encino 4 bed | 4 bath | Approx: 3,739 sqft | 30,492 lot Offered at: $3,330,000

SOLD

5115 Encino Ave | Encino 7 bed | 7.5 bath | Approx: 9,000 sqft | 25,607 lot Offered at: $8,500,000

SOLD

16718 Addison St | Encino 4 Bed | 5 Bath | Approx. 3,850 sqft | 8,135 sqft lot Offered at: $2,740,000

Adi Livyatan

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

www.AdiLivyatan.com

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

2669 HARLESDEN COURT

4238 WILLIS AVENUE

SHERM A N OA KS | $ 2, 220,0 0 0 | S OL D 3 BEDS | 2 B AT HS | 2,393 S Q . F T.

CHRISTINE KIM

CKIM@THE AGENCYRE.COM 310.729.1514 LIC. #01914081

3641 GL ENRIDGE DRIVE

SHERM A N OA KS | $ 2,570,0 0 0 | S OL D

4 BEDS | 3 B AT HS | 24 ,577 S Q . F T. L O T

SOLD OFF MARKET | REPRESENTED BUYER & SELLER

3846 Westfall Drive ENCINO, CA 91436

2,923

20,274

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT. LIVING

SQ. FT. LOT

ACTIVE 11656 LA MAIDA STREET | VALLEY VILLAGE

ACTIVE 1433 ½ N WATERLOO STREET | SILVER LAKE

ACTIVE 4509 NOELINE AVENUE | ENCINO

ACTIVE 4619 ROMA COURT | MARINA DEL REY

ACTIVE 1756 CLEAR VIEW DRIVE | BEVERLY HILLS

ACTIVE 4565 ENCINO AVENUE | ENCINO

ACTIVE 13047 MAGNOLIA BOULEVARD | SHERMAN OAKS

ACTIVE 5060 GLORIA AVENUE | ENCINO

IN ESCROW 4443 AUCKLAND AVENUE | TOLUCA LAKE

IN ESCROW 14348 ROBLAR PLACE | SHERMAN OAKS

IN ESCROW 6438 YARMOUTH AVENUE | RESEDA

IN ESCROW 5059 HESPERIA AVENUE | ENCINO

JUST SOLD 17637 CALVERT STREET | ENCINO

JUST SOLD 12310 HILLSLOPE STREET | STUDIO CITY

JUST SOLD 5923 ETIWANDA AVENUE #106 | TARZANA

JUST SOLD 3530 WILLOWCREST AVENUE | STUDIO CITY

OVER

178

HOMES MILLION

S O L D IN 2021

the Chernov Team

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

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

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

GEORGE OUZOUNIAN & GINA MICHELLE COMING SOON

COMING SOON

2681 COUNTRY RIDGE RD | CALABASAS

4609 LOUISE DR | ENCINO

7 Bed I 10 Bath | Almost 9,000 Sqft | 11 Acre Lot

5 Bed | 5.5 Bath | 5,885 Sqft | 25,581 Lot

CONTACT FOR PRICING

OFFERED AT $6,299,000

RECENT SALES

17960 KAREN DR | ENCINO

15952 VALLEY VISTA BLVD | ENCINO

1132 VISTA RIDGE | BURBANK

5 Bed | 5.5 Bath | 5,810 Sqft | 20,523 Lot

5 Bed | 5.5 Bath | 4,687 Sqft | 9,553 Lot

4 Bed | 4 Bath | 2,841 Sqft | 12,975 Lot

SOLD AT $5,249,000

SOLD AT $3,380,000

SOLD AT $3,150,000

1 BUCKSKIN CT | BELL CANYON

1760 S. ORANGE GROVE | LOS ANGELES

17040 MOONCREST DR | ENCINO

5 Bed | 5.5 Bath | 5,175 Sqft | 43,560 Lot

4 Bed | 3 Bed | 2,378 Sqft | 6,025 Lot

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2,099 Sqft | 18,682 Lot

SOLD AT $2,500,000

SOLD AT $2,200,000

4717 WILSHIRE BLVD | LOS ANGELES

24217 ALBERS ST | WOODLAND HILLS

4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 2,293 Sqft | 1,900 Lot

6 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 3,428 Sqft | 11,676 Lot

George Ouzounian & Gina Michelle

SOLD AT $1,750,000

SOLD AT $1,685,000

ESTATE DIRECTORS, THE AGENCY

23622 Calabasas Road, Suite 148, Calabasas | 818-850-1458 12080 Ventura Place #D, Studio City | 818-900-4259 THEAGENCYRE.COM | DRE #01503003, #01948763

ACTIVE 10179 Toluca Lake Avenue, Toluca Lake

ACTIVE 5447 Encino Avenue, Encino

SOLD 10225 Valley Spring Lane, Toluca Lake

Offered at $2,849,000

Sold for $3,225,000

SOLD 4355 Clybourn Avenue, Toluca Lake

SOLD 4955 Placidia Avenue, Toluca Lake

SOLD 4322 Ponca Avenue, Toluca Lake

Sold for $3,700,000

Sold for $2,150,000

Sold for $2,800,000

Offered at $3,795,000

ACTIVE 10040 Toluca Lake Avenue, Toluca Lake Offered at $5,995,000

CRAIG STRONG Vice President, Luxury Home Sales Top 1% Nationwide #1 Individual Agent Companywide $1.4+ Billion in Total Sales Volume

818.930.4050 info@strongrealtor.com strongrealtor.com DRE # 01450987

SOLD 4202 Navajo Avenue, Toluca Lake Sold for $2,550,000

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

THE DINSKY TEAM

4074 SUNSWEPT DRIVE | STUDIO CITY 4 BD | 3.5 BA | 3,050 SQ. FT. | 10,787 SQ. FT. LOT JUST SOLD

REPRESENTED BUYER

12240 LA MAIDA ST | VALLEY VILLAGE 4 BD | 5 BA | 3,054 SQ. FT. | 7,501 SQ. FT. LOT

JUST SOLD

REPRESENTED BUYER

JUST SOLD

KET

AR FF M

O 12075 LAUREL TERRACE DR | STUDIO CITY

JUST SOLD

12810 WADDELL ST | VALLEY VILLAGE

JUST SOLD

13633 MORRISON ST | SHERMAN OAKS

4832 GENTRY AVE | VALLEY VILLAGE

3252 LAUREL CANYON DR | STUDIO CITY

JUST SOLD

5957 YARMOUTH AVE | ENCINO

JUST SOLD

11758 LA MAIDA ST | VALLEY VILLAGE

JUST SOLD

4611 CEDROS AVE | SHERMAN OAKS REPRESENTED BUYER

JUST SOLD

22014 MARTINEZ ST | WOODLAND HILLS

12359 OTSEGO ST | VALLEY VILLAGE

JUST SOLD

4809 GENTRY AVE | VALLEY VILLAGE

IN ESCROW

11581 HORTENSE ST | VALLEY VILLAGE

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

ANDREW DINSKY 310.729.3393

ANDREW@THEDINSKYTEAM.COM

THEDINSKYTEAM.COM

DRE #01724985

The information contained herein has been obtained through sources deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed as to its accuracy. Buyer to verify accuracy of information. Equity Union Real Estate DRE #01811831

Susanna Nagy 818.481.1602

1agentnagy@gmail.com REALTOR® | DRE #01832306 Each office is independently owned and operated. This is not a solicitation if your property is already listed. Keller Williams does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size, or other information concerning the condition or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from public records or other sources and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection with appropriate licensed professionals.

Oren David Mordkowitz ESTATES DIRECTOR | REALTOR ®

818-933-5866 JUST LISTED

7310WWDrive.com

CalDRE License #01246402

oren@orenestates.com JUST LISTED

317Windsor.com

COMING SOON

17856ViaVallarta.com

IN ESCROW

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

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

OrenEstates.com

T H E # 1 S O T H E B Y ’ S I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E A LT Y A G E N T I N T H E VA L L E Y

SOLD

4172 Sunswept Drive

SOLD

11130 Blix Street

SOLD

(IN ESCROW)

5425 Calhoun Avenue

SOLD

4220 Sunnyslope Avenue

3100 Doña Clara Place

SOLD

3541 Valley Meadow Road

81 8 .41 5. 1 819 Michael@theMJOgroup.com theMJOgroup.com DRE#01430979 BROKER ASSOCIATE

Find out why we’re the best choice in Real Estate!

Michael J. Okun is the #1 Sotheby’s International Realty agent in the San Fernando Valley based on the total number of sales from January 01, 2021 to December 31, 2021. © 2022 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. This material is based upon information which we consider reliable but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. Equal Housing Opportunity.

MICHAEL BERGIN |

LUXURY ESTATES DIRECTOR

JUST SOLD

Studio City 4 Beds 5 Baths ADU Pool $2,600,000

JUST SOLD

5115 Encino Avenue, Encino Represented Buyer $8,500,000

FOR LEASE

4210 Kraft Ave, Studio City 5 Beds 5.5 Baths ADU Pool & Spa $20,000 per Month

14659 Round Valley Drive Sherman Oaks $2,400,000 $501K Over Asking

JUST SOLD

IN ESCROW

4946 Park Glen Avenue, Parkview 6 Beds 5.5 Baths $3,050,000

16226 Dickens Street, Encino 5 Beds 6 Baths $2,495,000

4620 Morse Ave, Sherman Oaks Represented Buyer $2,699,000

3324 Bennett Dr, Los Angeles 4 Beds 4 Baths $2,695,000 Representing Buyer

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

Your #1 Real Estate Expert Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

Nobody does it better...

Fine Estates®

SOLD

17201 Weddington Street, Encino $5,300,000 Amestoy Estates

17177 Adlon Road, Encino $2,850,000 Encino Hills

4903 Woodley Avenue, Encino $2,300,000 Encino – Hesby K-8 School

SOLD

5212 Lubao Avenue, Woodland Hills $2,300,000 Woodland Hills So. of Blvd.

17140 Rancho Street, Encino $1,967,000 Rancho Estates

4903 Newcastle Avenue, Encino $1,800,000 Encino So. of Blvd.

COMING SOON Rancho Estates 3834 sq. ft. $2,300,000

SOLD

17130 Clemons Drive, Encino $1,550,000 Encino Hills

5240 Zelzah Avenue, #101, Encino $650,000 1 Level Condo

www.CarolWolfe.com 818.285.3688 DRE #00477745

WALL STREET JOURNAL

Encino Hills 3413 sq. ft. $1,999,000

SALE PENDING $1,695,000

SALE PENDING $1,675,000

SALE PENDING $1,699,000

4046 Cody Road, Sherman Oaks

15209 Rayneta Drive, Sherman Oaks

14723 McCormick Street, Sherman Oaks

FOR SALE $1,150,000

JUST SOLD $2,720,000

JUST SOLD $2,065,000

1260 S. Beverly Glen #406, Westwood

3943 Bledsoe Avenue, Mar Vista

3726 Meadville Drive, Sherman Oaks

SALE PENDING $2,695,000

JUST SOLD $2,525,000

JUST SOLD $1,800,000

3777 Deervale Drive, Sherman Oaks

3735 Scadlock Lane, Sherman Oaks

3671 Meadville Drive, Sherman Oaks

818.426.8677 barrydantagnan@gmail.com

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker ® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. CalRe#00616212 and CalRe#01020477

Secure your future home

Start your home buying process confidently with a no-cost SureStart® Pre-approval1 Talk to a Home Lending Officer to learn more. John Musso Home Lending Officer 818-518-1008 john.musso@citi.com citi.com/johnmusso NMLS# 448606

Terms, conditions and fees for accounts, programs, products and services are subject to change. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit and property approval. Certain restrictions may apply on all programs. This offer contains information about U.S. domestic financial services provided by Citibank, N.A. and is intended for use domestically in the U.S. 1 Final commitment is subject to verification of information, receipt of a satisfactory sales contract on the home you wish to purchase, appraisal and title report, and meeting our customary closing conditions. There is no charge to receive a SureStart® Pre-approval. However, standard application and commitment fees will apply for the mortgage loan application.

©2022 Citibank, N.A. NMLS# 412915. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Citi, Citi and Arc Design and other marks used herein are service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates, used and registered throughout the world.

LAST WORD

The Purple Empress AN APPRECIATION OF THE JACARANDA, WHICH EACH SPRING SHROUDS THE VALLEY IN A MAGNIFICENT CANOPY OF BLUE AND PURPLE. Written by Rohina Hoffman | Illustrated by Yuiko Sugino

I walk out my front door in Sherman Oaks through time and

our seasons, and I never tire of it, even after 20 years of being

space to 17th-century Japan. I am with Basho, inspired to create

here. I mingle with the visitors on my street, some toting cam-

a haibun as I travel down my street during the months of May

eras and marveling at the heliotropic display. One day perhaps

and June. The air is sweet but not overpowering, and the sky is

she will have her own star on the Walk of Fame. Surely she

a velvet canopy of purple enchantment. Jacarandas are calling to

deserves it.

me from all sides. With some at least 50 feet tall and 20 feet wide,

And then, just like that, the flowers are gone. It is hard to

the trees are stately. I gaze down my street and it is as if they are

pinpoint the last time you saw the jacaranda bloom. Like so many

putting on a show, their own silent parade. If you get caught in a

things, we are primed to attend to our firsts. We’re not in tune

jacaranda rainstorm, consider yourself fortunate. Some say it is

with our lasts. We take for granted that they will be there and then

good luck to have the flowers fall on your head.

suddenly they are not. When exactly did this change take place?

There are 49 species, but it is the mimosifolia, blue jacaranda,

Was it yesterday? The day before? All we know is that now the

that is seen throughout LA. It blooms in the spring and then, once

street is strewn with purple markings, crushed petals, remnants

in a while, there is a double bloom. It will surprise you, take you

of their formal glory like confetti left over from a party. Some find

off guard and burst again just after summer’s end. This second

the sticky debris they leave behind messy and unpleasant; I find it

bloom is short and not as robust. It often goes unnoticed except

simply a reminder of what it is like to live here.

by those patiently waiting and watching.

Several years ago, when my husband and I entertained the

Like so many of us in LA, jacarandas are not native to the

thought of leaving LA, I set about to photograph all the things

Southland. They are found in tropical and subtropical parts of

I would miss. The first picture I took was of the jacaranda. We

South America, as well as Mexico and Central America. Kate

never left, and I never had to finish my album project. Only one

Sessions, an American botanist, horticulturist and landscape archi-

photo graces the album—the sole majestic purple empress. ■

tect, is credited with importing its seeds to this region in 1892, and the jacaranda became popular in the 1920s and 1930s. I wait all year for the jacaranda bloom. It marks time passing,

106

Rohina Hoffman is a freelance writer and fine art photographer living in Sherman Oaks with her husband, children and two golden retrievers.

Welcome to

THE WONDER WOMEN OF REAL ESTATE HARRIET CAMERON GROUP

Harriet Cameron 818-380-2151

Harriet@harrietcameron.com DRE00675971

Jenny Birchfield-Eick 818.601.8663

Jenny@jennybirchfield.com DRE02070744

© 2022 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. DRE #01317331

INCREDIBLE CARE

INCREDIBLY CLOSE

Providence and Cedars-Sinai are partnering to better serve the people of the San Fernando Valley. Our newly expanded, state-of-the-art hospital, which will be completed in early 2023, will bring the highest-quality health care available, right to your own backyard. Learn more at incrediblecaretarzana.org