SIXVENTURABLVD.GOLDENSTATE.ISDOLLARSSEPTEMBER2022 IssueWomen’sThe UNDER THE HOOD WITH ISABELLE ROSA
SINGLE TICKETS ON SALETheSoraya.orgNOW!GaraEtienneCuevasAida FamiWatkinsTankianSerj ly Hour
Thu Sep 22 | 8pm Redman • Mehldau • McBride • Blade A MoodSwing Reunion Sat Oct 1 | 8pm Aida Cuevas 45th Anniversary - Yo Creo Que Es Tiempo Thu Oct 13 | 8pm Malpaso Dance Company with Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble Sat Oct 22 | 8pm Luis Enrique + C4 Trio with special guest Nella Sat Oct 29 | 3pm Soweto Gospel Choir HOPE—It’s Been a Long Time Coming Sat Nov 5 | 8pm Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Lahav Shani, Musical Director and Conductor Mahler Symhony No. 1 Wed Nov 9 | 8pm An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt Sun Nov 13 | 7pm A Musical Tribute to Dolores Huerta Sun Nov 20 | 7pm Emily Bear Plays Syberia: The World Before A Live Musical Premiere from the Video Game And Other Works by Inon Zur Los Angeles Jewish Symphony Dr. Noreen Green, Founding Artistic Director and Conductor Sat Dec 3 | 8pm Watkins Family Hour Christmas Wed Dec 7 | 8pm All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 Sat Dec 10 | 8PM Sun Dec 11 | 3PM featuringNochebuenaBallet Folklórico de Los Ángeles Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar Sat Dec 17 | 7pm Alton Brown Live: Beyond the Eats The Holiday Variant Sun Dec 18 | 7pm London Handel Players A Baroque Christmas Onstage Sessions TheSorayaStage TheSoraya.org | 818.677.3000 FALL 2022-23 SEASON To see The Soraya’s full season offerings, visit TheSoraya.org SEPTEMBER 22 ShaniLahav BearEmily BrownAlton GospelSoweto Choir John Hiatt & Lyle Lovett
Save Money | Save Time | Change Lives SRMrealestategroup.com Scott Morris | (818) 262-3695 CalBRE: 00987383 | NMLS: 365190 Ryan Morris | (818) 667-0228 CalBRE: 02177048 Get More. Pay Less. Unique pricing modelflat fees and buyer rebates 30+ years of experienceknowledge, strategic focus, and trustworthiness Social impact - people and purpose over profits
Examples are actual client savings. Seller Saved $76,250 Seller Saved $32,000
Dr. Cohen operates in a AAAASF, fully-accredited surgery center in his office suite, as well as at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he is the former, two-time Clinical Chief of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Cohen is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and a Diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Cohen has been in practice for 21 years and specializes in aesthetic surgery of the face and body. His practice emphasizes a rejuvenation that is minimally invasive, while achieving a natural result.
Call for an appointment today at 310.659.8771 5400 Balboa Blvd., Suite 217, Encino, CA 91316 AndrewCohenMD.com | @andrewcohenmd BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON Mention Ventura Blvd. Magazine for Perfect Derma Peel special $450 (normally $650)* *Good up to Dec. 31, 2022. We offer both in-person and virtual consultations DR. COHEN’S SPECIALTIES INCLUDE: • Mommy Makeover • Breast Augmentations • Breast Reductions & Lifts • Breast Implant Downsizing • Tummy Tuck • Liposculpture • Face & Neck Lifts • Breast Revision Surgery • Male Gynecomastia Surgery • Moh’s Reconstruction • Botox & Facial Fillers • Vaginal Rejuvenation (Labialplasty) • Peels, Facials and Skincare Products • CO2 Laser
Offering an ample selection of styles and features ranging from ultra-modern to contemporary to traditional, Concept Windows and Doors will help you choose and install the perfect windows and doors, inviting light, warmth, and beauty into your home. Our window and door gallery is open to serve homeowners, architects, and contractors who have as much passion for the details as we do. YOUR HOME IS A REFLECTION OF YOUR SOUL 14414 VENTURA BLVD, SHERMAN OAKS 818-786-9100 | CONCEPTWINDOORS.COM
The Harvard-Westlake River Park a new recreation on property in Studio City currently occupied by Weddington Golf The River Park project
complex and community park that will be located
the 16-acre
will preserve open space, provide community access to recreation opportunities, and responsibly steward environmental resources.
Some of the community benefits of the River Park www.hwriverpark.cominclude:If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the River Park Campus Plan, please contact us at riverpark@hw.com or (818) 487-6601. SIX-ACRE RIVER PARK featuring plazas, water features, wooded areas, and other natural spaces, open to the community from sunrise to sunset. PUBLIC ACCESS to new, state-of-the-art recreation and athletic facilities. Continued public access to COMMUNITY TENNIS FACILITIES. Community access to refurbished CLUBHOUSE, CAFE, and PUTTING GREEN. Public, dog-friendly WALKING AND JOGGING TRAILS. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS including 150 more trees, 100% native landscaping, and stormwater capture and reuse.
is
& Tennis.
on the roof Halloween series Fest
SEPTEMBER 2022 THE18 GIRL IN THE MUSTANG We go under the hood with classic car restorer Isabelle Rosa. WHEN26 DRESS-UP FEELS DIVINE With her nonprofit aimed at trauma victims, stylist Jen Principe extends her reach. NATURALLY28 MOBILE Karolina Maszkiewicz creates mesmerizing kinetic sculptures. NAMING36 RITES A third generation of the Ephron writing dynasty comes of age. THE42 NEWS WHISPERER Journalist Jessica Yellin delivers even bad news in a good way. ARTIST60 IN RESIDENCE A peek inside the home of modern mixed media artist Laurie Raskin. DOWN70 TO EARTH Sleek silhouettes in warm hues with bold geometrics take center stage for fall. A78CITY WITH HEART Explore San Miguel de Allende while staying at a luxurious Rosewood resort. SEEN82 Faces spotted on the Valley party circuit. 60 42 70 COVER Isabelle photographedRosa; by Shane O’Donnell AND THEN SOME... WOMEN86 OF THE VALLEY The Valley’s top professionals REAL109 ESTATE Spectacular local listings LADIES130 WHO LUNCH Before you judge, understand the relevance. THE SAUCE SWEET50 SENSATION From food to drink, Tang & Java satiates. THE52 EGG COMES FIRST Experience Italian at UOVO in Studio City. FOR54 BODY & SOUL Soupelina delivers tasty soups aimed at health and wellness.
REWARD YOURSELF... YOU’VE EARNED IT. The Best Brands. The Best Prices. The Best Service. All in one Place. Fine Kitchen Appliances Decorative Plumbing Outdoor Living Kitchens www.uakc.com © 2022 Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. All Rights Reserved *See sales associate for details and redemption information. Offer ends December 31, 2022. CREATE THE KITCHEN OF YOUR DREAMS AND SAVE. Three Additional Years of Protection for Extra Peace of Mind REBATE $1,000 Select your Reward. or CALABASAS818.880.0011STUDIO818.755.1111CITY 949.284.1811 SOUTH COAST PLAZA 310.278.0700SOUTHBAY
12 | MARKETING & OPERATIONS PARTNER/BRAND PUBLISHER | Emily Stewart PARTNER/MANAGING DIRECTOR, MEDIA & ANALYTICS | Warren Schaffer DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL | Charles Simmons DIRECTOR OF FILM & VIDEO | Bryce Lowe-White OPERATIONS DIRECTOR | Allison Jeackjuntra SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER | Melissa Hattab ACCOUNTING | Janet De La Cruz, Tanisha Holcomb To learn more about us, visit thegoldenstatecompany.com. No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from The Golden State Company LLC. Any and all submissions to this or any of The Golden State Company LLC publications become the property of The Golden State Company LLC and may be used in any media. We reserve the right to edit. SUBSCRIPTIONS Email: info@goldenstate.is or phone: 310-376-7800. Subscriptions are $29 per year. TO OUR READERS Ventura Blvd welcomes your feedback. Please send letters to: Reader Response Department, Ventura Blvd at address below. Include your name, address and email. Edited letters may be published. 200 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 110, El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel 310-376-7800 | Fax 310-376-0200 | goldenstate.is | venturablvd.goldenstate.is Charlie Koones Todd Klawin MANAGING PARTNERS VENTURA BLVD IS A DIVISION OF THE GOLDEN STATE COMPANY PUBLISHER Robin Sanders 424-220-6340 robin@thegoldenstatecompany.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS Sue Williams 818-625-3515 sue@thegoldenstatecompany.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Linda Grasso EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Darren Elms COPY EDITORS Bob Howells, Laura Watts CONTRIBUTORS Heather David, Chloe King Hadley Hall Meares Tanya Monaghan Chelsee Lowe, Joshua Lurie Anne M. Russell Cat Sherwin CREATIVE DIRECTOR Michelle Villas GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ajay Peckham and Yuiko Sugino DIGITAL MARKETING Paul Fisher PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Becker Tameka Jacobs ShaneMonicaO’DonnellOrozco
OPEN HOUSES #191604221License October BerkeleyHall.org/tourRegisterNovember2313onlineat
It
Member FINRA/SIPC. CJ-UBS-166627038 Exp.: 03/31/2023 advisors.ubs.com/tidikfriedman Is your wealth management strategy built for a comfortable retirement? Jason B. Friedman, CFP®, CRPC® Vice President–Wealth Management Portfolio Manager jason.friedman@ubs.com818-531-0022 The Tidik-Friedman Wealth Management Group UBS Financial Services Inc. 4421 Riverside Drive, Suite 206 Burbank, CA 91505 | 13
This school is a hidden gem. Your child will be known and cared about by all of their teachers and the administrators. They really walk their talk and love the kids. The values they support - respect, responsibility, compassion, and honesty, are what we all want for our kids. My son continued to love learning and was eager to go to school throughout his years there, and was accepted into all the high schools to which he applied. Alumni management UBS Financial Services Inc. offers investment advisory services in its capacity as an SEC-registered investment adviser and brokerage services in its capacity as an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. is important that you understand the ways in which we conduct business, and that you carefully read the agreements and disclosures that provide to you about the products or services offer. For more information, please review the client relationship summary provided at ubs.com/ relationshipsummary or ask your UBS Financial Advisor for a copy. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified finanCial Planner to successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG.
–
we
Parent, Class of 2022 “ “ Nursery through 8th Grade BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL Fearless Conscientiousscholars.citizens.On Mulholland, West of the 405 As a firm providing wealth
TM and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the US, which it awards
individuals who
certification requirements. For designation disclosures, visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures. © UBS 2022. All rights reserved. UBS
we
services to clients,
,
About a year ago we returned from a fabulous weekend with friends at their Newport Beach house to discover a plumbing leak in our kitchen. Our entire kitchen had to be gutted, and ultimately the wood flooring throughout had to be redone. While everything was ripped up, my husband and I decided to make some other changes. We expanded the kitchen, created a larder (what used to be called a butler’s pantry) and moved the laundry room to an unused bedroom. Having lived through two previous renovations, I just couldn’t do it again. (Anyone who has rinsed dishes in the bathroom sink will understand.) We moved into a rental in Manhattan Beach for the sevenmonth duration. My husband’s office is in the South Bay, and we thought it would be fun to experience a different way of life. Living in MB was wonderful. You just can’t beat seeing the ocean and feeling that delightful breeze every day. Plus being able to walk to everything was just heavenly. We’d park our cars on Friday and not get back in them until Monday. I wore flip-flops the entire time and spent every single night I was home on the balcony staring at the mesmerizing sunset. As an avid gardener, I did miss tending to my flowers and veggie garden. But the thing I missed most was my Valley girlfriends. I have friends all over the city, but it is my gal pals in the Valley I see most. We don’t need to go back and forth in emails a half dozen times to set a date. And we don’t need big plans to go to a hot Westside or downtown restaurant. We just get together, and most of the time it is totally impromptu. Meet me at so and so for a glass of wine tomorrow at 6! Hey, come over and see this new dress I bought; can’t decide whether to keep it. We’re just grill ing tonight by the pool—wanna come over? When with me, my girls can let it all out. I’ve had girlfriends burst into tears at lunch at a taco stand and get in spats with their husbands at our “white table cloth” dinner parties. It doesn’t matter. They are human beings, and they can be their not-so-best selves when they’re with me. Life and people are complex, but to me the rules of friendship are simple. I must point this out: Several of my close girlfriends are people I’ve met over the past 12 years while working on this magazine. I’d be at an interview or photo shoot and the work would be done, but we’d still be chatting. The conversation would continue over lunch, then at a dinner with spouses, and the friendship—meaningful friendship—would evolve from there. Honestly, it’s been one of the greatest rewards. Hope you all enjoy our annual Women’s Issue. The people you’ll meet on these pages are an inspiring group—women who are pushing boundaries, stepping over the no’s, and defining success on their own terms. My kind of women.
EDITOR’S LETTER BECKERMICHAELBYPHOTOGRAPHED
Follow me on Instagram @she_sez Linda Grasso, Editor-in-Chief With journalist Jessica Yellin (page 42) and her dog, Bruno
14 |
de Toledo is a coed 9th-12th grade Jewish high school that offers 70 electives, 18 AP courses, STEAM, championship athletics, award-winning musical theatre, travel opportunities to five countries, and much more. A hidden gem of a school with dynamic teachers. Engaged students discover their greatest potential in a values-driven environment. Visit us to get to know our truly exceptional community! OPEN HOUSE NOV. 13 RSVP dTHS.org/OpenHouseTODAY 22622 Vanowen Street, West Hills, CA | 818-348-0048 | dTHS.org Cre at i ng Exceptional Read iness fo r Extraordi nar y Futu res Visi t vi ewpoi nt.org/visi t to l earn about ways you can visit us this fall . Our Wor ld Ready Prom ise to our TK th ro ugh Twe lft h Grad e Stud ents | 15
NATURALLYCOMING2022SEPTEMBERBYIT Meet an artist who creates striking mobiles with an organic spin. More on page 28.
the girl in mustangthe TO UNDERSTAND THE PASSION OF ISABELLE ROSA, YOU NEED TO GET UNDER THE HOOD. Written by Chelsee Lowe | Photographed by Shane O’Donnell | 19
Isabelle’s Cougar, also from 1967, came her way by happenstance. She was at a gas station earlier this year in Leona Valley when she saw the vehicle and struck up a conversation with the owner. He had been its second and fourth owner, he said, driving it with his daughter, then selling it, only to buy it again after his daughter died. When he mentioned his plans to sell the Cougar once more—in a couple of weeks at the local cherry festival—Isabelle offered to take it sooner. She bought it four days later and has been working on it ever since. These stories are part of the draw for Isabelle. She likes to drive, certainly—Mulholland, Laurel Canyon, and Sunset are among her favorite cruising routes—but she also finds satisfaction in just being part of the car’s life and journey. And she likes the sheer act of classiccar driving. They may not have AC, but as she sees it, it’s a happier experience.
Like so many of us, Isabelle Rosa was trying to keep calm and carry on during the COVID shutdown. But it wasn’t sourdough bread making or Zoom calls with friends that got her through; it was restoring classic cars. You might say she came by it naturally. She grew up in the Valley and her father, chef Giovanni Bola (his company, Giovanni’s Tiramisu, was featured in the December 2019 issue of VB), exclusively drove vintage cars. When she was 16, he gave her an ’85 Mercedes. She recalls shuttling around her then-hometown of Reseda and liking it more than any modern car she ever drove. But the iconic Ford Mustang—beloved since its 1964 debut—was always the car of her dreams.
No matter the setback, Isabelle persisted, and within six months, the Mustang was up and running and look ing snazzy, freshly painted in its original dark moss green factory color. As we admired the car on a sum mer morning, Isabelle explained that she made it look “meaner” by giving it fatter tires, a slightly lifted sus pension and vented hood (the engine she built was larger than the original, so it needed a taller hood). When Ford marketed this car, women were the target audience.
“Part of the allure is that indescribable feeling most Angelenos have at one point or another: when there’s no traffic, and you’re just driving, the sun is golden and beautiful, and your favorite song is playing. That inspires you to want to drive something you love.”
The Mustang was even called a “secretary’s car” by the famous high-performance modifier of Mustangs, Carroll Shelby. When I ask what a “boss’s car” would have been, she points down the block at a Mercury Cougar.
The dream became a reality in early 2020 when Isabelle spotted a 1967 Mustang for sale on Facebook. It had been sitting in a field near Rancho Cucamonga for years, but it didn’t have any rust on it, which was a good sign. Isabelle took the risk. She bought the car and towed it back to her house in Encino. Within a month, Isabelle had completely stripped down the body and was hard at work at getting the engine running. It was her first go at a rebuild, and Isabelle admits that she often got frustrated. She taught herself as she went—fixing broken stem seals in the engine, for example—and leaning on others when necessary. Her husband, Roger, is into classic cars too—the two work together designing post-purchase hardware for electric cars—so he provided encouragement. And a buddy of his with more experience lent a hand. Isabelle also found online forums helpful, and she hunted down Valley re pair shops with experts willing to share insights.
Isabelle knows she’s not alone. Maintaining a classic car may be a dying craft, but there’s a thriving com munity of locals who continue to love and maintain their automobiles, and in-person meetups take place
20 | INSTAGRAMON@CNCPICSOFCOURTESYPHOTOLEFTBOTTOM
“I knew it would be hard, but I didn’t know how hard,” Isabelle says. “A lot of it was asking questions, and not being afraid to ask questions. And you have to mess up, do it again, mess up, then do it again.”
■
“My dream is to have a wine garage,” she muses as we walk away from the cars. “We’ll find one of those old auto shops in the Valley, use it as an actual garage to fix our cars, and also have a cool wine and beer space. We’d do classic-car drive-ins and sell vinyl records and books. I would get to work on my cars for fun and have something I love doing as work.” Here’s to dreams coming true.
all over the Valley. There’s a monthly classic-car cruise that starts at Cupid’s Hot Dogs in Winnetka; the weekly Cars & Coffee event in Northridge; and Valley Cruise Night, which usually kicks off at Carneys in Studio City or Fosters Freeze in Burbank on Friday evenings. Isabelle was a regular for some time at the Classic Car Show at Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank. Every Friday, classic-car owners park in the diner parking lot, peruse the awesome collec tion of cars, and talk shop. The couple’s car collection continues to grow. As we walk around their front yard, where car body parts are strewn about in what she affectionately calls the “car garden,” she shows me a baby blue 1973 Chevy K10 truck that Roger bought (and disas sembled), plus a 1969 Dodge Charger that may be an actual stunt car from the TV show Dukes of Hazzard If they had the space, they’d likely take on more.
“PART OF THE ALLURE IS THAT YOUTOINSPIRESSONGANDGOLDENJUSTTRAFFIC,WHENONEANGELENOSFEELINGINDESCRIBABLEMOSTHAVEATPOINTORANOTHER:THERE’SNOANDYOU’REDRIVING,THESUNISANDBEAUTIFUL,YOURFAVORITEISPLAYING.THATYOUTOWANTDRIVESOMETHINGLOVE.”
24 |
Thursday, Oct. 20 from 9:30-11:30a.m. Thursday, Dec. 01 from 9:30-11:30a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12 from 9:30-11:30a.m. Sunday, Nov. 20 from 9:45a.m.-12:45p.m.
2022 Open House 2Events 022 Open House Events September 22nd October 12th October 25th November 14th www.country-school.org PRESCHOOL l ELEMENTARY l MIDDLE SCHOOL GROWING HEALTHY, CREATIVE MINDS Learn more about our thriving transitional kindergarten through eighth grade educational community at an upcoming Open House Event! Elementary School Middle School RSVP heschel.com/at a dmissions/visi t
| 25
“There have been so many psychological studies that support the fact that what we wear can transform the way we feel, how we perform tasks, how we behave,” Jen says. “I have seen the transformation with every one of my clients.”
Zoey was the first of many girls and women whose spirits Jen would raise through what became The Phoenix Effect. The nonprofit aims to support people impacted by trauma—from a teenager struggling through the foster care system to a girl in a wheel chair who has undergone more than 70 surgeries. With donations raised entirely by Jen, selected recipients are transformed from head to toe for a magical photo shoot with a professional photographer. Jen orchestrates all EFFECT, STYLIST JEN PRINCIPE AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SUFFERED TRAUMA A DECADENT DAY OF FASHION AND BEAUTY. by
Written
One day while Jen was on a run, she experienced a sort of divine intervention: What if she could do more with this gift she had been given? A friend of hers had mentioned visiting a young girl fighting cancer at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Jen envisioned styling this child, Zoey, lifting her spirits and offering a mo ment of beauty and respite.
To see LA stylist Jen Principe today, with a twinkle in her eyes and a quick smile, always impeccably attired and coiffed, you’d think she grew up in a household of privilege. Nothing could be further from the truth. Her parents separated when she was a baby, and Jen experienced neglect and physical abuse from a stepmother.Shesaysshe learned to be clever with her survival tactics. If she was hungry, she went on a scavenger hunt, gathering snacks from Woodland Hills neigh bors. If she was scared or needed to get away from the house, she played dress-up in whatever she could find. She continued to play dress-up amid piles of donated clothes at the Jewish Federation in Boyle Heights, where she went with her grandmother on weekends.
GIVES GIRLS
“Even then, I knew there was an energy to these old pieces,” Jen shares. “I was a kid, so I’d fantasize and imagine who had worn them.”
Jen left home at age 18 and joined the working world as a successful mortgage broker. Over the course of many years, she untangled some of her childhood trauma, healing through forgiveness and humility. She got married and had two sons, and once the kids were a bit older, her passion for fashion reemerged. She put together what she calls a personal look book—a binder of photographs of head-to-toe outfit options culled from her own closet. She felt she was on to something, so she made look books for a few friends, and helped them shop for key pieces that were missing. Others began asking for her services, and a business was born. Ten years later, Jen has styled for clients who range from celebrities to stay-at-home moms. The biggest reward, she says, is seeing that look of joy on someone’s face once they see themselves transformed by her vision.
When Dress-Up Feels Divine WITH HER NONPROFIT THE PHOENIX
Chelsee Lowe 26 |
“THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY HOWPERFORMWETRANSFORMWHATTHESTUDIESPSYCHOLOGICALTHATSUPPORTFACTTHATWEWEARCANTHEWAYFEEL,HOWWETASKS,WEBEHAVE.”
To learn more about Jen and The Phoenix Effect, go to jpstyles.com.
■ | 27
“This metaphor of the phoenix is so important—it is the legendary story of rising and birthing a stronger self. This work is why I think I’m here on this earth.”
the details, from hair and makeup to clothing and ac cessories and scene setting.
“I want people to know that trauma is not a destina tion,” Jen says. “If we are vulnerable with others, we can overcome hard things. We really do need each other for stability, and to grow and connect.”
Jen styling a woman for a photo shoot via her nonprofit The Phoenix Effect.
With a life so full of stories, it is no wonder Jen put pen to paper and wrote a book. A Common Thread, which Jen describes as her fashion memoir, debuted in June. In it, Jen weaves together personal stories from her life, interspersed with styling advice. She hopes that her story will inspire others to reflect on and share their own.
naturallymobile ARTIST KAROLINA MASZKIEWICZ CREATES STRIKING KINETIC SCULPTURES FROM ITEMS FOUND IN NATURE. Written by Hadley Hall Meares | Photographed by Monica Orozco 28 |
After the devastating Woolsey Fire in Ventura County in 2018, the artist turned her anguish into “Woolsey,” a series of mobiles made with charred wood left behind by the flames. “Brad’s place was destroyed in the Woolsey Fire. I went there as soon as the streets opened, which I think was maybe a week or two after,” she says. “I wanted to express my personal feelings about the fire itself, this particular one, but also just what’s going on with the environment and how much we’re not paying any at tention to it. It’s just so frustrating because there’s no future if there is no environment. So I wanted to turn it into something beautiful that would draw attention to it.”
Although her endeavors focused on clothing design, she believes it helped her become the artist she is today.
Like her mother, Karolina is an avid gardener and a naturalist, often foraging for materials in Griffith Park, on sidewalks—anywhere she can. Her current series
| 31
“Whatever drops on the ground, I pick it up. I collect nature’s trash and make it into these guys,” she says, gesturing to her work. What Karolina does with “nature’s trash”—along with a few man-made elements and metal wire—has made her sculptures the star of exhibits at Ochi Projects in LA, Ellsworth Gallery in Santa Fe and G/ART/EN in Como, Italy. Her love of the outdoors and the calm and seren ity she feels when working with natural materials is rooted in her childhood in northern Poland. Her father, a professor, is an artist, and her mother is a biologist and avid gardener. From a young age, Karolina and her sister, now a costume designer, learned to create things on their own.
“We were always super crafty. We’d sew our own clothes, sew toys. Also, this was part of post-Commu nism, so there wasn’t much around,” she says. “If you wanted something, you had to make it yourself.”
“What fashion taught me is to pay attention to details,” she says. “When I first started working, one of the biggest surprises I was not taught in school is that you have to pick a thread, the thread size, the colors, the buttons, the hem width, and just tiny little details. So I think my attention to detail comes from that.”
While Karolina had always pursued art as a side project, her second career as a full-time artist kicked off when she began studying with the modernist sculptor Brad Howe at his studio in Malibu. She was drawn to kinetic sculptures and uses them to tell the story of the environmental crisis currently envelop ing the world. “I feel like kinetic form really suits the issue of the environmental conflicts that we’re in right now,” she says. “It’s like the passing of time and nature, how it moves.”
Karolina Maszkiewicz stands in her bright, cozy studio near LA’s Miracle Mile, showing off her vast collection of dried seed pods. She is all smiles— sunny, warm and as graceful as the light and airy mobiles that have made her a go-to artist for interior designers and private collectors. Her delicate but sturdy mobiles are created with a colorful, earthy collection of dried seed pods, charred wood, brittle flowers and the hard hats of acorns.
In 1995, Karolina moved to LA. She attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and started a career as a designer in the fashion industry.
“I FEEL LIKE KINETIC FORM REALLY SUITS THE ISSUE OF THE NATURE,THEINCONFLICTSENVIRONMENTALTHATWE’RERIGHTNOW.IT’SLIKEPASSINGOFTIMEANDHOWITMOVES.”
■ | 33
“Sepsates” (a word she made up) focuses on dried clip pings from jacaranda, sapphire cypress and eucalyptus trees. The mobiles twist and curve elegantly, displaying their muted earth tones.
Karolina sees “Sepsates” as a meditation on the way we ignore the natural world. “It takes all this effort to spread the seeds, and they just go on the ground, on concrete, on the streets, not being able to really do the job that they’re meant to do,” she explains. “And we don’t really notice it.” She hopes her work will help those around her become more attuned to the natural world, and she’s encour aged by the fact that her community has helped forage for natural specimens perfect for her sculptures. “Once I started doing it, a lot of people started helping because they felt like, ‘Oh my God, I see those everywhere. Can I bring you some?’” she says. “My boyfriend’s mom, who lives in Hawaii, sends me things now.” For Karolina, her art is her message, and her practical attitude toward success keeps her pushing forward. “I just had to do it and did it, and somehow it’s working, thank God.”
Adi has been married to Asaf for 20 years and is a mom to three kids: Lielle 17, and twin sons Adam and Ben, 15. She has been an active volunteer at their schools and is also involved with the Israeli-American Council and Larger Than Life, an organization that gives Israeli kids with cancer a dream trip to the United States.
In 2021 Adi was recognized for her sales volume and ranked #41 in the nation by RealTrends + The Thousand. She is in the top 1% of all 1,400 Rodeo Realty agents and the #1 agent in the Valley. She was included in Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Leaders of Influence” list for 2021 and 2022. Obviously, she’s great at what she does. But what Adi values most—more than professional recognition—is her reputation. “Reputation is everything in this business,” she points out. “My biggest rule is: Don’t ever burn bridges. Be focused, loyal, ethical and most importantly, honest!” Her career in real estate began when she and her husband, Asaf Livyatan, started flip ping houses. She realized that she enjoyed the process, and people began to approach her to list their homes for them. Adi says it became “an addiction,” so she began to work in real estate full time. “I have always been interested in real estate development,” she explains. “Seeing dirt turn into a masterpiece really excites me! I also love negotiating and making deals happen!”
THE KEYS TO SUCCESS
WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMEKA JACOBS
A marketing whiz, she and her team take a comprehensive approach to promoting their clients’ properties: creating videos, custom websites, international listings and advertising in local publications. After all, it takes a high-end marketing campaign to sell a high-end property. And that’s what Adi Livyatan Group is all about.
“I love what I do. Every day I get to meet new people and experience new things.”
ADI LIVYATAN GROUP 17501 VENTURA BLVD., ENCINO 818-285-3220 | ADILIVYATAN.COM IG: @ADI_LIVYATAN FB: DRE@THELIVYATANGROUP #01892750
Adi’s success is partially due to her association with the firm. “Rodeo Realty is an amazing company, owned by Syd Leibovitch,” she shares. “He is a very special person who is super involved and is always there to support me.”
This Encino homeowner is one of the Valley’s biggest fans—particularly when it comes to her neighborhood, Amestoy Estates.
Now, 12 years later, Adi has represented hundreds of buyers and sellers in various price ranges. “Each client is different and unique,” she says. “A good agent needs to recognize the individual needs of each client.”
“There is a strong sense of warmth and com munity,” she shares. “People walk in the neigh borhood, greet each other, have community meetings. It gives me a sense of belonging.”
A couple of Adi’s passions are traveling and focusing on fitness and nutrition. “It’s not easy with such a busy schedule, but I do my best to do things that make me feel good. The better you feel, the more you have to give to your family, your clients and people in general.”Thehighlight of her successful career has been breaking records all over the Valley— specifically Encino. “I currently hold two of the most expensive listings in the history of Encino,” says Adi, who has watched the area transform into one of the most sought-after places to live.
Hard work and a focus on integrity make Adi Livyatan a best-in-class real estate pro.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION AGENT SPOTLIGHT
When she was a college student studying business law at California State University, Northridge, Adi Livyatan never dreamed that she would be a top luxury home specialist for the San Fernando Valley, selling more than $300 million annually. Fast-forward to today, and that’s exactly what she’s doing—and the accolades are there to prove it.
Specializing in new construction, Adi works with residential buyers and sellers as well as developers. She advises her clients through out each step of the process—from finding the land or the teardown property to select ing finishes and design choices to staging.
namingrites WHEN YOU’RE A MEMBER OF A CELEBRATED LITERARY DYNASTY, NAMES MATTER. NOW, A MULTIGENERATIONAL TEAM OF EPHRONS HAS WRITTEN A BOOK LOOKING AT NAMES AND THE MEANING THEY CARRY. Written by Anne M. Russell | Photographed by Michael Becker Family photographs courtesy of Amy Ephron 36 |
The dynasty began with New York City natives Phoebe and Henry Ephron, playwrights who achieved screenwriting success as a team in the 1940s after moving to Los Angeles. In addition to hit movies such as Three Is a Family (1944), Daddy Long Legs (1955), and Take Her, She’s Mine (1963), they also produced four daughters: Nora, Delia, Hallie and Amy.
Nora, the oldest, who died in 2012, is the best known of the second generation of Ephrons, as a screenwriter for several blockbuster romantic comedies that include When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle. She also wrote the screenplay for Silkwood and, with sister Delia, You’ve Got Mail. But younger sisters Hallie and Amy are also successful authors in their own right, with dozens of books to their credit, spanning genres that include essays, memoir, novels, suspense and young adult fic tion. Both have written for magazines and newspapers as well, including Vogue, O, and the Los Angeles Times and New York Times magazines.
Now a third generation is blossoming. Amy’s daugh ters, Anna Ephron Harari and Maia Wapnick (Amy also has a son, Ethan Harari, a talent manager in LA), have teamed up with their mom to author The Amazing Baby Name Book: A (Possibly) Helpful and Slightly Amusing Guide from A to Z (September 2022). As Delia once wrote in The New York Times in an essay about the cyber theft of her own name, “My mother made a huge fuss about her daughters’ names. She bragged often that we had names that no one else had.” As you would expect in a family of self-described storytellers, Ephron origin stories vary. While Amy, who narrowly escaped being named Irene, notes in the new book, “(I) never asked if (my name) was a nod to Little 38 | Phoebe Ephron. Below: the Ephron sisters: Nora, Delia, Hallie and Amy
Sisters Nora, Amy and Delia Ephron. Above left: the Ephron family at their home in Beverly Hills. Above right: Amy Ephron with her children, Maia, Anna and Ethan.
SOKOLOWDIANEBYPHOTOGRAPHED
The baby-naming guide was a joint inspiration of Amy and Maia, Amy recalls. “We suddenly came up with the idea that there were a lot of words that were worthy of being names, but had been overlooked,” she says. Adds Anna, who in preschool insisted on being called simply “Ana” with no last name, “My superhero name is ‘Sky.’”
40 | Women,” her sisters believe she was indeed named after one of the protagonists of the classic Louisa May Alcott novel. (In an ironic twist, at one point in Little Women, Amy March sets fire to her sister Jo’s literary output in a fit of jealousy.)
The mom-and-daughters team deny there was any friction through the process of crafting the book, although Amy wielded veto power over her daughters’ suggestions. One of the names that Maia, a former ballerina and now a professional brand strategist and corporate-naming veteran, says she was very sad to see on the cutting-room floor was “Ikea.”
The hand-size book, with charming illustrations by Amy Bricking, eschews the traditional gender divide. Although some individual names are described as being for girls or for boys, all the names are listed together alphabetically. “A name can be for any number of genders,” says Maia. “We didn’t want to dictate that for people.” And while the primary audience for the guide is obviously parents-to-be, Anna likes the idea of its potential to help people who are reinventing Maia Wapnick, Amy Ephron, Anna Ephron Harari
themselves. “It would be cool if it were used by adults,” she says. “People choose new names for themselves for a variety of reasons.”
In the essay, Hallie recalls that as Phoebe lay dying of cirrhosis, her mother exhorted Hallie: “Take notes.” That advice seemingly became the watchword of all the Ephron daughters, repeating itself at the deathbed of Delia’s husband, screenwriter Jerome Kass, where he observed as he lay dying of prostate cancer, “One day you will tell this story.” Has the unstoppable drive for storytelling reached the next generation? Yes, says Anna, who has two children and lives in Sherman Oaks. She recently left her job as a special-effects producer to write full-time. “It’s a prevalent theme in our family that whether it was happy or not, you tell the story,” she says.
Although the wholesomeness of a mother-daughter project and the shining legacy of the clan’s literary accomplishment may paint an idyllic picture of Ephron familial bliss, there are too many confessional memoir ists in the family to let that illusion stand. Hallie, who is five years older than Amy, is the most blunt in her recollections of the trauma inflicted by their parents, who were alcoholics. In an essay in O magazine, Hallie wrote, “(M)y mother drank. My father drank, too. Alcohol ignited her anger, and sometimes they fought from midnight to dawn.” As far as the relationships among the sisters went, she recalls, “(W)e were more alike than we were different—all bossy and opinion ated, witty and articulate, like our mother. At dinner, a three-course event that anchored every evening at 6:30 sharp, the competition for airtime was Darwinian.”
■ | 41
Let’s start with your departure from CNN in 2018. Why did you leave? I was in TV news for 17 years. I had this idea that I’d get to Washington and that by explaining what was go ing on in national politics it would help get people more engaged and motivated to vote. I started doing news the way one does it in TV—with focus on conflict, partisan battles, and a lot of negativity. Eventually I became chief White House correspondent at CNN. I was at the top of the game covering the back-and-forth between Congress and the White House and campaign dramas. But I had this awareness that I wasn’t doing what I got into the business to do. I really wanted to help people make sense of this crazy reality. So I made the leap. What made you think there was an audience for what you wanted to do? As a political reporter I was out in the field constantly talking to swing or undecided voters, and they were overwhelmingly women. We always hear about the suburban soccer mom or the NASCAR mom. In Washington, the notion was that they just didn’t care about politics. My take was that they care enormously; they just weren’t getting the information they wanted from us. They’d say, “I watch you guys, and you’re not telling me an answer. If I elect this guy, is he going vote for this or for that? Is this woman going to raise or lower my tax rates? What’s my health care going to be like?” I’d ask my bosses if I could I break down how this impacts people’s lives, but there’s always breaking news that pulls you away from that. How did News Not Noise start?
Prior to starting the Instagram account @jessicayellin, I kept pitching this idea of not-angry news to TV show producers in Hollywood. I got every version of “Oh God no” that you can imagine. I thought to myself, “You just have to do it yourself.” Friends kept saying, “Don’t wait for permission; just pick up your phone and do it.” And one day I did just that. I recorded a video explain ing something that was happening in D.C., posted it to Instagram and got a positive reaction—mostly from friends at that point—and I just kept doing it. What put News Not Noise on the map? You’ve got more than 600,000 followers now on Instagram alone. I started posting before the Brett Kavanaugh hearings. I had volunteered at a rape treatment center. As I was covering the hearings, I was explaining why that senator is doing what he or she is doing—explaining what was happening behind the scenes. Then I kept pausing and saying, “Hey, I know some of you are probably survivors by Michael Becker
The News Whisperer WITH “NEWS NOT NOISE,” JOURNALIST JESSICA YELLIN AIMS TO DELIVER EVEN BAD NEWS IN A GOOD WAY. Photographed
| 43
Meet Jessica Yellin, and within minutes it is apparent: She set her sights high from day one. The LA native attended the Westlake School for Girls (now part of Harvard-Westlake) and graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard. From there she climbed the ranks of news, ultimately working at several national cable outlets. She felt like she’d reached the top when she became chief White House correspondent for CNN. But in 2018, after eight years at the network, Jessica felt frustrated at not being to share news in a meaningful way—with proper context and relevant backstory. She left CNN and launched News Not Noise. Here VB editor Linda Grasso chats with the award-winning journal ist about the success of her platform. With a viewership estimated at 800,000, more eyes are on Jessica now than when she was on CNN.
I know people are exhausted by the deluge of awful in formation. But there’s a certain amount people need to know, whether we are talking about Jan 6 or the return of classified information or the various investigations. That’s not just to be an informed voter but also to un derstand what in our system needs repair or reform so our institutions and democracy are enduring.
You come from a family of doers. Your father, Ira Yellin, was a prominent real estate developer in Los Angeles. Yes, he was committed to helping restore historic LA. He redeveloped several iconic downtown properties including the landmark Million Dollar Theatre, the Bradbury Building and Grand Central Market. When he passed away in 2002 (from cancer at age 62), my mom, Adele, took over the business. Your father was also the son of an Orthodox rabbi and a past president of the American Jewish Committee. Were you raised in a religious household? We were not kosher and we did not go to synagogue regularly, but I had a very traditional bat mitzvah. We had Shabbat and of course the big holidays. And I was raised with Jewish values, especially tikkun olam—how can you make a difference to help heal the world. You recently moved from the Westside to Sherman Oaks. How are you liking it? I love it. People are friendly. I meet neighbors walk ing my dog, Bruno, on the street. They actually want to say hello, which is amazing. I can go out without makeup and no one gives me the once-over. There are so many great mom-and-pop shops—the woman at Maxwell Dog gave me tips on getting Bruno to sleep. At Centinela Feed they helped me choose snacks for him. I got a P.O. box for business and the man who runs the place gave me his cell phone to text if there are ever is sues. It is always sunny and there is plenty of parking. It’s like a small town hidden inside LA. ■
For more, listen to Jessica’s episode on the SheSez With Linda Grasso podcast: delivers-even-bad-news-in-a-good-wayshesez.com/journalist-jessica-yellin-
of sexual violence, and this is probably triggering for you. Here are some resources you can call to talk about it. Doesn’t matter how long ago it happened.” People weren’t really doing that at the time—combining the hard news with a kind of empathy. That really took hold. People felt like they were hearing about politics in a way that was human-centered and empathic. And then I understand some celebrities noticed you. Jessica Seinfeld found the account and told her audi ence, “You gotta follow this.” Amy Schumer is a friend of hers and started following. Then I get a DM from Amy: “Hey, I have something kind of noisy, but if you want it, it’s yours. I’m pregnant. Do you want to announce it on your Instagram?” On her account she posted that she had some news—to find it, go to @Jessicayellin. She did a sister a solid! I jumped from like 10,000 followers to 60,000 followers! Share a bit about your audience. They’re mostly women in their 20s and 30s. They don’t want to watch people screaming about world events or to deal with all the negativity and partisanship on cable news. They don’t have time to read four newspapers to get different points of view. They want news told clearly, quickly and without excess drama. How do you cover Trump these days?
44 |
eventsopeninteractivehousecalendar Find it live mid-September at venturablvd.goldenstate.is/ calendar/ Want to include your events? Find out how by contacting Robin Sanders at ourbestforcalendarVenturaCOMINGRobin@thegoldenstatecompany.comTHISFALLBlvdishostingacomprehensiveofthefinestOpenHouseeventsschoolsinourareawithlinkstotheinpersonevents.PlanyourFallusingeasytonavigateguide. The Skills to Succeed. The Strength to Soar. At Milken, we help students discover who they are and where they want to go. Join Us at an Upcoming Event: Parent Admission Information Night The Value of a Jewish Day School Education September 22, 2022 | 7:00PM-8:00PM (virtual) Parent Coffee & Conversation Grades 6-12 October 13, 2022 | 10:00AM-11:30AM (on-campus) November 30, 2022 | 10:00AM-11:30AM (on-campus) Student Open House Grades 6-12 October 23, 2022 | 9:00AM-12:00PM (on-campus) Parent Open House Grades 6-12 November 6, 2022 | 9:00AM-12:00PM (on-campus) Now Accepting Applications for Grades 6-12 Learn more and RSVP at milkenschool.org/visit | 45
The seven female doctors at Facey’s Tarzana office offer primary and specialist care in a modern, welcoming space. Here, they share the joys of their careers.
IN GOOD HEALTH SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Dr. Tina Verder earned her doctor of medicine degree at Chicago Medical School, interned at USC School of Medicine and Hitasha Singh, MD
A WOMAN’S WORLD
Facey Medical Group and its more than 200 physicians throughout the San Fernando, Simi and Santa Clarita valleys have built a reputation for providing connected, patient-centered care to generations of Southern California residents. As a result, they’ve been voted the best medi cal group by readers of the Los Angeles Daily News for the last 14 years. Facey Medical is affiliated with Providence, a nonprofit health system that serves seven western U.S. states.
Dr. Dafna Trites is an OB-GYN who grew up in the San Fernando Valley and joined Facey in 2016 after 17 years at a private prac tice in Northridge. “OB-GYN is such a broad, exciting field of medicine,” she shares. “I love seeing the different generations of women, and my passion is helping them navigate the enormous changes of menopause with expert advice and treatment. My greatest joy is helping empower women to feel vibrant and healthy and lay the foundation for the most optimal second half of their lives!”
Helping women of the Valley with their medical needs is what these female physicians are all about.
Dafna Trites, DO, Diana Y. Wong, MD, Tina B. Verder, MD
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMEKA JACOBS, MONICA OROZCO, SHANE O’DONNELL
Dr. Loren Leshan has practiced medicine for the past four decades in Mexico, Wisconsin and Florida, as well as here in her home state. She has worked with Facey Medical Group for four years as a family medicine practitio ner. In addition to diagnosing and treating illnesses, she focuses on disease prevention and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Mina Moussavian-Assadi is a pedia trician who practiced in Boston for 13 years before joining the Facey team. She received her medical training at the University of Montpellier School of Medicine in France and completed a residency at Monmouth Medical Center in New Jersey. “Our pediatric group at Facey Tarzana has the feel of a private practice,” says Dr. Moussavian-Assadi. “I consider myself an extension of my patient’s family. Being a parent of a child with special needs has raised my level of compassion for all my patients, and I try to help patients and parents by being their advocate through their emotional or physical challenges.”
Dr. Jody Levy has practiced internal medicine for 39 years. She attended medical school at UCLA and completed residencies at Baylor College of Medicine and LACUSC Medical Center. Her area of interest is the prevention of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and stroke. “I have practiced medicine in this community for 21 years,” says Dr. Levy. “I enjoy working with so many outstanding colleagues. I’m extremely happy to have joined Facey Medical Group almost three years ago and honored to have so many of my previous patients join me at Facey for continued care.”
Connect with them at facey.com and dis cover why so many of our neighbors choose a Facey doctor.
FACEY MEDICAL GROUP 18133 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 204 & 404 818-466-7700TARZANA
“I educate patients to take good care of themselves,” says Dr. Leshan. “I try to integrate physical and emotional and spiritual health for myself and my patients.”
Dr. Hitasha Singh, a rheumatology special ist, volunteered at Tarzana Hospital as a teen before attending Virginia Commonwealth University and earning her medical degree. She completed her rheumatology fellow ship at the University of Southern California.
| FACEY.COM
Facey Medical Group, along with Providence, is a convenient, compassion ate choice for all your health care needs.
| 47 completed residency training at Danbury Hospital. “I have more than 25 years of expe rience in obstetrics and gynecology in the San Fernando Valley,” Dr. Verder explains. “I specialize in minimally invasive surgery with the da Vinci robot for disorders of the female genital tract. Over the years I’ve enjoyed doing medical missions in the Philippines and being able to provide surgery for women who might otherwise not be able to afford it.”
Mina Moussavian-Assadi, MD
Jody D. Levy, MD
Loren Leshan, MD
“Rheumatologists are the Sherlock Holmes of medicine; we listen carefully to our patients and assess the clinical scenario with the help of lab testing and imaging,” she shares. “I enjoy helping patients gain control of their diseases with a personalized care plan so they can live their best lives.”
Dr. Diana Wong has been an OB-GYN in Tarzana since 1994. She earned her medi cal degree from Wayne State University and performed a residency at USC L.A. County Women’s Hospital. “I initially wanted to be a pediatrician,” she shares, “but while doing my rotations as a medical student I realized I loved surgery and really enjoyed working with women. The positive of being an OB-GYN is that you get to see the babies you delivered— years down the road when they come in with their moms for appointments. After 24 years of practice, I feel like I have seen everything!”
“THE MASTERY OF THIS TEAM LIES IN THEIR ABILITY TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF CALI'S NATURAL BOUNTY.” @PASTABARLA | WWW.PASTABARENCINO.COM THIS TASTING MENU IS ONE FOR THE BOOKS 1 MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANT MICHELIN GUIDE
Yes, Please Get adventurous satiating your sweet tooth at Tang & Java. More on the next page. THE SAUCE
SATISFY YOUR DESSERT CRAVINGS WITH CREATIVE OFFERINGS AT TANG & JAVA IN WOODLAND HILLS.
How, you might reasonably ask, did a vape shop owner and a fashion designer/jewelry maker come to join forces on a coffee, gelato and dessert shop? Soccer, of Entrepreneurscourse.Diana Lua and Sjareska Martina Karni met during one of their kids’ soccer games. The friendship ultimately spawned a partnership, with the duo opening the Tang & Java shop in a strip mall a few doors down from Diana’s other business, Hidden Vape. The creative concept, kicked off last December, is a fusion of their backgrounds and heritages. Diana, who completed her culinary arts training in 2019 to become a chef, is from the Philippines. Sjareska grew up in Curacao, a Caribbean island and former Dutch colony. So their shop incorporates popular Filipino ingredients like ube (purple yam) and calamansi (a tart citrus) in signature beverages, while griddled poffertjes—tiny Dutch pancakes sweetened with powdered sugar and syrup—are also on the menu. The shop’s name is also a fusion, combining java (coffee) and Tang, a reference to China’s Tang Dynasty, which is supposedly when people first made ice cream. Tang & Java devotes 16 gelato bins to inventive flavors like Madagascar bourbon vanilla, goat cheese with pas sion fruit, and a caramelized cookie called Biscoff. Scoops fill house-made waffle cones, affogatos (dessert drinks), cups, crinkle cookie sandwiches and brioche buns.
50
BIBINGKA On Sundays, Tang & Java utilizes their poffertje molds to make bibingka—Filipino rice pancakes studded with salted egg and cheese and showered with shredded coconut.
■
HALO MIX
TANG & JAVA FAVES
“I want food for the soul,” Diana says. “Something that will give you an experience.” The gelato “reminds you that life is too short, and you can have that little goodness in your life without guilt nor tons of sugars, preservatives or coloring.” As for the java, “You can taste the quality. Once you have that first sip, it gives you that ‘aah’ feeling and reminds you what a good cup of coffee should be.” How people are treated is also paramount to the owners. Diana strives for “a staff that’s welcoming and a place where everyone is not judged.” A mom of four boys, including twins with autism, she strives to create a safe space where children with disabilities can feel comfortable. She envisions Tang & Java as a popular hangout spot, “not just a coffee or gelato shop, but a space for the community.”
22776 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills; tangandjava.com
Sweet Sensation
THE SAUCE
Written by Joshua Lurie |
A signature fior di latte gelato sundae topped with nutty tahini sauce, crumbled halva (sesame confection), pine nuts and crunchy sesame brittle.
HALVA ME
A colorful play on the popular multi-textural Filipino frozen dessert halo-halo. It combines a choice of fior di latte or ube gelato with nata de coco (coconut jellies), kaong (palm sugar), ube, jackfruit, crispy rice and leche flan.
Counterclockwise from here: affogato; assorted crinkles cookies; ube latte
Yellowtail Crudo Tagliatelle al Ragù
Highlights include delectable ragù, featuring delicate tagliatelle, a generous pile of flat, medium-wide noo dles topped with ground pork and grass-fed Wagyu beef from First Light Farms that coats the pasta beautifully after mixing. Their vongole (clam) pasta is also defini tive, utilizing tonnarelli (spaghetti’s thicker, squareedged cousin), white wine sauce and chile flakes in a coveted Massimini family recipe. The focused menu offers just 15 pasta preparations. At the higher end, tagliatelle tossed with white truffle butter sauce runs $25. Other pastas cost between $17 and $19, a relative bargain given the efforts involved.
UOVO’s most noteworthy menu addition since debuting in 2017 has been their three tasting menus— Classic, Cheese & Truffle, and Regional. Each serves for two people and includes a starter like yellowtail crudo or hand-cut beef tartare, three pastas, and unique tiramisu served in a glass inspired by Rome’s Felice a Testaccio restaurant. Lele considers these tasting menus the best way to experience UOVO. Most of the menu is available for takeout, but a few dishes are excluded. “While some pastas after 20 or 30 minutes are still good enough for us to be comfort able serving, others are not, as they simply don’t travel well and really don’t meet our quality standards when served to go,” Carlo says. Pastas like cacio e pepe, tagliatelle al tartufo and carbonara are among those available for dine-in only.
UOVO’s own ers, Rome natives Lele Massimini and his brother Carlo (along with two business partners), say that they simply couldn’t replicate the pasta they revere us ing California eggs and hands. They take that same approach at UOVO’s fourth and newest location, which debuted in March at The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge. UOVO sources their eggs exclusively from a purveyor outside Bologna. “They are of a much darker, deeper yellow/orange color. But far more importantly, they have a different density and viscosity, and the result is a pasta with a far superior texture and mouth feel that bonds with sauces in a whole different way,” business partner Jerry Greenberg says. Carlo also credits trusted sfogline for their superior pasta—specifically their remarkable skills that “simply come from a lifetime of repetition of making pasta in the old-school way.” UOVO’s pasta, Carlo adds, re minds him and his brother of the fresh pasta they grew up eating in Italy.
LA has more interesting Italian restaurants now than ever before, but UOVO stands out from the pasta pack thanks to a consistently clear commitment to craft and sourcing ■ 12833UOVO Ventura Blvd., Studio City @uovopasta.
For aficionados of Italian food in LA, the goal is often to find dishes that are as authentic as possible. That’s certainly the case at UOVO, the Santa Monica-born restaurant that flies in temperature-controlled pasta overnight from Bologna. Their sfogline (people who hand-craft pasta) make fresh pasta using farm-fresh Italian eggs (uovo) in that ancient city.
| 53
The Egg Comes First UOVO MAY BE IN STUDIO CITY, BUT WITH FRESH HOMEMADE PASTA FLOWN IN DAILY FROM ITALY, IT’S ABOUT AS CLOSE AS YOU CAN GET TO THE REAL DEAL.
Written by Joshua Lurie
The UOVO menu divides pasta into three catego ries—La Pasta di Bologna, La Pasta di Roma and Pasta Classica—and details key ingredients and backstories for many of their dishes. For instance, UOVO sourced their ragù recipe from Bologna’s Antica Trattoria della Gigina. They collaborated with Rome’s Trattoria da Danilo on their cacio e pepe recipe.
“I had this aha moment: Medicinal herbs and plants affect your body on a cellular level. So that was my task—to change the way my cells behave. I thought, ‘How about I combine all of these great ancient medi cines in one bowl and create a soup?’”
Becoming a chef, cookbook author and owner of a bustling soup delivery service is a far cry from her former life. After relocating to the U.S. in 1997 from the former Soviet republic of Moldova, Elina went on to have an award-winning journalism career, writing for outlets like CNN, The New York Times and NPR. But a breast cancer diagnosis in 2009 changed everything.
“My tumor was very aggressive. I took a walk into wellness,” Elina remembers. She spoke with experts in the fields of modern and ancient naturopathic rem edies. She studied Chinese herbs and how they change the chemistry of the body. She also took an odyssey to India, learning first-hand about the ancient practices of Ayurvedic medicine.
“I know all the farmers and they know me; it’s where I get most of my produce,” says Elina.
A CANCER DIAGNOSIS CATAPULTED ELINA FUHRMAN INTO A JOURNEY OF SELF-HEALING THROUGH HEALTHY EATING THAT EVOLVED INTO HER SOUP DELIVERY SERVICE SOUPELINA.
THE SAUCE
Written by Heather David |
For Body & Soul
Photos by Pär Bengtsson and Rose Dupont
After a period spent experimenting with ingredients, Elina created vegan recipes that were not only delicious, but also aimed at health and wellness. She underwent a lumpectomy and had radiation, but she largely credits those recipes—and the overall more healthy direction of her diet—for why she is cancer-free today.
Most Sundays you’ll find Elina Fuhrman selecting organic vegetables at the colorful stands lining Ventura Place at the Studio City farmers market. She carefully chooses seasonal ingredients like lemongrass, cauliflower, yardlong beans and beech mushroom for the soups she prepares for her home delivery company, Soupelina.
4 cups water or Soupelina Lemongrass Cleansing Broth
SOUPELINA’S EXOTIC SPICY TAMARIND-CAULIFLOWER SOUP
1 ½ tablespoons red curry paste
1 ½ tablespoons tamari 1 package beech mushrooms ½ cup daikon rounds ½ cup carrot rounds 1 cup cauliflower, cut into florets 4-5 pods of yardlong bean, cut into 1-inch pieces ½ cup Chinese cabbage, cut sea salt to taste
Bring pot of water to boil over medium heat. If using Soupelina Broth, warm broth until hot over mediumlow heat. Add tamarind juice, tamari and salt. Then add mushrooms and cook until done—approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Add daikon, carrots and cauliflower and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes until al dente. Then add yard long beans and cabbage for another 10 minutes on heat. Remove from heat and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes for flavors to mature. As for Soupelina, it evolved naturally. Elina started out just sharing her soups with friends and family. They ultimately encouraged her to take her healing hobby to the next level in 2012. “My daughters bought me a ladle for New Year’s and engraved it Soupelina and made a T-shirt for me. They said, ‘You have no choice; you’re doing this!’ That’s how it started,” Elina laughs. Soupelina offers three- to five-day cleanses with entrées like Kale-orfornia Dreamin’ and Sweet Coconut Thai, Oh My. She works closely with her clients to meet their specific needs. “People come to me with all types of things, from celebrities wanting to debloat before a red-carpet event to cancers, psoriasis, autoimmune conditions, menopause and post-surgeries,” she says. “It’s definitely not a conveyor line, and every soup is a magic bullet.”
To learn more, go to soupelina.com. ■
¼ cup tamarind juice
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION56 | Boneyard Bistro A staple of Sherman Oaks for 17 years, Boneyard Bistro serves regional BBQ and inspired bistro fare along with an extensive craft beer list and more than 100 13539bourbons.VenturaBlvd., Sherman Oaks IG:boneyardbistro.com818-906-7427@boneyardbistro Granville Specializing in wholesome, handcrafted recipes and libations. With warm hospital ity, good vibes, globally inspired food and music, we are a culture—not a concept. Silver Triangle District 12345 Ventura Blvd., Studio City 818-506-7050 | granvillerestaurants.com IG: @granvilleTheValley is out and about, and our restaurants welcome your business. We offer a closer look at venues ready to take your reservation and give you a wonderful dining experience. GuideRestaurantLovi’sDelicatessen An homage to New York delicatessens with a contemporary edge. The menu features traditional Jewish fare and an eclectic array of international and American cuisine. 24005 Calabasas Rd., Calabasas 818-223-8777 | lovisdeli.com IG: @lovisdeli
IG:osterialabuca.com818-456-1216@osterialabuca
Sushi|Bar Encino Chef Phillip Frankland Lee’s omakase speakeasy at Scratch|Bar. A free-form sushi-counter experience with 10 prized seats and unexpected riffs on beloved standards from land and sea. 16101 Ventura Blvd., Second Floor, Encino IG:sushibyscratchrestaurants.com@sushibyscratchrestaurants
A modern restaurant and bar with influ ences from traditional Persian flavors. Fresh cuts of meat and produce grilled over an open flame, served in a relaxed, chic IG:sadafencino.com818-981-810016240atmosphere.VenturaBlvd,Encino@sadafrestaurant_la
Wood & Water Experience a modern American restau rant and bar with multicultural influences, featuring the freshest seafood, produce, proteins and oyster bar. 13359 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks
A casual, local gathering place for food, friends and wine with a menu that reflects an uncomplicated, classic, grassroots approach to Italian country food inspired by our Southern California backyard. 4235 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks
Located in Los Encinos State Historic Park, the restaurant offers a majestic and scenic dining experience and provides an inviting ambience for any special occasion. 16817 Ventura Blvd., Encino IG:theoaksatlakeside.com747-217-4002@theoaksatlakeside
Mora Italiano
The Oaks at Lakeside
Osteria La Buca
IG:woodandwaterla.com818-855-1661@woodandwaterla
restaurant guide SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 57
Sadaf Restaurant
A cozy, indoor-outdoor neighborhood Italian restaurant offering delicious pastas, pizzas, entrees and antipasti plus a great selection of wines. Off Ventura Boulevard and Encino Avenue. 17499 Ventura Blvd., Encino IG:moraitaliano.com818-386-0278@moraitaliano
“Our ancestors understood that healing is an intuitive process and used medicinal plants as part of their everyday lives to recalibrate their health and prevent disease. Medicinal gardens are relatively easy and inexpensive and plants make the freshest medicine. When you build a sacred relationship to your garden, it gives back to you with abundance.”
in lactating mothers, rebuilds tissue, anti-inflammatory “Nettles is one of my foundational plant allies because it is so rich in nutrition. I make overnight infusions using a large handful of dried plant material in a quart-size mason jar of cold water.”
Leslie follows seasonal cycles with planting starting in the spring. It’s also the time for picking flowers and making flower essences. In the fall, medicinal roots are ready to harvest, and she makes immune-boosting tinctures and syrups. Here she shares seven key plants—along with some recipes—whose benefits range from relieving menstrual cramps to boosting immunity.
58 |
Illustrated by Yuiko Sugino Valley-based Ayurvedic practitioner and wellness lifestyle coach Leslie Thorn believes that a medicinal garden is akin to having a potent medicine cabinet at your fingertips.
GardenMedicinalThe
She says it is not necessary to have full sun to grow medicinal herbs. “Some of my favorite herbs, such as lemon balm, peppermint, red raspberry and ginseng, actually do well in the shade.”
Benefits: healing, cell regeneration
Benefits: strengthens the uterus, relieves menstrual cramps and menopause symptoms, improves labor and delivery (always check with your doctor before taking any herbs while pregnant)
“I use the leaves for poultices to treat acne and reduce wrinkles.”
“For honey cough syrup: combine 1 ounce dried elecampane root to 2 cups water. Bring to boil. Simmer until water reduces to 1 cup. Let cool. Strain. Add 1/2 cup raw honey to 1 cup elecampane mixture. Stir and refrigerate. Adults take 2 teaspoons hourly; children over 2, take 2/3 teaspoon.”
Benefits: helps with anxiety, stress, fear and panic attacks; helps build muscle, increases sperm count, improves erectile dysfunction, regulates menstrual cycles
BURDOCK Benefits: blood purifier, aids lymphatic drainage, digestivemovesabsorptionincreasesofnutrients,thingsalongthetract
“This is a staple Ayurvedic herb and the supreme tonic of the nervous system. Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon powder to turmeric-spiked milk before bedtime to get a great night’s sleep.
ASHWAGANDHA
“I make a tea with the leaves to heal ulcers. I also combine it with calendula and lavender and make a deliciously intoxicating salve that speeds up the healing of wounds, burns and fractures.”
ELECAMPANE
For more on Leslie’s practice, go to lesliethorn.com | 59
COMFREY
Benefits: supports immune health; antiviral, antibacterial and deep lung tonic; great for asthma patients, helps expel mucus
“Speed up your metabolism with this delicious tea: Use 1 teaspoon dried crushed red raspberry leaf per 8 ounces of boiling water. Steep five minutes or more, strain and drink.”
RED RASPBERRY LEAF
artist residencein WITH THOUGHTFUL CURATION AND A KEEN APPRECIATION OF THE OUTDOORS, AN ARTIST AND HER HUSBAND CREATE A DRAMATIC YET PEACEFUL ABODE IN THE HILLS OF ENCINO. Written by Linda Grasso Photographed by Shane O’Donnell 60 |
Sitting in the backyard at the midcentury modern hillside home of Laurie Raskin and Rick Shuman, you feel like you’re at an exclusive resort somewhere far away. The unobstructed views of the San Gabriel Mountains from their Encino perch are breathtaking. Palm trees delicately sway in the slight breeze. The sounds of nature play out like a soothing soundtrack. Indeed, that’s exactly the way the couple designed it.
“When we first saw the property, we’d been on vaca tion in Costa Rica, and we thought this home could potentially have that vibe. Out here you feel like you are on vacation. It is so peaceful. The light is lovely, and gazing at the mountains is healing,” Laurie shares.
A colorful painting by Sarah Awad takes center stage in the living room. Left: Laurie and Rick walking down the light-filled staircase from the guest suite.
| 63
Rick, who takes guitar lessons, likes to kick back in the family room.
64 |
The couple bought the property in 2004, moving to the Valley from Westwood. They wanted to be closer to their son’s school, and they needed more space—wall space. Laurie is a mixed-media modern artist. Her works have been showcased at a half dozen galleries all over the world including Skidmore Contemporary Art at Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art. Laurie’s pieces, and those of others, grace every wall. “We have been collecting seriously for the past 15 years,” she says. Some works are by famous artists. There’s a Picasso drawing as well as a series of original vintage black and white photographs by Bauhaus in the kitchen. A Lichtenstein lithograph hangs in a hallway. | 65
“ALL THE PIECES HERE ARE ABOUT LIVING ARTFULLY. THE SOUL OF AN OBJECT MATTERS TO ME. WHEN YOU CHOOSE AN ITEM INTENTIONALLY AND PURPOSEFULLY, IT ENHANCES OUR EXPERIENCE OF LIVING.”
The family room spills out into a patio garden with an Asian vibe. “I added lots of tropical succulents. I moved plants around and had my gardener plant them; the same way I collage images, I collaged plants,” Laurie notes.
“I love nature,” Rick concurs. “We are living in LA, but it feels like an island or nature refuge. Not a day goes by that I don’t open the drapes and think I’m so lucky to live here.”
Laurie also takes great pride in helping discover artists. Pointing to an abstract painting in the kitchen nook, she says, “See this? It is a commissioned piece that we bought 18 years ago by Sarah Crowner. She was a nobody. We just bought it because we loved it. Now Sarah is at the Whitney Museum of American Art in NewCreatingYork.”a space suitable and worthy of the couple’s art collection happened gradually. Originally built in 1965, the one-story, 3,100-square-foot, three-bedroom home needed updating. One of the first changes: rip ping out the wall-to-wall carpeting. Concrete floors were laid throughout (except for the bedrooms) “and it took two weeks of stripping and then layering and buffing to make them look like a gallery,” Laurie explains. Antiquated glass sliding doors were replaced with oversize Fleetwood sliders. Because Laurie loves the vibe in Japan, cherrywood, stained a reddish brown, was used in the kitchen and a bathroom, and a lush outdoor “inner garden” with cherrywood French doors and a waterfall was created off the family room. More recently, the couple added 500 square feet by building an upstairs guest suite. “It’s the perfect space for when our son and his wife come to visit from Paris,” Laurie says. Both Rick and Laurie have their own private spaces.
Rick, a psychologist who specializes in treating victims of crime and trauma, runs his private practice out of a spacious, light-filled office. And on most days you’ll find Laurie hard at work in the garage, which has been converted into an art studio. Describing the home’s decor as “Frank Sinatra in
Asian art, including a Buddha collection that dates from the 1300s to the 1700s, is scattered throughout.
This page: the kitchen nook. Left: The dining room features two noteworthy works of art: an oil painting of a man by Evita Tezeno and an enamel-on-wood painting of a room with a yellow curtain by Kirsten Everberg.
Every item displayed in the couple’s home has a story and was carefully selected—from the red contemporary metal sculpture that was bought from an artist in Mexico and craned into the backyard, to Rick’s favorite piece, a black-and-white photograph of a couple in a car.
“It was taken by Fred Lyon, a longtime, well-known photographer who is based in San Francisco. There is just something about it I love,” says Rick gazing at the shot.
Palm Springs meets a vacation resort in Costa Rica,” vibrant color coupled with a plethora of lush textures are its hallmarks. Large area carpets—actual replicas of Laurie’s paintings—are in several rooms. With a com pany in Brussels she created her own line called Tiger Lily Rugs. “People can go to my website, laurieraskin. com, and if there is something they especially like, they can have a custom carpet made.”
“For me,” Laurie says, “all the pieces here are about living artfully. The soul of an object matters to me. When you choose an item intentionally and purposeful ly, it enhances our experience of living. In this house, I feel like we can live artfully. Honestly, I came over the hill from the Westside and I was kicking and screaming. Now I love the Valley and feel like I’ll never leave.” ■
The backyard features a red metal sculpture from an artist in Mexico City who goes by “Otto.” It was recently delivered to the couple’s home and placed in the backyard with the help of a crane. Left: One of Laurie’s mixed media on canvas paintings in the couple’s bedroom.
Strapless knit Kendall set by Trois, $300; troisthelabel.com. Black quilted bag, $86; Soto in Sherman Oaks. Black puffy slides by ROAM, $140; revolve.com. Onyx ring, $650; The Beehive in Manhattan Beach. Sterling silver earrings, $395; BLVD in Manhattan Beach. Pearl spinner ring by Hillary Heydle, $360; Mag.Pi in Studio City.
70 |
todownearth SLEEK SILHOUETTES, ALONG WITH WARM, NEUTRAL TONES AND BOLD, GEOMETRIC ACCESSORIES CREATE AN ALLURING PREVIEW OF THE UPCOMING FALL SEASON. Styled by Tanya Monaghan | Photographed by Shane O’Donnell Hair & makeup by Cat Sherwin | Fashion assistance by Brenda Randall | 71
Alba dress by Bec & Bridge, $260; revolve.com. Black Castell bag by Hereu, $790; bergdorfgoodman.com. Mule heels by Gia Borghini, $740; elysewalker.com. 10k gold earrings by Lisa Ziff, $2,200; Mag.Pi in Studio City. Italian brass rings, from $99, and bracelets, $298 each; BLVD in Manhattan Beach. right: Knit crop top by Zulu & Zephyr, $130; zuluandzephyr.com. Ivory pant by Acler, $320; Neiman Marcus at Westfield Topanga. Satin top, $496; Wright’s in Manhattan Beach. Oversized gold bangles set, $148; cultgaia.com. Wood earrings, $56; The Beehive in Manhattan Beach. Gold spinner ring, $350, and gold stacking rings, from $100, by Hillary Heydle and 10k open square ring by Lisa Ziff, $1,500; all available at Mag.Pi in Studio City. Italian brass ring, $127, and face necklace, $121; BLVD in Manhattan Beach.
Winnie knit dress by Anna Quan, $395; lyst.com. Snake chain necklaces by Loren Stewart, from $184; farfetch. com. Oversized cast pearl studs, $350, and Italian brass bracelets, $298 each; BLVD in Manhattan Beach. Stacking rings by Hillary Heydle, from $100; at Mag.Pi in Studio City. right: Camel coat by Vince, $995; lyst. com. Bucket bag by Hereu, $490; bergdorfgoodman.com. Metallic green dress, $79 and evil eye necklace, $74; both at Soto in Sherman Oaks. Open square ring by Lisa Ziff, $1,500, pearl spinner ring, $360 and stacking ring, $100, both by Hillary Heydle; Mag. Pi in Studio City. Italian brass ring by Nomadika $127; BLVD in Manhattan Beach. Cognac leather boots by Isabel Marant, $1,290; farfetch.com. Belt in cognac suede with brass buckle, $270; Calleen Cordero in Studio City.
Goose down jacket by Zentner, $498; Wright’s in Manhattan Beach. Meg sweatshirt dress in faded black by Isabel Marant Étoile, $475; Nordstrom at Westfield Topanga. Gold vermeil hoops, $375; BLVD in Manhattan Beach.
discover ventura blvd on instagram @OURVENTURABLVD Visit buckley.org for more information or to schedule a tour today DYNAMIC HISTORY. BOLD FUTURE. An Open HousePLEASE JOIN US FOR We invite you to join us for a tour of our campus, including classroom visits; to hear from students, faculty, and administrators; and to learn about the warmth, compassion, and learning environment of the Wesley community. 4832 Tujunga Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601 - 818.508.4717 Register at www.wesleyschool.org Oct. 19 or Dec. 2 Interested in Kindergarten-5th Grade? Adults please join us at 8:45am on one of these dates: Interested in 6th-8th Grade? Adults and students please join us at 9:30am on: Nov. 12 | 77
Fortunately, resorts like the Rosewood offer door-todoor shuttle service to make your journey less hectic. You won’t need a car in San Miguel, so skip the rental. If you’re feeling ambitious, package your trip with a stop in Mexico City, about three hours away.
First, there’s anticipation. The private car rolls through arid grasslands and hills of Guanajuato state in central Mexico, revealing the occasional cactus and roadside restaurant. The expectancy builds slowly during the two-hour ride from the nearest airport as signs begin to appear for your final destination. Buildings along your path transition from white and beige to earthy yellows, oranges and reds, as if a magic paintbrush suddenly colored your journey. As the hues become more vibrant, so do the people—tourists and locals commingling on a narrow cobblestone street, a vintage VW Beetle trying to navigate around them while a vendor with a dozen hats stacked on his head looks for customers. There’s the sweet fragrance of blossoms and fresh fruit. There’s music. There’s joy. This is San Miguel de Allende. A missionary town that dates back to 1542, San Miguel el Grande was an important stopover on Spain’s silver route. It also played a vital role during the Mexican War of Independence and was renamed to honor the famous son and local hero Ignacio Allende in 1826. The most recognizable appeal of the hillside town is the 16th-century Spanish Colonial Baroque architecture, vividly painted in a warm and welcoming palette. But look deeper, and you’ll find that San Miguel is more than just a pretty face.
HOW TO GET THERE
WHERE TO STAY
Though only opened in 2011, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende skillfully recreates the historical charm of this beloved Mexican city. Dramatic courtyards, lush gardens and locally significant art pieces set a beautiful stage upon arrival. Guests can choose from 67 handsome rooms and suites featuring wood-beamed ceilings, hand-carved furniture, fireplaces, spacious bathrooms, balconies and more. If you’re visiting with a large group, the resort also offers private residences for rent, each with a fully functional rooftop, Jacuzzi and grill—perfect for out door entertaining.
WHERE TO EAT
The Rosewood offers first-rate dining on property. Ideal for both breakfast and dinner, 1826 Restaurant celebrates the region’s rich heritage and culinary tradi tions. Dine inside or alfresco on farm-to-table cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms and food producers. The adjacent 1826 Tequila Bar of fers more than 120 labels of tequila and more than 20 mezcals—guided by a resident tequilier (tequila som melier), who will gladly walk you through the process, City With Heart
There are no airports serving the town of San Miguel de Allende, so you will need to fly to a neighboring city like Guanajuato, Querétaro or León. Expect at least a one- to two-hour car ride from any of these airports.
A
Written by Darren Elms
SOULFUL SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE OFFERS A FEAST FOR ALL THE SENSES.
78 |
Luna, on the Rosewood rooftop, is your destina tion for tapas, sunsets and spectacular city views. A wonderful place to sit, sip and converse, it will be hard to keep your attention on your company with such an incredible city vista surrounding you.
For special occasions, reserve a seat in La Cava, the private wine cellar paying homage to iconic artist Frida Kahlo, and sample one or more of 800 bottles of wine from Mexico and around the world. The resort will also happily arrange a grilled feast at a private residence or elsewhere on the gorgeous grounds.
WHAT TO DO Once you’ve taken a dip in the pool and indulged in a signature treatment from Sense, A Rosewood Spa, it’s time to hit the town running. Although small, San Miguel de Allende is layered with quaint streets that climb to the Parish of St. Michael the Archangel and the main square, El Jardin. Though the church itself dates back centuries, the neo-Gothic facade was introduced in 1880 by self-taught architect and master stone mason Zeferino Gutiérrez. A grand fantasy with soaring turrets, the church is one of the most photographed in Mexico. On most days the plaza outside comes alive 80 |
traditions and folklore behind the vast selection.
If you’re interested in his technique, Lucas frequents Rosewood with private art lessons. Fabrica La Aurora is home to the city’s largest col lection of art galleries and design studios, housed in a former textile mill. If you’re looking for folk art, Mercado de Artesanías links three blocks of stalls and storefronts with hand-painted pottery, textiles, toys, tableware and more.
| 81 with musicians and a variety of food vendors. Leisurely strolls off this main axis will introduce you to all kinds of shopping, including jewelers, artisans and antiques. Lucas Rise, an Argentinian artist known for his vibrant patterns, recently opened a clothing store called Rise, featuring his flair for color and shape.
Reflect on the charming residential fountains that locals relied on as a water source. Dare to use one of the metal door knockers shaped like a hand on someone’s wooden door. Who knows what waits on the other side? ■
When your shopping bags and stomachs are at capacity, take some time to just wander. Enjoy the unevenness of the stone streets under your sandals.
Kathy and Michael DarutyEmcee Mario Lopez on stage with Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center caregivers
Bonnie and Walter Hill
Mission Accomplished Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center donors, clinicians, leaders and caregivers gathered to celebrate the culmination of the Minutes Matter Emergency Services Campaign, which raised $78 million to build the new Jaromír Střížka Emergency Department and Cusumano Family Health Center in Burbank. The event highlighted the vision of more than 3,000 donors and hundreds of volunteer leaders whose collective generosity made fundraising history at the medical center. The party featured gourmet food stations and tours of the new facilities. The Jaromír Střížka Emergency Department will open early this fall. Providence Urgent Care (housed in the Cusumano Family Health Center) opens in early 2023. The new facilities will dramatically help the medical center meet the emergency services needs of the community.
Nat and Alma Rubinfeld
Kathryn Barger and Michael Hastings
Paula and Tim Davis
SEEN 82 |
Habibi, Tanner
SEEN| 83 Roger Cusumano, Carmen Italia, Gregg Garfield, Don
Michael
the
Members
Emily Cusumano, Cusumano of Cusumano
Lisa and Mark Goldstein
SteveYorkshireFishman and Cusumano
family The Spazmatics entertain the crowd.
Caroline
Stephanie Weinberg, Dani Abraham, Melissa Bacelar, Jeff Spinner, Tracy Seip and Valentine Tom Bergeron and Melissa Bacelar
Peter Wasek and Christine Change
JONESCHELSEABYPHOTOGRAPHED
Jonetta Kaiser and Natalie Linez Ruve and Neal McDonough and their children
Justin Wachmann and Micaela Ricca
SEEN 84 | Pet Fête
The Studio City-based nonprofit animal rescue organization Wagmor Pets hosted friends and supporters to honor actor and animal activist Jenna Dewan with the Kindness Award at its inaugural Pet Gala. More than $60,000 was raised at the event, which was held at Yamashiro Hollywood. Wagmor, formerly a luxury pet hotel, switched gears in 2020, becoming a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing needy pets (some stole the show at the event) and securing adoption.
Ron Perlman and Allison Dunbar
Actor/honoree Jenna Dewan
Teilor Grubbs
Pedram Salimpour, Wendy Greuel, Melanie Coto, Joe Adams
SEEN| 85 ALANISTUDIOBYPHOTOGRAPHED
Carnaval Gala Discovery Cube LA, the children’s museum, held its annual gala at the nonprofit’s Sylmar location. This year the party theme was that of a Latin-inspired carnaval. Guests were entertained by stilt walkers, tightrope walkers and jugglers as well as the band Big Bad VooDoo Daddy. Money raised will benefit science education and will be used to support exhibits, educational programming and field trips hosted by Discovery Cube.
Joe Adams, Dean Schramm, Pedram Salimpour, Renee Valdes, William Ahmanson, Wendy Greuel, Pep Valdes
EDITED BY LAURA L. WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMEKA JACOBS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Regardless of their industry or trade, women have had to work harder and longer to achieve professional success. Here we salute several local women who have done that heavy lifting with dedication and passion throughout their careers—and now are at the pinnacle of their respective fields. From real estate to law to medicine to business owners, their talents and accomplishments are diverse. The common thread? A keen ability to get the job done and achieve optimal results for their clients. In this annual Women of the Valley business profiles section, you’ll meet some of the most accomplished, highly regarded professionals in our community. 88 SHARON M. TARZANAPROVIDENCEGROSSCEDARS-SINAIMEDICALCENTER 90 YANA CHERNOVCHERNOVTEAM 92 LISA HELFEND MEYER MEYER, OLSON, LOWY & MEYERS, LLP 94 ANITA RICH THE RICH GROUP | COMPASS 96 VENTURA BLVD 98 STEPHANIE PAYAB THE PAYAB GROUP | BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY CALIFORNIAHOMESERVICESPROPERTIES 99 DR. GLENNA TOLBERT TOLBERT CENTER FOR REHABILITATION AND WELLNESS 100 JODIE PROPERTIESHOMESERVICESBERKSHIREFRANCISCOHATHAWAYCALIFORNIA 101 DANIELLE PERETZ THE AGENCY 102 SUSANNA NAGY KELLER WILLIAMS 103 NICOLE BASSERI & ARIANA FEE STEAMER CLEANERS 104 GAIL HOMESERVICESBERKSHIRESALEMHATHAWAYCALIFORNIA REALTY 105 GINA MICHELLE THE AGENCY 106 DAYNA BUILDINGPROPERTIESHOMESERVICESBERKSHIRECAMPBELLHATHAWAYCALIFORNIA&KNUDTSONMAINTENANCE 107 AMALIA KHACHIKIAN TEAM AMALIA-K | BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY CALIFORNIAHOMESERVICESPROPERTIES WOMEN OF THE VALLEY
WOMEN OF THE VALLEY
What I have accomplished is due to hard work. I have also been fortunate to be at the right place at the right time and ready for the opportunities that came my way. I’m grateful for the bosses who supported me and allowed me to challenge myself. I have adopted their mentoring style and shared it with my staff over the years.
My family has always been supportive of my career. My husband, Marc, and I are fortunate to have careers that allow us to be part of our children’s lives. As they grew up, our children saw the work ethic that my husband and I had and how important a career is, and I think they benefited from it.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR CURRENT POSITION? This project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To be part of a building project from the ground up is unbelievable. It takes a huge team of people—each with unique talents—to make this happen.
I have been in Los Angeles since 1987, first working at West Valley Hospital until it closed. I joined Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center in 1995. I chose health care as a career because I was exposed to hospital work early on and realized the impact it has on everyone. I wanted to be part of something that helped others in need, where I had the opportunity to make a difference. I was lucky to have mentors along my career path who provided me with the tools and knowledge to get where I am today. I am forever grateful to them.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE WAYS TO STAY GROUNDED? I stay grounded by appreciating the opportunities given to me and what I have today. I do not take things for granted. I do what I need to do to get the job done alongside those I work with. I feel privileged to work at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center. I have expanded my career opportunities here, and I have had the privilege to work with such talented and compassionate people who all have a common goal of providing a high quality of care and services to all those whom we serve.
DESCRIBE YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE.
WHAT HAS MADE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR CAREER?
IF YOU COULD BEGIN AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO DO OVER IN YOUR CAREER? Looking back on my career, I would not want to do anything over. Each job I had and each person I met along the way got me where I am today. I am so grateful for what I get to do now. I was given an opportunity to be part of something big. It was all the lessons learned over the years throughout my career that prepared me to take on this challenge. I am still learning but also making a difference today and for the future of the Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center community.
WHAT ADVICE HAVE YOU GIVEN YOUR KIDS OVER THE YEARS? I’ve always told my children to do their best and maintain their passion and drive for what they want. I encourage them to never take things for granted. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and it will all work out.
TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU CHOSE TO WORK IN HEALTH CARE. During high school, I worked nights and weekends in radiology developing film and transporting patients to and from the department. After college, where I earned a degree in health record administration, I worked in medical records as a coder in my hometown on the East Coast.
I collaborate with my employees and try to get to know them on a personal level. My job is to help them succeed in their job. If they succeed, then it is a win-win situation. I look for opportunities for growth for my employees just like I had. I like to challenge them so they are working to their full potential. I try to remain approachable and make myself available if they need me.
SHARON M. GROSS
My son, Jacob, has an MA in psychology and a doctorate of education. He now works for a large software company. My daughter, Emily, has her MBA and works for a Major League Baseball team.
Executive Director of Construction, Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center
A s the executive director of construction at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, Sharon Gross works with the architects, general contractors, subcontractors, regulatory agencies and hospital staff to ensure that the construction taking place at the facility does not interfere with patient care. Her team is involved in furniture, fabric, hardware, signage and artwork.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION88 | 18321 CLARK ST., TARZANA | 818-708-5434 | INCREDIBLECARETARZANA.ORG
WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR FAMILY PLAY IN YOUR CAREER?
HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE HONEST, OPEN EMPLOYEE DIALOGUE?
My leadership style is to lead by example and to be available to my staff at any time. I like to explain the “why” when asking someone to do something. I like to see my team grow and succeed. My job is to make them successful in what they do, and I try to provide the same guidance that I received throughout my career.
Sharon has worked in health care for 38 years—27 of them at Providence Cedars-Sinai in a director’s position. Over the years she has provided leadership for departments including performance improvement, risk management, infection control, case management, social services, health information management, and all licensing and regulatory. Five years ago she took on her current role to support the campus redevelopment project, which includes a new employee parking structure (completed October 2019), the new patient tower, a new lobby, and the development of five new operating rooms and the Diagnostic & Treatment building Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center has been caring for San Fernando Valley residents since 1973. The hospital has been recognized repeatedly by Healthgrades® as one of the top 50 hospitals in the U.S. and as a distinguished hospital for clinical excellence.
EXCEEDED YOUR EXPECTATIONS?
YOU
I always say the same thing I’ve said in my marriage: If you’re not happy to be with the person you’re with, you should not be with that person. The same goes for managing a team. I don’t ever want to convince anyone to be a part of our team. I want people who work with us to realize the opportunity that is in front of them. At the end of the day, I don’t need you and you don’t need me, but I want you to be here and I hope you want to be here as well. If you don’t want to be where you are, you should probably find a better path for yourself.
Cofounder, Chernov Team C hernov Team, owned and operated by husband-and-wife Dennis and Yana Chernov, works in luxury real estate throughout Los Angeles and has achieved more than $3 billion in sales volume throughout 12 years in the industry.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK TIME AND PLAYTIME?
HOW DO YOU FIND TIME TO FIT IT ALL IN? It’s all about balance. It comes from organization and most importantly holding yourself accountable for every single goal you set for yourself. My entire life is a checklist. I have a checklist for my morning and night routine, for every position on our team, down to my exercise, eating habits, water intake, and even for follow-ups with friends and family.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
When I started in real estate, the industry felt very boring to me. Every video looked the same, every photo looked the same. Coming from a marketing and branding background, I knew I could add a different twist to real estate marketing and how people looked at videos. We try to bring fun, energy, life and personality into the industry. Ultimately, this approach has helped us engage with a lot more people and grow our brand. ABOUT SOMETHING HAVE LEARNED THAT SURPRISED YOU. One of the things I have learned during my real estate career and in running a business and managing a team is how many people I have the opportunity to positively impact. I have people reaching out to me daily and expressing their gratitude for my positive outlook on life, as well as my ability to balance being a mom, wife and business owner running this entire operation. I just love the fact that this industry has given me a platform to inspire and motivate other women, girls and moms.
TELL US YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE.
HOW
Yana, as the head of marketing and operations, manages personnel, accounting, brand strategy, digital media and event production. She has a background in business development and has worked in real estate since 2015. HAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE
HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE HONEST, OPEN EMPLOYEE DIALOGUE?
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION90 | 14140 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 101, SHERMAN OAKS | 818-432-1524 | CHERNOVTEAM.COM YANA CHERNOV
TELL US
DESCRIBE YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE. My leadership skills have changed and improved over the years. When I started working in this industry and we were just starting to grow our real estate team, I was a lot tougher and my expectations were a lot higher—which may have led to people being unhappy in their positions. I’ve come to find that organic and positive energy in the team and people being happy in their positions are important because that leads to a happier overall environment for the team to thrive. I have definitely changed my ways and could not be happier with the outcome of our team today.
WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR FAMILY PLAY IN YOUR CAREER? My family plays a huge role in my entire outlook on life. We immigrated to the United States from Ukraine when I was just 9 years old. At the time I didn’t understand why my family made that move, but I now know they chose to sacrifice their entire lives, careers and friends and leave everything behind to give us a better life. Starting over in a different country, watching my family struggle and face barriers like learning another language—amongst many other challenges—definitely shaped me into who I am today. It made me realize how important it is sometimes to make sacrifices. In an alternative world I could be back in Ukraine today possibly seeking shelter and safety. My family taught me to appreciate everything I have but never be scared to make a significant change. You never know how things could end up.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BIGGEST PASSION. My biggest passion is self-improvement. I believe you have to love yourself for who you are, but you should never stop improving yourself while doing so. It is very important to not only put yourself first in everything you do, but you must invest time, money and energy into always improving as well. As I get older, I realize that my energy and health are everything. Without them, I can’t be a good mom or a good wife or continue to run a high-volume business.
The best quote I have ever heard was: “She needed a hero, so she became one.” I have been asked who my hero is, and I realized that there are so many people in my daily life who inspire me. However, I truly believe you have to become your own hero.
I don’t just balance playtime; I make it a priority. Life can get stressful and busy, and it is so important to be able to enjoy it. I make a conscious effort to make sure we enjoy life and have fun, and thankfully I have been blessed with many positive, amazing friends in my life who help me do so.
There are no limits, and if you believe there are—exceed them! Be the best you can be personally and professionally. Give to others. Crush it!
DESCRIBE YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE. I love working with the attorneys in my office. I believe I earn their loyalty, respect and honesty by being loyal, respectful and honest with them. I have an open-door policy where I encourage them to speak candidly with me and express their views even if different from mine, and I help them develop their legal skills. I also enjoy unwinding with them after work with a glass of wine and getting to know them personally.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR ROLE MODEL? I don’t have one role model but an amalga mation of strong women who preceded me. When I was younger, I looked up to Gloria Steinem. There was a dynamic professor at UCLA, Andrea Rich, who taught communica tion studies. I had the good fortune to meet her again when I was an established attor ney. I respect immensely Justice Sheila Prell Sonenshine, who “has it all.” Unfortunately, when I first started practicing, there were very few assertive and accomplished female family law attorneys I could seek guidance from, so I had to find my inspiration from many different role models and mentors. That is why it is important for me to mentor young women today.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION92 | 10100 SANTA MONICA BLVD., SUITE 1425, LOS ANGELES 3161 MICHELSON DR., SUITE 1160, IRVINE 424-226-3655 | MOLMFAMLAW.COM
HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK TIME AND PLAYTIME? After 40 years, I am constantly trying to achieve work-life balance. Although I love what I do professionally and consider work “play” at times, I make sure I carve out time for my family and friends, shopping (usually online), AcroYoga and binge-watching my favorite TV shows.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK IN LAW AND START YOUR OWN FIRM?
WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR FAMILY PLAY IN YOUR CAREER? My family is part of our firm and my career. My son, Eric, is a partner at our firm and is a rising superstar. We have tried cases together; it is an amazing experience to sit next to your son at the counsel table. My granddaughter Lila has been working at my office since she was a very little girl. Of course, she raids my closet before we leave for work.
DESCRIBE A RECENT HAPPENING THAT RESTORED YOUR FAITH IN HUMANITY. Being able to help a client who has been abused by a partner or someone unrelated to them. It makes me realize that there can be a silver lining—you can learn and grow from even your worst experiences.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN?
IN BUSINESS
Founding Partner, Meyer, Olson, Lowy Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers is a female-owned and operated bou tique family law firm that equally represents both men and women.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE WAYS TO STAY GROUNDED? I stay grounded by religiously practicing AcroYoga followed by Thai massage every weekend in my home studio with my yoga ladies. It is definitely my favorite time of the week!
LISA HELFEND MEYER
I was the first person in my family to gradu ate from college, earning my bachelor’s degree in communication studies from UCLA. Initially, I wanted to go into broadcasting and spent a summer working at a local televi sion network. I saw how poorly women were treated. I didn’t like the atmosphere and felt disrespected, so on the advice of my dad, I decided to go to law school. After graduation, I practiced personal injury law and realized that wasn’t for me. I segued into working with victims of domestic violence and loved it, as I am a people person and love hearing about clients’ histories of their lives and helping them become bet ter people. I love it when people transform themselves from victims to empowered and strong individuals. From there, I opened a domestic violence restraining-order practice, and then moved into the practice of divorce. I made appearances for people with very low incomes, and from there it took off. I established my own firm in 2000, and I couldn’t be happier. I love being a small part of women changing from someone who is controlled and oftentimes abused in her rela tionship to someone who is independent and assertive. I wanted to practice in an environ ment where female (and male) attorneys could be themselves and thrive.
I don’t think I would want a do-over. I have loved my career from my first case in front of a grumpy senior judge through today when I have a mediation on a Sunday followed by a barbecue at our home with our children and grandchildren.
& Meyers, LLP
IF YOU COULD BEGIN AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO DO OVER IN YOUR CAREER?
Founder Lisa Helfend Meyer and her team specialize in all aspects of family law, includ ing complex divorce, division of high net worth estates, custody cases, domestic violence, pre- and postnuptial agreements, dissolution of domestic partnerships and issues specific to LGBTQ+ families, and mediation. Lisa has worked in law for four decades.
TELL US YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE. My favorite and often-used quote is “Mother Teresa doesn’t marry Attila the Hun,” meaning that it usually takes two to tango.
WOMEN
HOW HAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE EXCEEDED YOUR CLIENTS’ EXPECTATIONS?
Meadow: When thinking about a career, find that one “thing” that you love to do and that you’re passionate about. That’s the key.
and professionals. TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE YOUR KIDS?
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Anita: My clients appreciate that I often anticipate a question or concern by having the answer before they even ask. I always return phone calls or texts, and nothing is immaterial. Everything that matters to the client is handled and attended to very professionally.
RECENT
Anita Rich: Compass is a firm that promotes ethics and has a true desire to back with an unsurpassed level of It is where my team and I can work with peers
Anita: In real estate, you have helpful and kind people and you also have envious and greedy agents! It’s similar to every other profession. I realized that in our office, we truly have an attitude of caring, sharing and cheering each other on. Watching our manager be very hands-on and supportive, I realized that we get to choose our environment and who to be around. Toxicity does not need to fill the center stage in our lives.
YOUR
With today’s technology and our clients and competitors having access to information, the only thing that truly sets Realtors apart is their ability to exceed their clients’ expectations in ways that can’t be found on the internet. And my clients tell me that I do!
Anita: Markets come and go. All you can do is keep your integrity, stay sincere and know that people come into your life with their agenda. It’s not about you! It’s not personal.
Anita: Travel is my #1 passion. Music—all different genres. Theater and opera. Reading. Yoga and Pilates. Ileana: I am the proud mother of three remarkable children. In my spare time, I love to travel! I also enjoy being physically active—I run, hike, play tennis and am a Pilates enthusiast.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE HEARD?
IN
Anita: I had forgotten that we as a whole are pretty set in our ways and beliefs. Over the last two years, living with a pandemic has truly changed a lot of people’s outlooks. I am always surprised to find people choosing the negative over the positive! We seem to have a need to heal. I did not realize to what depth people have fallen after being cooped up for so long.
their associates
Meadow: My family, husband and children are the most important things in my life. Being there for them and showing up for them is a nonnegotiable. My career as a real estate agent provides me with the flexibility to make and manage my own schedule, which in turn allows me quality time with my family. I feel beyond blessed that I’m doing something I love to do without sacrificing the time I love with my family.
Anita: I plan at the beginning of each quarter. As a free spirit, I learned the hard way that there is freedom in structure.
Anita: My family is very supportive of my passion as a real estate broker. Many of my referrals come from my hubby and my daughters.
DESCRIBE A HAPPENING RESTORED FAITH HUMANITY.
THAT
Anita: I am one of the top agents in my market. I feel honored to be included in this year’s Wall Street Journal RealTrends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals list. I have earned many certifications and designations and am a member of various Realtor associations.
TELL US ABOUT SOMETHING YOU RECENTLY LEARNED THAT SURPRISED YOU.
integrity and
Anita: Learn as much as you can. Find a career you can love. Always save for a rainy day. Be kind and loving. Enjoy every day—it’s a gift.
Ileana Lee: I love this question because exceeding my clients’ expectations is literally my mission and in my tagline! My clients often describe me as smart and an excellent listener, communicator and negotiator, but my favorite description is “relentless.” I treat every client like they are a member of my family and every home like it is my own. That means I am very honest and transparent with my clients, and I negotiate like the money being discussed is my own! My motivation to treat every client this way comes from my heartfelt viewpoint that real estate is a relationship business.
TELL US ABOUT A FEW OF YOUR PASSIONS.
TELL US YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE. Meadow Scott: “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”–Babe Ruth Anita: “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Zigler HOW DO YOU FIND TIME TO FIT IT ALL IN?
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION94 | 14140 VENTURA BLVD., SHERMAN OAKS | 818-632-2258 | THERICHGROUP.LA | DRE #02067686, 02023909, 01987138 ANITA RICH The Rich Group | Compass T he Rich Group, under the umbrella of Compass, was founded by Anita Rich, a Realtor® with more than 35 years of real estate experience. The group is comprised of Anita and four other Realtors. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ALIGN WITH COMPASS?
technology.
WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR FAMILY PLAY IN YOUR CAREER?
L to R: Ileana Lee, Meadow Scott, Anita Rich, Donna Mann, Nina Asor
Robin: I love connecting people. Ventura Blvd’s magazine and platforms are my medium to do this on a large scale. On a smaller scale, I support Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission in their work to prevent, reduce and eliminate poverty, hunger and homelessness in our community.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION96 | 200 N. PACIFIC COAST HWY., SUITE 110, EL SEGUNDO | 310-376-7800 | OURVENTURABLVD.COM | GOLDENSTATE.IS VENTURA BLVD
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE WAYS TO CHARGE YOUR BATTERY?
HOW DO YOU HELP MAKE THE VALLEY A BETTER COMMUNITY?
Sue: I try to listen to my clients’ needs and guide them toward solutions that will help them share their story with the community.
Linda: As a longtime journalist who has worked in nearly every medium, probably my curiosity. My husband always says I’m either the best person to sit next to at a dinner party (if you are gregarious) or the worst (if you are shy). Point of fact: I ask a lot of questions because I am genuinely interested. That said, Ventura Blvd as well my podcast, SheSez, are both learning adventures. I find things and people I’m interested in, and I get to satiate my curiosity and learn. It’s very fulfilling.
Michelle: As creative director, I’m juggling a lot every day. There are so many components that go into every issue, so being able to multitask and prioritize is huge for me. The creative aspect of my job is where I think I shine—I love figuring out the best way to bring our stories alive through photography and illustration and then combining it all to make a compelling issue.
Linda: It underscored the importance of spending time wisely and with loved ones. And it gave me a better understanding of the term “carpe diem”—seize the day. As we all learned, life can change pretty drastically in a mere moment. Lastly, it made me more of a minimalist. I really haven’t purchased much in terms of personal belongings since the pandemic. I just feel like I have enough stuff. Less truly is more.
Robin: I’ve become more adaptive in all areas of my life. Can’t work things out the usual way? No problem; let’s flip it over and look at it from another angle. No matter what is thrown at me in my life or at my team at Ventura Blvd, we will figure out how to make things work for our clients and our business.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
N ow in its 12th year, the Ventura Blvd lifestyle platform provides compelling stories that emanate from the San Fernando Valley about the people who live here. Those stories are shared in an eight-times-a-year magazine, on the website ourventurablvd.com and through social channels. The through line across all Ventura Blvd content: focusing on the things that matter to our community. Here, meet the women who make it happen.
Robin Sanders, Publisher: I have a daily practice that involves meditation, reading, floating in the pool and playing with my dog.
HOW DID THE PANDEMIC CHANGE YOU?
Robin: I’m a collaborator. It’s important to me to understand a client’s business and their goals. Every person I work with is important, and I believe it shows in how I interact with them. My entire team takes a holistic view on how we work with local businesses.
WHAT ARE SOME CHARACTERISTICS THAT MAKE YOU GOOD AT YOUR JOB?
Sue: I am a true people person. As a director of brand partnerships, I have built strong relationships with clients who have become friends, in many cases.
Sue: It made us all more appreciative of the little things. I enjoy going to local restaurants and live music venues with friends and family as often as I can.
O’DONNELLSHANEBYPHOTOGRAPHED
Sue Williams, Director of Brand Partnerships: I love road trips (especially to the Central Coast) with my husband and stumbling on unique places off the beaten path. I also love comfy nights at home bingeing TV with my kitties. Michelle Villas, Creative Director: My husband and I do a lot of camping with our dog. Just getting away for a couple of days without being connected to work and social media is really refreshing. There’s a tranquility out there that I respond to. And then throw in a fire at night with some beverages, and you’re all set!
Linda: I feel like Ventura Blvd is a binding or vesting agent; it brings us together, shares who we are and gives us the feeling of knowing our neighbors. And whether in the print issues or online at ourventurablvd. com, the articles celebrate our community— the people, businesses, organizations and locations that make it a great place to live.
Linda Grasso, Editor-in-Chief: Because I’m conversational and outgoing, people think I’m an extrovert. But the truth is, I’m an introvert. I charge my battery by being in my garden or cooking in my kitchen—in complete silence. Both things refresh and center me.
DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF CREATING A MAGAZINE FOR THE GOLDEN STATE Michelle:COMPANY. I design all of Golden State’s regional magazines, and there’s a major level of collaboration involved in preparing each issue for press. Working closely with our editors to craft the direction of each issue is a great experience. Every photographer and illustrator is another piece of the puzzle where we come together to find the creative vision. Beyond that, our publishers and sales team are always thinking of new offerings that we can present to our clients, and I love helping them bring that to fruition. I’ve been with this company eight years now, and I love where I am in my career.
L to R: Robin Sanders, Michelle Villas, Sue Williams and Linda Grasso lunching at Osteria La Buca in Sherman Oaks
HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE HONEST, OPEN DIALOGUE IN YOUR WORKPLACE? It is very important to me to be open and honest with my team members as well as my clients. Everyone on my team has the opportunity to grow and learn by speaking freely without judgment. I enjoy the conversa tions, both easy and difficult, that arise during a real estate transaction. My team members and I work together to make the real estate transaction a pleasant experience for every one involved.
IF YOU COULD BEGIN AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO DO OVER IN YOUR CAREER? If I had a magic wand that could take me back in time, I would embrace my social media presence earlier in my real estate career. The fear of looking silly and not know ing what to say or how I would be perceived kept me from taking advantage of these plat forms and opportunities. I now understand that these marketing tools can reach large audiences, and I have fun making videos to promote and market both myself and my business. My followers love it!
STEPHANIE PAYAB Realtor ®, The Payab Group | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
WOMEN OF THE VALLEY
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION98 | 16810 VENTURA BLVD., ENCINO | 818-269-2796 | THEPAYABGROUP.COM | DRE #01394407
WHAT IS THE #1 THING YOU DO TO ENSURE THE PAYAB GROUP IS SUCCESSFUL? The #1 thing I do to ensure my success is to make sure my clients know they are included and aware of every aspect of the buying or selling process. My team and I provide detailed information every step of the way, which leads to a smooth transaction, no surprises and satisfied clients!
Real estate agent Stephanie Payab has been with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties since 2003 and started The Payab Group in 2016. Stephanie has consistently earned some of the highest awards presented to agents within Berkshire Hathaway. In addition, she has been recognized nationally in the top 1% of all BHHS agents.
DESCRIBE YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE AND HOW YOU LEAD YOUR TEAM. My leadership style could be compared to a teacher. I give the necessary information and then let my real estate “students” figure out what comes next. I am approachable and eager to see my team members grow and realize their potential. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the look in the eyes of a team member when they realize what they have accomplished! THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IS STILL EXTREMELY BUSY. HOW DO YOU FIND TIME TO FIT IT ALL IN? While I am busy, I do find time for fun. And thankfully, my personal and professional lives overlap. Many of my clients are my friends, and others become friends along the way. Because of this, routine real estate pro cedures become a time for me to hang out and catch up with the people I enjoy.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 99 17609 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 114, ENCINO, 818-784-7197 | 240 S. LA CIENEGA BLVD., SUITE 250, BEVERLY HILLS, 424-355-0344 DRGLENNATOLBERT.COM
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
Owner/Medical Director, Tolbert Center for Rehabilitation Wellness
I challenge my team to be bold with an idea that might save a patient’s life. I also challenge them to be cautious when others in the health care industry shun our nontraditional approaches to medicine, because they know our treatment heals our patients. Most of all, I encourage the team to take those bold steps not just to be different, but for the love of medicine.
IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU AN INNOVATOR?
MD, QME, FAAPMR
WHAT IS YOUR SPECIALTY SERVICE?
GLENNA TOLBERT,
he Tolbert Center for Rehabilitation and Wellness, founded by Dr. Glenna Tolbert in 2005, is a Los Angeles-area medical facility offering nonsurgical and minimally invasive techniques and procedures that help patients enjoy long-term pain relief. Dr. Tolbert, a board-certified physician specializing in physical medicine, rehabilitation and spinal cord medicine, has practiced medicine for 28 years.
T
WHAT DOES YOUR COMPANY STAND FOR? We incorporate our love for medicine into everything we do. Our philosophy is to help people be all that God intended them to be, which is fabulous—regardless of what their insurance covers. Our goal is to remove the healing barriers and provide tools that help patients be their best selves.
The human spirit of my patients: The 60-year-old grandma who suffers from chronic burning nerve pain from chemotherapy, who is raising her grandson. The 72-year-old marathon runner. The Encino Little Leaguer protecting his body by using our natural treatments for sports injuries, who was drafted by the Dodgers. The 30-year-old lawyer who lost a leg in a motorcycle accident and works out before putting in an eight-hour day at the law firm. The 50-year-old writer paralyzed after a gunshot wound to the head, whose poetry sends chills down my spine.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS IVCUNNINGHAMTHOMASBYPHOTOGRAPHED
and
I empower patients to take control of their health by introducing them to a world of wellness and healing options that insurance companies and health care plans do not offer. These services include advanced nutritional testing and supplementation, hormone optimization, and regenerative injections to heal joints and potentially prevent the need for joint replacements.
We specialize in treating patients with regenerative medicine, which makes it possible for people to find healing and avoid surgery and pills so they can get back to an active lifestyle without pain. We all have the power to heal, and it is important to get to the root cause of someone’s chronic pain—not just look to surgery and pain medications as the solution.
HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE GREATNESS IN YOUR TEAM?
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
JODIE FRANCISCO Realtor ®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
R esidential Realtor Jodie Francisco has worked with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties for the past 21 years, serving clients throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles metropolitan area. She earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Illinois and worked as the West Coast advertising director for Billboard magazine prior to becoming a real estate agent. For the past several years, Jodie has been selected for the Best of Encino Award in the real estate agents category.
HOW DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR COMMUNITY? I produce a monthly newsletter for my neighbors, keeping them apprised of things happening in the neighborhood. I also have a community Facebook page where I let people know about nearby events. I host community meetings once or twice a year with our senior lead officer, our city councilperson’s field deputy and other guest speakers.
DO YOU THINK MENTORS ARE IMPORTANT? Yes, I think mentors are very important. I’ve had many in my career. I have been a mentor to new agents for many years and love sowing seeds and watching them grow. My mentors were very generous with their time, knowledge and experience, and I try to do the same for my mentees.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION100 | 14141 VENTURA BLVD. #8, SHERMAN OAKS | 818-970-3936 | JODIEFRANCISCO.COM | ENCINOWOODS.COM | DRE #01330628
“Ask not what your country can do for you— ask what you can do for your– Johncountry.”F.Kennedy
I am very passionate about finding solutions for our unhoused neighbors. I feel that as a Realtor, it’s important for me to try to help those who aren’t able to find housing. I have been advocating and raising money for this cause for many years. I am very involved with the California Association of Realtors and their legislative activities. I participate in our Legislative Day, where we fly to Sacramento and meet with legislators to discuss important issues to promote homeownership.Iwasthechair of the homelessness committee of the Encino Neighborhood Council, as well as a part of the Council District 5 homelessness task force. I just finished our sixth annual Encino Woods 4th of July bike and scooter parade and bake sale. We raised $500 for LA Family Housing. I coordinate a holiday toy drive along with 88.5 FM and Les Perry for the children at LA Family Housing. I also work very closely with Ken Craft at Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, raising money, donating clothing and books, as well doing voter registration and census drives. I donate time and money to Get Together Foundation’s various charitable drives. I also donate a portion of every commission to The Charitable Foundation through Berkshire Hathaway, which provides grants for local organizations that promote health, education, community and the environment.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
TELL US YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE.
TAKE A RISK OR PLAY IT SAFE IN BUSINESS?
F or more than two decades, Danielle Peretz has lived and worked in Studio City—buying, selling and renovating countless homes while providing real estate investment services for builders and luxury developers and assisting buyers and sellers across Los Angeles. She has worked with The Agency since 2018.
331 N. FOOTHILL DR., STUDIO CITY | 818-644-1477 | DANIELLEPERETZ.COM | DRE #01897529 DANIELLE PERETZ Realtor ®, The Agency WOMEN OF THE VALLEY
There is truly a balance of both in every major decision I make. I live by the saying “high risk, high reward” and challenge myself to apply not only sentimental valuation but also concrete evidence to support my decision. In order to achieve the lifestyle you dream of, taking calculated risks is necessary. There is always something to lose—money, time—but it’s imperative to consider how much there is to gain.
DESCRIBE YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE. I pride myself on being a team player. Being honest and con siderate, motivated yet humble, and exercising patience and dedication provides my team with the necessary skills to succeed. Being supportive and available 100% of the time to my clients is what I aim for, and I understand that to do that, I need open communication with my team. Being a team player is everything!
WHAT PUTS A SPRING IN YOUR STEP AND KEEPS YOU FEELING ENERGIZED? My clients’ happiness and spending time with my family. I treat every transaction as if it were my very own and become person ally invested in securing happiness for my clients. Going home to my beautiful family gives me all the energy I need after a busy day. Having an intimate dinner with my supportive husband, our three beautiful children and our precious dog is the highlight of my day.
Embody the role of a lifelong student. Always be ready to learn from experiences. Question the “experts.” Be open to change. Expose yourself to new ideas. Learn new skills. Never be satisfied with what you think you know, and more importantly, do not consider yourself an expert. Every single deal in real estate is specific and unique; it is impossible to apply the same methods to each transaction and expect the same result. As a Realtor you are dealing with emotions, life savings, sentimental values and the dream of homeownership. Consider these facets of the job, and apply your broad range of skills accordingly.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 101
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR A WOMAN JUST STARTING IN YOUR LINE OF WORK?
WHAT DO YOU DO TO ENSURE YOUR BUSINESS IS SUCCESSFUL? Real estate is an extremely personal field. I get to know my clients—their family and work life, their habits, hobbies and goals—in order to properly represent their best interests. I treat every client as if I were representing a close family member in one of the most important transactions of their life. I enjoy the opportunity to build lasting relationships. Not only are my clients now great friends, many also consider me part of their family.
SUSANNA NAGY Realtor ®, Keller Williams
A healthy work-life balance can be challenging, with weekend showings, twilight open houses and early-morning home inspections. Spontaneity is my key to effective work and playtime. I always have a pair of sneakers in the car for a quick hike. When you live in Los Angeles, chances are excellent that when some unexpected free time opens, there is something exciting to do. Some of my favorites are a Kings hockey game, the Hollywood Bowl, a museum or a quick getaway to Laguna Beach.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK TIME AND PLAYTIME?
TELL US YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO STAY AT THE TOP OF YOUR PROFESSION? My clients provide all the motivation I need to stay at the top. Buying or selling a home is an important milestone in a person’s life, and quite often it is literally life-changing. Being trusted to navigate clients through this complex process carries tremendous responsibility, and being recognized as a leader in my profession provides great personal satisfaction and motivates me to excel. I am proud to be known as the go-to Realtor of the San Fernando Valley.
Areal estate agent for the past 20 years, Susanna Nagy is certified as a Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and has been recognized as being in the top 1% of Keller Williams agents nationwide. She has made an impressive mark on the real estate industry. Real Estate Executive Magazine included her in their list of Southern California’s 100 Most Influential Realtors.
“Luck is the residue of design.” – John Milton When I hear someone say, “He got lucky,” I tend to look a little deeper at the situation and find that intelligence, hard work and planning were the significant factors—not necessarily luck. I smile when a client says, “Luckily, you found us our dream home at such a great price.”
HOW DID YOUR EARLY LIFE SHAPE YOUR CAREER? My mother and father instilled in me a tireless work ethic and a tremendous sense of compassion. I grew up on a small family farm in rural Hungary. I was up at 4:30 a.m. to tend to the livestock before going to school. Life on the farm was certainly hard, but I cherish the memories of family time each night around the dinner table.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS SUTTONJOHNBYPHOTOGRAPHED
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION102 | 4061 LAUREL CANYON BLVD., STUDIO CITY | 818-481-1602 | BEST-LA-REALESTATE.COM | DRE #01832306
Ariana: As a modern woman living in Los Angeles, I’m on a strict therapy schedule. My favorite lesson that works for grounding is the thought model! You’re so lucky! This is free, previously expensive advice: Thoughts > Feelings > Actions > Results. Change your thoughts to grounded positive thoughts, and you’ll see correlating results. Your beautiful brain is powerful. Also yoga and meditation. Duh.
“When I walk into a room, I know that everyone in it loves me. I just don’t expect them to realize it yet.” — Byron Katie
NICOLE BASSERI & ARIANA FEE Owners, Steamer Cleaners S teamer Cleaners has been offering dry cleaning, laundry and tailoring services to Valley customers since 1987. Owners Nicole and Shahrokh Basseri met at a dry-cleaning establishment, married and started their business together. Prior to that, Nicole graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in sociology and worked in medical sales for more than 30 years. Their daughter, Ariana, was born into the industry and has been a part of Steamer Cleaners her entire life. She studied marketing and creative writing at Emerson College in Boston and works as a comedian, script consultant and writer.
HOW DO YOU FIND TIME TO FIT IT ALL IN? We “delegate” the less fun business tasks, aka things we don’t want to do, to Shahrokh! TELL US YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE.
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU GIVE BACK TO YOUR Nicole:COMMUNITY? Serving our community has always been at the forefront of Steamer Cleaners. We have a standing offer to dry clean an interview outfit for a job interview if you are unemployed. This is accompanied by tips from my experiences teaching interview skills within the corporate world. Steamer Cleaners supports Casa Treatment Center for women recovering from addiction, and we are all are proud members of the Rotary Club of San Marino. The sparkliest philanthropy we do is getting teens ready for prom. We have gathered hundreds of dresses and suits for The Princess Project. We recently collected and tailored prom outfits for teens at CHAMPS Charter High School of the Arts. To continue our passion for looking fabulous at prom, we worked with the Chris Paul Family Foundation doing prom outfit perfecting for a local orphanage.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE WAYS TO STAY GROUNDED?
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 103 13646 VENTURA BLVD., SHERMAN OAKS | 818-906-2345 | STEAMERCLEANERS.COM
WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR FAMILY PLAY IN YOUR CAREER?
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Ariana: My family IS my career. There isn’t a day that goes by without expressing to my bosses (I call them Mommy and Daddy) how much I love them. If they weren’t my parents, I think I would have chosen diamonds over dry cleaning. But that’s just me!
WOMEN IN BUSINESS PHOTOGRAPHYDEGENERESJOANNABYPHOTOGRAPHED
GAIL SALEM Realtor ®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Realty
The best advice I received was from my mother. She owned a lingerie shop and worked long hours but always managed to make it seem easy. Her advice was oldschool: Always treat clients with care and respect. Your day is finished when the job is done. Don’t take life so seriously. Enjoy what you do and keep a sense of humor. She also told me to find a husband!
HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK TIME AND PLAYTIME?
I tend to work hard, and I like having a schedule and systems in place. However, in real estate the best plans can change at a moment’s notice. Staying focused and getting back on track is challenging. It takes discipline and a passion for what you do. A nonnegotiable is my morning cardio kickboxing class, which I do several times a week. My mind and body function better after a great workout. Friday afternoons are dedicated to my grandkids; they bring so much love and joy into my life!
DESCRIBE A RECENT HAPPENING THAT RESTORED YOUR FAITH IN HUMANITY. Recently a young couple was referred to me by a former client to find their first home. They had been working from home during the pandemic in a small rental along with their lovable Labrador. The market was hot with multiple offers, and they had a VA loan due to the husband’s years of serving in the military. We lost out on several homes, but we persevered. They closed on a lovely home on a tree-lined street with plenty of room and a yard for their pup!
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
WHAT STEPS DO YOU TAKE TO ENSURE YOUR BUSINESS IS SUCCESSFUL? Never stop learning! The world is changing so fast. As Realtors it is important to keep up on the newest market trends and understand everything involved in each transaction. I am hands-on with my clients every step of the way—so much so that I miss speaking with them every day when the transaction is over. I keep up with the latest marketing and advertising trends to get the best exposure for the homes I am selling. Surrounding myself with a support staff of professionals who hold the same work ethic and standards is a must!
Gail Salem has worked in real estate for nearly 20 years. She graduated with a BFA in theatre arts from the University of Miami and worked in New York City on soap operas and in theatre. An acting opportunity then brought her to Los Angeles— and she fell in love with the city. Today she is married, has two sons and four grandchil dren. She supports clients through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Realty.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION104 | 16810 VENTURA BLVD., ENCINO | 818-516-1546 | GAILSALEM.COM | DRE #01361053
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE WAYS TO STAY GROUNDED? This is a great question because to be a highly successful agent, you must stay grounded, avoid burnout, stay motivated and most importantly, enjoy the career you have chosen. I have a “work hard, play hard” mentality. I have developed amazing friendships within my industry, and have learned that I must take time out from work to truly enjoy the relationships and savor the special moments. And my family is my true center. They give me so many reasons to stay grounded. Some days it is not easy, but it’s the commitment you must make to be successful!
Gina Michelle brings 17 years of real estate experience to her work with The Agency. She partners with PriceLift to upgrade and renovate clients’ homes for sale to increase the selling price at no cost to the client. Gina is married and has a son and a daughter. She is actively involved in fundraising for a variety of charitable organizations related to pediatric epilepsy.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT BARRIER IN YOUR CAREER? Thankfully we are coming to an age where women have a strong presence in business. That was not the case when I was 22! It is pretty amazing to reach a place where you feel very well respected and know that you have earned it because you know your business well. I am glad that the women on my team are showing their strengths and becoming the next generation of powerhouse women in real estate.
WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR FAMILY PLAY IN YOUR CAREER? I was instilled with a level of confidence during my childhood that I could do whatever I could see in my mind. This motivation was one of the greatest gifts my parents could have given me. To this day, they are my greatest inspiration. I can only hope to be the type of parent to my kids that they were to my siblings and me.
DESCRIBE YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE. I believe in hands-on training and leading by example, transparency in leadership, authenticity and a gentle but firm approach. No fluffy stuff. On our team, it is not about just being successful; we want to be good leaders and valuable mentors. IF YOU COULD BEGIN AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO “DO OVER” IN YOUR CAREER? I would have started my career with a toptier mentor. I was completely self-taught. In operating our team, my partner, George Ouzounian, and I both realize the immense value of growth under an experienced mentor. It can put you on the fast track of knowledge, lessen your liability risks and teach you quickly how to be an outstanding agent from the start.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 105 23975 PARK SORRENTO, SUITE 120, CALABASAS | 818-850-1458 | THEAGENCYRE.COM/AGENT/GINA-MICHELLE | DRE #01503003
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
GINA MICHELLE Director, Estates Division, The Agency
DAYNA CAMPBELL Realtor ®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties Director of Sales & Business Development, Knudtson Building Maintenance
HOW DOES BEING A CAREER WOMAN PLAY INTO MOTHERHOOD? I believe I am setting a great example for my daughter. She hears me on the phone with clients, sees the workload I manage and that I still find time to exercise, eat healthy and carve out quality time with loved ones.
A smile exchanged, a wink, a little eyebrow raising or sharing a personal account—those connections make a world of difference.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR ROLE MODEL?
Both my mom and mother-in-law are my role models; both launched careers after their divorces to provide for themselves and their families. They have navigated difficult times in their lives and turned lemons into lemonade. I’ve learned so much from them.
WHAT’S ONE THING THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I’ve climbed to the highest peak in Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro. Disclaimer: ©2022 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. L to R:
A quintessential Valley girl, Encino native Dayna Campbell graduated from California State University, Northridge. For more than 20 years she worked as an event planner for various firms, orchestrat ing large-scale events for corporate clients in the entertainment industry and for private clients around the world. After marrying and starting a family, Dayna left the corporate world and since 2015 has worked as a licensed Realtor—partnering with her mom, Marlene Geibelson. She also manages sales and business development for Knudtson Building Maintenance, a Sherman Oaks commercial cleaning company owned by her mother-inlaw, Jackie Campbell
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
homeCampbellCampbellGeibelson,MarleneDaynaandJackieataclient’sinEncino
Some Realtors simply want to make a deal. I am about relationships—planting seeds and cultivating a garden.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN? Be your own advocate. Fight for what you want, what you believe in and what you think you deserve.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT YOUR BUSINESSES ARE SUCCESSFUL? Regardless of whether I’m negotiating an escrow or managing the details of a complex move-out cleaning for a home about to be put up for sale, the human connection is key to making those endeavors successful. So much is done remotely and electronically, yet we humans still yearn for that connection.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION106 | 16810 VENTURA BLVD., ENCINO | 818-634-9404 | MDHOMESLA.COM | DRE #01969328
HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK AND PLAY? Discipline is key. I was a serious ballerina as a child and young adult. I had to put in the time, which often meant sacrificing social plans and missing important events. Nowadays I ensure my playtime gets equal billing. To perform optimally, it is essential to prioritize the things in life that center me.
WHAT ADVICE DID YOU GIVE YOUR KIDS? Be strong and don’t look back. Look forward and move on. Be grateful, be appreciative, and when you fall down, get back up no matter how bad it hurts.
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU STAY GROUNDED?
TELL US ABOUT A FEW OF YOUR PASSIONS. Family is my priority, and I always find time for them no matter the circumstances. Spending time with family and friends is one of my favorite things to do. Playing with my grandkids gives me the utmost joy in life. I also love traveling and exploring new ideas and places. The sky is the limit!
| Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
TELL US YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE. “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” — Rumi
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 107 14141 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE #8, SHERMAN OAKS | 818-281-8407 | AMALIAK.COM | DRE #00989919
®,
Finding balance is challenging, as this business is unpredictable. Every little gap of time I find, I try to accomplish another task. I fit it all in by keeping my tasks organized.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE?
R
AMALIA KHACHIKIAN
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Staying positive, solving problems, keeping a good diet and exer cising no matter what.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE EACH DAY?
Disclaimer: ©2022 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC.
Realtor Team Amalia-K
I went into this field because I like to help people find their dream homes. I am proud to work with Berkshire Hathaway because of the company’s professionalism, and I especially love my office and the people I work with. We are like a family.
HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE HONEST, OPEN DIALOGUE WITH YOUR TEAM MEMBERS? Remember that honesty is always the best policy. Stay positive. Lose the fear. Be consistent. Handle problems diligently.
ealtor Amalia Khachikian has been a top-producing real estate professional for the past 34 years. She joined Prudential in 2002—which was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in 2012—and formed her group, Team Amalia-K, in 2019. Amalia has lived locally for more than 42 years and is active in the community, volunteering for educa tional, professional and charitable organizations. She received the Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Circle Platinum Award and is ranked in the top 1% of Berkshire Hathaway agents.
Women who make us think Women who make us better Women who make us laugh And women who make us Thebelieve.SheSez podcast—for women who want to make every moment count. Available wherever you listen. More on SheSez.com.
REAL ESTATE Mulholland Park Estate with Astounding Views! This sophisticated and glamorous estate with astounding views of the valley is located within the exclusive Mulholland Park 24-hour guard gated community. Sited on a quiet cul-de-sac and newly renovated throughout this estate is the pinnacle of luxury. There are five ensuite bedrooms (four up, one down), and seven bath rooms. The all-encompassing, dazzling and opulent primary suite includes a sitting room with fireplace, dual bathrooms and dual customized lighted walk-in closets. The rear grounds include a remodeled pool and spa with firepit, and a barbecue pavilion. You will be mesmerized by the incredible valley light views and impressed by this stunning masterpiece. 19323 Redbridge Lane, Tarzana | MulhollandParkEstate.com | Offered at $5,999,000 Represented by Carol Wolfe | Rodeo Realty 818-285-3688 | CarolWolfe.com | DRE #00477745
in our Encino Brokerage # 1 310.308.7595 | Info@PaneTeam.com | www.PaneTeam.com BRIAN PANE DRE#01209478 KEVIN PANE DRE#02007794 Kevin Pane, Broker Associate DRE# 02007794, Brian Pane, Broker Associate DRE#01209478. #1 Ranking is Based on 2021 Sales Volume at Sotheby’s International Realty, Encino Brokerage. © 2022 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.
KEVIN PANE DRE#02007794 BRIAN PANE DRE#01209478 310.308.7595 | www.PaneTeam.cominfo@PaneTeam.com Kevin Pane, Broker Associate DRE# 02007794, Brian Pane, Broker Associate DRE#01209478. #1 Ranking is Based on 2021 Sales Volume at Sotheby’s International Realty, Encino Brokerage. © 2022 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. The images are an artistic interpretation of the design. It is not meant to be an exact rendition. EncinoMassiveCompletionEstimatedViewsHillsEstate AMAZING VALLEY & MOUNTAIN VIEWS DESIGNER FINISHES VIKING APPLIANCES WHITE OAK FLOORS THROUGHOUT CONTROL 4 SMART HOME 5 APPROX5.5BEDBATH5,050 SQ. FT. 21,162 SQ. FT. LOT CALL THE PANE TEAM FOR MORE DETAILS SEPTEMBER 2022
12080 VENTURA PLACE SUITE A, STUDIO CITY, CA 91604 THE AGENCY CONGRATULATES DANIELLE PERETZ FOR BEING NAMED AMONG REAL TRENDS+ TOM FERRY 2022 AMERICA’S BEST REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
Danielle Peretz DANIELLE.PERETZ @THEAGENCYRE.COM | 818.644.1477 | LIC. #01897529 | THEAGENCYRE.COM LISTINGNEW 23057 SYLVAN STREET Woodland Hills | $12,000/MO 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,200 Sq. Ft. | 17,000 Sq. Ft. LotLISTINGNEW 6221 JUMILLA AVENUE Woodland Hills | $1,495,000 | New Price 4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 2,603 Sq. Ft. | 8,760 Sq. Ft. Lot LISTINGNEW 5836 WINNETKA AVENUE Woodland Hills | $1,749,000 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,460 Sq. Ft. | 17,374 Sq. Ft. Lot 12144 LAUREL TERRACE DRIVE Studio City | $2,900,000 4 Beds | 4 Baths | 2,851 Sq. Ft. | 10,750 Sq. Ft. LotLISTINGNEW
THE LIBRUSH GROUP IS THRILLED TO PRESENT 4447 AvenueCamelliaN The Camellia House, located in the beautiful city of Studio City, embodies the ideal California lifestyle with open spaces for easy entertainment and practical living with thoughtful details throughout the home. With the recent move to Compass and the launch of the Librush Group, the Camellia house was the perfect setting to launch our new brand with a wellness-inspired brokers’ event. We teamed up with several local businesses within the wellness realm to offer B-12 injections from Concierge LA, a private home service providing wellness services, Kreation Organic Juicery, and Acai bowls from our favorite local spot, Ubba Tubba Studio City. 5 Bedrooms | 5 1/2 Bathrooms | 4,300 Sq Ft (APX) | 8,300 Sq Ft Lot
up and
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 footage are approximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.
Aleen Der Artinian Luxury Agent | DRE
ADVERTISEMENT
I personally always considered myself a creative person and as the years have passed I’ve realized that creativity is my passion and whenever I am able to bring it into my work it fills me with purpose. We thought long and hard and the natural elements of the home coupled with its location we instantly connected with the idea, and what better way to showcase an already beautiful home with great buzz and exposure!
What made you think of doing such a creative idea for an open house? Is this something that you always do for your listings? What are your favorite thing about 4447 N Camellia Avenue?
As cliche as this may sound, it’s really hard to pick just one thing that is my favorite, but if I had to choose…I would say the energy created by all the materials, finishes, and ultimately the color palette that was selected by the Design Team. In addition, the Developers incorporated modern transitional details and a touch of stone to the exterior which gives it depth and beauty throughout the design.
While brainstorming ideas for our brand launch event, Aleen and I thought it would be a great idea to showcase this listing by highlighting the neighborhood it sits in. We brought in local vendors to highlight the Studio City lifestyle while supporting local businesses. In addition, we created a full content schedule and marketed across several channels including social media and local outlets.
Maya Librush Luxury
Agent | DRE maya.librush@compass.com01932610
aleen.artinian@compass.com02035673Wecertainlyliketochangethings
present events and campaigns that align with the home and neighborhood. Leaning into our creativity ultimately serves my clients and showcases their home in a unique light. We strategize around the home, neighborhood, and lifestyle and present our sellers with a thoughtful plan from start to finish. Just like real estate, marketing homes is not a one-size-fits-all, we like to get specific to what we feel the buyer will relate to. We work hard for our clients and believe in giving each property it individualized attention.
1317 N. Benton Way.– SL - $1,740,000- 3Br+2Ba in 1,640 SqFt on a 5,724 SqFt Lot- Enjoy the ultimate California lifestyle home in this beautiful home in Silverlake. It features a beautiful living room that opens up to a very large deck that overlooks the expansive grassy backyard. It features a modern kitchen, a separate dining area that opens up to an outdoor patio, and much more.
11756 Moorpark St. #H- SC- $985,000 3Br+2.5 Ba in 1,506 SqFt- Beautiful townhome in one of the most coveted Studio Village Complex in Studio City. This unit is updated and situated close to HOA amenities and offers direct access to your 2-car garage. It features a spacious living room with a fireplace, dining room, updated kitchen, breakfast area, and much more.
14722 Greenleaf St.– SO- $1,845,000 3Br+2 Ba in 1,544 SqFt on a 10,740 SqFt Lot– Traditional home on a huge lot with plenty of room to remodel or build your dream home south of Ventura Blvd. in a great neighborhood. This natural light-filled home with wood floors throughout offers a wonderful living room with large picture windows and a fireplace. here’s a beautiful backyard with multiple sitting areas, a large pool, and a grassy area. The garage has been converted into a recording studio but can be a possible adu or pool house.
#KeepingItRealEstate
Congratulations to Matt Epstein #2#1#5 AgentHomeServicHathawayBerkshireesforSanFernando Valley Agent Los Angeles Agent Nationwide Call for your FREE market analysis! FollowMATTEPSTEIN.COMSOMATT@AOL.COM818-681-2000meonFacebook: MattEpsteinRealty Follow me on Twitter: @SoMattEpstein Follow me on Instagram: @MattEpsteinRealEstate CalBRE# 01121162 With proven results from the market leader, why call anybody else?
© 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.
4908 Noeline Ave.– EN- $2,495,000 4Br+3.5Ba in 2,848 SqFt on a 9,749 SqFt Lot – Gorgeous move-in ready home situated in Encino woods neighborhood. It features lots of natural light, three fireplaces, and much more! This 4 bedroom 3.5 bathroom home also features a separate guest house, and a large backyard with a pool. This is one of those houses in a fantastic neighborhood that you shouldn’t miss!
SOLDSOLD
5600 Ostin Ave– WH- $1,495,000 5Br+3Ba in 3,012 SqFt on a 11,396 SqFt Lot- A fabulous mid-century modern ranch house in a great neighborhood in Woodland Hills. This unique home offers lots of natural light and flows beautifully from the kitchen to the dining room, to the living room. The backyard has a pool and built in fire pit. This house is not one to be missed!
Top one-half of 1 percent of more than 1,250,000nationwideREALTORS®
SOLD
Dreaming about getting away from it all, and yet it’s difficult during these unprecedented times. Just an hour away in Oxnard, Ventura and Santa Barbara the dream of long luxurious days by the ocean, kayaking through a harbor, bicycling near the beach and watching sea lions, dolphins and pelicans sounds pretty good - doesn’t it? I’ve been assisting many of our clients who are now buying weekend/ vacation homes in Ventura and Santa Barbara County. Call me if you’re interested, and I’ll show you how that feeling of vacation can be yours more than just once a year!
Jane Kaplan Dre#01922991Epstein
10346 Moorpark Street | Toluca Lake Offered at $29,000,000 THEAGENCYRE.COM Let’s Connect. KEVIN 818.414.3404KDees@TheAgencyRE.comDEES|LIC.#01915567
Adi Livyatan New Construction and Luxury Home Specialist Wall Street Journal Ranked #15 in CA | #28 in the Nation Mobile: 818.919.4060 • Office: 818.285.3220 Email: adilivyatan@yahoo.com DRE# 1892750 www.AdiLivyatan.com $300 MILLION SOLD IN 2021 18018 Medley Dr | Encino 4 Bed | 4 Bath | Approx. 3,228 sqft | 18,123 sqft lot Sold: $2,597,000 4301 Valley Meadow Rd | Encino 4 bed | 4 bath | Approx: 3,739 sqft | 30,492 lot Offered at: $3,330,000 3950 Royal Oak | Encino 6 bed | 10 bath | Approx: 10,902 sqft | 23,296 lot Offered at: $13,750,000 16718 Addison St | Encino 4 Bed | 5 Bath | Approx. 3,850 sqft | 8,135 sqft lot Offered at: $2,740,000 SOLD 16908 Bosque Dr | Encino 64 Bed | 7.5 Bath | Approx. 6,500 sqft | 17,001 sqft Sold: $5,800,000 324 S Medio Dr|Brentwood 5 Bed|5.5 Bath |Approx 5,210 sqft | 9,886 sqft lot Sold: $8,250,000 5115 Encino Ave | Encino 7 bed | 7.5 bath | Approx: 9,000 sqft | 25,607 lot Offered at: $8,500,000 SOLD 3951 Royal Oak | Encino 6 Bed | 10 Bath | Approx. 10,902 sqft | 23,296 sqft lot Offered at: $10,530,000 SOLD SOLD SOLDSOLDSOLDSOLD 656 California Ave | Venice 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | Approx. 3,150 sqft Offered at: $2,949,000 15825 Woodvale Rd | Encino 7 Bed | 7.5 Bath | Approx. 9,284 sqft | 18,162 sqft lot Offered at: $11,800,000 15930 Woodvale Rd | Encino 8 Bedroom | 14 Bathroom | Approx. 21,097 sqft | 35,430 sqft lot Offered at: $25,000,000 ACTIVE ACTIVE FEATURED
© 2022 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is as 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. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (818) 380-2147 │ DRE LIC. #00941825 | andrew@andrewmanning.com Instagram/TikTok: @andrewmanningre | Facebook: @AndrewManningRealEstate YOUR HOME COULD BE NEXT OUT OF 50,000+ BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES NETWORK AGENTS NO. 13 AGENT WORLDWIDE IN 2021 SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER A NEW CHAPTER STARTS WITH #SOLD
Michael J.
Equal
Michael J. Okun is the #1 Sotheby’s International Realty agent in the San Fernando Valley based on the total number of sales from January 01, 2021 to December 31, 2021. © 2022 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. This material is based upon information which we consider reliable but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. offerings are subject to without notice. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. Housing Opportunity.
Okun Michael@theMJOgroup.com818.415.1819 SCAN OR VISIT THEMJOGROUP.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION 3100 DOÑA CLARA PLACE 3142 BROOKDALE ROAD 3639 SHADY OAK ROAD 4117 VANETTA PLACE 4158 BENEDICT CANYON DRIVE 4223 COSTELLO AVENUE 14558 VALLEY VISTA BLVD 10840 WRIGHTWOOD LANE 3264 LONGRIDGE AVENUE 4500 PETIT AVENUE 11527 DOÑA DOLORES PLACE 3679 BENEDICT CANYON LANE SouthOfTheBlvd .com BROKER, DRE#01430979
errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal
We
All
The #1 Sotheby’s International Realty Agent in the Valley
ACTIVE 17524 Jayden Lane, Encino Offered at $5,795,000 ACTIVE 3572 Multiview Drive Hollywood Hills Offered at $2,895,000 ACTIVE 3060 Valevista Trail Hollywood Hills Offered at $1,775,000 ACTIVE 10332 Weddington Street Toluca Lake Offered at $1,499,000 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 CRAIG STRONG Vice President, Luxury Home Sales Top 1% Nationwide #1 Individual Agent Companywide $1.4+ Billion in Total Sales Volume DREstrongrealtor.cominfo@strongrealtor.com818.930.4050#01450987 ACTIVE 4647 Talofa Avenue, Toluca Lake Offered at $5,495,000 or $23,000 / Month ACTIVE 4617 Placidia Avenue, Toluca Lake Offered at $3,445,000 ACTIVE 8803 Appian Way, Hollywood Hills Offered at $3,999,000 PENDING 4620 Talofa Avenue, Toluca Lake Offered at $3,495,000 SOLD 4261 Ledge Avenue Toluca Lake Sold for $5,800,000
Oren David Mordkowitz ESTATES DIRECTOR | REALTOR ® CalDRE License #01246402 818-933-5866OrenEstates.comoren@orenestates.com SOLD SOLD 3616 Green Vista Dr. | Encino | $2,349,000 24255 Abbeywood Dr. | West Hills | $1,749,000 16433 Refugio Rd. | Encino | $3,289,000 4551 Alonzo Ave. | Encino | $1,799,000 5012 Gerald Ave. | Encino | $5,399,000 4949 Petit Ave. | Encino | $1,575,000 317 S. Windsor Bl. | Hancock Park | $11,995,00017881 Av. Puerto Vallarta | Encino | $3,799,000 4314 Grimes Pl. | Encino | $2,389,000 5100 Enfield Ave. | Encino | $1,489,000 17856 Via Vallarta | Encino | $3,626,000 3310 Alginet Dr. | Encino | $2,200,000 SOLD Curious what your home is worth?Contact Oren for a complimentary home analysis! SOLD SOLD SOLD 5012GeraldAve.com 24255Abbeywood.com 17881PV.com4314Grimes.com317Windsor.com 16433Refugio.com
THEDINSKYTEAM.COM The information contained herein has been obtained through sources deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed as to its accuracy. Buyer to verify accuracy of information. DRE #01811831. RANKED #127 INDIVIDUAL BY SALES VOLUME & #94 INDIVIDUAL BY SIDES IN CALIFORNIA FOR 2021 THE DINSKY TEAM 3648 DIXIE CANYON AVE | SHERMAN OAKS 14000 MORRISON ST | SHERMAN OAKS4074 SUNSWEPT DR | STUDIO CITY 3387 WRIGHTWOOD DR | STUDIO CITY JUST SOLDJUST SOLD JUST SOLD JUST SOLD 4647 BURNET AVE | SHERMAN OAKS 1844 N PASS AVE | BURBANK JUST SOLD JUST SOLD JUST SOLD JUST SOLD 13453 MARGATE ST | SHERMAN OAKS IN ESCROW 1945 NEW HAMPSHIRE | LOS ANGELES 4220 BELLAIRE AVE | STUDIO CITY 1510 MARION DR | GLENDALE IN ESCROW IN ESCROW *REPRESENTED BUYER 11726 BLIX ST | VALLEY VILLAGE 5327 BUFFALO AVE | SHERMAN OAKS FOR SALE FOR SALE 5030 STROHM AVE | TOLUCA LAKE 5 BD | 6 BA | 3,840 SF | 8,100 SF LOT COMING SOON DRE #01724985 310.729.3393 ANDREW@THEDINSKYTEAM.COM
HAVE YOUR HOME FEATURED! ON CBS, THE CW, FOX, CNBC, ABC, LIVESTREAM, AMAZON, APPLE TV, ROKU, & THE AD APP! Collectively reaching more than 8 million viewers nationwide every week!* 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. *Data sourced from americandreamnetwork.tv 9708 Blantyre Drive, Beverly Hills RTI for a 6,000± Sqft Home w Pool $2,499,000 FOR SALEFOR SALE Michael Bergin Luxury Estates Director YourDREMichael@MichaelBergin.com310.600.071501845572#1RealEstateExpert 4620 Morse Ave, Sherman Oaks 5 Beds 5 Baths 4,700± Sqft Call for Details NEW LISTINGNEW LISTING JUST SOLDJUST SOLD 4707 Cedros Ave, Sherman Oaks 5 Beds 5 Baths Pool & Spa $3,000,000 AS SEEN ON THE AMERICAN DREAMTHE AMERICAN DREAM MICHAEL BERGIN | LUXURY ESTATES DIRECTOR 29340 Castlehill Drive, Agoura Hills 5 Beds 4.5 Baths 4,935± Sqft $3,025,000 Represented Buyers JUST SOLDJUST SOLD 4425 Bellingham Ave, Studio City 4 Beds 4.5 Baths Carpenter $2,699,000 Design Your Home FOR SALEFOR SALE 4459 Kraft Ave, Studio City New Construction ADU Pool & Spa $2,650,000 JUST SOLDJUST SOLD 4324 Troost Ave #105, Studio City 2-3 Beds 2 Baths Colfax Meadows $849,000 JUST SOLDJUST SOLD 22588 Pacific Lane, Diamond Bar 5 Beds 8 Baths Guest House $8,450,000 FOR SALEFOR SALE
3450 WRIGHTVIEW DRIVE | STUDIO CITY Each office is independently owned and operated. If your property is listed with another broker, this is not a solicitation. The Agency 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. DRE #01904054 2630 Hutton Drive BEVERLY HILS, CA 90210 BEDS6 BATHS6.5 SQ. 6,947FT. SQ. FT. 21,005LOT ACTIVE 4329 AGNES AVENUE | STUDIO CITY 12750 LANDALE STREET | STUDIO CITY 5356 ENCINO AVENUE | ENCINO 4410 DENSMORE AVENUE | ENCINO 19138 STARE STREET | NORTHRIDGE 11630 BELLAGIO ROAD | LOS ANGELES 1035 N. VISTA STREET | WEST HOLLYWOOD 3300 BERRY DRIVE | STUDIO CITY 3631 MOUND VIEW AVENUE | STUDIO CITY 12712 RYE STREET | STUDIO CITY 12123 MAXWELLTON ROAD | STUDIO CITY 4115 WESLIN AVENUE | SHERMAN OAKS 13200 OTSEGO STREET | SHREMAN OAKS 5843 NATICK AVENUE | SHERMAN OAKS 4517 LEMP AVENUE | STUDIO CITY ACTIVE ACTIVE ACTIVE ACTIVEACTIVEACTIVEACTIVEINACTIVEESCROW INESCROW INESCROW INESCROWJUSTSOLDJUSTSOLDJUSTSOLDJUSTSOLD
Thank God for Carol Wolfe. Selling one house and buying another is a very stressful, difficult time. I refuse to believe there’s a realtor in this city who is more knowledgeable, diligent, or business savvy than Carol Wolfe. Her clients’ interests are first and foremost on her mind, and my wife and I could not have had a better advocate through the process than Carol. We can’t recommend her highly enough.
Nancy and I want to thank you for the expert assistance you provided in the sale of our house in Encino. You made the process effortless. It is hard to believe that the entire sale from beginning to closing took just over one month. The photos and video of our home were awesome and very professionally done. Your strategy worked and we sold our home within a few days, with multiple offers for $150,000+ over the listing price. We have been residents of Encino for over 38 years, and we have been aware of you and the work you have done in Encino. You kept us informed almost daily as to what was happening and what we needed to do next to complete the transaction. Carol, you demonstrated what it means to be a professional. You impressed us at every step of the way. This couldn’t have been done without you.
Kjell and Nancy Austad
Nobody does it better...
Dave and Jenny Schiff
WALL STREET JOURNAL Fine Estates® 818.285.3688www.CarolWolfe.comThinkingofSelling?Here’swhatCarol’sClients are Saying… DRE Lic #00477745 I am honored to be selected among the RealTrends + Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals ranking, which recognizes the highest-producing real estate agents in the country. Those ranked are among the top 1.5% of 1.6 million real estate professionals in the United States.
Thank you so much for your dedicated service in selling our Encino home under very difficult circumstances. Our home hit the market just as interest rates skyrocketed and home sales went from quick sales with multiple offers to very few offers and sales. You quickly found us a buyer at a very fair price and navigated a complex closing due to financing delays. You were extremely diligent and kept us posted at all times, often from early in the morning to late at night. Your proactive and never letting down work ethic made all the difference in this transaction. We would not hesitate in recommending you to a seller or buyer of residential property.
Barry and Sande Weiss
HILLSWOODLANDENCINOOAKSSHERMANCITYSTUDIOLAKETOLUCATARZANA3549 Alana Dr, Sherman Oaks 5 BD | 6 BA | 5,197 SF | $3,000,000 New SCG Office 15760 Ventura Blvd, Encino CA 91436 Andrew Spitz & Fran Chavez Executive Directors of Luxury Estates Top 1% Nationwide • Top 100 in So. Cal. 818.453.9119 | Andrew@AndrewSpitz.com 818.517.1411 | FranChavezRE@gmail.com DRE 00924610 | 01013357 SpitzChavezGroup.com 4651 Louise.com, Encino 5 BD | 6.5 BA | 6,114 SF | $5,949,000 BY APPOINTMENT 3949 Ballina Dr, Encino 4 BD | 3 BA | 2,609 SF | $2,199,000 Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. DRE 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. *Source: MLS data as of 03/25/22. 4107Stansbury.com, Sherman Oaks 5 BD | 5.5 BA | 4,731 SF | $5,620,000 15145DelGado.com, Sherman Oaks 4 BD | 3.5 BA | 3,677 SF | $3,550,000 15916HighKnoll.com, Encino 6 BD | 4.5 BA | 4,780 SF | $4,375,000 NEW LISTING 4705Sophia.com (& 4701 Sophia Ave), Encino 2 Lots | ±Acre of Land | $4,095,000 DEVELOPER OPPORTUNITY BY APPOINTMENT IN ESCROW Spitz | Chavez Group Knows The Valley $2+B SALES VOLUME 50+ CLOSED TRANSACTIONS YEARLY 3820Cody.com, Sherman Oaks 4 BD | 3.5 BA | 3,661 SF | $3,705,000 JUST SOLDSOLD $125K ABOVE ASKING NEW LISTING
The closing cost credit offer will be applied at closing and may not be used prior to closing. In Texas, the credit may not result in you receiving cash back.
If you are interested in Citi’s banking account relationship offers, please contact your Home Lending Officer or Mortgage Representative. Speak to your loan officer about whether the relationship offer is best for you.
Automated monthly transfers of the mortgage payment from a Citibank Deposit Account using automated drafting will be required. Actual interest rate discount or closing cost credit will depend on the level of the Citi Eligible Balances, which will be verified after final loan approval.
NMLS#citi.com/johnmussojohn.musso@citi.com818-518-1008448606
All Custodial type accounts are excluded with the exception of Custodial IRA accounts through Citibank or Pershing LLC where the borrower(s) is the beneficiary, which are eligible unless otherwise noted. Citibank IRAs that are not linked to a Citibank Deposit Account are excluded.
Citibank Mortgage Relationship Pricing for Citibank account holders can only be applied prior to loan closing and is subject to account and balance validation. Citibank Mortgage Relationship Pricing is subject to change without notice.
* Citi Mortgage Relationship Pricing - A Citibank deposit account is required to receive the interest rate discount or closing cost credit.
FOR THE LOVE OF Growing together. for the love of progressSM Unlock special Citi mortgage discounts When you bank at Citi, enjoy: $500 off closing costs* or 1/8% — 5/8% off interest rate Citi Eligible Balance Relationship Pricing Benefit $1 - $49,999.99 $500 off closing cost $50,000 - $199,999.99 1/8% (0.125%) off interest rate $200,000 - $499,999.99 1/4% (0.250%) off interest rate $500,000 - $999,999.99 3/8% (0.375%) off interest rate $1,000,000 - $1,999,999.99 1/2% (0.500%) off interest rate $2,000,000 or more 5/8% (0.625%) off interest rate Ask how you can take advantage of Mortgage Relationship Pricing Deposit Account Balances must be in the account five (5) Business Days following final loan approval and Investment Account balances must be in the account six (6) Business Days following final loan approval. Citi eligible accounts include a personal, consumer Citibank Deposit Account in which the borrower is a direct signer, Citibank IRAs, and Investments held in linked Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”) accounts. The borrower must be an account holder on investment accounts. IRA and annuity positions shown on linked CGMI Account statements are eligible (except tax qualified annuities under sections 401, 403, or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code). Balances from Citibank Business / Commercial accounts, ERISA accounts, Keogh accounts, Bank Collateral accounts, Foreign accounts, Fiduciary accounts, and Trust accounts where the borrower is only listed as the Beneficiary are excluded.
Terms, conditions and fees for accounts, programs, offers, products and services are subject to change without notice at any time. Offer may be modified or withdrawn at any time without notice. Offer cannot be combined with other offers, except when applied with specific Community Lending Programs. Offers are not applicable on Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit. This is not a commitment to lend. 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. Investment products are offered through Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”), Member SIPC (http://sipc.org). Citibank and CGMI are affiliated companies under the common control of Citigroup Inc. © 2022 Citibank, N.A. NMLS# 412915. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Citi, Citi and Arc Design and other marks used herein are service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates, used and registered throughout the world.
Glossary of terms for this offer: Business Day means Monday through Friday and does not include federal holidays; Eligible Balances means total funds showing in the account at the time we verify the balances less any funds we determine you will need for a down payment or closing costs; Deposit Account means a Citibank personal checking and/or savings account as well as certificates of deposit and money market accounts; Investment Account means IRAs and investments held in Citigroup Global Markets Inc. accounts. John Musso Home Lending Officer
130LAST| WORD
Ladies Who Lunch BEFORE YOU JUDGE, UNDERSTAND THE RELEVANCE OF TODAY’S LADIES WHO MEET TO NOSH AT NOON. Written by Chloe King | Illustrated by Yuiko Sugino
“Ladies who lunch?” Me? A lady who lunches? I think not. I’m no Desperate Housewife. I’m no Real Housewife either. Truth be told, I’m not even married. Have a boyfriend, though. He’s the one who does the lunching. And I’m not the woman Sondheim was referring to when he wrote “The Ladies Who Lunch” for his 1970 musical, Company. Though I do find this excerpt from his lyrics amusing: Here’s to the ladies who lunch Everybody laugh Lounging in their caftans and planning a brunch On their own behalf Off to the gym, then to a fitting Claiming they’re fat And looking grim ’cause they’ve been sitting I also was amused by Amy Poehler’s parody of the subject on SNL In the skit, a group of NYC Upper Eastside women are gathered. Kristen Wiig is regaling the ladies with a story about buying her new Chanel suit when Amy enters wearing an impossibly tiny hat. Kristen is enraged that her designer suit has been upstaged by something so ridiculous. And it goes on from there, showing us a series of lunches where Kristen, trying not to be outshined, dons her own tiny hat, only for Amy’s to get smaller and smaller until it’s literally microscopic. Ultimately she too becomes microscopic, leaving Kristin nowhere to go in her one-upping. All in all, a hilarious commentary on “ladies who lunch,” and their traditions fueled by an excess of time and money. But that was a sketch—an absurdist, exaggerated cliché of a cer tain kind of woman. I cannot relate. At all. But what I can relate to is female friendship and how much it means to me. The reality is, I spend a lot of time with my lady friends. I just don’t do it between 12 and 2. Rather, our gatherings happen over drinks, and more often over dinners. Why? Because most of my friends are working women who don’t come up for air till at least 5 p.m. I not only cherish these gatherings, but I see them as neces sary. Do I jest when I point a finger at my sisters who have time to meet while the sun is shining? Yup. And does that make me some kind of hypocrite since I do the same thing at a different time of day? Perhaps. But it does not take away from what’s at the heart of the matter. We ladies need each other. Now, in this post-Roe v. Wade world, more than ever. We must unite; our voices must be heard. If these conversations happen amid talk of Chanel suits and tiny hats, so be it.
Female camaraderie and empowerment are a means to an end, ladies. Bottom line. It has to be. No matter if that camaraderie happens at drinks, dinner, or God help me, lunch. ■ Chloe King is a writer who lives with her boyfriend and two sons in Sherman Oaks.
WONDER WOMEN OF REAL ESTATE HARRIET CAMERON GROUP 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath 1,988 Sq Ft | 6,870 Sq Ft Lot 4 0 5 4 W I T Z E L D R I V E S H E R M A N O A K S SOLD © 2 0 2 2 B e r k s h i r e H a t h a w a y H o m e S e r v i c e s C a l i f o r n i a P r o p e r t i e s ( B H H S C P ) i s a m e m b e r o f t h e f r a n c h i s e s y s t e m o f B H H A f f i l i a t e s L L C B H H S a n d t h e B H H S s y m b o l a r e r e g i s t e r e d s e r v i c e m a r k s o f C o l u m b i a I n s u r a n c e C o m p a n y , a B e r k s h i r e H a t h a w a y a f f i l i a t e B H H A f f i l i a t e s L L C a n d B H H S C P d o n o t g u a r a n t e e a c c u r a c y o f a l l d a t a i n c l u d i n g m e a s u r e m e n t s , c o n d i t i o n s , a n d f e a t u r e s o f p r o p e r t y I n f o r m a t i o n i s o b t a i n e d f r o m v a r i o u s s o u r c e s a n d w i l l n o t b e v e r i f i e d b y b r o k e r o r M L S B u y e r i s a d v i s e d t o i n d e p e n d e n t l y v e r i f y t h e a c c u r a c y o f t h a t i n f o r m a t i o n D R E # 0 1 3 1 7 3 3 1 HARRIET CAMERON HARRIET@HARRIETCAMERON.COM DRE00675971 818.380.2151 JENNY BIRCHFIELD-EICK JENNY@JENNYBIRCHFIELD.COM DRE02070744 818.601.8663 Here to Serve You! Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties HERE TO SERVE YOU $1.625+ BILLION IN RESIDENTIAL SALES LET'S TALK SOON! $1,499,990.00 CALL US FOR A COMPLIMENTARY MARKET EVALUATION! IN MULTIPLE OFFERS $100K OVER ASKING Harriet 818.380.2151 Jenny 818.601.8663 HARRIET & JENNY
Daily News readers for 14 years in a row. What makes a medical group the best? It’s not just online scheduling and bill payments (though we do offer that). It’s not being able to reach someone in the middle of the night (we have you covered there, too). You want a doctor who knows that there’s no such thing as a “routine procedure.” You want a doctor who listens. You want a doctor you can trust. We’re proud to be those doctors, caring for you since 1923. And thanks to our affiliation with Providence, chosing a Facey doctor means a seamless experience at our clinics and the area’s top-rated hospitals. If you haven’t already, choose a Facey doctor today and see for yourself why Daily News readers have voted us the best medical group since 2009. For a list of the health plans we currently accept, give us a call or visit our website at: facey.com/insurance F A C E Y C O M/ TARZANA 1-844-MY-FACEY @FACEYMEDICAL Canyon Country 14550 Soledad Canyon 661-250-5200Rd. Mission Hills 11133 Sepulveda818-365-9531Blvd. Northridge 9111 Corbin 818-743-5700Ave. Porter Ranch 19950 Rinaldi 818-403-2400St. Saugus 27924 Seco Canyon 661-513-2100Rd. Simi Valley 2655 First 805-206-2000St. Tarzana 18133 Ventura 818-466-7700Blvd. Valencia 26357 McBean 661-222-2600Pkwy. 23803 McBean661-481-2400Pkwy. Facey Medical Group doesn’t sell health insurance but choosing a Facey doctor for your care is easy. We accept most HMO, PPO, Medicare and Medicare Advantage health plans. Ask your insurance company how you can switch today. For a list of the health plans we currently contract with, visit our website at facey.com/insurance or call 1-855-359-6323. Some moments in life create lasting memories. We’re honored to be among yours.
