Ventura Blvd November 2018 by Moon Tide Media

Reasons The Valley is Cool

OURV E N TU R A B LV D.CO M

SIX DOLLARS

NOVEMBER 2018

Not every choice is complicated.

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Picking the perfect pumpkin to carve into your jack-o-lantern? Not so easy. But if you’re looking for convenient health care that goes above and beyond, we’re your team. And here’s an even better reason: People love our doctors. Daily News readers have voted us L.A.’s best medical group 10 years in a row. You can schedule primary care appointments online. We accept most PPO and HMO health plans. And thanks to our affiliation with Providence, chosing a Facey doctor means a seamless experience at our clinics and Providence’s award-winning hospitals. Ask your insurance company or broker how you can switch today. For a list of the health plans we currently accept, give us a call or visit our website at: facey.com/insurance

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COMING THIS FALL:

INTERACTIVE OPEN HOUSE EVENTS CALENDAR Ventura Blvd Magazine will host a comprehensive calendar of the finest Open House events for schools in our area. Plan your fall using this easy to navigate guide. Find it live mid-September at

VenturaBlvd.GoldenState.is/OpenHouses

Want to include your events? Find out how by contacting Robin Sanders at 818-427-2050 or robin@goldenstate.is

“

What has made the biggest difference is not what Dr. Tolbert has done to help my back. It’s the way that she and her entire staff have treated me from the very beginning. For them, it was never about a broken down body part. It was about helping me find me again.

“

— Darren Kavinoky

IMAGINE IF YOU COULD REVERSE THE AGING PROCESS USING YOUR BODY’S OWN RECOVERY SYSTEM

The Tolbert Center difference According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, chronic pain now affects more people than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. Most people over 50 are given the option of surgery, pills or physical therapy to treat any number of musculoskeletal conditions. But, at the Tolbert Center for Rehabilitation and Wellness, a Los Angeles-area state-of-the-art medical facility, we believe there is a better way to heal people. If you’re looking to feel like you’re young again, Dr. Glenna Tolbert and her team of physicians and nutrition and fitness specialists can work with you to decrease your pain, enhance your performance and keep you moving—all without surgery. Imagine that! We offer four main treatments to restore the function of your body and make you feel faboluous.

DNA Testing As a result of an injury or the aging process, medications, stress and chronic illness can rob our bodies of their necessary elements. With DNA micro nutrient testing, Dr. Tolbert has decreased patients’ pain by supplementing their diets with minerals and vitamins to restore their bodies’ balance.

Exercise We incorporate exercise into the healing process because, as Dr. Tolbert always says, exercise is the secret to the fountain of youth. Bring in your golf club, dancing shoes or yoga mat and get personalized injury prevention training or enroll in our performance enhancement program.

Regenerative Medicine Regenerative medicine uses minimally invasive procedures, along with a patient’s own body, to regrow and repair damaged cartilage and ligaments. We use tools such as prolotherapy, PRP and stem cell injections to accomplish this goal without surgery. We are even beginning to use regenerative medicine for hair loss.

Mind-Body Connection The evidence shows that the power of the mind is important to healing the body, and vice versa. That’s why we recently added a psychologist to our team to educate patients about the strength of the mind as it relates to the body.

NOVEMBER 2018

where we live 22 Q & A State Senator Bob Hertzberg 32 DATEBOOK Fun Stuff to Do 34 WEEKENDER Hotel Californian

72 ALL BUFF, NO FLUFF Underground Fitness 74 HOT OFF THE PRESS Milt & Eddie’s 82 SEEN Faces Spotted Around Town

26 64 features

the sauce

26 TURNING TIDE Meet actress Ally Maki from Wrecked.

50 HELLO MISTER Mister O’s in Studio City

36 15 REASONS THE VALLEY IS COOL Discover what makes our ‘hood a la mode. 44 BOX TROT Learn the story behind the gorgeous painted utility boxes in Sherman Oaks. 60 STILL STANDING Why a historic estate is still standing after more than 90 years. 64 UNEXPECTEDLY VALLEY An alum from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition takes on an Encino jewel. 76 GET CLOSER Check out the accessories that are wowing us now.

52 FOOD FIGHTERS Valley Urban Market 54 TAKE NOTE Sushi Note in Sherman Oaks

and then some... 86 PROFILES Dentists of the Valley 93 REAL ESTATE Spectacular Local Listings 114 LAST WORD A near-death experience that gives way to life.

COVER Collaged by Christine Georgiades

Your child’s future is closer than you think.

OPEN HOUSE TK - 5th Grades:

9:30AM – 11:30AM

Thursday, November 8, 2018 Thursday, January 10, 2019

6th - 8th Grades: 9:45AM – 12:30PM Sunday, November 18, 2018

Learn more about our robust academics, nurturing community, state-of-the-art campus, and multiple bus routes at heschel.com/openhouse 17701 Devonshire Street | Northridge, CA 91325 | 818.368.5781 | heschel.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PUBLISHER

Linda Grasso

Robin Sanders 424-220-6340 | robin@goldenstate.is

ART DIRECTOR Michelle Villas

ADVERTISING Senior Media Solutions Manager | Sue Williams

EDITORIAL

818-625-3515 | sue@goldenstate.is

Editorial Director | Darren Elms Media Solutions Manager | Erika Carrion Copy Editors | Peggy Jo Abraham,

310-897-2424 | erika@goldenstate.is

Laura Watts Media Solutions Manager | Marcie Gutierrez Senior Graphic Designers

424-220-6337 | marcie@goldenstate.is

Christine Georgiades, Kelsey Elliott Media Solutions Manager | Amy Tetherow VB’s The Sauce eNewsletter Editor

424-220-6338 | amy@goldenstate.is

Joshua Lurie GROUP PUBLISHER Jared Sayers

CONTRIBUTORS Rick Bhatia, Heather David, Hadley Hall Meares, Kara Mickelson, Tanya Monaghan, Jenny Karl, Susan Spillman, Steve Seidel, Steve Stiefel, Joe Tamel, Karen Young PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristen Anderson, Michael Becker, Chad Michael Brooks, Tameka Jacobs, Shane O’Donnell, Monica Orozco, Ryan Tanaka

MANAGING PARTNERS Charles C. Koones

Todd Klawin

No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from The Golden State Company, LLC. Any and all submissions to this or any of The Golden State Company, LLC publications become the property of The Golden State Company, LLC and may be used in any media. We reserve the right to edit. SUBSCRIPTIONS Email: info@moontidemedia.com 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 Please 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 | venturablvd.goldenstate.is

dream &

ACHIEVE

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, November 4 10:00am

RSVP dTHS.org/OpenHouse

editor’s letter | LINDA GRASSO

With Jordyn Grohl, Deborah Saly and Megan Gefsky at Valley Urban Market

Think BIG. Start SMALL.

Kindergarten – 6th

EVENING OPEN HOUSE Wed. NOVEMBER 14, 2018 DAYTIME TOURS WEEKLY RSVP:

losencinosschool.org/rsvp (818) 990-1006

Think BIG

I love doing features in this magazine about “water cooler” topics—things locals are talking about. Lately I’ve been hearing a lot of lively conversation about all the residential construction going on in the Valley. And while I keep thinking about a story, we haven’t done one thus far. I’m dissuaded by what would be a lack of beautiful, editorial images—a cornerstone of VB. Still I’d really like to understand more about what is happening in terms of parameters and regulation. I want to know why massive structures keep popping up on miniscule lots. Per the “McMansion” rules that the LA City Council approved in 2017, the ordinance reduced the square footage allowed from 50% to 45% of lot size. I recall a lot press coverage at the time. In hindsight that 5% reduction seems woefully inadequate, making the whole thing feel like much ado about nothing. There is one new house in my neighborhood that looks like a hotel, with a looming, columned portico over a circular driveway, guesthouse, tennis court and a swimming pool. It is an estate in every sense of the word—except when it comes to lot size—which I’d estimate to be about an acre. The massive concrete structure towers over its two tasteful California-style ranch neighbors, nearly touching them on either side. Construction littering is another popular topic. From my vantage point, there does not appear to be a local agency regulating job site cleanup. If there is one, they need to do a better job. Due to the building in my neighborhood, on most days I walk my dogs in the middle of the street. We don’t have sidewalks, and with dual corridors of trucks, the center of the street is the only option. As I try to artfully dodge traffic, I step over and sometimes on cans, bottles, bags and Styrofoam take-out trays teaming with leftovers. This has been de rigueur for about three years now. (FYI, I recently learned you can call 3-1-1, LA’s hotline to report problems of all kinds and you’ll get directed to the appropriate department for city assistance.) Look, I’m not against development. I know the value of property has gone up and—save a housing market crash—homeowners like me will benefit. I’m also on the receiving end of the many perks that are drawing homebuyers to the Valley: the wonderful restaurants, businesses and organizations that have come here in recent years, like the Valley Urban Market, detailed on page 52. Indeed, as the cover of this issue notes, the Valley is cool. And I realize that progress and change are natural parts of life—you can’t fight them. I just believe there is a smarter, more responsible, courteous way to do it.

Start SMALL.

www.losencinosschool.org

PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTEN ANDERSON

17100 Ventura Blvd., Encino

VENTURA BLVD | NOVEMBER 2018

Linda Grasso Editor-in-Chief

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

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VENTURA BLVD | NOVEMBER 2018

november KICK BACK

A cozy nook is just the beginning of this southof-the-Boulevard estate. Head to page 64 to for a complete tour.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

VENTURA BLVD | NOVEMBER 2018

All In

State Senator Bob Hertzberg could have sailed off into the sunset on the heels of his SB-10 “bail bill” victory. Instead he’s headed back into the fire. PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL BECKER

In his role as a state senator for California’s 18th district, Bob Hertzberg (D) represents nearly 1 million residents of the Valley—including North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Studio City and Toluca Lake. After a hard-fought battle, Bob made headlines this past August when he got the legislature to approve Senate Bill 10, which he co-authored. The far-reaching bill makes California the first state in the country to completely eliminate bail. Here VB editor Linda Grasso shares some of the discussion she had with the energetic, impassioned lawyer, when the two sat down for coffee at his Van Nuys ranch home. Bob is divorced with two grown sons and is in a “serious relationship” with Katharine Tellis, who is a criminologist. Bob candidly shared thoughts on the bill’s approval, the “no glory” gig of politics and addressed why—amidst all the nasty backlash from lobbyists for the bail industry—he’s running for reelection.

Why did you propose SB-10? A few years ago, I discovered that 63% of all the people in California jails are pre-trial detainees—people not convicted of any crime but simply awaiting trial. The average bail in California is $50,000. If you can post it, you get out. If you can’t, you sit and rot in jail for what can be several months. In some of these cases people lose jobs and homes and sometimes even marriages. To me, that is justice based on wealth, and that’s not fair or prudent. We have such an overcrowding issue in our jails—not to mention the expense. It costs up to $216 per day to keep an inmate locked up.

So how will it work when the bill becomes law in October 2019? When people are jailed, in most instances, they’ll go before a judge. No more bail schedules, which determine whether a person goes free. The judge will assess risk to public safety and risk of flight. The person can be deemed low, medium or high risk, and the judge will determine conditions for release or if the individual should remain in jail. If released, there will be no costs assessed to the individual. The important point here is that those who should remain in custody will remain so, and those who should be released will be returned to their community. In some cases the person may be required to report in; in others they may be required to use a location monitor.

Some say being a state senator is a thankless job. Why do you do it? It sounds trite, but the truth is that I just really care about this community, and I want to make it a better place. The San Fernando Valley needs a warrior, and I work as hard as I can to represent this community. People get into politics for all kinds of reasons—ambition, power, ego. For me it really boils down to being connected to my community, listening to the people and doing what is right.

It is so hard to get anything approved by the legislature. How did you do it? I just kept at it and worked really hard. It took more than two years of back and forth with everyone from the ACLU to the lobbyists for the bail industry. And bail agents have continued to attack me personally for a variety of silly and completely fabricated things, in an effort to try to divert my energies from pursuing the legislation.

What marks did you leave on the Valley while representing the 40th district? I helped pass legislation that hammered out agriculture-to-urban water transfers, providing a framework to end nearly seven decades of California/Colorado River water disputes. I also helped increase funds available through the “Cal-Grants” program, giving poor students unprecedented access to colleges and universities. I negotiated a compromise that allowed the legislature to break a decadelong logjam and place school bond-related measures before the voters. The resulting

Let’s talk about your political journey. You were elected to your first assembly seat for the 40th district in 1996. Yes, and I went on to be reelected three times. During that period I was twice chosen as the 64th Speaker of the California State Assembly.

NOVEMBER 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

tens of billions in school construction funds became one of the largest municipal bond issuances in U.S. history. Term limits forced your retirement in 2002. What did you do between then and 2014, when you were elected for the 18th district? I went into the private sector, becoming a global, clean-energy entrepreneur and helping develop bipartisan policies as a leader in public-service groups like the Think Long Committee. I traveled extensively during that time, visiting much of China and numerous countries in Africa. And I co-launched a company that produced inexpensive, lightweight solar panels.

THE VIEW FROM HERE

Just a day after Governor Brown signed SB-10 into law in August, bail associations filed a voter referendum in an attempt to block the bill. The American Bail Coalition, along with bail lobbying and crime victims’ groups, have three months to submit to the state the estimated 366,000 signatures needed to qualify the referendum for the November 2020 ballot. If the referendum effort fails, SB-10 becomes law in October 2019.

Sounds like a fruitful period. Why get back in? It’s about fighting the good fight. There is no glory in it. It’s purely about doing the right thing and taking on the difficult battles no one wants to touch—like bail reform. I felt I had more to do. You are running unchallenged for reelection this month. What will you focus on during your second term? I’m really interested in technology. There is such a time lag with government, which moves slowly, and tech, which moves very fast. We need to figure out a way to marry the two. I’m working on a book right now about this, Fresh Eyes: Government in an Era of Unprecedented Change. I will also work with other San Fernando Valley legislators to bring our fair share here. We need to make sure that the money for roads and transportation infrastructure is generously and wisely spent here, our water infrastruce and parks are improved and that we are never left behind. ■ To contact Bob, email Senator.Hertzberg@ senate.ca.gov or call the district office at 818-901-5588

Bob at his Van Nuys home with Katharine Tellis and her rescue dog

VENTURA BLVD | NOVEMBER 2018

TURNING

TIDE As an outspoken proponent for Asian Americans in Hollywood, Wrecked actress Ally Maki reflects on the success of Crazy Rich Asians and shares a story about her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s struggle to be accepted. WRITTEN BY STEVEN STIEFEL | PHOTOGRAPHED BY RICK BHATIA

t the end of World War II, Ally Maki’s grandmother Miyo was released from the Japanese internment camp at Heart Mountain in Wyoming. As with all detainees, the government gave her nothing more than 25 bucks and a bus ticket, making it impossible for her to return to the farming life she had enjoyed before the war. Miyo, facing the challenge of completely recreating her life, was just 19. She ultimately found work in a restaurant in Billings, Montana and married Bryan Kazuyuki Honkawa. Bryan had served in the 442nd infantry regiment, which consisted of Japanese-American soldiers. Decades later Miyo welcomed granddaughter, Ally, into the family, and the two formed a special bond. In 2001 Ally moved from Seattle to Los Angeles. By that time her grandmother had relocated to West Hills in the northwestern Valley. Ally loved to go over and spend time with Miyo, now widowed, watching and helping her work in the garden and prune trees. “My grandmother helped instill an inward strength and drive in me,” Ally says. “But it’s taken me a long time to find my voice.” Now that the 31-year-old, Studio City resident has discovered that voice, she makes no qualms about using it. She’s part of a growing chorus of actors and artists who want to see films and TV shows depict a broad range of characters that represent minority groups. “It’s so great to see the success of movies this year such as Black Panther, Searching, and especially, Crazy Rich Asians,” Ally says. THE KEY ROLES Ally’s life is pretty much a juggling act these days. Currently she is a cast regular on Wrecked and a recurring character on Cloak and Dagger. The former, a comedy series that airs on TBS, is currently in its third season—and ratings continue to look promising. In addition “The audience is heading back to watch the seasons they missed,” says Ally. Ally plays Jess, a character that didn’t have a racial designation when the role was conceived. Based on how Hollywood traditionally works—and her Japanese heritage—Ally didn’t think she had a shot. But her agents convinced her that the Shipley brothers, the series’ creators and producers, were open-minded about ethnicity, and she landed the part. “Jess is a typical young woman who has a lot of quirks and hang-ups, and she’s a bit of a mess,” Ally explains. “I love that about her.” This season the cast has escaped their initial desert island only to land on a privately owned island, becoming pawns in a rich man’s “most dangerous game.” Ally, who likes a good challenge, had to train with a fighting stick for one storyline. Cloak and Dagger, a Marvel series aimed at young adults, has been renewed for a second season, and Ally will resume her role as Mina Hess, a brilliant environmental engineer. FOOT IN THE DOOR Today Ally rents a comfortable house in a quiet, friendly neighborhood in Studio City, which she shares with her dog, Jessie, a Tibetan terrier/Lhasa Apso mix. Jessie is a rescue from nearby Wags and Walks. “He came into my life right before my grandmother passed, and he really helped me through a difficult time.” Ally got into showbiz at an early age. While growing up near Seattle, she was scouted by a talent agent, ultimately leaving her family at 14 to move to Southern California. “I lived in a communal home of would-be actors and singers in Santa Clarita.” Then Ally was recruited by Columbia Records to be part of a girl band called “The

VENTURA BLVD | NOVEMBER 2018

“I’VE FELT AN ALMOST INSTANTANEOUS CHANGE IN HOW ASIAN AMERICANS ARE BEING SEEN AND VALUED IN HOLLYWOOD. WE ALL FEEL VERY EMPOWERED TO GET OUR STORIES OUT RIGHT NOW.”

Valli Girls,” which she seems both proud of and a little embarrassed by. “I played the keytar, and they sent me to DJ school at Freakbeat Records.” Ally pauses for a moment. “So being a DJ is one of my hidden skills.” In 2009 Ally was cast on the ABC Family series 10 Things I Hate About You, and she has worked steadily since then, with guest starring roles on New Girl, 2 Broke Girls, NCIS and The Big Bang Theory. ALLY GETS CRAZY RICH The success of the summer box office hit Crazy Rich Asians, which has a rare all-Asian cast, has been hugely validating for Ally. The actress went to see the film on opening weekend with a large group of other Asian American artists, and many were overwhelmed. “A lot of people in our group were crying without even understanding why,” she says. Since that night, “I’ve felt an almost instantaneous change in how Asian Americans are being seen and valued in Hollywood,” Ally says. For example, the week after Crazy Rich Asians was released, Ally was emailed a script and asked if she wanted to play the lead role and support the film’s development. “That’s something that had never happened before.” While Ally says she probably won’t take on the role, she sees it as a sign that opportunities are improving for Asian American actors. “We all feel very empowered to get our stories out right now.” For Ally that also means finishing a YA (young adult) novel she’s writing about her grandparents’ love story and the discrimination they suffered at the hands of the American government. Ally Maki wants to make sure these stories are never forgotten. ■

WHERE YOU’LL FIND ME ALLY’S FAVE VALLEY HAUNTS

DAICHAN “The Japanese couple who own Daichan are from Kyushu, and I love the natto, a fermented soybean dish.” But it’s very much an acquired taste. Her other go-to order: the salmon ikura bowl. 11288 Ventura Blvd., Studio City WILDFLORA “I love to pop in to this tiny plant shop on Ventura Boulevard.” The attractive space is filled with terrariums and floral arrangements that are environmentally inspired. 12313 Ventura Blvd., Studio City FREAKBEAT RECORDS This is where Ally learned to DJ more than 15 years ago. “They have everything on vinyl, including hip-hop, soul and a Disney section.” Ally bought some Elvis and “Back to the ‘80s” on vinyl recently. “It felt like I was coming full circle.” 13616 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks

NOVEMBER 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

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Ventura Magazine - Woodcrest School - Fall 2018 v2.qxp_Layout 1 9/24/18 11:00 AM Page 1

OPEN HOUSE

October 25 Join Us For A Family Spaghetti Dinner at 5:30 Followed By An Information Session at 6:15

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October 18 at 9:30 a.m. November 14 at 7:00 p.m.

October 25 at 5:30 p.m. November 15 at 9:30 a.m.

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NOVEMBER 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

datebook

Tango Time

Going on Now

Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg An exhibition based on the bestselling book, offering a visually rich, entertaining, rigorous look at the Supreme Court Justice’s life and career. Includes archival photographs and documents, contemporary art and media. Through March 10. skirball.org

Real Women Have Curves The season opener premieres Josefina López’s classic coming of age comedy about a close-knit community of women in a tiny, family-run factory. Through November 19. garrymarshalltheatre.org

Nancy Youdelman: Fashioning a Feminist Vision An exhibition from one of the early participants in the feminist art movement. Includes assemblages, collages, dresses and shoes handcrafted from a variety of media. Through December 8. csun.edu/artgalleries

November 7–9 3rd Annual Sherman Oaks Film Festival Features, shorts and documentaries from filmmakers around the world as well as some from local schools. Screened at the Whitefire Theatre. shermanoaksff.com

15 John Mayall

Direct From Buenos Aires: Tangueros del Sur

With intricate footwork and drama, this company from Buenos Aires takes Tango from its working-class roots to a modern ballroom interpretation on November 17. Led by dancer and choreographer Natalia Hills, who performed in the Tony Awardnominated Forever Tango. thesoraya.org

“The Godfather of British Blues,” hits the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com

17 Enchanted: Forest of Light An interactive, nighttime experience featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences in Descanso Gardens. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Through January 6. descansogardens.org

23 Winterfest at Santa Anita Park A winter wonderland with ice skating rink, tree lot, horsedrawn carriage rides, wreath making, carolers, vendors and food. Admission, $5; kids 10 and under free. Through December 23. santaanita.com

27 Justin Timberlake The singer goes on tour in support of his new album, Man of the Woods. staplescenter.com

VENTURA BLVD | NOVEMBER 2018

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Urban Oasis

The rebirth of the Hotel Californian brings global charm and modern luxury to the Santa Barbara waterfront. WRITTEN BY KAREN YOUNG

When presented with the opportunity to spend a night at the new Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara, I decided to turn the getaway into a “European-style” adventure—befitting the seaside city’s reputation as the “American Riviera.” One morning this past summer, my traveling partner and I boarded the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner in Van Nuys. Speeding through suburbia and farmland, a state of relaxation set in. We arrived two hours later at the historic downtown train station, just a five-minute walk to the hotel. Built in 1925, the Spanish Colonial Revival-style structure was destroyed by a massive earthquake about a week after opening. It was restored and sold several times over the next few decades and was a popular destination with jetsetters and the Hollywood elite. However the end of World War II brought change, and the area slowly fell into decline. The hotel was eventually abandoned in the late ‘90s. In 2011 LA developer Michael Rosenfeld bought the hotel as well as an adjacent twoacre property. Hotel Californian reopened in 2017, offering 121 luxurious rooms (from $450) and suites. Occupying three buildings on separate corners of the State and Mason Street intersection, the hotel is part of a central community hub. The original building is now known as the “California”; the two new buildings are aptly named “State” and “Mason.” The urban resort sits on the edge of the

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arty, wine/restaurant-centric Funk Zone, just steps from Stearns Wharf beach and a block from The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation (MOXI). LA-based celebrity interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard artfully blended lavish Moroccan and Moorish influences throughout, with art deco and Italian mid-modern embellishments. Over 1 million hand-painted Moroccan tiles, along with stenciled ceilings, are other eye-catching features. Bold blackand-white patterns serve as a background to a palette of green, purple, terracotta and yellow jewel tones. We rode the gold elevator up to our accommodations in the Californian building. One look at the leatherstudded, Moroccan star motif on our room’s door hinted the interior would be anything but ordinary. The perfectly appointed, spacious king room with seating area included a dresser disguised as a leather-studded steamer trunk cover that hid a Nespresso machine, a glamorous marble bathroom and a residential-size closet. Whimsical touches such as gold cobra sconces and a large, hanging black-and-white portrait of an edgy, “inked” Marlon Brando made us smile. We headed to the rooftop pool, where we were wowed by the spectacular panoramic vista spanning the city, ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. Later the gorgeously tiled, lounge-filled deck proved to be the perfect spot for a nightcap. Dinnertime took us across the street to Blackbird, the hotel’s stylish indoor/ outdoor, 70-seat, signature restaurant and bar in the Mason building. Executive chef Alexander La Motte, previously chef de partie at Napa Valley’s The French Laundry, offers an innovative Mediterranean menu, featuring local ingredients that pair with creative craft cocktails and a strong wine list. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and the high level of service. For casual dining, patrons can go to The Goat Tree, the hotel’s all-day café, streetside in the State building. Feeling refreshed from a peaceful sleep, ensconced in luxurious Italian sheets—we headed back to the train. We weren’t ready to leave so soon but were consoled by the fact that the “American Riviera” is only a “staycation” away. ■

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Reasons The Valley is Cool From tucked-away clubs where men can play like boys to a tiny bar with some of the rarest wine in the world—15 reasons the Valley is à la mode. COLLAGED BY CHRISTINE GEORGIADES

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TMZ Stalks on the Westside When was the last time you saw a motley crew of paparazzi shouting at celebs on the Boulevard? The Valley is jam-packed with the biggest names in the biz, yet you’d never know it along our main drag. Forget about celebs sporting conspicuous, big sunglasses (at night) and face-shielding hats that scream “I’m famous.” We don’t make a big deal of celebs—and neither do they. Alert the paparazzi? Not a chance.

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We’re Sushi Ground Zero The nation’s sushi craze was born—and still reigns supreme—here. Some three decades ago, Kazunori Nozawa opened Sushi Nozawa (the so-called “Sushi Nazi”) in a nondescript strip mall in Studio City and did something verboten. He put plates of his choice in front of diners. Turns out they didn’t mind omakase-style service a bit, and lines formed around the block. Today you can find sushi virtually anywhere, but if you’re looking for some of the world’s best, stay close to home.

Norman’s Rare Guitars If a rare guitar is rumored to exist, Norman Harris will hunt it down. Norm has been buying vintage instruments and selling them at his Tarzana store since 1975. Clients, some of the biggest names in rock and roll, have included George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Richie Sambora, Joe Walsh and Eddie Van Halen. Norm got an offer to do a reality show but declined. Why would he? He’s got his own show going on in the shop. Just check out the 200 or so videos—many of them impromptu performances—posted on the store’s YouTube channel.

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Yankee Bad-Ass Giancarlo Stanton A mountain of a man at 6 feet 6 inches, 245 pounds, Giancarlo Stanton graduated from Notre Dame High School, and they trained him well. Last year’s NL MVP and a four-time All Star, Stanton signed the richest contract in baseball history in 2017. He made his major league debut with the Miami Marlins and today is an outfielder and designated hitter for the New York Yankees. When he hit 59 homers last year, it broke a 16-year record. Now that’s swagger.

Augustine Wine Bar This tight little wine bar and eatery is the most exciting place to drink vintage vino in LA. Where else can you get rare bottles like a 1968 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon? Proprietor Dave Gibbs often serves bottles from his personal collection. If it’s unusual to find a wine bar pouring treasures like this by the glass, it’s unheard of to find one owned by a lifelong collector. Another draw: the “Rare and Vintage” list on a chalkboard hanging near the bar. Each night eight different vintage wines are poured by the glass. We’re talking legends here—like a 1966 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

Lakeside Golf Club A golf club on a cool list? Not likely. But when an establishment has been able to draw some of the hippest guys to its membership for nearly 100 years, there’s clearly something noteworthy going on behind those gates. What gives Lakeside its swag is that it’s so unapologetically itself. Sure it’s a great course, but there are better in LA. The clubhouse is simple, and the locker rooms aren’t fancy. It’s just a place where members and guests can be themselves (even when not on their best behavior). The Lakeside bar—dark, dice on the countertop and decidedly unfussy—may be one of the greatest in the golf world. Cocktails with the generous “Lakeside Pour” have been drawing imperturbable guys from Hope and Crosby to Nicholson and Timberlake for generations.

Park Your Own Damn Car Whether you’re downtown or on the Westside, paying to have someone park your car is de rigueur—with prices in some cases exceeding 10 bucks. Here in the Valley, we can still find spaces and park on our own. And we don’t mind a bit.

No Such Thing as “Socked In” On average, there are 288 sunny days per year in the San Fernando Valley. (US average is 205.) When we’re geared-up for a day at the beach, we know to call someone out there first. Otherwise you risk that colossal downer of passing through the Sepulveda pass or Malibu Canyon only to be greeted by a thick, nasty layer of fog. We have sunsoaked pool parties at our houses at the height of “June gloom,” thank you very much.

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Casa Vega

Kayaking

Founded more than 60 years ago, this white stucco eatery, responsible for bringing celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Matt Damon over the hill, is a Valley stalwart. Daughter Christy has taken the helm from father Ray (now in his 80s), tweaking a few recipes; these days you can get a “Skinny Margarita.” But for the most part, Casa Vega remains true to its roots and its employees, some of which have worked there for more than 50 years. Casa Vega is old school and proud.

The Valley is one of only two spots where you can kayak in the recently restored LA River. Kayakers can paddle their hearts out in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area from Balboa Boulevard to just west of Woodley Avenue—from Memorial Day through September 30. The only other place you can do that in LA is in Elysian Valley. The lower LA River may one day be open to kayaking, but currently it’s closed.

Mountain Lions Our neighborhoods butt up to some serious cat habitat. They are some of the most fierce, rare creatures on earth—yet we live harmoniously (for the most part). And we’re working to keep the dwindling mountain lion population alive here; there’s an effort underway to fund a bridge to offer the animals a safe way of crossing the freeways. Here in the Valley, we like our cougars.

Nike Missile Site In the hills of Encino, you can actually hike to and explore a relic of the Cold War era. Along Mulholland Drive, just west of the 405, high in the San Vicente Mountains, the pavement turns to dirt road. If you walk to the end of it, there is a tall metal tower with steps leading up to a big observation deck with a 360° view of the Valley. It is the former Nike Missile Control Site LA-96C. The U.S. Army operated the site from 1956 to 1968 with one purpose in mind: to be a last line of defense from Soviet planes that were coming to drop an atomic bomb over LA. The idea was to intercept enemy bombers flying into attack. Although 16 Nike Missile Control Sites were operated by the Army in LA from the ‘50s to the ‘70s, many have been bulldozed. LA-96C was eventually incorporated into the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and opened to the public.

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Maui Sugar Mill Saloon Why do musicians like Rikki Styxx, Slash and Dave Grohl want to do gigs at a 120-capacity space, with only a 13-by-9-foot stage, buried deep in the Valley? And why do guys like Rolling Stone drummer Ron Wood want to be part of the audience? The Maui Sugar Mill Saloon has been showcasing live acts since the ‘90s in a divey space, complete with copper-topped bar, ‘70s-style oak paneling and booze-brand neon signs. With the weekly “Cadillac Zak’s Blues Jam,” it’s one of the only places in LA where you can hear live blues on a Monday night. All shows are no cover, with a two-beverage minimum. Music is loud. Drinks are strong.

Our House That great, classic song from Crosby, Stills & Nash’s Déjà Vu album gets to the root of the coolness of why we all live here. We’re gonna call it domestic bliss. As the story goes, Graham Nash was living with then girlfriend, Joni Mitchell, up in the hills of Studio City around 1970. They went to Art’s Deli in Studio City for breakfast. It was a chilly, drizzly winter morning and Joni bought a grey vase at an antique store on Ventura Boulevard. They went home to their “very very very fine house … I’ll light the fire while you place the flowers in the vase that you bought today.”

The Clooneys George and Amal Clooney may have estates in England and Italy, but the world’s most glamorous couple call the Valley home. Clooney bought his 7,300-square-foot house, in the hills of Studio City, in the‘90s from Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks. The three-story villa has been the site of epic A-list parties and political fundraisers (Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton). It’s also where George raised his pet, pot-bellied pig, Max. (This was way pre-twins, back in the days when the actor swore he’d never marry.)

NOVEMBER 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 21 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

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NOVEMBER 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

Box Trot Sherman Oaks, a leader in the Valley beautification effort, turns the most unsightly of objects into works of art. PHOTOGRAPHED BY MONICA OROZCO

CAMELLIA STEELE The Pasadena native is a professional artist who specializes in photo-realism on canvas and also does murals. For more, go to @camelliaalexandra

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SERENA VARTAZARIAN Serena is a local attorney who loves to paint in her free time.

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herman Oaks has a whopping four organizations dedicated to making the city a great place to live: the Chamber of Commerce, Neighborhood Council, Business Improvement District and the Homeowners Association. Their work is visible across the area, from the installation of landscaped medians and hanging flower baskets to the meticulous grooming of trees. And now some of the biggest eyesores on the Blvd are being beautified. “We had been working for over a year on local murals. As great as murals are, they take a long time to get designed, approved and painted,” explains Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce CEO Vicki Nussbaum. “Our Foundation Board learned that painted utility boxes were often faster to roll out, and we partnered with Councilmember David Ryu’s office to get started. We were excited about being able to beautify all of Sherman Oaks, rather than just one location.” The next step, getting local artists, was accomplished through social media. Artists, who range in age from late teens to 70s, include professionals as well as hobbyists. “We purposely chose a wide variety—each with very different artistic styles,” Vicki says. The only instruction was to “include an oak leaf or an oak tree in their design, as an underlying tie to Sherman Oaks,” she explains. One of the artists is Camellia Steele, who has been selling her work since she was 14. The high school student started painting birdhouses, which drew the attention of some local merchants. Within a couple of months she had sold around 60 birdhouses. Since then she has focused on nature scenes and animals with acrylic on canvas. “Beauty can move people emotionally and inspire them. I love the idea of people seeing art while they’re walking or driving down the street,” she says. “I chose to paint Mother Nature.” Steve Farrow took on two boxes. He is a professional artist who graduated from Art Center College Of Design. One of his designs features penguins. “I’m glad that my artwork on the boxes will be seen by a large amount of people. I want it to be something pleasant and to bring a smile to the peoples’ faces. If the penguins bring a laugh even better!” he says. Serena Vartazarian is at the other end of the artist spectrum. She is an attorney who simply “loves to doodle, draw, and paint in my free time.” Her box is a collage of different flowers in bright colors. Serena sees the boxes as a way of fostering community, “giving people something to admire and talk about.” When each box is complete, it is shellacked with a graffiti-proof coating. “It is amazing. We paint it on with a paintbrush, and we have had to clean about eight boxes so far, and the graffiti all comes clean!” says Vicki. More than three dozen fixtures were painted in all; the chamber plans to have the remaining two dozen painted as well. “Everyone has noticed,” she remarks. “Not surprisingly, everyone has a different favorite box.” ■

STEVE FARROW Steveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artwork can be seen at TAJ Art Studio Gallery in Eagle Rock or at stevefarrowartworks.com

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Welcome to your new neighborhood favorite THE SHERMAN!

818-485-2200 | 14633 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403 | www.theshermanla.com

www.atticatthesherman.com

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Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;D LOVE ONE

Wet your whistle and more at the new Mister Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Studio City. Details on the next page.

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Hello Mister

Owned and operated by some LA restaurant industry stalwarts, the new Mister O’s takes traditional flavors from around the globe and fuses them into modern, California cuisine. WRITTEN BY JOSHUA LURIE | PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN TANAKA

The last time Michael Hide Cardenas worked in Studio City was when he served as Teru Sushi’s maître d’. That was back when St. Elsewhere stars Howie Mandel and Denzel Washington would drop in from the set, still wearing scrubs. Now more than 30 years later and after running restaurants across the city, Michael has returned just one block up the Boulevard. He has opened Mister O’s in the former Take a Bao space, now with a retro sign and painted all white—reimagined to resemble Palm Springs in its Rat Pack heyday. Michael, who grew up in Japan, has nearly four decades of restaurant experience. In the ’80s, he helped Nobu Matsuhisa expand to Manhattan. He co-founded Innovative Dining Group, which owns BOA Steakhouse, Katana and Sushi Roku, and he has opened beloved indie eateries like the Lazy Ox Canteen downtown. For his triumphant return to the Blvd., Michael rehired chef Mario Alberto, known for his carnivorous dishes at Lazy Ox. However since working as executive chef for restaurants like Laurel Hardware and Tullula’s, he has adopted a lighter, brighter cooking style. “We wanted to do something with the menu that was very California-driven, but through Latin America and the California coast, from the Bay Area all the way to Baja,” Mario says. “It’s very MexicanAmerican inspired with a little bit of Spanish and Arab flavors.” The chef groups dishes into three categories: smaller “Nibbles,” intermediate “Lights” and larger, heartier “Heavies.” Share-friendly highlights include supple fried turmeric flatbread topped with sweet tiger figs, marinated Gaeta and Picholine olives, farmer’s cheese, floral orange blossom honey and bright herbs. Sweet Shigoku oysters with deep beds perch on sea salt pedestals and host roasted shishito peppers, burnt chile negro and umami-rich dill dashi mignonette. Larger plates include a crisp-skinned sea bass fillet plated with chanterelles, corn, spigarello and lemon verbena. Mario demonstrates finesse with seafood, but meat is hardly verboten. For instance pork can-can is Puerto Rican “porchetta,” starring loin with attached belly that’s scored, deep-fried, piled with “everything pickled” for levity’s sake and plated with earthy “eye of the goat” beans. Save room for a round, olive-oil cake topped with whipped cream and ringed with a purple guava custard moat, studded with crunchy passion fruit seeds. Bartender Rafael Barba clocked time in Napa Valley as both a mixologist and chef and now captures that same culinary passion in cocktails. Trade Secret is his fragrant concoction crafted with Cazadores reposado tequila, passion fruit, lime juice, egg white, and tangy Thai shrub, made with lemongrass, ginger, jalapeño and coconut, that’s shaken until frothy and stenciled with “Mister O’s” in Angostura bitters. Mister O’s also curates a tight beer and wine menu and stocks the bar with over 50 whiskeys. Interiors are decidedly mid-century modern. The handsome space with stylized cinder block frame, sumptuous booths and retro baubles is designed to evoke Palm Springs during the ’50s and ’60s. Michael says, “When I first moved to the States, I took a couple trips to Palm Springs and remember the palm trees and pools and big Cadillacs. That vibe is pretty timeless.” The eatery is named after the late Jordan Ostrow, one of Michael’s investors. ■ Mister O’s 11838 Ventura Blvd., Studio City 818-358-3839 misterosla.com

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INDIE FEST Above: Jordyn Grohl enjoys a cone. Right: Dave Grohl mans the barbeque for The Beached Pig.

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Food Fighters

The Valley Urban Market, modeled after the food halls in Manhattan and conceived of by three local women, debuts in Studio City. PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTEN ANDERSON

While on a recent girls’ trip to New York City, longtime friends Jordyn Grohl, Megan Gefsky and Deborah Saly visited Urbanspace, a collective of curated, indpendent food vendors, near Grand Central. “We are all foodies and we loved it,” recalls Jordyn, a mom of three who is married to Foo Fighters drummer, Dave Grohl. “We were struck by the fact that you could have an elevated food experience but in a community setting, kind of like a food court but for grown-ups,” Megan explains. The more the women talked about it, the more excited they got. “Food is central to our lives and represents home to many of us. I loved the idea of bringing our community together to celebrate our home,“ Deborah says. Their vision became a reality with the Valley Urban Market. The weekly market, featuring more than a dozen food vendors, is held in the parking lot at the Sportsmen’s Lodge. The market debuted on a Saturday in late September. Within an hour after opening, it was jam-packed. Lisa Kay, who lives in Valley Village, came with her 6-year-old son, Oliver. She met the three organizers (who have seven kids between them)in a baby group class a few years ago. “It doesn’t surprise me that they’ve put this together. They are all three really connected to the Valley,” Lisa says. “When I moved here from the Westside, I didn’t know what was what. They helped me get acclimated.”

Al Hosn, noshing on a large grilled lobster atop spicy Asian noodles from Lobsterdamus, drove down from Santa Clarita. “I came because I thought there might be a chance of seeing Dave Grohl. I read that he would be grilling here.” Indeed the musician was on hand opening day, grilling pork for his friend Billy Terrell, who owns The Beached Pig truck. “I put these pork butts on last night at 1 a.m.,” shared Dave, while pulling a dozen large pieces of meat out of a smoker. The vendor is revered for its “North Carolina-style” pulled pork sandwiches (i.e. with a vinegar and pepper-based sauce and no tomato) and beef brisket tacos. “When I made my first money from Nirvana, I bought a house in Nags Head, and I fell in love with North Carolina BBQ. It’s really hard to find that out here,” Dave noted. In addition to offering unique indie brands, the organizers envision the Valley Urban Market as a chance for local restaurants to test out concepts. “A guest chef can come to the market and do a demonstration of an item they’re considering putting on the menu. Or they can prepare a special dish that will be presented that Saturday just for market patrons,” says Megan. The women are buoyed by the market’s successful kickoff. They say someday they’d like to have a brick-and-mortar location—as Megan puts it, something more akin to what they experienced in New York. “For the Valley, it’s just time.” ■

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Take Note

Two key players from Augustine wine bar pair serious sips with inventive dishes at the new Sushi Note. WRITTEN BY JOSHUA LURIE

VENTURA BLVD | NOVEMBER 2018

Sometimes with a great idea, the stars just seem to align. That appears to be the case with the new Sushi Note in Sherman Oaks. Augustine wine bar co-owner Dave Gibbs had been mulling a sushi/wine concept with Andy Paxson, owner of Simple Things in Toluca Lake. Then the sushi bar Bizen, just across the street, closed. Augustine head bartender Silvia Gallo slid a note under the door to see if the space was available. Spoiler alert: it was. Coincidentally through a friend, the trio discovered that chef Kiminobu Saito, previously at 4 on 6 in Encino, expressed interest in joining the team. Suddenly Sushi Note was born. Silvia, a partner in Sushi Note, is the driving force behind its wine program. While most sushi bars offer one or two vintages, she showcases a balanced, globally inspired menu with grapes sourced “from the seaside to the mountains.” They also feature aged champagnes like 2000 Dom Perignon, which she describes as “lovely coating to the palate that your food just melds with.” “Sushi Note’s wine program isn’t as much about where the wines are from, but more about can they shine, but not outshine, the fish?” Silvia says. “They allow the fish to delicately express itself.” That means nothing too tannic, acidic or sweet. “It does seem to help if the wines are more mineral-driven when eating light/white fish, and when the coursing ends up with full-bodied fatty fish, the rounder, more fruit-driven wines step up to complement.” As with Augustine, there is someone always on hand to help pair half or full glasses. Two different sushi/wine pairings are offered each night, as noted on a chalkboard by the door. Kiminobu prints a daily menu based on market availability, focusing on sushi, sashimi and small plates. He also lists wild-caught fish on the blackboard. Sushi combos range from a “quarter-note” with four pieces of sushi, a spicy tuna handroll and miso soup, to a “full-note” 15-piece

omakase experience. Kiminobu guides a sushi progression starting with madai (red snapper) that “helps me open up the guest’s palate,” then transitioning to leaner fish like baby yellowtail and concluding with “a few textured pieces and sweet pieces to have that well-rounded experience for the guests.” Nigiri comes in pairs and includes several creative signature preparations. Gravlax stars Scottish salmon cured with vodka and dill, garnished with tangy sour cream. Binchou teams peppercrusted albacore from Canada with a chile-soaked daikon mash and crunchy scallions. From the blackboard, I ordered shinko, beautifully rich baby gizzard shad with shimmering silver skin, brushed with soy sauce and draped with kombu (kelp). Kiminobu also excels with cooked dishes. He folds thick, housemade goma tofu with nutty sesame paste, dabs with dark, sweet hatcho miso and applies edible gold flake. Fatty salmon collar is marinated for three days “Yuan-style” with sake, soy, mirin and sugar, and grilled until the sweet, fatty fish caramelizes. The chef’s restraint is evident while downing this delicacy. “Our food has to have the quality of a bright, clean essence with just a touch of acidity, sweetness or spice,” Kiminobu says. The restaurant’s blue and wood color scheme and casual midcentury vibe is set off by jazz music playing softly in the background. There’s barely enough room for 10 counter seats, four booths and two banquettes. But with gastronomy in full swing, we don’t think anyone will mind the cozy confines. ■ Sushi Note 13447 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 818-802-3443 sushinotela.com

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SLOW-SMOKED BBQ 13539 VENTURA BLVD SHERMAN OAKS 818-906-7427 | BONEYARDBISTRO.COM

VENTURA BLVD | AUGUST 2018

CREATIVE AMERICAN FARE CRAFT & SPECIALTY COCKTAILS OVER 300 WHISKEYS

VENTURA BLVD | NOVEMBER 2018

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The Morning After Already had a turkey or ham sandwich, or two? Enjoy this ingenious recipe that utilizes holiday leftovers to create a sumptuous breakfast dish. PRODUCED, STYLED, PHOTOGRAPHED BY KARA MICKELSON

STUFFING RE-HASH WITH EGG & CRANBERRY HOT SAUCE Serves 4 to 6

1 to 1½ cups stuffing ¾ cup turkey or ham, diced (or a combination of both) 3 ounces breakfast-style sausage links* 1 medium Russet potato, peeled and diced medium 4 to 6 eggs sunny-side up or poached, prepared just before serving Cranberry Hot Sauce (recipe below) Fresh sage garnish, optional In a large saucepan cook sausage. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Reserve. Save drippings and sauté potatoes in the same pan until cooked and slightly brown. Add stuffing, turkey, ham and sliced sausage to potatoes. Cook over medium heat until hot. Reserve.

CRANBERRY HOT SAUCE ½ cup leftover cranberry sauce ¼ to ½ cup of water as needed, used to thin out sauce 1 small jalapeno, deseeded and minced 1 to 2 whole garlic cloves, peeled and minced ¼ cup white vinegar 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon salt, or more to taste Place all ingredients in a sauce pot or pan and heat until cranberry sauce has a pourable consistency and a sweet and spicy flavor. Add more water, chili pepper, spice and/or vinegar to taste. Remove from heat and strain into a heat-proof container. Chill and reserve. Put stuffing hash in bowls. Top with an egg. Garnish with sage or fresh herbs. Serve the cranberry hot sauce on the side.

Prepare eggs as desired. *If the leftover stuffing mix already has sausage, eliminate it from the recipe and use vegetable oil or butter to cook the potatoes.

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Still Standing

VENTURA BLVD | NOVEMBER 2018

HOME ON THE RANGE Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor inside their their 6,000-square-foot home designed by Paul R. Williams. Left: The 130-acre Marwyck Ranch property, showing Stanwyck’s house and pool on the left. Zeppo and Marion Marx’s home is on the right.

Visiting a piece of Hollywood history—the 80-yearold Oakridge Estate in Northridge—home to actress Barbara Stanwyck and built by architect Paul R. Williams WRITTEN BY HADLEY HALL MEARES VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHS ON THESE PAGES, COURTESY OF MARC WANAMAKER/BISON ARCHIVES; VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHS ON PAGE 62

riving to the Oakridge Estate in Northridge is like stumbling upon a movie set that time forgot. One minute you’re on busy Devonshire Street, jam-packed with strip malls and fast food restaurants. The next minute you’re passing through the crumbling flagstone gate, amid complete silence, save for the pepper trees rustling in the wind. Before you know it, you’re facing the Oakridge mansion, designed in 1937 by famous California architects Paul Williams and Robert Finkelhor, for the legendary movie star Barbara Stanwyck. On this summer day, the sprawling home seems to bake and crackle in the Valley heat.

BY ALFRED EISENSTAEDT /THE LIFE COLLECTION, COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

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THE VISION Stanwyck, who was of Irish descent, originally asked for an Irish farmhouse for her hilltop Northridge home. What she got was a rustically elegant, Tudor-English Revival for which she paid $30,000. Although it wasn’t exactly what she had in mind, the actress ended up loving the home—her “peaceful and quiet” retreat from the fast life in Hollywood. While the two-story, five-bedroom house is still standing, little is left that hints of its glamorous heyday. The interiors, which are unfurnished, give the structure an almost ghostly vibe. And the grounds feel parched. The 50-foot swimming pool is empty. Down an overgrown path, there is a crumbling tennis court, a gift to Stanwyck from the man she would marry in 1939, Robert Taylor. (The two divorced in 1952.) THE DESIGN The hallmark features of a Williams house— open floor plans and floor-to-ceiling windows (which offer epic views of the San Fernando Valley)—are still intact. Visitors can also still see the luxurious materials used in the home. There are original cork floors in the kitchen, redwood paneling and a large marble tub—apparently a luxury the actress had wanted since she was a little girl, growing up as an orphan. The only telltale sign that a movie star once lived here is the grand closet and dressing room off the master bedroom, which is flooded with natural light. Striped, elegantly draped but faded cloth hangs like a circus tent from the ceiling. Back in the day, one can imagine the drama of walking into Stanwyck’s closet, busting from the gills with designer dresses and accessories. THE EQUINE CONNECTION The Oakridge Estate was originally named “Marwyck” and was conceived of as an expansive thoroughbred horse breeding and training ranch, by Stanwyck and Marion Marx. Marx’s husband, Zeppo, who left acting with his famous brothers to become an agent, represented Stanwyck. The three were best friends and together, with Kentucky horse trainer Harry S. Hart, they bought 130 acres of barren ranchland in the northwest Valley for their new venture. With the opening of the new Del Mar and Santa Anita tracks, Hollywood had gone horse-crazy, and the partners believed that Marwyck would be a highly successful business venture. On Thanksgiving of 1936, the Marxes and Stanwyck—along with guests Robert Taylor (the two weren’t married yet), Clark Gable

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and Carole Lombard—had an all-star picnic on the hill where the two homes would soon sit side by side. The group spread out on a blanket, looking over the picturesque, undeveloped Valley. “It was the first time I ever ate dinner lying on my stomach,” Stanwyck said. “But it turns out to be the ideal way to cope with barbequed steak.” Stanwyck and the Marxes each built homes overlooking Marwyck’s stables, barns and cutting-edge training track. The peaceful seclusion was cathartic for Stanwyck, who was in the midst of a brutal custody battle with her ex-husband Frank Fay over their son. It was the first house she ever owned, a perfect 30 miles from the Hollywood movie studios where she worked. She was often in awe, wondering, “How did I ever get out here with all this grass? About the only grass I ever got close to before was on the backdrop of a show.” Lounging by her pool with her son, Dion, Stanwyck would look back on her hardscrabble childhood as an orphan in Brooklyn and think how “wonderful [it was] that we own this. When I was a child if I’d had a pool like this, I’d have thought I’d died and gone to heaven.” By the late ‘30s, Marwyck’s horse operation was in full swing, boarding and training horses from all over the country. A 1937 Los Angeles Times article called Marwyck “one of the most pretentious breeding projects ever undertaken in California,” which would help the state “take a front row with Kentucky and Virginia as a producer of not only champions but honest, sturdy racers of real worth.” THE NEXT CHAPTER But Marwyck’s glory days were short-lived. Stanwyck soon tired of the long commute and isolated life at the ranch. She and Taylor moved to Beverly Hills, and in 1941 the house (on roughly 10 acres) was bought by folksy movie actor Jack Oakie and his wife, Venita. The couple renamed the property Oakridge. The Marx home was sold to movie star Janet Gaynor and her husband, the fashion designer Adrian. In 1943 the land that comprised the Marwyck horse ranch was bought by the wealthy couple John and Annette Ryan and renamed Northridge Farms. Together with a partner, the Ryans expanded the facility, raising and training successful champions including War Knight, the first California-bred foal to win a $100,000 prize. The Ryans moved into the Gaynor home in the early ‘50s and continued to work with horses over the next decade. After John

ROCK ON Stanwyck’s Tudor-English Revival style house in the 30s and as it looks today.

Ryan’s death, Northridge Farms closed. The land was sold to developers, and the Marx house was destroyed. THE OAKIE REIGN In 1948 Venita Oakie was killed in a plane crash, and two years later Jack married Victoria Horne. The couple, who was childless, remained at Oakridge for nearly four decades. In the living room, visitors can still see a painted mural of pastoral English scenes and a custom-built bar put in by the Oakies, who loved to entertain. We’re told the floor around the bar is well-worn due to frequent use. Out back is a recreation room where Jack would host famous friends like Clark Gable for allnight card games and movie screenings. On one side of the house are the remnants of a grove of trees, which he and his friend boxer Jack Dempsey would often water. In 1978 Jack died, and the reclusive Victoria remained in the house, changing nothing and

writing books about her life with Jack, including Jack Oakie’s Oakridge. She lived there until 2000, when she donated Oakridge to the USC School of Cinematic Arts. THE PRESERVATION EFFORT The Northridge Department of Recreation and Parks bought Oakridge and the surrounding 9.47 acres in 2010 for $3.35 million, saving the land from developers. Today it is looked after by the nonprofit Friends of Oakridge, who provide monthly public tours. However it is in desperate need of restoration so it can be the cultural and educational center that the organization envisions. It needs a tough, clever heroine—much like the roles Barbara Stanwyck loved to play. ■ Ninety-minute, docent-led house tours are offered on scheduled dates throughout the year. To arrange a visit or donate for restoration, visit theoakridgeestate.org.

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Unexpectedly Valley

An interior designer who honed her skills on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and her TV-producer husband transform a turnkey Encino spec home into something spectacular. WRITTEN BY SUSAN SPILLMAN | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;DONNELL

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or a decade TV designer Tanya McQueen spent nearly as much time on a United Airlines flight as she did at either of her two homes. Two weeks a month she lived in Los Feliz with her TV-producer husband, Tom Forman, and two stepchildren. The other two weeks, she jetted to Houston, where she resided with her two sons from a previous marriage. For years Tanya worked as a house flipper while living in Texas. That all changed when she and one of her renovations were featured on a TLC show in 2005. Tanya was spotted by ABC execs, who ultimately invited her to join the third season of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition as one of the show’s interior designers. She stayed for seven seasons. “It was a pretty wild ride and so much fun!” she recalls. While working on Extreme Makeover she met and married Tom, who was executive producer, and the duo set about blending their families. “We both had the same every other week custody arrangement,” explains Tanya. “Everyone gets along. We’re a 2018style family.”

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Still, last year when Tanya’s youngest son graduated high school and enrolled at USC, they decided to simplify their lives. They sold both houses and started shopping for a new nest large enough for when their four kids— ranging from 23 to 13—all got together. Both Tanya and Tom were set on moving to Hancock Park but couldn’t seem to find the right house. On a lark one day, at the suggestion of friend, they decided to check out the exclusive Royal Oaks neighborhood in Encino. “It may as well have been another state,” laughs Tanya. “I don’t think I’d ever been this far into the Valley.” As luck would have it, they spotted an open house for a brand new Cape Codstyle, cedar-shingled, spec home. The nearly 7,000-square-foot, gated main house, set off by crisp white trim and black shutters, would be hard for anyone to resist. Originally built in 1951, a first-time flipper spent 18 months updating every square foot inside and out, sparing no expense. With six bedrooms and eight baths, it boasts French oak floors, an enormous

TIME OUT The family room is filled with a combination of items that the couple already owned, “but it is my favorite room in the house,” shares Tom. The clock (which works) was bought during a trip to England.

“What we’ve done is just throw as much of our personalities into the décor as possible.”

SWEET LITTLE NOTHINGS Tanya spruced up the black and white kitchen with a runner bought in Morocco and a bright green painting purchased in Italy. Below: the dining room centerpiece, a ping pong table from England, another one of Tanya’s “eclectic pops.”

kitchen with two center islands, a screening room, game room, two-story 1,200-squarefoot guesthouse with a sauna, as well as five indoor and two outdoor fireplaces. “The reason why I had to have this house was the backyard,” says Tanya. The lot, just over three-quarters of an acre, includes a three-level terraced backyard that is private and lush. Expansive glass doors at the rear open to a covered patio, outdoor family room, kitchen and seating area with a fire pit. Above that are the 1,200-square-foot guesthouse, Jacuzzi and

pool. From there wood stairs ascend to a park-like landscape of mature fruit trees and a stunning mountain view. While most people would be thrilled to move into such a stellar, turnkey property, for Tanya, it was actually a bit disappointing. “I never bought a house that didn’t have to be gutted to the studs,” the petite brunette says, admitting, “I wish there was more to tear up.” Not that she didn’t take the bull by the horns. Tanya repainted or wallpapered every interior wall (they were all white) noting, “I

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reason why I had to have this house

prefer a more earthy color palette.” She also swapped out every one of the Restoration Hardware light fixtures. “I hate homogenized stuff,” she says. “I don’t buy anything from franchises.” She does, however, buy from just about anywhere else. “My home is every place I’ve ever been,” she explains. Hand-woven wool rugs were procured on a trip to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, a concrete garden gnome was unearthed at a Texas yard sale, and a unique coffee table made of driftwood came compliments of the boutique design house Bobo Intriguing Objects. Finding the life-size wrought iron sheep on the front yard took some digging. Tanya spotted a flock in the yard of a house on Nantucket, where they vacation every summer, and was determined to find some. Not only did she hunt down a pair on the website Chairish, the seller happened to live in Sherman Oaks. “I got ‘em for a fraction of the prices as the ones I saw on Nantucket,” she says smiling. “What we’ve done is just throw as much of our personalities into the décor as possible.” And despite the space looking impeccably complete, Tanya admits she isn’t finished making it her own. ■

was the backyard.”

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All Buff, No Fluff A back-to-basics approach fuels the no-frills gym, Underground Fitness LA. WRITTEN BY HEATHER DAVID

| PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE TAMEL

Underground Fitness LA may be tucked in a Valley Village strip mall, but from the moment you step inside, it just feels cool. With cement floors and rock band posters plastering the walls, it has an industrial vibe and a mixed crowd that appears serious about working up a sweat. “We’re not your traditional fitness studio,” explains co-owner Gen Levy, who sports several colorful tattoos. “We’re your group of rebels and misfits of the fitness world who’ve banded together. Our studio is filled with people from all different backgrounds—financially, ethnically, sexual orientation, age, weight and injury. It’s a family in here,” the Chicago native adds. Gen and co-owner, Kelly Proctor, first met in 2016 while working as instructors at another gym. They connected over a mutual interest in teaching proper form and technique. “Kelly and I are really passionate about having a personal training certification. Especially since we’re working with super delicate parts of the body like the spine and hips,” says Gen. The duo decided to offer a free “pop-up” class, spreading the word via social media. “The next morning 30 people showed up to a park, at 8 a.m. in July. It was absolute magic,” Gen recalls. For eight months they held renegade classes in empty dance studios and parks across the city. Buoyed by their success, they decided to open their first brick-andmortar location in Valley Village in April.

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We’re your group of rebels and misfits of the fitness world who’ve banded together. Our studio is filled with people from all different backgrounds— financially, ethnically, sexual orientation, age, weight and injury. It’s a family in here.” Group classes include Riot, which combines 20 minutes of strength training followed by 30 minutes of indoor cycling, BootyCore aimed at firing up the glutes and midsection, and the circuit training session, Sunday Funday. Kelly, who grew up in the Valley, says after seeing so many exercise trends come and go, she believes simplicity is often the best option: “We don’t feel the need to get crazy fancy with everything because in reality getting fancy in fitness does not necessarily change the quality of your workout.” ■ undergroundfitnessla.com 12506 Magnolia Blvd., Valley Village

YEARS

OPEN HOUSE FOR PROSPECTIVE PARENTS

WEDNESDAY

NOV. TUESDAY

JAN.

9:15 AM

GRADES K-6

FOR A PRIVATE TOUR OF VBS DAY SCHOOL, PLEASE CONTACT TAL BARAK, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS, AT TBARAK@VBSDS.ORG 818.788.2199

VBSDS.ORG/ADMISSIONS

Learning forward at Sierra Canyon iS both a mindSet and an aCtion. On our energizing campuses, students gain unstoppable momentum to learn and explore, propelling them toward lifelong success. We invite your family to experience our entrepreneurial program.

CampuS preview eventS Lower Campus Pre-K – Grade 6 Saturday, Nov. 17 at 10 am Upper Campus Grades 7 – 12 Saturday, Nov. 3 at 9 am

rSvp

Grades Pre-K–12

VisitingSC.org or call 818-882-8121

NOVEMBER 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

BY THE NUMBERS

Hot Off the Press

Milt & Edie’s prides itself on good, old-fashioned customer service—with a few perks. ILLUSTRATED BY CHRISTINE GEORGIADES

You can’t drive through the heart of LA’s media district in Burbank, right on the border of Toluca Lake, without noticing Milt & Edie’s. With a bright pink awning and matching sign, the drycleaners has been a fixture for more than 30 years. As the story goes, owner Milt Chortkoff (who’s wife was Edie) came out of retirement to start the business. He passed away in 2017, and his daughter Beth Shader and her husband have taken the reins. Other than that, not much has changed over the years. Milt & Edie’s still serves hot coffee, freshly popped popcorn, candy daily and hotdogs on the weekends. A maître d’ directs customers to an open counter. And if your item is not ready on time, you get the service for free. Sure they have fancy clients from nearby Warner Bros., like those from the talk show Ellen, and with tailors on staff throughout the night, Milt & Edie’s is considered a lifesaver. However for the most part, it’s still a mom-and-pop-run business, aimed at keeping locals impeccably attired—and content. ■

2007 Year 24-hour service began

1,500

Number of items dry cleaned per day

10,000 Number of items laundered per week

Hours needed for fastest turnaround of drycleaning or laundering

2.5

Minutes it takes to iron a men’s shirt

Years; the age of eldest employee

Years; the longest employee tenure

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A R I E L L A B O W E F A M I LY D AY S C H O O L

TK-6th Grade

Learn about how we raise up students who KNOW themselves, SERVE others, and ACT to improve the world.

Open House 11.15.18

VISIT

Individual Tours This Fall

To RSVP for our Open House or to schedule a tour, contact Sarah Schultz, Director of Admission, at sschultz@aaeds.org. 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village, CA 91607 • 818.766.4992 • aaedayschool.org

MARYMOUNT

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, November 18, 2018 | 12:30pm - 3:00pm Grades 5-10 welcome Come to our beautiful campus to meet Marymount’s incredible faculty, staff, and Student Ambassador Team! This is an interactive and exciting event featuring various breakout sessions, giving you the opportunity to learn about everything Marymount, including: academics, college counseling, athletics, STEM, arts, and more!

RSVP: mhs.la.org/visit

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Get Closer Statement necklaces, chains, shoulder dusters and bangles â&#x20AC;&#x201D;the go-to accessories to sparkle this fall PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHAD MICHAEL BROOKS | STYLED BY TANYA MONAGHAN HAIR & MAKEUP BY JENNY KARL

Striped, knit dress by Apiece Apart, $396, Mother of Mary necklace by Martha Calvo, $140; revolve.com. Choker and coin necklaces, both by Deborah Brewer, $58 to $68; Beach & Beverly in Hermosa Beach. 18K rose gold diamond ring, $2,900; robertocoin.com. Brass and horn cuff by SOKO, $88; DACHA in Manhattan Beach. Black cinch dress by Jaga, $552, necklace with laboradorite and pearls by Suley, $1,892; Wrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Manhattan Beach. Wood necklace with sterling silver and diamonds, $450, sterling silver ring with pave diamonds, $250, sterling silver ring, $175; bonebydawn.com.

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Blush silk dress by Saylor, $220; Bloomingdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Feather necklace by Mishky, $62; The Beehive in Manhattan Beach. 18K yellow gold earrings, $3,550, 18K yellow gold rail ring with thorns by Sylva & Cie, $2,300; Hamilton Butler Jewelers in Hermosa Beach. 18K rose gold pinkie ring with ruby by SHAY, $1,670, 18K yellow and white gold diamond pavĂŠ rings, $2,520 each, 18K yellow gold Marrakech necklace by Marco Bicego, $5,350; Neiman Marcus. Brushed brass cuff by Maddalena Bearzi, $220; DACHA in Manhattan Beach.

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Eden jumpsuit by Warm, $876; modaoperandi.com. Gold and black tasseled necklace by Bluma Project, $100; Wrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Manhattan Beach. Assorted wood and horn bangles with by Maddalena Bearzi, $150 to $250, brass and copper rings by Maddalena Bearzi, $135; DACHA in Manhattan Beach.

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Sheer blouse by IRO, $366, motherof-pearl necklace by Lena Skadegard, $1,198; Wright’s in Manhattan Beach. Puka shell 14K bangles by Chan Luu, $78 each, shell and tassel hooped earrings by Misha Hawaii; Gum Tree in Hermosa and Manhattan Beach.

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Striped sweater by Scotch & Soda, $178; Nordstrom. Tassel hoop earrings by Takara, $108; The Beehive in Manhattan Beach. Garnet, beaded necklace by Lena Skadegard, $964; Wright’s in Manhattan Beach. 18K gold ametrine and diamond ring, $4,400; Hamilton Butler Jewelers in Hermosa Beach. 18K gold symphony ring with diamonds, $3,600; robertocoin.com.

Edie slip dress by Jen’s Pirate Booty, $253; Beach & Beverly in Hermosa Beach. 18K rose gold diamond earrings, $5,300, 14K gold diamond pavé ID bracelet, $4,200, “Wonder Woman” ring by Sylva & Cie in 18K gold with pavé diamonds, $5,100, 18K gold rail ring with thorns by Sylva & Cie, $2,300; Hamilton Butler Jewelers in Hermosa Beach. 14K gold wave ring with diamonds by Frederic Sage, $3,995; Morgan’s Jewelers in Torrance.

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Culinary Attraction

It was a record-breaking day at LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade’s annual fundraiser at UCLA. More than 2,500 guests bought tickets to nosh on some of the city’s finest fare, with $1.5 million dollars raised. Proceeds will go toward research projects for children with cancer.

Jade De Laurentiis Thompson and Giada de Laurentiis

David Lefevre

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Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney with their kids

Amanda Anka and Jason Bateman, with their daughters

Jon Shook, Vinny Dotolo

KICK BACK

“Cool Jazz on a Hot Summer Night” was held at the Catalina Jazz Club to benefit weSPARK Cancer Support Center. The lineup of performers included Sandra Booker Donny Most, Elijah Rock, an amazing instrumental horn section from Ron King & Friends and Parks and Recreation actor Jay Jackson was host for the evening. Proceeds will go toward supporting the Sherman Oaks center, which provides free programs and services for cancer patients.

weSpark Board Members

Elijah Rock

Steve and Zina Glodney and friends

Jay Jackson

Sandra Booker

Donny Most

Scott Williams, Catherine Curry and friends

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Yum Fest

The first Valley Urban Market drew locals from across the region in September. The market, which offers fare from more than a dozen independent food trucks, is held in the parking lot of the Sportsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lodge every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jeff Probst

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A Maine lobster from the vendor, Lobsterdamus

THOUSAND OAKS

Distinctive Residential Settings | Chef-Prepared Dining and Bistro Premier Health and Wellness Programs | Award-Winning Memory Care Professionally Supervised Therapy and Rehabilitation Services

VenturaBlvd_couples_2018.indd 1

6/21/18 1:44 PM

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When you come into our office, you are stepping into the world of a dentist who sees you as a unique and interesting individual, who cares about your personal story and your goals, and who believes in providing you with the finest care. We understand your concerns—even if you are apprehensive. We genuinely care about our patients.” 86

— ISAAC COMFORTES, DDS, TOTAL HEALTH DENTISTRY

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PRO FILES

top dentists A brilliant smile speaks a thousand words. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for routine or cosmetic services, the doctors on the following pages offer cutting-edge technology and top-of-the-line dental practices. They are passionate about beautiful smiles and optimal oral health. Turn the page and meet some of the Top Dentists of the Valley.

THE DENTAL STUDIO Tsolair Hovsepian

TOTAL HEALTH DENTISTRY Dr. Isaac Comfortes

ESTHETIC PROFESSIONALS Dr. Kristi Crispin & Dr. Bruce Crispin

WRITTEN BY LAURA WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMEKA JACOBS & MONICA OROZCO

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top dentists

The Dental Studio

Tsolair Hovsepian, DDS, Owner 17175 Ventura Blvd., Encino 818-788-3488 | thedentalstudioencino.com

he Dental Studio of Encino offers gentle dentistry for the entire family. Owner Dr. Tsolair Hovsepian earned her dental degree from UCLA School of Dentistry and has practiced dentistry at various Los Angeles offices for the past 14 years. She opened her own dental practice in June 2017. Dr. Hovsepian and her husband are the parents of two daughters, ages 11 and 8, and a son, age 5. What are your top tips for patients to achieve optimal oral health? “I think the best thing you can do for yourself is to respect your body, and this includes your oral cavity! Daily home care is the single most important feature in maintaining optimal oral health. It’s as simple as brushing and flossing every single day. I absolutely love electric toothbrushes—and now there are so many brands and styles to choose from that won’t break the bank! A healthy, well-balanced diet is also key to a wonderful smile.” What steps do you take to help your patients feel at ease when they visit your office? “I have designed my dental office with the anxiety-free dental experience in mind. The office is intimate yet light and airy with a modern touch. The vibe is friendly and fun, and we like to keep appointments easy and painless. Patients are treated one at a time and are never kept waiting. I treat every one of my patients like friends and family, taking the time to explain treatment options, costs and answer all questions. I always listen to the patients and make sure their dental needs are addressed and taken care of in the most gentle way possible.”

“The best thing you can do for yourself is to respect your body, and this includes your oral cavity!” 88

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How does your membership in professional organizations benefit your patients? “Having been a member of the ADA and CDA for more than 15 years, as well as my local dental society, SFVDS, I am always informed and involved in the most current changes and trends in modern dentistry. The future of dentistry is geared toward restoring dental health in the most efficient and comfortable way possible. I believe that staying up-to-date on all of the current changes in the field of dentistry will help me take care of my patients in the best way possible, which includes using the best quality materials and gentlest techniques.”

top dentists

“We are part of a movement in dentistry to make the world healthier.”

Total Health Dentistry

he team at Total Health Dentistry of Encino, led by owner Dr. Isaac Comfortes, is dedicated to the relationship of oral health and whole body health. They educate patients about mouth-body connections and collaborate with medical professionals to help bridge the gap between medical and dental communities. Dr. Comfortes graduated from California State University and USC School of Dentistry and has practiced at the Encino location since 1976. He served on the USC faculty as an assistant clinical professor and continues to lecture both nationally and internationally on smile enhancement procedures and the oral-systemic connection. He is married and has two children and is a second-generation dentist; his father also practiced dentistry.

What steps do you take to help your patients feel at ease when they visit your office? “Building a foundation of trust by treating our patients as special individuals is vital to overall success. We understand how uneasy some patients may feel about their dental visits and how we can make a difference in providing a relaxing and positive experience.” What would you like readers to know about your practice? “We are part of a movement in dentistry to make the world healthier. Total health dentistry boils down to inflammation control. Eliminating inflammation in the periodontal tissues of the mouth is where total health starts. More than 60% of Americans have some form of gum disease. Certain oral bacteria can place an individual

Isaac Comfortes, DDS, Owner 16133 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1240, Encino 818-990-9101 | isaaccomfortesdds.com at risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, RA and Alzheimer’s. The oral-systemic connection is the new paradigm in dentistry. Managing gum disease and eliminating infected teeth is the key to oral and systemic health. We are one of the few dental practices that focus on the oral-systemic link. It is our purpose to educate our community on the connection between their oral health and systemic health to help them live healthier, longer lives.” How do you maintain your own health? “Exercise, gluten-free and sugar-free diet, supplements, excellent oral health and meditation.” What do you love to do for fun? “I like driving my classic car, visiting art museums and photography.”

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top dentists

Esthetic Professionals Dr. Kristi A. Crispin & Dr. Bruce J. Crispin, Owners 18981 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Tarzana 818-654-7100 estheticprofessionals.com

“For us, nothing beats listening when it comes to making a patient feel at ease.”

ather/daughter dental team Dr. Bruce Crispin and Dr. Kristi Crispin and their team at Esthetic Professionals offer patient-focused dentistry in a state-of the-art facility. Dr. Bruce and Dr. Kristi are both accredited dentists in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (out of only 400 worldwide), and they participate in extensive continuing education. Dr. Bruce is a boardcertified prosthodontist and renowned lecturer. Dr. Kristi is a lecturer, general dentist and co-director of Esthetic Professionals Education Center with Dr. Bruce. What do your patients love about you? “When patients visit our facility, they feel like more than just patients. We try to make them feel like family—listening to their needs first and foremost. Once we feel we really understand what’s important to them, we educate them on the issues and provide an individual plan for their treatment, as well as the tools and knowledge to maintain their overall oral health in the long term.” What are your top tips for patients? “Oral health remains a lifelong process. So first and foremost, be consistent! That means yearly visits to the dentist for exams, X-rays as well as oral cancer screening. We suggest having your teeth cleaned professionally every three to six months. For home care, we recommend an electric toothbrush and flossing regularly.” What steps do you take to help your patients feel at ease at office? “For us, nothing beats listening when it comes to making a patient feel at ease. Every patient is different, and every patient has their own story. So we like to know what’s on their mind first before we tell them what we think. This is the only way to truly understand their needs and, hopefully, exceed their expectations.” How do you keep up with the latest in the field of dentistry? “In addition to our involvement with various professional organizations, our facility also houses a state-of-the-art teaching center and full-service laboratory. In fact, almost every Friday and Saturday we welcome dentists from all over the country to learn the very latest clinical procedures, practice with the latest dental materials and discover the latest advancements in the field. We also regularly host guest lecturers who

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present and discuss their specific expertise with our students. We have found this invaluable to helping us remain at the very forefront of dentistry.” Tell us about the ambience of your office. “One the most important objectives we strive to achieve is a patient’s overall comfort, which means we want you to feel relaxed. Ambience plays a critical role in that regard. We have a spacious lobby, comfortable seating, and you’ll even find several signed guitars on the walls. We also serve gourmet coffee and tea, and we provide blankets and dental chairs with heat and massage functions.” Do you offer chair-side comforts for patients to enjoy during their treatment? “We prioritize our patients’ overall comfort, and that goes beyond office ambience. Each of our dental chairs features the latest computerized injection systems, head and massage functions and satellite TV. But most importantly, we personalize our care to each patient’s individual needs. At the end of the day, we find that this is what provides them the greatest level of comfort.” How does your membership in professional organizations benefit patients? “We love dentistry because it’s a dynamic profession, and it’s always changing. Membership in professional organizations enables us to keep up with the latest trends in the field. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association are a few organizations of which we are active members. We have often found that their insight and influence helps make us better doctors, which ultimately makes for happier patients.” Tell us about your team. “Because our patients are our top priority, we take great care to train our staff to be the very best at what they do. This is the only way to ensure that every patient gets the care and attention they deserve.” What do you love to do for fun? “Dr. Bruce Crispin has been married for 52 years, loves to play guitar, golf, boat and spend time with his wife, Vicky, and family. Dr. Kristi Crispin has been married for 13 years and has two children. She loves skiing, spending time with her husband and children and TRX, among other sports.”

NOVEMBER 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

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ENCINO ESTATE WITH JETLINER VIEWS

16449 Tudor Drive, Encino 91436 www.16449TudorDrive.com 3,615 Square Feet / 12,049 Square Foot Lot $3,199,000 Oren David Mordkowitz Estates Director (818) 933-5866 CalBRE# 01246402

NOVEMBER 2018 | VENTURA BLVD

EXCLUSIVE LUXURY LISTINGS

7 BEDS | 8 BATH | 9,755 SQ. FT. | 25,195 SQ. FT. LOT

4448 HARPER WAY | ENCINO | $4,395,000

4107 VENTURA CANYON AVENUE | SHERMAN OAKS | $4,375,000

CRAIG KNIZEK 818.618.1006 | LIC. # 01377932 INGRID SACERIO 323.333.7018 | LIC. # 01905431

ANDREA KORCHEK 818.371.0933 | LIC. # 01311917

EMIL HARTOONIAN 310.990.0063 | LIC. # 01796925

5 BEDS | 6 BATH | 6,385 SQ. FT. | 18,621 SQ. FT. LOT

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5 BEDS | 6 BATH | 7,357 SQ. FT. | 16,180 SQ. FT. LOT

12737 LANDALE STREET | STUDIO CITY | $3,898,000

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DANIEL PERETZ 818.64 4.1477 | LIC. # 01897529

JIMMY A. HIRSCH 310.413.7414 | LIC. # 01897529 CRAIG KNIZEK 818.618.1006 | LIC. # 01377932

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5 BEDS | 6 BATH | 5,284 SQ. FT. | 20,961 SQ. FT. LOT

5 BEDS | 4 BATH | 4,404 SQ. FT. | 16,457 SQ. FT. LOT

4440 VANCEBORO COURT | WOODLAND HILLS | $2,850,000

4129 RHODES AVENUE | STUDIO CITY | $1,650,000

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3 BEDS | 2 BATH | 1,893 SQ. FT. | 6,996 SQ. FT. LOT

1225 CALLE LAS TRANCAS | THOUSAND OAKS | $995,000

5260 PREMIERE HILLS CIRCLE #205 | WOODLAND HILLS | $619,000

JOHN TASHTCHIAN 818.968.282 | LIC. # 01453364 SANTIAGO ARANA 310.926.9808 | LIC. # 01492489

DANI BEHR 310.623.2655 | LIC. # 01948711

4 BEDS | 4 BATH | 3,134 SQ. FT. | 21,400 SQ. FT. LOT

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1920 PANDORA AVENUE #9 | WESTWOOD | $689,900 1 BED | 1 BAT H | 1,094 SQ . F T.

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1414 0 Ventur a Boulevard #101 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

MICHELLE SCHWARTZ

MSchwartz@TheAgencyRE.com 424.230.3716 | LIC # 01889141

COREY KESSLER

Corey.Kessler@TheAgencyRE.com 818.571.3352 | LIC # 01882925

LUXURY REAL ESTATE AT THEAGENCYRE.COM

14 New Single-Family Homes in the NoHo Arts District Situated in the heart of the NoHo Arts District, Morrison 14 is a collection of new architectural homes that are far ahead of the curve. These spacious residences combine style and efficiency with an unparalleled level of urban access. The unique floor plans provide up to 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and 1,800 square feet. Each residence has an attached 2-car garage and private roof deck with unreal views and plenty of space for outdoor entertaining.

From $899,000 morrison14.com Morrison 14 | 11037 Morrison Street, North Hollywood 91601 | info@morrison14.com | 818-924-3700 Compass is a licensed real estate broker (01991628) in the State of California 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. Tracy Do CalBRE# 01350025.

FEATURED PROPERTY

3718 Berry Drive, Studio City COMING SOON

12642 Hortense Street, Studio City ACTIVE

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COMING SOON

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3553 Alana Drive, Sherman Oaks SOLD

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ACTIVE

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15680 High Knoll Road, Encino

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Contact Us Today! info@chernovteam.com www.chernovteam.com 818.432.1524 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.

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

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IN ESCROW

4525 Comber Avenue | $2,200,000 17718 Royce Drive West | $1,499,000

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17437 Palora St., Encino $4,495,000 www.PaloraEstate.com

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coming soon

16036 Valley Meadow Pl., Encino TBD Royal Oaks Colony

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17038 Adlon Rd., Encino $1,729,000 www.AdlonRoad.com

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16655 La Maida St., Encino $1,600,000 www.LaMaidaVilla.com

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3856 Vista Linda Dr., Encino $1,599,000 www.VistaLindaEstate.com

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sold

16908 Bosque Dr., Encino $1,720,000 Encino Hills

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3550 Ballina Canyon Rd., Encino $1,699,000 www.BallinaCanyon.com

15712 Sutton St., Encino $1,499,000 Encino Cul-de-Sac

sold

5317 Amestoy Ave., Encino $2,510,000 www.AmestoyEstateEncino.com

3710 Ballina Canyon Rd., Encino $1,599,000 Encino Hills

818.285.3688 www.CarolWolfe.com #1 Agent Rodeo Realty San Fernando Valley

in escrow

16688 Oldham St., Encino $1,399,000 Encino Hills

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4715 Arcola Avenue Craig Strong

SHERMAN OAKS 4422 Placidia Ave $2,495,000

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$2,249,000 323 397 0800

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PACIFIC UNION INTERNATIONAL | THE ULTIMATE CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE COMPANY

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$1,025,000 818 262 3532

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Pacific Union International 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.

AVAILABLE | 4715 ARCOLA AVE.

OFFERED AT $3,345,000 5 Bd | 5.5 Ba | 5,512 ± sf | 13,499 ± sf lot

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OFFERED AT $3,695,000 4 Bd | 5 Ba | 4,685 ± sf | 12,188 ± sf lot

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OFFERED AT $1,214,000 3 Bd | 2 Ba | 2,400 ± sf | 6,750 ± sf lot

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4 Bd | 3.5 Ba | 2,880 ± sf | 7,604 ± sf lot

4 Bd | 3.5 Ba | 3,000 ± sf | 11,932± sf lot

4 Bd | 3 Ba | 3,009 ± sf | 14,714 ± sf lot

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OFFERED AT $26,000,000

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KEVIN DRISCOLL Top 1% Nationwide Estates Director

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KevinDriscollHomes@gmail.com Pacific Union International 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. This is not intended as a solicitation if your property is currently listed with another broker. CalBRE 01270052

MICHAEL BERGIN |

LUXURY ESTATES DIRECTOR

FOR SALE 4457 Camellia Avenue, Studio City

FOR SALE

0 Iverson Rd Chatsworth Offered at $2,200,000

4443 Babcock Ave Studio City Offered at $2,549,000

4829 Swinton Ave, Encino Offered at $1,199,000 Rep. Buyer

3524 Camino de la Cumbre Sherman Oaks Offered at $1,435,000

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4530 Libbit Ave, Encino Offered at $5,000,000 Rep. Buyer

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1130 Keniston Ave Los Angeles Sold for $2,220,000 | Rep. Buyer

746 N Mansfield Ave Los Angeles Sold for $1,400,000

4424 Ethel Ave Studio City Offered at $1,188,000

16226 Dickens Street Encino Offered at $7,999/Mo.

“ YO U R # 1 N E I G H B O R H O O D E X P E RT ”

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14736 Greenleaf St. – SO-$2,995,000 5Br+5 Ba in 4,939 SqFt on a 10,742SqFt Lot—Stunning contemporary new construction south of the Blvd., in a prime Sherman Oaks area. This chic contemporary home features 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, chef’s kitchen, huge master suite, pool house, pool, outside living room, Jacuzzi, and much more. 3187 Oakdell Rd. – SC - $2,995,000 4Br+3.5 Ba in 5,154 SqFt on a 26,220 SqFt Lot- Amazing one story Mid Century ranch in Fryman Estates. This gated estate is on a street-to-street lot. Step back into old Hollywood glamour in this home. It features black polish granite flooring, four fireplaces, a grand theater room and a master suite with lots of closet space. Lush backyard with canyon views, pool, and jacuzzi. 4150 Davana Rd. SO- $2,500,000 4Br+3.5Ba in 3,431 SqFt on a 12,629 SqFt Lot- Stunning one-story architectural home located S. of the Blvd. and situated on a 12,629 sq ft lot. It Features wood floors, formal living room & dining room. There are 4 spacious bedrooms including the master suite and 3.5 bathrooms. The backyard features an outdoor fireplace, grassy yard and sparkling pool.

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3848 Rhodes Ave.– SC-$1,499,000 4Br+2 Ba in 1,779 SqFt on a 13,989 SqFt Lot – Westside vibe contemporary 4-bedroom house designed by Jeff Lewis from Flipping Out. This home is located in the coveted Silver Triangle area. It features skylights, hardwood floors, high ceilings and much more. 14728 Tustin St. SO- $1,595,000 4Br+2 3/4Ba in 2,574 SqFt on a 5,500 SqFt Lot-Located on a cul-de-sac street, south of the Blvd. with quick access to the Westside sits this beautiful 2-story traditional. This home features an open floor plan, spacious living room, three bedrooms downstairs, and the master suite upstairs. The backyard has lush landscaping and a pool.

Call for your FREE market analysis! ©2016 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. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting this information. Based on information obtained from the MLS as of (11/1/2016). Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. CalBRE 1317331

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Make your next big move.

With jumbo mortgage options available, Citi can help you get in the space you need with the support of a dedicated Mortgage Representative every step of the way. THE BENEFITS OF A CITI JUMBO MORTGAGE: • Jumbo loan sizes up to $3 million — loan sizes up to $8 million available to well-qualified buyers who meet Citi’s High Net Worth1 requirement

• Mortgage discounts with Relationship Pricing2 • SureStart® Pre-approval,3 so you can confidently find the right home

Contact your local Citi Mortgage Representative today. John Musso Home Lending Officer 818-518-1008 john.musso@citi.com NMLS# 448606 4464 Van Nuys Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Terms, conditions and fees of accounts, programs, products and services are subject to change. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit and property approval. Certain restrictions may apply on all programs. Offer cannot be combined with any other mortgage offer. This offer contains information about U.S. domestic financial services provided by Citibank, N.A. and is intended for use domestically in the U.S. 1 Available for clients with a minimum of $500,000 or more in investable post-close assets, and at least $50,000 in traditional assets must be on deposit with Citi at least 10 days prior to closing. This amount may be part of the $500,000 eligibility requirement. Real estate, loan proceeds, stock options, restricted stock and personal property will not be counted as part of the $500,000 or more investable post-close assets or the $50,000 in traditional assets. Net cash value of life insurance can be counted as part of the $500,000 but not part of the traditional assets. Investable assets are defined as deposit accounts (checking, savings, money market, Certificates of Deposit), unrestricted stocks, non-vested stock and restricted stock, bonds and retirement accounts held by the individual who is personally liable on the loan. These asset types held in revocable trust may be used provided the trust document meets the Trust Policy. 100% of the face value of all assets, except non-vested stock and restricted stock, may be used to calculate the amount of funds available to meet the eligibility criteria. For non-vested stock and restricted stock, the borrower must be 100% vested within 1 year of closing and a maximum of 70% of value may be used to calculate qualifying equity. Additional conditions apply. 2 A Citibank deposit account and automated monthly transfers of the mortgage payment from a Citibank personal deposit account using automated drafting will be required to receive Citibank mortgage Relationship Pricing. Ask a Mortgage Representative for details on eligible balances and the qualifying closing cost credit or rate discount. Availability of the Citibank mortgage Relationship Pricing for Citibank account holders is subject to change without notice. 3 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. © 2018 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

Stroke of Luck Gratitute for a near-death experience that extended one man’s life WRITTEN BY STEVE SEIDEL | ILLUSTRATED BY CHRISTINE GEORGIADES

It was a routine Thursday night. After a day of work, I headed to Novo Body in Encino. The first warm-up was rather simple: wide legs, forward bend, barbell behind shoulders. Suddenly I felt lightheaded. Couldn’t keep my hand on the bar. The instructor had me sit down in the lobby. The receptionist called the owner of the gym, who happens to be a friend, and put me on the phone. I could barely formulate a sentence. Minutes later there were no fewer than six EMT/medic dudes in front of me, asking questions and putting me on a gurney. Despite my parents’ iffy genes, up until that point, I’d never been in an ambulance or received any medical attention in my life—save an ingrown toenail surgery in high school. Inside the ER, doctors asked questions. My name. Nailed that one. What year was it? I could see the numbers 2-0-1-8 but couldn’t verbalize them. How old are you? I answered 47, a year off. They had an Oregon neurologist consult with me via a video screen. He showed me a series of photos. Some I got right — chair. Some I got wrong—cactus. I stared at the thorny plant but just couldn’t get out the word. The doc told me he thought I had a TIA, aka a “mini stroke.” Turns out even minis are not to be trifled with. He prescribed TPA, a fluid that flushes the clot out but has a 6% chance of fatality. Time was of the essence. Somehow my wife got my internist, Dr. John Andrews, and his wife (both are good friends), on the phone. John gave the TPA fluid the thumbs up—without hesitation—and moments later it was pumped into me intravenously. Turned out to be a miracle drug; within minutes, birthdays and cacti were free flowing from my consciousness.

114

VENTURA BLVD | NOVEMBER 2018

Speaking of miracles, there were definitely some in play that day. The incident happened in a controlled environment (I could have been driving.) with others around to witness it. Apparently there are a lot of people who get a little stroke and shrug it off. Left untreated, a stroke can come back with a vengeance; we’re talking Grim Effing Reaper here. The gym location, only two minutes from the Encino ER, was also a blessing. After the ER we were off to St Joe’s in Burbank for a fun-filled, 36-hour, fact-finding expedition, where I gave up more blood, sweat and tears than a weekend in Vegas with Mike Tyson in The Hangover. OK, mostly just blood. The CAT scans, ultrasounds and an MRI ultimately revealed a contained cerebral infarction. A later test showed a “PFO,” basically a small hole in my heart where a blood clot can travel to the brain. Everyone is born with one, but 16% of us still have it as adults. So that’s how it all happened. To say this whole experience has been surreal is like saying Ventura Blvd. has a few sushi restaurants—a mild understatement. When you’re a kid, you feel like you’ll live forever. When my parents passed away in their mid-60s, it threw me. When you experience a “health event”—that’s next level. Doing just about anything with independence seems irresponsible. Setting out on a solo bike excursion across Mulholland suddenly sounds terrifying. Spare ribs are replaced with chicken or, gulp, tofu. Somehow you ease into acceptance. Give me the tofu in exchange for the encore. I’ll make that deal every time. ■ Steve Seidel is an EP and Partner at the branded content studio VIMBY. He lives with his wife, two children and golden retriever in Sherman Oaks.

Andrew & Harriet

Results That Will Move You!

16305 Tudor Dr, Encino www.16305Tudor.com $2,150,000 Stunning Custom Architectural Contemporary. Open Concept Floorplan, Epicurean Kitchen, Pool, & Lanai Elementary School District

3828 Hayvenhurst Ave, Encino www.3828Hayvenhurst.com $1,595,000 Private Gated Contemporary. Westside Close, Spacious Remodeled Open Floorplan, Entertainer’s Flow, Lush Grounds With Pool, Lanai Elementary School District

Andrew & Harriet Did It Again! Recent Sales 4004 Hayvenhurst Dr, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . $6,937,000 3932 Vantage Ave, Studio City . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,500,000 4529 Gloria Ave, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,225,000 5450 Topeka Dr, Tarzana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,753,750 16998 Encino Hills Dr, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,710,000 5128 Libbit Ave, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,700,000 4101 Witzel Dr. Sherman Oaks. . . . . . . . . $2,435,000 16341 Meadowridge Rd, Encino. . . . . . . . . $2,392,500 17149 McCormick St, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,273,880 4441 Densmore Ave, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,225,000 4356 Empress Ave. Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,220,000 16634 Oak View Dr, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,137,200 17145 Addison St, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,050,000 4483 Estrondo Dr. Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,985,000 14540 Valley Vista Bl, Sherman Oaks. . . . . . . . $1,970,000

3531 Alana Dr, Sherman Oaks. . . . . . . . . . . . $1,860,000 16055 Meadowcrest Rd, Sherman Oaks. . . . $1,720,000 4156 Hazeltine Ave. Sherman Oaks. . . . . . . $1,700,000 13019 Bloomfield St, Studio City. . . . . . . . . . . . $1,665,000 3619 Cananea Dr, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,650,000 15459 Dickens St, Sherman Oaks. . . . . . . . . . $1,630,000 3668 Willowcrest Ave, Studio City. . . . . . $1,599,000 14825 Sutton St, Sherman Oaks. . . . . . . . . . . $1,500,000 Represented Both Buyer & Seller 16067 Valley Wood Rd, Sherman Oaks. . . . $3,500,000 4701 Hayvenhurst Ave, Encino. . . . . . . . . . $3,425,000 3932 Vantage Ave, Studio City. . . . . . . . . . . $2,300,000 16618 Oak View Court, Encino. . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,560,000 12942 Bloomfield St, Studio City. . . . . . . . . . . . In Escrow

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