Let's Explore Together!
When the heat of July arrives, life in our community naturally gravitates toward the ocean. How fortunate we are to call this stretch of the Pacific home. This month, we celebrate that connection to the water while sharing stories of grit, passion, and the people who shape our local lifestyle.
We begin by inviting you to rediscover our local harbor. In our cover feature, we take a fresh look at everything our waterfront has to offer. From paddleboarders gliding across calm morning waters to sailing excursions and kayaking alongside playful sea lions, King Harbor reminds us that a true sense of escape is never far from home.
We also follow a local dad preparing to take on the grueling 21 stages of the amateur Tour de France. Riding not for fame, but out of devotion to his daughter who has leukemia, his journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, purpose, and the strength of community support.
That same spirit of perseverance carries into our spotlight on the winner of the 2026 BeachLife Battle of the Bands. What should have been a breakthrough performance at the BeachLife Festival turned into a lesson in resilience when an unexpected security incident led to the cancellation of their set just moments before showtime. Their story is a moving reminder that success is often defined not by setbacks, but by how we respond to them.
Whether you are spending your afternoons on the water, exploring the pier or boardwalk, or enjoying a quiet summer evening with family and friends, we hope these pages inspire you to slow down, explore, and appreciate the people and places that make our community so vibrant.
With full hearts,
BRANDON FARMER, PUBLISHER, LESLEY A. ROLLO, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Brandon Farmer | brandon.farmer@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Lesley A. Rollo | lesley.rollo@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Erika Daniels
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Proverbs 3:5-6
inside the issue
An
How
After
Take the hur t out of health
Meet the new standard of care for needle procedures.
Introducing the Needle Care System™, the safe and effective way to manage pain from vaccinations, blood draws, self-injections, IVs, and more—without messy prescription creams or potential side effects from oral medication.
Doctor developed • Science backed • Safe and effective Co-founded by a Redondo Beach dermatologist and mom
JULY 2026
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
Highlights of BeachLife Performances.
1: Lead singer Jim James of My Morning Jacket rocks the LowTide Stage. 2: The Offspring ignite the stage, with guitarist Kevin Wasserman, aka “Noodles,” delivering unforgettable riffs. 3: Dexter Holland, lead singer of The Offspring, commands the HighTide stage on Night One.
4: A behind-the-scenes moment with Easy Honey's Darby McGlone, Webster Austin, Selby Austin, and Charlie Holt. 5: Joan Jett on guitar, delivers a high-energy set driven by her signature punk-rock edge. 6: Duran Duran closes out Night One with a timeless performance that transcends decades. 7: James Taylor wraps up Night Three, bringing the festival to a memorable finish.
FABIEN CASTRO/BEACHLIFE FESTIVAL
Snapshots of BeachLife Attendees. 8: Hermosa Beach resident Majorie Questin indulges in rosé-flavored cotton candy courtesy of DAOU Vineyards. 9: Lisa Budris, Sigrid Propper, and Christine Brynjolfson take in the festivities. 10: Three generations savor the festival: Dana and Ty Cukr, daughter Megan Gomez, and Gracie. 11: Jason DeVore performs an intimate, stripped-down acoustic set at the Speakeasy Stage. 12: A super fan of Duran Duran enjoys Day One performances. 13: Betty Leinen and Shannon Davison vibe to Jason DeVore's performance. 14: Elizabeth Scofflet and Mercedes Skiko share a picture-perfect moment inside a life-size Polaroid frame.
Lively Scenes Around Town. 15: Jason Antazo, William Baltazar, and Sandra Sanders toast at Estate Properties' Cinco de Mayo celebration. 16: Custom Design & Construction seminar: Bill Simone, Beth Yuen, Susan Mazmanian, Chelsea Cutler, Jim Hunt. 17: The Springfest Sponsors’ Celebration: Joe (Cookie Zombie), Mickey Johnson, Renee Nuthall, Robin Garfield, Lorelai Duarte. 18: Diane, Sandra, and John Sanders enjoy Estate Properties' Happy Hour event at Pacific Standard Prime. 19: Manny Archondo, John Defterios, Kathleen Knoll, Jennifer Weintraub, Norm Lucas, and Joey Van Leuven. 20: Jeff Bolyea, Jane Sager, James Sanders, Lynn Lord, Laurie Acore, and Veronica Martinez. 21: Theresa Lehr, Norm Lucas, Sandy Bruce, and Christine Van Slyke celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
business monthly
WestPac Makes History with Back-to-Back Guardian President’s Awards
The 2025 President’s Award recognizes WestPac’s focus on several core pillars, including investing in talent through a commitment to recruiting and mentoring Financial Representatives who are dedicated to their craft, maintaining steady expansion by growing its presence to reach more individuals and families across diverse markets, and strengthening community stewardship by building a lasting, positive impact for the businesses and communities it is privileged to serve.
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Glow Haus Opens a Second Location in Manhattan Beach
Glow Haus is proud to expand its presence in the South Bay with a second location now open in Manhattan Beach. Clients can explore the same thoughtful, results-driven approach to skin health that has made the Redondo Beach studio a local favorite. Visit the new Glow Haus location at 500 South Sepulveda Blvd., #207, Manhattan Beach.
An Invitation to Get Out on the Water
REDISCOVER REDONDO
ARTICLE BY LESLEY A. ROLLO | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
For many South Bay residents, the Redondo Beach harbor has long been a familiar backdrop rather than an active destination—a place people pass by, admire from a restaurant window, or possibly visit occasionally with out-of-town guests. However, beyond the docks and breakwall exists an entire waterfront community built around one simple idea: getting people out on the water. Whether it’s sailing, sailboat racing, kayaking, paddleboarding, volunteering with marine life programs, or spotting bright orange Garibaldi beneath the surface, Redondo’s waterfront provides endless opportunities for individuals and families.
Sea lions soak up the sunshine, enjoying an easygoing day on the water. Photo Credit: Jake Mark
While the City of Redondo Beach offers a popular adult sailing program with a waitlist, additional opportunities exist through organizations including South Bay Sailing, Marina Sailing, and the King Harbor Yacht Club (KHYC). Marina Sailing members can charter boats from a fleet pool, and both members and non-members can enroll in sailing lessons.
“People don’t have time to mess with owning a boat,” KHYC Staff Commodore Mark Hansen said. “More and more yacht clubs are buying boats for their members to use.”
For those curious about sailing and interested in racing, KHYC’s racing programs welcome the public to join a crew. The club’s Sunday “Club Races” are intended to accommodate sailors with little or no experience. Crews and skippers gather before the race, spend about an hour on the water, then return to the clubhouse for pizza or a barbecue afterward. During the warmer months, Thursday Twilight Races bring sailors together for evening competition, followed by burgers and relaxed socializing.
Importantly, participants do not need to be yacht club members to join a racing crew or a fleet. Julie Coll, Founder and Director of Waterfront Education, says KHYC’s various fleets give newcomers a chance to experience the harbor community without committing to full membership. The Women’s Sailing Fleet, for example, welcomes beginners and non-members alike for sailing outings on the fourth Monday during summer months, along with other programs throughout the year.
That same spirit of access extends into Julie’s work with Waterfront Education, where she has long focused on creating hands-on, ocean-centered learning and boating experiences for youth. Now, she says, adults are asking for more. “Adults are saying, ‘Kids can’t have all the fun,’” Julie laughed.
Julie is currently developing adult programs including Full Moon Kayaking, Kayak Fit, and pilates on paddleboards. “The game plan is to layer in more adult type things,” she explained.
Waterfront Education has evolved far beyond traditional youth sailing instruction. Long known for hands-on science programming for homeschool students, the nonprofit is now broadening its mission to emphasize ocean access, environmental stewardship, and community connection.
“The whole point for us is giving people access and teaching them about the environment and trying to do it in a family-friendly way,” Julie said.
“It was so great when my granddaughter was cleaning tanks. What a great way for kids to... hands-on fix our planet.”
—Mark Hansen
Kayakers and sea lions alike take in a beautiful day in the harbor. Photo Credit: Jake Mark
Young sailors compete in the annual Ken Hoover Optimist Regatta, hosted by the KHYF and KHYC. Photo Credit: KHYC
“I love when locals come on the trip and learn something they didn’t know.”
—Jake Mark
The 77-foot Zephyrus, first to finish in last year’s Santa Barbara to King Harbor Regatta. Photo credit: Diana MacDougall.
Programs include eco tours, tide pool exploration, and monthly Ocean Warriors cleanup outings where participants paddle kayaks through the harbor collecting trash. “We make our kayaks available for almost free,” Julie explained, noting a $15 deposit is required to discourage no-shows. “To go out for 2½ hours and pick up trash on kayaks, that’s pretty inexpensive.”
She believes the key to building confidence on the water is giving people opportunities to continue getting out there. “Even if they get a [sailing] certification, it’s just a piece of paper,” she said. “If you can get on the water with really skilled people, then you just learn that much faster.”
That same spirit of mentorship fuels the King Harbor Youth Foundation (KHYF), affiliated with the King Harbor Yacht Club, which supports summer camps, year-round sailing instruction, and competitive youth racing teams. Young sailors begin in small 8-foot boats before advancing into larger vessels and the opportunity to join high school racing teams that compete up and down the California coast.
Beyond recreation, the harbor also serves as an outdoor classroom for marine science and conservation. One of the harbor’s most unique volunteer opportunities is the White Sea Bass Grow Out Program, a collaborative effort involving the Department
Majestic humpback whales are among the many marine species commonly spotted during whale watching tours.
of Fish & Game and the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. Young sea bass are raised in local tanks until they are large enough to survive in the wild before being released into the ocean.
“We need volunteers,” Mark Hansen emphasized. Volunteers help clean tanks, monitor fish health, observe feeding habits, and assist with data collection. Tiny microchips implanted into the fish allow researchers to track survival patterns after release.
“It was so great when my granddaughter was cleaning tanks,” Mark said. “What a great way for kids to... hands-on fix our planet.”
For families seeking a more relaxed way to explore the harbor, opportunities on the water continue to expand through rentals, marine life tours, and offshore excursions. Whale watching tours through Redondo Beach Whale Watch offer encounters with dolphins, sea lions, and migrating whales just beyond the harbor.
For many visitors, one of the biggest surprises is how much wildlife exists just beneath the surface.
“It’s a pleasant surprise to see how much life is here,” explained Jake Mark, Owner of Redondo Glass Bottom Boat and Redondo Boat Rentals. “A lot of people think they have to go to Catalina. We’re seeing the same exact fish right here in our backyard.”
Jake has spent the past several years expanding experiences throughout the harbor. In addition to glass-bottom tours—of which Redondo Beach is the only seaside city in Los Angeles County to offer—he now operates Duffy boat, kayak, paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals.
“We’ve tried to build up the [glass-bottom boat] experience with a lot of information,” Jake said. “I love when locals come on the trip and learn something they didn’t know.”
Guests are often stunned by underwater visibility near the breakwall, where bright orange Garibaldi dart through schools of marine life.
“You’ll easily see over 100 fish,” he said.
Children are invited to steer the glass-bottom boat while wearing a captain’s hat—small experiences Jake hopes create lasting memories on the water.
“That just makes some really good memories,” he said, “and hopefully it instills that love to be on the water.”
Some of the harbor’s most memorable encounters happen unexpectedly.
“There was a day a sea lion jumped onto the back of the boat and stayed there through every single trip,” Jake recalled.
Jake and his team work closely with the Marine Mammal Care Center and host weekly harbor cleanup excursions to help protect local wildlife and waterways.
For Jake, the harbor’s magic lies in the way it reconnects people with nature—especially locals who thought they already knew the area.
In many ways, that may be the harbor’s hidden beauty. Beyond the restaurants and marina views exists an entire waterfront culture waiting to be rediscovered—one that invites residents not just to admire the ocean from shore, but to get out on the water and experience it firsthand.
Tour-goers below deck view hundreds of fish up close on the Redondo Glass Bottom Boat tour. Photo Credit: Jake Mark
Redondo Glass Bottom Boat owner Jake Mark with one of his many young captains. Photo Credit: Jake Mark
Your Harbor Guide: Ways to Get Out on the Water
The Redondo Beach harbor offers something for anyone wanting to explore the ocean. Here’s a quick guide to just some of the many local opportunities.
BOAT RENTALS & HARBOR CRUISING
Freedom Boat Club, freedomboatclub.com
Marina Saling, marinasailing.com
Paddle House, paddlehouserb.com
Redondo Boat Rentals, redondoboatrentals.com
The Boaters Program, redondo.org
FISHING TRIPS
King Harbor Yacht Club Fishing Fleet, khyc.org
Redondo Beach Sportfishing, redondosportfishing.com
RACING & FLEET MEMBERSHIP
King Harbor Yacht Club, khyc.org
SAILING LESSONS
King Harbor Yacht Club, khyc.org
Marina Saling, marinasailing.com
Redondo Beach Sailing Program (Waitlist), redondo.org
South Bay Sailing, southbaysailing.com
TOURS & CHARTERS
Gondola Amoré, gondolaamore.net
Redondo Glass Bottom Boat, redondogbb.com
Redondo Beach Whale Watch, rbwhales.com
The Portofino, hotelportofino.com/adventure-center
VOLUNTEER & CONSERVATION OPPORTUNITIES
Marine Mammal Care Center, marinemammalcare.org
Ocean Warriors, waterfronteducation.org/ocean-warriors
White Sea Bass Grow Out Program, www.oceansglobal.org/form
YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMS
King Harbor Youth Foundation, khyf.org
Waterfront Education, waterfronteducation.org
Dolphins playfully swim—a common sight in the ocean.
Photo Credit: Jake Mark
Jeff Davis outside his garage, where he begins predawn trainings.
ARTICLE BY LESLEY A. ROLLO PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
How Jeff Davis is Turning His Daughter’s Diagnosis into a Mission.
The Journey
For Lucy
For most people, cycling 2,000 miles through Europe over 21 grueling stages sounds impossible. For Redondo Beach resident Jeff Davis, the mission feels necessary.
On Saturday, June 27, Jeff joins eleven other cyclists from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland in riding the amateur version of the Tour de France,
tackling legendary mountain climbs and unpredictable weather during nearly a month on the road. The goal is not glory, but something far more personal: raising money for Cure Leukaemia (which uses the British spelling), a UK-based organization supporting blood cancer research, after his daughter Lucy was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) at just 17 years old.
But, Jeff’s cancer journey did not begin with Lucy’s diagnosis.
Cancer first altered the course of his life decades earlier. When Jeff was seven years old, he lost his father to pancreatic cancer. “My dad died when he was 35,” Jeff said. “So my story is bigger than just my daughter.”
Today, Jeff lives in Redondo Beach with his wife, Jackie Nguyen. Their son Caleb plays Division I soccer at Lipscomb University in Nashville, while Lucy—now 20—is at University of California, Davis with dreams of becoming a lawyer.
Outside of family life, cycling has long been a defining part of Jeff’s story. He grew up riding BMX bikes in Indiana before progressing to
mountain biking and eventually road cycling after moving to California. “Once I started road cycling, I found my home,” he said. For Jeff, cycling became more than exercise. It became therapy and a way to keep moving forward.
Each morning, long before sunrise, Jeff climbs onto his bike trainer in the garage and rides virtual mountain routes through the cycling app ROUVY. “I wake up at 3:45 in the morning and I’m in the garage,” he said. “I’m on the bike at 4 AM and done by 6:30, and I’m in the office by 7:30.”
Those predawn training sessions, along with long rides on local trails, are preparing him for the relentless climbs of the Tour de France route, including the iconic Alpe d’Huez and the towering Pyrenees.
The inspiration behind Jeff Davis’ cycling journey: his daughter, Lucy.
Jeff’s children, Caleb and Lucy, share a moment at a family wedding.
“WE, AS MEN, TEND TO HOLD A LOT OF THINGS IN. NOT ONLY AM I RIDING THIS FOR LEUKEMIA, BUT I THINK I’M RIDING IT FOR MY OWN MENTAL HEALTH AS WELL.”
—JEFF DAVIS
Col du Tourmalet in the French Pyrenees is one of the Tour de France’s most iconic climbs.
Even training has posed its own challenges. In April, Jeff crashed during a ride and required shoulder surgery. Through all of these experiences, however, the most difficult part has been watching Lucy navigate a life reshaped by illness. “She’s still struggling,” Jeff said. “There’s a lot of things that she’s looking forward to in life that she feels like she just can’t look forward to.”
CML is a rare blood cancer, especially in someone Lucy’s age. While treatable, it requires constant monitoring, daily medication, and the possibility of a bone marrow transplant.
Jeff remembers the moment concern turned to urgency after tests revealed Lucy’s diagnosis. “Her white blood cell count was over 500,000. It should be like [12,000],” he said.
Lucy was admitted immediately to Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach just before Thanksgiving during her senior year at Redondo Union High School.
In the middle of fear, Jeff leaned into action. “I threw my project management hat on. ‘Okay, this is a project. What do we have to do to solve this problem right now?’”
Through it all, Lucy has continued moving forward. She graduated high school on time, delivering a graduation speech about cancer and “how it doesn’t define her.” Friends and family watched her stand at the podium with remarkable composure, transforming one of the hardest seasons of her life into a message of strength. “I’ll keep that video forever,” Jeff said, tears filling his eyes.
The emotional weight of the experience has impacted the family in different ways. For Jeff, cycling has become an outlet not only for the fear
surrounding Lucy’s diagnosis but also for grief he has carried since losing his father at a young age.
“We, as men, tend to hold a lot of things in,” he expressed. “Not only am I riding this for leukemia, but I think I’m riding it for my own mental health as well.”
That honesty is part of what makes Jeff’s mission so compelling. He does not present himself as fearless or heroic. He is simply a father trying to keep going. He admits he is nervous. “What am I nervous about? Just being ready.”
The opportunity to ride with Cure Leukaemia came unexpectedly last year while Jeff was listening to a replay of Tour de France coverage. An NBC Sports documentary about the organization followed the replay. “I hear the guy talking. ‘I have leukemia.’ I ended up watching the whole thing, and at the very end it said, riding for Cure Leukaemia.” A few days later, he applied.
For Jeff, the ride is ultimately about what is possible when endurance is redirected toward hope—toward
Jeff at Coll de Rates in Spain during his training, a climb known among cyclists for its steady gradients and sweeping views.
research, toward families searching for answers, and toward a future with fewer lives interrupted by devastating diagnoses.
“One of the reasons that I’m doing this is not only for my daughter, but for other families that have the same kind of hope that we’ve had,” he said. “I don’t want other fathers and other families to have to go through the same thing that we’ve gone through, and if this is one thing that I can do to work hard, to help get further towards the cure, then I’m willing to put forth that effort.”
Jeff’s family will be at the end of the route in Paris. Originally, they wanted to attend the starting line, but Jeff had another idea.
“I said, ‘Well, that doesn’t give me motivation to get through,’” he recalled. “‘If I know that everyone’s going to be at the end, then I have no choice.’”
Somewhere between the steep mountain climbs, the aching legs, and the long, quiet hours on European roads, Jeff Davis will continue doing what he has always done—carrying hope forward, shaped by childhood, tested through loss, and now devoted to Lucy.
Support Cure Leukaemia
The Cure Leukaemia organization funds clinical trials and groundbreaking research to improve treatments and accelerate cures for blood cancers, including leukemia. Donations help support new therapies, expand clinical research, and improve access to innovative care for patients and families affected by leukemia.
To learn more or contribute, visit cureleukaemia.co.uk.
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
From early morning rides in his Redondo Beach garage to training in Spain, Jeff has documented his journey preparing to ride the amateur Tour de France in support of his daughter, Lucy, and childhood leukemia research. To follow along—and support his goal of raising $50,000 to fight childhood leukemia—visit @ jeff_w_davis on Instagram.
tה GLOW HAUS GLOW HAUS
Healthy skin starts with the right support. Glow Haus combines advanced treatments with personalized care to help improve hydration, texture, clarity, and long-term skin health. Now welcoming clients in both Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach
After an Emotional Weekend at BeachLife, Greg Gilman of Greg in Good Company Reflects on Encouragement and Perseverance.
Playing It Out
PROVIDED
ARTICLE BY LESLEY A. ROLLO PHOTOGRAPHY
Greg in Good Company band members
(L–R): Marty Vites, Greg Gilman, and Joseph Snyder. Photo Credit: Nikki Neumann
Some stories are not about the moment everything goes right. They are about what happens when it doesn’t—and how you choose to respond.
That was the feeling sitting backstage with Southern California resident Greg Gilman at this year’s BeachLife Festival.
A few months earlier, Greg in Good Company had won the 2026 BeachLife Battle of the Bands, earning a coveted spot at the festival. For Gilman and his bandmates—Marty Vites on lead guitar, Jon Sarna on drums, and Joseph Snyder on bass—it was a breakthrough moment years in the making.
They were ready. Then, hours before they were scheduled to perform, everything changed.
An incident at the Redondo Beach Pier delayed the festival’s third day by nearly two hours, forcing organizers to reshuffle performances. Greg in Good Company’s set on the Riptide Stage was ultimately canceled.
“It was a pretty big gut punch,” Gilman admitted.
For hours, the band had waited as schedules shifted by the minute. At one point, they were told to prepare for a 2 PM set. Then came the final call.
“We were about to get on stage, and then the stage manager got the call that they decided to cancel us,” Gilman recalled. Tears filled his eyes as he added, “Sorry. I just got hit with the emotions. I feel like I’m being hit right now with my bandmates’ emotions.”
When asked if he had been trying to stay strong for the rest of the group, his answer was immediate. “Absolutely. They worked… to get to this stage and to have it end like that is pretty brutal.”
Still, what lingered wasn’t frustration— it was perspective. “You never know what comes from one gig… from one opportunity,” he said. “That’s all we can do is show up and play.”
Greg Gilman lights up the stage on guitar during the Battle of the Bands. Photo
Credit: Fabien Castro
Greg in Good Company warms up on BeachLife’s Riptide Stage before their performance is cancelled.
That mindset has shaped Gilman’s path from the beginning.
Raised on a farm in Pennsylvania, Gilman attended Temple University for film school and eventually found his way to California in 2011. “I just always had a calling to come to California,” he said.
Music wasn’t the plan at first. “I was a closet singer-songwriter until 27,” Gilman shared. “I finally started going out to open mics and got a really good response.”
That encouragement led to the formation of Greg in Good Company in 2014. The band built a steady following through local radio, touring, and festival stages with people drawn to their self-described “rock ’n’ roll full of heart and soul” sound.
Greg’s son Bodhi celebrates on stage after Greg in Good Company takes home a win at the Battle of the Bands.
But Gilman’s growth didn’t just happen on stage.
Inspired by Nashville songwriter circles, he created Writers ‘Round: Los Angeles in 2019, a weekly showcase designed to bring artists together in a more authentic and welcoming way.
“In LA, [community] was seriously lacking,” he explained. “I just wanted to create a space where it could be about, let’s just hang out and cut all the standoffishness, and let’s just be real.”
What began as one local gathering has since expanded into multiple chapters across the country. For Gilman, it reinforced something simple but powerful: people don’t just need opportunity—they need encouragement.
“This world can be such a dark place,” he said. “I just want everyone to know that they can and should bring their light.” That idea is also embedded in his music.
One of the clearest examples is “Carrie’s Song,” a crowd favorite, which Gilman wrote as a wedding gift for his friend Carrie—someone who supported him long before there was anything to support.
“I had a band in high school that never played,” Gilman said. “And she would come to all the rehearsals and just watch us play.” The song became a reminder of how powerful early encouragement can be.
In many ways, it became a blueprint for how Gilman sees the world—the idea that belief from one person can change the trajectory of another. And that thread—community, encouragement, persistence—eventually led to the most personal shift of all.
After the pandemic hit, Gilman struggled with motivation. Then, on Christmas Eve 2023, Gilman’s wife Andrea told him they were expecting their son, Bodhi.
“That was the perfect kick in the butt,” he said with a laugh. “Now you got your motivation… fatherhood.” From that moment forward, everything sharpened.
Gilman talks about his son with unmistakable pride, sharing videos of Bodhi dancing and clapping after Greg in Good Company won Battle of the Bands at The Venice West. “He loves music,” Gilman said. “He understood we won something. He was super stoked.”
Then he beamed again as he spoke about role modeling for his son what it looks like to pursue something wholeheartedly.
“A lot of musicians will go, ‘Well, I’m not making enough money doing this… I’ll just do it for fun.’ I made a decision. I don’t want my son to think that way. I want him to go for it.”
That perspective reframed everything—including the BeachLife setback.
After the cancellation, moments of encouragement surfaced. The band was offered a stripped-down set at the VIP Surf Club Lounge, and fans reached out on social media asking if the band would still play.
As Gilman packed up his guitar, a fan approached. “You were one of the bands I wanted to see. I listen to your music… I’m going to go on this journey and you’re on my playlist for this journey when I retire.”
Gilman reflected: “You have to trust that it’s going to play out and work out in your favor.”
Because at its core, this is not a story about a set that didn’t happen. It is a story about perseverance—and about recognizing that all good things don’t arrive when everything goes right, but when you keep going and let it play out.
Greg in Good Company delivers a high-energy set at the Surf Club VIP Lounge. Photo Credit: Cameron Driskill_Aviator Nation Dreamland
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
Summer Seafood Gazpacho
This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!
Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.
Website: alyssalavy.com
Instagram: @alyssalavyrd
Ingredients: (yields ~8 C gazpacho)
• 8 large tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small sweet onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• ½ tsp hot sauce
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)
*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.
Directions:
1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.
2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.
3. Mince garlic. Set aside.
4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.
5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.
6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.
7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.
8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!
Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.
A REFRESHING, CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!
THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS
Free Concerts on the Pier
Fisherman's Wharf (West End of the Redondo Beach Pier) | 6:00 PM
Turn Up the Music! Live music returns to the Redondo Beach Pier every Thursday and Saturday in July. Visit redondopier.com/summer-of-music. 7/2: Running Hot; 7/4: Ernando and the Nandos; 7/9: Bear Supply; 7/11: Backspin; 7/16: Say It Ain’t Weezer; 7/18: Sligo Rags; 7/23: Marvin Gaye Soul Serenade; 7/25: Chad & the Ship of Fools; 7/30: Grateful to the Core.
SUNDAYS
Concerts in the Park
Polliwog Park, 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach | 5:00 PM
Sounds and Sunsets! Grab your friends, family, and picnic basket, and enjoy live music while celebrating Sunday sunsets in the park. This beloved Sunday series brings the community together to end the weekend on a high note. 7/5: The Satin Dollz; 7/12: Sega ‘90s; 7/19: Scot Bruce’s Rockin’ Tribute to Elvis; 7/26: Psychedelic Summer Band.
JULY 4TH
Independence Day 5K Run & Firecracker Dash
Catalina Ave. (Between PV Blvd & S. Elena Ave in Redondo Beach) | 8:00 AM
Get Fired Up! Join the 33rd Annual 4th of July 5K. Festivities begin with a patriotic costume contest at the Coffee Cartel parking lot, fol lowed by an after-race party at Rock & Brews featuring raffle prizes and celebrations. Proceeds benefit the Redondo Beach Educational Foundation. Register at villagerunner.com.
JULY 4TH
4th of July Fireworks
King Harbor (181 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach) | 9:00 PM
Red, White, and Boom! Redondo Beach celebrates Independence Day with its annual fireworks spectacular, featuring a 20-minute dis play launched from a barge near the Redondo Beach Pier. Spectators can take in the show from the Pier or the International Boardwalk. The Seaside Lagoon also offers live music, vendors, and prime viewing for the night’s festivities.
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JULY 5TH - 7TH & 14TH - 19TH
LA Galaxy
Soccer Celebration
Galaxy Park, Carson & South of the Hermosa Beach Pier | 12:00 PM
Let’s Goal! LA Galaxy is hosting a “Soccer Celebration” series of free events tied to FIFA World Cup 26™, including match viewing and appearances by Galaxy players. Round of 16 events take place July 5–7 at Galaxy Park in Carson. Semifinals & Finals activations are July 14–19 south of the Hermosa Pier. Sign up at lagalaxy.com/ soccercelebration.
JULY 8TH - 9TH, 16TH - 17TH, & 24TH
Shakespeare by the Sea (SBTS)
South Bay | 7:00 PM
Shakespeare Under the Stars! SBTS brings Macbeth to the South Bay. Bring your blankets, beach chairs, and a picnic to enjoy live theater under the stars. Admission is free. Donations are encouraged. Visit shakespearebythesea.org. Performance Schedule: July 8-9: Valley Park, Hermosa Beach; July 16 & 17: Polliwog Park, Manhattan Beach; July 24: Veterans Park, Redondo Beach.
JULY 10TH
South Bay Greek Festival
St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church, 722 Knob Hill Ave., Redondo Beach
OPA! Enjoy traditional music and folk dancing at the 62nd annual South Bay Greek Festival, plus the best Greek food in town including sizzling gyros, tender lamb chops, savory souvlaki, flaky spanakopita, golden loukoumades, rich mousaka, and much more. Festival Hours: Friday, 7/10: 5 PM-10 PM; Saturday, 7/11: Noon-10 PM; Sunday, 7/12: Noon-9 PM
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