Southbay Magazine - February/March 2015

February/March 2015

HANG TIME: WHY THE SOUTH BAY’S RIPE FOR A FINE ARTS MOVEMENT.

WHERE WE LIVE

OURSOU T HBAY.CO M

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FEB/MARCH 2015

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Saturday, April 18 6:00 p.m. - Midnight Marriott Hotel, Manhattan Beach Dinner, Dancing, Entertainment, Silent and Live Auctions $185 Per Person - $200 after March 18th - Limited to 350 Guests For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.pvjuniors.org

South Bay’s Newest Medical Center Now Open

• 256 Private Rooms* • Patient rooms 30% larger • Equipped with accommodations for a loved one to stay overnight *The Lundquist Tower contains all private rooms. The Transitional Care Unit and Pediatrics will remain semi-private.

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Buy-outs and bulls and bears, oh my.

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

This page: Artist Sarah Cain standing tall in her studio.

On the cover: (top) Rainbow Lake WY G2 and (bottom) Rainbow Lake WY G1 both by Matthew Brandt, 2013—a grid of 12 chromogenic prints soaked in Rainbow Lake water. © Matthew Brandt, Courtesy M+B Gallery, Los Angeles

Where We Live 28 As You Were

40 Q&A

Alva family dance legacy

30 Arts

Singing with the Hermosa Beach Gospel Choir

Stuntwoman Heidi Moneymaker

42 Media

Art books

32 Style File

45 Tips

Seeing red

Hanging art

34 Street Smart

46 Weekender

Dinner date

36 Palate

Modernism Week in Palm Springs

48 Datebook

Sweet spots

38 More Palate

South Bay event calendar

54 Seen

Toasting Guinness Sandpipers cookbook

Who’s who around town

Features 70

Fresh Beginnings

A growing family upgrades their Manhattan Beach abode.

76

Spring Arts Preview

80

Drawing a Fine Line

Cultural happenings coming to the South Bay this season.

Q&A with local art advisor Victoria Burns.

The Collectors

84

South Bay fine art collectors share their treasured pieces.

LA Artists on the Rise

90

Six highly collectible artists shifting the art scene west.

100 South Bay Ink

Hermosa shops put a local stamp on tattoo culture.

106

Passport to Peru

Exploring new heights in colorful South America.

And Then Some 51

Escapes

PHOTOGRAPHED BY MONICA OROZCO

75 years of Two Bunch Palms 67

Escapes

New experiences at Terranea Resort 111

Escapes

TravelStore presents Belmond 114 Profiles

Real Estate and Mortgage Leaders

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015, SOUTHBAY

19

PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jared Sayers

Darren Elms

Ajay Peckham

Look who’s talking about Premier.

EDITORIAL

Copy Editor | Laura Watts Food & Wine Editor | Bonnie Graves Art Director | Angela Lewis Graphic Designers | Elena Lacey, Michelle Villas CONTRIBUTORS Mariela Ciccone, Suzanna Cullen Hamilton, Kelly Dawson, Amber Klinck, Carly Liza, Fabienne Marsh, Jennie Nunn, Melinda O’Brien, Stefan Slater, Vanessa Wade PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff Berting, Siri Berting, Paul Joyner, Nicole Leone, Michael Neveux, Monica Orozco, Lauren Pressey ADVERTISING Jared Sayers |

310-502-8262 | jared@moontidemedia.com

SOUTHBAY ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jeannie Bolio | 310-403-3035 | jeannie@moontidemedia.com Erika Carrion | 310-897-2424 | erika@moontidemedia.com Derek Poole | 310-266-3846 | derek@moontidemedia.com MOON TIDE MEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Senior Account Executive | Dale Tiffany | 310-663-4609 | dt@moontidemedia.com Senior Account Executive | Robin Sanders | 818-427-2050 | robin@moontidemedia.com Account Executive | Candice Stockstell | 312-972-4235 | candice@moontidemedia.com MARKETING & OPERATIONS

Director of Marketing | Cherice Tatum Marketing Manager | Kaleena Cano Operations Manager | Allison Jeackjuntra Business & Financial Consultant | Karina Aguiar

“We are a boutique real estate firm that provides a special level of service and care to our clients and friends. We bank with Premier because they embrace the same style and attitude. Our Office Manager loves working with them, and when she’s happy we’re all happy!“ Rick Edler, Vista Sotheby’s International Realty

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VP, BRANDED MEDIA

Emily Stewart No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Moon Tide Media, LLC. Any and all submissions to this or any Moon Tide Media, LLC publication become the property of Moon Tide Media, LLC and may be used in any media. We reserve the right to edit.

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TO OUR READERS Southbay magazine welcomes your feedback to our magazine and stories. Please send your letters to: Reader Response Department, Southbay Magazine, PO Box 3760, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Please include your name and address and email address. Letters may be published. We reserve the right to edit.

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Advertiser Index 23rd Street Jewelers.................................................................................... 8 Beach Cities Ortho & Sports................................................................... 5 Belmont Village........................................................................................... 65 Cancer Support Community.................................................................78 Dr. John Boyd............................................................................................... 49 Dr. Kristin Egan.............................................................................................42 Guzman Law Group....................................................................................13 Harris Financial Advisors Inc................................................................. 39 Hot’s Kitchen...............................................................................................110 Long Beach Memorial Medical Center................................................15 LuAnn Development................................................................................ 39 Manhattan Beach Chamber................................................................. 20 Marcus Medical Spa..................................................................................25 Medawar Fine Jewelers.............................................................................. 7 Michael Z. Hopkins, DDS..........................................................................23 Morgan Stanley — Lisa Garey...................................................................9 Moss Adams Wealth Advisors................................................................14 Nvision..........................................................................................................105 Palos Verdes Jr Womens Club............................................................... 10 Palos Verdes Plastic Surgery...................................................................17 Peter S. Borden, MD...................................................................................33 Poppi............................................................................................................... 64 Providence Little Company of Mary...........................................26, C4 Saatchi Art................................................................................................... 99 Sandpipers.................................................................................................... 16 SEIA, LLC........................................................................................................22 Shade Hotel....................................................................................................6 Sheila Barbarino............................................................................................11 South Bay Hearing & Balance...............................................................47 Splintered Heart......................................................................................... 64 Steven K. Okamoto, DDS.........................................................................63 Summer Orthodontics...........................................................................105 Terranea Resort............................................................................C2, 35, 67 Torrance Memorial Medical Center.............................................. 12, 29 Travel Store................................................................................................... 111 Two Bunch Palms........................................................................................51 UCLA Medical Center — Redondo Beach..........................................18 Vistamar School..........................................................................................75 Yoga Loft.......................................................................................................110 Real Estate Alison Clay-Duboff — RE/MAX........................................................... 127 Chad Heitzler Fahlbusch — NW Real Estate..................................153 Chris Adlam — Vista Sotheby’s...........................................................146 Colleen Johnson — Re/Max..................................................................136 Diana Turner — South Bay Brokers....................................................129 Edler / DeRenzis Group — Vista Sotheby’s.............................. 115, 121 Gordon Inman Team — Keller Williams................................... 134, 152 Hunter Mason Realty..............................................................................126 John Chuka — NW Real Estate.............................................................151 Judith Shockley — Coldwell Banker...................................................156 Karina Pacific — NW Real Estate........................................................ 132 Kristen Novoa — HOM Sotheby’s.......................................................125 Lauren Forbes — Coldwell Banker......................................................154 LDD Longpoint Development — Terranea Real Estate...... 118, 149 Lily Liang — Strand Hill, Christie’s International RE..................... 123 Merit Real Estate.......................................................................................130 Naomi Yamagami — Vista Sotheby’s...............................................128 New American Funding................................................ 139, 141, 144, 148 Nick Schneider — Palm Realty Boutique.........................................120 Patty Sullivan — Vista Sotheby’s........................................................150 Premier Business Bank.................................................................... 21, 140 Redondo Mortgage Center...................................................................145 Regan Hagestad — Watermark Home Loans................................143 Rick Bender — Shorewood Realtors..................................................155 Taya DiCarlo — Coldwell Banker.......................................................... 131 The Agency..................................................................................................116 The Hobin Company............................................................................... 124 Tony Accardo — Beach City Brokers................................................. 137 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage................................................................142 Women’s Council of Realtors............................................................... 157

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SOUTHBAY, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

EDITOR’S LETTER

CONTRIBUTORS

Melinda O’Brien WRITER “Aspiring Arts”

Driven by the need to express, writer Melinda finds joy in a variety of creative pursuits.

Songwriting has been a longstanding one that satisfies her soul in ways that cannot be described with the usual vocabulary. But don’t tell her editor that. She doesn’t want him to think she’s lost her touch as a wordsmith.

A

Culture Club

rt history class, 1994. The teacher is flicking through a series of slides depicting significant German expressionist paintings. She pauses on one image. Heavily flannelled and painfully slouched in my seat (it was the ‘90s), I sit up straight and take notice.

The painting is Death of the Poet Walter Rheiner (1925) by Conrad Felixmüller. I lock eyes with the subject in the piece: a young man, dressed impeccably in a tuxedo and tails, blissful expression, leaping into a neon Berlin night, gently pinching an inch of curtain fabric as he makes his descent. It may sound terribly dark and morbid, but something about this painting—this man—I found terribly affective.

Never before had I been so moved by a work of art, so much so it both haunted and inspired me for years to come.

Last year while in Chicago, I finally got to come face-to-face with this painting.

I walked purposefully through the museum, my heart racing like I was about to meet a long-lost love. I turned a corner, and there it was. Even more impressive in person—the color, the textures—it took my breath away once again. I spent a good 15 minutes with him, staring at that face, the blissful look … reliving a fantastic and fleeting moment of unchecked youth.

Such is the power of art … that connection to someone else’s soul in tangible form … a moment shared that lives on with its viewer. Sometimes that connection is incredibly personal and inspiring, sometimes it’s light and amusing. We visit museums in search of those connections. Some of us are lucky enough to display them proudly in our homes. Curator, collector or spectator, our lives are infinitely richer when filled with creative expression.

This issue we celebrate the past, present and future of art here in the South Bay. Professional dancers, film actors, fine art collectors, tattoo artists … they all contribute to a rich and layered arts community. Recent years welcomed a burst of promise: a brand new museum, original arts programs, fresh local talent. As the South Bay evolves, what will our cultural landscape look like 10 or 20 years from now? Let’s hope it’s fantastic and anything but fleeting. Special thanks to Victoria Burns for her counsel and expertise on these topics.

Darren Elms

Send us a letter! Please email your feedback to letters@moontidemedia.com.

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SOUTHBAY, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Monica Orozco PHOTOGRAPHER “Aspiring Arts”

Filled with passion, Monica’s known for capturing quirky, dark, sexy images, especially those taken in her hometown of Los Angeles.

Her work has been shown around the world, including New York, London and Berlin, and has been published online and in numerous magazines including Anthem, Spin, TimeOut London, Interview, Swindle, Whitehot, Los Angeles Times, NBC, KPCC, JPG, ARTINFO and ForYourArt. demonicaphoto.com

Jennie Nunn WRITER “Passport to Peru”

Jennie is a California–based freelance writer and former editor at magazines including 7x7, California Home+Design and most recently Sunset. A Palos Verdes native, she is now senior contributing editor at C Magazine and West Coast contributing editor at Organic Spa. Her work has appeared in publications including The San Francisco Chronicle, AFAR, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, The Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Magazine, Luxe Interiors+Design and The Hollywood Reporter.

oursouthbay.com

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THE MOST RENOWNED AESTHETIC PHYSICIANS IN THE SOUTH BAY

Dr. Michael Fulbright Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Summer Blake Orthodontics Dr. Ashley Magovern Dermatologist Dr. Keith Marcus Facial Plastic Surgery

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Find and follow us:

WHERE WE LIVE DEP | WHERE WE LIVE

Dangerous Beauty Local stuntwoman Heidi Moneymaker enjoys an acting career on the rise.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY

MICHAEL NEVEUX

LEAPS & BOUNDS Heidi’s always game for a slice of the action.

For more, visit p. 40.

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015, SOUTHBAY

27

WHERE WE LIVE | AS YOU WERE

Fascinating Rhythm Dating back to Hollywood’s golden age, a tiny studio in San Pedro inspires dancers to follow in the shoes of its prolific pair of founders.

WRITTEN BY AMBER PHOTOS COURTESY OF

KLINCK THE ALVA FAMILY

N

estled in the heart of San Pedro, siblings. Alva, born on April 19, 1915, was born a small piece of a bygone era on the island of Vis in Croatia. exists at the Rosalie & Alva At 9 years old, Alva moved from Vis to School of Ballet & Allied Arts.

Chile with his mother and sister. “All the The school’s founders, Tomislav other men in his family were killed in the Lincir Bradonovich and Rosalie Ann Rigge, war,” explains Matt Lincir, Rosalie and Alva’s exemplify the characteristics of silver screen second son. starlets: beautiful, talented and ambitious, Chile was Alva’s home for 10 years before with humble origins and big dreams. he moved to San Pedro, where he worked in a A winning combination of talent and cannery. It wouldn’t be long, however, before tenacity took the dance duo from open-call Alva discovered dance—later explaining to auditions to performing with some of the Matt, “Lifting women paid more and was a industry’s most celebrated heavyweights. And lot more fun.” it would be that same talent and tenacity that By the time Rosalie and Alva met at an enabled the pair to bring a glimpse of that audition, they were both already dancing glamour to the South Bay. professionally. The attraction was instant, The school, commonly referred to as and one year later they were married.

“Alva’s,” has provided Now dancing as a instruction to eager team, the two became Lifting women paid more students since 1952. regulars on The Spade Inspired by Rosalie’s Cooley Show and and was A LOT MORE FUN.” desire to teach—a danced in a dozen or so direction she felt would be the most condumovies. “Dancing was their job,” explains Matt. cive with raising a family—Tomislav, who But soon the dancing duo became a family goes by Alva, set out to build his wife a stuof five with the addition of three boys: Tom, dio. With little more than the help of a single Matt and Mark. The transition into parentcarpenter and roughly $5,000, the couple’s hood led the dancers to teach. vision became a reality, and the Rosalie & San Pedro became home base, and the Alva School of Ballet was born.

Rosalie and Alva School of Ballet became a Of course this wasn’t the first time the family business and community staple. Now, twosome set their sights on a goal, only to see in addition to the Rosalie and Alva School of it come to fruition. Rosalie and Alva’s success Ballet, the Alva brand has expanded to include was largely due to their own perseverance— the distribution of dance studio supplies and and a healthy dose of charm and capability. is now the largest supplier in the world.

Both overcame their share of obstacles Today, Alva lives with his son Matt and in order to break into their careers in Matt’s wife, Wanda. After 70 years of marentertainment. And though they faced fierce riage, Rosalie passed away at the age of 88. competition, Rosalie and Alva stood out from Through their teaching, Rosalie and the crowd: Rosalie, beautiful and graceful, and Alva brought a piece of magic to San Alva, dashing and strong. It’s no wonder Pedro, introducing lavish, hand-painted they describe their initial meeting as love at sets, top-notch chorography and showfirst sight. stopping performances by Rosalie and Alva Still, despite the chemistry between them, themselves. And while their own sons were without their professional aspirations it’s never pressured to pursue dance, the impact unlikely their paths would have crossed. of their parent’s talent as well as their Rosalie, born on September 16, 1922, moved passion to perform was never lost on them. from the small town of Boonville, Missouri, “I always tell people I was born during a to Hollywood with her father and three of her plié,” Matt says with a smile. 

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SOUTHBAY, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

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WHERE WE LIVE | ARTS

Take Me to Church Three sisters from Minnesota dream up a community gospel choir right here in Hermosa Beach.

WRITTEN BY FABIENNE

MARSH, ALTO

I

| PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN

t’s 7 p.m. on a Monday night at Coast Music Conservatory.

The Hermosa Beach Gospel Choir is heavy on altos but leans on tenors and sopranos. In walks a 14-year-old tenor with his younger sister (and her homework) in tow. He sings like an angel, and a chair is pulled up for his sister the instant she says she’s a soprano.

“You never know who’s going to show up,” says Angie Deters, the business manager of Coast Music Conservatory. “It’s a community choir, and all are welcome.”

Enter Roosevelt Christmas (no lie), who that night becomes the choir’s new director. Raffia Ford, the Berklee College of Music graduate who carried us from inception to performing on the Oxygen network’s Fix My Choir, has a solo career that’s taking off.

How three sisters—Beth Rohde, Angie Deters and Marti Harris —from Minnetonka, Minnesota, moved to Hermosa and started the gospel choir is a story in its own right. Before the choir, Coast Music Conservatory was founded by Beth, along with her husband, Matt. When they wanted to expand the school, Beth summoned her younger sister, Marti, who had been auditioning for musical theatre in New York City, and Angie, her older sister, a business major from the University of Minnesota.

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SOUTHBAY, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

PRESSEY

Beth’s dream of a gospel choir was realized at a wedding. When the choir director was a no-show, Raffia, who like Beth had been hired to sing gospel at the wedding, stepped up to lead the choir. “Who are you?! You’re amazing,” Beth said and offered Raffia the job.

The diversity of the Hermosa Beach Gospel Choir defies all stereotypes. “People think that you’ve got to be black and you’ve got to be Christian,” Angie says, “but we’ve got Jews and Christians and little me, who has not set foot in church for 10 years. Then there’s Kumiko from Japan who speaks little English and sings her brains out.”

Add to the mix a French national (the choir sang at her wedding) and a list of “formers”: former nurse, former advertising executive, former TV executive who is starting her own business in order to spend more time with children, and former USC graduate in aerospace engineering who now teaches dance, vocals and acting.

Some have lost loved ones, others are cancer-survivors, some are praising God—but everyone loves to sing and is inspired by gospel music. “Infectious,” “uplifting” and “joyous” are the adjectives most often applied.

“I express my emotions through singing,” says tenor EJ Benford.

“Gospel allows you to do that.”

The group’s musical backgrounds are as varied as its members.

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Those weaned on Handel’s Messiah soon learn about Quincy’s. One The sisters mentioned their ongoing work with autism outreach Tennessee native’s taste for Elvis and The Chuck Wagon Gang is and education. Patrick Storey is a Coast Music Conservatory scholarexpanded to include vocalists like Daryl Coley and Smokie Norful. ship student whose place on the autistic spectrum is compensated by For many of us, Richard Smallwood’s “Total Praise” now stands a gift for music. Two of the three sisters have children on the autism beside “Amazing Grace” as one of the most beautiful songs ever writspectrum. In word and in deed, they have showcased Patrick’s extraorten. “‘The Best is Yet to Come’ is the sisters’ dinary voice to elicit fundraising support for those all-time favorite,” Angie says, “because it with autism.

We fall down speaks to life: ‘You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!’”

The Hermosa Gospel Choir spent 12-hour days Which brings us to the call Angie got from a rehearsing, performing and dancing, with Deitrick but we get up casting agent a few weeks after the choir had tapping into the sisters’ story about autism. He formed. Asked if the gospel choir wanted to Cause a saint is just a sinner elicited “soul” and “purpose” from the choir with participate in a new reality television series for the frenzy of an ER doctor resuscitating a patient. the Oxygen channel, Angie said, “No way. We The paddles that awakened us came in the who fell down … express our gratitude and love though music.” form of Deitrick’s own LXW gospel choir: They and got up.

She added, “We didn’t want to do a Honey Booambushed us in a sing-off battle. Pitted against Boo reality moment.” them, we sang “Great God” for our very lives.

Cut to the very charming and persuasive Fix My Choir co-hosts, In recent weeks, Roosevelt Christmas introduced us to works by Michelle (Destiny’s Child) Williams and gospel star Deitrick Haddon.

Byron Cage and “We Fall Down” by Donnie McClurkin. If you find “Deitrick turned out to be an exceptional human being,” Angie says. yourself singing one of our recent favorites in the shower, you can be “He and Michelle really cared.” That said, their diagnosis was crushcertain that you are welcome to join us. And whatever your spiritual ing: The choir lacked both “soul” and “purpose.” background, you are church. 

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015, SOUTHBAY

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WHERE WE LIVE | STYLE FILE

Paint the Town From scarlet to vermillion, we’re mad about the color red.

Classic Maestro range by Bonnet, $50,000 to $290,000. snyderdiamond.com Stephanie Johnson “Katie” cosmetic folding bag, $43.

Waverly in Manhattan Beach, waverlyboutique.com Bezel-set, princess-cut ruby and round diamond ring, call for price.

Jolie Designs in Manhattan Beach, joliedesigns.com Once Upon an Alphabet: Short Stories for All the Letters, $26.99.

Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore in Redondo Beach, mystgalaxy.com Front Loading Toolbox, $94.

Best Made Company, bestmadeco.com

DID YOU KNOW? Before Louboutin The red heels of the shoes of King Louis XIV of France were discreet symbols of his royal status.

That’s Bull Bulls cannot see the red color of the cape of a bullfighter … they are agitated by its movement.

Ginger Spotting Red hair occurs naturally on approximately 1% to 2% of the human population.

Pucker Up Red lipstick has been worn by women as a cosmetic since ancient times, including Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.

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SOUTHBAY, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

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SPORTS

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WHERE WE LIVE | STREET SMART

Dinner Date Rock a casual Valentine rendezvous like this fashionable dynamic duo.

STYLED BY

HE’S DA BOMB:

Menswear has taken a turn. Between the high-andtight barbershop fades, the Redwing work boots and tons of cool outerwear, guy fashion just upped the ante. Throw on an extra layer like this easy bomber jacket to impress your main squeeze.

The Stakeout Jacket by Ezekiel, $89, and Vissla button-up shirt, $59.95; both at Spyder Surf in Hermosa Beach, spydersurf.com

VANESSA WADE PHOTOGRAPHED BY

LAUREN PRESSEY

DAINTY LAYERS

We’ll always love a good, chunky statement piece, but these days it’s all about layering those delicate necklaces. Local designer JLynn’s gemstone necklaces are the perfect gift to give your honeybunny this Valentine’s Day. The Amanda Pendant, $64, and the Kristen Pendant, $58, by JLynn Jewelry; Cami in Redondo Beach, shopcami.com

KEEP IT SWEET & SIMPLE:

Living in Southern California, we have gorgeous, ethnic inspiration all around us—which hopefully makes it into your closet every once in a while. Embrace the latest embroidered details on a favorite top or a dress.

Velvet top by Raglan Top, $124; Cami in Redondo Beach, shopcami.com

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SOUTHBAY, FEBRUARY/MARCH

WHO:

Anne Marie & Robert Crotty WHERE:

Día De Campo, Hermosa Beach

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WHERE WE LIVE | PALATE

Sweet Spots Our food and wine editor chooses three hot spots for a romantic night out—both in and out of the South Bay. WRITTEN BY BONNIE

GRAVES

F

or those grumpy souls who claim Valentine’s Day was invented by Hallmark and those dubious Russell Stover chocolatiers, February 14 can feel cynically saccharine.

That said, we here at Southbay are (mostly) hopeless romantics—so this month we selected three of our favorite sweet spots for wining and dining with your beloved … or with the person you’re hoping might assume the role! From married couples on the babysitter clock to brand-new dating duos, everyone needs a place to call “ours”—that special restaurant and table and bottle that make you and yours feel, well, inclined.

THE BREEZE

“La Dolce Vita” is alive and well in the South Bay at Hermosa Beach’s beloved La Sosta Enoteca. Tucked into an unassuming corner space in the Five Points neighborhood, this tiny wine bar is an homage to all things Venetian.

Opened by former pilot Luca Manderino nearly a decade ago, La Sosta roughly translates to a place of rest, and it’s the perfect place to hole up with your date and relax with a glass or three of Venice’s famed bubbly: prosecco. Manderino’s food reflects his family’s restaurant roots. It’s authentic northern Italian cuisine with an emphasis on Mediterranean dishes like baked branzino with herbs and spaghetti alla bottarga—no Olive Garden, glutinous masses of pasta to be found here.

Who: Perfect for newer couples—romantic but not overwhelming.

Pick a few small plates and ask Chef Luca to select some authentic regional sips to match. Keep the conversation going with a walk along The Strand afterwards.

Where & Wear: 2700 Manhattan Avenue in Hermosa Beach.

310-318-1556, lasostaenoteca.com Upscale beach chic but leave the flip-flops and the baseball hats home, fellows.

What to Pair: Il Tagliere—La Sosta’s beautiful board of classic charcuterie and cheeses—with a bottle of the priciest prosecco on the menu. While cheap, grocery store prosecco has proliferated in recent years, fine Venetian bubblies are made in the same method as Champagne and retail for a fraction of the price. Or if there’s a chill in the air, opt for a hearty Valpolicella, Amarone’s leaner cousin, which is one of the Veneto’s classic red blends.

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PALATE | WHERE WE LIVE

THE GOURMET

Chef Curtis Stone is a familiar face to those who watch food television, and his not-exactly-unattractive visage means he might have skirted his way to fame in a city where appearance often trumps talent. Then you eat at Maude, his tiny jewel-box restaurant that opened a year ago in Beverly Hills. Seating just 25 and named for the grandmother who inspired him to cook, Maude is a revelation.

Stone’s an intuitive chef, and his concept in others’ hands might have seemed precious yet is winningly convincing as executed by him. The menu is pure prix-fixe tasting menu and centers on a single item, say asparagus, if in season. No, you can’t substitute anything nor should you want to with this kind of artistry in the kitchen.

Note that it’s tough to score a table at Maude, so check the website and plan ahead for the gourmet in your life. For anyone serious about food, Maude is a must.

Who: Maude is tiny but impeccable and is ideal for dining à deux, as larger parties aren’t encouraged. Plan to spend a long evening there, as courses can number as many as eight and consider Uber, as wine pairings are plentiful and expertly rendered. Maude is perfect for couples who care passionately about what and where they eat.

Where & Wear: 212 South Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills.

310-859-3418, restaurantmaude.com Stone is Australian, and that laid-back vibe translates to the dining room. Ties would feel weirdly stuffy, but the food merits dressing up. It’s Beverly Hills, ladies, so wear the good heels and bring the bling if you have it.

What to Pair: The joy of Maude is that they do it for you! Sit back and relax. In my considerable restaurant experience, the wine program at Maude stands out as superb. Sip whatever they pour for you, and write down the wines. They’ll be memorable.

THE LUXE

For truly romantic dining, the Hotel Bel-Air is without compare. Tucked away in its pricey namesake hamlet, Bel-Air feels like a fairy tale. From the white swans gliding by to the shimmering greenery of the grounds, you’d never know just how close you are to the cacophonous Sunset Strip.

When legendary Wolfgang Puck took over the dining operations, the Hotel Bel-Air finally got a chef to match its magical setting. Fairy tale ending, indeed!

The food and service are close to perfect, with price tags to match—so save this for a very special occasion.

Who: The Hotel Bel-Air is ideal for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary or, if my experience is any guide, an engagement dinner. (Disclosure: I got a big, sparkly ring there a decade ago.) And consider booking a room too. The rates can be surprisingly affordable if you go mid-week, so surprise your sweetie with something above-and-beyond your usual date night.

Where & Wear: Hotel Bel-Air, 701 Stone Canyon Road in Los Angeles.

310-472-1211, hotelbelair.com Jacket and tie for gentlemen and fancy dress for ladies. Expect to see celebrities while you get to feel like one for the evening too.

What to Pair: The wine prices at the Hotel Bel-Air aren’t exactly moderate. Instead of going for a trophy bottle at inflated prices, consider mixing and matching the excellent by-the-glass selections. Ask for a taste if there’s something that’s unfamiliar to you. Or consider going bubbles throughout the entire meal. The half-bottle of Champagne Philipponnat is a steal at $66 as is the versatile Henriot Brut Rosé at $158; both pair beautifully with food. 

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015, SOUTHBAY

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WHERE WE LIVE | PALATE

The Good Stuff

More than 250 years of Guinness history in a pint glass

In 1752, Arthur Guinness is left £100 (about $147 U.S.) in the will of Archbishop Price. Three years later he sets up business as a brewer in Leixlip, County Kildare, just 17 kilometers (about 11 miles) from Dublin. The rest is history.

Guinness stout is made from water, barley, roast malt extract, hops and brewer’s yeast.

Finally in 1840 a shipment of Guinness is sent to the states via New York.

The Guinness harp motif is modeled on the Trinity College harp of the Irish text Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib.

During the air raids of WWII, Export Bottlers Ltd. in Liverpool was destroyed by German bombs.

The factory was hastily rebuilt, and the patched-up factory continues operating until 1957.

Porter is also referred to as “plain,” as referenced in the famous refrain of Flann O’Brien’s poem “The Workman’s Friend”: “A pint of plain is your only man.”

“Stout” originally referred to a beer’s strength but eventually shifted meaning toward body and color. (The World Guide to Beer)

In the 1920s the slogan “Guinness is Good for You” debuted when people told the company they felt good after their pint.

Advertisements for alcoholic drinks that imply improved physical performance or enhanced personal qualities are now prohibited in Ireland.

Before 1939, if a Guinness brewer wished to marry a Catholic, his resignation was requested. That changed by the 1960s. (A Bottle of Guinness Please)

The “perfect pint” of draught Guinness is the product of a “double pour,” which according to the company should take 119.5 seconds.

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Despite its reputation as a “meal in a glass,” Guinness only contains 198 calories per imperial pint—fewer than skimmed milk, orange juice and most other nonlight beers.

Although Guinness may appear to be black, it is officially a very dark shade of ruby.

40% of Guinness sales come from Africa.

At least 10 million glasses of Guinness are enjoyed every day.

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PALATE | WHERE WE LIVE

Food For Thought Tastes of the South Bay serves up popular recipes and a sense of neighborly love.

WRITTEN BY KELLY

DAWSON

PHOTOGRAPHED BY J.P. CORDERO

F

rom first bite to final scrape, Tastes of the South Bay is about familiarity. This 350-page cookbook, which was published by the philanthropic group Sandpipers last fall, is a compilation of recipes featuring area chefs who wish to share their popular menu items with fellow locals. As those neighbors follow step-by-step guides on everything from cocktails and appetizers to entrees and desserts, they do so in the ease of their own kitchens.

“We showed off items that we’ve gotten a great response from,” says chef, restaurant owner and Top Chef runner-up Brooke Williamson. Brooke’s beach-inspired recipes—like grilled oysters with toasted prosciutto or a serrano chili and watermelon margarita— are taken from the menus of her restaurants: Hudson House, The Tripel and Playa Provisions.

Since its start during the Great Depression, Sandpipers has produced 12 cookbooks that give all profits to South Bay residents in need. For Tastes of the South Bay, the most recent endeavor, Sandpipers approached 15 chefs for ideas on dinner parties, backyard barbecues, date nights and more. Now the herb-crusted rack of lamb from Chef Reggie Thomas of Kincaid’s, the blueberry scones from Chef Laura Mandracchia of Cake Bakeshop and the pepita-crusted mahi mahi from Chef Chris Garasic of Zinc at Shade Hotel can be made at home.

“To me, food is something that brings people together and evokes fond memories,” says Greg Hozinsky, executive chef and partner at The Strand House, who contributed a dinner menu that includes baked sea bass with bouillabaisse broth.

But perhaps it’s not just that a cookbook owner can channel the creativity of a well-known chef or get a peek inside their favorite restaurant’s kitchen when reading the recipes. Tastes of the South Bay is also about community. “The South Bay sticks together and loves its people and supports its people, and I wanted to be a part of it,” says Chef Brooke. 

oursouthbay.com

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015, SOUTHBAY

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WHERE WE LIVE | Q&A

Risky Business Think twice about messing with stuntwoman Heidi Moneymaker.

As agile as she is attractive, California native Heidi Moneymaker has lent her talents to recent action films like Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Sucker Punch. Heidi took some time out of her busy production schedule to share with us how she first broke into stunt work, her work specialties, her first major film and thoughts on the rise of tough female film characters.

Q&A | WHERE WE LIVE

Hi, Heidi. Are you originally from the South Bay? Heidi Moneymaker: I’m originally from Santa Rosa.

I moved to LA when I was 18 because I earned a scholarship to attend UCLA for gymnastics.

How does one get into stunt work? Was it always something you wanted to do?

HM: As a child I was a little daredevil; I was a bit of a stuntwoman then. But I had no idea that that world really existed, you know? I was a gymnast, and I loved gymnastics. But a couple of gymnasts that went to

You see someone who is believably tough and believably strong, and they’re doing things that seem possible, so it makes A BIGGER STAND FOR WOMEN BEING STRONGER. ”

INTERVIEWED BY

STEFAN SLATER PHOTOGRAPHED BY

MICHAEL NEVEUX

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UCLA had gotten into the film industry and they were doing stunt work, and I learned a bit about the industry there. And once I was done with school, there were a couple of times that some of the girls would call me and say, “Hey, they need someone to do a bar routine and we’re not really interested, so do you want

to do it?” And that’s kind of how I got started. I worked a few jobs here and there.

Do you have any specialties on your resume?

HM: Flipping or flying, you know, using wires [to swing] through the air—it’s something that’s just in my DNA. But actually I’ve been training in different kinds of martial arts since I got into the business roughly 12 years ago. I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a martial artist because I’m not formally trained in any one particular martial art. But I’ve done a lot of kickboxing, wushu, a lot of jiujitsu and judo, some weapon work and that kind of thing. I recently got into driving in the last three or four years too.

Do you remember your first stunt job or a moment that stands out when you started?

HM: Well, my first jobs were small, little things that were for small television shows or things like that, and everything was gymnastics-oriented.

But the first big movie I worked on was Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle as one of Drew Barrymore’s stunt doubles. I was brand new to the business and didn’t know much of anything, but my boss saw the potential in me and gave me a chance. I got to do more stunts on that movie collectively than on any movie since. Stair falls, a bunch of wirework; it was such a great experience. I got to learn a lot about the stunt world and how it works.

There must be a lot of pressure on you when you’re doing these sorts of stunts?

HM: I’ve always been the person in my life that

puts the most pressure on myself. But there’s also a different kind of pressure, because if you do a bad job, it’s not like you just might lose your job. If you do bad work, you could hurt or kill people. It’s a serious business. You always have to be alert and in good condition.

A lot of the times you’re relying on someone else who rigged a wire or has their finger on the button, so there’s a lot of pressure in the sense that you don’t want to do something that could hurt someone.

Have you ever been injured?

HM: I’ve gotten a few injuries. Nothing extremely crazy. Actually I did Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and I doubled for Scarlett Johansson. Captain America and I were jumping through a window after an explosion and I don’t know, something broke apart somehow, but I cut my face pretty good. I had an ugly cut there for a while. But that kind of stuff happens fairly regularly.

Is there a recent film that you’ve worked on that stands out for you?

HM: I’ve got to be honest, getting to do stunt work as the Black Widow has been amazing. And Scarlett Johansson is one of the nicest people I’ve worked with.

But one film that stands out was Sucker Punch.

The reason that stood out for me was because my weapons were a Japanese sword and a gun, so it was really fun to be creative with the choreography and the action.

I feel like there’s a growing trend in films to portray women as being a little tougher, a little more resilient. Do

you agree?

HM: I think so. I think there was a trend for a while to portray women as tougher, like Angelina Jolie in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider or Salt. But I think it’s gotten to the point now where people want to see a little more realism, like Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, for example. You see someone who is believably tough and believably strong, and they’re doing things that seem possible, so it makes a bigger stand for women being stronger. Like [MMA fighters] Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, who are unbelievable fighters and now they’re acting.

You obviously have to stay fit in your business. Can you walk us through your workout routine?

HM: I’m a gym rat. I’m a member of the 87Eleven Action Design team. We have a facility where we train. So pretty much I’m there five days a week.

This morning I went and ran 30 minutes and did sprints on the treadmill.

Then I stretched and did a whole bunch of flipping workouts. Yesterday I did something similar, but it had more of a martial arts vibe to it. Tomorrow I’ll do a jiujitsu class in the morning. There’s also a free running academy here in Hawthorne too that I go to.

So I’m in the gym working out anywhere from two to six hours a day.

Do you have any other favorite workout spots here in the South Bay? HM: My absolute favorite workout is running from pier to pier. It’s my favorite thing to do. When I’m on location, it’s the thing I miss the most. 

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015, SOUTHBAY

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WHERE WE LIVE | MEDIA

The Artful

TABLE RAYMOND PETTIBON: THE BOOKS 1978-1998

By Raymond Pettibon, Roberto Ohrt and Uwe Koch First edition, signed by Pettibon in blue marker on the half-title page, paperback, $1,500 Hermosa native Raymond Pettibon’s massive catalogue raisonné, a beautifully produced affair, careful to preserve the original dimensions of Pettibon’s ink-and-paper creations, whose relevance and permanence seem to grow with every passing year. royalbooks.com LOUIS VUITTON: 100 LEGENDARY TRUNKS

By Pierre Leonforte and Éric Pujalet-Plaà Hardcover, $125 The authors curate 100 of the finest trunks the Louis Vuitton company has produced on commission, including boxes made for movie stars from Douglas Fairbanks to Sharon Stone and couturiers from Jeanne Lanvin to Karl Lagerfeld, as well as cases designed for Ernest Hemingway, Leopold Stokowski and Damien Hirst.

Maison Luxe in Hermosa Beach, maisonluxehome.com PIANO: COMPLETE WORKS 1966–2014

By Philip Jodidio Hardcover, $49.99

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Our collection of notable coffee table books featuring the best in art, architecture and design EDITED BY DARREN

ELMS

The famed architect behind Paris’ Centre Georges Pompidou, The New York Times Building in New York and the 72-story London Bridge Tower, Piano’s works are revisited in this updated monograph, illustrated with photographs, sketches and plans that span his prolific career to date. taschen.com

THE ART BOOK FOR CHILDREN

By Phaidon Press Hardcover, $19.95 From Leonardo’s iconic Mona Lisa to Andy Warhol’s equally iconic Marilyn, and from Jeff Koons’ exuberant, flower-encrusted Puppy to Grant Wood’s severe American Gothic, 30 artists have been selected from the original The Art Book for their significance in art history as well as their appeal to children. {pages} a bookstore in Manhattan Beach, pagesabookstore.com HUMANS OF NEW YORK

By Brandon Stanton Hardcover, $29.99 Based on the blog with more than 4 million loyal fans, a beautiful, heartfelt, funny and inspiring collection of photographs and stories capturing the spirit of a city. barnesandnoble.com EAMES: BEAUTIFUL DETAILS

By Eames Demetrios, Charles Eames,

Ray Eames, Steve Crist (editor), Gloria Fowler (editor) Hardcover, $59.95 Celebrating the seamlessness and fluidity in which LA-based Charles and Ray Eames operated as both a husband-andwife team and as designers unrestricted by traditionally professional boundaries. {pages} a bookstore in Manhattan Beach, pagesabookstore.com 

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“Children are our most valuable resource.”

- President Herbert Hoover

This April, we’ll introduce an array of local businesses and schools devoted to making the South Bay a better place for our children.

Whether you’re on the hunt for exemplary education programs, well-qualified doctors or summer fun, Southbay magazine has you covered in our annual All About Kids section.

ALL ABOUT KIDS

310.376.7800 | oursouthbay@moontidemedia.com | oursouthbay.com

TIPS | WHERE WE LIVE

At-Home Gallery

ALL ABOUT KIDS

From finger paintings to prized possessions: How to make the most out of art.

H

aving great home art is a process.

Getting it is the first step.

Framing it and hanging it on a wall correctly is the second. Art consultant Mariela Ciccone offers some tips of the trade to maximize the beauty of your masterpiece.

1. Hire a professional installer. Their trained eye can help determine the perfect height and distance between pieces.

2. Pay attention to height. If the piece is installed too high or too low, it will lose importance.

3. If commissioning a painting on canvas (no frame), have the artist leave the sides unpainted.

This allows you to see the build-up of paint and layers of a piece.

4. If the art is homogeneous (something like B&W photography), play with frames: Mix modern and traditional, different widths

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and mat sizes and frame colors. Warm silver leaf frames look terrific with white or black ones made of different moldings.

5. If the art on a wall has different styles and color palettes, use the same type of frame. It will bring the collection together.

6. Hunt for vintage oil paintings and place them on a mantel, leaning against the wall. Small ones are great for this, and you can use different sizes and styles—some framed and some not.

7. Check out local artists. I love Chase Langford’s work because it is very versatile. It is just as effective in a California bungalow or a mid-century house. Baret Boisson, another fave, does paintings that are more whimsical and commissions great family portraits.

I also love the photographer Katina Desmond. I’m especially fond of her handcolored tree photographs and her water series. 

ART FOR RENT Can’t afford great art just yet or interested in flirting with another aesthetic vibe? Art Dimensions offers leases with an option to buy hundreds of works, including paintings, print, sculpture and photography. (pictured: Spiritual Warrior (2013), oil and ink on canvas by Joshua Elias) artdimensionsonline.com

The finest professionals in the South Bay FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015, SOUTHBAY

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WHERE WE LIVE | WEEKENDER

Mid-Century Madness Palm Springs celebrates 10 years of Modernism Week with parties, music and, of course, swell architecture and design.

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MODERN JOYS Above: Checking out a mid-century masterpiece; middle: a guided bus tour through architecturally significant neighborhoods; bottom: keynote speaker Todd Oldham; a colorful afternoon at The Saugaro.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAVID A. LEE AND TODD OLDHAM.

F

or a decade, our favorite desert oasis has gathered experts and enthusiasts on a signature aesthetic that not only makes up much of Palm Springs architectural landscape but captivates new generations of contemporary creators. Modernism Week is also a charitable organization, providing scholarships to local Palm Springs students pursuing college educations in the fields of architecture and design, as well as giving grants to local and state preservation organizations for their efforts to preserve modernist architecture throughout the state of California.

The highly anticipated event will kick off on February 12 with “Throwback Thursday: Celebrating 10 Years of Modernism Week,” a special opening night party observing more than 60 years of mid-century modern style. One of the most in-demand parties of the week, the reception will feature music by Jason Bentley, DJ and music director of KCRW. Located at MW CAMP (Community and Meeting Place)—Modernism Week’s new festival-inspired central hub on Palm Canyon Drive—the event will highlight the nostalgia of popular Throwback Thursday posts on social media feeds. Attendees are encouraged to party like it’s 1959 ... or ’69 ... or ’79 … and dress in vintage clothes or as a favorite throwback TV or movie character. Also, be sure to check out Room & Board’s hospitality tent while visiting CAMP. An additional highlight during Modernism Week’s first weekend is the 15th annual Modernism Show & Sale preview opening night reception on Friday, February 13—an opportunity for collectors and design enthusiasts to gather for an elegant reception and be among the first to see and shop the world-class collection of mid-century furniture, art and objects before it opens to the general public. Includes wine and hors d’oeuvres, live music, valet parking and free daily admission to the Modernism Show & Sale for the rest of the President’s Day holiday weekend.

Modernism Week proudly welcomes its inaugural keynote speaker, American designer Todd Oldham, who will deliver a visually entertaining talk on the extraordinary career of artist and designer Alexander Girard at 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 14 at the Hilton Palm Springs Resort.

The presentation will be followed by an exclusive opportunity for a limited number of attendees to meet Todd Oldham at a poolside cocktail reception at 6 p.m.

All events are open to the public, and tickets are available at modernismweek.com. 

oursouthbay.com

Almost 50% of Baby Boomers say they’re experiencing difficulty hearing*

That’s because they haven’t met Lyric.

LYRIC IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT WAY TO HEAR BETTER. • Sits close to the eardrum so it uses your outer ear to give you incredibly clear, beautiful sound.

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• Soft and comfortable, Lyric is not an implant, it’s the world’s first extendedwear hearing device and it lasts for months without replacement.**

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Call to make an appointment today!

(310) 803-9411

www.southbayhearing.com As featured on: *Clarity Final Report: Baby Boomer Hearing Loss Study September 15, 2004. N=437 interviews were completed with a random group of respondents across the country. **Individual patient needs may vary. Duration of device battery life varies by patient and is subject to individual ear conditions. †Professional fees may apply. Annual subscription begins the first day of trial. Lyric is not appropriate for all patients. See a Lyric Provider to determine if Lyric is right for you. Lyric, Distributed

by Phonak, LLC ©2014. All rights reserved. MS036059 NEW924

www.lyrichearing.com

WHERE WE LIVE | DATEBOOK

MAKING MAGIC

February 28 to March 22

The Barber of Seville

Rossini’s razor-sharp musical wit glints through every scene of this delicious comedy, one of the most playful and popular in the entire operatic repertoire. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, laopera.org

March 16

St. Patrick’s Day Golf Tournament

The 20th annual gathering of golf enthusiasts in support of the South Bay Police & Fire Memorial Foundation.

Los Verdes Country Club, sbpoliceandfire.com

A CUT ABOVE

Above: LA Opera’s The Barber of Seville Right: Magic Johnson

February

March

14 Valentine’s Day Ball Gala

6 South Bay Business Leaders Summit

In support of Palos Verdes Performing Arts 5 p.m., Terranea Resort palosverdesperformingarts.com

28 South Bay Bike Night South Bay Bicycle Coalition 6 to 10 p.m., Shade Hotel eventbrite.com

28 to March 28 Seussical, The Musical

Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center 3dtshows.com

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SOUTHBAY, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Manhattan Beach Marriott manhattanbeachchamber.com

7 Walk With Sally Bowl-A-Thon Palos Verdes Bowl walkwithsally.org

Circle of Hope

6 to 9 p.m., Shade Hotel cancersupportredondobeach.org/hope

14 St. Patrick’s Day Parade

11 a.m., Downtown Hermosa Beach hbchamber.net

22 Sandpipers Fashion Show & Luncheon featuring Karen Millen 10 a.m., Beverly Wilshire Hotel sandpipers.org

23 Magic Johnson Distinguished Speakers Series 8 p.m., Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center speakersla.com

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oursouthbay.com

TWO BUNCH PALMS

at

75

Everyone loves a comeback. Take the iconic Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs. A legendary oasis known for its mineral-rich, lithium-infused artesian waters, the spa resort welcomes a multi-million dollar renovation, just in time for an important milestone.

ESCAPES

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TWO BUNCH PALMS 67-425 Two Bunch Trail, Desert Hot Springs, CA twobunchpalms.com | 800-472-4334 S P E C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S E C T I O N

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 SOUTHBAY

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Find your better self …

Marking 75 years in 2015, Two Bunch Palms has much to celebrate. Last year’s incredible renovation of the 270-acre property resulted in 70 pristine, new room accommodations, a revised restaurant, yoga dome and View Point conference center and meeting facility.

This physical transformation, including the addition of a 3.5-acre solar field, puts Two Bunch Palms on the destination spa map as the first “Sustainable Wellness Resort” in North America and the first carbon-neutral resort. A legacy that spans several generations of guests—from notorious gangsters to Hollywood elite to romantic spa seekers—the property and its newest incarnation brings a rich and storied history full circle.

“It is an honor for my partners, our associates and me to be involved with one of the oldest operating hot springs spa resorts in North America and to celebrate Two Bunch Palms’ anniversary as we work to ensure these waters flow and traditions continue for another 75 years,” shares CEO Kevin Kelley. “This tremendous milestone speaks to the legacy and spirit of this unique, hot mineral spring spa resort.”

This adult-only sanctuary (guests must be 18 or older) invites you to don a comfortable Two Bunch robe and explore the four pillars of the resort: waters, spa, movement and cuisine. Their renowned, natural spring grotto features two mineral water pools carefully kept at a consistent temperature to ensure therapeutic and

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SOUTHBAY, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

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mood-enhancing properties.

Guests are encouraged to “take to the waters” and connect body with spirit before enjoying a menu of spa treatments including facials, massages, mud baths, immersion therapies, Watsu and much more. With a nourished body, guests may partake in a number of wellness activities, such as nature walks, tennis, biking, golf, tai chi, qigong and yoga in the beautiful new dome.

Cap off a full day with drinks, music and dinner prepared by French-born chef and former Olympian Cossi Houegban at Essence.

This farm-to-table experience also includes a once-a-month Vintner Dining Series with special guests and pairings from popular wineries.

It’s just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, so come experience

oursouthbay.com

this award-winning resort for yourself. In honor of the 75 th anniversary, Two Bunch Palms is offering a special guest package (available for travel dates through February 28, 2015): • $75 off a nightly room rate with a two-night stay • $75 resort credit per stay • Daily movement and enrichment classes • Unlimited mineral water soaks For reservations, call 800-472-4334, or visit twobunchpalms.com.

Two Bunch Palms, 67-425 Two Bunch Trail, Desert Hot Springs, CA.

S P E C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S E C T I O N

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 SOUTHBAY

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WHERE WE LIVE | SEEN

November Issue Release

Southbay magazine celebrated their November issue release with the lovely ladies of Shanna Shryne Design. The soiree took place at their new showroom on Pier Avenue and included an official welcome from the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. A special thanks to VOXDJs for the tunes, Silvio’s Brazilian BBQ for the delicious appetizers, Floret Cadet for providing stunning flowers and Choura Events for adding the perfect final touches to the evening.

Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting

DJ Diego from VOXDJs

Melissa Bellemy and Kris Bellemy

Jill Teeples, Dana Bridges, Denise Barrett, Maggie Serkes

Devin Alexander and Pam Dzierzanowski

Dori Grizzard, Dave Neiman, Kaya Bound

Kaya Bound, Jared Sayers, Shanna Shrine, Maggie Serkes

Janice Webb, Kimberlee MacMullan, Lyessia Mackey

Shanna Shryne, Whitney Ashley, Victoria Kellogg, Stephanie Albracht

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY TRACY BRESHEARS

Nancy Vernon, Recharg Gallaeher, Debra Turner

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SEEN | WHERE WE LIVE

Sandpipers 22nd Annual Holiday Homes Tour Sandpipers held their annual Holiday Homes Tour showcasing fabulous homes and a garden oasis. A food and wine tasting was sponsored by Bank of Manhattan and Southbay magazine. The boutique and café offered holiday shopping and light fare. Proceeds benefit Sandpipers’ philanthropic and scholarship programs in the South Bay community.

19th Street home facilitators Tasha Gates and Tara MacKenzie

A holiday boutique vendor offering a selection of jewelry

Micall McConahey, Sheila Barbarino Howard, Camille Soriano, Manny Serrano

PHOTOGRAPHED BY PAUL JOYNER AND STEPHANIE UCHIMA-CARNEY

Darcy Ramler, Cindy Emanuel, DJ Melzer, Casie Nitsch, Miriam Shakter

Cachita Hynes

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Beautiful coastal décor in 20th Street home

The holiday boutique offered gifts and décor for the home.

Drisa Carrizo, Alison Johnston, Monika Whiteley

Bank of Manhattan entertainment with Kate Coppola and Kacey Coppola

The John Street home ready for holiday entertaining

Sponsor Nick Alexander BMW showcased their i3.

Rose Ahrens, Stacey Shane, Allyn Leoff, Sonya Emerson, Ellor Parik

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Torrance Memorial Holiday Festival

Dr. Tei-Fu Chen and Dr. Oi-Lin Chen

Melanie Lundquist and Richard Lundquist

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Judith Gassner, Craig Leach, Nina Tarnay, Laura Schenasi

Front, L to R: Carre Porter, Kim Martin, Carrie Scott, Jill Lamkin; back: Amanda Zaumeyer, Nina Tarnay, Karen Householter, Stacey Dobak, Melanie Shim

Marshall Varon, Judith Gassner, Russ Varon, Laura Schenasi

Karen Naftulin, Margi Kent, Melanie Lundquist

Donna Worch and Ellen Rosenberg

Jackson Yang, Julie Yang, Craig Leach, Serena Ngan

PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEIDRE DAVIDSON

A sold-out crowd of Torrance Memorial supporters came together for a great cause when Las Amigas volunteers kicked off the 31st annual Holiday Festival with the sophisticated Festival Fashions event. The runway show featured creations by Edwards-Lowell Furs Beverly Hills and designer Margi Kent. Torrance Memorial’s premier fundraiser of the year—the black tie Gala Night—welcomed hundreds of guests in support of the medical center and raised millions for the care of our community. Guests enjoyed themed holiday trees, lively auctions, gourmet dining, dancing to live music and a magical holiday atmosphere.

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Sea Starry Night Jam

The fundraiser for The RoundHouse Aquarium at The Strand House featured legendary Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and his Jam Kitchen Hosted

by The Strand House. Special thanks to 15 top Beach Cities agent alliances.

Larry Draisen, Robby Krieger, Mike Zislis

Matt Friedman, Ana Wickenden, Roby Krieger, Sandy Luboviski

Brittany Olaes, Robby Krieger, Valerie Hill

Terry Shand, Robby Krieger, Paget Shand

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JP CORDERO

Janet Soliman-Suard and Robby Kreiger

Lauren Muller, Robby Krieger, Keith Muller

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Spirit of Giving presented by Terranea Resort

Southbay magazine’s Spirit of Giving presented by Terranea Resort was held at the stunning Catalina Terrace with cheerful festivities, cocktails galore and a special Taste of Terranea experience. Through raffle ticket sales, funds were raised for 13 outstanding organizations in the South Bay community. Carols by the South Bay Children’s Choir kicked off the festive evening, which included a visit from Santa, tricks by Fantastic Fig the magician and piano tunes

by Davey Allen. Visit OurSouthbay.com to see all event photos.

Kelly Whitis, Amanda Whitis, Summer Harlow Stunning floral arrangements provided by Floret Cadet

A Taste of Terranea featured bites from the resort’s various restaurants.

Julz Taus, Antonio Lobato, Shannon Maxwell, Liz Diaz, Alfie Lopez

Moonshine cocktails by Ole Smokey Distillery were a crowd-pleaser.

Santa stayed hydrated with Penta Water

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY TRACY BRESHEARS AND PAUL JOYNER

Gaye Vancans, Reggie Thomas, Lindsay Skorupa, Ryan Seiter

Deveny Spafford and Olivia Stolarski

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The South Bay Children’s Choir graced the stage with an outstanding performance.

More than 250 toys were collected for the Sandpipers’ Sugarplum Program.

Anne Clary, Theresa Plakos, David Plakos

Fantastic Fig the magician with Linda Glick Rosen and Judie Aronson

Diane Turner with Holly Jolly Wally Each bottle of ONEHOPE Wine served made an impact on a philanthropic cause.

Ice cold brews were served by Stella Artois.

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Suzanne Sharer and Ida Gardner

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Hammitt Naughty or Nice 2014 Sample Sale

Hammitt hosted their annual holiday sample sale party with fans gathering together to celebrate and shop their favorite local designer and enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment.

Justin Maxwell, Brittany Knott, Alexander Kjellevik

2014 Mentors Award Gala

Devon Craychee, Shane Hutton, Jennifer Sprague, Francisco Castro

Justin Maxwell, Tony Drockton, Alex Curry, Stephenie Hammitt, Alexander Kjellevik

More than $175,000 was raised at the 2014 Mentors Award Gala to benefit the treatment and education programs for atrisk youth served by Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services.

Held recently at a private club in Downtown Los Angeles, the evening honored some of Optimist’s major supporters, including Boston Marathon bombing survivors John Odom and Karen Odom of Redondo Beach.

John Odom and Karen Odom receive their honor.

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Stephenie Hammitt, Tony Drockton, Scott Martin

Aaron Thornton, Hollis Chambers, Jeanne Allen, Francie Giovino, Justin Maxwell, Alex Kjellevik

Savvy Social Security Strategies

Harris Financial’s Mark Boujikian, CFP®, and Cristin Rigg, CFP®, presented Savvy Social Security Strategies at the Palos Verdes Peninsula Center Library. Beginning March 2015, Harris Financial will offer FREE educational workshops on various financial topics in their new education room.

Mark Boujikian and Cristin Rigg

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY ARCANA ACADEMY

Tessa Allen, Lauri Allen, Jeanne Allen

Presented by

Thank You to Our Partners

BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS

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Morgan’s Jewelers Holiday Event

Morgan’s Jewelers hosted a holiday stroll through Italy inclusive of fine Italian delicacies, wines and jewelry designers.

Russ Varon shows signature pieces available at the Torrance showroom.

Marilyn Rosenblatt and Don Rosenblatt

Marshall Silberberg and Soledad Silberberg

Karen Compton and Frank Compton

Charlie Rosen and Patti Panucci

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY TRACY BRESHEARS

Steve Inouye and Ann Inouye

Randy O’Hara and Corinne O’Hara

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Vistas for Children 15th Annual Fashion Show Luncheon and Boutique

Almost 300 guests enjoyed a wonderful day of designer fashion, gourmet lunch, live auction and boutique shopping at Terranea Resort. South Coast Plaza’s professional runway models presented the season’s hottest designers and styles.

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Junior Vistas in Bloomingdale’s sparkling holiday attire conclude the show.

South Coast Plaza models dazzle during the show.

Rika Tanous, Desiree O’Donahue, Lorri Ruehr

Tori Schladen and Tracy Story

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Jackie Geiger and Val Geiger

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Celebrating the Golden Age

Las Madrecitas Fall Fundraiser

Belmont Village residents enjoy exceptional hospitality, luxurious amenities and premier programs for health and wellness. Senior Living has never looked better!

Las Madrecitas hosted its annual fundraiser to benefit the Orthopaedic Institute for Children located in Downtown Los Angeles. Attendees enjoyed cocktails and a silent auction followed by dinner and a program of speakers.

belmontvillage.com Encino (818) 788-8870 Burbank (818) 972-2405 Hollywood Hills (323) 874-7711 Rancho Palos Verdes (310) 377-9977 Thousand Oaks (805) 496-9301 Westwood (310) 475-7501

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Cathy Hauschildt, Cindy Perz, Kathy Johnson, Katie Cromer

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Emily Warter, Julia Davis, Melia Harlan

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Keith and Derek Brewer

Dr. Anthony Scaduto and guest of honor Benjamin Mendez

Alex Davis and Don Davis

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THE REAL, AUTHENTIC, HONEST & TRUE, ONE-OF-A-KIND, GENUINE ARTICLE.

y e l t n sBe

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ESCAPES TERRANEA RESORT 100 Terranea Way Rancho Palos Verdes 866-802-8000 | terranea.com

THE WELL-ROUNDED GETAWAY There’s something for everyone at Terranea Resort.

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A

ccessible luxury, serene quiet, unparalleled views of Catalina and the Pacific … these are only a few reasons why Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes shines as the jewel of the South Bay. Positioned on a seaside bluff once occupied by Marineland, this prime peninsula location serves the resort and its guests well, offering plenty of beautiful territory to roam (102 acres in all) and access to the area’s natural treasures, sea to shore.

In addition to its inherent beauty, Terranea offers guests a multi-faceted experience that appeals to a wide range of personal pleasures. Whether romance, health and wellness, culinary indulgence, picturesque golf or outdoor adventure, a rich Terranea itinerary is yours for taking.

With the ocean as a backdrop, accommodations at the resort invite the elements indoors, from the well-appointed guest suites to the secluded Casitas, Villas and the recent addition of The Bungalows at Terranea. This new collection of spa accommodations is paired with three-, five- and seven-night wellness packages designed for travelers seeking relaxing and restorative retreats.

Each bungalow stay is tailored to fit guests’ needs, whether it be pampering, fitness or relaxation, and includes a fitness consultation and evaluation, a program of spa and fitness activities, complimentary and healthful dining, in-room fitness gear and wellnessinspired amenities. Programs include everything from therapeutic, in-room massages, soothing baths and prebedtime facial masks to personalized meditation, yoga and invigorating coastal hikes.

Known for its unique guest offerings, Terranea’s

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Pointe Discovery activity center provides fun and educational activities like falconry, plein air painting, kayaking, horseback riding and more. Terranea has also teamed up with Lexus to introduce the Terranea Drive Series, a variety of experiential, GPS-led driving tours covering themes like adventure and romance. The drives allow guests to explore the coastal setting with special themed itineraries and amenities for each drive.

The Links at Terranea offers a new Golf Academy with oneand two-day intensive programs on swing analysis, improved play strategy and even fitness consultations and programs for players to train and practice like the pros. Terranea also prides itself on being a family-friendly resort, with an array of amazing activities for kids and teens to do solo or with their parents. And don’t worry if you didn’t pack the appropriate attire; both Pointe Discovery and marea boutique offer apparel and accessories for any Terranea occasion— day or night and everything in between.

For a different kind of adventure, take your palate on a delicious journey through the resort’s unique dining venues and experiences.

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Terranea has introduced a range of new culinary programs and offerings including Chef’s Table Dinner Series, beer and wine paired dinners, and the annual Celebration of Food & Wine event.

The bimonthly Chef ’s Table Dinner Series features Terranea’s chefs along with a three-course meal and wine pairings, with each dinner benefiting a local charitable organization. Under the helm of the resort’s executive chef, Bernard Ibarra, Terranea is increasing its focus on sourcing and utilizing local and sustainable ingredients by harvesting fruits, vegetables and herbs grown on farm plots located less than a mile from the resort at Catalina View Gardens. Furthermore, Chef Ibarra manages his own beehives and produces and crafts sea salts from the Pacific waters at the beach cove.

With all these incredible new experiences at Terranea, there’s no better time to revisit the resort for an amazing local getaway. Not only does this exceptional escape surprise us each year with a new collection of events, amenities and adventures, its breathtaking beauty matched with first-class hospitality and service is enough to warrant a return, again and again.

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fresh

Beginnings Recreating life and love in a revised Manhattan Beach abode.

WRITTEN BY SUZANNA

CULLEN HAMILTON BERTING

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI

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W

hen composers Peter Allen and Carole Bayer-Sager wrote the song “Everything Old is New Again,� it became an instant hit and has remained a Broadway classic for the lyrics that remind us that everything can be reinvented and renovated, even love. For Bret Barker and Ashley McCarthy of Manhattan Beach, both their marriage and their ocean-view home are examples of how life, love and home can be reimagined and recreated.

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Fresh Beginnings

“I bought the house in 2007 when I was single and had the requisite bachelor/ high-backed sectional sofa and chaise combo that’s perfect for television watching,” laughs Bret. Knowing that any property in Manhattan Beach would be a good investment, Bret purchased the house for its location rather than the interior aesthetics.

The minimal modern stucco exterior was incongruous with the traditional finishes inside the house. Heavy crown moldings, cherry-stained floors and large slabs of granite countertops in the kitchen and family room were dated, but Bret didn’t do anything about them until Ashley entered his life, or rather, re-entered.

Bret is originally from Denver but has been living in Southern California for more than 20 years. “One day my personal trainer asked me if I knew another client from Denver, Ashley McCarthy,” he says.

Incredibly, Bret and Ashley attended middle school together in Denver, where she dated Bret’s best friend. “I don’t think I ever said a word to Bret, but I knew him,” laughs Ashley.

Having gone their separate ways in high school, Bret and Ashley didn’t realized they both attended college in Los Angeles. Bret attended LMU and Ashley attended UCLA, and they both ended up in the South Bay area after graduating.

Upon getting married, Bret and Ashley decided it was time to update the house and make it their own. Tired of the dated interior, they wanted to create “an open, airy interior and let the house do what it was supposed to do,” says Ashley. “We hired Paul Davis as our architect because his philosophy is to get your eye to move across the space without breaking the lines.”

The couple had to take into consideration how to best utilize the space. With a huge, barrel-vaulted ceiling on the top floor and plate glass windows facing the ocean, they decided to completely open the floor plan.

“We resisted the idea of a separate dining area or a large, high kitchen island and instead opted for a large dining table that acts like an island but keeps everything in the space on one level,” says Ashley.

Paul Davis helped in the selection of the furnishings and created a custom media cabinet that relates to the size, scale and design of the living room furniture. In considering space, they had

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to make a tough decision about whether to maintain a designated guest bedroom on the top floor or incorporate it into the main living area. In the end they opted to keep the guest bedroom and incorporate loads of storage and an office into it.

“With a baby on the way and grandparents coming to visit, we need a guest bedroom, but it can be utilized in other ways when it’s vacant,” says Ashley.

Saturated but calm colors anchor the bedrooms. The nursery features deep pink walls with accents of grey for a soothing yet fun baby girl’s room. The master bedroom echoes the ocean views in a deep blue color that has enough grey in it to make it feel like a cocoon rather than a sea.

A creative use of space features a ground floor that incorporates not only a garage, bedroom and bathroom but also a wine cellar built under the stairs.

“We really maximized every space to best suit our family,” says Ashley.

Southern California filmmaker Jason Baffa is a good friend of Bret’s, so some of his art anchors walls throughout the house. “It’s great to have pieces that not only relate to where we live but have the personal component of our friendship,” says Bret.

From middle school in Denver to a family and home in Manhattan Beach, Ashley and Bret have geographically,

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Fresh Beginnings

NEXT CHAPTER New fixtures and finishes modernize a home with old bones.

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Fresh Beginnings

emotionally and physically created a new life. As the song says, “Don’t throw the past away/You might need it some other rainy day/When everything old is new again/I might fall in love with you again.”

It seems that’s true: Bret and Ashley fell in love with each other, Southern California and a house that became a home with a renovation and the addition of small feet and big hearts.

Everything old really is new again in this Manhattan Beach home. 

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RHODODENDRON CHANDELIER $998 Anthropologie in El Segundo anthropologie.com

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More

24/7.

/OurSouthbay

@OurSouthbay

Fashion | Contests | Real Estate | Party Pics | Arts & Culture | Travel | Eat & Drink See this issue at oursouthbay.com

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John Elgin Woolf’s Marrakesh Country Club in Palm Desert

artful

ATTRACTIONS

A Southbay Spring Preview WRITTEN BY AMBER

KLINCK

S

pring is around the corner, and with the new season comes a lineup of events sure to satisfy the art enthusiast in all of us. Oh, and no freeway required. Whether you’re looking to browse the local arts and crafts scene while strolling around Hermosa Beach, want to lose yourself in a gallery exhibit or are drawn to dance and music performances, this season offers a wide range of options for all of the South Bay’s cultural aficionados.

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SPARK

February 22 to May 24 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ESMoA Journey into an interactive exhibit showcasing the creative process of children’s fiction author Cornelia Funke. esmoa.org

Music in the Garden: Showcasing Young Musicians of the Peninsula and South Bay

March 1 Noon South Coast Botanic Garden Presented by the Peninsula Committee Los Angeles Philharmonic, the concert will feature young musicians from the Peninsula and other South Bay schools performing in the Hall and Koi Pond Patio. pclaphil.org

ENTERTAINING IDEAS Above: South Bay Ballet; left: drawing by Cornelia Funke; below: U2

BRAVO! The Classical & Contemporary Ballet Experience

March 7 & 8 7 p.m. on the 7 th, 2 p.m. on the 8th Torrance Cultural Arts Center Experience the beauty of South Bay Ballet through an eclectic series of styles for all audiences. southbayballet.org

Golden State Pops Orchestra presents A Spoonful of Sherman

March 15 3 p.m.

Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center This family-friendly symphonic concert featuring selections from the delightful Sherman brothers’ songbook, including music from Walt Disney films, Disneyland rides such as “It’s A Small World,” early rock ‘n’ roll hits and other successes like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. gspo.com

Cabaret Jazz Series

The Ellis Island Boys Featuring The Reynolds Brothers

March 15

Blue Street Jazz Band

May 17 Brunch 11:30 a.m., supper 5 p.m.

Norris Pavilion Get lost in the toe-tapping, sweet sounds of jazz while enjoying a catered meal and sipping libations from the full, no-host bar at the Norris Pavilion. norriscenter.com

John Elgin Woolf: Small Treasures

March 20 to May 24 Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sundays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Palos Verdes Art Center Immerse yourself in the architectural style of Hollywood Regency through the work of its originator, John Elgin Woolf. pvartcenter.org

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Fiesta Hermosa

May 23—25 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Downtown Hermosa Head to the “largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California” and enjoy live music, a beer garden—where a portion of every cup of suds purchased goes to charity, a wide range of sweet and savory dishes to nosh on, and a variety of activities for the kiddos. fiestahermosa.net

U2

May 26, 27, 30 & 31 8 p.m.

The Forum Bono and the boys take to the road with a tour that follows the recent release of U2’s 13th studio album, Songs Of Innocence by Island Records, which was given to U2.com subscribers and gifted by Apple to more than a half-billion iTunes Music Store customers worldwide. To date, Songs of Innocence has been streamed 81 million times and has been downloaded by 30 million fans. fabulousforum.com 

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ASPIRING

A handful of prolific and collectible artists, notably Rick Griffin, John Van Hamersveld and Raymond Pettibon, began their careers here in the South Bay before going on to national or global acclaim. Yet with the exception a few promising events or gallery shows every year, our region's overall fine arts scene often registers anywhere from light to lackluster.

But all that’s beginning to change ...

Recent upgrades at the Palos Verdes Art Center and the debut of the El Segundo Museum of Art show a strong local investment in arts patronage. And while transitioning areas, like El Segundo’s Smoky Hollow, attract creative types with innovative spaces, established neighborhoods perpetually welcome new-home builds with plenty of empty wall space to fill. Could the South Bay follow in the footsteps of places like Venice and Culver City and become a hub of fine art enterprise here in Los Angeles? We check in with a local art adviser, passionate collectors and a group of emerging LA artists to uncover our potential for artistic assimilation.

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The

ADVISOR

Drawing a “fine” line with art guru and consultant Victoria Burns INTERVIEWED BY DARREN

ELMS PRESSEY

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN

“One eye sees, the other feels,” said Swiss-German painter Paul Klee describing art. For South Baybased art advisor Victoria Burns, this delicate duality applies not only to her personal tastes but also the satisfaction of her fine artcollecting clients.

Born in New Jersey and raised in Cincinnati, she spent most of her adult life in Chicago, where she received a bachelor’s degree in art history at Northwestern University. Surrounded by the rich architecture and prominent museums of the Windy City, she began her career as an adviser and eventually co-produced the 2007 conference “The Art World is Flat: Globalism—Crisis & Opportunity” at Millennium Park in Chicago.

In recent years, she took her expertise to the West’s burgeoning arts scene and now bases her business in Los Angeles. We caught up with Victoria during a busy consulting season and asked her if LA’s broader cultural movement could positively impact our own fine art scene here in the South Bay.

Victoria at the Blum and Poe Gallery in Culver City featuring photographer Florian Maier-Aichen.

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Hi Victoria, and thanks for making the South Bay home to your exciting business.

Let’s go back to the genesis … when did you first fall in love with art?

Victoria Burns: When I took an art history class during my senior year in high school, it was the first time I was able to see history, literature, politics and culture come alive through images. Not only did I love learning about art, but it made me enjoy each of these separate subjects more as well.

When did you know you wanted to make it part of your career?

VB: Immediately. As of my junior year in college, I was interning at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. During my senior year in college I had a permanent job at a major Chicago art gallery.

I recently visited Chicago and was incredibly impressed by the museum and gallery scene there.

Did you have a mentor

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at any of those venues who set you on your career path?

VB: No single person I could mention here.

However, I admire many curators who put together visionary exhibitions and international biennials and museum shows. They review a tremendous amount of material from all over the world and manage to bring the best and most interesting art to the public. It’s a daunting and significant responsibility.

Which artist were you most passionate about in those days?

VB: I liked the drawings of Egon Schiele, which I saw on my post-college trip to Europe. They were portraits done during WWII. They were raw, emotional and affected me deeply.

Couldn’t agree more …

I’m also a huge fan of art from that period.

Let’s skip ahead to today. Who’s got your attention now?

VB: One can’t help but admire Ai Weiwei,

who has been arrested and detained in China for producing his works of art, which protest his government’s stance on democracy and human rights. They are powerful objects: beautiful, thought-provoking, and made out of interesting, culturally relevant materials such as tea, jade, local woods, bicycles.

Any others topping your list?

VB: Maurizio Cattelan is an Italian artist who makes shocking, satirical sculptures targeting social systems and the art world. Jim Hodges, an American artist producing exquisitely beautiful objects with emotional overtones—he uses materials from everyday life, transforming them into magical objects.

Mona Hatoum is a Palestinian artist whose work initially provokes a physical response, quickly followed by psychological or emotional connection to the work. For example, she created a carpet constructed of stick pins.

When you first see the work, you sense beauty and sensuality, but when you come closer, you realize how violent it would be to step on.

Also South African William Kentridge and Irish Richard Mosse. Alex Prager is a local artist whose most recent body of work, called Face in the Crowd, is both a film and a series of photographic images depicting human moments in crowds and characters with whom everyone can identify. Her work is extremely wellproduced, captivating and often amusing.

It’s a simpler task to define our own tastes in art, but how do you foster that in another person? Walk us through a typical interaction with a new client ... what do you need to learn about their preferences, and how do you glean that information?

VB: First I visit with them in their home or office, which tells me a lot.

I can see their environment, and we have a discussion about what art they already know and like … and more important, why they are interested in collecting, what is their objective. I usually arrive with a huge stack of books to get the conversation going about what’s out there now and which direction I might take them.

I focus our discussion on a few ideas: Do they prefer a certain medium

started. Understanding the client’s preferences is important so I can help them buy art that may not only increase in value but also complements their taste, style and environment.

Now that you have a sense of your clients’ needs, how do you begin the purchasing process?

VB: I typically take the client to galleries and art fairs both in Los Angeles and around the world.

Once we’ve found an object that they want to acquire, I’m able to use my relationships with galleries and other art world connections to negotiate a favorable discount, which I pass on to the client.

The art market is very unusual, and many galleries don’t merely sell art. They protect their artists and understand that inventory is limited and they must continue

Why build a fabulous new home and then place MEDIOCRE ART in it?” such as photography or painting, do they prefer figurative vs. abstract, are they political, do they travel and think about global issues? Understanding the answers to these kinds of questions allows me to be more effective as we proceed.

Over the years, I’ve learned that what they like will expand to include many more genres and styles than where we

to ensure their artists are being placed in good collections where their value will increase. Sometimes I really have to vouch that the client isn’t just a checkbook but has a serious interest in art, and the work will be in the company of other artists of caliber in a growing collection.

Most good galleries aren’t just moving their art as if it were a

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The Advisor

commodity like a car.

They are interested as much in the buyer’s intention as the artist’s career.

My commission agreement with clients provides me a set commission on all acquisitions made on a sliding scale depending on the value. Sometimes the net cost to my client is less than the retail price of the art, sometimes it’s a little more.

You specialize in “fine art.” What does that distinction mean to you?

VB: Fine art is created to be both aesthetic and intellectual in some respect. I look for artists whose work fits into the trajectory of art history but somehow challenges what we already know. I also appreciate it if a work is enigmatic, so that there is always something new to be discovered. Content and form are both very important to me, so an artist should also have mastered their craft— whether it’s painting, ceramics, film, photography or sculpture.

You also collect fine art. Tell us about it.

VB: My husband and I started collecting in the ‘90s primarily, when photography was particularly hot and accessible. Many of our images are both beautiful and also provocative with a second layer of meaning. For example, the Ori Gersht is an image of an all-white, overexposed, 600-year-old olive tree on the border of Israel and Palestine. It’s called Ghost and references death but also a peace offering. We also have works by Adam Fuss, Michal Rovner, Dawoud Bey, Ori Gersht, Zhang Huan, Richard Mosse, Rodney Graham, Mario Crevo Neto, Robert

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Do you have any preferred medium?

VB: No, it’s not the medium for me. It’s how the artist uses the medium. I have been totally blown away by painting, photography, video, ceramics and other art forms because the medium was used in a new way. One might think they would never buy a video, but I’ve had clients say that, then see one “they had to have.”

OK, say I’m the one who falls in love with that video and wants to begin my own fine art collection. I’m sure you can offer me many reasons to do so, but what do you consider the most valuable incentive?

VB: Collecting art is incredibly rewarding on so many levels. I think for many people it is to surround oneself with aesthetically and intellectually stimulating objects, but now it is inescapable that it has also proved to be a great investment vehicle.

In a perfect world, what do you hope for in a new client?

VB: Open-mindedness.

While I have to work with a client’s taste, having a client that is open to multiple types of art (photography, painting, sculpture, video) or themes within art (nature, war, portraits, etc.) helps me build the most interesting and valuable collection I can for them. Many people think they already know what they will want on some level. I want to take them on a discovery ride, to show them the endless ways they can express themselves through collecting.

On the following pages

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VICTORIA’S NONPROFIT ARTS HIT LIST: HAMMER MUSEUM K.A.M.P. (KIDS ART MUSEUM PROJECT) So fantastic. Everyone with little children should head up on the weekends, where professional artists work with children to create projects. Painters, sculptors, architects and creative types of all kinds lead inventive, hands-on workshops in the carefree atmosphere of the Hammer Museum courtyard.

LAXART An independent, nonprofit space that produces experimental exhibitions and public art initiatives, offers the public access to a new generation of artists and curators, supports both risk and dialogue, and produces new work for new audiences. Their events are happenings and are often open to the public.

LAND (LOS ANGELES NOMADIC DIVISION) A nonprofit organization founded in 2009 committed to curating site-specific public art exhibitions in Los Angeles and beyond. LAND believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience innovative, contemporary art in their day-to-day lives. In turn, artists deserve the opportunity to realize projects, otherwise unsupported, at unique sites in the public realm.

we feature a handful of South Bay art collectors, including your clients, the Kogans. How did you become acquainted with them?

VB: I met Vicki and Seth through our children, who were attending the Chadwick School in Palos Verdes. Vicki and I were both on the CPA board and were seated together at the school benefit, where we shared what was happening in our lives. I had just finished re-building my website and was an art advisor still somewhat new to LA, and she and Seth were building a contemporary house with a notable architect and interior designer—and needed

art. Lucky for me, Seth’s brother is a serious art collector, and they knew the difference between decorating with art and collecting art. A collection can make your house look fabulous while distinguishing you as a connoisseur and investor in art. In two years, I have helped them build a world-class art collection!

I hope more South Bay residents duplicate that model. But let’s look at the broader picture first. How would you describe the state of the LA art scene? How does it compare to NYC these days? There seems to be a lot of new talent coming west to both create

and display their work to a new audience.

VB: The LA art world is on fire! Many artists, galleries, curators and collectors have moved here from New York and elsewhere, so Los Angeles has developed into a truly international art scene. New York is still a hub, as there is a larger volume of galleries, and its location with regard to Europe makes it a center for art. But artists love living here in Los Angeles.

It is a hotbed for creation and innovation with the movie industry, great universities and art schools, fabulous museums and also the rise of the “Silicon Beach” tech scene.

Is that why you dropped anchor here in the South Bay? VB: When we moved from Chicago to Los Angeles, we wanted to be near the ocean for all is has to offer. The walks on the beach, the hikes in Palos Verdes and each of the small towns of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach were charming. My husband works in Torrance and our kids went to Chadwick, so it was the perfect place for us to live.

Now that you’ve had some quality time in the South Bay, what do you have to say about the art scene here?

VB: There isn’t currently a vibrant “scene,” but people are trying.

ESMOA in El Segundo is a great addition. The Torrance Museum and the PV Art Center are all doing what they can to involve local residents and curate shows to draw in new audiences. I think there is great potential with people hiring creative and considerate architects and

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The Advisor

designers for their homes, and although public engagement isn’t fully developed, it is growing.

Most will agree the financial landscape of the South Bay is evolving, which, in turn, is creating new homes by innovative, emerging architects and designers. How do you see that impacting the potential for a bigger art scene in region?

VB: I love most of the new architecture in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa, and I think you are right that caring about architecture is a lead-in to collecting art. Why build a fabulous new home and then place mediocre art in it? There is great wealth bringing some incredible architecture into the area, and those who complement their house with powerful and evocative art set themselves apart as thought leaders. In my view, the art is what gives a home character.

The more people that care about contemporary art, the more muscle they will exercise in Los Angeles and beyond. If the South Bay earns the respect of the directors and curators of The Hammer, LACMA and LAXART, for example, with their collecting activities, then suddenly the landscape can expand to include the South Bay. After all, we are in LA County, not Orange County, as is sometimes misunderstood. We can then invite artists from out of state to have residencies here; we can invite visitors for collection tours, especially during Art LA Contemporary and Paris Photo LA art fairs. The tough part for artists is having a large,

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affordable studio space to live/work in, and I’m not sure we have those in the South Bay! Any parting advice you can give to a South Bay resident interested in upping their art game and becoming a collector?

VB: Be open-minded, see lots of art in galleries and museums to educate your eye, read and learn about those artists you like. Learn the basics of art history if you can, so you can contextualize new work, which often refers to something made in the past. Make time for it. Like any other hobby or investment project, knowledge is cumulative.

Set aside a couple of hours a week to read about art or go to see an exhibition.

Collecting art is a process, not an event!

Let’s wrap up with some fun stuff. If you could go back in time to a memorable period in art history, which would it be?

VB: I would like to attend one of Gertrude Stein’s salons in Paris, around 1914. She brought together confluences of talent and thinking that would help define modernism in literature and art, including Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sinclair Lewis, Ezra Pound and Henri Matisse.

Moi aussi! If you could sit down with one famous artist, past or present, who would it be, and what would you ask him or her?

VB: I would have said to Edvard Munch in 1893, “And what was the terrible event that caused you to paint The Scream? Thanks to the internet, I was able to look up his answer! 

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COLLECTORS

For these South Bay residents, accumulating fine art is more than a financial asset … it’s an investment in culture.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN

PRESSEY

Vicki and Seth Kogan (Manhattan Beach)

Why We Collect

We love the emotion and joy that a piece of art can bring to a home and foster a medium that is in danger of being lost. We support young LA artists and follow their careers, creating relationships with the artists that we own by visiting their studios and getting to know them. Having art in your home brings happiness, color and whimsy into your living space.

Whom We Collect

Alex Prager, Arne Svenson, Ori Gersht, Pae White, Richard Mosse, Daniel Arsham, Matthew Brandt, Matt Saunders, Kota Ezawa, Marco Breuer, Hank Willis Thomas, Mel Bochner, Donald Moffett, Glenn Kaino and Anthony Pearson.

The Standout

We love our large photographic piece by Alex Prager. It shows a street crowd scene, presumably in LA, with all the color and characters that live here. We especially love that the particular figure that she uses as her “muse” is not the one your eye is drawn to first.

Conversation Starter

We both love the Daniel Arsham Standing Figure that we have in the entry. It is a broken glass and resin, life-size sculpture of the artist himself. He surprises and greets you or your guests as you come into the house and has proved to be very controversial. His posture and hand placement have different interpretations, depending on the age of the person, and can prove to be very entertaining.

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The Collectors

Joe Baker

(Rancho Palos Verdes)

Why I Collect

As an artist, collecting art is a natural process and a result of an insatiable curiosity about the world.

Selected Works

I have a very eccentric collection—spanning contemporary to historic and including works by Paul Jean Martel, Aaron Sheppard, George Dunbar, Bill Dambrova, Suzani textiles, early Korean pottery, Shearwater pottery, American Indian basketry and beadwork, South Asian Buddha figures and modernist ceramics, among others.

Favorite Genre

I am currently intrigued by mid-century works.

I Seek

Originality—that’s the key.

The Value

By investing in art, we are supporting creativity and human spirit.

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The Collectors

Eva and Brian Sweeney (Manhattan Beach)

Beginnings

A few years after we were married, Eva’s brother, Bernhard Zuenkeler—who knows quite a bit about art, finally got up the nerve to ask why we had so few original works on our walls. We asked him what he thought we should collect, and he provided us with a list of the top 25 artists.

Our Taste

We are attracted to a diverse range of art across mediums and centuries, particularly landscapes, works with buildings and nudes.

Pièce de Résistance

We have a terrific 1974 drawing of Christo’s Running Fence leaving the Sonoma shore and traveling into the Pacific Ocean. We have acquired considerable oceanfront property and have dealt with the Coastal Commission along the way, so we admired Christo’s determination to complete the Running Fence project despite government opposition.

Great Potential

Those who commit to art as a career typically have a huge struggle finding a market for their works. Eva and I like the idea of assisting those who enter the struggle, as we believe that they have much to offer toward the nurturing of a civil society. A world without art would be very boring and stifling.

Art Exchange

For over a decade we have sponsored artist travel by encouraging those we have met and admire to visit us in Los Angeles. Artists from the Far East and Europe have enjoyed the opportunity. Initially we put them up in a spare home, but now we can offer the artist-in-residence suite at The El Segundo Museum of Art. 

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The Collectors

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The

TALENT

Meet six extraordinary fine artists putting Los Angeles front and center in the contemporary art scene.

WRITTEN BY MELINDA O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHED BY MONICA OROZCO

volving at a steady pace, the current art scene of Los Angeles—invigorated by a talented strain of artists who continue to test the boundaries of the creative realm through a variety of mediums and unique perspectives—offers art lovers the opportunity to collect beautiful, unusual and thought-provoking works that contribute to a more meaningful experience of life as a whole.

And while there is a plethora of quality art being produced in our vast metropolis, getting acquainted with the specific types of work that resonate with one’s personal taste can be challenging. We put the spotlight on six local artists who are proving to be innovative forces on the city’s art front. Perhaps some of their creative expressions will strike a chord. Take some time to view, explore. Your soul will thank you later.

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painter

Sarah Cain creates everything from small objects to giant room-size works on-site. Her creative process is similar to that of jazz, poetry or stand-up comedy, whereby she allows herself to absorb the energy of her environment before improvising and throwing something exciting back at her audience.

She shares, “I never plan. It’s basically an attack-and-resolve method. I tend to work on 20 or so pieces at a time and build toward exhibitions. Usually I will have the title of the show—which represents a loose theme—in mind and a few ideas of new challenges that I want to accomplish with the work.”

When you view any of Sarah’s on-site works, you can feel the heightened state of present tense and risk behind

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Above: Sarah in her studio.

Left: California (2013). Below: hey babe take a walk on the wild side LAND headquarters installation (2014).

ARTWORK COURTESY OF HONOR FRASER GALLERY IN LOS ANGELES PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF MCLANE AND JOSHUA WHITE/JWPICTURES.COM

SC Sarah Cain

them. Their force is palpable, and as Sarah surmises, “Their energy is hard to contain, and it hits the viewer in a very accessible way.” This accessibility is certainly part of what draws people into the artist’s work.

In the latter part of 2014, Sarah made a permanent exterior painting entitled hey babe take a walk on the wild side on the headquarters building of Los Angeles Nomadic Division, a nonprofit organization committed to curating site-specific public art exhibitions in Los Angeles and beyond. The execution of the project required Sarah to work in a fully exposed area, right on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Highland Avenue in Los Angeles. A mecca of wild activity, the location is filled with a constant frenetic energy.

“You never know what’s going to happen there,” Sarah admits. “I was definitely outside of my comfort zone while making the work, but overall the experience was pretty amazing. So many people outside of the art realm—a lot of people living on the fringes—thanked me for adding beauty to the world.” sarahcainstudio.com

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RR Ry Rocklen sculptor

Above: Second to None (2011).

Below: Ry at work on a new sculpture.

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Ry Rocklen creates works that examine the ubiquitous and familiar objects of our everyday existence. He is especially attracted to things—like a chair or a piece of clothing— that have a strong relationship to the body.

Ry explains, “My sculptures often subvert the viewers’ expectations of objects through a transformation of materiality and surface.” Is it any wonder that Ry believes his biggest responsibility as an artist is to create art that inspires people to see things in a new way?

Each sculpture Ry creates comes together in a unique manner. Sometimes he finds something on the street and

The Talent

takes it back to the studio to figure out how he can turn it into a sculpture. Other times he knows what he is looking for, gets it and begins to alter it.

Some of Ry’s works are porcelain molds of pieces of his own clothing. Things that start out as unremarkable items—a wrinkled, folded T-shirt or a scrunched-up pair of socks—take on new life when placed within the structure of a porcelain cast that somehow imposes a new level of importance upon them.

Second to None is a sculpture that debuted in 2011 and is undeniably Ry. Composed of 200 or so trophies the artist found in thrift stores throughout Los Angeles, the piece embodies several staples of Ry’s work: It is made of found objects, it is both funny and sad, and people can relate to it quite easily. ryrocklen.com

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MB Matthew Brandt photographer

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just part of the projects’ compositions as a whole,” according to the artist.

Matthew explains, “Actually there is no specific point that I try to bring to an audience through my work. And I think the fact that there is no bold hypothesis or agenda to any one of my works makes it possible for a viewer to relate more objectively to the work.”

When viewing Matthew’s Rainbow Lake WY G1 (2013)—a grid of 12 chromogenic prints soaked in Rainbow Lake water—it seems that the artist has catapulted the art of photography into some sort of psychedelic realm marked by intensified colors and misshapen elements. One might think the work is a compilation of disfigured views captured through a wonky kaleidoscope.

A symmetry that could define the image is replaced with an imperfect yet perfectly beautiful combination of shapes that come together to tell a vivid story. The best part is that the viewer gets to decide the meaning of the tale. matthewbrandt.com

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Above: Installation view of Velvet and Bubble Wrap at M+B, Los Angeles. Left: From Dust series, gum bichromate print with dust swept from Cushman & Wakefield front lobby (2014). Below: Rainbow Lake WY G1 (2013).

Opposite page: Matthew surrounded by some of his work.

© MATTHEW BRANDT, COURTESY M+B GALLERY, LOS ANGELES

As Matthew Brandt prefers to not be associated with—and thus perhaps limited by—a specific genre, he shares that he “works with photography to make things.” This somewhat vague explanation of his art form leaves things wide open, possibly just the way Matthew likes it.

Each individual art project he takes on starts with a material, an event or a photograph that he has. He considers this initial object to be a seed or kernel—one that hopefully grows into something that serves as an interesting interpretation of something else.

“The brewing stage is the most important part of making a work,” Matthew says. During this stage “there is a lot of experimenting and playing that goes into tinkering something into a work of art,” he adds.

Some of Matthew’s works circumstantially touch on issues like droughts, industrialized foods and dying bees, but “these are just elements the works encounter in their making, and thus are

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The Talent

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CH The Talent

Channing Hansen knitter

Above: Algo 10 (2014).

Below: Channing and his materials at the studio.

ART IMAGE COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND MARC SELWYN FINE ART

Having grown up in a family of artists, Channing Hansen had already been making performance art and sculpture for many years when he took up knitting as a way to keep his restless hands busy while he was away from the studio. The more he knitted, the more he saw the pastime’s potential as a medium for art.

Along with the craft relating so naturally to drawing and kinetic sculpture, Channing began to recognize how it also connected to his interest in the history of science and technology. Channing’s knitted works have been referred to as “paintoids” and “quantum pataphysics.” No matter the moniker attached to them, the artist’s creations seem to exist in multiple dimensions, exuding an energy that makes them come alive on the canvas.

Channing explains, “I use algorithms as a tool in my art to generate not just the colors but also the materials, textures and patterns of the knitted works, as well as to determine the interplay of those elements. Based on a finite set of variables, the algorithm determines how the textures and patterns

increase and decrease in relation to each other.”

His practice is quite labor-intensive, as it starts with raw wool, which he occasionally shears himself. He continues, “The wool is skirted, washed, dyed, blended, spun and then knitted according to the algorithm. Once the knitted texture is finished, the work is further composed by how it’s stretched over a wooden frame.”

Now, for those viewers not well acquainted with mathematical algorithms or the skill of knitting, all of these explanations may be a bit cumbersome. Luckily whether an onlooker comprehends the science behind the art or not, he can still be impacted by the unique way that the beautiful colors and textures of the knitted surfaces inhabit Channing’s canvases—which sometimes have strings of wool hanging off them in a way that suggests the creations are still seeking some type of final resolution.

For instance, take Channing’s 2014 knitted work entitled Algo 10. What is most certainly an execution of Channing’s understanding of how art and technology work in unison, this piece—from the perspective of a viewer—may simply be seen as a collection of vivid patterns colliding on a canvas.

In the end, both interpretations are valid, as the work is so satisfying to admire no matter how it is perceived. channinghansen.ninja

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The Talent

RG Ramiro Gomez painter

Top: Ramiro and some of his cardboard cutouts. Above: Beverly Hills Housekeeper (2014). Right: Nick’s Pool Being Cleaned (2014)—based on David Hockney’s Portrait of Nick Wilder (1966).

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While employed as a live-in nanny in Beverly Hills, artist Ramiro Gomez began to record the contrasting scenes he came across while on the job.

His recordings eventually displayed themselves in painted canvases depicting immigrant domestic workers—gardeners, housekeepers and nannies, for example—juxtaposed against opulent environs.

Ramiro refers to these works as “observations of labor.” While the paintings showcase the artist’s obvious understanding of the union among shapes, space and perspective, they also seem to succeed at providing a permanent visual study of a segment of the population that may otherwise never find its way into the history books.

With his nannying days now behind him, Ramiro—a full-time artist—goes for walks and drives around his own West Hollywood neighborhood, randomly encountering familiar scenes of domestic workers among affluent backdrops.

Upon spotting a person and an accompanying setting that interests him, Ramiro snaps a quick, concealed photo of the unsuspecting model with his phone.

Later back at his art studio, the picture serves as reference for the painting he will eventually execute.

To gain valuable insight into how Ramiro’s photos inform his work, check out the artist’s Instagram feed: @ramirogomezjr. Doing so may allow you to more readily understand how he composed his work entitled Nick’s Pool Being Cleaned.

In this piece, the artist reproduced David Hockney’s well-known Portait of Nick Wilder (1966) but interrupted the composition by replacing the title subject with his pool cleaner. This interruption reinterprets the original scene, allowing viewers to see a part of the story that isn’t revealed in Hockney’s version. This is part of the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. ramirogomezjr.blogspot.com

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The Talent

KF Kim Fisher painter

Kim Fisher is a Los Angelesbased artist who primarily executes projects—many of them about the City of Angels—with paint. She finds inspiration in surface as a sociological obsession.

And as an extension, she is also fascinated by the literal surfaces and textures of the city in which she works.

“The physical appearance, cultural history and the sometimes extremely oppressive climate of Los Angeles are mirrored in the paintings I make,” she explains.

Kim also finds a great deal of inspiration in fashion and music, to the point that she does a lot of brainstorming when she is listening to music while driving.

She will take the thoughts from a brainstorming session back to her studio

and begin making several collages out of small clippings from newspapers or magazine pages.

“The quality of the original scraps and the subsequent paintings made from them reflect the effect the Los Angeles sun and heat have over time on materials.

The constant sunshine and warmth deteriorate much of the city’s surfaces, revealing states of impermanence and dissolution,” Kim explains.

In the end, her paintings are interpretations of the initial collages she creates.

In her work Magazine Paintings—Water, Kim illustrates the influence that light can have on a surface. In this case, the light is being absorbed by and reflected off the water, moving across it with a liveliness that somehow makes the frozen image feel as though it is in motion.

Perhaps this energy is the work’s spirit, demanding to be acknowledged in its fight against the elements. 

Far left: Kim at rest. Left and below: Installation shots of her series Magazine Paintings, from Made in LA 2014 at the Hammer Museum.

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Live with art you absolutely love

Use code southbay at checkout for 10% off original art.

Discover a world of art online

Need help? Work with an expert art advisor at no cost.

We’ll help you find one-of-a-kind works to suit your style, space and budget. saatchiart.com /artadvisory

ink

SOUTH BAY

Since a ban was lifted in 2010, a limited number of tattoo parlors have opened in Hermosa. For these tattoo parlor owners and artists, the city’s tattoo scene is integrally tied to the city’s surf and skate history. While the scene continues to grow on the community at large, the artists are confident that local opinion will only continue to reflect national trends and that the art form is truly here to stay.

WRITTEN BY STEFAN

SLATER BERTING

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF

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ALL WORK, ALL PLAY Jeff Thielman at Third Street Tattoo

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South Bay Ink

DRAWING ROOM Gerard Collette of Hermosa Ink

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South Bay Ink

erard Collette, owner of Hermosa Ink and Apparel, stands behind a counter in his tattoo parlor. He scrolls through pictures on an iPad, pointing out some of the shop’s most recent tattoos. One, a large scene that depicts a school of colorful jellyfish floating underwater, covers the entirety of an older man’s back.

Gerard, who’s been tattooing for roughly 25 years, describes the client as being a retired businessman in his late 60s. “He came in and said, ‘I always wanted to have this ocean scene done on my back, and I can do it now,’” says Gerard.

The parlor, which is airy and filled with an abundance of natural light, has an inviting atmosphere. “No fear factor,” says Gerard. “We try to keep it as pleasant an atmosphere as we can.”

Clients run the gamut from your average, workingclass locals to high-level professionals, and many of the tattoos that Gerard and his artists create are highly customized. “We’re more of a design center,” says Gerard, “where we design the tattoo for you.”

Gerard notes that attitudes toward tattooing as an art form, especially here in Los Angeles, have changed a great deal in recent years. For one, he’s seen tattooing become more accepted amongst various age groups—a trend that’s also being seen throughout the nation.

for most of his life, Jeff is quick to note that the industry itself is unpredictable.

“You just never know,” he says. “I tattoo everyone from 18-year-old kids who’ve just gotten out of high school to plastic surgeons from Beverly Hills. It’s definitely ingrained in our society today.”

Jeff, who grew up in the South Bay during the ‘70s and ‘80s, notes that tattooing was part of an underground sub-culture—one that was on par with the city’s surf, skate and punk scenes. Local tattoo artists were deeply influenced by these scenes, and as the surf and street art evolved, so did the tattooing scene.

But Jeff adds that during that time period, the art form had a certain social stigma—so it wasn’t exactly mainstream. “The whole South Bay, as far as tattoo art goes, was in a black hole for like 30 to 40 years. And in the last 3½ to four years, things are changing quick.”

For example, Jeff says that in the past it was more common for customers looking for a tattoo to walk into a parlor and pick a more traditional design from off the wall (these are called “flash”). Over time, he says, tattoo artists began to experiment by creating their own custom art, and some shops began to specialize in custom art.

He notes that tattoo TV shows like LA Ink helped expose the broader public to the idea of tattooing, especially custom tattooing, as being a true art form. He’s

tattoo art

The whole South Bay, as far as goes, was in a black hole for like 30 to 40 years. And in the last 3½ to four years, things are changing quick.”

According to a 2012 Harris Poll, one out of five adults in the nation has a tattoo. Furthermore, according to a 2010 Pew Research Poll, roughly four out of 10 Millennials are likely to have at least a single tattoo. Though previous generations may have looked at tattoos as something that only gruff and tough sailors and motorcyclists wore, opinions are gradually changing.

However, the acceptance of tattoos is still a recent development here in the South Bay, especially in Hermosa. Prior to 2010, there were zoning laws in place that didn’t allow tattoo parlors to operate within the city. But during that year, the U.S. 9 th Court of Appeals noted that tattooing was a protected form of speech and that Hermosa’s zoning ban was unconstitutional.

Goodbye, ban; hello, parlors.

Sketched in Time

Jeff Thielman has been tattooing for more than 25 years, although he says that he’s honestly been dabbling in the art since he was child. “At 11 or 12 I was really into the art,” the Hermosa native says. “I started tattooing friends and myself, little tiny things.” He adds that he quickly got into trouble, and he didn’t delve into tattoos professionally until the early ‘90s.

Jeff is an artist at Third Street Tattoo in Hermosa Beach. He helped the owners (Jeremy Hartland and Pennywise’s Fletcher Dragge) open the shop following the lifting of the Hermosa ban. Since he’s been tattooing

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quick to note that professional tattoo artists can do it all, ranging from standard flash art to highly customized art.

Tattooing is diverse, and there are parlors designed to cater to a wide range of tastes. Jeff points out that the tattoo scene in Hermosa is continuing to grow and that more tattooing talent is being attracted to the area.

“Now that we’re able to open up shops in Hermosa Beach, people have a much better perspective of [the art] and how it should be done,” he says.

But Hermosa’s tattoo scene wouldn’t have had the chance to grow if the ban hadn’t been lifted. “And that’s solely due to my old apprentice, Johnny Anderson,” says Jeff.

Freedom of Expression

Johnny Anderson (also known professionally within the tattoo industry as Johnny 2/3) is the owner and operator of Yer Cheat’n Heart Tattoo in Gardena and in Hermosa Beach. “I’ve always been enamored with tattooing,” says Johnny, who’s been tattooing for more than two decades.

“It’s the idea of putting an indelible mark into the skin.”

Johnny, who grew up in Redondo Beach, notes that he felt a strong need to open a tattoo parlor closer to his hometown. “I grew up off the Hermosa Pier. It was our spot when we were kids.”

However, his plans to open a parlor were repeatedly denied by the city of Hermosa, and Johnny pushed to take his case to federal court in Los Angeles. The U.S. 9 th Circuit Court of Appeals determined that the city

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ROGUES GALLERY Johnny Anderson of Yer Cheat’n Heart Tattoo

would have to lift the ban, as tattooing was protected under the First Amendment.

“I wanted to work and be here in the South Bay,” says Johnny. “I was starting a family and living in Redondo, and I wanted to stay in this community.”

He points out that in the past four years, the Hermosa tattoo scene has begun to grow, and his shop caters to a diverse range of Hermosa locals ranging from high-financers to machinists.

“There’s an old saying that tattoos are for sailors and fallen women,” he says. “I always loved that saying because it isn’t true anymore. Everybody gets tattoo nowadays.”

Johnny notes that tattooing is truly growing as an art form, both locally and nationally. With the introduction of several different shops to the area, he believes that the influx of tattoo artists can only

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benefit the South Bay over the long run. And he believes that the South Bay’s pool of tattoo talent will only continue to increase.

Johnny doesn’t advertise for his parlor; he relies on the quality of his tattoos to drum up business. “If you have this influx of tattoo artists coming to the South Bay, that only encourages us to step up our game. We let our tattoos speak for ourselves, and the better tattoo artists are going to be doing more tattoos. The more competition, the more it elevates tattooing.”

For artists like Jeff, Gerard and Johnny, the South Bay’s once lowkey tattoo scene is starting to emerge into the mainstream and garner additional respect and attention. The future of tattooing in the South Bay and in Hermosa, as far as Johnny is concerned, is a bright one.

“It’s exciting to see how the art form is elevated here at home,” he says. 

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o t t r o p s s a P

u r Pe

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From salt mines in the Sacred Valley dating to pre-Inca days to the colonial-inspired town of Urubamba and majestic Machu Picchu, there’s much more to Peru than ancient wonders and mundane tourist spots.

WRITTEN BY JENNIE

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NUNN

eru’s longstanding reputation for being a life-changing destination isn’t exactly fabricated. There are plenty of good reasons why the country (which means “land of abundance”) is being placed on travel bucket lists now more than ever. Blame it on the jaw-dropping landscape, markets lined with vibrant textiles (alpaca is among the coveted finds here), luxury trains fit for royalty and archaeological ruins. The third largest country in South America is rich with history and cultural treasures.

Here we reveal the top places to stay, see and discover in Lima, Cusco, Urubamba and beyond.

STAY Founded in 1966 by husband-and-wife duo Franz Schilter and Petit Miribel, Hotel Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa in Urubamba includes two restaurants, a spa and fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool and an equestrian center. (hotelsolyluna.com) Framed by the Urupampa Mountains, the boutique, 42-room property offers superior and deluxe villas appointed with folk art-style sculptures and paintings by local Peruvian artist Frederico Bauer, carved wooden consoles and writing desks, and wrought iron chandeliers. Each casita also features a flat-screen television, soaking tub, a fireplace and a private patio with chaise lounges and a Jacuzzi tub.

Guests can sign up for a guided horseback ride on a Peruvian Paso horse and wind along cobblestone streets with a view of the Urubamba River, take in a weaving demonstration from artisans in the village of Chinchero or explore the local town with a visit to the nearby school, owned by Sol y Luna. At night don’t miss an avant-garde circus production complete with gymnasts and former Cirque du Soleil performers. For a prime spot, be sure to get there early.

For an option close to Machu Picchu, the 60-room Sumaq Hotel offers a panoramic view of the Vilcanota River with mountain and river suites equipped with patios. After a long day of trekking and combing markets in nearby Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), take a cooking lesson on how to make fresh ceviche or a Pisco sour (the national drink made with Pisco brandy, bitters and eggs), or check out Aqlla, the on-site spa for treatments using indigenous ingredients including a massage with Andean stones. (machupicchuhotels-sumaq.com) Perched along the base of Machu Picchu, the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge offers guests a close-up look at the ruins and a stab at the first hike of the day before tour buses arrive packed with tourists. Other activities here include a Pachamama (or “Mother Earth”) ritual led by a local shaman, a coca tea leaf reading interpreted by an Andean priest and a guided stargazing session with a telescope. (belmond.com) In Lima, the Country Club Hotel is a preferred spot for sophisticated travelers, with a prime location across the street from the Lima Golf & Country Club and a few minutes from the beach in Miraflores in the San Isidro financial district. Built in 1927, the elegant, 83-room property flanked by palm trees is outfitted with 300 pieces of artwork and artifacts from the Pedro de Osma museum. (hotelcountry.com) The Belmond Miraflores Park, revamped four years ago by architect Jordi Puig

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Passport to Peru

(of the modern Titilaka Hotel situated along the eponymous lake), features three restaurants, a heated rooftop pool and complimentary bicycles for cruising the path along the Pacific Ocean. (belmond.com) DISCOVER There’s no mistake that a trip to Peru isn’t complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. Stretching 7,970 feet, the mystical UNESCO World Heritage Site—and one of the “New 7 Wonders”—plays hosts to approximately 2,000 tourists each day. Book a guided tour or choose from hikes ranging from steep Huayna Picchu (restricted to 400 visitors per day and advance reservations required) to the three-day Inca Trail that extends from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

For handmade wares by local artists, head to the quiet town of Chinchero. Located about 45 minutes north of Cusco at 12,500 feet, the Incan village (which means “town of rainbows”) is rumored to be the birthplace of the rainbow. Today the teeny area is dotted with narrow dirt roads and whitewashed adobe buildings housing oil paintings, alpaca ponchos, cloth coin purses and hand-carved wooden gourds.

On Sundays don’t miss the market in the main square adjacent to the infamous, 17th-century, colonial-style iglesia (church). Choose from handwoven blankets, mittens and scarves made by weavers dressed in traditional clothing: flannel skirts, colorful embroidered vests and sombrero-like felt hats. (Don’t forget to bring water, sunscreen and plenty of cash. Most artisans don’t accept credit cards.)

At the salt mines (or “Las Salineras”) approximately 35 miles from Cusco in Maras, explore more than 3,000 saltwater ponds tracing to pre-Inca days. On the way out, pick up flavored salts, ranging from garlic pepper and lemon to lavender, made by local purveyors.

For an afternoon of outdoor adventure, head to Waypo Lake. At this postcard-worthy spot near Maras, rent a kayak, go fishing or pack a picnic and sit at a table along the water.

In Lima, learn about ancient Peruvian culture at the Rafael Larco Herrera Archeological Museum.

Housed in an 18th-century mansion, the museum features items from embroidered tapestries to clay vessels and gold and copper jewelry spanning more than 5,000 years of pre-Colombian history. (museolarco.org) GETTING AROUND Until a few years ago, there were only a few ways to get to Machu Picchu, including trains such as the Hiram Bingham that departed from the nearby towns of Urubamba, Poroy and Ollantaytambo. Now thanks to Inca Rail launched in 2009, guests can take the 1¾-hour ride in style aboard a fleet of nine luxury railcars. For a once-in-a-lifetime ride, opt for the eightseat presidential car (Mick Jagger and Bono have been passengers) lined with sleek, cherry wood paneling, upholstered club chairs and a small outdoor balcony.

While taking in views of the Urubamba River, rainforest and terraced mountains en route, feast on a five-course meal paired with regional Peruvian wines and Champagne. (incarail.com) 

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Passport to Peru

INSPIRING ALTITUDE Previous page: Exploring new heights on Machu Picchu; private accommodations at Sol y Luna. This page, clockwise from top left: Alfresco breakfast at the Belmond Santuary Lodge; a tempting bar on the Inca Rail; local arts, artisans and equestrians at Sol y Luna.

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1112 OCEAN DRIVE, MANHATTAN BEACH, CA 90266 - yogaloftmb.com - 310.372.7334 110

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Journey OF A LIFETIME

Belmond, a leader in exceptional worldwide experiences, calls itself both travel curator and connoisseur for good reason. With a global collection of 45 iconic and luxurious hotels, trains and river cruises, Belmond offers its guests access to some of the most thrilling journeys and inspiring destinations in the world, and TravelStore extends its preferred partner amenities where available. continued on next page

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Belmond THE WORLD OF

Established nearly 40 years ago with the acquisition of Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Belmond’s unique and distinctive experiences begin in the most vibrant, beautiful and culturally rich locations on the globe. One-of-a-kind adventures include a river cruise to the most remote parts of the Chindwin River in Myanmar; a hotel terrace overlooking Iguassu Falls; a Buddhist ceremony at a secluded monastery; a glamorous, vintage, 1950s-inspired holiday at one of six graceful Italian hotels; or a romantic and spiritual rendezvous in the Mayan tradition at the Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera … to name a short few.

Priding itself on exceptional service, unforgettable memories, surprising adventures and a sense of the unique, Belmond is passionate about helping guests explore each vibrant destination to the fullest. In Africa alone, Belmond’s three luxury safari lodges have been operating in Northern Botswana for more than 20 years. The portfolio includes Belmond Eagle Island Lodge in the newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Okavango Delta, which will reopen later this year as one of the region’s most luxurious.

Locally, Belmond’s diverse global collection includes Santa Barbara’s only Forbes five-star resort, Belmond El Encanto, where guests can enjoy incredible farm-to-fork cuisine including fresh cheese made with milk from the hotel’s own cow, Ellie. Also stateside, Belmond Charleston Place, located at the very heart of downtown Charleston in the historic district, is walking distance to many of this charming southern city’s major attractions.

Belmond is proud to offer some of the world’s greatest luxury trains and cruises, allowing guests to experience destinations from an ever-changing perspective and journey at a slower pace in beautiful surroundings. Perhaps the most famous are Venice Simplon-Orient-Express through Europe and Belmond Royal Scotsman, the U.K.’s only luxury sleeper train, taking guests to the heart of the scenic Scottish Highlands.

The collection also includes Belmond Road to Mandalay and Belmond Orcaella, two luxury river cruisers that explore the Chindwin and Ayeyarwady rivers in Myanmar; and Belmond Afloat in France, a collection of five luxury barges that explore the waterways, canals, rivers and countryside of rural France. This year, Belmond will celebrate 20 years in Myanmar with a guest speaker program featuring award-winning wildlife and travel photographer Sue Flood and a series of talks and workshops aboard both vessels.

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Ready to try the Belmond experience for yourself?

For more information on the Belmond collection of destinations and journeys, contact TravelStore for expert advice and their exclusive offers for the coming seasons.

Sign up to receive exclusive travel offers tailored to your interests at travelstore. com and follow them on Facebook and other social media channels.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION, CONTACT TRAVELSTORE AT:

310-373-0954 tspalosverdes@travelstore.com www.travelstore.com 24 Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates

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Real Estate Real estate transactions are complicated, and they demand informed decisions. They’re one of the biggest financial investments you’ll likely experience in your lifetime, so you need a professional to guide you through the process. A good real estate agent knows the local marketplace and is familiar with competing properties. Whether you’re buying or selling, your agent can negotiate on your behalf and help you objectively evaluate your options. Ready to save time, money and headaches? Meet some of our top local real estate professionals on the following pages—they’re ready to get to work for you!

EDITED BY LAURA WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICOLE LEONE, PAUL JOYNER AND LAUREN PRESSEY

116 MICHAEL GRADY & KOFI NARTEY The Agency

123 LILY LIANG Strand Hill Properties, Christie’s International Real Estate

118 TERRY NIEMANN Terranea Real Estate

124 MOLLY HOBIN WILLIAMS The Hobin Company

120 NICK SCHNEIDER Palm Realty Boutique

125 KRISTEN NOVOA HOM Sotheby’s International Realty

121 EDLER | DERENZIS 122 GARY E. RICHARDSON Strand Hill Properties, Christie’s International Real Estate

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126 COURTNEY SELF & TONY SELF Hunter Mason Realty 127 ALISON CLAY-DUBOFF Alison Is Real Estate

128 NAOMI YAMAGAMI Vista Sotheby’s International Realty

133 ROBERT REYES Sunny California Vacation Rentals

129 DIANA TURNER South Bay Brokers

134 GORDON INMAN & KEITH KELLEY The Inman Team Keller Williams Realty

130 RODMAN AMIRI & AMIR AMIRI Merit Real Estate, Inc. 131 TAYA DICARLO Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 132 KARINA PACIFIC NWRE Brokers

135 KERRY L. DAWSON NW Real Estate Brokers 136 RE/MAX ESTATE PROPERTIES The Goldstar Team

137 TONY ACCARDO Beach City Brokers

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“We represent many different age groups—from first-time buyers to investors to seniors moving into assisted living. Our entire team brings experience in other fields where they worked prior to real estate, such as sales, banking, insurance, commercial real estate, merchandising, relocation and health care. This strengthens our service and knowledge, thus benefiting our clients.”

– THE EDLER | DERENZIS GROUP

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Real Estate MICHAEL GRADY Director

KOFI NARTEY Managing Director

The Agency 310 W. Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey, CA 424-354-2929 (Michael) | 424-230-3756 (Kofi) | TheAgencyRE.com

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he Agency is a full-service, luxury real estate brokerage and lifestyle company with headquarters in Beverly Hills and offices in the Beach Cities, Brentwood and Los Cabos.

Kofi Nartey and Michael Grady have worked in real estate for a combined 22 years. Kofi is the Managing Director of the Beach Cities office and Director of The Sports and Entertainment Division at The Agency.

He also starred in two seasons of HGTV’s Selling LA. Michael Grady, Director of the Beach Cities office, is a Manhattan Beach native and currently resides with his wife in Manhattan Beach. Both Michael and Kofi are licensed real estate brokers and have teamed together to give Beach Cities clients two agents—plus the power of The Agency and Savills—for the price of one.

the South Bay and has children in area schools. We represent buyers and sellers of homes in the South Bay as well as in Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, Venice and up into Malibu. We also specialize in servicing athletes, entertainers and the homes that appeal to this niche.”

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

What does it take to be the best in the business?

“The Agency is built on collaboration. As former athletes and coaches, you understand that a team is more powerful than any individual. The Agency embodies this belief by creating a collaborative environment, which is rare in this industry. Sharing with our colleagues in an innovative environment gives us an edge in being able to offer best practices and inside market knowledge. Also, our exposure in multiple media platforms and on numerous real-estate related television shows enables us to give our clients’ properties unprecedented exposure.”

What trends do you foresee for the 2015 real estate market in Southern California?

“With the South Bay being one of the most in-demand markets in the country, the renaissance LA is undergoing, and the rise of ‘Silicon Beach’—attracting interest from buyers in technology, finance, digital and other creative industries from around the world—there’s never been a better time for real estate in Southern California. We have the best climate, cuisine and beaches helping drive demand.”

What makes your firm and you unique?

“The world of real estate is so much more global these days. The Agency has a unique partnership with Savills, a renowned international real estate advisor with more than 500 offices worldwide and an unrivaled network in Europe and Asia. Being able to expose our listings globally through this partnership is priceless. On a local level, we drive higher sales through our innovative, lifestyle-driven marketing. We don’t know of any other real estate office with a 15-person marketing and PR team behind every listing and development project.”

What areas do you primarily specialize in?

“Michael is from Manhattan Beach, and Kofi lives in

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What character traits do your clients enjoy about you?

“We focus on meeting and delivering on expectations.

Time and time again our clients have thanked us for being honest and direct. We are creative in our deal-making, try to make the process as stress-free as possible and even manage to have fun during the process. Ultimately the client makes the decisions, but we empower them with our industry experience and market knowledge.”

“The motto at The Agency is to never stop innovating. Be collaborative. Have integrity. With technology, this industry is constantly changing, and we are at the forefront of that. This is what has enabled The Agency to grow its market share so rapidly. It’s a combination of having great agents and innovative and creative tools to create and close business.”

FAST FACTS Before becoming a Realtor, Michael coached with his father, Steve Grady, former 30-year head football coach of Loyola High School. Kofi was a wide receiver at the University of California, Berkeley, was drafted as a free agent by the Oakland Raiders and later completed his MBA at Pepperdine University.

How important is integrity when working in the real estate industry?

“It’s essential. No one person is greater than the group.

In a relationship business, if you don’t have integrity, you are not going to make it too far. This applies to relationships with other agents as well. Clients and other industry professionals appreciate working with honest and ethical people. Integrity is one of the core values for us here at The Agency.”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“Delivering results is the most rewarding part of what we do. We get to know our clients very well during the process of buying or selling a home, so we know what is important to them. We are then able to use our experience, professionalism and all of the resources of The Agency to deliver results.”

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Real Estate TERRY NIEMANN

Director of Sales & Marketing Terranea Real Estate 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes 310-265-2888 | TerraneaRealEstate.com

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erry Niemann was born into a real estate family— her father developed resorts, her grandmother sold real estate to studio executives, and her mother-in-law was one of the top Realtors in St. Louis for 30 years. The family tradition continues with her husband, a real estate developer, her son, who is in commercial real estate, and with Terry’s position as director of sales and marketing at Terranea Resort. Her team represents The Villas at Terranea: a limited collection of seaside second homes within Terranea Resort. After studying journalism at USC, Terry was president of an advertising/PR agency specializing in the sales and marketing of many types of real estate. She has been with Terranea since 2010.

FAST FACTS Terry and her husband were college sweethearts.

They have three sons, a couple of rescued dogs and a very large extended family.

Tell us about the Villas at Terranea.

“Secluded on 102 acres of a native coastal habitat presenting stunning vistas of the Pacific and nearby Catalina Island, the Villas at Terranea gives you the opportunity to own a last-of-its-kind property on the Pacific Coast while embracing the truest luxuries of being with family, enjoying time outdoors and focusing on wellness. We feature coastal cliffs, three pools, seven restaurants, a world-class spa, owners’ concierge, golf, whale-watching, sea kayaking, miles of hiking, biking trails—conveniently located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. It’s a great feeling to help people purchase the getaway place they’ve always promised themselves.”

What makes owning a Villa or Casita such an exclusive opportunity?

“The number of available Villas are limited, and there are just five spectacular oceanfront Casitas available for sale.

With fewer Villas and Casitas available, the opportunity to own here is becoming much more special.”

Describe your relationship with your clients.

“I feel blessed to meet and work with new friends every day. All of my clients have become good friends, as it’s much more important to me to give the best advice than to make a quick sale.”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“Connecting generations of friends and families who now own legacy real estate together is special. Two brothers from different states purchased a Casita so the cousins will grow up vacationing together throughout the years.”

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What trends do you foresee for the 2015 real estate market in Southern California?

“We’re seeing many local families purchasing Villas at Terranea; with our beach, pool, golf and country club, it’s the ultimate lifestyle when not at home. We’re seeing some people buy a Villa as a guest home for relatives and friends and as a way for people to entertain for business. Inviting clients to your box at Staples Center for the game is great, but it’s not quite the same as, ‘Here are the keys; please enjoy my Villa for the weekend.’”

Tell us about the Terranea team.

“Terranea Resort is one big, friendly team. The uniqueness of owning a second home within a luxury resort allows buyers to customize each visit and have as much or as little personalized attention as they’d like. For example, owners have their own concierge, restaurant chefs who love to surprise them with their favorite dessert, spa and fitness staff who look forward to introducing new classes, specifically-tailored activities and treatments, and my personal favorite: a Director of All Things Fun, which is really her actual title.”

What character traits do your clients enjoy about you?

“I’m usually smiling because I’m lucky to truly love what I do, so I believe it is apparent to others. I’m proud of the properties I represent. Most importantly, it’s not about me.

I listen to what the clients’ goals and dreams are in order to guide them toward what makes the most sense for them.

I will always find a way to incorporate a sense of humor, because buying ocean-view property should be fun!”

What additional services does Terranea offer?

“My clients have told me that in addition to providing complete luxury resort services and amenities, Terranea makes life so much easier as they manage the property and rent the Villas and Casitas for them. The feedback is that this is the easiest way to own a beach house.”

How do you use your connections to help your clients get the best deals?

“Almost everyone is connected or knows someone we know.

Being immersed in our community with children, friends and colleagues has been extremely rewarding in terms of being able to help clients find exactly what they’re looking for. It’s fun to nurture these relationships and work with other Realtors and clients every day.”

In what ways are you involved in your community?

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being involved in many educational, youth sports and community service boards for more than 20 years.”

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Real Estate

NICK SCHNEIDER Realtor Palm Realty Boutique

401 Manhattan Beach Blvd. in Manhattan Beach 310-809-4875 | Nick@PalmRealtyBoutique.com

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full-time Realtor for the past four years, Nick Schneider represents buyers and sellers anywhere in the state of California and primarily around the South Bay beach cities. A Hermosa Beach native, he now lives in Manhattan Beach with his wife, Chelsea, and their daughters, Stella and Piper. When he’s not at work, he enjoys playing beach volleyball and golf. In 2013, with the help of his friend and founder, Blake Andrews, Nick became the founding member of Giveback Homes, an organization of real estate professionals from across the U.S.

FAST FACT Nick helped establish Giveback Homes— a national organization of real estate professionals who give a portion of their commissions to help build homes for needy families.

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who give back a portion of their commissions to build homes for families in need.

Who is your typical client?

“Growing up here in the South Bay my entire life, many of my clients are from referrals.

With Giveback Homes coming to life within the last year, I have had clients I’ve never met have me represent them simply because they love what Giveback Homes is doing.”

What’s your forecast for the 2015 real estate market?

“2015 is going to be very special. As our economy grows and with interest rates still at low rates, I believe the time is very ripe for both buyers and sellers—specifically here in the South Bay.”

In what ways do you provide top-notch customer service?

“I pride myself in being always available

to my clients and for overwhelming them with my work ethic and my determination to be the best Realtor they’ve ever had. When I got into real estate, I discovered that I wanted to make a career of helping people, and through real estate and the opportunities my clients give me, I will always go above and beyond for them!”

What do your clients love about living in this area?

“The community feel, the schools, the healthy living/lifestyle of the South Bay, the beauty of our beaches, and the friendly people. In my eyes, there is simply no other place on the planet that offers more than what we have right here in the South Bay beach cities!”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“I get no higher satisfaction than when I get to tell a client that we have an accepted offer or we are closing escrow or letting them know I have new keys for them.”

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Real Estate

L to R, top: Rick Edler, Bill D’Alvia, Darin DeRenzis, Lynn Potter Bottom: Meredith Johnson, Kitty Edler, Erika Medina, Ed DeRenzis, Anne St. Cyr

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n 1997 mother-and-son team Rick Edler and Kitty Edler formed The Edler Group. Darin DeRenzis joined the team in 2005, and the business name became Edler | DeRenzis Group. The team works within the Sotheby’s franchise and includes agents and South Bay residents Bill D’Alvia, Anne St. Cyr, Ed DeRenzis, Lynn Potter, Meredith Johnson and manager Erika Medina.

What character trait do your clients enjoy about you?

Kitty: “While I work within a team setting, I work directly with my clients to be sure they receive the best service possible. My clients become friends. I care about them and their families. I am their real estate agent for life—offering help and guidance any time they have questions or concerns about real estate and home services.”

FAST FACT Rick and Kitty bought the Sotheby’s franchise in 2007, and Darin joined them as a partner/owner in Peninsula Sotheby’s International Realty—later to become Vista Sotheby’s International Realty.

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

Bill: “Being a part of a group, Edler | Derenzis, and Sotheby’s International Realty allows me the latitude, representation, piques interest, and keeps the highest standards for discretion and integrity.”

What would you like potential clients to know about the customer service you provide?

Ed: “I focus on each client, and I am there every step of the way. I will do what is best for them—even if it means speaking up when I think they are misinformed.”

How do you use your connections to help your clients get the best deals?

Lynn: “I have a wide range of resources to help my clients find and ultimately purchase the home or investment of their needs. We have a strong insiders’ network in the South Bay market, and I have lived in the South Bay over 30 years.”

How important is integrity when working in the real estate industry?

EDLER | DERENZIS

Meredith: “Integrity is everything in a serviceoriented business. It takes years to build and only minutes to lose. I try to always keep that at the forefront of my mind in my business transactions as well as in my personal life.”

608 Silver Spur Rd #103, Rolling Hills Estates 1801 Catalina, Redondo Beach 310-421-2814 EdlerDeRenzis.com

Anne: “I really enjoy networking and meeting new people, and that is also a great source of my clients. But the best compliment is always the referrals I get from existing clients—that is my #1 source for new clients.”

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What is your #1 source for finding new clients?

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Real Estate

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licensed Realtor in the South Bay for the nearly 40 years, Gary Richardson specializes in residential and commercial real estate, mixed-use properties, new construction sales and commercial leasing. He works with one of Christie’s International Real Estate’s newest affiliates, Strand Hill Properties, in the beach community. After majoring in marketing, Gary was inspired by his older brother, who managed a successful South Bay real estate company, and his father, who was an accomplished contractor also in the South Bay. Gary decided to pursue a career in real estate and has managed and operated real estate offices and a development company. He is involved with his church and youth sports. His daughter, Megan, is co-owner of a Manhattan Beach business, Sand Spa.

FAST FACT Gary enjoys staying active. When he’s not working, he teaches Spinning classes at Spectrum Club, takes CrossFit classes, walks his dogs on the beach, is an avid cyclist and enjoys stand-up paddleboarding.

What character traits do your clients enjoy about you?

“I believe my clients appreciate my honesty and integrity the most.”

What does it take to be the best in the business?

“Upholding your commitment to your clients, staying focused and maintaining good communication and integrity are the most important traits an agent can bring to the business.”

What would you like potential clients to know about the customer service you provide?

“For the past 39 years, I have strived to treat my clients with the upmost respect and sincerity, and I have built a business based on lasting relationships. The most important thing is listening to what your client is trying to accomplish through a transaction. You aren’t simply selling a house; you are selling a way of life.”

What is the biggest challenge facing your clients today? How do you help them with this challenge?

“The complexity many buyers and sellers face when involved in a real estate transaction, including pages of documents and disclosures. I guide my clients through this process smoothly and help them complete a stressfree transaction.”

Tell us the key to becoming a respected, leadingedge Realtor in this community.

“One must be committed to their clients, educated on the current market trends and conditions, and be outwardly active in the community.”

What is your #1 source for finding new clients?

“Repeat business and referrals from past clients.”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“Fulfilling clients’ dreams in buying and/or selling a home.”

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GARY E. RICHARDSON

Partner & Realtor Strand Hill Properties, Christie’s International Real Estate 1131 Morningside Drive Manhattan Beach 310-480-7694 | strandhillproperties.com GaryRichardsonRealEstate.com gary@strandhillproperties.com

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ily Liang is the Executive Vice President of the newly formed boutique firm Strand Hill Properties. The words “Strand” and “Hill” in the company name reflect the team’s focus on properties in the beach areas and on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. “We felt the need of residents moving between the Beach Cities and the Hill,” says Lily, “and we wanted to service these residents with one of the most distinguished brand names in the industry.”

Strand Hill Properties operates offices in Manhattan Beach and Palos Verdes and is part of the Christie’s International Real Estate network. Lily has worked in the South Bay real estate industry for more than three decades. Established in London more than 240 years ago, Christie’s is the world’s oldest fine art auction house and a renowned international organization. Drawing upon their success in the auction world, the firm formed Christie’s International Real Estate (CIRE) in 1995.

FAST FACT Lily and her husband are active in the community, and when she’s not working, Lily enjoys reading, seeing movies and traveling.

Why is CIRE moving to the South Bay?

“The South Bay is a special place, and there was an opportunity to provide this beautiful area the unprecedented level of services that only Christie’s can offer. CIRE was formed to satisfy the lifestyle requirements of discerning clientele, and we strive to do the same with Strand Hill Properties. We offer unparalleled national and international marketing opportunities, and through our collaboration with other local CIRE affiliates we provide our clients the best real estate transaction experience possible.”

What does it mean to be an affiliate of CIRE?

“The Christie’s brand exudes quality and prestige, while honoring the traditional values established throughout its illustrious history. Only the most accomplished real estate brokers at the top of their markets are invited to join the affiliate network.

Strand Hill Properties shares a similar philosophy with CIRE in that excellence, integrity and discretion are the cornerstones to our business.”

LILY LIANG

Executive Vice President Strand Hill Properties, Christie’s International Real Estate 550 Silver Spur, #240, Palos Verdes 1131 Morningside Dr., Manhattan Beach 310-373-3333 | LilyLiang.com

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What differentiates CIRE from the other luxury real estate companies?

“Christie’s International Real Estate has become a global authority on the effective marketing of fine properties, providing insightful advisory support along with sensitivity and intelligence. Strand Hill Properties offers clients unprecedented opportunities to reach a global clientele and qualified buyers stateside. With more than 30,000 associates in our network, we utilize established affiliate relationships to promote your luxury estate home or coastal property.”

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he Hobin Company is a boutique real estate brokerage company specializing in residential and commercial sales and leasing as well as construction management services. The firm was founded by the great-grandfather of current president/CEO, Molly Hobin Williams. Over the years Molly’s grandfather and father also operated the business, and she took the reins five years ago and opened the Manhattan Beach and Palm Desert offices. Molly is a licensed broker and has held her real estate license for 33 years. She and her husband, Tom—who works in real estate development—love to ski, play golf and watch UCLA football and basketball.

FAST FACT Molly provides gratis event planning and fundraising for a variety of local charitable organizations through The Irish Girls, a networking group she started with two girlfriends 13 years ago.

What would you like potential clients to know about you?

“I approach the home buying and selling process with a business mentality. After spending 24 years in the commercial real estate industry in Los Angeles, I have a unique approach. The residential real estate business, unlike commercial real estate, is very emotional—and it is important as a top sales broker to take the emotion out of the equation.

I am passionate about everything I do, and I go above and beyond to make the entire process a fun and enjoyable experience for my clients.”

What is the biggest challenge facing your clients today?

“The biggest challenge facing my clients today is the lack of inventory in our market. Fortunately, I have been successful through my extensive social and broker networks that I have been able to find properties for my clients that are currently offmarket or will be coming on the market soon.”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“When I find exactly what my clients are looking for and they are ecstatic and over-the-moon upon moving into their new home or office. A fun aspect of my work is JustAskMolly.com—a free service for friends and family of The Hobin Company. My clients subscribe to it and receive news of fun events going on in the South Bay as well as restaurant and store openings and the latest happenings. It also has a directory of my favorite local resources—from painters, handymen and carpet cleaners to my favorite restaurants, workout places and boutiques. My clients who are new to the South Bay love it and use it on a daily basis.”

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MOLLY HOBIN WILLIAMS President & CEO The Hobin Company

1140 S. Highland Ave. #150 Manhattan Beach 310-546-2257 Thehobincompany.com

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risten Novoa joined HOM Sotheby’s International Realty in 2014. During her 15 years as a real estate agent in the South Bay, she has earned countless real estate sales awards and set recordbreaking sales prices on The Strand. Bringing HOM Sotheby’s International Realty to the South Bay, Kristen offers her clients access to the most well-known luxury real estate brand in the world.

FAST FACT Kristen is HOM Sotheby’s #1 selling agent in Manhattan Beach.

How does your background give you an edge?

“My background in psychology and law provides a strong base for overcoming challenges in real estate. The psychological aspect is key for listening and counseling people through the home buying and selling process. Clients need reassurance and someone who can communicate effectively.

My legal background helps a lot with strategy, and I’m also a certified negotiations expert. There are not a lot of people who have had formal training in how to negotiate, and it’s the most critical aspect of being a Realtor.”

What would you like potential clients to know about the customer service you provide?

“I want my clients to know that I genuinely care for them—that I’m there to be their chief strategist and trusted advisor through the entire process. I have a fierce work ethic, and I am extremely committed to my work and clients. I am always available and never pushy.”

How does the Sotheby’s brand distinguish you from the competition?

KRISTEN NOVOA

Realtor®, MA, Notary HOM Sotheby’s International Realty 350 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 10 Manhattan Beach 310-318-5954 southbayopenhouse.com

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“The South Bay’s property values have put us on the map, and I felt like we needed a broader level of exposure to the worldwide luxury market.

Sotheby’s is a brand I have always admired and respected in real estate. So last year I decided to leave Shorewood, where I had been for 14 years, and partner with HOM Sotheby’s International Realty. The Sotheby’s network boasts 680 offices in 49 countries, and the most comprehensive online strategy offering unparalleled exposure through media companies locally and worldwide.”

In what areas of real estate do you specialize?

“I have a great deal of experience selling multimillion dollar properties, closing more than 60 transactions on The Strand. However, I truly enjoy working in any price range with buyers and sellers in all South Bay neighborhoods. Regardless of price, my clients always benefit from the exceptional level of Sotheby’s marketing and my personal professionalism.”

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ogether, Courtney Self and Tony Self, owners of Hunter Mason Realty, have more than 50 years of real estate sales, property management and investment experience.

Courtney has been a Realtor since 1986, and Tony has an extensive background in real estate technology and is a licensed real estate auctioneer in multiple states.

The team at Hunter Mason Realty utilizes the latest technology to assist clients with buying and selling residential properties in Palos Verdes, Torrance and the Beach Cities.

Courtney is originally from a small town outside of Boston, and Tony is a third-generation California native. The two met in Tucson and married in 1995. They live in the South Bay with their sons, Hunter and Mason—hence the name of their real estate company.

FAST FACT Courtney and Tony are active in the community with the South Bay Association of Realtors, Boy Scouts of America, Women’s Council of Realtors and Palos Verdes Association of Realtors. Tony is the 2015 treasure of PV Association of Realtors and serves with the city of Rancho Palos Verdes on various committees.

Tell us about your team.

“We have an amazing team to assist us with the operation of the office and real estate transactions. Our sales manager, Urusla Mix, helps all the agents with real estate questions and issues that arise during a transaction.

Lauren Weber leads our Peak Producers Training to get our agents’ business to the next level. Wendy Miller is our office administrator. We also have a transaction coordinator to assist all the agents with their paperwork, technology support, property management and buyers’ agents so all the agents and their customers are fully served.”

What trends do you foresee for the 2015 real estate market in Southern California?

“We expect to see growth in the South Bay. New construction is everywhere, and with the interest rates projected to stay low you’ll continue to see lots of buyers entering the market. However, inventory will likely stay low.”

How important is integrity when working in the real estate industry?

“When you’re dealing with the single largest investment for most people, there is nothing more important than working with integrity to protect your clients and their best interest.”

What is your #1 source for finding new clients?

“The majority of our new business comes from past client referrals. We pride ourselves on the number of referrals we receive, as that shows how much our clients trust us and are satisfied with the level of care we provided them during their purchase or sale.”

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COURTNEY SELF & TONY SELF Brokers/Owners Hunter Mason Realty

23848 Hawthorne Blvd., #100 Torrance 310-350-6205 310-901-1000 HunterMason.com

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lobetrotting has long been one of Alison Clay-Duboff’s favorite pastimes. As a child she traveled the globe with her adventurous mother. Prior to earning her degree from George Washington University, she continued to feed her passion for wanderlust by attending the American University in Paris for two years. As empty-nesters, Alison and her husband spend their vacations exploring the world. And she is chair of the Global Real Estate Committee at the South Bay Association of Realtors and has listed homes in countries as far away as Slovenia and France. Locally Alison specializes in the Beach Cities, the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Playa Vista.

FAST FACT Alison volunteers her time for community organizations, especially those involving seniors. She helps her daughter with dog rescue work and serves on the Hermosa Beach Concert Series advisory board.

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“I answer my phone. I hold open houses for my sellers on Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and Super Bowl Sunday. I cook during the open houses—to achieve that ‘at-home feeling.” I have the best catering for special occasion opens, like sunset events and private showing parties.”

Tell us about your team.

“To be a fantastically successful chief executive, you need to be surrounded by wonderful adjuncts. From termite to title, escrow to support staff, my wheel is well-greased.”

What character traits do your clients enjoy about you?

“Authenticity, legitimacy, dependability, genuineness— these characteristics cannot be faked.”

What does it take to be the best in the business?

“To truly enjoy a seven-day work week.”

What would you like potential clients to know about the customer service you provide?

“Ask my past clients! You can find testimonials on zillow. com, yelp.com and Facebook.”

How many transactions did you complete in Southern California last year?

“Enough to continue feeding my three very large dogs— and my new car is 100% electric and sexy!”

ALISON CLAY-DUBOFF Owner Alison Is Real Estate Manhattan Beach 310-200-3037 alisonisrealestate.com

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What is your #1 source for finding new clients?

“The enthusiasm comes through at open houses; buyers and sellers get to meet me in a casual setting. Referrals are a big segment of my business.”

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge?

“I’d like to give a robust and loving nod of gratitude to my friends David and Jerry of MB Post restaurant and to my loving and supportive husband, Pepe, who manages without me on the weekends and has dinner ready.”

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aomi Yamagami is a full-time real estate agent, fluent in English and Japanese, who specializes in selling and purchasing residential homes in the South Bay. She has worked in the industry for the past five years and joined Vista Sotheby’s International Realty last year. Previously she worked for five years in the rigorous customer service industry of her native country, Japan. When she’s not working, she enjoys hosting parties, trying out new food venues, visiting art museums and enjoying nature.

FAST FACT Naomi earned a BFA degree in interior design from the American Intercontinental University in Marina del Rey.

What would you like potential clients to know about you?

“Selling or purchasing a home can be one of the most significant financial and emotional decisions you will have to make. My job is to make clients’ real estate transactions as seamless, stress-free and successful as possible. I strive to make every transaction a positive experience and always close transactions with big smiles!”

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“When it comes to what my clients want to achieve, I LISTEN. Once I understand their goals, my dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism drive me to stand out amongst my peers while consistently providing each of my clients with a personalized and exceptional service.

I am detail-oriented and believe in communication—I am always one call/text/email away!”

What does it take to be the best in the business?

“I always give 120% and endeavor to exceed each of my clients’ expectations one transaction at a time.

I strongly believe in T.E.A.M. = Together Everyone Achieves More. My team of industry-leading associates from Vista Sotheby’s International Realty, escrow officers, title officers, lenders, inspectors, appraisers, real estate attorneys and many more helps me to provide my clients with a consistent and exceptional home buying and selling experience.”

Describe your relationship with your clients.

“I believe each successful transaction is a natural result of a strong partnership between me and my clients. I consider honesty, trust and communication to be extremely important keys to successful partnerships. My job is to provide the information necessary for clients to make informed and educated decisions, and in return I expect honest feedback and communication. I want my clients to be comfortable in expressing their opinions, and this is how I keep my clients’ best interests in mind.”

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NAOMI YAMAGAMI

Realtor® Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 608 Silver Spur Rd. #103, Palos Verdes Peninsula 1801 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach 310-803-7662 | vistasir.com Naomi@VistaSIR.com

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or the past decade Diana Turner has been a Realtor with South Bay Brokers.

She earned her bachelor’s degree at University of Southern California and holds E-Pro and CDPE designations. She sits on the board of directors for the Trojan League of South Bay.

What trends do you foresee for the 2015 real estate market?

“Our South Bay area has its own ‘micro-economy.’ We have fabulous school systems, well-kept towns, beautiful beaches and wonderful weather with thriving businesses. Look at the increase in Fortune 500 and big-name tech businesses nearby. All good signs for our area.”

FAST FACT

Prior to joining South Bay Brokers, Diana worked as sales manager for a variety of Fortune 500 companies, including Disney Internet and Hearst Magazines.

What would you like potential clients to know about the customer service you provide?

“I’m in 100%. Once we establish their needs, I scour the market for all homes, often finding offmarket/pocket listings not on any website. Buyers should not rely on popular websites alone to find homes, or they will miss a big chunk of properties. My clients remain friends, long after the deal is done. I’m their ‘go-to’ resource for all things South Bay.”

What is the biggest challenge facing your clients today?

“Because the South Bay is so popular, it is common to have multiple offers on homes—making it a nail-biting experience. I help navigate those issues with my experience and good relationships with local Realtors. I listed a home in Manhattan Beach recently and worked with the owner to get it in shape, including doing some staging for him.

It sold within four days with multiple offers, much higher than the year before when it was on the market. It’s all about timing and experience.”

In what ways are you involved in your community?

DIANA TURNER Realtor® South Bay Brokers

2501 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 200 Manhattan Beach 310-213-2450 TurnerSouthBayHomes.com

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“Great schools are critical to a strong housing market. I donate regularly to the local educational foundations. I’m also busy raising funds for the Trojan League of South Bay, which helps pay tuition costs for South Bay students to attend USC.”

What do you like to do for fun, when you’re not at work?

“I spent the holidays with my family in Costa Rica— zip-lining, rafting and enjoying other adventures.”

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erit Real Estate is a neighborhood real estate brokerage specializing in residential sales and new construction of Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach properties. Amir Amiri began working in the industry in 1986 and started Merit Real Estate in 1989.

Rodman Amiri joined the firm in 2006. Together they completed more than 112 real estate transactions in the Beach Cities in 2014.

FAST FACT The Merit Real Estate team volunteers at community events and has hosted events such as neighborhood blood drives and creating soldier care packages.

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“Accessibility. We pride ourselves on being a neighborhood staple—where people can call for advice, guidance or just to catch up on real estate and finance happenings. The South Bay is our home, and our clients are our neighbors.”

What trends do you foresee for the 2015 real estate market in Southern California?

“Onward and forward toward stability. 2013 and 2014 had huge gains in pricing. We believe 2015 will continue to have growth but at a more level and predictable pace, as inventory starts to stabilize, and buyers and sellers reach a more even playing field in negotiations.”

What unique traits do your clients enjoy about you?

“We are a small boutique firm. When you work with one of our agents, you get the whole team. Most of our clients know our entire staff by name, and we’re all here to help in all aspects of each transaction.”

What does it take to be the best in the business?

“Reputation, reputation, reputation. Repeat clients have proven to be our livelihood. Treating people right and protecting their interests is the only way to survive in this business, because those are the clients who will always remember you and trust you with their friends, family, and referrals.”

What additional services does your company offer clients?

“We are your neighborhood real estate ‘library.’ If you’re curious as to what’s going on in the neighborhood—real estate, government or any aspect that we can help with—we pride ourselves on being that resource.”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“When our clients reach out to us time and time again for advice and guidance. The fact that we earn trust and our opinions are valued is priceless, as opposed to being just a ‘shop’ to buy a home and be done with.”

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RODMAN AMIRI Broker Associate

AMIR AMIRI Broker/Owner

Merit Real Estate, Inc. 2305 190th St. Redondo Beach 310-379-4444 meritrealestate.com

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aya DiCarlo has been a licensed California real estate agent since 2006. She joined Coldwell Banker last year and was previously with NW Real Estate Brokers. Taya specializes in Manhattan Beach real estate, specifically the Sand, Tree and Hill sections. Prior to her real estate career, she worked in television as a TV host for a number of shows around California, and she also appeared on an episode of HGTV’s Rent or Buy in 2013.

Taya and her husband have a baby boy, Giovanni.

FAST FACT More than $4 million of Taya’s business came from online sources last year, and she plans to double that this year.

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“There are over 4,000 real estate agents in the South Bay, so when a person chooses to work with me, I feel a sense of responsibility to deliver an extraordinary customer experience with a personalized touch. Just ‘being good’ at what I do isn’t enough for me. I work with a business coach weekly to hone my tech skills, sharpen my negotiating skills and keep myself educated as to the latest trends in the industry.”

What area of real estate do you specialize in?

“I am happy to represent clients in all price ranges, but my primary market has been luxury homes. I have experience in working with business managers, attorneys and CPAs. My clients understand how imperative it is for me to become a part of their team.”

What is the biggest challenge facing your clients today?

“There is an overwhelming amount of data easily available online to prospective buyers and sellers. Finding a house you like is easy! The real work begins with a properly written offer, a professional presentation, excellent negotiation and communication skills, and incredible attention to the hundreds of details that lead to a successful closing. The same is true on the listing side. I use my knowledge and discernment in all of these areas to benefit my clients.”

TAYA DICARLO

Realtor® Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Suite D220 Manhattan Beach 310-431-8251 taya@tayadicarlo.com tayadicarlo.com

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How do you use your connections to help your clients get the best deals?

“In such a close-knit community like Manhattan Beach, it’s crucial to be in networking groups with others in the real estate profession. Knowing in advance what will be coming available can help me position my buying clients to have a great opportunity to view new listings, as well as to provide my potential sellers with the latest data on the listing side for ideal pricing strategies.”

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arina Pacific is a Realtor with NWRE Brokers, a boutique real estate firm in Hermosa Beach. After living in various parts of Los Angeles, she settled in the South Bay 15 years ago and now specializes in buyers and sellers in the Beach Cities. She has been married for 14 years to Jerry Pacific, a New Jersey native with a whip-smart sense of humor.

They enjoy their 13-year-old daughter’s volleyball matches, cooking, beach parties and watching the South Bay’s sunsets.

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“I pride myself on being punctual in my communication with my clients. I believe everyone’s time is valuable, and I make sure my clients get the information they need in a prompt, efficient manner. I’m passionate about marketing, specifically in the social media world. I enjoy finding unique marketing tactics for properties.”

FAST FACT Karina was born and raised in a small beach town in Mexico and moved to Los Angeles when she was 12 years old. After living in various parts of LA, she realized her heart belonged near the ocean.

What areas of real estate do you specialize in?

“I work with both buyers and sellers. I provide detailed knowledge of listed and unlisted properties known as pocket listings. Our Hermosa Beach office also handles high-end beach vacation rentals. Many of our Sunny California Vacation Rental clients fall in love with the South Bay and become buyers!”

How do you use your connections to help your clients get the best deals?

“I have been in the customer service industry all of my professional life. Living in the South Bay for the past 15 years, my personal network is substantial. I am genuinely interested in my clients’ stories and situations, as evidenced by the deep relationships I’ve developed over the years. I take on my clients’ real estate needs as if they were my own. I’m fortunate to be with an established boutique agency that has a deep network of resources throughout the South Bay and beyond. I also am very comfortable using social media to assist in outreach.”

How are you involved in your community?

“I am actively involved with The Richstone Family Center and Children’s Bureau, both of which aid in awareness and the prevention of child abuse.

Sadly, every 10 seconds a case of child abuse is reported in the U.S. I’m also quite active in local sports and a host of other activities, thanks in part to my teenage daughter!”

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KARINA PACIFIC Realtor NWRE Brokers

200 Pier Ave., #204 Hermosa Beach 310-529-4292 karinapacific.com

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Real Estate

Booking agents Karina Pacific (left) and Danielle Reyes (right)

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unny California Vacation Rentals (SCVR) specializes in beautifully furnished executive homes in the South Bay—most just steps to the beach. All are available by the week or month. Owner Robert Reyes has worked in real estate in the South Bay since 1990, and for the past four years he has managed the Hermosa Beach office of NW Real Estate Brokers. He created SCVR after seeing a huge demand for vacation rental properties in the area. Over the years Robert has been active in the community and with local schools. He has enjoyed watching his three children (now grown) play soccer, his sons at Mira Costa High School.

FAST FACT Robert’s daughter, Danielle, is SCVR’s newest booking agent, and his sons, Max and Alex, help manage the company and stock the rental homes between reservations, when they are not away at college. Danielle and Max are studying for their real estate licenses and will work with Robert full-time soon.

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“Years of experience buying, remodeling and flipping foreclosure properties has taught me a lot about rehabbing homes. My contacts and friendships within the real estate community and around town give me that extra edge and insight as to what properties are going to be hitting the market prior to them going public.”

What area of real estate do you specialize in?

“Because of my vacation rental company, I find myself advising and representing families in the purchase of a second home at the beach, which we also handle for them as a vacation rental. They love the income we generate; in most cases we can pay for all their ongoing cost year-round.”

What trends do you foresee for 2015?

ROBERT REYES

Owner Sunny California Vacation Rentals 200 Pier Ave. #204 Hermosa Beach 310-308-8778 SunnyCaliforniaVacationRentals.com

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“I see the real estate market stabilizing. Prices cannot continue at the current pace, and we need the stabilization. The vacation rental business is booming in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. People sometimes see vacation rentals as a negative, but when the cities require licenses from the property owners and when they police them properly, they are huge income generators. Our vacation rentals provide a high-quality product; we attract nice families that stay with us year after year.”

What is your #1 source for finding new clients?

“The internet is our main source for business, and we get numerous walk-ins at our Pier Avenue office.

We also do a large amount of business from referrals from our fellow Realtors and neighbors. That I take as a huge compliment!”

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art of the Keller Williams Luxury Homes Division, The Inman Team is comprised of Gordon Inman and Keith Kelley, who together have 47 years of experience working in residential and commercial real estate. They are also members of the Million Dollar Guild at the Institute of Luxury Homes and hold the Palos Verdes Specialists designation.

Tell us about your team.

Gordon: “Our team consists of Nicole Pletkovich, our marketing specialist; Nancy Inman, logistics; and Robyn Hosking, our transaction coordinator.”

FAST FACT In 2014 The Inman Team had gross sales of $62 million in Southern California.

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

Keith: “We make ourselves available 24/7, and we are very good at communicating with our clients. We also go above and beyond—before, during and after the close of escrow. For example, we recently helped set up the sale of a client’s vehicle that belonged to his mother—which he did not expect but very much appreciated, as he didn’t know where to start to sell classic cars.”

Gordon: “Personal service for every aspect of the real estate transaction—no delegating.”

What trends do you foresee for the 2015 real estate market in Southern California or Rolling Hills?

Gordon: “Low interest rates, extreme demand, acceptable appreciation.”

What areas of real estate do you specialize in?

Keith: “Luxury residential real estate, residential real estate, multi-family and commercial.”

What character traits do your clients enjoy about you?

Gordon: “Excellent communications, dedicated workers, compassionate about our work.”

Tell us about your families.

Gordon: “Nancy and I have five children, 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.”

Keith: “I have an amazing wife, who I met in college, Kelly Kelley. We have two beautiful kids: Evan and Olivia.”

In what ways are you involved in your community?

Gordon: “I have served for 18 years on the Rolling Hills Architectural Committee.”

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

Keith: “I attend the Barrett Jackson auto auction every year with my dad and brother. We are very passionate about cars, so my dad and I are restoring a 1976 Ford Bronco. The rest of my free time is dedicated to my kids.

Evan, age 3, is starting soccer, and we took him up to Mammoth this winter for the first time to learn how to ski.”

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GORDON INMAN & KEITH KELLEY The Inman Team Keller Williams Realty

28901 S. Western Ave., Suite 101 & 505 Silver Spur Road Rancho Palos Verdes 310-936-1979 (Gordon) | 310-944-5554 (Keith) InmanTeam.com

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riginally from Fargo, North Dakota, Kerry Dawson has been a Realtor in the South Bay for 22 years. She enjoys travel, kayaking, hiking, snow skiing, cycling and Pilates.

FAST FACT Kerry moved to the South Bay 25 years ago.

She’s originally from Fargo, North Dakota … the very same Fargo brought to light by the Coen brothers.

What do you do you love about the South Bay?

“I love Southern California and don’t miss the Midwest’s subzero winters. It’s the best place to be a Realtor®. Everyone wants to own in this area. It’s exciting working with clients in what may be the single most significant purchase in their lifetime.”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“Helping young couples from the beginning of their family life, the addition of children, to the empty-nester stage that may involve several homes and investment properties. I enjoy working with couples moving to the area, as I can educate them about our schools, share my knowledge of the South Bay and find them the perfect home with my networking expertise.”

What is the biggest challenge facing your clients today?

“Not finding homes available on the MLS.”

How do you help them with those challenges?

“Most of the homes I sold in 2013–2014 were not on the Multiple Listing Service. I network with agents from many different companies to find homes that are not on the market; many sellers prefer selling in this manner. They only want a handful of top agents to come in with their prequalified clients to make an offer without having open houses. It works for both the buyer and the seller.”

Describe your relationship with your clients.

KERRY L. DAWSON Realtor® NW Real Estate Brokers Manhattan Beach 310-753-5537 KerryLDawson@aol.com

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“It’s a close relationship. I sometimes work a year or two looking for my clients. My clients refer their friends and family to me after they have found a home. I would say it is a great relationship. The best compliment a client can give me is a referral.”

How do you give back to your community?

“I have been a room mom for my two daughters’ classrooms from Montessori through elementary school. I was a volunteer Brownie/Girl Scouts mom and a volunteer team mom who brought the drinks, snacks and made the banner for my daughter’s Little League T-ball team. I give to various charities in the community, but my main charity is Richstone.”

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L TO R: Ginnie Pritchett, Mike Levine, Monica Fujiwara, Colleen Johnson

he Goldstar Team is a group of South Bay locals and real estate professionals with more than 25 years of collective experience. They focus on the areas of Palos Verdes and the Beach Cities.

Top producer Mike Levine and his family have been lifelong Palos Verdes residents, giving him an insider’s knowledge of the South Bay and its various real estate markets. He also owns Goldstar Construction and Goldstar Solar and has extensive personal experience as a property investor. Mike holds a degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has been an athlete for most of his life.

Award-winning producing Realtor Colleen Johnson specializes in residential sales. She is the Director of Career Development for RE/ MAX Estate Properties, where she trains, supervises and mentors new and less experienced licensed Realtors. Colleen has been a licensed Realtor since 2003.

Monica Fujiwara is a member of the South Bay chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America, a national nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable homeownership opportunities within Asian communities.

FAST FACT The Goldstar Team has a construction division to assist clients with any work they want to do on their homes before or after the sale.

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“All members of our team have diverse work experiences, allowing us collectively to have a much greater knowledge base than any individual could. Our wealth of experience truly sets us apart from the competition and provides our clients with the ‘Goldstar Advantage.’ Our clients and their best interests always come first. We are full-time, full-service professionals and are always available.”

Do you have a professional slogan?

“A Team Always Outperforms An Individual.”

How many transactions did you complete in Southern California last year?

“We were involved in more than 60 transactions in 2014.”

What is your #1 source for finding new clients?

“The vast majority of our business comes from referrals we have developed over the years. This is a testament to how hard we work to take care of our clients above and beyond their expectations.”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“The most important attribute that someone needs to be a part of The Goldstar Team is the desire to help.

We all gain satisfaction by helping our clients with the process of buying or selling a home and allowing them to move on to the next phase of their lives.”

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RE/MAX ESTATE PROPERTIES The Goldstar Team

23740 Hawthorne Blvd Second Floor Torrance 310-796-9088 goldstarcorp.com

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alos Verdes native Tony Accardo provides full-scope real estate services for the Beach Cities, including buying and selling, building investment portfolios and property management. Formerly an owner of a successful local business with hundreds of employees, Tony now applies his big-business skills to the community that he’s always called home.

What character traits do your clients enjoy about you?

“My sincerity. I would never hard-sell. I present the facts, I’m honest, I love what I do, and ultimately I’m not satisfied until everyone’s tails are wagging.”

FAST FACT Tony orchestrated several transactions last year where the listing didn’t even go on the market.

What does it take to be the best in the business?

“Building meaningful relationships and understanding your clients’ needs and goals. I ultimately become their friend and trusted advisor as well as their Realtor. I service multi-million dollar portfolios, celebrity clients and families—all requiring ethics, discretion and integrity.”

What would you like potential clients to know about the customer service you provide?

“Referrals are the largest aspect of my business— families referring families. This speaks volumes in this industry where everyone knows a Realtor. Knowledge is key, because the competition is fierce.”

How do you use your personal and professional connections to help your clients get the best deals?

“I am a natural-born negotiator, being the youngest of five siblings. This skill set allows me to secure the best possible price for my clients. Networking amongst other successful agents is also crucial, and finding dream homes that have not hit the market is what I do best.”

Tell us the key to becoming a respected, leading-edge Realtor in this community.

TONY ACCARDO Real Estate Advisor Beach City Brokers 1716 S. Catalina Ave. Redondo Beach 310-855-3557 BeachCityTony.com

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“Over the years I have earned the reputation as one of the most trusted names in real estate, and it comes with long hours, dedication, being responsive and loving what you do. I am passionate about real estate, and today’s transactions are complicated. It is crucial to always be working, know the inventory and be on top of your game. Otherwise you will simply lose the deal.”

How do you give back to your community?

“We are actively involved in our community. My amazing wife, Marina, volunteers with the Make-A Wish Foundation. Life has been really good to us, and we give back as much as possible—never taking a day for granted.”

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Mortgage Whether you’re buying a new home, an investment property or refinancing your existing property, it makes sense to have assistance when navigating the financing path. A mortgage broker will be your liaison with the bank—gathering important information, helping you find the best solutions and streamlining the process for you. If you’d like a more personal touch when seeking real estate financing, read on to learn about the area’s key players in the mortgage banking industry.

EDITED BY LAURA WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICOLE LEONE AND LAUREN PRESSEY

140 PREMIER BUSINESS BANK 141 DAVID GENTRY

& ERIC FORMILLER New American Funding, Inc.

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142 CYRUS F. SHARGH Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Banking 143 REGAN HAGESTAD Watermark Home Loans

144 HEATHER MASON CARTER New American Funding 145 POOYAN FARD

& AARON ANVARIPOUR

Redondo Mortgage Center

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“We are always aware that any transaction we work on is the most important thing happening in the lives of our clients at that time. As such, communication is key. As homeowners ourselves, we understand the importance of good communication. Keeping a client up-to-speed, making sure they understand every aspect of the process and then tailoring their loan program to meet their needs are fundamental steps. We treat our customers exactly like we’d want to be treated.”

– DAVID GENTRY & ERIC FORMILLER, New American Funding, Inc.

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remier is a full-service community business bank that specializes in financing for businesses, professionals and real estate investors. Last year, Premier’s experienced team of bankers funded more than $75 million in business and real estate loans in and around California and plans to exceed that number in 2015.

L to R: John Polen, President and CEO; Carol Lowry, Senior Vice President, SBA Division Manager; John Turner, Senior Vice President, Corporate Banking

FAST FACT Premier was recognized as one of the top 25 banks in its peer group for outstanding financial performance by the Independent Community Bankers of America and as the “2013 Best New Business” for community service, support and leadership by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

What is the biggest challenge facing your clients today?

“Business is more complicated today. Business people need to find ways to re-engineer so they can take advantage of opportunities that arise, i.e., expanding product lines or adding a new business line, upgrading equipment, acquisitions, etc. They need bankers who are interested in their business and have the vision to structure financing to meet their goals.”

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“We work closely with our clients to understand their unique challenges and goals so we can help them succeed. We take an open-minded approach to lending; we’re good listeners, we’re flexible, and we think outside the box. Because of our expertise in both conventional and non-conventional lending, we explore the various financing options available to find the best solution for our clients. Plus, we make all our loan decisions in-house locally so our clients have easy access to the decision-makers and experience quick loan approvals and loan processing without the red tape.“

What type of financing do you specialize in?

“We have a wide range of financing options for businesses—from unsecured lines of credit to various term loans tailored to meet each client’s borrowing needs. On the real estate side, we offer financing on owner occupied and non-owner occupied commercial properties, multi-family units, 1–4 units for investment, construction and land. Recently we received the designation of ‘Preferred Lender’ by the Small Business Administration, granting us the authority to approve SBA loans in-house without seeking prior approval from the SBA, which allows us to fund loans faster.”

What is your #1 source for finding new clients?

“Referrals. Our clients are our most valuable asset. We place great importance on knowing our clients, understanding their unique banking needs and believe staying in touch with them is a key factor in maintaining good relationships. We invite you to go to our website to see for yourself what our clients are saying!”

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PREMIER BUSINESS BANK Premier Bank of Palos Verdes a division of Premier Business Bank

4A Peninsula Center, Rolling Hills Estates | 310-698-8400 21515 Hawthorne Blvd., 4th Floor, Torrance | 310-540-4250 700 S. Flower Street, 20th Floor, Downtown LA | 213-689-4800 ibankpremier.com

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Mortgage

DAVID GENTRY & ERIC FORMILLER Branch Managers New American Funding, Inc.

1230 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 402, Manhattan Beach 310-200-7161 (David) | 310-308-7144 (Eric) newamericanfunding.com

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ew American Funding is a mortgage bank specializing in residential purchase and refinance lending. Branch managers David Gentry and Eric Formiller have a combined 26 years of lending experience across a variety of platforms. David and his wife, Kristin, have two sons, Carter and Landon. Eric and his wife, Casie, are expecting their first child in April.

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

FAST FACT David serves on the Alumni Association Leadership Council for Mira Costa High School and has coached youth athletics and actively participated in school fundraising. Eric is the president and co-founder of The LA25, a group of local business professionals dedicated to giving back to the community.

Eric: “I’m extremely responsive. My custom ers know that they can reach me at all times.

Also, I pride myself on finding a home for all loans. Being able to creatively structure a deal in today’s lending environment is absolutely critical.”

the rest of the market. I know how to read complicated financials and tax documentation, and I have the outlets and relationships in place to execute the strategy.”

What area of lending do you specialize in?

David: “Leaders in any business need to have deep industry knowledge and the ability to quickly see solutions to complex problems.

The ability to effectively and consistently communicate with clients while making sure every

David: “I have built a reputation for being able to customize financing solutions to the more complex, often self-employed, borrower who regularly faces more stringent guidelines than

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What does it take to be the best in the business?

detail is addressed is what sets a handful of lenders apart from the rest.”

Eric: “You have to be extremely thorough and pay attention to ALL the intricate details. And once escrow is open, it’s crucial to properly manage the process in order to ensure all of your contingency periods are met and the loan closes on time.”

What is the biggest challenge facing your clients today?

David: “While interest rates continue to remain extraordinarily low, today’s underwriting guidelines are very restrictive and leave many potential borrowers out of the market.

Having the ability to consider a multitude of sources for any loan gives me a huge advantage and greatly increases the odds of successfully meeting my client’s goals.”

Eric: “Less than perfect FICO scores, due to blemishes on credit reports. I help clients identify items that are dragging their score down and use my experience to coach them on the steps they need to take in order to fix their credit.”

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Mortgage

FAST FACT After closing, clients enjoy loanservicing amenities such as a dedicated customer service line—for Private Mortgage Banking clients only.

CYRUS F. SHARGH

Branch Manager Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Banking

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2141 Rosecrans Avenue, 4th Floor, El Segundo BeachCitiesPMB.com | 424-242-9787 | NMLSR ID 448552

he Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Banking branch in the Beach Cities area has 13 experienced Private Mortgage Bankers who are focused on providing home financing options for affluent borrowers with complex financials. The Private Mortgage Bank and the Wealth Management Group team up to provide customers with unique options to meet their financial needs.

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“As Private Mortgage Bankers, we are committed to building a long-term relationship with you, so you work with one lending professional throughout the process. We conscientiously attend to matters at hand and follow up annually to ensure your home-financing strategy continues to complement your financial goals. Whether it’s a sizable home purchase or a substantial refinance scenario, we strive to make even the most complex financing arrangements as effortless as possible. And after closing, loan-servicing amenities include a dedicated customer service line—for Private Mortgage Banking clients only.

We’re focused on providing service quality that extends value over a lifetime. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is strength and stability as one of the nation’s leading retail mortgage originators.”

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What would you like potential clients to know about your customer service ?

“We will build a long-term relationship with our clients and customers. With a focus on their future, they can rely on us to: • Understand their short- and long-term financial objectives and help them find a mortgage to help them meet their home financing goals.

• Be the single point of contact, managing the entire home financing transaction from start to finish—we will take the application and facilitate the processing and funding of the loan through a dedicated service team.

• Introduce them to other high-quality Wells Fargo services that can help them simplify their complex financial situations, as appropriate.”

What additional services does your company provide clients?

“Private Mortgage Banking teams up with the Wealth Management Group and Wells Fargo Advisors. The Wealth Management Group and Wells Fargo Advisors bring together an integrated team of knowledgeable professionals to help you build, manage, preserve and transition your wealth. This team provides wealth management options designed to address your unique financial situation that may help you meet your financial needs.”

Disclaimer: Wells Fargo & Company and its affiliates do not provide legal advice. Please consult your legal advisors to determine how this information may apply to your own situation. Insurance products are offered through Wells Fargo & Company affiliated non-bank insurance agencies. Not available in all states. California Insurance License Number 26-0070024. Wells Fargo Wealth Management provides products and services through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and their various affiliates and subsidiaries. Wells Fargo Bank N.A. is a bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Brokerage services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, member SIPC, a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Investment and Insurance Products: • Are NOT insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency • Are NOT deposits of or guaranteed by the Bank or any Bank affiliate • May Lose Value

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ©2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMSLR ID 399801. Equal Housing Lender. AS1048445 Expires 3/2015 CAR 1214-03204

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egan Hagestad, a partner at Watermark Home Loans, has been specializing in residential real estate financing for the past 13 years.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and holds a Brokers license from the California Bureau of Real Estate as well as a National Mortgage Loan Originator license.

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“I built my business and reputation because I understand that our industry is a relationshipbased business, not a numbers game. With my financial background and ability to understand the market as a whole, I’m qualified not just to help a client get a home loan but get the loan that is right for their overall financial picture.”

FAST FACT As a former collegiate athlete, Regan considers himself a competitor who applies what he learned through sports to his career.

What trends do you foresee for the 2015 real estate market in Southern California?

“2015 is going to continue the momentum of 2014. With rising rates looming and home values increasing, it truly is a purchase loan market. While other lenders have built their business on low rates and refinances, I’ve always been focused on my Realtor partners and new home buyers. It’s a more difficult business model because you have to be good at what you do, but it is also the reason why the fourth quarter of 2014 was one of the strongest quarters of my career.”

What would you like potential clients to know about the customer service you provide?

“My dedication to my career and my clients is something that I’m proud of. I finish everything that needs to be done before I go home, whether that means a 14-hour day or meeting a client at 8 p.m. That’s why my testimonials page and reputation has continued to grow.”

REGAN HAGESTAD

Director of Mortgage Banking Watermark Home Loans 310-607-0131 welcometoregan.com

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What is your #1 source for finding new clients?

“The collection of top-producing Realtors I work with is my largest source of business. I work with agents from every major real estate company in the South Bay, and that’s because they know I deliver on what I promise. Over the past 12 years I’ve built a fully customizable platform for my agents that not only gives their clients the best lending experience they’ve ever had, it helps increase my agents’ business. It’s not uncommon to see many of our agents grow by 20% per year.”

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16-year veteran of the mortgage industry, Heather Mason Carter joined New American Funding in 2013 and specializes in residential loans and apartment financing. While she is licensed throughout California, she focuses her business on the South Bay.

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“Availability and knowledge. Deals come together in the evenings and on weekends, but my Realtors and clients can count on me to be available for an answer to their questions … or even for a full pre-approval. Much of my competition works banker’s hours, which just gives me an edge! Also having 16 years of experience gives my clients the confidence that I’ve got the knowledge to get the job done.”

FAST FACT Heather is very active and enjoys golf, beach volleyball, yoga, stand-up paddleboarding and running marathons—as well as keeping up with her 9-year-old daughter.

What does it take to be the best in the business?

“Agility and service are crucial to be the best. With the ever-changing guidelines, it’s crucial to be aligned with a lender who is agile enough to find and deliver superior financing options. NAF works as a direct lender and a broker, which provides our clients access to all of the best loan programs from banks, credit unions and investors. And as the third top purchase lender in Southern California last June, we deliver!”

What is the biggest challenge facing your clients?

“The amount of documentation that is required can be a challenge and quite time-consuming. My team is up to speed with exactly what is required, and I have a dedicated assistant whose sole job is to handle this piece of the process. This enables us to close much more quickly than the competition.”

What additional services does your company offer clients?

“NAF has an unyielding commitment to closing faster than any other lender and we pride ourselves on delivering world-class service.”

How important is integrity when working in the real estate industry?

“Integrity is the foundation for my business, and it’s my goal to maintain a reputation for delivering on my promises and telling it like it is every time.”

HEATHER MASON CARTER

Disclaimer: Licensed by the California Department of Business Oversight under the Residential Mortgage Lending Act License #4131117. NMLS ID#6606. © New American Funding. 800-450-2010. New American and New American funding are registered trademarks of Broker Solutions, DBA New American Funding. All Rights Reserved. 1/2015

1230 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 402, Manhattan Beach 310-529-7674 NewAmericanAgent.com/HeatherCarter

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Senior Loan Consultant, NMLS #255796 New American Funding

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ooyan Fard and Aaron Anvaripour of Redondo Mortgage Center specialize in real estate financing— assisting borrowers with obtaining loans to purchase or refinance residential and commercial properties.

They provide services to all of California, with an emphasis on the South Bay.

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

Pooyan: “In the current market there has been a fundamental power shift from banks and lenders to customers. We embrace this change and take the necessary time to listen to our customers’ wants and needs to be able to adapt accordingly.”

Aaron: “Most lenders can either provide outstanding service, amazing rates or an excellent product selection. Very few lenders can provide all of the above and without charging extra. That is what we do.”

FAST FACT Pooyan earned an MBA in international business, has presented business papers at seminars worldwide and published the book Student Satisfaction Checklist. Aaron has been awarded the 2015 Five Star Mortgage Professional Award, a recognition for unparalleled customer service and client satisfaction in the mortgage industry.

Tell us about your team.

Aaron: “We have a hard-working team of experienced and knowledgeable loan processors and officers. We understand what it takes to make our customers happy, and we work closely together to ensure they receive the absolute best service possible.”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

Pooyan: “The happiness and satisfaction of my clients when I help them realize their dreams of home ownership or saving money through refinancing.”

What additional services does your company offer clients?

Aaron: “In addition to offering the basic types of loan products, our company also offers loans for purchasing investment properties, commercial real estate and private loans for deals that do not qualify for conventional financing.”

How do you use your personal and professional connections to help your clients get the best deals?

POOYAN FARD

Senior Loan Consultant

AARON ANVARIPOUR Senior Loan Agent

Redondo Mortgage Center 2305 190th Street Redondo Beach 310-318-8999 redondomortgage.com

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Pooyan: “Redondo Mortgage Center has been at the same location with the same name for over a quarter of a century.

Because of the great image we have created, we are able to work with the best lenders and banks. Therefore we achieve the maximum benefit possible for our clients.”

What character traits do your clients enjoy about you?

Pooyan: “They find me very passionate about bringing out the best in people. I sincerely believe integrity, transparency and work ethic are the most important in any business.”

Aaron: “They like that I’m always available for them when they call me and always working hard on their behalf. They like that I’m honest and they can always trust me.”

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Chris Adlam 310.493.7216 www.chrisadlam.com

Panoramic ocean views in this picture perfect Palos Verdes Estates home. Over 5200 square feet with 5 bedrooms and large open living spaces, this home is amazing inside and out. $4,495,000 Please call for a private showing.

REAL ESTATE OURSOUTHBAY.COM/REAL-ESTATE

SPECTACULAR CITY VIEWS Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills $6,999,000 Offered by The Inman Team For more information see page 152

oursouthbay.com

MONTH 20XX, SOUTHBAY

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JOIN OUR TEAM! www.TeamNewAmerican.com LA WEST

LA

WEST BRANCH OFFICES

DAVID GENTRY

ERIC FORMILLER

310.200.7161

310.308.7144

Branch Manager NMLS# 243989

Branch Manager NMLS# 401422

David.Gentry@nafinc.com

Eric.Formiller@nafinc.com

HOME OF THE 14-DAY CLOSE GUARANTEE* ELI FAIRFIELD

TODD SEABOLD

JAN PRESLO

SAM ELLSWORTH

310.227.3359

310.409.2160

310.991.8079

714.401.0183

Vice President LA West NMLS# 411752

Eli.Fairfield@nafinc.com

Vice President LA West NMLS# 486120

Todd.Seabold@nafinc.com

EVP Divisional Manager Retail NMLS# 485771

Jan.Preslo@nafinc.com

Divisional Manager CA & Pacific NW NMLS# 230147

Sam.Ellsworth@nafinc.com

*14 business day guarantee only applies to purchase transactions. This guarantee does not apply to Reverse Mortgages, FHA 203k, loans that require prior approval from an investor, brokered loans, or loans with a 2nd td. The guarantee does not apply if events occur beyond the control of NAF, including but not limited to; appraised value, escrow or title delays, 2nd lien holder approval, short sale approval, or lender conditions that cannot be met by any party. The 14 day trigger begins when your initial application package is complete and you have authorized credit card payment for your appraisal. If NAF fails to perform otherwise, a credit of $250 will be applied toward closing costs. Licensed by the California Department of Business Oversight under the Residential Mortgage Lending Act License #4131117. NMLS ID#6606. Š New American Funding. New American and New American Funding are registered trademarks of Broker Solutions, DBA New American Funding. All Rights Reserved. 11/2014

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L A U R E N F O R B E S CALBRE 01295248 c al l | te x t 3 1 0 .9 0 1 .8 5 1 2 Lauren@ForbesCorrales.com

J O H N C O R R A L E S CALBRE 01263687 call | tex t 31 0.346.3332 John@ForbesCorrales.com

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LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Across the Universe

A young South Bay musician greets an unpredictable, evolving industry with passion and persistence.

Written by Carly Liza

I

t all starts with a massive thirst for new ideas. Then comes the unrelenting willingness to create and accomplish these ideas. When a work is finished, the sense of accomplishment drives the passion forward, and the cycle is repeated.

For me, this is what makes making music fun. As a singer, songwriter and painter, creativity is always on my mind. I might get ideas from the way I am feeling a certain day, or a conversation I have might drive me to write a story from someone else’s perspective.

These days, I’m focusing on playing in a soul/pop band called Carly and The Universe. It has taken more than two years from initial writing to the release of the album—but well worth it for the feeling of receiving the first few copies of The Whole Shabang in the mail. Not to mention the exhilaration of hearing my song ideas turned into an awesome finished product.

Over those two years, we recorded demos upon demos and rehearsed every week with the band. We recorded the album at various Los Angeles studios over a sixmonth period until we were sick of the songs and ready to perform.

Then I put together an album release show at a cool venue in Los Angeles with two other bands, food trucks

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and a gallery installation with my artwork. I’ve learned to roll with the punches when Murphy’s Law squeezes its little nose into my business, as it so often does.

I enjoy creating music and singing so much that I don’t find the hardships of the industry discouraging. All the time, money and effort I put into my craft is worth it.

The industry has been changing with the advent of the internet and the rise of streaming services. This revolution should be embraced with omnipresence, by using social media and local concert shows as ways to network and make new music.

The best way for any artist to stay creative is to expand their artistic mediums, although this doesn’t mean everything an artist tries will fit. Being an artist is creating.

Exploring other creative outlets outside of music helps feed my inspiration, which eventually finds its way back around to help me write music.

Above all, it takes passion and drive in any dreams you have to turn them into a reality. I always have a desire to better myself as a person and as an artist.

I am so honored and proud to have my voice. My goal is to be able to travel with my music and share my passion with the world. Hopefully the rest of the world has something to share with me too. 

Carly provides lead vocals for the band Carly and the Universe based in Redondo Beach. They’ll perform at Saint Rocke on March 5 at 10 p.m.

Visit carlyandthe universe.com.

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