LA transplants love to light up the neighborhood

By MARY FOPPIANO For Avila

Life

Anyone who lives or visits the Indian Hill neighborhood in the San Luis Bay Estates knows where Tom and Terry Johnstone live during Christmas. Tom absolutely loves decorating for the holidays here and in Los Angeles, and helps those of us who aren’t quite as talented to ring in the festivities.

Tom was born and raised in Lake Arrowhead and earned his Bachelor’s degree in history at the University of Santa Clara. He then earned a Master’s degree in Latin American history from UCLA and a Master’s degree in counseling from Loyola Marymount University, and then received his doctorate in institutional management from Pepperdine University.

Tom is fluent in Spanish and was a foreign exchange student in Venezuela during his junior year in high school, and again in Spain during his junior year at Santa Clara. He loved teaching kids and coached Little League girls’ softball for 10 years, served as vice president of Westchester Del Rey Girls Softball League, and coached AYSO soccer. He serves on the board of St. Margaret’s Center, Catholic Charities, in Lennox and served for 10 years as chairman of the board for Diabetic Camping and Education Services, which supports outdoor science programs for children with diabetes.

Tom launched his education career as a middle school and social studies teacher in Lennox and served as a middle school counselor; an elementary assistant principal and principal; director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and as the assistant superintendent of human resources. He then served as superintendent in Wiseburn until he retired in 2018.

Forty years ago, Tom met Terry while they were climbing Mount San Gorgonio, the tallest peak in Southern California, and went on their first date at the Hollywood Bowl, which they both still love attending the many wonderful programs. They have four children and are in the process of moving full-time to Avila Beach over the next few years.

Tom strongly believes in giving back to his community and has been an active member of the Hawthorne/Los Angeles International Airport/Lennox Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Westchester. His hobbies include gardening, hiking, bicycling, and Christmas, as I already mentioned. He serves on the board of his HOA and volunteers with Friends of the Bob Jones Trail. He also is always available when someone needs help. When I asked him “why Avila?”, he said it is because it is a slice of paradise and an escape from Los Angeles where he can exhale and enjoy the quiet.