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THE WOMEN’S ISSUE
SIX DOLLARS
SEPTEMBER 2020
The Genius Of Photographer Marjorie Salvaterra
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SKIRBALL ONLINE
SEPTEMBER 2020
14 SMOOTH OPERATOR Public affairs strategist Fiona Hutton, known for getting it done.
18 THE POSER Photographer Marjorie Salvaterra captures the essence of womanhood.
14
24 BOY, SHE LOOKS GOOD Female health expert Dr. Jennifer Berman
48
THE SAUCE
on the latest anti-aging treatments.
38 KITCHEN CASUAL
30
Chef and social media phenom Gaby Dalkin
GRACE AND GRIT
shares one of her favorite recipes.
Barrel racer Zoe Boul takes on the rodeo sport in which females take center stage.
40 NEXT COURSE
34
Pasta Bar debuts in Encino.
THE POWER OF JOY Joy McElveen aims to share
42
the power of connectivity.
MAKING IT Four entrepreneurs at the helm of
48
forward-thinking products.
EVEN BETTER THAN THE REAL THING
30
Peek into a dream home straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie.
54 PET PROJECT
AND THEN SOME...
Larissa Wohl is on a mission to place
62
animals in “forever” homes.
PROFILES Women in business
56 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON
81
When a couple’s dream vacation
REAL ESTATE
gets hijacked by COVID.
Spectacular local listings
COVER 98
Photograph titled “Yes.
LAST WORD
Please. Thank you.” by
Combining the sensibilities of a 50s
Marjorie Salvaterra
housewife with those of a modern woman during a pandemic.
Louisville
Girls
Pursue Passions Embrace Academics Command Respect Project Confidence Crush Athletics Celebrate Faith Shape History Seize Dreams
Louisville is not just a school with girls. It is a school for girls. It is a place where girls become part of an unstoppable sisterhood of current and former Royals who share the confidence and determination to achieve their goals. It is a place where girls are given challenges, opportunities and support that drive them to realize their full potential. It is a place where girls become women who shape the world.
Become a Louisville Girl.
LouisvilleHS.org LOUISVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 22300 Mulholland Drive Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (818) 346-8812
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
PUBLISHER
Linda Grasso
Michelle Villas
Robin Sanders
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
robin@goldenstate.is
Darren Elms
Nikki Smith
COPY EDITORS Bob Howells, Laura Watts CONTRIBUTORS
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Dan Lesovsky
Hadley Hall Meares,
Cristopher Nolasco
Anne M. Russell, Cat Sherwin,
Shane O’Donnell
Susan Spillman, Jane Ulman
Marjorie Salvaterra John Troxell
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EDITOR’S LETTER
With Fiona Hutton
Six Degrees Working on the Women’s Issue each year is always such a
But as I discovered, she is also earthy, an avid gardener
pleasure—not just the actual work, but the aftermath. I’ve
and a passionate advocate for women. Suffice to say, we
met so many of my gal pals from editing this issue. The
bonded immediately.
subject and I go back and forth via email, typically meeting
Also here, you’ll also meet Marjorie Salvaterra (page 18),
for the first time face-to-face at the photo shoot. Point of
a major talent who shoots captivating photos of women;
fact: I’m a “girl’s girl” and I’m a journalist with insatiable
sometimes dark, other times whimsical. We met through
curiosity. (My husband always says I’m the best person to
her son Oliver, who was a VB Top Teen back in the April
sit next to at a dinner party; or, if you are shy, I’m your
issue. Marjorie has an almost ingenious way of capturing in
worst nightmare.) The magazine photo shoots often become
her photos all the various complications and challenges—as
gabfests as we get to know each other, almost always finding
well as joys—of being a woman. We were thrilled when she
common denominators and—you know how the Valley is—
allowed us to use one of her images entitled “Yes. Please.
discovering people we know in common. Before I know it,
Thank you.” as our cover.
the Women’s Issue is out on the streets, and yet my conver-
In the midst of all the restaurant closings right now,
sations with these women continue. The female friendships
I couldn’t help but take notice of Chef Phillip Frankland,
I’ve developed over the past 11 years have honestly been the
always a guy who does his own thing (apparently, no mat-
icing on the cake from my job as VB editor.
ter what), opening a new eatery. As with his other Encino
In this issue, you’ll meet women of all ages who are passionate about their endeavors and making noteworthy strides in diverse fields ranging from health and well-
restaurants, Pasta Bar aims not just to serve meals but to be a memorable dining experience (page 40). I can’t close without a nod to all the moms who will be
ness to barrel racing. Whip smart and strategically savvy,
doing double duty this fall, trying to manage jobs and, at
Fiona Hutton (page 14) is a particularly fascinating gal.
the same time, teaching and tending to their kids. And to
She heads up her own public affairs/communications firm
the moms who don’t work outside the home, and now have
in Studio City and has a blue-chip roster of high-profile
the extra challenge of educating their children. We know
clients. She is the kind of person that, initially, one might
how difficult this is … and we are with you.
be drawn to and yet a bit intimidated by at the same time.
Stay safe.
Linda Grasso Follow me on Instagram @she_sez
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SEPTEMBER 2020 Embracing the power of connection. More on page 34.
smooth operator FIONA HUTTON HAS ACHIEVED POLITICAL CLOUT THAT ISN’T MEASURED IN VOTES OR FANCY TITLES, BUT IN HER ABILITY TO MOVE PUBLIC OPINION—AND THE DOLLARS THAT GO WITH IT. Written by Anne M. Russell | Photographed by Michael Becker | Makeup by Cat Sherwin
One of Fiona Hutton’s most momentous victories was facilitating the passage of Proposition 71, the 2004 California Research and Cures
pandemic started, she visited every other week. “If you want to be working in apex public affairs,” she explains, “California is the place to do it. The state is so dynamic.” With a degree in political science from San Diego State
Initiative that raised $3 billion for
University, Hutton initially had her sights set on a career
stem cell research. The measure
with the Central Intelligence Agency, but was lured into
struck back against federal efforts to
public relations instead. It’s not difficult to imagine her as a CIA operative—the
limit embryonic stem cell research and
behind-the-scenes machinations, the one-step-ahead
established the high-profile California
influencing, the strategic plotting. In other words, her
Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). “That really got my business established,” says Hutton. A top-tier public affairs strategist, Hutton runs Studio
consulting work is not “the fluffy, happy PR most people think of,” she says, but rather “designed to influence vision makers and public opinion.” To wit: No issue in California is fraught with more ill will, skullduggery and shifting alliances than how the state uses water—where it comes from, how it’s
City-based Fiona Hutton & Associates (FHA), which
delivered, who gets it. It is public policy par excellence,
provides services such as crisis management, media
and Hutton has been in the thick of the battle since 1998
relations, litigation support and public outreach to about
when she began a two-year stint as vice president of
40 clients, ranging from Comcast to the United Cannabis
corporate communications for Cadiz Inc. At the time the
Business Association. She has a team of 18 employees
agribusiness giant was seeking approval to pump bil-
and an executive leadership team that is all women. FHA
lions of gallons of water from the aquifer underlying its
also has a small office in Sacramento, which, until the
37,000-acre Mojave Desert property.
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“I’M A BIG PERSONALITY AND I’M IN A PEOPLE BUSINESS. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IS A BIG FACTOR.” In the end, Cadiz’s bid failed. Yet in what is the
sheer will,” she says. The company took in $5.5 million
in the effort, Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager of
last year, making it one of the larger independent firms
the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
focused on public policy.
(MWD), now employs her firm. FHA provides strategic
ness arena that attracts labels like “complex” and “con-
and legislation.
troversial,” including health care, public transit, water use,
“I was the lead in my agency in trying to turn (the
commercial and multifamily property development, can-
Cadiz project) down,” says Kightlinger, who was MWD’s
nabis sales, and manufacturing. “None of these are easy,”
general counsel at the time. “It’s interesting when you
says Hutton. “They’re all big, challenging objectives—
really battle with someone and then you become friends.”
some of biggest issues California has grappled with.” Unlike traditional public relations, Hutton’s efforts
She is very smart and incredibly energetic.” Or, as Capitol
typically have a term limit because they address a specific
Weekly noted in its 2018 ranking of California’s top 100
situation, such as representing the Association of Talent
political power brokers, “It’s better to have her for you
Agents against the Writers Guild during the 2007-08
than against you.”
writers strike. “There’s a natural end to our work,” she
Hutton has lived in Los Angeles for the past 24 years, but she grew up in Northern California, where her father
says. “There’s a turnover in the client base every year.” Client Lisa Page, vice president of communications and
emigrated from England to serve as a professor at UC
public relations at the nonprofit Sutter Health organization,
Davis. Her mother, who was a nurse, died when Hutton
says that if she had to describe Hutton in just one word it
was young and her father remarried a woman Hutton
would be “tenacious.” Although Page has worked with Hut-
describes as “the greatest stepmom in the world.”
ton in her current consulting role for only a year and a half,
Hutton herself has been married for 25 years and has
she’s known her for about a decade. “She’s always on,”
two children, a 22-year-old son who lives in San Fran-
says Page. “She makes you feel that your issues are all she’s
cisco and a 17-year-old daughter. The family (and three
thinking about. I ask her, ‘When do you sleep?’”
dogs) split their time between their main residence in
As November 3 approaches, sleep will be even more
Fryman Canyon and a small farm with orchards in Ojai,
elusive as Hutton and her team come full circle, return-
where Hutton gardens enthusiastically. “Gardening is
ing to work on the cause that put her firm on the map:
how I unpack my brain,” she says.
stem cell research. The $3 billion raised in 2004 has run
When Hutton launched her own firm in 2001, she
out and now FHA is strategizing and maneuvering to
named it Red Gate after fond memories of a great aunt’s
get Proposition 14 passed. The initiative would provide
cottage in England. In 2008, she put her own name on
more funding for the California Institute for Regenerative
the company. Although she was just barely 30 when she
Medicine—$5.5 billion in general obligation bonds.
founded FHA, she says, “I took to it intuitively. I’m a
|
Over the years, Hutton has worked in almost every busi-
direction to MWD on how to win issues like water bonds
Hutton, Kightlinger adds, “has a very strategic mind.
16
work: “I built (the company) on straight tenacity and
ultimate endorsement of Hutton’s skills, an opponent
If Hutton is nervous about how much is on the line,
big personality and I’m in a people business. Emotional
she doesn’t show it. Somewhere, a CIA recruiter weeps
intelligence is a big factor.” And then there’s the hard
with regret. ■
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the poser THE WORK OF PHOTOGRAPHER MARJORIE SALVATERRA EVOKES THE COMPLEXITIES OF WOMANHOOD. Written by Hadley Hall Meares
“When The Universe Has A Bigger Plan For Your Life,” from Marjorie’s HER series. “It’s about balancing the many roles we play as women—being all things to all people.”
When asked about the biggest compliment her artwork has received, photographer Marjorie
Marjorie’s whimsical personality and petite stature belie a certain fierceness that she possesses—a mix of rage and joy that is expressed in her thought-provoking, sometimes astounding, sometimes darkly glamorous,
Salvaterra laughs. “Someone called
photos of women. Her subjects—of all ages—are culled
my work Irving Penn on acid,”
from her walks of life. They are fellow artists, profes-
she says, her charming, lilting voice tinkling in the air.
sionals, wives, mothers, friends and daughters of friends. They pose in surreal settings, the images evoking the complexities of womanhood. Often they are naked. “You’d be surprised at who would pose completely naked—even the most conservative of women. It’s hard not to get swept up in the moment,” says Marjorie. With some photos, the more you look the more you see. Some are adorned with real butterflies. Others have something subtle etched on them. On one, there’s a set of angel’s wings. On another there are bees. At the bottom, Marjorie names each piece. One is “Your feelings are your feelings.” Another is “Rejection is protection.” Originally from Missouri, Marjorie lives in Encino with her husband, a writer, and two high school-age children (one is 2020 VB Top Teen Oliver Salvaterra). She often uses Valley locations for impromptu shoots, including a cornfield, that she and her friends snuck onto and then the property owner showed up. “We got amazing photos and just as I was releasing the women, this guy locks the gates—locking my set builder, Charles, inside. I gave my cameras to my friend and told her to leave. The guy started yelling at Charles, and the remaining women came running to me: ‘He’s got Charles!’ Then he came to me and said I owed 500 bucks to release Charles!” Marjorie somehow got Charles freed without making any payment. “We called a police friend, who said that it was kidnapping for ransom, and after a few calls where the guy threatened me, our friend called him and laid down the law. But the moral of the story is, I got the photo!” After several years working as a writer, Marjorie picked up a camera while working on a film set. She started taking portraits and got so much positive feedback from the director and crew that she decided to take a class—and
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“Faith” from Marjorie’s HER series
“Push” from Marjorie’s series ICE, which is about “boundaries and self-preservation; it is important that we pass these lessons on to our daughters.”
“Him,” from the HER series.
got hooked. Regarding her choice to shoot women in
absolutely sink me popped into my head and along with it
highly conceived settings that deliver strong messages,
came the photo of ‘The Weight Of Water 1.’”
Marjorie says it has become an important part of her growth—not just as an artist, but as a human being. “I believe I really found my niche when I started making work about my own life,” she says. “As women we have to fill the roles of wife, mother, daughter, sister,
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The stunning photo—showing a group of wearylooking, bewigged women standing along the surfline— evokes the unique kinship of uncommon women, weighted by society’s expectations. For Marjorie, her photo series HER—complied in the
friend, self—and then you have to look like you’ve got it
2016 book HER: MEDITATIONS ON BEING FEMALE, which
all together. I was going through a time when I defi-
includes a forward by writer Roxane Gay—was a true
nitely didn’t have it all together and was faking as best
turning point in her artistic evolution. “Funny enough,
as I could. Then the idea that one drop of water would
everything I felt I was missing all came to me when I
“You are not a tree,” from the photographer’s DEAR MARJORIE series. “This is about my favorite life lessons.”
created my HER series,” she says. “I was feeling sort of
butterflies fly out the top, and “Don’t Jump Ship Before
lonely and missing of a village, and when I reached out
The Miracle,” which is covered in Swarovski crystals to
to my friends to be in my photos, they didn’t question it
look like it’s snowing.
but rather showed up. They stood in the ocean at 6 a.m.
With shoots currently on hold, Marjorie is getting her
one February morning, lay in the grass naked, and went
creative ya-yas out by searching for butterflies online.
running across major intersections in crazy wigs, bras
“I’ve been using quarantine to bedazzle, search the world
and girdles.”
for beautiful butterflies, and come up with new pieces
Marjorie’s work is currently on view (by appointment
that I can shoot as soon as we can be around other hu-
since COVID) at Ralph Pucci International in LA. The
mans!” she says. In an age of apartness, her photos are
show, DEAR MARJORIE, includes “You Are Not A Tree,” in
poignant reminders of what it means to be together. ■
which a woman is wrapped around a tree as colorful, real
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Boy, She Looks Good AN EXPERT WEIGHS IN ON HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE AND OTHER CUTTING-EDGE ANTI-AGING THERAPIES AND SUPPLEMENTS. Illustrated by Yuiko Sugino
When most of us hear “human growth hormone,” we
refrigerated. After you open it, you have to keep it cold.
think of all the athletes who have gotten in trouble for
That can be a challenge for people who travel.
using the treatment to enhance performance. But in recent years, HGH has been used legitimately to fight
WHAT DO YOU HEAR BACK FROM YOUR PATIENTS?
aging. Here VB Editor Linda Grasso interviews urologist
WORTH THE COST?
and female sexual health expert Dr. Jennifer Berman (The
I’ve been prescribing HGH for my patients for 10 to 15
Doctors) about using HGH for anti-aging, as well as other
years now. More of them notice a benefit than those
procedures and supplements she is currently prescribing
who don’t. The ones who don’t want to continue using it
for patients at her private practice, Berman Women’s
have either reached a goal of weight loss—I use it a lot
Wellness Center.
for that—or it’s cost-prohibitive. A lot of patients will choose to cycle it over time: three months on, a month
WHAT EXACTLY IS HGH? It is produced by the pituitary gland, in the brain. It
off, and repeat. I prescribe HGH in combination with other things; I
controls ovarian function, adrenal gland function, thyroid
don’t ever just give growth hormones and nothing else.
function. For both men and women, HGH starts dropping
For metabolism and weight loss, it is a very effective
as you get older. There is an abrupt drop when women
adjunct. On its own, it is not as impactful. It’s not a
become menopausal.
cure-all.
HOW DOES IT OFFSET THE AGING PROCESS?
HAVE YOU TRIED HGH?
When injected on a nightly basis, it helps with skin, hair,
Yes, being in Los Angeles and being vain and on
nails, memory, mood, sleep and weight gain. All of those
camera—I have. After I had my second baby, I gained
symptoms that occur with aging and menopause in women
45 pounds. I had to go back on camera and felt I needed
are related directly or indirectly to inflammation in the
to look my best. I hired a trainer and got on HGH. I
body. Aging is a consequence of inflammation. As we get
remember the trainer saying to me, “Wow, you really
older, inflammation builds in our bodies, skin, organs and
respond well to exercise.” That was the biggest thing
cells. That’s what causes the appearance of aging.
that I noticed—that HGH enhanced my performance. The results from weight training were quickly visible.
WHAT EXACTLY IS HGH APPROVED BY THE FDA FOR? The FDA-approved use of HGH is for short stature—
DID YOU NOTICE ANYTHING DIFFERENT IN YOUR SKIN?
children with short stature—to make them bigger, to
For sure. HGH impacts the rate of aging of the cells, and
grow—and for people who are HIV positive who have loss
it also causes the cells to retain water, which gives you a
of muscle mass. It is not approved for anti-aging, and
more dewy, youthful look.
so for that use, it is not covered by insurance. I prescribe something called the Norditropin pen. It’s a metered dose
WHAT RISKS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH HGH?
that you can dial. Depending on the pharmacy, it costs
If you’re causing a cell to live longer, or preventing the death
between the high $600s to $700+ a month.
of a cell, you could potentially prolong the life of a mutated cell like a precancerous cell. HGH is not for patients who
WHY DO YOU HAVE TO INJECT AT NIGHT?
have had a history of malignancy or a tumor of any kind.
Because it mirrors your circadian rhythm. HGH is
They may have dormant cancer cells in their body.
secreted at night. It affects the sleep-wake cycle. The other challenge with it right now is that it has to be
Also, if you’re not using it properly and cycling it, it can shut down your pituitary gland from secreting not
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25
“I DON’T EVER JUST GIVE
human and animal research—showing that THC also has
GROWTH HORMONES
with THC is that when it’s delivered orally or inhaled, is
AND NOTHING ELSE... ON ITS OWN, IT IS
protective effects in the brain and body. The problem it’s mind-altering. A lot of people can’t function. WHAT ARE SOME OTHER WAYS OF BOOSTING LIBIDO? Testosterone is the hormone of desire in men as well as women. If you have tried testosterone and it hasn’t
NOT AS IMPACTFUL.
worked, which does happen, it’s because every woman
IT’S NOT A CURE-ALL.”
that many practitioners don’t know is that we have to
absorbs it differently. The other issue with testosterone get the level in women superphysiologic. You need higher than normal levels in your blood for it to penetrate the brain and central nervous system. Every woman is different and metabolizes differently.
only growth hormone but all the other hormones. That
If a woman is not absorbing or not feeling a difference,
is a very serious consequence. Lastly, because it causes
then the first thing to do is to change the delivery. There
cells to retain water, sometimes people will experience
are pellets, drops and creams.
something like joint tightness in their fingers.
There are also prescription drugs like Addyi, which is a once-a-day oral pill for low libido, FDA-approved. It
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF CBD?
quiets the frontal cortex activity. The issue with it is that
CBD, similar to HGH, is a really potent anti-inflammatory
it doesn’t work overnight, and it’s subtle.
and antioxidant. For health benefits, I think CBD is
There is also Ristela, by a company called Bonafide,
great. For quieting the mind, I did a study with a
which makes over-the-counter supplements for women.
neurophysiologist. She was looking at brain waves with
They have one for PMS and one for hot flashes. They also
CBD. We were using a CBD tincture from the company
have a vaginal dryness suppository called Revaree.
Charlotte’s Web at that time, and we found that it quiets the frontal cortex, which we women need to learn to do. Women are quintessential multitaskers. We can think
I KNOW YOU RECOMMEND EMSCULPT FOR SOME OF YOUR PATIENTS WHO WANT TO GET RID OF BODY FAT.
about 15 things at once. Not necessarily worrying—just
HOW DOES IT WORK?
thinking and doing and planning. We’re great employees
Well, it melts fat and contracts the muscle. It’s the
and bosses, but it’s really hard to shut that off. Women
equivalent of doing 20,000 crunches or squats. In terms
who have difficulty shutting that off will say, “My libido
of the clinical trials, the results—if you do nothing else,
is low.” That’s a part of it. CBD helps to quiet the frontal
don’t exercise, eat exactly the same—last a year. After
cortex activity and allows you to be and feel, as opposed
that, there’s maintenance required. The results do last. If
to think and do. It doesn’t necessarily increase desire, per
you diet and exercise, it optimizes the results. ■
se, but you’re more receptive and feeling. For more of the interview with Dr. Berman, go to the SheSez WHAT ABOUT THC? There is research—not necessarily clinical trials, but
26
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with Linda Grasso podcast at shesez.com.
VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSES THIS FALL! Visit buckley.org to register or get on our mailing list at admissions@buckley.org
For more information or to register for a virtual admission event, visit Westridge.org/admission. Bus transportation from the San Fernando Valley.
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27
B U S I N E S S S P OT L I G H T
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
I N G O O D H E A LT H
HOT ON THE TRAIL Valley doctor passionately pursues relief options for her patients experiencing menopause. PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL
W
hen asked to discuss a “hot
brain fog and memory issues, lack of sleep,
topic” in women’s health,
depression and increasing joint pain.”
Dr. Dafna Trites of Facey Medical in Tarzana knows just what to
Dr. Trites helped Susan start hormonal therapy that restored her quality of life within
highlight: hormone therapy in menopause. As a
a few weeks. Susan had previously seen a
board-certified OB-GYN practicing in the San
few primary care physicians who dismissed
Fernando Valley for the past 21 years, she has
or completely ignored her symptoms, leaving
taken care of women in every stage of their lives,
her to conclude that suffering was going to
delivered thousands of babies, and performed
continue indefinitely.
countless pelvic and reconstructive surgeries. A Certified Menopause Practitioner through
“Sadly there are multitudes of women—as well as people in the medical community—
the North American Menopause Society,
who think that female hormone replenishment
Dr. Trites has always been passionate about
is dangerous and causes cancer,” states Dr.
helping women navigate the changes that
Trites. “They have already closed the door on
come along with menopause. “Menopausal
this essential therapy before they really know
education, treatment and financial coverage
all the facts.”
of pharmaceutical therapy is truly a women’s rights issue!” she says.
“WOMEN DESERVE TO FLOURISH, THRIVE AND ENJOY THE SECOND HALF OF THEIR LIVES!”
Dr. Trites consults with Dr. Diana Wong
She says nothing could be further from the truth, according to new research studies.
The doctor encourages her patients
“We are literally bathed in estrogen from the
to enjoy a healthy lifestyle of proper diet,
time we are one cell old, and this important
such a keen interest in all things menopause
exercise, sleep and stress management. And
hormone is integral to healthy functioning
and for decades has researched the safest,
she encourages the use of hormonal therapy
throughout our fertile lives. It doesn’t just stop
most effective products available. She is
to relieve the symptoms of menopause.
being important for preserving our health as
intimately aware of the struggles that women
“Hormonal therapy is one of the most
the years go by, and women who do not start
experience and can relate to them with
powerful ways to help maintain quality of
replenishing missing hormones within the first
unique understanding.
life,” she shares, “as well as reduce a myriad
few years of menopause unnecessarily suffer
of preventable conditions that are commonly
the consequences for years to come.”
associated with ‘normal aging.’”
When she was just 12 years old and living
“Women deserve to flourish, thrive and enjoy the second half of their lives!” she exclaims passionately. “It’s about time that
in North Hollywood, Dr. Trites was the victim
we create a movement to protect the rights
daily piece of ‘jewelry’ was a small personal
of a drunk driver on New Year’s Day. She
of menopausal women to receive up-to-date
fan hanging from my neck by an adjustable
was hit by a car while riding her bicycle in
education, safe and effective therapy, and
string,” shares patient Susan P. “I had a fan
the neighborhood and developed symptoms
insurance/medical coverage of the many
in every color to match every outfit, but I
similar to menopause shortly thereafter.
products available to us.”
was miserable! My life was consumed with
Replenishing hormone therapy helped her
managing more than 20 hot flashes day and
develop normally through the years, and she
FACEY MEDICAL GROUP
night, sex was painful and I could no longer
was even able to conceive her two children
DAFNA TRITES, DO, FACOOG, NCMP
even sleep in the same bed with my husband.
later in life.
18133 VENTURA BLVD, SUITE 404, TARZANA
“When I first came to see Dr. Trites, my
My quality of life had deteriorated with
It’s no surprise that the doctor developed
818-466-7700 | FACEY.COM |
29
grace and grit ZOE BOUL IS DRIVEN BY HER LOVE OF HORSES AND HER DESIRE TO MASTER THE ART OF BARREL RACING. Written by Linda Grasso | Photographed by Dan Lesovsky
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Zoe Boul is like most 17-year-old
Parker, and nowadays Zoe makes the drive to Agua Dulce
girls. She giggles. She likes to have
three to four times a week to practice with her trainer. Her
fun with her school chums at Valley
passion is palpable, so deep that a serious accident couldn’t
International Prep. And she’s got
derail her. Three years ago, she was trying out a new horse and suddenly it started bucking. Zoe fractured a vertebra in
college on the brain. But there
her back and had to wear a brace for three months. In the
is one distinct difference: Zoe Boul
months that followed, she suffered panic attacks.
is a barrel racer. “When I tell people what I do they often don’t understand. I explain that barrel racing is basically running
“My parents, who have been super supportive about me and my sport, kept saying to me, ‘You know you really don’t have to ride again. We would completely understand if you chose not to.’” But after a year, Zoe got back up. She is currently part
around three trash cans on a horse,” she laughs. Zoe, who has been riding since she was 3, started out like
of the California High School Rodeo Association, which has
a lot of people here in the Valley, taking lessons and rid-
rodeos monthly. Last year she placed fifth in her district
ing English style at the Equestrian Center in Burbank. But
and qualified for the state finals where she won an award
when she went to a rodeo in Georgia at the age of 9 and saw
for one of her “performances,” as they’re called. Zoe insists that athleticism is only part of it. “It’s
young women galloping across the ring, she was riveted. “No one did that at the Equestrian Center. I was like,
really about the art of nonverbal communication. Many
what? Girls can do that? Barrel racing is mostly a wom-
people think of barrel racing as a singular sport but it’s
en’s sport, and I was fascinated by teenage girls doing it.
really a team sport. You have to build a relationship with
I thought it was awesome that these girls had this event
your horse because they are the athlete. You just tell them
to themselves—like it was all their own,” Zoe explains.
what to do. It is about learning the way a horse thinks
“Rodeo, you know, is dominated by men.”
and figuring out how to get him to do what you want.” When it comes to going away to college next fall, she is
She started watching YouTube videos, found a community arena in Burbank, made a makeshift course and
pragmatic but also a tad wistful, realizing she will have to
started doing drills. Then a friend helped her find a
take a break from barrel racing. While she may leave her
teacher in Agua Dulce, about 40 minutes away from her
team sport behind, our sense is that the lessons she learned
Valley Village home. “I was officially hooked,” she says.
in the saddle will stay with this young woman—for life. ■
Zoe’s parents ultimately bought her a quarter horse,
“BARREL RACING IS MOSTLY A WOMEN’S SPORT, AND I WAS FASCINATED BY TEENAGE GIRLS DOING IT. I THOUGHT IT WAS AWESOME THAT THESE GIRLS HAD THIS EVENT TO THEMSELVES— LIKE IT WAS ALL THEIR OWN. ”
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The Power of Joy ONE WOMAN’S CRUSADE TO ENSURE THAT KIDS OF ALL SOCIOECONOMIC LEVELS ARE ABLE TO REAP THE BENEFITS OF REAL CONNECTION. Written by Heather David | Photographed by Tameka Jacobs
Joy McElveen’s energy is nothing short of contagious, and although you might look at her quizzically when she first tells you she is a “children’s play specialist,” it doesn’t take long before you get it. “I’ve found my niche with children, connecting with them through sports, games, conversation and all things fun! As a black female—especially during this time and my name being Joy—I think it’s the perfect way to reach young people. If they feel the love coming from my heart, we’re on our way to change.” In 2008, the South Carolina native came to LA to pursue a career in acting and modeling and got a day job at The Amazing Kid Company, which provides entertainers for kiddie parties and events. After 10 years with the company, Joy recognized the need for and value of one-on-one connection—not just at special occasions, but in general. And nowhere was that need greater than with families on tight budgets, who might not have the luxury of hiring people for children’s activities. So Joy recently formed the nonprofit The Joy Experience, partnering with the National Black Child Development Institute to connect with kids through school programs. The programs focus on meditation, the power of words, scavenger hunts and storytelling. “The number one thing that I do is that I set a mindful intention when I’m with children. It’s not rushed—anyone can come and play—but I come with an intention to build them up and empower them.” At the end of the day, Joy believes that nothing is more important than one-on-one bonding. “Children want to know they have your time.” ■
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Joy with Berkeley Gross and Jeremiah Wright
LA’S PREMIER JAZZ AND DINING DESTINATION.
GREAT FOOD. LIVE MUSIC. OPEN 6 NIGHTS A WEEK. vibratogrilljazz.com 2930 BEVERLY GLEN CIRCLE, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90077 • 310.474.9400
THE SAUCE
Major Mangia Experience the new Pasta Bar in Encino, one course at a time. More on page 40.
SEEN
THE SAUCE
Kitchen Casual CHEF AND COOKBOOK AUTHOR GABY DALKIN WHIPS UP YUMMY RECIPES OUT OF HER VALLEY VILLAGE KITCHEN, SHARING THEM WITH FANS AROUND THE WORLD. Written by Linda Grasso
125 Recipes for Real Life, was released this spring. Here she shares one of her favorite dishes, Chicken and Beef Kefta. For more on Gaby, check out her interview on the SheSez podcast: shesez.com/chef-author-gaby-dalkin. ■
CHICKEN AND BEEF KEFTA 2 medium zucchinis 3 teaspoons kosher salt ⅔ cup sliced scallions ⅔ cup chopped fresh mint 6 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground coriander ¼ cup tahini Over the last 11 years, Gaby Dalkin has created a mini empire
1 pound ground chicken (white or dark meat)
of her tasty, beautifully depicted, California-inspired recipes.
1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
And no one is more surprised than Gaby at what’s transpired.
24 small wooden skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes
“Originally it was just a passion project. I was trying to work my way through culinary and pastry school at the time
Grate the zucchini, combine it with 1 teaspoon of salt,
and working as a private chef. Honestly, for a good while the
and let sit for 5 minutes. Squeeze out as much liquid as
only person reading my blog was my mom!” she chuckles.
possible. In a large bowl, mix together the zucchini with
Gaby, often clad in her Lululemons, works out of the Valley
the scallions, mint, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, 2
Village home she shares with her husband and business part-
teaspoons salt, and the tahini. Divide the zucchini mixture
ner, Thomas. She creates all sorts of dishes, which are tested
into two bowls. Mix the chicken into one bowl until well
by her professional team and then shared with her throngs of
combined and the beef into the other.
devoted fans. She has nearly a million social followers and a blog, What’s Gaby Cooking, with 2 million visitors a month. “My style is pretty laid-back. I want people to feel like they are in the kitchen hanging out with me. None of the recipes are hard to make, and none of the ingredients are hard to
Divide the chicken mixture into 12 pieces. Then with damp hands, shape each piece around a soaked skewer into a sausage-like shape—round and roughly 5 inches long. Repeat the same process for the beef skewers. Heat a large flattop grill pan over medium-high heat.
come by. I weave in several cuisines and ethnicities —but it is
Working in batches, brush the kebabs with a bit of oil,
all very approachable.”
then grill them for 8 to 10 minutes on each side, until
What’s Gaby Cooking has a line of food products sold at
cooked through. Serve immediately.
Williams Sonoma and her third cookbook, Eat What You Want:
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THE SAUCE
Next Course AT SUSHI BAR, CHEF PHILLIP FRANKLAND LEE HAS CAPTIVATED DINERS FOR YEARS WITH HIS NONTRADITIONAL TAKE ON JAPANESE. NOW, WITH PASTA BAR, HE TAKES ON ITALY. Written by Linda Grasso Photographed by John Troxell
“If Sushi Bar is my take on Japanese, this is my take on Italy. This is not an Italian restaurant, just like Sushi Bar is not a sushi restaurant. This is our interpretation of Italian,” the 33-year-old patiently explains. For years Phillip has run three side-by-side eateries out of the second story of an Encino strip mall. In addition to Sushi Bar, there is Scratch Bar, which serves fixed-price, multicourse, small-plate dinners. He recently shut down the cocktail lounge Woodley Proper, using the space to enlarge Sushi Bar and to create the 18-seat Pasta Bar. Ten of the seats are at a counter/bar, facing spotlighted chefs and food-prep workers in an open-air, attractively styled kitchen. Dining here is meant to be something of a show. “With the COVID restrictions, we have all diners outside on the patio, but I’ll be really happy when we can bring them inside again. This is meant to be a dining experience, and the visuals are a big part of it,” Phillip says as he bustles around the patio checking this and that. On the Friday night we dine, by 6 p.m. every patio seat is taken. Ditto for when we leave at 9 p.m. Pasta Bar marks the first time that Phillip didn’t craft the menu himself. Instead he brought in 26-year-old Kane Sorrells. “We met. He offered to make me pasta, and five days later we had the concept for Pasta Bar,” says Phillip. “At Pasta Bar we just try to listen to the product which defines the dish,” Kane shares. “The antipasto section is a reflection of the farmers market at the current time. It’s hyperseasonal. I speak to the farmers, pinpointing vegetables and fruit in peak
40
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Margarita Kallas-Lee, Kane Sorrells, Phillip Frankland Lee
season. We then dissect them, putting them back together as simply as possible.” Take, for example, how they make their pomodoro. “It
first salvo and been perfectly happy. Then the creativity really kicks in—this time from chef de cuisine Sorrells—and it never lets up. Perfectly ripe
features perfectly ripe raw grated tomato, strained of its
nectarines and prosciutto, delicious on their own, are
juice. The juice is reduced to concentrate the sweetness
served atop pistachio yogurt. Homemade eggless cavatelli
and then it is added back to the pulp. Next we season that
and clams—sprinkled with fresh herbs and seaweed—is
pulp with unripe tomatoes that are fermented to increase
served in a bowl with a broth. It all suddenly disappears.
acidity. We essentially create the perfect tomato bite, only using tomatoes,” explains Kane. Dinner at Pasta Bar is small prix fixe plates, but don’t expect Nobu-style servings where portions resemble dollops. These small plates are generous. The standard
A strappy agnolotti stuffed with “triple crème cheese fondue” and adorned with shaved macadamia nuts sits in a drizzle of flavorful olive oil. Oh, is there any more bread to sop up the oil? This Oh no, I can’t possibly eat another bite song and dance
menu is $85, with upgrades available at higher price
continues all the way through the two dessert dishes—
levels. On our particular night you could get items like
which include Margarita’s homemade donuts and a basil
truffles and Sterling caviar for an additional 10 bucks.
granita with fresh berries.
There are also two levels for wine pairing, $70 and $125,
The next day, my friend Sybelle asked me what I
for varietals mostly from Italy—interesting sips you don’t
thought. I shared my experience, adding that my only
see often. A few California and French finds are sprinkled
disappointment is that I can’t dive into Pasta Bar and
in; we particularly enjoyed a 2015 Melville Chardonnay
order just a dish or two. For me, fixed-price, multiple-
and Rose Bordeaux blend from Chateau Auguste.
course meals are special occasions. I am rarely in the
The 10-course meal begins with a show of sheer talent
mood to eat that much food—nor pay for it. Sybelle
from Phillip’s pastry chef wife, Margarita. She brought
replied, “Yeah, but that just isn’t what Phillip does. He
out what might be the best sourdough bread I’ve ever
does what he loves.” And my sense is that isn’t going to
had—so good that I actually asked for a doggie bag for the
change any time soon. ■
leftover bread. It came with three homemade spreads: a smoked toro, a delicious pomodoro/strawberry puree and
On the eve of press, I received an email that Pasta Bar is now offering
a perfectly sweet house butter. I could have just eaten this
take-out service with a la carte menu items. Hip hip hooray!
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41
THE SAUCE
Making It FOUR WOMEN WHO CREATE FLOURISHING FOOD PRODUCTS SHARE THE MAGIC THAT PUT THEM ON THE MAP.
DANIRA CANCINOS DANI’S DULCE CONFECTIONS A line of handmade chocolate-dipped fruit, cake pops and baked goods—plus online cooking classes.
BACKSTORY I learned the art of chocolate dipping and baking on YouTube (plus I took a few classes) and then created an Instagram account to sell my creations. Customers order and then pick up from my house in Sylmar. I began with cupcakes and then my customers started asking for other things. I started dipping strawberries, apples, Rice Krispies treats and Oreos, and then moved on to making cake pops.
LIGHT BULB MOMENT I often show how I make my products on Instagram and I developed a following. I thought, why not teach this online? I started offering classes: Cheesecake 101, Cake Pop 101, Stuffed Churro, etc., and people started paying to sign up. It’s been slow growth over six years. I started offering short tutorials in Instagram and its IG Live platform. I’m a patient, thorough teacher, and I share my tips and tricks, which save my followers from a lot of trial and errors.
SECRET TO SUCCESS Creating an authentic relationship with my audience. With my Instagram account, I have really tried to connect with all the moms out there. I am a single mom and have three children. I know how hard it is to raise kids and work and I really try to keep it real. I think my Instagram followers (almost 40,000!) respond to that. I show them not just how to create but who I am. On Wednesdays, for example, I routinely do “Ask Me Anything Wednesday” on Instagram.
DREAM FOR THE FUTURE My kids and I live with my mom, who is from Guatemala. My dream—and I hope it will be soon—is for her to retire from her job as a housekeeper and for me to be able to support her. That is my goal.
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STANESS JONEKOS
last September on QVC TV and sold out in eight minutes! It
EAT LIKE A WOMAN
was so exciting, and we have been working hard to keep up
A line of products specifically formulated for women that are free of
with demand as I continue to develop new products.
gluten, soy, dairy, egg, sugar and alcohol.
WHAT’S NEW LIGHT BULB MOMENT
We are about to release our Happy Cookie, inspired by the
During the research process of writing my first book, The
scientific fact that females synthesize tryptophan (precursor to
Menopause Makeover, with women’s health expert Dr. Wendy
serotonin, our feel-good hormone) less effectively than males
Klein, I discovered that the FDA banned all females from
do. This difference contributes to the fact that females suffer
all clinical trials in 1977. Menopause hormone therapy was
from more mood-related disorders and depression than men.
originally tested on males. I was horrified when I found out
They are only 190 calories, plant-based, and taste decadent.
that women’s health had not received equal attention. With the support of Dr. Klein and Dr. Marjorie Jenkins,
GET YOUR HANDS ON SOME
another leader in gender-specific science, I spent years
Currently the Eat Like a Woman product line is sold on
locating research that used females and did not average the
Amazon, eatlikeawoman.com, convenience stores like
findings with males. The results were so surprising that I
7-Eleven, and Chevron stations.
wrote my second book: Eat Like a Woman. As part of the book tour, my publisher suggested I create some women’s nutrition
SECRET TO SUCCESS
bars embracing this new science. The bars sold like crazy, and
With so many diets and food plans in the world, it can be
within a year I had a food and beverage startup.
confusing to figure out what is best for you but Eat Like a Woman takes the thinking out of food. We’ve done the research and we’re surrounded by leaders in women’s health and
The Eat Like A Woman product line was formally launched
nutritional science. We know what is good for a woman’s body.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL BECKER
I KNEW I’D MADE IT WHEN…
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43
THE SAUCE
NICOLE DEAN
recently launched our online store and subscription program,
KOLLO TEA
which has been a great way to continue to provide our prod-
A line of premium, cold-brew bottled iced tea that does not contain
ucts to our customers nationwide, with the added convenience
sweeteners or preservatives.
of home delivery.
BACKSTORY
GET YOUR HANDS ON SOME
I’ve been exclusively a tea drinker for about 10+ years now,
Currently our three tea varieties—black tea, oolong tea and
and I saw what I believed to be a hole in the market for a pre-
green tea—can be found locally at Gucci Osteria, Eataly
mium, healthy, cold-brew, bottled iced tea. I began research-
Century City, Erewhon stores, and Red Window Coffee in
ing the market extensively and decided to take a trip to Japan
Studio City, as well as online at thekollo.com.
to learn more about the origins and preparation of green tea. Upon seeing the ubiquitous nature of unsweetened, bottled
SECRET TO SUCCESS
green tea available in Japan, I decided that there might also be
We try our best to focus on doing a few things well, rather
a customer base for such products in the U.S., and thus Kollo
than be everything to everyone. Our products seem very sim-
was born.
ple in concept, but an incredible amount of thought has been put into the sourcing and quality of the tea leaves, the cold-
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WHAT’S NEW
brew production process, the water used to brew, and the
Pre-COVID, a large segment of our business was servicing
aesthetic of the packaging, in order to make the experience as
top-tier hotels, restaurants, and members’ clubs in LA, New
enjoyable as possible. It is very tempting to feel like you need
York and Las Vegas. With all the recent changes in the mar-
to compete with every other product in your category, but we
ketplace, we are now working to expand into more traditional
focus on providing quality above all else and hope that this
grocery outlets such as Whole Foods and Erewhon. We’ve also
comes across in our teas.
TENNY AVENISIAN LEMONETTE A line of salad dressings and marinades that are non-GMO and have no vinegar, sugar, soy, dairy, canola oil, artificial colors/preservatives, MSG, gluten or cholesterol.
BACKSTORY My husband and I both grew up in Armenian households where lemons were the base for salads, sauces and stews. When we got married, we often cooked together, and the common denominator in our repertoire was lemons. As work and parental responsibilities increased, I no longer had the time and luxury to whip up sauces and dressings from scratch. I started searching and tasted a few that had lemon, but those dressings didn’t satisfy my palate. The lemon diluted; I wanted lemon as the focal point. Once I saw that it did not exist, 10 years ago I took it upon myself to create that product line.
PIVOTAL MOMENT It wasn’t a moment but a year: 2019. Lemonette graduated from being a one-woman West Coast operation to a full-fledged national business. A loyal customer reached out to me and connected me to his daughter and we formed a partnership. We got Lemonette in Sprouts Markets—all 350 stores, coast to coast.
Tenny (right) with her business partner, Jehan Agrama
GET YOUR HANDS ON SOME Lemonette is in 700+ stores all over the U.S. In addition to Sprouts, it’s available at Gelson’s, Bristol Farms, Erewhon and online.
SECRET TO SUCCESS Passion, perseverance, and multitasking. At the start of my journey I did not have a formal business or culinary education. I still don’t. However, I taught myself the basics, and that, combined with my drive, is the formula for Lemonette’s success. Instead of romanticizing the notion, I rolled up my sleeves and dove into the unglamorous and tedious aspects of starting a brand from scratch. At the start of my journey, I was single-handedly keeping the brand afloat. Although I now delegate some of those tasks, I’ve kind of come full circle with the quarantine. As a mother to three, wife, teacher, homemaker and working professional, I’m multitasking constantly. As a female, I have that multitasking gene that allows me to manage and shift gears. It worked then—and it’s working now. ■
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B U S I N E S S S P OT L I G H T
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
BRIGHT FUTURE College-prep charter school plans ahead for its students—virtually and in person.
Zoe Boul, class of 2021, performs an original song at Club VIP, the school’s live-performance show produced and performed by the students of Chuck Cochran’s Music Lab—one of the 46 | signature arts programs at VIPHS.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
H
ow do you create an active and
S C H O O L S P OT L I G H T
This is just one reason why VIP was named
fun school culture … when students
one of The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 15 L.A.
are required to learn from home?
Public High Schools for Hollywood Families
Valley International Preparatory
last fall. Students hail from all parts of the
High School has found the key: You keep
Valley and from many other Los Angeles
things new and exciting while maintaining the
neighborhoods as well—from virtually all
vibrant college-preparatory environment that
walks of life. “We truly are a diverse school in
students and parents have come to expect.
every sense of the word,” says Anne.
One of the most exciting developments
Other accolades earned by the school and
on the horizon for Valley International
its students have included state and national
Preparatory High School is its new, 30,000-
awards received by VIP’s speech and debate
square-foot Northridge facility that is being
team—including being named the second-
readied for January occupancy. “We are
in-the-nation high school program by the
delighted by our progress in moving out of
National Speech and Debate Association—
our facility at Chatsworth High and into our
and capturing the top winner distinction
very own building!” says Anne Cochran, VIP’s
in 2016 and 2017 at the Los Angeles Get Lit
executive director and a cofounder of the
Classic Slam. VIP is readying a reprise of its
6-year-old charter high school.
victorious poetry team this year and plans to
VIP originally opened in 2014 and joined with a charter management organization. It
The January 2021 home of Valley International Prep in Northridge
make its mark at the 2021 Classic Slam. The school’s theatre group is a Drama
was granted its own charter in 2018 by the Los
Teachers Association of Southern California
Angeles Unified School District and technically
winner, and VIP has a unique contemporary
opened as a new independent high school
music singer-songwriter/production
that fall. Having now graduated five senior
program, Music Lab, led by teacher Chuck
classes within the course of two school
Cochran. “I’m looking forward to using online
iterations, the program is clearly delivering on
collaboration this fall for my students to write
its mandated mission of providing students
songs, stage live performances online, learn
with individualized, comprehensive college-
music theory and create recordings as they
admission preparation within a small and
work from their own home-based music
supportive learning community.
corners,” Chuck shares.
“Our four-year-college admission and
“THE WORD IS GETTING OUT ABOUT ALL OF THE UNIQUELY WONDERFUL THINGS WE OFFER OUR STUDENTS.”
VIP’s staff and administration effectively program from the College Board.
matriculation results continue to surpass those
met the challenges of impromptu distance
of other Valley-located public high schools,”
learning when COVID-19 hit in March, and
principal Michael Horne says proudly. “The
they have plans to continue to deliver rigorous
Principal Horne, who invites interested
majority of VIP’s alumni enter four-year
standards and progressive approaches when
parents and students to join him for
colleges with plenty of viable choices and
they embark on the school’s fall distance-
biweekly Zoom info sessions about current
financial aid.”
learning plans. “We are poised to deliver one
enrollment for fall 2020. “The word is getting
“We are extremely grateful,” says
“Our grads can be found in private and
of the most well-executed programs available
out about all of the uniquely wonderful
public institutions throughout North America
when we open our fall semester in August. We
things we offer our students.”
and Europe,” adds Anne. “They attend
are mindfully improving our weekly advisory
Dartmouth, Yale, University of Chicago, NYU,
program with the use of the Naviance College
USC, UC Berkeley, UCLA, CalArts, Berklee
and Career Readiness Curriculum,” says VIP’s
HIGH SCHOOL (VIP)
College of Music—a wide array of college
assistant principal Kathryn Wilbert, who along
10027 LURLINE AVE., CHATSWORTH
types and selectivity levels are earned and
with Principal Horne is leading the school’s
818-306-2136
chosen by VIP graduates.”
recently approved AP Capstone diploma
VIPHS.ORG
VALLEY INTERNATIONAL PREPARATORY
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even better than the real thing A LUXURIOUS HAMPTONS-INSPIRED ESTATE WITH METICULOUS CRAFTSMANSHIP PROVIDES THE SETTING FOR A FAMILY IN ENCINO’S EXCLUSIVE ROYAL OAKS. Written by Susan Spillman | Photographed by Shane O’Donnell and Cristopher Nolasc
From the glorious sun-filled kitchen where chocolate chip pancakes sizzle under a custom, 6-foot hood on Sunday mornings to the veranda where guests unwind with drinks by a gorgeous black and white Bella Lagoon tiled fireplace, every square foot of Michele Blecher’s Royal Oaks estate feels like something from a Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give; It’s Complicated) movie set. So it’s not a total surprise when Michele admits her favorite spot in this stellar home is a bathroom. This particular one is nearly 235 square feet with an adjoining walk-in closet that’s almost as large. “My kids joke that it’s my office,” she says of Alexia, 9, and Luke, 12. “I do Zoom Pilates classes in there and watch the morning news while I get ready. Also, it’s the only place I can have a private phone conversation.” Rivaling any five-star hotel, Michele’s bath (one of two adjacent to the master bedroom), boasts a Mr. Steam shower and heated floors of Calcutta marble, laid in a herringbone pattern. However, the showstopper is the shower floor in the main master bath, a striking marble and glass tile mosaic from Country Floors. Meticulous attention to custom detail abounds throughout the Blechers’ 7,000-square-foot home. Privately set on a nearly half-acre knoll behind gates, the property has six bedrooms, eight baths, a library and a dream kitchen, decked out with Bianco Rhino marble counters. There is also an insanely huge walk-in pantry, and three dishwashers. Stefan and Karen Rauber of Rauber Homes spent three years painstakingly overseeing the design and construction, which looks more like a classic Hamptons estate than a Valley new-build.
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“IT’S A HUGE HOUSE, BUT EACH ROOM FEELS INTIMATE BECAUSE THEY
The two-story dwelling features two separate staircases, soaring cathedral ceilings, six fireplaces (including two outdoors), solid walnut floors and endless oversized windows that welcome in sunlight and greenery. Santa Monica transplants and the home’s first owners, the Blecher family bought the residence in 2015. Michele,
ARE ALL FILLED WITH SO
a pediatric nurse practitioner turned stay-at-home
MANY UNIQUE DETAILS.”
thoughtful design.
mom, was instantly impressed with the home’s style and “It’s a huge house, but each room feels intimate because they are all filled with so many unique details,” she says. Built-in shelves and cabinetry are everywhere. Most moldings were custom-milled, and several fixtures were imported from Europe.
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Karen designed the stunning custom front door herself,
underwater sound system, Jacuzzi, and top-of-the-line
drawing inspiration from her extensive collection of door
outdoor kitchen, negate any reason to ever leave home—
photos taken on vacations across Europe.
even before the pandemic.
To outfit the family room and library, Michele turned
“We love to entertain in the backyard and move from
to close friend and interior designer Nicole Sassaman.
area to area,” says Michele. “We start in the pool and
Despite having two kids and a spunky pooch, Romeo, Mi-
have dinner at the table. Then the kids play along the
chele wanted comfy white furniture for the family room
grass, and the adults move to the couches. We always
to contrast the dark walnut floor. Offering some prac-
finish up with s’mores around the fire pit.”
ticality, Nicole chose a stain-resistant Sunbrella fabric
The family decided recently to relocate to the east
from Restoration Hardware. The upholstered pieces are
Valley, and have just put the home up for sale. Michele
also all slip-covered and easy to remove for cleaning. The
admits that it is truly hard to leave such a magnificent
masculine wood and leather pieces in the library are from
abode, but adds, “I feel so grateful to have been able to
Restoration Hardware as well.
live here. We’ve loved this time.” ■
As for the backyard, its lush landscaping, pool with
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Pet Project LARISSA WOHL MAKES IT HER MISSION TO FIND HOMES FOR RESCUES, WHILE OFFERING WORDS OF WISDOM FOR PANDEMIC ADOPTERS. Written by Heather David | Photographed by Ben Shani
As the pet rescue expert on Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family show, Larissa Wohl makes no bones about the fact that she is all about animals. The SoCal native started rescuing pets as a little girl, inspired by her mother. “My mom taught that when we go to shelters don’t get the kitty or puppy that everyone is going to adopt—instead go for the ones that are the neediest,” she shares. “That has always made my soul so happy.” Over the last three years, with her regular on-air Home & Family segment, Larissa says she has helped place more than 2,000 dogs with owners. The weekly segment features two animals who need homes, but the message is more far-reaching. “We want to highlight the fact that that no matter where you live, there are animals in your city or hometown that need you,” says Larissa. Also on Hallmark Channel, Larissa hosts Tails of Joy, which goes behind the scenes as animals go from homeless to rescue-ready. “We showcase all of the steps it takes to get a dog or a cat ready for adoption. There are vet visits, teeth cleaning, behavior assessment, fostering and other steps that make the rescue the best pet it can be,” she explains. While she advocates for animals, Larissa admits she has to be careful about taking on temporary shelter cases. Every time she brings a needy dog to her Calabasas home, it never leaves. “I currently have three ‘foster failures,’ Muppet, Maple and Piggly,” admits the vivacious pet lover. Larissa says she is thrilled that adoptions have increased during the pandemic, with people spending so much time at home. But she cautions wannabe owners to really think about it before they make a move. “I do like to remind everyone that life to some degree will eventually go back to normal. So you really have to make sure that having an animal makes sense for the long term. It’s a full-time commitment.” And no one knows that better than Larissa. “With all my fur babies, I can never take off on a whim. I’m the one who’s always on a leash!” ■
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Xxxxxx Xxxxxx XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Written & photographed by xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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adrift on the amazon WHEN ALISON AND KEN DUBOFF LEFT CALIFORNIA FOR PERU IN EARLY MARCH, THEY NEVER IMAGINED THAT RETURNING TO THE U.S. WOULD BE AN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME. Written by Alison Clay-Duboff | Photographed by Ken Duboff
When I was in my 20s, I set a goal
She is a wooden ship—elegant and inviting—with big
for myself that I was going to climb
windows and even a Jacuzzi on the top deck. We would
to the top of Machu Picchu by age 30. I believe it’s imperative to set goals and strive to accomplish one’s youthful objectives, especially if they build inner fortitude.
share the boat with only three other guests, the Clark family. Ten others had canceled at the last moment. The boat owner, Oscar; his wife; the security detail; our guide, Oswaldo; the ever-important barman, Vincente; and all the staff lined up for introductions and announcements. I was like a little kid, fidgety and excited, as they led us to our presidential stateroom. The Amazon River proved breathtaking. It’s an entirely
It also helps to have a life partner who, though your goal is 27 years behind schedule, still wants to make it happen for you. By December 2019, Ken had meticulously planned our
On our first exploration we quietly motored down the river’s tributaries and marveled, mouths agape, at the wild macaws loudly proclaiming their dominance over the sky.
starting in Lima, traveling to Tarapoto, then Iquitos, then
The magical reflections of fluffy, white clouds rippled on
seven days on the Amazon aboard a magnificent vessel,
the water’s surface. Wild sloths lazed in the trees, and the
followed by Cuzco and the prized destination, Machu
elusive pink dolphins even made a few appearances. This
Picchu. From there we would overnight on the Belmond
would be one of the last outings of the trip.
Before we left home on March 9, COVID-19 was ramping up. Yet in all of South America, Brazil had the only confirmed case. We weighed the risks, and against the protestations of family and friends we decided to go. I packed hand sanitizer, Airborne tablets, masks and
It was the middle of the night when we heard loud knocking on our stateroom door. We awoke, still sleepy and confused. Yet the knocking persisted. Were we under attack? Pirates are a legitimate threat to luxury river cruises, so anything was possible. We donned our bathrobes and stepped timorously into the dark
gloves. LAX was busy—nothing out of the ordinary.
hallway where a sober Oswaldo waited. He was the only
Landing in Lima, there was no health screening.
English-speaking staff member aboard.
We enjoyed our one night in Lima and two nights in
Equally sleep-deprived, the Clarks soon joined
Tarapoto. Then we flew to Iquitos, where we found fellow
us—blinking into the dark aura of confusion. We were
travelers from all over the globe huddled around the
informed that the Peruvian president had given orders to
Hilton lobby TV watching CNN’s updates on the fast-
seal the country in 12 hours. Accelerated and potentially
spreading virus. We had two quiet nights at the Hilton
impactful decisions needed to be made. The options
before meeting the boat that would take us deep into the
included travel through the night, which is never done
Amazon jungle.
due to safety concerns, or taking our small, fast skiff to
At 10 a.m. in the hotel lobby, the Cruceros River Cruise Company met us. I could see three others in a van, but introductions and pleasantries were brief. It was time to meet the Amazon. We alighted the Cruceros Amazonas, a magnificent vessel that accommodates 26 passengers and 20 staff.
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water on earth.
trip to Peru. He crafted a beautiful three-week itinerary,
train to Lake Titicaca before returning home.
58
unique ecosystem and one of the most stunning bodies of
Iquitos—a dangerous, six-hour trip—in hopes to get a flight out of the country before the walls came down. There were no guarantees for our safety and no assurances for getting a flight to the States … or anywhere for that matter. The five of us huddled and decided we would stay put on the boat while evaluating
our options over the next coming days. With the sun rising over the water, the promise of
The most surreal aspect of our lockdown was the eating and drinking as if nothing in the world had changed, except
a new day was simply that: a new day. At a morning
that everything had. We were imprisoned in the middle of
breakfast briefing, we were mandated to dock our vessel
the Amazon on a boat with no departure date in sight.
back at Iquitos and no one would be allowed to disembark until further notice. Shortly after this dramatic revelation, the army arrived
The staff did everything in their power to keep the morale up, providing education on the Amazon’s medicinal plants and the history of the inhabitants.
at our flanks—armed and austere. They wanted to come
We had movie night, a pisco sour-making class. But I
aboard, but the owner gave a resounding “no.” How he
realized it was time for us to pamper our staff, show
held the authority to stop them we don’t know, but we all
gratitude, love and appreciation for those who cared
exhaled in relief.
for us. I knew they were scared and missing their own
The next days followed a distinct rhythm. Breakfast briefing, trying to find flights home or anywhere else, watching the news, WhatsApp messaging,
families. We switched roles, and we five passengers became the staff and the staff became our guests. I cooked crepes in the galley kitchen with the chef
communicating with contacts at the U.S. State
watching amusedly. The Clarks waited on the tables.
Department and Embassy. As a South Bay real estate
Ken immortalized it all on video. I will never forget this
agent, I was in several escrows and needed to tend to my
magical juncture—we were communing as one people,
clients. Family and friends at home were also worried
dancing, singing and feasting together against a backdrop
about our safety.
of total uncertainty.
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Days and nights crawled past. Flights were booked and then canceled by the airlines. We watched the president of Peru give his nightly pronouncements. Suddenly we received an email from the American Embassy with instructions to provide information regarding our group. There was an official manifest being compiled of all American citizens stuck in Peru. It was imperative that all the names were complete and correct in one email. We did not want to miss our placeholder on the manifest. It was our passage home. As the days, meals, massages, cocktails and nights flowed into one, cortisol levels were rising. There were many things for which to be grateful, but uncertainty was a yoke around our collective necks. In the middle of the night, the next magical email arrived. The authenticity of the documents we needed to complete was undeterminable. The travel pass looked like the worst internet prank. There was the terrifying State Department “promissory note,” and as the term implies, you are promising to pay an undetermined amount of money for a flight out of the country. If payment is not received once you are back home, your passports are invalidated. We gathered on the main level at the bar and filled out our documents. We had to be ready to leave for Iquitos port within a few hours. Our bags had already been packed in anticipation. Successful evacuees had warned of long lines and a lack of food, water or bathrooms at Iquitos Airport since it was officially closed. We’d take a State Department flight to Miami on a plane reconfigured to return illegal immigrants to their home countries in South and Central America. There would be no meal service or water, we were told. The chef prepared us five boxed lunches. Our hearts were racing with cautious optimism. And then it was time. The crew lined up, this time for an emotional farewell— arms filled with local handicrafts for us. They had become our de facto family during our 12-day quarantine. We feared for what would become of them. Tears were shed, but it was time to cut the umbilical cord. These amazing Peruvians had held our lives in their grasp.
Alison Clay-Duboff
The plan was that once we arrived at the Iquitos port,
anticipation as they marked distance placements for the line.
we would be met by a police escort that would then ride
We noticed the Clarks having a problem in front of us. Lloyd
alongside our van to the airport. It sounded reassuring,
was not on the manifest. Panic ensued. Oswaldo ran around
but it didn’t make me feel particularly safe. Why exactly
trying to contact someone of seniority. I called a contact at
did we need protecting?
the U.S. Consulate. The wait was distressful. The Duboffs
With trepidation, we climbed into the skiff. This time we had masks and gloves along with our life vests. We
were not leaving Peru without the entire Clark family. After what seemed an eternity, good news: Lloyd was
docked in a part of Iquitos we had not previously seen.
added to the manifest. We all passed through security.
Here the poverty was palpable. Our security followed
We were sweaty, nervous, relieved and anxious. But we
closely behind, with Ken bringing up the rear. Locals
wouldn’t truly believe it until we were airborne.
stared curiously as we walked through the mud to our awaiting transport. Our police escort was the epitome of an Amazonian
In the gate area we heard snippets of other evacuees’ horror stories. Not everyone was as fortunate as we were. After what seemed to be an inordinate amount of
woman: tall, strong and foreboding … until she
time, we got a lovely surprise: Our ride out of Peru was
smiled warmly for our selfie. We loaded up the van
a regular commercial LATAM jet. The plane sat on the
and said another emotional adieu to the owners of the
tarmac with a fuel truck waiting. An argument mounted
boat. Oswaldo promised to stay by our sides until we
as to who would pay for the gas, Peru or the U.S.
disappeared past airport security. With a heavy military presence and several roadblocks,
The LATAM crew arrived. As they walked through the gate area to the awaiting jet, the evacuees gave a standing ovation
we prepared to be stopped by the army for verification of
with shouts and tears of gratitude. Ken and I walked across
travel passes. We were not stopped once.
the hot tarmac to our awaiting plane, the Clarks ahead of us.
Life on the street appeared almost normal, with open markets full of shoppers. But as we approached closer to the airport, the scene segued into a heartbreaking tableau
Our hearts pounding, we climbed the metal stairs and sank into our seats, retreating into our private thoughts. At a deserted Miami Airport we found no hygiene
of painfully long lines at a bank of people with signs
protocols and a ghostly atmosphere. We spent the night
imploring the president to allow them transport home to
at the Clark home on the New River in Fort Lauderdale.
their families.
The next morning they took us back to the Miami Airport,
We arrived at the airport gates. They were resoundingly
where we bid one another tearful farewell. In the six
closed. I hadn’t noticed the gates when we first arrived,
months since this goodbye, the Clarks’ hugs are the last
which seemed a lifetime ago.
ones we’ve been privileged to enjoy.
Inside the closed airport, a surreal atmosphere
The flight to LAX was no less surreal. I cleaned our
permeated. At first it was completely empty, but soon
pod with intense, stray, nervous energy. We attempted
a long line formed. It was hot beyond imagination, and
to relax until, over the PA system, a moment of silence
there was no direction or guidance. Mr. Clark Sr., age 90,
was requested for a fallen flight attendant just lost to
was wilting under the heat and stress.
COVID-19.
Finally a health screening station was set up: blood
Finally home—18 days after we left the South Bay—
pressure and temperature checks, all questions in
we found gestures of kindness from our neighbors with
Spanish. Ken’s and the Clarks’ blood pressures were
groceries filling our kitchen and our front porch. It was
understandably elevated.
the first and only time I cried. I cried with joy. I cried with
Soon the gate crew appeared. We watched in exhausted
relief. I cried with gratitude. Home. We were home. ■
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS Whether in the realm of health care, business or education, women are making strides like never before. And in doing so, they are pushing boundaries and forging new territory. Here in the Valley, we are thrilled to have some of the top female professionals in all of Los Angeles. In this Women in Business profiles section, we extend a salute to these accomplished women. As you read through these pages, you’ll discover what makes them tick, what sets them apart and how they are moving the ball forward in their respective fields—even in a pandemic.
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SHERLY SOLEIMAN, MD COSMETIC INJECTABLES CENTER
72
NICOLE BASSERI & ARIANA BASSERI STEAMER CLEANERS
66
PROVIDENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER
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DEB CARVER PROVIDENCE CEDARS-SINAI TARZANA MEDICAL CENTER
STEPHANIE PAYAB BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY CALIFORNIA PROPERTIES | THE PAYAB GROUP
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STEFFI GAINES & DEVYN REGGIO A BETTER WAY IN HOME CARE
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ASHLEY ALFONSO, EMILY CROSBY & EMILY MEAD LOUISVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
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DANIELLE PERETZ THE AGENCY
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GRACE DESI SCHMIDT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CALIFORNIA
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LAURA RUGETTI THE BEAUTYCAN SALON
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TINA CALLAS TINA’S TREES
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SUE WILLIAMS, LINDA GRASSO, ROBIN SANDERS VENTURA BLVD
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VALESKA I. JACQUES MAGIKID ROBOTICS
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GLENNA TOLBERT, MD TOLBERT CENTER FOR REHABILITATION AND WELLNESS
WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY MATTHEW COOKE, JP CORDERO & SHANE O’DONNELL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
SHERLY SOLEIMAN, MD Owner, Cosmetic Injectables Center
A
fter earning her medical degree from Loma Linda University and performing a three-year residency at University of California Irvine, Dr. Sherly Soleiman opened Cosmetic Injectables Center in 2008. She works as an investigator with companies like Allergan (the makers of Botox, Juvéderm, Voluma, Latisse and Kybella) and Merz (the makers of Radiesse, Belotero and Xeomin), keeping her at the forefront of new developments, techniques and products in the field of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU MADE DUE TO COVID-19? “To keep our facility at its maximum safety, we have taken many steps and implemented many protocols. In addition to cleaning and disinfecting all items of contact in between patients and adding HEPA filters to every vent, we have cut through the roof above each procedure room and placed a commercialsized suction fan to allow removal of the air in each room (called ‘negative pressure’ at hospitals) every four to five minutes. This undertaking has allowed a better sense of security for our staff and patients while visiting our office. We have also installed hands-free faucets, developed a hands-free checkout system and are in the process of moving into electronic patient records. The booking time between patients has been increased, symptom questionnaires have been implemented before visits and temperatures are taken at the door. We provide not only gloves and masks but also face shields that patients can keep. We have a changing room for staff where we change into and out of home clothes and shoes when we get to work to reduce any transfer of microbes into the office. We wash our scrubs in the office and use UVC lights for additional disinfection of our clothing overnight. Sneeze guards have been placed on the reception desks, and patients are checked out while in the room to prevent crowds in the
reception area. With our high ceilings, easily wipeable floors and spacious multiple waiting areas, 6-foot distancing and cleaning is easily achieved. Some might consider it overkill, but we would much rather be on the overly cautious side than the other way around.” WHAT DID YOU DO DURING THE DOWNTIME OF THE PANDEMIC? “We created a more comprehensive skin care line, based on my years of research about skin care ingredients and their long-term results. We found a California-based compounding pharmacy to create our distinct formulas with high-quality ingredients that are low-allergy, animal cruelty-free, and are combined with natural herbs and remedies. We also worked on implementing electronic health records to make our patient interactions better, more tailored and more comprehensive. Of course, a significant amount of time was also spent on making our office safe during the pandemic.” ANY NEW MODALITIES AT YOUR OFFICE? “Yes! I’ve specialized further in not only cosmetic but also medical indications for Botox. In addition to treatments for migraines, TMJ, neuralgia, pressure point ‘knots’ and excessive sweating, we now also treat elbow pain from overuse conditions such as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis). We are also bringing in IV drips with and without medication for those who want to recover from a hangover, treat muscle aches or simply rehydrate with some fluids and vitamins.”
many of the offices in our area as well as others far away on injection techniques. Our nurses all have many years of experience in this field along with me. They have excelled in injectables through sharing experiences and educational advances. At our office, we only select passionate injectors who are experienced, love what they do and enjoy excelling in the field. Another unique qualifying factor for our office is that we have been acknowledged and recognized by Allergan as a top 250 office in the entire United States. This shows the authenticity of our products and marks us as one of the most highly experienced offices in the area.” WHAT ARE YOU ESPECIALLY GRATEFUL FOR TODAY? “I’m grateful to be able to work. I’m heartbroken for some of our nail and hair salon neighbors. We have been fortunate to be able to keep our doors open. It’s interesting how we have become grateful for things we would have never thought of in the past, isn’t it?”
TELL US ABOUT A UNIQUE FEATURE OF YOUR PRACTICE. “What makes us unique is that as the physician and medical director of my practice, I am on-site full time and committed to the field of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. It is my passion and primary focus in medicine. Also relatively unique is that I have been selected as faculty for Allergan, teaching
14460 VENTURA BLVD., SHERMAN OAKS | 818-322-0122 | COSMETICINJECTABLES.COM
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
COVID-19 survivor Gregg Garfield with his Saint Joe’s care team
PROVIDENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER
F
ounded in 1943 by the Sisters of Providence, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center provides diagnostic, treatment, care and support services for San Fernando Valley communities. The medical center was recently designated as a Magnet Hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, ranking its nursing team among the top 8% in the nation. Nurse managers Jennie Franck and Kristen Mayberry both fell in love with nursing as teens and today are certified Critical Care Registered Nurses with the hospital. TELL US ABOUT A RECENT SUCCESS STORY. Kristen: “In May, our first COVID-19 patient, Gregg Garfield, left the hospital after 64 days. This was a real milestone. When Gregg was admitted at the beginning of the pandemic, we didn’t know a lot about COVID-19. Yet our nurses willingly went above
and beyond to make sure Gregg received the advanced treatment he needed to get well. I was so proud of how our entire hospital came together to help him. It’s been a privilege to share his story and to be able to see him again.” TELL US ABOUT THE HEROES ON YOUR TEAM. Jennie: “The COVID-19 era is the health care you’re never taught. You have to think outside the box and be creative to effectively treat the virus. All of the doctors, nurses and caregivers who are innovating and constantly asking, ‘What else can we do?’—they are true heroes.” WHAT CHALLENGES ARE SPECIFIC TO YOUR INDUSTRY? Kristen: “We need to continue to advocate for women in health care, regardless of their vocation in the field. Personally, as a working mom, it’s a challenge with two small children.
This pandemic—like all health care crises— requires intense, long hours. It has been challenging, but it also gives me the opportunity to talk to my kids about my work. They are proud that I am on the front lines of COVID-19 and understand why I need to be at work so much.” SHARE A PROUD MOMENT YOU EXPERIENCED AT WORK RECENTLY. Jennie: “I had been losing sleep thinking about the team, how they were doing and what we all were facing with COVID-19. We all care so deeply about our patients and each other. For the first time, I cried in front of the team. I’m proud that I could be vulnerable with them. I think we were all reassured—it’s OK to feel for one another. It shows how much this work means to me and all of us. It’s not a job; it’s a calling.”
501 S. BUENA VISTA ST., BURBANK | 818-843-5111 | PROVIDENCE.ORG/LOCATIONS/SAINT-JOSEPH-MEDICAL-CENTER
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
DEB CARVER, MBA, BSN, RN Chief Nursing Officer, Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center
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eb Carver joined Tarzana Medical Center as chief nursing officer in 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and an MBA from the University of Phoenix in Arizona. Her career in nursing spans 30 years and includes several leadership and executive positions at hospitals in Arizona and California. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR ROLE? “Working alongside of individuals that care about the community and fulfilling our mission. All of our caregivers are resilient and focused on easing the way of those we serve. Each day, despite continued change, our caregivers show up ready to give it their all. These heroes are discovering new skills, adapting through innovation, collaborating more closely with others and drawing on personal strengths—all while keeping our patients and families at the forefront of every decision we make. The respect and gratitude I have for our community of caregivers grows each day.” HOW HAS THE ROLE OF A NURSE CHANGED IN RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC? “Our nurses learned to adapt more quickly and frequently to the ever-changing landscape during the pandemic. Their compassion and creativity in the face of this crisis is seen and heard through stories each day. Being a patient is never easy, but hospitalization during a pandemic can feel especially overwhelming. With current visitor restrictions in place, our nurses have taken on more in their roles as caregivers. Though we’ve always provided compassionate care, nurses now provide more of the comfort and support that family and friends would normally provide. We also help loved ones stay connected with iPads and encourage the use of two-way video apps like FaceTime and Zoom. Hearing how a patient’s day was brightened by a nurse’s smile or how an interaction with a family member eased their way provides reassurances that mean a lot to our caregivers.” WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU MADE DUE TO COVID-19? “We are following local and state guidelines and have proactively rolled out practices throughout the hospital as additional safeguards. Everyone entering the facility undergoes a temperature check and symptom screening and is required to wear a mask at all times while in the facility. Patients with COVID-19 are safely isolated and cared for in designated areas of the hospital. We’ve also added many unique barriers throughout the facility to ensure safe social distancing in common areas. These are unprecedented times, and providing care while ensuring patients’ safety remains our highest priority.” WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENTS RECENTLY? “Although it’s been difficult, our caregivers have risen to the challenge to fulfill our mission and ease the way of those we serve.”
18321 CLARK ST., TARZANA | 818-881-0800 | PROVIDENCE.ORG/TARZANA
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY LIZ DUPUY
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
ASHLEY ALFONSO, EMILY CROSBY & EMILY MEAD Co-Directors of Innovation, Louisville High School
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ouisville High School is an all-girls Catholic high school in Woodland Hills. Ashley Alfonso, Emily Crosby and Emily Mead teach mathematics, science and visual arts and are the are co-directors of the Louisville Innovation Lab—a collaborative workspace where students create with 3D printers, laser cutters, a plotter, sewing machines, large monitors with highly efficient computers and a drop-down green screen. They oversaw the design and construction of the space and collaborated with faculty to create ways that the Innovation Lab will support and enhance the curriculum. WHY DID LOUISVILLE INVEST IN THE LAB? “We have done extensive research into how young women learn best. We have also looked at competencies that need to be strengthened in order to position women for future success in jobs we cannot yet imagine. Our primary focus is on developing students’ complex problem-solving, critical thinking and
creativity. We wanted to build a space where students could operate outside their comfort zones, confidently take risks and solve realworld problems. We want them to become the creators of our future through invention, design, discovery and engineering.” DESCRIBE A PROJECT THAT WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE INNOVATION LAB. “The Innovation Lab projects will engage in the design thinking process and expose students to new learning experiences. For example, in order to improve sustainability on campus, environmental science students will use the equipment and resources in the Innovation Lab to build and design wind turbines made from repurposed materials.” TELL US ABOUT YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM. “Our Innovation Lab is the product of many years of collaborating with other organizations to be experts in the field of women’s education. We are members of the National
Coalition of Girls’ Schools and participated in their Global Forum on Girls’ Education. We also enjoy a partnership with One Schoolhouse, where we have been delivering online courses specifically designed for girls who meet both our mission and our standards of excellence.” WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU MADE DUE TO COVID-19? “The global pandemic has had a profound impact on education. Louisville students are currently learning online with both synchronous and asynchronous components. Teachers are very intentional about using these two modes to maximize engagement and learning. We have also expanded our learning management system to add new tools that will support this process, and we have incorporated office hours into the schedule to ensure that students have the support they need and can continue to strengthen their relationships with our faculty.”
22300 MULHOLLAND DR., WOODLAND HILLS | 818-346-8812 | LOUISVILLEHS.ORG
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
GRACE DESI SCHMIDT Realtor , Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices California ®
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eal estate agent Grace Desi Schmidt grew up in the industry, going to listings and holding open houses with her mother—also a Realtor. It became a passion for this Hollywood Hills native, and she started full-time work in real estate nearly three decades ago. Grace joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California in 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree in merchandising and marketing. TELL US ABOUT A RECENT SUCCESS STORY. “A client of mine who resides in New York contacted me about her home in Studio City that I leased a year ago. She wanted to sell the home right after her tenants moved out. Within one week I found a buyer who purchased the property at full asking price— before the previous tenants moved out. My client was ecstatic!” WHAT IS YOUR #1 PIECE OF ADVICE DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME? “Be flexible and always think about how you can help your clients. Times are changing, so always be prepared to update your knowledge with the times.” TELL US ABOUT YOUR TEAM. “My business partner, Nader Naderi, also a top producer, has a brain for solving problems. He is creative, energetic and peopleoriented. We work incredibly well together.” HAS MOTHERHOOD MADE YOU A BETTER ENTREPRENEUR? “Motherhood has made me a better person, businesswoman and wife. Running a household is similar to running a business. It has graced me with more patience and empathy. Juggling everyone’s schedules has made me a true multitasker. I want to be a role model for my daughter to show her that hard work and dedication can make her successful in life.” WHAT PROJECT DO YOU SUPPORT TO HELP THOSE IN NEED? “My daughter and I support the ACW (Alcoholism Center for Women). We help garden, paint their house and collect clothing for women to wear to job interviews to help them reenter the workforce. I also try to instill in the women that if they put their minds to it, anything is possible!” WHAT VACATION DESTINATION ARE YOU DREAMING OF THESE DAYS? “We love to travel around the U.S. As a child from an immigrant family from Hungary, I understand the difficult tasks you need to take to achieve in any society. We love to show our daughter how to appreciate the beautiful places our country has to offer.”
Disclaimer: ©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California is a member of the franchise system of BHHS affiliates LLS CADRE #02029225.
16810 VENTURA BLVD., ENCINO | 818-355-8463 | GRACEDSCHMIDT@BHHSCAL.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
VALESKA I. JACQUES Owner, Magikid Robotics
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fter a 20-year career in technology-based marketing and social media, Valeska Jacques turned her experience and passion for technology into an opportunity to inspire and teach young students. She opened two Magikid Robotics labs, offering STEM courses and robotics competitions for kids in grades K–12. Valeska is married and has three sons. TELL US ABOUT A UNIQUE FEATURE OF YOUR BUSINESS. “Magikid courses make learning science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and physics fun! Most of the students don’t realize they are acquiring valuable foundational concepts that will make learning those subjects easier in their regular school.” TELL US ABOUT YOUR TEAM. “I found great STEM instructors well-versed in robotics and computer programming. They are very patient, love what they do, and parents rave about their children’s academic progress. I am so grateful for my team!” WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO KEEP STAFF AND STUDENTS SAFE? “We have opened with strict COVID-19-compliant practices: Instructors are tested weekly, they all wear masks, desks are socially distanced, we have hand sanitizer stations and only students are allowed into the lab.” HOW DO YOU EMPOWER OTHER WOMEN TO SUCCEED? “For several years I was on the board for the National Association of Women Business Owners, mentoring other female business owners and giving entrepreneurship talks to Girl Scouts. Being a female Latina instructor to younger children will help this generation realize that STEM is not for boys only!” HAS MOTHERHOOD MADE YOU A BETTER ENTREPRENEUR? “Quite the opposite. Being an entrepreneur prepared me for motherhood! A successful entrepreneur needs to be multifaceted, be open to learning new skills, stay levelheaded when curveballs are thrown at you, understand you won’t always have all the answers, and pray on important decisions. Learn to carve out selftime and treat your team with continued appreciation and respect.” WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENTS DURING THE RECENT CRISIS? “Being adaptive. We customized our curriculum to align with students’ passions and special needs, created flexible schedules to avoid burning out instructors or students, and provided good communication with parents and students so we meet their educational needs. I opened my second lab right before the crisis, and it was shut down the same month. With the parent company’s support, I was shifted to a total online business model and kept my company going. Now both locations are open again.”
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20969 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 215, WOODLAND HILLS | MAGIKIDLAB.COM/WOODLANDHILLS 12029 VENTURA BLVD., STUDIO CITY | MAGIKIDLAB.COM/STUDIOCITY 818-436-2483 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
GLENNA TOLBERT, MD, QME, FAAPMR Owner/Medical Director, Tolbert Center for Rehabilitation and Wellness
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he Tolbert Center for Rehabilitation and Wellness, founded by Dr. Glenna Tolbert in 2005, is a medical facility specializing in nonsurgical and minimally invasive techniques and procedures to help patients enjoy long-term pain relief. The vision of the practice is to restore quality of life and wellness and optimize patients’ ability to function. Dr. Tolbert has been practicing medicine for 27 years and teaches and publishes as an assistant clinical professor of medicine at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. WHAT CHALLENGES ARE SPECIFIC TO YOUR INDUSTRY? “Nowadays health care is mostly run by large corporations, Big Pharma, hospitals and insurance companies that dictate care. Consequently, our medical system is becoming more of a ‘sick care system.’ What is presented to the public as preventive care is limited by what the insurance companies or health plans will authorize and/or allow. My challenge is to empower patients to take control of their own health by introducing them to a world of wellness and healing options that insurance companies and health care plans will not offer and actually downplay or criticize. These services include advanced nutritional testing and supplementation, hormone optimization, and regenerative injections to heal joints and potentially prevent joint replacements.” WHAT IS YOUR #1 PIECE OF ADVICE DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME? “We can look at this unprecedented time of pandemic as an opportunity to care for one another. Now is not the time to revert to blame or become caught up in our own pride and not take this outbreak seriously. My hope is that when all of this is over (and it will end), what remains is how much compassion we had and still have for each other.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY THOMAS CUNNINGHAM
TELL US ABOUT THE HEROES ON YOUR TEAM. “Adhering to CDC guidelines and our local Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, we remained open to serve our patients during the COVID-19 onset. My team has been amazingly resilient, flexible and compassionate toward our patients and one another. Rashin Darabi and Julien Bourdevaire creatively offer one-on-one exercise training and yoga through telehealth. Our social worker, Allison Kaye, has stepped up to the plate, offering in-person as well as online mindfulness and psychotherapy support. Our medical assistants, Carmen Castrellon and Dina Nazarian, keep our office running smoothly during times when anxiety is at an all-time high and people need and deserve individual attention.”
17609 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 114, ENCINO | 818-784-7197 240 S. LA CIENEGA BLVD., SUITE 250, BEVERLY HILLS | 424-355-0344 | DRGLENNATOLBERT.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
NICOLE BASSERI & ARIANA BASSERI Steamer Cleaners
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t’s a unique love story. Nicole Basseri met her husband when she took a skirt to the dry-cleaning business where he worked. He lost the skirt—but gained a wife! They went on to run their own cleaning operations, and in 1993 they opened Steamer Cleaners in Sherman Oaks. Daughter Ariana Basseri works as marketing manager of Steamer Cleaners, which offers laundry and alterations, in addition to dry cleaning. WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS STAND OUT? “Steamer Cleaners is the first fully automated dry cleaners on the West Coast, thanks to Metalprogetti. This incredible bagging machine and conveyor belt takes your perfectly pressed and inspected clothes, bags them and then organizes your pieces together to be transported straight to the front counter. This system gives us zero hands-on contact with your clothing after it is pressed.” WHAT PROJECTS DO YOU SUPPORT TO HELP THOSE IN NEED? “We proudly dry-clean interview outfits free of charge for those looking for employment. We include a letter with interview tips and an interest to follow up and see how the interview went.” HAVE YOU CHANGED THE WAY YOU DO BUSINESS DUE TO COVID-19? “We’ve made every step to keep our employees and customers safe while staying open as an essential business. We have tall, clear barriers at each counter, sanitation stations and social distancing markers. We offer contactless trunk service (we put your clothing in your car while you wait) and continue to offer free pickup and delivery.” WHAT IS YOUR #1 PIECE OF ADVICE DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME? “You have to adapt. People are wearing fewer suit jackets and no pants! We pivoted to advertising convenient fluff-and-fold by the pound to take care of our customers who are wearing more athleisure clothing. We put ourselves in our customers’ slippers and think that maybe they’re sitting at home and now realize how dusty their curtains are. We’ll clean them! Steamer Cleaners is here for all your household needs—even beyond your usual lounge gowns.” WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENTS DURING THE RECENT CRISIS? Ariana: “My proudest moment has been seeing my parents’ resilience in action. Steamer Cleaners burned to the ground in 2001, and I watched my family’s business start again from square one. When COVID-19 hit, we decided as a family that we were going to do whatever we could to maintain our business and support our community. This crisis is tough to get through, and I’ve only known my parents to persevere.”
13646 VENTURA BLVD., SHERMAN OAKS | 818-906-2345 | STEAMERCLEANERS.COM
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
STEPHANIE PAYAB Realtor , Berkshire Hathaway California Properties | The Payab Group ®
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eal estate agent Stephanie Payab has been with Berkshire Hathaway since 2003 and started her own group in 2016. She attended Santa Monica High School and West LA College and worked in manufacturing and retail management before joining this industry. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS. “My team and I work very hard to exceed the expectations of each of my clients. It’s important to me that I treat people the way I want to be treated, and that is really with a white-glove approach. We specialize in providing a positive experience during a very stressful process. Each transaction is truly unique, which plays to the strength of my team to find creative solutions and positive outcomes.” DO YOU WORRY FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY? “I do not worry about my safety because I follow the local public health regulations.
All of my initial meetings are virtual, and all showings are by appointment only. We wear masks, supply soap or hand sanitizer and always socially distance appropriately. To further protect myself and those I come in contact with when showing properties, we require signed waivers before anyone is able to gain entry to a home.” WHAT IS YOUR #1 PIECE OF ADVICE DURING THIS TIME OF UNCERTAINTY? “My advice would be to not be afraid. If there’s anything we are learning from this virus, it’s that our homes are our foundations and launching pads. It’s where we’ve had to shelter in place and where our closest people are always welcomed. Our homes are so much more than an investment. With mortgage rates being historically low, it’s a great time to take that leap to buy or invest in real estate.” TELL US ABOUT YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF. “On the rare occasion that I do take a day
off, I love to cook and really enjoy spending time at the beach. I love to spin, and I finally purchased a Peloton so I can continue to ride while my favorite indoor cycling place is impacted. If you have a Peloton, text/email me your profile so we can ride together!” HAS MOTHERHOOD MADE YOU A BETTER ENTREPRENEUR? “Being a mother has given me a wider perspective. Running a household has many similarities to running a business. I have more empathy for people and more patience than I did before having my three kids. Having to juggle their schedules helped me become an efficient multitasker. Additionally, navigating the familial relationships has certainly contributed to my understanding of differing personalities and conflict resolution.” Disclaimer: ©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC.
16810 VENTURA BLVD., ENCINO | 818-269-2796 | THEPAYABGROUP.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
STEFFI GAINES & DEVYN REGGIO Co-Owners, A Better Way In Home Care
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Better Way in Home Care is a private caregiving referral agency that provides hourly and live-in assistance for clients. The agency offers companionship, meal preparation, transportation, light housekeeping and other caregiving services, and assistance during recovery from surgery. Motherdaughter team Steffi Gaines and Devyn Reggio are co-owners of this business that has served Los Angeles County since 1998. IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU EMPOWER OTHER WOMEN TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS? “We believe in being accessible. The willingness to lend an attentive ear, to offer mentorship and to help assuage any fear that invariably comes knocking at the door of every new entrepreneur is empowering. Our business is one of human connections, and we believe in the concept of paying it forward. Often our words of encouragement may seem familiar to us, yet one sentence can be the catalyst that speaks life into another person’s dream.” WHEN DID YOU FIRST CONSIDER WORKING IN THE CAREGIVING INDUSTRY? Steffi: “This is not my first career path. I didn’t discover my passion and what I love to do—which is this business—until I was in my late 40s and life was throwing me a curveball. Prior to starting A Better Way, I enjoyed working with the disabled and with refugees who were new to this country, helping them assimilate into society. It’s the ‘art of caregiving’ that’s become my calling. And it came to me later in life disguised as a silver lining: a long-term relationship was ending, and my life was shifting. My ex encouraged me to start this business, since my twin sister had at one time been in the same business, and he had an instinct that I would succeed. Twenty-three years later, I’ve loved every moment. The saying ‘It’s never too late to set another goal or to dream a new dream’ rings true.” HAS MOTHERHOOD MADE YOU A BETTER ENTREPRENEUR? Devyn: “I’m the mother of three young boys under the age of 7. I love being their mother. Many of the skills I engage while I am parenting are skills that translate well with successful entrepreneurship: being an active listener; instinctively being protective and nurturing of what you’re building; learning to become a perceptive problem-solver. Children teach us patience and compassion, and they bring joy to our lives. Instilling the same humanity into our business is always a positive thing. Clients appreciate working with a business owner who is authentic and approachable.”
13547 VENTURA BLVD. #131, SHERMAN OAKS | 818-788-9995 | ABETTERWAYINHOMECARE.COM
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
DANIELLE PERETZ Realtor , The Agency ®
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or more than two decades, Danielle Peretz has lived, worked and volunteered for her community in Studio City. She has bought, sold and renovated countless homes personally while providing real estate investment services for builders and luxury developers and assisting first-time buyers and homeowners across Los Angeles. She has worked with The Agency since 2018. WHAT IS THE #1 WAY YOU SUPPORT YOUR CLIENTS? “Being myself is the key. I handle every transaction as if it’s my own. I’m 100% supportive and available to my clients at any time.” WHICH PERSONALITY TRAITS ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR FIELD? “Having an engaging personality, hustle and tenacity, honesty and integrity, being self-motivated, taking the time and dedication to understand the market, and truly loving what you do.” WHAT COULD WOMEN BE DOING TO BETTER ADVANCE THEIR CAREERS? “They could expand their skill set and embody the role of a lifelong student. While it is important for women to play to their strengths, I would suggest they expose themselves to new ideas, experiences and challenges to help develop a new skill—or even master one that may not be their strong suit. The more wellrounded one is, the more one is capable of achieving.” IS RISK-TAKING USUALLY WORTH THE REWARD? “If you ever want to achieve the life you’ve always dreamed of, you’ll have to start taking calculated risks. It is absolutely necessary to take chances in order to achieve anything great in life. As with any risk, there is always something to lose when it come to your business, reputation, money and time—which are also the very same things you stand to gain! Taking risks will enrich your life and make your career more rewarding.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY COURTNEY LINDBERG
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR DAY? “Family is the most important thing to me, and the best part of my day is coming home to my wonderful husband, our three beautiful kids and our precious dog and having dinner together after a productive day at work.” WHEN DID YOU MOVE TO THIS AREA? “I first moved to Studio City 30 years ago with my parents and my five younger siblings. I love Studio City and can’t imagine myself anywhere else.”
331 N. FOOTHILL DR., STUDIO CITY | 818-644-1477 | DANIELLEPERETZ.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
LAURA RUGETTI Owner, The BeautyCan Salon
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eautyCan is a salon that offers waxing, spray tans, lash extensions, makeup, hair extensions, color, cuts and keratin treatments. Owner Laura Rugetti has been a hairdresser for the past 13 years. She attended Marinello Schools of Beauty and assisted several well-known stylists and colorists in Beverly Hills before opening BeautyCan in 2015. HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME OF YOUR BUSINESS? “My salon was originally in an Airstream! It was ‘the beauty can’ that traveled to clients. But then we got so busy, we had to create a bigger space. Now we have 20 stations in our salon!” WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU MADE DUE TO COVID-19? “When the COVID-19 shutdown first happened, we immediately shut down and then three months later opened again. Then we were told we could only do hair outside—which, in this heat, you just can’t. We are having a difficult time with this, although we are grateful to still be open. COVID-19 has definitely hurt our industry. Every day a salon has to close their doors for good, because it’s not affordable.” WHAT IS YOUR #1 PIECE OF ADVICE DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME? “We are all in this together, and we will make it through. The best advice I can give a female entrepreneur: Don’t give up. It’s hard in the beginning, but hang in there.” GIVE US A FEW TIPS FOR FINDING WORK/LIFE BALANCE. “If anyone knows balancing work and life, it’s me! Let me tell you: It’s not easy, but it’s achievable. The key is to not let work run your life. Work is fun for me, and it’s my passion. I love making people feel good about themselves, but you also need a happy medium—and that is balancing your family and work. The key is: Don’t bring your work home with you. When you get home, devote your time to your family and yourself.” HAS MOTHERHOOD MADE YOU A BETTER ENTREPRENEUR? “Being a mom made me a better person! I love being a mom boss so I can show my kids you be anything you want to be in this world.” HOW DO YOU GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY? “We love doing charity events and have done them for cancer awareness and for new businesses that need our help. We also donate money to schools.”
22725 VENTURA BLVD., WOODLAND HILLS | 818-961-4109 | THEBEAUTYCAN.COM
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Tina and daughter Joanna Travlos
TINA CALLAS Owner, Tina’s Trees
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ina’s Trees has provided Christmas trees for residents of the Valley for the past 43 years. In addition to being a Christmas tradition, they also celebrate Halloween, hosting a pumpkin patch in October with familyfriendly activities. Owner Tina Callas runs the family business with her husband, Steve, and their daughter Joanna. They are supported by loyal staff members who return year after year. WHEN DID YOU FIRST CONSIDER WORKING IN YOUR INDUSTRY? “When I was growing up, our family friends had Christmas tree lots all over Los Angeles. I worked for them at the train tracks downtown. When we were first married, my husband and I decided to open a lot in the Valley. We started very small and would go back and forth getting small loads of trees from downtown. Now we bring in truckloads straight from Oregon every few days.”
TELL US ABOUT A UNIQUE FEATURE OF YOUR BUSINESS. “My business is seasonal. This was great when my kids were growing up and I could care for them most of the year and work at my business for the season. I was very lucky that my mom would pick them up from school and babysit for the whole month of December! The rest of the year I had the time to do volunteer work at their schools, my church and in the community.” WHAT HOLIDAY ITEMS DO YOU FEATURE? “We provide many varieties of premium trees in all sizes and offer flocking, delivery, wreaths and garlands. We have a wonderful relationship with our grower, who sends us fresh-cut trees throughout the season.”
WHAT CHALLENGES ARE SPECIFIC TO YOUR INDUSTRY? “Location! After losing a prime location we had for more than 25 years, we moved to the lot on Sepulveda Boulevard where we have been based for the last dozen years. It has been an excellent location for Tina’s Trees, but development of the property is scheduled to start later this year so we had to find a new site. We are excited about our new location at Westfield Fashion Square in the parking lot off Woodman Avenue and the 101 Freeway. We also will continue to be at our location in Calabasas.” WHAT ARE YOU ESPECIALLY GRATEFUL FOR TODAY? “I am very grateful for my customers who let us be a part of their family Christmas tradition. I love seeing them every year and being part of the community.”
818-990-2571 (SEASON) | 818-495-8750 (OFF-SEASON) | TINASTREES.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
SUE WILLIAMS, LINDA GRASSO, ROBIN SANDERS Ventura Blvd
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ow in its 10th year, the premier lifestyle media brand of the San Fernando Valley, Ventura Blvd—an eight-issue-per-year magazine, the website ourventurablvd.com and its various social channels—brings to life the people, stories and places that make our community great. Ventura Blvd is a division of media/ marketing firm The Golden State Company. Here, publisher Robin Sanders, editor-inchief Linda Grasso and director of brand partnerships Sue Williams share about their endeavors and life in the Valley.
workers and the outpouring of support for our local shops and restaurants has warmed my heart and gives me hope for the future.”
TELL US WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO. Linda: “I essentially find stories about compelling people and events with some sort of Valley connection or peg. People always ask: ‘How do you choose what ultimately winds up in the magazine?’ The truth is, I really think about it. I ask myself, ‘Is this noteworthy? Will locals find this interesting or care? Will this resonate?’ If the answer is yes, I move forward. I make a conscious effort not to include PR-driven puff. You can get that with lots of other magazines. I like to think of Ventura Blvd’s coverage as grassroots.”
Sue: “I’m close with my clients and the Valley business community. As soon as the crisis hit, we all began checking with each other to see how we were doing personally and professionally. It’s been a wonderful experience helping clients navigate these ever-changing times. I miss popping in to say ‘hi’ and lunch meetings, but we’ve gotten very creative!”
WHAT HAVE YOU DISCOVERED ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME? Robin: “The Valley is a resilient gem of a place. We went from a big community to a small town in a matter of days. In the early days when getting into a grocery store was a tough task, our local restaurants made everything from fresh produce to bread available for purchase to make at home. Places like Petit Trois, The Joint Eatery, The Local Peasant and BLVD Kitchen literally fed my family.” Sue: “I’m constantly amazed at the strength of our local hospital teams, putting their lives on the line every day for our community. Thanks to their expertise, we have many stories of recovery in our neighborhoods. Seeing the community bonding over feeding essential
HOW HAS THE SHUTDOWN CHANGED THE WAY YOU DO BUSINESS? Robin: “I feel closer to my clients more than ever before. Going through this with them as their partner has brought me to an even greater understanding of their businesses. I am honored to assist them with marketing advice and action that can help them succeed during this time.”
WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR TODAY? Linda: “I’m grateful to have had these 10 years as editor of Ventura Blvd. I have enjoyed the work, but even more so I have met so many people whom I now consider good friends. I had a 16-year career as an on-air journalist, quit for five years to be a stay-at-home mom and then re-entered the workforce as VB’s editor. Back in 2011 as I started this new chapter, I was feeling a little lonely. I needed a new village. VB basically created that for me. Several people we have featured, as well as advertisers, ultimately became dear friends. In fact, I met so many of my current gal-pal posse by interviewing people for this very issue—the September Women’s Issue.” WHAT WOMAN HAS INSPIRED YOU MOST IN YOUR LIFE? Sue: “My third grade teacher, Mrs. Lacroix. She had a knack for identifying and cultivating talent in her students. She sparked my love of theater, suggesting I try out for the lead in our class play, and helped me develop an independent study program to keep my
8-year-old brain from getting bored. There is nothing more important than expanding young minds. That’s why I’m inspired daily by my three sisters, who became teachers.” Linda: “My mother. When she was 30 she got divorced and was saddled with raising four young children. She worked during the day and went to school at night, getting a BS in business and then an MBA. She shows me what is possible if you put your mind to it.” IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU EMPOWER OTHER WOMEN TO SUCCEED? Linda: “I’m a big believer in actively supporting other women. That’s why I kicked off my podcast, SheSez, three years ago. We need to be sharing the secrets of our successes and the lessons from our failures. Young women can learn from older, more experienced women, and older women can learn a few things from the younger generation too! It is all about opening your mind and, most importantly, extending a hand.” WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST THIS FALL? Robin: “I’m looking forward to getting back to more in-person interaction. Dining out, going to my boxing gym, Fitbox, and Thanksgiving with a full table of people would be just wonderful. Let’s wear our masks and keep 6 feet apart now so we can do that this fall! Oh, and a vaccine would be nice too!” WHAT IS YOUR #1 PIECE OF ADVICE DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME? Robin: “Take stock of what is most important in your day-to-day life, and forge ahead with a plan to keep that central to everything you do. Be open to listening and helping people in new and creative ways.” Sue: “It’s important to stay calm and be present. Situations can change in an instant, and you have to be ready to pivot. Protect and value the people in your life and the time you’re able to spend with them.”
200 N. PACIFIC COAST HWY., SUITE 110, EL SEGUNDO | 310-376-7800 | OURVENTURABLVD.COM | GOLDENSTATE.IS
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Fascinating WOMEN on the things that matter most.
Available on all podcast platforms. Learn more at SheSez.com.
R E A L E S TAT E
Encino’s Finest Sited on an exquisite 3/4 acre+, this private, gated prime Royal Oaks compound includes a full twobedroom guesthouse mirroring the architecture and appointments of the main house. The grounds offer a canopy of towering trees, rolling lawns, swimmer’s pool, large motor court and over-sized 3-car garage for plenty of off-street parking. 4161 High Valley Road, Encino For sale $5,250,000 or lease $30,000 The Agency | Andrea Korchek 818-371-0933 | Craig Knizek 818-618-1006
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1. 5716 JED SMITH
2. 14582 VALLEY VISTA BLVD.
3. 839 N. OGDEN DRIVE
4. 4238 SHADYGLADE AVENUE
5. 3269 NEW YORK DRIVE
6. 23129 FRIAR STREET
7. 4850 ANDASOL AVENUE
8. 813 N. SPAULDING AVENUE
Hidden Hills | $10,495,900 6 Beds | 8 Baths | 9,900 Sq. Ft. | 1 AcreLot
New Price | Melrose | $3,950,000 5 Beds | 5.5 Baths | 5,300 Sq. Ft. | 6,500 Sq. Ft. Lot
New Price | Pasadena | $2,189,900 6 Beds | 5.5 Baths | 4,078 Sq. Ft.
Encino | $19,999/MO 5 Beds | 5.5 Baths | 5,800 Sq. Ft. | 14,439 Sq. Ft. Lot
Sherman Oaks | $6,295,000 5 Beds | 8 Baths | 8,000 Sq. Ft. | 17,224 Sq. Ft. Lot
New Price | Studio City | $2,995,000 5 Beds | 5.5 Baths | 3,900 Sq. Ft. | 6,500 Sq. Ft. Lot
New Listing | Walnut Acres | $1,189,900 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,200 Sq. Ft. | 7,500 Sq. Ft. Lot
In Escrow | West Hollywood | $3,650,900 6 Beds | 6.5 Baths | 5,200 Sq. Ft. | 6,500 Sq. Ft. Lot
DANIELLE PERETZ | Danielle.Peretz@TheAgencyRE.com | 818.644.1477 | LIC. #01897529 LUXURY REAL ESTATE AT THEAGENCYRE.COM
MICHAEL BERGIN |
FOR SALE
4149 Kraft Avenue, Studio City $1,599,000 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,097± Sqft Colfax Meadows
FOR SALE
4182 Camellia Avenue, Studio City $1,499,000 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,778± Sqft Colfax Meadows
JUST SOLD
23133 Mariano Street, Woodland Hills $1,377,500 Pool / Spa / Swim Jet 3 + 3 Main House 1+1 Guest House
JUST SOLD
4837 Calhoun Avenue, Sherman Oaks $949,000 2 Beds 2 Baths 1.348± Sqft Sold in 7 Days
LUXURY ESTATES DIRECTOR
FOR SALE
4329 Lemp Avenue, Studio City $2,525,000 5 Beds 5 Baths 3,650± Sqft Colfax Meadows Pool
FOR SALE
4518 Farmdale Avenue, Studio City $1,989,000 5 Beds 5 Baths 3,271± Sqft
ACTIVE
FOR SALE
6002 Allott Avenue, Valley Glen $1,995,000 5 Beds 6 Baths 5,613± Sqft
4042 Denny Avenue, Studio City $1,799,000 3 Beds 3.5 Baths Yard Cul De Sac New Construction
FOR SALE
1743 Westridge Road, Brentwood $5,895,000 5 Beds 6 Baths 5,274± Sqft Lower Mandeville Canyon Views Pool & Spa
JUST SOLD
4237 Klump Avenue, North Hollywood $1,537,000 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,350± Sqft Represented Buyer
FOR SALE
0 Iverson Road, Chatsworth $1,899,000 Land for Sale 3.2 Acres in Indian Springs Neighborhood
JUST SOLD
4437 Clybourn Avenue, Toluca Lake $2,800,000 5 Beds 7 Baths 4,100± Sqft Represented Buyer
Michael Bergin Luxury Estates Director 310.600.0715 BerginHomes@gmail.com DRE 01845572
Your #1 Real Estate Expert Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.
3816 Longridge Ave l Sherman Oaks Extraordinary celebrity privacy in prime Longridge Estates
5 Beds | 4.5 Baths | Apx 4,333 Sqft Home | Apx.14,368 Sqft Lot | $4,995,000 Exceptional Ken Ungar designed remodel in prime Longridge Estates. Luxurious East Coast classic on over 14,000 ft. flat, fully re-imagined by the owner/designers with meticulous taste and detail. Expansive, gated front yard leads to formal entry, and an ideal floor plan for elegant entertaining and casual living alike. A gracious sitting room greets guests, opening to a spacious family room and stunning, gourmet kitchen. Oversize Sub Zeros, pro-Wolf ovens and honed marble eat-in island highlight its crisp, white aesthetic. Great room opens to a vast Town and Country yard fit for a grand wedding. Sports court and lovely pool accent the park-like space. Upstairs there’s a beautiful master suite with spa-like bath, soaking tub and Anne Sacks shower; and a panoramic balcony ideal for breakfast al fresco. There are three additional bedrooms, charming nooks, and rich hardwood floors throughout. Mature trees provide total privacy, making this home truly rare; a coveted corner in the Valley's most sought-after neighborhood.
ANDREW MANNING I REALTOR®
LUXURY PROPERTIES DIRECTOR Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties andrew@andrewmanning.com 818.380.2147 l DRE: 00941825 © 2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.
ng Co
ratulations
MATTEPSTEIN.COM SOMATT@AOL.COM 818-789-7408
to
Matt Epstein #1 #2 #5
Agent San Fernando Valley Agent Los Angeles Agent Nationwide for
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Top one-half of 1 percent of more than 1,250,000 REALTORS® nationwide
Follow me on Facebook: MattEpsteinRealty Follow me on Twitter: @SoMattEpstein Follow me on Instagram: @MattEpsteinRealEstate
CalBRE# 01121162
With proven results from the market leader, why call anybody else?
11755 Canton Pl - SC- $1,995,000 3Br+2.5 Ba in 2,541 SqFt on a 9,300 SqFt LotThis beautifully well-maintained home hasn’t been on the market in over 40 years. It’s located on a cul de sac street and the coveted carpenter school district. It also features a living room with wood-beamed ceilings and a fireplace. The incredible backyard has a pool and patio space for entertaining or relaxing.
12985 Galewood St. – SC - $3,395,0004Br+2.5Ba in 3,916 SqFt on a 22,287 SqFt Lot- Fabulous gated farmhouse in the Longridge Estates. This home offers an open floor with two bedrooms downstairs. In addition to the main house, there is a recording studio/ guest house, pool, spa, and putting green.
5512 Colbath Ave – SO- $1,750,000 4Br+4.5 Ba in 3,200 SqFt on a 7,264 SqFt Lot– Beautiful contemporary single story home in Sherman Oaks. The home features a an open floor plan, 11 foot ceilings throughout, a spacious master suite, and much more. The backyard features a grassy area along with a gas fire pit and grill, spa, and pool with dual (solar + gas) heaters and an electric cover
#KeepingItRealEstate
3835 Alomar Dr – SO- $2,500,000 4Br+4.5 Ba in 4,000 SqFt on a 16,641 SqFt Lot- Contemporary modern home with amazing views is located in the highly exclusive Longridge Estates and designed by the famed Southern California architects, Buff & Hensman. This two-story modernist custom-built home features a chef’s kitchen, wine room, and much more. The backyard has a grassy area and a sitting area. 12500 Huston St. #304 – VV- $750,000
3Br+2.5Ba in 2,096 SqFt on a 18,182 SqFt Lot – This fabulous large top floor penthouse unit with mountain views is located in a desirable area of Valley Village. It features approx. 2,100 sq ft, a large living room with wood flooring, crown molding, recessed lighting, and 4 sliding French doors to the large patio that runs the length of the living room. The complex has an inviting center courtyard, a BBQ patio area, and a sparkling pool.
Call for your FREE market analysis! © 2019 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.
3382 Canton Way STUDIO CITY, CA 91604
5
BEDS
3
B AT H S
2,464
(APX)
SQFT LIVING
COMING SOON
19,813
SQFT LOT
ACTIVE
1 5 6 0 1 M E A DOWG AT E D R . | E N C I N O
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
4074 SUNSWEPT DR. | STUDIO CITY
ACTIVE
4242 BAKMAN AVE. | STUDIO CITY
ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT
4639 BALBOA AVE. | ENCINO
SOLD
ACTIVE
15039 HARTSOOK ST. | SHERMAN OAKS
IN ESCROW
OVER
$287
4947 ENFIELD AVE. | ENCINO
SOLD
4209 SAINT CLAIR AVE. | STUDIO CITY
SOLD
12050 GUERIN ST. #204 | STUDIO CITY
12944 BLOOMFIELD ST. | STUDIO CITY
11560 DILLING ST. | STUDIO CITY
SOLD
1 1 1 8 1 AQ UA V I S TA S T. | S T U D I O C I T Y
4 2 1 0 N OG A L E S D R . | TA R Z A N A
ACTIVE
4416 GENTRY AVE. | STUDIO CITY
ACTIVE
4 8 0 9 G E N E S TA AV E . | E N C I N O
SOLD
11257 ACAMA ST. | STUDIO CITY
RECORD BREAKING SALE
16908 BOSQUE DR. | ENCINO
818.432.1524 INFO@CHERNOVTEAM.COM WWW.CHERNOVTEAM.COM DRE #01850113
MILLION
SOLD IN 2019
#1 TEAM IN THE VALLEY | #3 IN CALIFORNIA | #6 IN THE U.S.
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.
TOLUCA LAKE
4736 S Sancola Ave $3,899,000
Craig Strong 818.930.4050 DRE 01450987 4736Sancola.com for more information
STUDIO CITY
4355 Kraft Ave $3,795,000
SHERMAN OAKS
Craig Strong Oran Shevach 818.930.4050 DRE 01450987 | 02023328
14257 Chandler Blvd $3,195,000
Kristin Neithercut 323.397.0800 DRE 02003278
ENCINO
4717 Encino Ave $5,249,000 STUDIO CITY
4332 Laurelgrove Ave $2,749,000
STUDIO CITY
Tyler Stanaland 310.880.1470 DRE 01884217
4329 Lemp Ave $2,525,000
Joan Duffy 310.995.0900 DRE 00525687
3516 Dixie Canyon Pl $2,149,000
FILLMORE
961 Mountain View St $2,195,000
Eric Lieberman 310.849.4900 DRE 01008206
Michael Bergin 310.600.0715 DRE 01845572
Exquisite, gated Modern Spanish Estate, South of Boulevard.
Mina Garrett 818.355.3635 DRE 01972702
6002 Allott Ave $1,995,000
SHERMAN OAKS
VALLEY GLEN
Michael Bergin 310.600.0715 DRE 01845572
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate.
ACTIVE
4736 Sancola Avenue, Toluca Lake | $3,899,000
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
PENDING
3768 Berry Drive, Studio City | $3,799,000
149 N. Valley Street, Toluca Lake | $3,450,000
4355 Kraft Avenue, Studio City | $3,795,000
4257 Strohm Avenue, Toluca Lake | $2,695,000
CRAIG STRONG DRE # 01450987 VP, Luxury Home Sales Top 1 % Nationwide
PENDING
9918 Toluca Lake Avenue, Toluca Lake | $5,195,000
#1 Individual Agent Companywide Sold Over $125 Million in 2019
PENDING
4419 Clybourn Avenue, Toluca Lake | $1,750,000 Compass does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size, or other information concerning the condition or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from public records and other sources and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. CalBRE 01450987
With over 30+ years of combined Real Estate experience, and over $1.5 billion in lifetime sales, they have established themselves as leaders in the industry.
JUST LISTED
ACTIVE
CONTEMPORARY MASTERPIECE
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
4938 Calvin Avenue, Tarzana 91356
16324 Meadowridge Rd, Encino 91436
DESIGNED BY WORLD RENOWNED ARCHITECTS Kevin Daly and Chris Genik Offered at $1,685,000
Approved Plans for 6500 Sq Ft Home included Offered at $2,299,000
SOLD PROPERTIES
Caribeth Drive, Encino $6,500,000
Verano Drive, Bel Air $8,500,000
Skyline Drive, Hollywood Hills $2,100,000
We understand that in today’s market, clients need the expertise of top real estate professionals. We’re here to help you get the highest price in the shortest period of time for your home. Call us to find out what your home is worth. NICK TATONE & SAMARA SAFFIAN
TATONE TAT O N E G R O U P
818.929.6326
TatoneGroupRE.com Fine Estates®
DRE#01314700 DRE#01036043
CAROL Nobody does it better...
in escrow
15712 Sutton St., Encino $4,195,000 Brand New – Royal Oaks Adjacent
new listing
17552 Margate St., Encino $2,799,000 Amestoy Estates
sold
17516 Margate St., Encino $4,100,000 Amestoy Estates
new listing
19212 Rosita St., Tarzana $2,799,000 Tarzana Gated Estate
OLFE sold
3345 Wedgewood Ln., Burbank $3,388,000 Burbank Hills
sold
4926 Louise Ave., Encino $2,669,000 Encino South
sold
17977 Medley Dr., Encino $1,540,000 Lake Encino
new listing
sold
16612 Oldham Pl., Encino $1,649,000 Encino Hills
3641 Dellvale Place, Encino $1,400,000 Encino Hills
TOP 250 INDIVIDUAL AGENTS IN THE NATION
sold
sold
3955 Westfall Drive, Encino $1,857,000 Encino Hills
sold
4688 Alonzo Ave., Encino $1,808,000 Encino South of Boulevard
15525 High Knoll Rd., Encino $1,399,000 Royal Oaks Mid Century Modern
active listing
20335 Howard Ct., Woodland Hills $2,799,000 Magnificent Woodland Hills Estate
#160
818.285.3688
www.CarolWolfe.com
in escrow
18451 Jonah Ct., Tarzana $1,029,000 Tarzana Villa on Gated Street
Oren David Mordkowitz ESTATES DIRECTOR | REALTOR ®
818-933-5866
4904RupertAve.com
CalDRE License #01246402
oren@orenestates.com
11327DonaPegitaDrive.com
8405DelganyAvenue.com
4904 Rupert Ave. | Encino | $1,249,000 11327 Dona Pegita Dr. | Studio City | $2,229,000 8405 Delgany Ave. | Playa Del Rey | $2,399,000
IN ESCROW
IN ESCROW
TheWResidences6A.com
6250 Hollywood Bl. #6A | Los Angeles | $1,349,000 17018 Empanada Pl. | Encino | $1,789,000 4404 Gloria Ave. | Encino | $1,299,000
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
22233 Dardenne St. | Calabasas | $1,615,000 16881 Encino Hills Dr. | Encino | $1,630,000 4915 Woodley Ave. | Encino | $2,389,000
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
17437 Oak Creek Ct. | Encino | $1,999,000 3725 Terrace View Dr. | Encino | $2,449,000 4530 Gable Dr. | Encino | $3,249,000
Curious what your home is worth? Contact Oren for a complimentary home analysis!
OrenEstates.com
FOR SALE
JUST LEASED
14025 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks 3+3.5 Townhouse | 2,100+ Sq. Ft. $859,000
15301 Kingswood Lane, Sherman Oaks 5+4.5 | 3,092 Sq. Ft. $13,000/Month
JUST SOLD
JUST SOLD
4627 Norwich Avenue, Sherman Oaks 5+4 | 3,167 Sq. Ft. $1,650,000
3850 Rock Hampton Drive, Tarzana 5+4.5 | 4,250 Sq. Ft. $1,920,000
BARRY DANTAGNAN 818.426.8677
barrydantagnan@gmail.com
TOP 1000 HONOREE
COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE
©2020 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned By a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. If your property is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation. Cal RE #01020477
You’ll be ready when your dream home is.
With a SureStart Pre-approval , you’ll benefit from: ®
1
• Confidence throughout your home search • A competitive advantage over other homebuyers without a pre-approval • The ability to act quickly with a complimentary pre-approval letter
Ask how you can get ahead in the home buying process. John Musso Home Lending Officer 818-518-1008 john.musso@citi.com citi.com/johnmusso NMLS# 448606 Terms, conditions and fees for accounts, programs, products and services are subject to change. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit and property approval. Certain restrictions may apply on all programs. This offer contains information about U.S. domestic financial services provided by Citibank, N.A. and is intended for use domestically in the U.S. 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.
1
©2020 Citibank, N.A. NMLS# 412915. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Citi, Citi and Arc Design and other marks used herein are service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates, used and registered throughout the world.
LAST WORD
Real Housewife
IN OUR COVID WORLD, ONE WOMAN POLISHES MID-CENTURY HOUSEKEEPING SKILLS TO A 21ST-CENTURY SHEEN. Written By Jane Ulman | Illustrated By Nikki Smith
“How’s it going?” a friend asked me recently. “It’s going backwards,” I said. “COVID-19 has turned me into a 1950s housewife.” You won’t find me twirling in my turquoise dream kitchen,
decompose other fruits and vegetables and need to be separated. I’ve learned that I prefer my microfiber mop—don’t wash the microfiber pads with cotton; the lint will clog the microfibers—to the misnamed Wonder Mop. And I’ve learned that snickerdoodles
decked out in pearls and high heels, a ruffled apron protecting
can be made with various combinations of vegetable shortening
my crisp shirtwaist dress, while a pot roast simmers in the oven
and/or butter and brown and/or white sugar, clearly depending
and a lime Jell-O mold chills in the fridge.
on what’s in my cupboard. I’ve also discovered a recipe for
But you could find me clad in my T-shirt, jeans, and deep green Crocs tackling the soap scum on our shower door, easing my umpteenth bundle of dirty clothes into the front-loader, or perusing the internet for yet another new veggie burger recipe. My husband, Larry, and I have been on lockdown since mid-
pumpkin snickerdoodles, which I’ve calendared as an October surprise for our cookie-loving family. All this cleaning, cooking and laundry has an emotional bonus. The results, while too short-lived, are surprisingly gratifying. More notably, I have a new respect and appreciation for
March, along with one of our millennial sons who was relocating
the degree of hard work, which is monotonous and never-
back to LA when the pandemic struck. Except for walking every
ending, that housework entails. And for the essential workers
day and occasionally embarking on no-contact outdoor errands,
who take on these and similar low-paying jobs. I worry about
we haven’t left home. And no one, except for a couple essential
those workers who have been fired or furloughed and who are
workers—our plumber, for example—has set foot inside. Even
struggling financially. And those who have contracted the virus.
our other three sons, their spouses/girlfriend and our three granddaughters visit al fresco only. We’re on our own. Larry has dubbed me CEO of the house, in the manner of 50s sitcom star Donna Reed, and I’ve designated him Chief of Shipping and Receiving, Building and Grounds,
Going forward, I see my current calling as a ’50s housewife, accompanied by what I hope is the acuity of a 21st-century woman, as preparation for what clearly, post-COVID-19, will be one of the greatest challenges ever faced by our world. “If you want to change the world, start with yourself,”
and Health and Safety. We’re a team of equals. In other words,
Mahatma Gandhi said. For me, tending to my own schmutz is a
there’s no societal mandate to greet him with an ice-cold gin and
first step. ■
tonic, along with his slippers, when he returns from work—and not only because leaving his office these days means walking out
Writer and latter-day ’50s housewife Jane Ulman and her husband,
of our youngest son’s former bedroom.
Larry—who in no way resembles or assumes the role of a ’50s
The life of a full-time hausfrau is not without its educational perks. I’ve learned that apples emit an ethylene gas that can
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husband—live in Encino.
DURING THIS NEW NORMAL,
The Spitz | Cameron Group IS BUSIER THAN EVER. SO
LD
3919 Westfall Dr, Encino $4,050,000
SO
4107 Stansbury Ave, Sherman Oaks $3,718,000
SO
SO
LD
17069 Oak View Dr, Encino $2,955,000 **
SO
LD
17956 Lake Vista Dr, Encino $1,850,000
SO
LD
3949 Vista Linda Dr, Encino $2,715,000
SO
LD
4050 Contera Rd, Encino $1,315,000**
AndrewSpitz.com
HarrietCameron.com
FranChavez.com
DRE#924610 Realtor®
DRE#675971 Realtor®
DRE#01013357 Realtor®
818-380-2151
818-517-1411
© 2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. DRE #01317331
**Represented Both Buyer & Seller
LD
2093 Bridgegate Ct, Westlake Village $1,302,000
Call to find out how our unique marketing strategy helped us put 27 homes into escrow in the last 90 days! 818-817-4284
LD
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