ARTS & EVENTS

Stella’s Story

Young author raising funds to publish book about foster dog in Venice

Anastasia Khromova was inspired to write a children’s book about Stella, the young husky her family fostered, who was diagnosed with Swimmer Puppy Syndrome. Funds are currently being raised to publish the book on Kickstarter and Khromova plans to donate half of the profits to Wags and Walks, a local dog rescue in LA.

By Haley Beyer In June 2016, a friend of Anastasia Khromova’s brought a puppy to her sister’s nonprofit dog rescue, “Be a Voice. Adopt a Dog” in Los Angeles.

The puppy had been rescued from an animal shelter that had plans to euthanize her after she was diagnosed with Swimmer Puppy Syndrome. This rendered her limbs useless so she could only lay on her tummy with her legs straight out like a starfish. Khromova and her family took it upon themselves to do anything and everything possible to help Stella overcome the disability. They decided to foster her and put her through physical therapy. Most dogs with this rare deformity do not get the chance to fight it. It is especially hard for bigger dogs to learn to walk with Swimmer Puppy Syndrome, but that didn’t stop Stella. Because she is a husky, Stella’s motivation and energy levels were up from the day Khromova brought her home. After coming up with a brace/ splint for Stella to wear, she took her first steps in just five days. As Stella learned how to walk and strengthened the necessary muscles, she needed the brace less and less. At two months, Stella couldn’t move on her own, but at four to five months, she could walk and play just like any other dog. She still has the tendency to spread her legs to the side when she sleeps or lies down, but she doesn’t need any help to move around now. Khromova’s family ended up keeping Stella, who just had her fifth birthday and is living life to the fullest. She is loveable, sweet, sassy, playful and everything a husky should be. She is very vocal, loves sleeping on her back and people watching, and copies everything the other two dogs in the family do. Khromova, who graduated from Chapman University in 2018, has been working as a social campaign manager at MuteSix, a marketing agency in Westchester. When she graduated, she was gifted an iPad, which she began using to work on some illustrations of Stella. In just two weeks, she had illustrated and journaled Stella’s story.

“The illustrations were easy for me because they were based off real photos of Stella,” Khromova said. “The actual writing and making it into a book were the hard part.” She then decided to make the illustrations into a children’s book and spent the next two years perfecting it. “I never intended to make any money or write a book, I just wanted to share Stella’s story,” Khromova explained.

The book was meant to inspire and brighten the day of anyone that reads it. It took a combination of things for Stella to be successful, but neither her nor the family caring for her ever gave up. “I hope readers take away three main lessons from this book: the beauty of giving, the power of strength and the importance of persistence,” Khromova said.

To help make a difference for other dogs in need, Khromova is working with Kickstarter to get her book published. Half of the profits generated from this campaign will be donated to Wags and Walks, a dog rescue in LA. “I chose Wags and Walks because they have the resources to make a big impact. I’ve had multiple friends adopt from there and there is an overall positive experience within their organization,” Khromova said. Kickstarter even granted the campaign the “Project We Love” badge, meaning it was highlighted for its creativity and featured across the entire website. The money raised will go toward publishing, printing and shipping 250 hard copies of the book.

The campaign has less then a week left, ending on May 9 at 8:31 a.m. PDT. The project is “All or Nothing”, so if the pledge of $6,500 is not reached, the book will not be published and all the money will be returned to the donors. At the time of this story, the campaign has currently raised $4,852. Keep up with Stella’s adventures by following on Instagram: @stella.is.life and @anastasiakhromova. If you are interested in donating to the campaign, visit kickstarter.com/ projects/anastasiakhromova/ stella for more information.

Judgment-Free Ballet

Professional ballerinas offer virtual and outdoor ballet for all levels

By Bridgette M. Redman For all the people that have been too intimidated to take a beginning ballet class as adults, Eliza Tollett has options — both online and outdoors at Dorothy Green Park in Santa Monica.

Tollett moved to Santa Monica just before the pandemic, bringing with her a ballet class model that fixed everything she found troublesome about the classes she taught in New York. She creates a judgment-free zone with classes that welcome people of all experience levels, abilities and ages. “I was dancing professionally in New York and teaching to supplement my dancing career,” Tollett said. “I discovered I loved teaching adults, but in general there were a couple of things I felt were not exactly how they should be with adult ballet. There was a lot of judgment — people judging themselves or other people, judging themselves for not being perfect or not being up to the level of the class.”

Tollett, who is certified as a personal trainer and a ballet teacher, created a cardio ballet workout taught by professional dancers that emphasized the grace of ballet while truly making it a comfortable zone for all dancers. When the pandemic hit, she quickly pivoted to online classes called “The Ballet Spot” that were taught by ballerinas in New York and Los Angeles.

“I’m 68 years old and had never taken a ballet class before,” said Karen Atkins, one of Tollett’s students. “I never would have stepped into a ballet studio, but The Ballet Spot gave me a chance to try ballet in a safe and supportive place. I now have been taking classes for about a year and it’s such fun.”

Getting started

When Tollett was unable to sell New York studios on her ideas of how to fix adult ballet, she decided to do it on her own and began renting a studio. “I really wanted it to be enjoyable for someone who has never done ballet before and also interesting for someone more advanced,” Tollett said. “People take it and get a workout, but they also step in and by the end of the studio class, they are dancing.”

The class was designed so Eliza Tollett is a professional ballet dancer, teacher and founder of The Ballet Spot.

people could wear whatever they wanted and was a half hour shorter than the usual 90-minute regimen. “One of the greatest things a client has ever said to me was that she felt like everyone in the class was at the same level,” Tollett said. “That’s amazing. You’re not, but that I was able to make her feel that way was really great.”

Tollett’s husband got a job offer in Santa Monica that they couldn’t refuse, so she set up professional ballerinas to keep teaching her classes in New York and moved across the country. She left behind five professionals to teach and manage the New York studio rentals and teach the six classes a week that were ongoing. Settling into Santa Monica, Tollett decided that LA might be a good place to continue to develop a fitness routine class. She rented space in two Santa Monica locations and began to teach using her model.

Changing everything

2020, Tollett’s classes were full, her sales were high, interest was growing and their second location in New York was catching on. Then March arrived and attendance began to drop. Her instructors were being laid off from their professional dancing jobs and they were scared. “I wouldn’t be able to make up

The Ballet Spot offers virtual and outdoor classes at Dorothy Green Park in Santa Monica on Fridays at 7:30 a.m.

for their lost income in other ways,” Tollett said, “But I didn’t want to be a part of their losses.” On March 13 they stopped offering in-person classes. In Santa Monica, the two studios she rented space from would eventually close permanently. On March 15, Tollett launched her first Zoom class and they had more than double the normal amount that they had in live classes. “No one did Zoom at that time,” Tollett said. “When I taught the first Zoom class, I had no idea what I was doing.” She told her instructors she could guarantee the amount of classes in Zoom while hoping to add more. Only a few days passed before they began adding classes. People were joining from around the world including Canada, Australia, England and Germany.

Within a few months, Tollett had hired more teachers, fulfilling a dream she had always had of offering work to underemployed dancers. Now they are teaching more than 100 classes a week, reaching thousands of students between the ages of 8 to 80.

Tollett made sure that the teachers fit in with her philosophy, training each instructor how to format the classes. For more and more people, it made ballet accessible in a way it never had been before.

“The Ballet Spot’s virtual classes have given me the opportunity to try ballet for the first time without the intimidation of walking into a studio and dancing alongside experienced dancers,” said Susan Winter, another student. “The instructors at the Ballet Spot have inspired a new love and appreciation of ballet for me. I love the workout and the sense of accomplishment I feel after class. At 40, I can check ‘dance in a ballet’ (virtually) off my bucket list.” Several students reported that they found community at a time of isolation and formed relationships and connections with the instructors and other students. They also experienced physical benefits. Kathleen McNally described herself as an uncoordinated, 50-something woman and cited how helpful the real-time attention was that each instructor paid to student form.

“My flexibility and posture have improved to a remarkable degree after having taken classes with the attentive instructors at The Ballet Spot,” McNally said. “I feel so fortunate to be instructed by real ballerinas! I was never coordinated or disciplined enough to dance for a living (or even as a hobby), but I live vicariously through the professionals at TBS who share the ‘inside’ moves that make them so graceful and professional. I can think of no other platform where a middleaged non-dancer would have such non-judgmental — yet professional — access to such trained professionals.” In addition to the hourly workout, students also get to participate in virtual performances such as “Giselle” or Twyla Tharp’s “In the Upper Room.”

Moving outdoors

Tollett is planning outdoor classes where people can gather at Dorothy Green Park in Santa Monica on Fridays at 7:30 a.m. It’s open to the public and costs $10 per class.

Tollett started doing outdoor classes last summer, but she was so focused on launching the virtual classes in California and New York that she wasn’t able to promote them. Now, she said, she feels like she has more bandwidth and can focus on LA. “We do them on the grass by the beach,” Tollett said. “We don’t use a bar, we’re just on the grass and most people do it barefoot, but sneakers are fine. I simultaneously livestream it.” Students face the ocean while they dance and she faces them with the iPad in between them recording her. “We have some music and it is morning, so it is quiet, but it gets warm and sunny,” Tollett said. Being between the beach and the mountains is one of the things that Tollett loves about LA, especially during the pandemic where she could easily get out and be in nature, things she incorporates into her outdoor classes. She pointed out that for those who don’t want to do ballet, there are also ballet-based movement classes such as bar classes and Pilates classes. “You may not learn to dance, but they are based on the principals of ballet,” Tollett said. She encourages people of all levels—whether they have never done ballet or if they are move advanced. Everyone, she said, will find it a challenging but fun workout. “It’s a judgment-free zone,” Tollett said. “We’re there to have fun and dance, and it really is a workout.”

What: Cardio Ballet at The Ballet Spot Where: Virtually and outdoors at Dorothy Green Park in Santa Monica When: See schedule at theballetspot.com Cost: $10 per class

STUNNING COASTAL FARMHOUSE

“Welcome home to a coastal farmhouse in the heart of Silicon Beach,” says agent Stephanie Younger. “With four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and 2,892 sqft of living space on a large lot with a pool; this home was developed to surpass the necessities of today’s homeowner. The heart of the residence revolves around the family room and well-appointed chef’s kitchen with Viking appliances, quartz counters, and an island. An impressive wine closet under the stairs and dry bar complete the great room amenities. Entertain or dine under the stars in the backyard with a pool, dining area, and firepit. Upstairs you will be greeted by a flex space offering the perfect alternative for an office or school space. The main suite is an airy sanctuary with a walk-in closet and spa-like bath and balcony. An additional en-suite bedroom, bath, and adjacent bedroom with a spacious patio round out the second floor. Smart systems and a fenced-in front yard are a few additional clever details of this dreamy enclave.”

Offered at $2,439,000

INFORMATION:

STEPHANIE YOUNGER

COMPASS

310.499.2020

stephanieyounger.com DRE#01365696

8047 Altavan Ave, Westchester

2 bed | 1 bath | $959,000 Coming Soon

12975 Agustin Pl #103, Playa Vista

2 bed | 2.5 bath | $939,000 Quintessential SoCal Living

5178 Etheldo Ave, Culver City

4 bed | 2.5 bath | $2,150,000 Remodeled Contemporary Home

Visit Us Virtually

Visit our website for videos and 3D tours of all our listings

853 12th St #D, Santa Monica

1 bed | 1 bath | $589,000 Coming Soon

7823 Bleriot Ave, Westchester

4 bed | 3 bath | $1,299,000 Traditional Ranch

8121 Colegio Dr, Westchester

2 bed | 1 bath | $1,299,000 Coming Soon

3077 Oregon St, Boyle Heights

3 bed | 2 bath | $599,000 California Bungalow

7886 Truxton Ave, Westchester

4 bed | 5 bath | $2,439,000 Stunning Costal Farmhouse

3555 Wasatch Ave, Mar Vista

3 bed | 2 bath | $1,599,000 Mid-Century Modern

In Escrow

8224 Sunnysea Dr, Playa del Rey

5 bed | 4 bath | $2,250,000 Rare Mid-Century Modern In Escrow

6201 W 74th St, Westchester

3 bed | 2 bath | $1,399,000 Mountain Views In Escrow

7522 W 88th St, Westchester

3 bed | 2 bath | $1,299,000 Updated Ranch Home

In Escrow

1149 Alvira St, Pico-Robertson

4 bed | 2 bath | $1,799,000 1930s Spanish Eclectic Home In Escrow

8416 Alverstone Ave, Westchester

4 bed | 2 bath | $1,349,000 Kentwood Neighborhood In Escrow

928 Fairing Pl, El Segundo

4 bed | 3.5 bath | $1,799,000 Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living In Escrow

6479 Nancy St, Westchester

4 bed | 4 bath | $1,995,000 Resort-Style Home

FIND YOUR PLACE

The Stephanie Younger Group 310.499.2020 | DRE 01365696 stephanieyounger.com | @stephanieyoungergroup

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.

Manager

BrE#1323411 Era Matilla rEalty 225 CulvEr Blvd. Playa dEl rEy Broker assoc.

BrE#01439943

THE ARGONAUT PRESS RELEASES

PENTHOUSE IN PLAYA VISTA

“This light and bright west facing 3BD/2.5BA unit offers expansive 20-foot ceilings, tons of natural light,” says agent Jesse Weinberg. “Separate dining and living areas that open to a private balcony, and a chef’s kitchen with breakfast bar, SS appliances, and a massive pantry. The lower level offers two bedrooms with en-suite baths including and walk-in closet. Upstairs offers the 3rd fully enclosed bedroom. Unit also includes in-unit laundry and side-by side parking. The Coronado is located across the street from the Playa Vista library and the Centerpointe Club’s gym, pool and spa.”

Offered at $1,325,000 Jesse Weinberg Jesse Weinberg & Associates 800-804-9132

WESTSIDE ENTERTAINER'S DREAM

“This 4BD/3BA, contemporary home nestled is between bustling Culver City and Westside's premiere beach towns offers ease of indoor-outdoor living with an insightful floor plan,” says agent Stephanie Younger. “The spacious open floor plan includes welcoming foyer, bright dining room, airy living room, and extra-wide sliding glass doors to the covered patio oasis, lush privacy wall, and large stretch of grass. The chef's kitchen features hardwood flooring, SS appliances, large breakfast bar island, quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, and walk-in pantry.”

Offered at $2,150,000 Stephanie Younger Compass 310-499-2020

MATCHLESS FIND IN CULVER CITY

“This street is one of the most beautiful streets, with eyecatching Chinese Elm trees,” says agent Marco Pirozzolo. “Be enamored with a home full of charm and perfect sunlight, along with a great floor plan and generous living space. WB fireplace with tastefully decorated reclaimed whitewashed wood paneling. A huge bonus is your own backyard equipped with a well-maintained inground pool. Slated to convert your large 2-car garage into an incomeproducing ADU. Close to the best Culver City has to offer.”

Offered at $1,349,000 Marco Pirozzolo Sotheby's International Realty 310-975-5765

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE

Since 1998 Times Media Group has been a locally owned news and entertainment media company. Fast forward to today and TMG is now one of the largest print and digital media companies in the Southwest. With this level of growth and expansion we need to add to our multi-media sales team. Times Media Group is seeking an experienced advertising account executive to work on two of our publications, The Argonaut and Playa Vista Direct Magazine. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced advertising sales professional. TMG has grown significantly as a result of its great professional team, and its well-known print and digital media platforms.

WHAT WE NEED

Two years of outside advertising sales experience is preferred. A good candidate for this position is financially motivated, possesses exceptional organizational skills and is ready to embrace a real opportunity to work on a quality team. An ideal candidate will be familiar with the Westside area including Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Westchester, Palms, Venice, Playa Vista and the surrounding areas.

We are seeking an individual who can sell solutions not just ads, who appreciates straight-talk, and is hardworking, motivated, and values working in a positive team environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

+ Base / Commission + Health Benefits + 401(k) + Paid Vacations and Holidays If, based on the requirements, you are a qualified candidate and would like to join a quality team and get on with your future, respond with your resume and a cover letter outlining why you believe you are a good fit for the position. We are currently scheduling interviews. Times Media Group offers a work from home environment (for now), great product lines and a significant opportunity for income growth. Times Media Group is a digital and print media company that operates in the Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tucson, markets. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY IN VENICE

“This is a radically unique opportunity because not only do you get a hip piece of Los Angeles, but you also have an opportunity to double your investment.” says agent James Suarez. “The building has been nicely maintained, and the bottom three units have been newly remodeled. The bottom three units could easily pull in $11,000 a month. Additionally, the top units could possibly pull in up to $15,500. There are six units in total which consists of two studios and (4) three bedrooms.”

Offered at $4,995,000 James Suarez The Suarez Team/Keller Williams Realty 424-404-5300