The Safety of Knowing:
Celebrating Unconditional Love
Welcome to the Kids & Pets issue!
This month, we’re celebrating the special bonds we share with our children and our pets—those who fill our lives with joy, comfort, and unconditional love. We’re excited to spotlight some remarkable people and organizations dedicated to caring for the human and furry members of our beachside community.
In this issue, you’ll meet inspiring locals making a difference— from a veterinary team that treats pets like family to a nonprofit pairing therapy dogs with mental health support. We also share an interview with a young man who founded a baseball league for kids with special needs—a powerful example of inclusion and compassion in action. Plus, don’t miss our feature on local teachers reflecting on the love, joy, and lessons their pets bring to their lives.
We’re thrilled to introduce our honorary interns: Blizzard, a gray tabby who lives for car rides with his head out the window, and Pepper, our resident cuddle expert. They keep things lively behind the scenes and remind us to enjoy the little things.
We had a blast working with our cover model, Dakota, who perfectly captured the spirit of this issue. And this August, we’re giving away the Redondo Beach doggie trucker hat Dakota wore during the photo shoot! Scan the QR code below to follow us on Instagram and stay tuned for giveaway details.
We hope this issue inspires you to pause and cherish the unconditional love that kids and pets bring into your life.
With full hearts,
BRANDON FARMER, PUBLISHER, LESLEY A. ROLLO, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Brandon Farmer | brandon.farmer@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Lesley A. Rollo | lesley.rollo@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Erika Daniels
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Haley Elder INTERNS
Blizzard Carson Farmer, Pepper Squeakers Farmer
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
Since 1998, Manhattan Paint Company has been the South Bay’s trusted choice in residential and commercial painting.
Our expert team collaborates with you to select the perfect palette for every space. We stand behind our work with a 3-year workmanship warranty, offer referral incentives, and deliver flawless results—on time, every time.
city scene
1: EPLA mentor Sandy Bruce and mentees at Uncorked for a night of wine and networking. 2: The 40th Infantry Division Band performs at the Memorial Day Ceremony in Veterans Park. 3: Marianne Mandel and Center Theatre Group Affiliates tour the LA Prop and Costume Shop. 4: Mrs. Elite United USA Janice McQueen Ward and Mrs. Elite United Universe Cindy Christi. 5: Fahad Siddiqui of Al Hamra Kabob Grill receives the NRBBA Business of the Year Award. 6: The Volunteer of the Year Award presented to Comron Roodsari by NRBBA President Mickey Johnson. 7: V. Amayakyan of Wintrust Mortgage volunteers at Handbag Bingo benefiting the Sunshine Kids Foundation.
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RBEF’s 11th Annual Spring Gala Fundraiser held at Kincaid’s. 8: Nidhi Mistry and Audra Narikawa share a warm hug at the gala. 9: The dedicated RBEF Board and Staff enjoy a well-earned moment before the evening’s festivities begin. 10: Emcee Nick Ferrara and RBEF President John Nemeth rally the crowd for the evening’s auction. 11: Melissa DeChandt, Monica Pagone, Sarah Kuruvilla, and Anna Michelsen take in the harbor view. 12: Bid paddles in hand, Peter and Megan Marossi are ready to support the cause. 13: Smiles all around as these gala attendees gear up for a great evening. 14: Sung and Byung Cho get fired up to place their bids.
Photography provided by JP Cordero
business monthly
Amie House Celebrates Four Years of Collective Wellness
This month marks four years since Amie House opened. It began with a shared dream: to create a warm, welcoming space for collective, holistic healing. We’re deeply grateful for the South Bay community that has grown with us. Every conversation, shared moment, and milestone has shaped who we are. As we evolve, we’re embracing new ways to support holistic care with the addition of fullbody LED light therapy. ‘Cheers’ to all we’ve built together.
Urban Palm: South Bay’s Newest Luxury Event Venue
Critic’s Choice Catering & Event Production Inc. unveils Urban Palms, the South Bay’s newest luxury event venue. Formerly known as Paradise Restaurant, this reimagined space is perfect for weddings, corporate gatherings, social celebrations, and more. Backed by 41 years of award-winning catering and event expertise, this second-generation family business offers unforgettable experiences with impeccable service, curated menus, and flawless execution—now with a state-of-theart venue to match.
Glow Haus Brings Glacial fx First to the South Bay
Glow Haus is proud to be the first in the South Bay to offer Glacial fx– a cutting-edge cryotherapy facial perfect for summer! Designed to calm inflammation, reduce breakouts, and refresh heat-stressed skin, this advanced treatment delivers instant radiance with zero downtime. If you haven’t experienced it yet, now’s the time to discover why Glacial fx is a client favorite at Glow Haus.
Estate Properties Welcomes Veteran Realtor Theresa Bruno
Estate Properties is thrilled to welcome veteran realtor Theresa Bruno to the team! Formerly a manager of three Compass offices in the South Bay, Theresa starts the next exciting chapter in her real estate career with EPLA, citing its family culture, technological edge, and robust support in the legal and marketing departments as deciding factors in her move. EPLA looks forward to supporting her as she continues to serve the Los Angeles community!
IT'S TIME FOR YOUR ANNUAL MORTGAGE REVIEW
A home loan is a major financial consideration for any homeowner, and yet many don't regularly review the terms of their mortgages. Keeping your mortgage top-of-mind every year is a great way to make sure it's still aligned with your financial goals.
WHAT IS AN ANNUAL MORTGAGE REVIEW?
A process that assesses your current mortgage terms, financial circumstances, and market conditions to determine if your mortgage is still working for you.
WHY ARE ANNUAL MORTGAGE REVIEWS HELPFUL?
Home loans often span decades, and a lot can change in that time both personally and financially. Reassessing your mortgage can potentially help you lower costs, provide opportunities to consolidate debt, repay your loan more quickly, and better financially plan for your future.
WHAT DOES THE MORTGAGE REVIEW PROCESS INCLUDE?
1. Term & Interest Rate Assessment: Consider whether the term (length) of your mortgage still makes sense, and review your interest rate compared to current market rates.
2. Refinancing Opportunities: Identify whether there is an opportunity to refinance and potentially lower your monthly payments.
3. Align Financial Goals: Use the findings from your annual mortgage review to help realign your long-term goals with your home loan.
STAY ON TOP OF YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE. REACH OUT TODAY FOR A PERSONAL MORTGAGE REVIEW!
MJM Work & Life Balance Launches "Pathway to Empowerment" Series
Coach Marianne Mandel introduces A Pathway to Empowerment Series, a 4-week program designed to support professional women. The series focuses on building confidence, resilience, work/life balance, and personal clarity. It includes four weekly 60-minute group Zoom sessions, weekly 30-minute one-on-one coaching with Marianne, a personal strengths and values assessment, and a complimentary copy of the book Elevate Your Career: Live a Life You're Truly Proud Of.
Scan to read more
HAWTHORNE QUALITY PET CARE: where compassion meets care
A LOCAL VETERINARY CLINIC WITH A BIG HEART.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESLEY A. ROLLO
In a veterinary landscape increasingly dominated by corporate chains and soaring costs, family-owned Hawthorne Quality Pet Care (HQPC) in the South Bay stands out as a beacon of personalized, compassionate, and affordable care. Opened in July 2024, the clinic is a draw for pet parents seeking top-tier veterinary treatment, trust, and education. “We want to treat your family pets like our family pets,” says HQPC’s General Manager Marc Rosenberg.
Redondo Beach City Lifestyle recently had the opportunity to experience the HQPC team in action—performing a dental extraction and cleaning on a Labrador Retriever, administering a vaccine to a Turkish Longhair cat, and handling an emergency walk-in. All in a day's work. But to understand what truly makes HQPC stand out, we need to dive into how it all started.
HQPC was born from the shared vision of Dr. Brian Adler and Marc Rosenberg, two professionals committed to offering high-quality care at a price families can afford. Dr. Adler began his veterinary career as a kennel attendant in 2005 in his hometown of Toronto, Canada. Facing educational limitations due to Canadian province restrictions, he pursued his veterinary degree in New Zealand. After graduation, he moved to Southern California, and in 2024 acquired the long-standing Hawthorne Dog and Cat Hospital from Dr. Dmitry Freyts, who has since stepped into partial retirement.
But it’s not just the leadership that goes above and beyond. One thing that sets HQPC apart is the extraordinary lengths its team will go to for patient care—sometimes literally bringing the job home. “Dr. Adler will take animals home,” Rosenberg shared. “We don't always hospitalize or we don't always have somebody watching them [at night]. Dr. Adler, myself, and other staff members have always volunteered, but Dr. Adler is the first one to volunteer.”
This level of care and experience is reflected across the team. For example, James Steepleton, a technician, has worked at a family-owned veterinary
A routine canine dental cleaning to support Charlie's overall health.
Meet the devoted team behind Hawthorne Quality Pet Care.
clinic and worked for major organizations like VCA and Pathway Vet Alliance learning all aspects of the field. “I did a whole loop around,” James said. “I’m excited to be back in a family-owned business—where I started.” At home, he has eight cats, a dog, and four quails.
Compassionate care at HQPC doesn’t stop with the animals. It also extends to the pet parents paying the bills. HQPC is committed to providing transparent, affordable pricing. “Typically you go to a veterinarian clinic, and you get this huge range estimate,” stated Rosenberg. “It doesn't make any sense and you’re sitting there trying to parse together what this doctor's trying to explain to you.” HQPC makes the financial side of care more straightforward and simple. They give estimates with a tighter range, accept Pet Assure, CareCredit, Scratchpay, and offer senior, veteran, and hardship discounts.
Many general veterinary practices refer complex procedures to outside specialists—adding cost and fragmentation to care. HQPC takes a different approach. “We have a specialist come in, complete the surgery, and then we manage the care,” said Rosenberg. “We try to tell [pet parents] how they do rehab at home and you save all this cost. You get all your treatment in one place, kind of like the Kaiser model.”
One of the treatments HQPC does frequently is canine dentistry, specifically teeth extractions. “I would say over 80% of dogs that come in need teeth removal,” explained Dr. Adler. “Dogs have very deep pockets in their teeth, and we're not realizing what that plaque and bacteria is doing, and so oftentimes when they come, it's better to remove the tooth than save it to prevent infection from spreading further.”
Beyond treatment, HQPC is deeply committed to empowering pet parents through education. This starts with training their team to explain diagnoses and procedures. “Even when I try to use the easiest words and least jargon, somehow it still goes over their head,” explained Dr. Adler. “We spend a lot of time actually teaching our doctor assistants because somehow people feel less overwhelmed and more willing to ask questions.”
As a result, clients often leave feeling heard, supported, and educated. The clinic even provides handouts for puppy parents on everything from teeth brushing routines to noise desensitization techniques.
HQPC is not just a clinic—it’s becoming a hub for South Bay’s pet-loving community. The team is forming partnerships with groomers, boarders, and retailers to create a trusted referral network. “There’s no Angie’s List for pet care,” said Rosenberg. “So we really focus on who we think are good.”
What drives this team is a shared understanding: pets are family, and no one should have to choose between care and cost. With every surgery, every dental exam, every vaccination, the HQPC team is reshaping what compassionate veterinary care looks like—and bringing heart back to the heart of the community.
Vet-Backed Tips for Happier, Healthier Pets
From daily routines to long-term wellness, here’s what Dr. Adler recommends for your pet’s health.
• Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Daily: Use pet-safe toothpaste to prevent dental issues.
• Feed Cats High-Protein Wet Food: This helps support hydration and kidney health.
• Use Cool Bath Water for Itchy Dogs: Cool or roomtemp water avoids worsening irritation and drying out their coat.
• Don’t Overbathe Your Dog: Twice a month is ideal, unless your dog has naturally itchy skin, then bathe them more often such as once a week.
• Ease Noise Anxiety Early: Desensitize puppies or kittens to loud sounds like fireworks or thunder by playing the TV or YouTube videos during their early development and gradually increasing the volume.
• Choose the Right Chews: If your dog finishes a chew in under 5 minutes, it’s not helping their teeth.
• Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings: Twice a year works for most dogs and for cats with “ese” in their breed name (Siamese, Tonkinese, Burmese, etc.).
• Respect Your Cats’ Personal Space: Cats are often solitary by nature—let them set the boundaries.
Regular checkups and open communication with your veterinarian can help catch health issues early and keep your pet feeling their best.
Dr. Brian Adler
ARTICLE BY LESLEY A. ROLLO PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDY SCHWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY
“Getting to give others something to look forward to every week is extremely gratifying.”
Proud dad Chris with son and Champions League founder, Matthew McCauley.
The Champions League
Creating a Field of Dreams in Redondo Beach.
When teenager Matthew McCauley noticed a gap in adaptive sports, he stepped up to the plate and launched the Champions League, celebrating the spirit of inclusive sportsmanship. The program has brought joy to dozens of families and recently earned national attention.
REDONDO BEACH CITY LIFESTYLE: WHAT SPARKED YOUR IDEA FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE?
MATTHEW McCAULEY: The idea to start Champions came from the VIP program at Alta Vista, a special needs soccer league. I would see them playing games pretty often and I thought it was awesome, but also wondered why a league for baseball wasn’t around.
RBCL: HOW DID YOU GO FROM IDEA TO IMPLEMENTATION?
MATTHEW: It began with me going to a VIP program game with flyers. The word got around and we had 5-10 players for our first game. For field time, my Dad talked to our local league Redondo Sunset to use one of their fields. For volunteers, I initially went to a lot of my friends, teammates, and classmates. As the program grew, we reached out to RUHS clubs and beyond. We get volunteers from all over the South Bay. We now need at least 20 volunteers at each game. Sometimes that’s a nerve-wracking process. You never want to disappoint and
not have a buddy for a player. But we are blessed here in the South Bay. We always end up getting enough volunteers.
RBCL: HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
MATTHEW: The program is two seasons every year, fall and spring. Our most recent season was our first time doing eight games (last season was six). That went pretty well so I think each season will now have eight games. Buddies are volunteers, typically high school students, but anyone is welcome to sign up. We try to have the same buddy with the same player. The games themselves are closest to a T-ball game in format where every player will hit and run the bases. Players can choose to hit off of either the tee, underhand or overhand toss. The last batter of each inning hits a home-run and runs around the bases. At home plate, all of the volunteers form a tunnel for players to run through as they score. It’s pretty cool.
RBCL: WHAT MEMORIES STAND OUT?
MATTHEW: My favorite memories are always seeing players go from the tee to underhand toss. It’s a pretty big hurdle, and to see players overcome it and improve at the sport is always impressive and inspiring. Another favorite moment is when a player hits a really awful pitch of
mine that I didn’t expect them to get. It’s always a good surprise that gets me pretty hyped up.
RBCL: HOW HAS THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CHANGED THE LIVES OF THE PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR PARENTS?
MATTHEW: Beyond just seeing the many smiles at games, I’ll hear about how the players look forward to games from their parents. Knowing that for many of these kids, if the Champions program didn’t exist, they would not be playing baseball at all. That is a great motivator to do better and offer more games. Getting to give others something to look forward to every week is extremely gratifying and one of the best compliments we can ask for.
RBCL: HOW DID IT FEEL TO BE INTERVIEWED BY THE TODAY SHOW THAT AIRED ON MAY 26?
MATTHEW: The TODAY Show interview was pretty awesome. I never would have thought we would one day end up in that situation, and to be sitting there talking in front of a TV camera was pretty surreal.
RBCL: WHAT HAS BEEN THE OUTCOME OF RECEIVING NATIONAL MEDIA ATTENTION?
MATTHEW: We heard from a lot of family and friends. That was cool. We also heard from a few groups of people interested in starting a similar program in their area and they were mostly from different states. That was wild. It was crazy to see our program have some influence in places so far away.
RBCL: WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE?
MATTHEW: The Champions League will continue to run while I’m away at college. I’ve appointed some trustworthy juniors from RUHS to keep it going. I also hope that the league expands, maybe starting a branch in Manhattan or Hermosa.
RBCL: WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO COLLEGE?
MATTHEW: I’m going to the University of Florida to study Engineering. Go Gators!
RBCL: HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY GET INVOLVED?
MATTHEW: Showing up is the best way to get involved, being in the crowd contributing to the cheers alone is enough, but if you want to do more, the more volunteers we have available, the better. We can never have too many volunteers.
RBCL: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER TEENAGERS WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY?
MATTHEW: Do something related to something that is already close to you. For me, I’ve always loved baseball. It’s a lot easier to make something of quality when you have a pre-existing interest in doing it. And if nothing clicks immediately, the next best thing is to be involved in everything. At school, join multiple clubs. Outside of school, do a couple extracurriculars. Anything can become inspiration.
Visit redondosunset.com/champions-league to learn more.
Buddy and athlete hand in hand heading to home plate.
WHISKING UP CONFIDENCE
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
BY JANIE JONES
PHOTOGRAPHY
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error, they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Why Cooking with Kids is More Than Just Making Meals
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
CONTINUED >
EMBRACE THE MESS, STAY PATIENT, AND FOCUS ON THE FUN.
ANIMAL Crackers
Ingredients:
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Steps:
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
ARTICLE BY LESLEY A. ROLLO | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Teacher's Pet
FIVE LOCAL TEACHERS SHARE WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT THEIR PETS.
CHRISTINE BENOFF, KONA & ROCKET, RUHS
"Being a mother, teacher, and dog mom has taught me patience, unconditional love, and the joy of living in the moment—my dogs remind me daily to lead with kindness and appreciate simple joys."
KARIN ELDER & FINLEY, Riviera Elementary
"Finley has shown me that happiness is contagious. His energy is so genuine and infectious that it’s impossible not to smile. He’s taught me that I too, can spread enthusiasm to everyone around me."
CLIFFORD JAMES SHAWVER & JACK,
Parras Middle School
"Jack lives in the moment. No regrets, no overthinking. Just tail wags and presence. I’m still trying to catch up to that wisdom.”
AMY ROBINSON & MAISY, Lincoln Elementary
"Maisy is lively, LOUD, and extremely loveable. Pretty much everything you imagine a hound dog to be! She is definitely a cherished part of our family."
DANA PRICE, SCOUT & PEPPER, Jefferson Elementary
"Scout and Pepper are our sweet rescue dog and are 100% family. They fill our days with so much love, and there’s nothing better than coming home from school to be greeted by these two."
IGOR NASTASKIN
It’s a long way from Kiev to the Hollywood Riviera, but Igor’s quest to live in this special part of the world was worth all the trouble he went through to get here. He left the former Soviet Union with his mother in 1973, traveling through Israel, Paris, and Belgium before immigrating to Chicago in 1975.
After attending the University of Chicago and Loyola University of Chicago, Igor became a CPA and joined a Big Eight accounting firm. In 1988, he moved to Southern California for a finance role at PepsiCo and later held senior positions at Nissan Motor Corporation and Activision. He also earned an MBA from Long Beach State in 1995.
In 2001, Igor combined his passion for real estate with his business and finance background to become a Realtor. The move brings him immense personal and professional satisfaction, allowing him to help people improve their lives through thoughtful real estate decisions. Since then, he has sold more homes in the Hollywood Riviera than any other agent and is consistently ranked in the top 10 of 400 agents at Estate Properties.
Igor Nastaskin is a longtime Hollywood Riviera resident and a leading real estate agent with approximately $500 million in sales since 2001. He is a proud sponsor of the Riviera Elementary School Character Counts Program, having donated more than $50,000 to date. Additionally, he has served as the Relay For Life team captain for the Riviera Sportsman’s Club since 2003, helping to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
Fluent in Russian, Igor was a former tennis teaching professional and remains passionate about the sport, as well as ice hockey. He and his wife of 36 years, Suzy, have three children: Isabelle, a speech-language pathologist; Aaron, a specialty foods broker; and Jacob, a senior software engineer. They are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first grandchild this summer.
Nastaskin
ALISON CLAY-DUBOFF
Alison Clay‑Duboff is among the few elite Realtors with deep local and global experience. She holds degrees from the American University in Paris (bilingual in English/French) and George Washington University in DC. Respected by peers and clients, she’s a seasoned speaker and moderator. She’s honed her skills across the U.S., France, Italy, and Japan.
Her crowning achievement: main stage at Disneyland Paris, educating over 550 realtors and broker-owners from France and Canada. South Bay, SoCal, is her specialty—residential real estate across El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa, Redondo, Torrance, and Palos Verdes. She serves high net worth individuals, first-time buyers, relocations, military families, step-up buyers, down-sizers, trust sales, retirees, and more. Nearly 20 years of repeat and referral business speaks volumes.
Twice widowed, she found love again with Michael Hobbs and lives in South Redondo Beach with two Bouviers. A mother, grandmother, and stepmother, Alison understands the emotional rollercoaster of real estate.
Known for creative, out-of-the-box marketing—from personal branding to homes at every price—she gives equal passion to cozy bungalows and luxury estates. With Alison, the relationship doesn’t end at escrow—it begins.
Her unique marketing is recognized globally. She’s a published author who openly shares her personal life experiences. If you want someone relatable, with infectious charm and all the skills needed for a top-tier real estate experience—whether you’re a seller, buyer, or investor— look no further than Alison Clay-Duboff. Your goals are her priority.
CANINES CHANGING LIVES
cover
How South Bay Animal Connection is Transforming Mental Health with Therapy Dogs
ARTICLE BY LESLEY A. ROLLO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID KARTSONIS, JOHN D. RUSSELL, AND CHARLEEN MEYER
When marriage and family therapist Charleen Meyer met professional dog trainer Shawn Harkins over four years ago, neither imagined their shared love of animals would lead to founding a nonprofit together. But today, through South Bay Animal Connection, they’re doing just that—combining canine
This month’s
model, Dakota, rocks a Redondo Beach doggie trucker hat from Abbracci as he poses with his BFF, Zigi.
“What started as a simple dog-matching visit turned into a partnership rooted in a shared purpose.”
companionship with mental health support to bring healing into schools, therapy settings, and workplaces.
Their story began when Charleen was looking for a dog for her family. A mutual friend introduced her to Shawn, who had recently taken in seven surrendered dogs—mostly Pit Bulls and German Shepherds. What started as a simple dog-matching visit turned into a partnership rooted in a shared purpose.
“I brought over this Pit Bull that was surrendered to me. She was just massive,” recalled Shawn. “She looked like a hippo. She was humongous, but she was very sweet.” Despite her gentle nature, they both agreed she wasn’t the right fit. Instead, they decided a Labradoodle would be a better match. Charleen eventually found an Australian Labradoodle puppy named Dakota and reconnected with Shawn to begin training him.
It quickly became clear that Dakota had the ideal temperament to become a therapy dog. That
realization inspired the pair to begin outlining a book about the overlap between therapy and dog training. However, after just two planning sessions, they felt compelled to be more hands on in the community. They put the book project on hold and instead founded a nonprofit called South Bay Animal Connection.
From Training to Therapy
Formally incorporated in early 2023, South Bay Animal Connection now brings certified therapy dogs into a variety of settings—from classrooms to corporate offices. The dogs include Australian Labradoodle Dakota, Golden Retriever siblings Laci and Luca, Pit Bull Layla, and Belgian Malinois Halona. Each program is customized. In schools, sessions might include art and literacy activities designed to build confidence, supported by the presence of the therapy dogs. At Luna Psychotherapy, Charleen’s practice, Dakota acts as a calming presence for
Layla offers comfort and calm during a therapy session with a young patient.
children working through anxiety. “Dakota is a happy dog. He cheers everybody up,” said Shawn. “He’s got a little John Travolta beat when he’s walking down the street.”
In business settings, the dogs help create moments of calm and connection. “We bring the dogs, and it lowers stress levels and cortisol levels just by being in the presence of the dogs,” explained Shawn. “We come in and break up the monotony. Who doesn’t smile when you see a dog?”
A Relationship-Based Model
What sets South Bay Animal Connection apart is its emphasis on relationships—between people and their dogs and between individuals and their own emotional lives. Shawn specializes in rehabilitating aggressive or reactive dogs, helping rebuild fractured bonds between pets and their owners. “He gets so many referrals from dog owners who have dogs that are aggressive or reactive,” explained Charleen. “This is why we realized that there's so much crossover in our work, because he can see where the rupture is in the relationship and how it manifests in the dog's behavior. As he supports the humans with how they care for and support and live with their dog, he's able to turn around the aggression. So the dog can just be a happy dog.”
This relationship-based model is what makes their work so effective. After completing formal training in animal-assisted psychotherapy in Colorado, Charleen now incorporates clinical techniques with Dakota during her sessions. “[Dogs] are so effective in the therapy process because they reflect back to us in our interactions with them what is going on within us—what goes on in our relationships.”
Top: South Bay Animal Connection founders Shawn Harkins and Charleen Meyer pictured with therapy dogs Layla, Halona, and Dakota.
Bottom: Golden Retriever siblings Laci and Luca.
“[Dogs] are so effective in the therapy process because they reflect back to us in our interactions with them what is going on within us—what goes on in our relationships.”
Looking Ahead
While their current work focuses on community programs, Charleen and Shawn are looking to expand. Another goal is to offer mobile support services during disaster relief efforts to provide safety and care of the animals. “The Red Cross comes in and does what they can,” explained Shawn. “They offer food and shelter for humans. Dogs can't go to the facility. Dad has to tie them up to a tree and hope that they are there in the morning. Or Dad sleeps in the car with the dog, or the dog's in the car by itself freaking out.” Their vision is to act as a communication and care hub for displaced animals. “We can make sure the dogs
are safe, take care of any misplaced dogs that come to us, and we can set up where the fire department is located,” described Shawn. “We'll take care of them. We'll make sure they’re safe.”
At its core, South Bay Animal Connection is about healing—healing for people, for animals, and for the bonds that connect them. “We live in such an amazing community,” said Charleen, a sentiment that captures the spirit behind their mission. Every gentle paw, every wagging tail, is a reminder that even the smallest moments of connection can leave a lasting impact. To learn more about their work or support their growing efforts, visit sbanimalconnection.org.
Laci, Luca, and Dakota visit a local elementary school, bringing comfort and lots of cuddles.
YOUR DRINK DRESS UP
THESE BEAUTIFUL BEVERAGES ARE SURE TO TURN HEADS
BLUE MARTINI
WITH FLORAL ICE CUBES
BOLD COLORS Fresh florals. An eye-catching shimmer. The perfect embellishment. We’re talking cocktails, not the catwalk. But like fashion, the art of mixology is full of ways to push the limits with creative twists on classic recipes, and unique adornments guaranteed to turn heads. There’s no reason your personal style can’t extend to the drink in your hand, and this botanical beverage is bound to taste as delicious as it looks.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 ounces Absolut Citron
• 1/2 ounce Blue Curaçao
• 1/2 ounce lemonade
• 1 ounce Sprite
• Edible flowers such as rose, lavender, hibiscus and nasturtiums
DIRECTIONS:
Pour Sprite into ice cube trays and add edible flower combinations. Let freeze overnight. Combine Absolut Citron, Blue Curaçao, lemonade and ice cubes in martini shaker. Shake and strain into a martini glass.
Allow ice cubes to melt, gradually filling the glass with Sprite and garnishing the drink with beautiful botanicals.
ARTICLE BY CATE MARIAN
FIG + THYME
SPARKLING LEMONADE
INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:
• thyme simple syrup
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 bunch thyme
• 2 fresh figs
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce thyme syrup
• 3/4 ounce Sprite
In a small saucepan, simmer sugar, water and thyme leaves over low heat for 5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let the thyme infuse into the syrup for at least 10 minutes.
For the cocktail, muddle figs and lemon juice in the bottom of a glass. Add ice, 3/4 of the thyme syrup and Sprite. Stir and garnish with fig and a sprig of thyme.
Fabulous Flatbread
This dish is from Chef Evon Profitt, the director of culinary operations for all of Westside Concepts in Arizona. This flatbread with grilled peaches, house-made rosemary paneer cheese, soppressata, fresh mint, and pistachios with a balsamic drizzle is to die for.
Grilled Peach Flatbread with House-Made Rosemary Paneer Cheese
Yield: 4 flatbreads
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 peaches cut into 8 pieces each
• 12 slices soppressata or any salami
• Fresh mint
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
• Balsamic reduction
• 4 baked naan bread
FOR THE PANEER CHEESE:
• 6 cups whole milk
• 2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
• ½ tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
HOW TO MAKE PANEER CHEESE:
Paneer cheese is made by curdling milk using an acidic additive such as lemon juice or vinegar. Paneer cheese does not use any kind of rennet, nor fermentation or aging.
In a pot, bring 6 cups of whole milk to 200 degrees. Once milk has reached temp., stir in the 2 tbsp. of vinegar and turn off heat; milk will begin to separate. Allow milk to curd for 5 minutes, strain whey and curds into a cheesecloth-lined colander. Transfer curds to a mixing bowl and add chopped rosemary and 1 tsp. kosher salt, mix ingredients together, reserve the cheesecloth for the next step. Place the curds back into the cheesecloth, pull the corners of the cloth together, ring out excess whey from the curds, and hang for 30 minutes to continue draining. Once the curds have drained, place cheesecloth-wrapped curds back into the colander and place a heavy item on top, in order to press the curds into shape and press more of the whey from the cheese, for 3-4 hours. Use cheese fresh or keep refrigerated up to 4 days.
FLATBREAD:
Brush olive oil onto both sides of naan flatbread, and place in oven on rack for 10 minutes at 400 degrees, or grill for 2 minutes each side. Grill peach slices for 2 minutes each side, or place in oiled sauté pan till each side begins to caramelize. On a cutting board, lay flatbread down, and place grilled peach slices around flatbread. Take small pieces of Paneer cheese and place throughout over the peaches. Be creative and find place for the soppressata or salami of your choice. Garnish with crushed pistachios and torn fresh mint. Cut flatbread, transfer to serving plates, and drizzle with balsamic reduction.
“I love the use of fresh, locally sourced peaches, and giving people the chance to make an easy, versatile cheese at home with ingredients that many already have in their refrigerators and pantries.”
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 30TH - AUGUST 3RD
62nd International Surf Festival
South Bay | 5:30 PM
Cowabunga dudes! Get stoked for the 62nd International Surf Festival. From the Taplin Lifeguard Medley Relay to the Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim and Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament, this epic 4-day event celebrates our South Bay cities, lifeguards, and physical fitness for all ages. Enjoy surfing and bodysurfing contests, beach run, paddleboard races, dory race, and more. Check out surffestival.org for details.
BEGINS AUGUST 2ND
Free Concerts on the Pier (Thursdays & Saturdays)
Fisherman's Wharf (West End of the Pier) | 6:00 PM
Keep the good vibes going! FREE Concerts on the Pier continues in August with these nine performances you won’t want to miss: 8/2: Aster Baby and the Wild Rabbits; 8/7: Heartbreak Over Petty; 8/9: Seventh Switch; 8/14: Goldstein, Party of Five; 8/16: Alison Albrecht; 8/21: Say It Ain't Weezer; 8/23: Manuel the Band; 8/28: Supersonic-LA; 8/30: 1969
AUGUST 13TH
Dine Around ARTesia
Artesia Blvd., East of MacKay Lane, Redondo Beach | 5:00 PM
Savor summer with every step! Dine Around ARTesia returns for two evenings—one in August and another in September. The August event takes place along Artesia Blvd., east of MacKay Lane. Both nights bring the community together from 5PM-8:30PM to enjoy local cuisine, special tastings, and showcases by local artists. Tickets sell out every year. Grab yours at nrbba.org/dine-around.
AUGUST 15TH - 17TH
MBO Volleyball Tournament
Manhattan Beach Pier | 9:00 AM
Get set for greatness! Reigning as the epicenter of the beach volleyball world, the AVP Gold Series Manhattan Beach Open reclaims its throne with the promise of solidifying four athletes into the history of beach volleyball on the Manhattan Beach Pier. Packed with decorated Olympians and former event champions, this is guaranteed to be a momentous event for all fans. Visit avp.com for details.
Tournament Hours: Friday, 8/15: 9AM-6PM; Saturday, 8/16: 9AM-6PM; Sunday, 8/17: 8AM-5PM
AUGUST 16TH
28th Annual CSC Celebrate Wellness Gala
Westdrift Hotel, 1400 Parkview Ave., Manhattan Beach | 5:30 PM
An unforgettable night for an important cause! Join Cancer Support Community South Bay for the Celebrate Wellness Gala. This event brings the community together for an evening of inspiration, education, and to raise essential funds to support cancer patients and their families. This year's gala features KTLA Host Wendy Burch and includes dinner, dancing, entertainment, live & silent auctions, and inspiring stories. Learn more at cscsouthbay.org.
