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Let’s Celebrate the Arts.

Explore the lineup of exciting and innovative performances planned this season at El Camino College’s Center for the Arts! We are absolutely thrilled to be back, and ready to perform for you – live in person.

For upcoming events, special ticket offers and discounts, sign up for the e-newsletters at wwww.elcamino.edu/centerforthearts.

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30 ROOM TO ROAM Inglewood Open Studios

38 ON HER GAME Film producer Effie T. Brown

42 TAKING SHAPE Sculpting with Ursula Beatt

50 PARLOR TRICKS Mike’s Guitar Parlor

54 THAT’S THE WAY Singer Ayline Artin

66 LASTING IMPRINTS Artist and art consultant Laurie Raskin

72 THE FAIR CITY Revisiting Vancouver

82 PASSION PROJECT Painter and photographer Shane O’Donnell

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92 COMMUNITY TABLE Casa Playa

94 BRING IT HOME Logan Goodman Art Gallery

97 SEEN Spotlight on South Bay events

130 LAST WORD Chasing Pavements

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ALSO...

OFF THE WALL

80 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

As co-owner of New York City’s Fun

34

Gallery, Hermosa resident Patti Astor

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What stories does your art tell?

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A Thousand Words Over the holidays, I was lucky enough to attend a won-

That unusual sighting reminded me why I love art.

derful gathering at a friend’s home in Rolling Hills (hi,

Whether or not that painting has any monetary value

Maureen!). The ranch-style home dates back to the ’30s

is irrelevant. It has personal value to my host, passed

and was originally owned by the current resident’s par-

down from her father and a memory of his profession in

ents. It’s always a treat to walk through the rooms and

printing. Now I get to share in that history, admiring an

halls and take in the history collected over generations.

original work that reminds me of my best friend’s won-

On this particular visit, I stopped in a back bedroom—

derful daughters. Art is so much more than an invest-

one I had not seen before—to collect my coat. A painting

ment or decoration … it’s an extension of our interests,

on the wall immediately caught my eye. It was probably

our memories and our heart.

from the mid-century, of a young woman sitting on a

Our Arts Issue brings the talents of the South Bay

stool, a ribbon in her hair and a handsome man watching

community to the page. I consider myself so fortunate to

from the side. I knew her face. It took me a few minutes

dedicate an entire issue to their artistic efforts. Hopefully

to realize I had purchased a paperback book for a friend

you will find their stories as inspiring as I do.

a few years ago with this same image. The book was Gigi

by Colette, the names of her two daughters. After reporting this to my host, she shared that her father was in the publishing business and that’s likely how the painting came to be a book cover. She was astonished I had found a copy, as it was published so many decades ago.

20 |

Darren Elms

QUINN ROBERTS | Quinn grew up in the South Bay and has been a writer for more than a decade, covering a plethora of topics. She’s lived on both the East and West coasts, writing about everything from major league sports to trends in interior design. She currently lives in Redondo Beach.

KAT MONK | Kat is a Manhattan Beach native who has been photographing children and families in the South Bay professionally since 1995. She has a 1,500-square-foot studio space that includes a garden. If Kat is not behind a camera, she can probably be found watching one of her four kids play sports or music.

GAIL PHINNEY | Gail is an educator, art historian, curator and writer. A passionate advocate for arts education, she is inspired to make the arts accessible through innovative programming and creative collaborations.

She enjoys a rewarding career as Palos Verdes Art Center’s community engagement director. Her Artful Daze reflections can be found at pvartcenter.org. | 21

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FEBRUARY/ MARCH 2023 A Different Tune Redondo Beach’s Ayline Artin fulfills a lifelong passion to write and perform her own music. More on page 54.

off the wall AS CO-OWNER OF NEW YORK CITY’S FUN GALLERY, HERMOSA RESIDENT PATTI ASTOR GATHERED THE PIONEERS OF EARLY ’80S STREET ART IN ONE 8-BY-25-FOOT SPACE. Written & photographed by Kat Monk Opening photograph by Eric Kroll

Patti Astor, a 1980s celebutant and

camera and show movies at home. After a brief stint in

original street art supporter, greets

San Francisco following her activist days, she developed

me at the front door of her mid-

a busking act with her boyfriend—performing a street tap dance routine.

century, ocean-view Hermosa Beach

Unable to afford the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film

apartment, not far from the historic

Institute acting school, she instead was offered a job as

punk rock church on Manhattan Avenue. Patti is unique and one-

their janitor and given keys to the building. “I wore hot pink overalls as I mopped the floors,” remembers Patti.

She says she didn’t need to pay $1,000 tuition to cry

of-a-kind. Her story originates in

on cue. “Once I saved enough janitor dollars, I took a

Manhattan—the other Manhattan—

film acting course with my idol Nicholas Ray, the direc-

where she lived life on her own terms, opting for glam over Doc Martens.

tor of Rebel Without a Cause,” she shares. Patti recalls his impassioned instruction to “get in your light, Patti! Get in your motherf’n light now!”

While filming Underground U.S.A., Rene Ricard re-

Although she spent a couple years in New York City in the late 1960s as an anti-war activist and Black

trying to shift a crane.” To this day she has remained

Panther sympathizer, she returned in the mid-1970s

true to her promise to Nick to never play a prostitute or

to become a movie star and was thrust into the thick

a drug addict in a film.

of the no wave movement. By pure accident she helped

Some of Patti’s friends were shocked when she

launch the careers of some of the biggest artists in the

moved to an East Village tenement and became “den

late 20th century, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith

mother” to many young, budding East Village artists.

Haring, Futura, Fab 5 Freddy, DONDI and Zephyr. These

The location was central, and the rent was affordable

artists paved the way for contemporary street artists

(just $65 a month).

such as Shepard Fairey and Banksy.

A bonus: The building was near famous music venues

The no wave movement grew out of the coales-

CBGB, the Mudd Club in TriBeCa and the Peppermint

cence of the East Village’s avant-garde art and punk

Lounge. She was spending most nights at CBGB, where

rock music scene. Patti also refers to it as the “F***

the Talking Heads, Blondie and the Ramones were the

the Limo” period because they looked down at all the

house bands. These venues catered to the post-punk

people climbing out of limos at Studio 54 or Soho art

underground music and no wave counterculture events.

galleries—“white people against white walls sipping

In fact, Patti was cast in her first feature film, Unmade

white wine.” Patti’s community of young, socio-

Beds, right out of CBGB.

economically challenged misfits and artists prided

After Underground U.S.A. premiered in 1980 and ran at

themselves on being rebellious and living in crumbling

the St. Marks theatre for six consecutive months, Patti

tenements in one of NYC’s most dangerous neighbor-

was treated like royalty. As an underground film star

hoods at the time.

and the Queen of Downtown, she no longer had to wait

But first, Patti was a movie star. She credits her cutting-edge sensibilities in art to her childhood—

26 |

marked that getting Patti out of the light was “like

in line at clubs or pay for her own drinks. Plus she was always up for a good time.

times full of art house movies and dancing. She began

“Fab 5 Freddy, a pioneer of the hip-hop and graffiti

to dance at age 5 when she made her first stage debut

street art movement, was turned on to the downtown

in Miss Virginia Garet’s ballet production. Her dad was

scene by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie,” Patti

a movie aficionado and sometimes would rent a 16mm

says. While at a cocktail party, Patti met Fab 5 Freddy.

He had just watched Underground U.S.A. and told Patti

eating ribs when all of a sudden Keith Haring looked out

she was his favorite movie star, asking for her auto-

the window and noticed prominent West Village art deal-

graph. For Patti, the worlds of punk rock and hip-hop

ers getting out of a cab, Jeffrey Deitch and Diego Cortez.

began to converge against the backdrop of graffiti art.

He yelled out, and everyone ran to the window excited.”

In 1983, Patti starred as Virginia in Wild Style, playing

Bill Stelling, a friend of Patti’s, asked her if she knew

a reporter who covers the street art graffiti movement

artists and would be willing to open a gallery in his

in the Lower East Side and introduces artists to poten-

basement. She explains that she was thrilled at the op-

tial art buyers. Wild Style was a cult classic and one of

portunity to get these kids off her floor and into a gal-

the first movies about hip-hop.

lery where they could make something of themselves.

Before Andy Warhol or Madonna knew Jean-Michel

“Patti really looked out for these kids,” shares Drew

Basquiat, the artist was a regular fixture on the couch

Carolan, a friend of hers who lived just two doors down

or floor at Patti’s East Village apartment. The first time

from the original Fun Gallery.

she met Basquiat, she thought he was a homeless jazz

Patti opened the East Village art gallery with the

musician in a band. It was not until she saw his char-

help of Bill, who allowed her to use his small basement

coal art that she recognized a genius.

space, which was 8 by 25 feet, for $165 a month. She

While walking to the front of the line one night at the Mudd Club, she saw Futura, DONDI and Zephyr.

would feature different emerging artists and planned to allow each one to rename the gallery for their shows.

When Futura promised her a painting, Patti responded,

The first art show was by artist Kenny Scharf, who sug-

“That’s great, but why don’t you just paint a mural on

gested calling the show Fun Gallery. Realizing how expen-

my apartment wall in the morning? Then, that after-

sive new stationery and envelopes were going to be, Patti

noon, we will have an art opening and a barbecue.”

decided to just stick with that name for future shows.

Patti remembers, “Everyone was getting ripped and

“We were the first gallery to give one-man shows to

| 27

graffiti artists,” she explains. “I wanted everyone who walked through that door to feel, ‘Yes, I can make a difference here.’”

The Fun Gallery was instrumental in introducing a new art form into the mainstream. It is clear from listening to Patti’s experiences that the complexity of the art world can be just as colorful as the art itself. To this day, she feels it is her job to take care of these artists whom she made a promise to back during the Fun Gallery days. The New Yorker wrote, “Patti Astor’s Fun Gallery represented five of the top graffitists and served as a reference for the rest.”

Patti curated Basquiat’s largest art show, which opened on November 4, 1982. He painted 30 paintings specifically for the show and only sold a disappointing four, ranging in price from $5,000 to $10,000 according to Patti. She believes this is because the art dealers preferred to pay half price directly to Basquiat. “JeanMichel was loyal though and kept the paintings in storage and didn’t sell them for half price,” she says.

Today Basquiat’s paintings sell for huge money. In 2018, Japanese collector Yusaku Maezawa purchased a Basquiat for $110.5 million. Tiffany’s, the historic jewelry house, ran an ad campaign exploring modern love with Jay-Z and Beyoncé in front of the painting now referred to as the Tiffany’s Basquiat. Tiffany’s purchased it for an unknown price, but the same painting originally sold at Patti’s Fun Gallery for just $8,000.

Reportedly, Beyoncé purchased another Basquiat for $35 million as a gift to her husband, a known Basquiat collector. Works by Basquiat are some of the most soughtafter in the world today.

Aware of Patti’s history in the Lower East Side and East Village art movement, I asked what drew her to Hermosa Beach. “I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and my family vacationed for a month at a time to Nags Head, North Carolina,” she says. “As a kid, I developed a love for the Beastie Boys, and we all headed west to Los Angeles.”

She was pleasantly surprised to find Hermosa’s budding art culture and feels she is exactly where she was destined to be. ■

28 |

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Room to Roam INGLEWOOD OPEN STUDIOS OFFERS LOCAL ARTISTS A PLACE TO CONNECT WITH THEIR COMMUNITY AND EACH OTHER. Written by Kailani Melvin | Photographed by Monica Orozco

You’re handed a map. Instead of showing roads and thoroughfares, this map leads you on a journey that’s far

someone else smile, but it’s a way of telling them,

more exciting—through Inglewood’s thriving arts culture.

‘You’re important. You’re considered. Someone made

Inglewood Open Studios (IOS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

something important so you can see it.’”

that offers artists what they need most: community.

After graduating from Otis, Renée sought to connect

Their main event each year is an Art Walk held the

with other artists. “Art is a very independent field,” she

second weekend in November. This free event gives

says. “But we’re social animals. We need relationships.”

the public a chance to view the work of more than 80

This desire for community ultimately led her to

Inglewood artists and explore multiple studios and gal-

discover the rich enclave of Inglewood artists. In 2006

leries. Artists gain exposure, and community members

Renée and cofounder Kenneth Ober moved to Inglewood,

learn about Inglewood’s rich cultural presence.

only to realize another artist lived next door.

“Art doesn’t belong hidden in a gallery with a

“It was a roaming party,” she says, laughing.

million-dollar price tag,” says Renée Fox, cofounder

“People would start at our place with drinks, then walk

and president of IOS. “It belongs to everyone.”

to the next studio to see our friends’ work.”

An artist herself, Renée was born in Frederick,

This “roaming party” was a precursor to what would

Maryland, and studied fine art at Corcoran School of

eventually be known as the Art Walk, and Inglewood

the Arts & Design in Washington, D.C. before moving

Open Studios was born. The nonprofit grew naturally,

to California to complete her bachelor’s in fine arts at

gaining much attention from the local press until Renée

Corcoran’s sister school, Otis College of Art and Design,

and vice president Holly Tempo took a break after the

where she now teaches. Her work ranges from murals

2018 Art Walk. Over their break, they reevaluated the

to miniatures, and she often uses nature as a muse.

role IOS had in the community and how they could

“Part of what I’ve always loved about taking things from nature is seeing something very tiny—that most people would just walk over—and making it large so it becomes something surpising,” she says.

30 |

She was moved because “not only can art make

could best move forward sustainably. Founding a nonprofit was the solution.

“We want to be an organization that can make a difference for local artists,” she says. In the wake of

The importance of art as outreach dawned on her

COVID-19 struggles, they have emphasized helping art-

while traveling through the Denver airport in her 20s.

ists financially. “We’re able to provide opportunities for

Bleary-eyed from lack of sleep and dim-spirited from a

artists to have community and know they’re not alone.”

fight with a boyfriend, Renée stumbled upon a corridor

In 2022 IOS hosted a private fundraiser event—a

in the airport with a beautiful neon light display set to

more intimate version of an Art Walk—where artists

music … and she got a little emotional.

spent time with donors to walk them through their

“ART HAS A WAY OF HUMANIZING US AND REMINDING US OF OUR HIGHER QUALITIES. THE WORLD IS A MORE INTERESTING AND BEAUTIFUL PLACE BECAUSE THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE CREATIVE.” | 31

processes. They raised enough money to fund grants for

worried about raising money,” she says. “I thought, ‘This

artists in the community.

is critical; people are going to understand and support it.’”

The artists can use the money however they see fit.

In 2023 Renée hopes for more amazing work to be

The only condition: They must invite a group of students

done through IOS. Starting the year strong, they will

from Inglewood schools for a workshop in their studios.

meet with the Contemporary Art League, which helps

As funding for art in schools continues to decline, IOS

artists understand options for subsidized health care.

wants to ensure youth have continued access to art.

“Art has a way of humanizing us and reminding us of

“Young people need to see that art and creative

our higher qualities,” Renée says. “The world is a more

endeavors can not only be a job but a way to grow and

interesting and beautiful place because there are people

develop as a human being,” she says.

who are creative.”

In 2022 they hosted their first Art Walk since

Standing in a gallery amidst the bustle of people ad-

2018. The experience was made more accessible this

miring pieces on the walls; seeing friends point out the

year through a virtual component on their website,

next place to go on the map; watching artists beam as

inglewoodopenstudios.org.

people soak up the work they have poured their soul into

“When we decided to create a nonprofit, I wasn’t

32 |

… it is easy to see why Renée believes art is essential. ■

to be

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ONE YEAR & COUNTING The Jen Caskey Group at Compass is just getting started.

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN TAYLOR

T

he Jen Caskey Group at Compass

community she is passionate about has

has been making quite an impact

been a dream come true for Jen. She

on the South Bay since its inception

treasures the South Bay neighborhoods,

in January 2022. The team mem-

traditions and events—like the Hometown

bers are celebrating their first anniversary

Fair and Holiday Fireworks—as well as the

and doing what they do best: helping clients

incredible restaurants and boutiques, the

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the lifestyle themselves.

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And it’s all thanks to founder Jen Caskey,

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well as her family.

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as well. This is a relationship business, so we KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

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Jen loved growing up in Manhattan Beach

ence for each and every one of our clients.”

(she’s a native!) and attending Mira Costa

Teamwork is vital to the success that the

High School, where she made lifelong

Jen Caskey Group has experienced this

friends. She graduated from the University

year. The group enjoys collaborating—each

of Southern California and chose to return

member brings a unique background and

to her hometown to begin a career in real

skill set to the table. “We support each other

estate—just like her biggest inspiration: her

and have fun doing what we love,” Jen says.

mom. She is grateful to have raised three

“In return we are blessed to have amazing

sons here and is excited to focus more on

clients whom we often end up working with

her business and philanthropic work. She is

more than once. In fact, many have become

also very happy to be working alongside her

dear friends.”

sister, Stacia Janus.

One of those clients recently shared, “You

“I feel so lucky to be born and raised here

will not find a more seasoned, professional,

and will always be grateful for the support

communicative or knowledgeable Realtor

of our community,” Jen says. “Other than my

and real estate broker to assist you with buy-

family, my greatest joy is helping clients find

ing or selling your home.”

their ideal home or sell their existing one to just the right buyer here in one of the pre-

UNPARALLELED EXPERTISE

eminent places to live in the country.”

Having worked in South Bay real estate for 30 years, Jen has experienced the ins and

A DREAM COME TRUE

outs of the business—especially over the

Starting her own real estate firm in the

past three years, from the early days of the

“I COULDN’T BE PROUDER OF OUR TEAM AND THE WAY THEY REPRESENT THE JEN CASKEY GROUP.” | 35

AG E N T S P OT L I G H T

pandemic to the rising interest rates of the past six months. “Having been in this busi-

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

our minds,” Jen says.

Giving back to the community is a core

South Bay. Her team recently won the Best of Manhattan Home Sweet Home award,

ness for so long, I’ve navigated a recession,

value of the Jen Caskey Group. Team

presented to a business that exhibits excel-

buying frenzies, low inventory and overstock

members have been involved with several

lent service and ethics in real estate.

for decades,” she shares, “so we are very

local charities for many years, including

savvy at navigating a challenging environ-

the Richstone Family Center, Jimmy Miller

way they represent the Jen Caskey Group,”

ment. We know how to approach a myriad

Memorial Foundation, Skechers Friendship

she says. “Our goal for 2023 is expanding

of situations in real estate and enjoy guiding

Walk and Dig 4 Kids, among others. They

our reach through Compass and continuing

our clients through the process.”

don’t just donate—they get involved and show

to help our clients achieve their dreams.”

Jen and her team offer second-to-none

“I couldn’t be prouder of our team and the

up to get their hands dirty and participate in

customer service, staying on top of the

local fundraisers. “That’s part of the fun,” Jen

JEN CASKEY GROUP AT COMPASS

marketplace and communicating oppor-

points out, “and we love being a part of these

805 MANHATTAN AVE., SUITE 201,

tunities to clients as they arise. They pride

wonderful organizations and supporting their

MANHATTAN BEACH

themselves on approachability, honesty,

efforts to better the lives of our neighbors.”

310-372-2200

integrity and communication—key in this

As she embarks on the second year of

business. “Our goal is to ensure that each

her firm, Jen is optimistic about the future

DRE #01075946

client feels that they are #1, which they are in

of the real estate industry—especially in the

IG: @JENCASKEYGROUP

36 |

JENCASKEYGROUP.COM

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On Her Game Q&A WITH GAMECHANGER FILMS CEO AND PRODUCER EFFIE T. BROWN Edited by Darren Elms | Photographed by Monica Orozco

An award-nominated producer behind the powerful and

diversity and inclusion were a thing. It was just how

moving film The Inspection, Effie T. Brown has made a

we naturally made movies, reflecting the world that we

career telling stories of the marginalized—women, people

see. I’m also black and a woman. I’m in the Academy,

of color and LGBTQ+. Brave in real life like she is in her

and I’m excited about that. I’m on the right committees

filmmaking, Effie doesn’t shy away from truth—even

and in the right meetings. I have to say, everyone has

when uncomfortable or challenging. I was fortunate to

really great intentions. Everyone really wants to do the

catch up with my former Loyola Marymount University

right thing. However, they don’t want to be uncomfort-

classmate during the frenzy of awards season to discuss

able. People are resistant to change. But Hollywood is

her leadership at Gamechanger Films and how service and

doing better. Slowly but surely …

mentorship play a meaningful role in her work.

When moved by your ethics and values, you’re not First, congratulations on your Independent Spirit

afraid to speak up and create space for others to be

Award nomination for The Inspection. How did

heard. Where does that intention come from, and do

you come to produce Elegance Bratton’s semi-

you see a bigger goal?

autobiographical story?

Real talk. I feel I’m a spiritual person. There’s a reason

I took over Gamechanger in 2020, and I knew I had to

I’m doing what I’m doing, and there’s an intention

find a movie that made our mark … one that amplified

behind it. I feel that every time I’ve gone against my

and exemplified what Gamechanger was about. People

intention—I’m going to call it God—or anytime I’ve

said I needed to check out these filmmakers—Elegance

deviated, there’s been hell to pay. I don’t give my par-

Bratton and a movie called The Inspection. This is going to

ents—especially my mother—real credit. Truth-tellers.

sound odd, but you know when you fall in love, or when

There was always speaking truth. That’s why I love those

you buy a house and you’re like, “This is my home?” On

movies—the Westerns or kung fu movies. You have a

the surface it’s a tough movie: gay kid, 16, mom kicked

code you follow, and as long as you follow the code,

him out, homeless for 10 years, so he joined the Marines

word is bond. I’ve never thought about not doing it. It’s

during Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. But he told the story with

a bit of a fighter spirit. Maybe that’s the Jersey in me.

joy, hope and realness. For me, it’s really important at Gamechanger that we are making films that are women,

In a recent Vanity Fair piece, you mentioned your

people of color, LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities for-

involvement in forming a producers union. How do

ward—in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

you hope this will impact your colleagues?

I don’t think people understand the role of a producer.

38 |

One of the things I admire most about you, Effie, is

They think it’s a rich person, like you might see in

your commitment to telling these kinds of stories.

movies from the ’30s and ’40s. But that’s not what it

You’ve been doing this a long time. But how is the rest

looks like right now. Many of us are women. A lot of us

of Hollywood doing?

are having to do other jobs in order to do this job. Our

There are a few of us who have been doing this before

pay is the first thing we give up. As it stands right now,

as seen in

In every issue, we share one story across our network that explores topics beyond the limits of the South Bay. These California stories speak to the meaningful impact our state and its residents are making on the global stage. To learn more about Golden State and discover more stories like this, visit goldenstate.is.

it’s unsustainable. What we do is a craft, but it’s been

to executive produce a Jane Campion movie because of

maligned by the past idea of a producer. I’m not rich,

her. I was able to be the director of development for

I’m not white, and I’m not a man. We’re also the only

Tim Burton because of her. I got my first passport and

people on the set who don’t have health care. We want

went on my first international talent scout because

to protect our craft and to be able to protect the movie

of her. She shaped me to be the type of producer I am

as well—to have someone experienced and in charge

today. She said something when I was 18 that shook

so we don’t have those terrible accidents on the set.

me to this day. She said, “As I’m helping you get up

There’s someone saying, “The buck stops here.”

the ladder, and when you get to the top, you’re going to look to the left of you and the right of you and see

What’s next for you and Gamechanger Films?

there was room for more of us. I know you’re going to

Right now we’re in the middle of doing a climate justice

get there because you have it in you. But you have to

documentary. I just sold a true crime show to UCP,

do what I did for you and help bring someone else up.”

which is Universal. We’re also focusing on the nonprofit

I’ve been doing that ever since.

side of the company, where we’re able to offer labs, mentorship and stipends for people working on the for-

I think back to our time at LMU and the social changes

profit movies. We pay for people to shadow and get the

we’ve seen over the last couple of decades. What would

skills and learn what they need.

you tell a young woman of color today—about to graduate film school, ready to dive into the business?

40 |

We were classmates at LMU in the early ’90s. You

It’s very specific in the time of now. One, I’m going to

also participated in the fellowship program Project

say it’s very difficult in the business for everyone. No

Involve. How did those early years affect the trajectory

matter what you look like, your gender, sexual orienta-

of your career?

tion … this is a difficult business. Period. Two, I would

I would be nowhere if it wasn’t for Project Involve,

tell them to be very sure of your “what” and “why.”

which is Film Independent [the nonprofit arts or-

What do you want to do in this business? And why do

ganization that produces the Spirit Awards]. I really

you want to do it? You’ve got to have those two things

do owe them everything. That’s still a home for me.

on point. Lastly, I’d tell them to learn how to write.

I transferred off the board a year ago, and I’ve been

That’s what’s changed in this business. Where once

active with them for decades. In college many of our

you could be just a producer, now it feels like everyone

classmates were super connected. And some of us were

needs to be a hyphen. The writer-producer has a lot of

not connected at all. Project Involve hooked me up

agency over their career because you have the written

with a mentor, and that was Laurie Parker. I was able

word, and you’re also able to execute. ■

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Taking Shape FOR LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER AND SCULPTOR URSULA BEATT, FOLLOWING HER CREATIVE IMPULSES IS THE KEY TO FORMING A LIFE SHE LOVES. Written by Marlene Stang | Photographed by Monica Orozco

Even as a child in Germany, Ursula Beatt wanted to

there, Ursula recreated Auguste Rodin’s sculpture The

explore the globe. She studied French language and

Thinker, referencing only a photograph. The project

culture as a young adult at the Sorbonne in Paris and

became a study in improvisation when she was in-

eventually returned to Germany to earn a business

spired to reshape it, free-form style, in the middle of a

degree. She began an exciting career at Porsche AG—a

rainy piazza.

job that led her to Los Angeles. In the decades that

A friend introduced her to Raffaello Romanelli, a

followed, Ursula’s adventurous streak (and artistic

sixth-generation sculptor. She recalls the awe she felt

creativity) would be reignited by every subsequent twist

first entering his studio.“There is a little old wooden door

and turn in her life.

with a brass handle leading you into a magical, small

After her two sons went to college, a period of deep

winter garden—glass ceiling, sculptures everywhere and

introspection ensued during a six-month sabbatical

a few tables for the students to sculpt,” she says. Ursula

to Bali. There she reconnected with her creative side,

has studied with Raffaello for two years now, and under

uncovering a passion for photography that took shape

his tutelage she is learning to replicate masterworks.

when she began perceiving her surroundings with new

She describes sculpting as an addictive art form.

intensity. No longer just a way to document her trip,

“When you start a sculpture, you build the shape to

photography became a vehicle for sharing the world she

copy from nothing. There is the excitement of the chal-

was discovering with others.

lenge and the fear of failure.”

In 2015, while on a yoga retreat in Rome, Ursula

At the beginning of her latest project in June, Ursula

was besotted by the warmth and rich culture of the

was filled with anxiety to the point of wanting to give

Italian people. The joy she experienced inspired her to

up. “The size and quality of the woman with a head

study the Italian language in Florence for two months

wrap I had chosen overwhelmed me. But I kept going,

in 2016. Ursula eventually moved to Florence for five

one fistful of clay at a time,” she says. “Then the fun

months in 2020 and decided to revisit an art form that

starts. Your eyes get honed to truly see. I love the scent

she had first explored in Los Angeles: sculpting.

of earth each morning when I unwrap my wet sculp-

Ursula shares that in 2010 she took a sculpting class

ture. I love the utter sense of peace I feel when I am

led by Tanya Ragir. During that time, she discovered a

fully immersed in working. The world outside stops.

love for detail work when she endeavored to recreate a

Time stands still.”

cow’s femur using clay. Since the femur is the strongest

Ursula shipped her latest piece, Fortuna, to her

bone in the body, Ursula says that project became a

Manhattan Beach home, where she spends the fall and

metaphor for learning to stand on her own.

winter months. The ocean is just a few feet from her

Ten years later in Florence, memories of sculpting came flooding back to her. In the first class she took

front door and is one of the reasons she calls Southern California her “healing place.” When she returns to

| 43

44 |

Florence, Romanelli’s studio awaits, along with her

our souls need to be fed. Being artistically creative is

apartment’s view of the Basilica di Santo Spirito and

food for the soul. There are no bad artists. Art is in the

whatever will inspire her next project.

eye of the beholder. Paint with tomato sauce on your

Ursula believes that something good will always

counter while cooking, then take a photo. That’s art!

come from deciding to explore—whether it’s another

Don’t be afraid. Don’t hold back. What could possibly

country or one’s unique creative impulses. “In midlife,

go wrong?” ■

F E AT U R E D P R O P E R T I E S

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cabinetry featuring open shelving; an eat-in

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the end of a cul-de-sac is mostly one level

kitchen nook; a walk-in pantry; a wine refrig-

table and ample seating for entertaining.

with 4 large bedrooms and 3 bathrooms

erator; Café appliances, including a large,

Many windows line the room, bringing in a lot

on the main floor, plus a detached private

commercial-style, duel-fuel range; and a

of natural light and a peekaboo harbor view.

guest house offers an additional bedroom

peninsula-style island. The dining room has a

A large laundry room with custom cabinets is

and bathroom. There is an oversized, gated

fireplace and double slider doors leading to

located off the kitchen/garage. All bedrooms

driveway with a 3-car garage. Enter the

the pergola-covered patio and sparkling blue

are located on the main level on one side of

front yard through an ornate, wrought-iron

pool and hot tub. The living room has custom

the house. The master bedroom is located at

gate to the beautifully landscaped walkway

cabinetry and shelving and a fireplace with a

the end of the hall and has an en suite bath-

leading you to the porch and double-door

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

| 45

C AT E G O R Y

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

AG E N T S P OT L I G H T

IN HER OWN SHOES A mother-daughter team sells not just homes but also the South Bay lifestyle.

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

N

o one was surprised when Alli

see the world through their eyes, and it is a

Baldocchi followed in the career

much more colorful, accepting world. I am a

footsteps of her mother, Susan

better person today because of them.”

Jensen—a seasoned professional

Realtor® and expert insider with decades of

TOGETHER AGAIN

experience selling properties in the Beach

Feeling established in her unique approach

Cities. After all, it was the family business, and

to real estate, Alli came full circle and today

Alli joining the team was a natural progression.

the two are working side by side again.

But after years of working with her

They have redefined their business in a

mom as the dynamic duo—while Alli was

new light, working with PACIFICA Properties

busy marrying her best friend, a Hermosa

Group—a real estate firm formed in 2021

Beach native, and having three children

by five well-known local agents who have

with him—she came to a point where she

worked together for more than 20 years.

decided to step away to find herself and

“When given the opportunity to join

discover her voice and passion for the real

PACIFICA, I knew I had finally found my home

estate industry.

in real estate,” Alli says. “Their mission is to not

“This area is overly saturated with

only be a successful real estate brokerage

Realtors, and my mom has left her mark on

but to be THE local real estate brokerage. We

the industry for the past four decades,” Alli

have the same goals and visions.”

shares. “I needed to step out of the shadow

After working for years with large corpo-

of someone who has been so successful

rate real estate firms, Susan concurs. “I was

and become seen not as the daughter of a

attracted to PACIFICA Properties Group by

Realtor but as a colleague to all Realtors in

the local Realtors who started this com-

the South Bay.”

pany—highly respected, seasoned profes-

So for a short period of time, Alli worked separately from Susan, honing her skills and

“WE ARE INDIVIDUALS WHO WANT TO SHOW OUR SUPPORT AND LOVE FOR THE PEOPLE WE SHARE THIS AWESOME SOUTH BAY WITH.”

sionals who are community-minded and simply great to work with.”

creating systems and structures that worked best for her. “It allowed me to do things on my

DEEP ROOTS

own and figure out who I want to be in this

The mother and daughter have deep roots

business. I needed to be seen, and I needed

in the beach communities. A California

to value my own worth—which, for the first

native, Susan has lived in the South Bay

time, I am now doing.”

all of her adult life. She is married to a

She also spent precious time with her

Manhattan Beach native, and they have

sons, juggling to balance obligations at work

three adult children and four grandchildren

and home while caring for her child with

who all live nearby. “My family is every-

special needs. “My boys taught me how to

thing to me, and I cherish getting ‘the kids’ | 47

C AT E G O R Y

together,” she shares.

Susan began her real estate career in 1978

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

was that she wasn’t meant to walk in her

are not just Realtors,” Alli points out. “We are

mom’s shoes. “I’ve come to learn that her

individuals who want to show our support

and has spent 45 years specializing in resi-

shoes just didn’t fit. I was meant to wear my

and love for the people we share this awe-

dential sales. She has a flair for home décor

own shoes, to walk alongside her and at

some South Bay with.”

and a background in business and banking—

times even in front of her.”

A recent client’s comments perfectly

making her a consummate guide for clients

The two have once again found their

portray the experience of having Alli and

throughout the entire real estate process.

groove and enjoy assisting buyers and sell-

Susan take you under their wings during a

Alli was born and raised in Manhattan

ers with one of the most important decisions

real estate transaction: “Thank you for your

Beach—and born into the real estate busi-

in life. “Working with my daughter and see-

commitment, loyalty and earning our trust.

ness. After working a few years in the fashion

ing her blossom from a young girl hand-

You’ve played a huge role in our success.”

industry and as a teacher, she joined her

ing out flyers to a successful Realtor and

mom as a Realtor in 2005. “Wearing several

Instagram phenomenon has made me so

hats and having different careers and expe-

proud,” Susan beams.

SUSAN JENSEN & ALLI BALDOCCHI PACIFICA PROPERTIES GROUP

riences helps me connect with my clients,”

Alli truly appreciates their strong bond

she says. “I want to share all the reasons

as mother-daughter and business part-

MANHATTAN BEACH

why the South Bay is so special with all of

ners. “We have grown, and now it is a new

310-251-2404 (SUSAN)

my clients and friends.”

chapter,” she says.

310-804-2203 (ALLI)

They have a vested interest in the commu-

PACIFICA-PROPERTIES.COM

A NEW CHAPTER

nity, including giving back with their finances

@PACIFICAPROPERTIESGROUP

Alli’s personal and professional awareness

and their time. “Giving back shows that we

DRE #00689950, 01481125

48 |

905 MANHATTAN BEACH BLVD.,

TOPGOLF EL SEGUNDO

TH E FR IE ND S H IP G A M E S A RE W A LK W IT H S A LLY ' S A N N UA L P E E RTO-P E E R F U ND R A IS IN G CA MP A IGN D ES IGN ED T O S UP P ORT AND C E L E B R A T E O U R L IFE- CHA N GIN G FELLOW S HIP P ROGRA M.

F UNDRAISIN G BEGI NS 2 .1.2 0 2 3

S TA R T F U ND R AI S I NG T O D AY

Parlor Tricks FROM BUILDING CARS AND GUITARS TO FOSTERING COMMUNITY, MIKE LONGACRE IS LIVING HIS DREAM. Written & photographed by Kat Monk

After catching a glimpse of the vintage guitars from the window, Levi Kelley, a visitor from Nashville, patiently

the wall just above the counter.

“My knowledge of guitar construction and materi-

waited for Mike’s Guitar Parlor to open. Soon he was

als gives me the tools to help my customer find just

chilling on a vintage gold sofa and singing “One for the

the right instrument that inspires,” he says. Mike will

Road” while playing Jordan Ziff’s Martin D-23V guitar,

build and trick out guitars for his customers, adding

named for the lead guitarist of American metal band

accoutrements to improve and personalize the instru-

Ratt. Owner Mike Longacre customized this guitar with

ment’s sound.

a bone saddle and an Amulet acoustic pickup system.

Raised in the Mount Washington area of Los Angeles,

In celebration of the 185th anniversary of Tiffany & Co., Mike embarked upon a custom-build collab-

Mike’s family owned and operated the “go-to auto

oration—a year and a half in the making—to design

shop” in the heart of Hollywood. At just 14, Mike

and build an “it’s all in the details” unique guitar. In

started working on cars in the shop. By the time he

signature Tiffany blue, this one-of-a-kind electric

could drive, he had built himself an early-’70s Chevy

guitar is infused with diamonds and sparkle and valued

Nova—one he calls “light, loud and fast.”

at $120,000.

Just as he was about to open his own auto shop in the

During the pandemic, Mike also became a prolific

South Bay, Mike was picked up to be a technician for

songwriter and now boasts 50 songs in his portfolio.

a race car club driver from Manhattan Beach. “I have

After discovering this newfound passion for songwriting,

been building engines and working on cars for more

he beams while sharing the meaning behind his songs.

than 40 years,” he explains. “My knowledge of suspen-

Then there’s the legendary Mike’s Church on Sundays

sions, electricals and engines gave me the experience to

from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Parlor. For nearly a decade,

transition well from hot rods to race cars.”

Mike has hosted a community of guitar players, song-

But after 35 years of standing behind wrenches, he

writers and the occasional banjo, stand-up bass and

opted to make a leap and pursue his passion for guitars.

resident drummer. The crowd increased significantly

He opened Mike’s Guitar Parlor in 2014 in the heart of

since Mike moved his business to the historical Either/

Hermosa, across the street from its current location on

Or Bookstore location on the corner of Manhattan and

Pier Avenue. “At great expense, I created an environ-

Pier avenues.

ment that makes it comfortable, stylish and easy to find the instrument that inspires,” says Mike.

Offering new, used and customized guitars, Mike’s

With an opportunity to pull a famous, customized, acoustic instrument off the wall lined with Persian rugs, guitar lovers can hone their craft with a jam ses-

quality products and service have helped him build a

sion. Note: If you are not on time for Mike’s Church,

loyal following. “I build it for you” is emblazoned on

you will be forced to stand at the door.

| 51

“We call it ‘church’ for a reason; it’s a spiritual, connective, communal experience where music is the catalyst and the people performing and the audience

a group singalong,” adds Kevin.

With the wall bare, price tags hang as the crowd starts

become united in a deep and profound way,” shares

to play. It starts with carefully crafted original songs

Kevin Sousa, a local professional musician.

and eventually gives way to covers by a myriad of artists

“Give it up for the Reverend Longacre,” another guitar player exclaims.

such as Tom Petty, Chris Stapleton, Stone Temple Pilots, Johnny Cash and The Wallflowers. If the music wasn’t

“This is like church but more irreverent,” says Mike.

enough, one player, Frank, rests on his guitar to tell the

One player at a time has an opportunity to perform

crowd a joke. Meanwhile a few players approach Mike to

a song while everyone else watches intently to try and

make payments for the guitar of their dreams.

play along. “Can we get a hallelujah?” shares an excited

“It’s amazing to see other performers building

player. The crowd of guitar lovers includes customers,

confidence over time,” says BJ. “When I get to go, it’s

guitar students, walk-bys, just plain music lovers and

a fun environment to try new things while you know

fellow community musicians like Kevin, BJ Arnold and

everyone is rooting for you!”

Antoinette Gil. “Mike has created such a welcoming environment where musicians of all skill levels from beginners to

52 |

professionals can come and try out new tunes or join in

At the end of the two hours, Levi sums up his experience at the Parlor: “I don’t want to go back home—I want to move here as soon as I can.” ■

That’s the Way MODERN CLASSIC ROCK SINGER AYLINE ARTIN PROVES IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO MAKE GOOD ON A PROMISE. Written by Darren Elms | Photographed by Monica Orozco

At 5 years old, Ayline Artin sat at an upright piano pur-

into cafés, contacted local farmers markets and began to

chased by her mother for their San Fernando Valley home.

play cover songs,” she says. “After about five years of

The youngest of three siblings, Ayline played the instru-

gigging here and there—local cafés and street fairs and

ment for a decade, until the distractions of her teenage

coffeehouses—I decided it was time to take some voice

years set in. But she promised her mom she would contin-

lessons, mainly because I began to lose my voice and knew

ue to play. Many years later, the piano lives on in Ayline’s

I needed some extra help.”

Redondo Beach home—as does her passion for music.

GaVoian and muscled up enough confidence to audition for

generation earlier by war and genocide, Ayline enjoyed the

The Voice—making it past the producers’ round before be-

influence of Armenian, Arabic, French and classical music.

ing cut. “It was that moment of rejection when Charlie said

“I grew up listening to instrumental dance pieces that

to me, ‘You need to stop singing other people’s songs and

would easily get your belly dancing, and also passionate

start writing and performing your own music.’”

songs sung by Edith Piaf,” she says. “I also loved KC and the Sunshine Band.”

After two years of completing all the music major cours-

So she did. Ayline joined a local songwriters class and began performing at famous venues all over Los Angeles like The Troubadour and The Viper Room.

es in college, Ayline says life threw her a curveball leading

“I was fortunate enough to be the opening act for the

to depression. She changed her major to “unknown” and

legendary Kenny Loggins twice,” she says, “once at the

went in and out of college.

Saban Theatre and another time at The Rose in Pasadena.”

Eight years later she graduated from Cal State

As these gigs started to pour in, she began offering voice

Dominguez Hills with a kinesiology major and went on to

lessons to children and teens in the South Bay community,

get a graduate degree and teaching credential in adapted

where she and her wife moved 27 years ago. The lessons

physical education from Cal State Long Beach, working

provided a second income that would fully fund her albums

with children with various disabilities. After 23 years of

and pay for studio time, pro musicians and producers.

teaching, she resigned this school year to pursue her passion for music again.

“I feel like I have my life back—doing what I love, do-

“My South Bay community has been very supportive of my music career,” she says. “Saint Rocke kicked off my music career and gave me an incredible platform to

ing what I am meant to be doing, writing, singing and

showcase all my original music. I even shot my first music

performing, and doing it well.” In a magical twist, percus-

video, I’m Through, there.”

sionist and original member of KC’s band, Oliver C. Brown, is now a part of Ayline’s band.

Ayline says she’d been planning this reemergence into

54 |

She took classical voice lessons from coach Charles

Born in Sudan, Africa, to Armenian parents displaced a

On March 5, Ayline and her band will perform at The Lighthouse in Hermosa. “I have released two albums with all original music and lyrics written by yours truly,” she

music for a long while. After the birth of her twin daugh-

shares. “I have attracted into my life professional, humble,

ters nearly 19 years ago, Ayline’s wife bought her a guitar.

talented and kind musicians who bring only special ele-

“I taught myself how to play the guitar at age 35, walked

ments to my music and sound, and I feel blessed.” ■

THE FACE OF

LAW

MEDIA MATTERS Guzman Law Group navigates the entertainment industry’s ever-changing landscape. that was transformed into a 2021 film directed

clients in the entertainment industry

by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

for more than 25 years. Headed by

Carol describes the entertainment industry

industry veteran Carol T. Contes, the

as ever-changing. Working in Silicon Valley

firm’s entertainment department serves the

during its early years, she realized that the

needs of people and companies whose job is

technological revolution would greatly impact

to exploit intellectual property throughout the

Hollywood. “The availability of information

world in all media.

on the internet has been a wonderful thing

Carol has practiced entertainment law for

for lawyers too,” she says. “It enables us to

20+ years, first as an in-house business

continuously research and learn from our col-

affairs and legal counsel to production

leagues around the world.”

companies, studios and networks, and now in

Whether negotiating financing and

private practice. She focuses on negotiating

distribution for a filmmaker or a licensing

agreements for the development, produc-

agreement for a podcast company, the

tion and distribution of independent films,

knowledge Carol gained through her

television and streaming productions. She is also experienced with intellectual property licensing agreements, endorsements, product branding, Broadway stage agreements and celebrity estates.

“I enjoy helping creative people see their

Above: The 2019 Emmy Awards—Julie Larson, Jonathan Larson’s sister and producer; Jonathan Mills of Paradigm Talent Agency; Carol Contes Below: Comedian Dick Gregory and his son Christian Gregory (photo by Jefry Andres Wright) Bottom: Denise Guzman and Allan Larson, Jonathan Larson’s father

seasoned career helps her provide clients with a high level of service.

“Carol’s expertise and ability to handle complex deal-making are second to none, especially in the digital landscape. Her extensive production background and innate

projects come to fruition,” she says. “I also

ability to identify and solve problems before

appreciate being part of the legal process

they come up have been enormous assets to

that aids our clients in protecting their rights

Wonkybot,” says Stewart St. John, cofounder

and the rights of future generations.”

and CEO of Wonkybot Studios—a content

“Our clients have been well served by the

company and podcast studio known for their

high level of expertise Carol brings to the firm,”

scripted, cinematic audio shows for kids and

says attorney Denise M. Guzman, founder of

families around the world.

Guzman Law Group. “Because she has had

Carol hopes the legacy she leaves is in the

a varied career, she can view an issue from

knowledge she passes on to the next genera-

many sides. She knows how a studio is going

tion. She enjoys sharing her entertainment

to look at a deal from the creative side as well

industry expertise and has recently lectured for

as the production side.”

California Lawyers for the Arts as well as the

Denise and Carol have worked together on

L.A. Greek Film Festival. She also teaches as an

many projects over the last 20 years, comple-

adjunct professor at Southwestern Law School.

menting each other’s talents when representing clients. They proudly represent the estate

GUZMAN LAW GROUP, PC

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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uzman Law Group has represented

Carol T. Contes

about face FROM A YOUNG LAWYER IN NEW ORLEANS TO A SOUTH BAY PORTRAIT ARTIST WITH HER OWN EXHIBITION, VICTORIA WHITE’S UNEXPECTED TRAJECTORY IS PROOF THAT LIFE SOMETIMES HAS OTHER PLANS. Written by Quinn Roberts | Photographed by Shane O’Donnell

60 |

Victoria White walked into Resin Gallery in Hermosa Beach with paint splattered across her clothes and traces of white paint on her hands.

She’d spent a long day at her studio in Santa Monica and was now ready to volunteer with students as part of Indivisible Arts.

The students are immediately drawn to her energy and devotion to her craft. Victoria lives life with intention, writing in a journal every morning after she wakes up—sometimes for a few hours. It’s her way of getting all of her thoughts out so she can be completely present and focused on painting her subjects.

“Inspiration is the beginning, middle and end,” she says. “I find that I am most inspired—and my work is the most authentic—when I am connecting with people through service. I feel so good and connected to the world. That is the most important thing I do to prepare to make my artwork.”

Victoria’s path to becoming an artist has been anything but ordinary. She was a successful lawyer, working long hours in Silicon Valley before moving back to her hometown of New Orleans to practice law. She describes herself then as the stereotypical lawyer—the job and atmosphere like the television show Suits.

Then unexpectedly she became so ill she was forced to resign from the firm in 2017. It got so bad, she didn’t even have the energy to walk around the neighborhood where she lived.

After seeing doctor after doctor, Victoria finally got a diagnosis. She had been exposed to black mold at her job in New Orleans. While it was a relief to finally have answers, exposure to black mold has no cure or

| 61

timetable for how long it will take to recover. Victoria continued to have severe symptoms of fatigue, pain and memory loss.

Hoping for a fresh start, she decided to move west after falling in love with Los Angeles and the coast—in

“People think about making a big splash, but you can make a big impact in a one-on-one transaction and really make a difference for one person,” she says.

“That’s one aspect of my painting.”

the hopes of getting better treatment and a quicker

Victoria makes her own paint using walnut oil. She

recovery. “I got in my white BMW convertible with a

does this not only to preserve the integrity of the whites

friend, my French bulldog, a box of paints and a suit-

and allow for a slower process but also to honor her

case of clothes in 2018 to start a new life,” she shares.

health history and steer clear of potential toxins.

She’d always painted as a hobby, but it wasn’t until

She has evolved from painting portraits of familiar

2019, as she was still undergoing medical treatment, that

faces to those of people she loves and admires. Some

Victoria received a commission to paint portraits of her

have described her as a method actor of painting. Before

friend’s three sons. Looking for inspiration, she went to

putting paint to canvas and other mediums, Victoria

The Broad museum and observed art by Mark Tansey,

will read books, watch movies and do anything else to

a painter of monochromatic landscapes. She decided to

learn about the person’s life.

paint a portrait of surfer Bert Burger in only two colors,

62 |

blue and white, and see how it would come out.

The first person she tackled with this process was

“YOU’D THINK PEOPLE WOULD WANT TO SEE A PERFECT PERSON, BUT PEOPLE ACTUALLY ENJOY THE INTRICATE LINES IN HER FACE AND ARE MORE FASCINATED BY IT.”

64 |

Lil Wayne, also from New Orleans. She had seen him

Her recent exhibit at Resin Gallery, I CAME TO LIVE

perform over two decades back home and took time to

OUT LOUD, filled the room with 36 pieces and one

read his journals from when he was in jail.

exciting twist. On each side of a piano cover, Victoria

Victoria often paints on 5- or 6-foot stretched canvases, Arches paper, wood boards or loose canvases,

painted two different images of Elton John. It was the first time she’d ever done anything of that style.

which allows for larger-than-life portraits and more

Leading up to the exhibit, Rafael admitted that it was

freedom to include intricate details. Mother Teresa,

the most excited he had ever been about a solo show at

B.B. King and Clint Eastwood are some of the most

the gallery, especially because it was Victoria’s first solo

challenging subjects she’s painted. She captures every

show. He knows her star is only going to get brighter

wrinkle and pore to make it as authentic as possible.

and sees it as an honor for Indivisible Arts to be at the

“People seem to enjoy the Mother Teresa painting

beginning of it all.

the most,” says Victoria. “You’d think people would

“She represents a bright, new generation of artists

want to see a perfect person, but people actually enjoy

that will be a part of something special here,” he says.

the intricate lines in her face and are more fascinated

“Something is brewing beneath the surface, and she is

by it.”

going to be at the tip of the sphere.”

While she’s painted musicians and actors and world

While Rafael and Victoria have known each other for

leaders, Muhammad Ali is her all-time favorite. “He is

about a year, it’s as if they’ve been friends for decades.

one of the most imperfect people, but he could power-

Not only does Victoria volunteer at Indivisible Arts,

fully manifest making anything you believe in a reality.

she also volunteers at Richstone Family Center and Da

He understood that power more than anyone,” she says.

Vinci RISE High School. Other than Rafael, she likely

Victoria has done some 4-foot paintings in as quick

volunteers and teaches more than any other artist in

as five or six days, but her portrait of Jim Morrison took over a year. The largest portrait she’s painted is the 12foot mural of Ali. Victoria gets inspiration for choosing subjects from

the South Bay Artist Collective.

“Rarely do you meet someone and realize immediately that this is a special person,” adds Rafael. “Victoria is that special person who is so

anything or anyone. In 2019 someone told her she

grounded and humble that her natural perspective and

should paint Tupac Shakur. But it wasn’t until two

inclination is to take that brightness and give it to

years later, when she went to a guitar store and saw a

others. It is super rare to see someone so effectively

picture of Tupac praying, that she picked up her paints

take their passion of philosophy and art and fuse that

and put him on canvas.

together seamlessly into a lifestyle and presentation of

“She’s not painting the celebrity; she is painting the soul. She immerses herself in each subject,” says Rafael

self as she does.”

After struggling with her health for so many years,

McMaster, founder of the South Bay Artist Collective

Victoria says she’s turned a corner and is starting to feel

and Resin Gallery. “If Jimi Hendrix’s soul is hanging

like herself again—both physically and emotionally.

around, he surely is cosigning this.”

“As hard as it was to live through these last 10 years

Recently Victoria began incorporating sayings or

being so ill, I am so grateful,” Victoria says. “God had

words that directly reflect her subject. She’s also added

a different plan for me. If that hadn’t happened exactly

translucent, reflective plastics over the artwork to give

when it happened, I would not be here today. I would

it a new dimension of pop.

have it no other way.” ■

| 65

Lasting Imprints ARTIST AND ART CONSULTANT LAURIE RASKIN SHARES HOW TO BUY MEANINGFUL ART TO ENJOY THROUGH THE YEARS. Interviewed by Linda Grasso | Photographed by Shane O’Donnell

66 |

Laurie Raskin is a lover of all things art. With bach-

decades. She is also a mixed-media contemporary art-

elor’s and master’s degrees in fine arts—and as an

ist whose works are shown at numerous noteworthy

ardent student of art history—Laurie, along with

galleries in the U.S. and internationally. And simply be-

her husband, Rick Shuman, has collected fine art for

cause she loves to help people connect with and develop

a passion for art, she also works as an art consultant.

Here we ask the connoisseur for her advice on finding and buying art for the home, whether you are looking for an investment piece or you are a first-time buyer

“THERE IS NO RIGHT WAY TO COLLECT ART.

trying to define your tastes.

BE PERSONAL

How do we define our tastes in art?

AND BE BOLD. AND

Start visiting museums and galleries regularly—and take your time. As you explore, see what you are attracted to and what engages you. Ask the gallerists and docents questions. Taking classes is also a great idea.

Our tastes grow and change as we become more knowl-

ENJOY YOURSELF IN THE PROCESS.”

edgeable. Another option: Hire an interior designer or art advisor/consultant whose taste you like for some help. There is no right way to collect art. Be personal,

are you looking at most? What is the light like? Just

and be bold. And enjoy yourself in the process.

move things around until it feels right. First, lean art against the wall for a while before you hang anything.

If you live in a traditional house, should you buy traditional

Photoshop can also be very helpful.

art? And ditto for contemporary homes and art?

I like to mix it up. It’s very personal. Contemporary

Any tips for finding “affordable” art?

art looks terrific in traditional homes, and traditional

There are many ways to buy affordable pieces. Every

pieces can work very well in contemporary homes.

year there are art sales from graduate art students:

There are no rules here. Collect what you love.

UCLA, CalArts, ArtCenter College of Design and Otis.

Get on their mailing lists or contact the school offices.

How does one assess how much to pay for a piece? Is value

You can also buy high-quality prints or lithographs

simply a matter of how much it means to you and how

from many sources. Saatchi Art and Artsy are great

much you are willing to pay?

online places to buy art and research artists. There

Yes. I do suggest doing your research on past sales of a

are local artists’ studios who show their works several

particular artist. Find a budget you are comfortable with,

times a year. The Brewery Artwalk in Downtown Los

but sometimes stretch for something you love. You will

Angeles as well as Barker Hangar in Santa Monica

always regret the one that got away. Most galleries are

have sales several times a year. Saatchi Art holds an

willing to allow you to pay in installments. Better to buy

art fair in L.A. every year with a variety of price points

a good piece over an extended time than to buy a piece

available. There are also galleries that show emerging

for less money that you don’t love as much.

artists that are affordable.

OK, you have a room with four walls. All four are empty.

Does everything have to be framed?

How do you assess which wall to place art on?

It depends on whether the piece is on canvas or on

This is where intuition and play come in. How large are

paper or how fragile it is. There are some wonderful

the walls? Where are you sitting in the room? What wall

framers that are not too expensive. It also depends on

| 67

Edward Goldman leads students through a gallery while teaching his private class Fine Art of Art Collecting.

where you are placing your art. Art can fade. If you do

artists and galleries on Instagram. Lastly, take a class

use glass or plexiglass, make sure it has UV protection.

on art collecting. Edward Goldman, formerly of KCRW Art Talk, gives a private class four times a year on the

If you are contemplating making a major purchase at

art of collecting. Brenda Williams teaches an excel-

a more high-end gallery or via an auction, how do you

lent class at UCLA Extension called Contemporary Los

make sure you are getting a fair deal?

Angeles Art. With both of those classes, you’ll go to

First you must like the work. Then look up the artist

galleries, private collections and museums.

you are interested in online. Go to their website. You can also sign up for various local art email newslet-

What generally constitutes an investment piece? Any

ters to get a basis of knowledge about fine art—which

advice for buying one?

will give you confidence in your decision. ART NOWLA,

Trends come and go. The “it” artist today could be out

Artillery, Art Matters with Edward Goldman, ARTnews,

years later. There are artists who have stood the test of

ArtDaily and Art Talk are a few newsletters that will

time. There are also famous artists who go in and out

keep you educated about the local art scene.

of fashion. If you are buying for investment and are inexperienced, it’s probably a good idea to work with an

68 |

Any other suggestions?

art advisor or gallery that you trust. I personally don’t

Take an art piece home and see how it looks before

advise buying art only for investment. Imagine you buy

deciding. Most galleries will allow this. Do your home-

a piece that you don’t love, and you look at it for decades

work. Put in the time at galleries. And when you visit

and the value remains the same? What a waste of an op-

one you like, sign up to be on their email list. Follow

portunity! Instead, buy what you love and enjoy it. ■

Enhance your beauty without distracting from it.

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| 69

C AT E G O R Y

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

B U S I N E S S S P OT L I G H T

ALL IN THE FAMILY A local couple leans on generations of family restaurant expertise to open a new takeout-only concept that’s receiving rave reviews.

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNEL

P

iccini Italian Takeout is turning 1 year

pandemic. This led Vince and Giordana to

$1,000 and give the proceeds to the featured

old in February, and you’re invited

their next venture: opening an Italian takeout

philanthropic organization.

to celebrate this special anniversary

spot just a few miles away.

along with the South Bay family

“Our eyes have been set on a fast-casual

While Gaetano’s is still serving high-quality food thanks to a truly hospitable team of

that’s been running local restaurants for

or takeout-only concept for a while. We

professionals, Vince says he knew the time

four generations! Meet owners Vince and

opened Piccini Italian Takeout in February

was right to also offer the Piccini concept

Giordana Giuliano, the husband and wife

2022 and named it after our two little boys,

to the community. “We know what a fast-

who fell in love with each other as well as

Luca and Nico,” Giordana explains, pointing

paced life you have, and sometimes putting

the hospitality industry.

out that Piccini means “little ones” in Italian.

together a meal is the last thing you want

Vince came by his passion for the food

Piccini offers restaurant-quality food,

to do,” he says. “That’s where Piccini comes

business naturally. His great-grandfather

friendly service and reasonable prices—all in

in. We want our guests to sit back, relax and

ran Giuliano’s Deli in Gardena decades ago,

a takeout setting. Focused on pizza, pasta,

spend more time together without the stress

and his parents opened Gaetano’s Deli in

sandwiches and salads, Piccini is quick

of preparing a meal.”

Torrance in 1993. They later made the bold

and convenient, offering both in-store and

and successful move to transform the deli into

curbside pickup. Vince and Giordana are

a full-fledged, sit-down restaurant. Today the

hoping to open additional locations in the

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eatery is still going strong—home to delicious,

near future.

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authentic, homemade Italian food.

Growing up in the food business, Vince

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a young age and had the opportunity to

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where each month a different local non-

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He returned to work at Gaetano’s after col-

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lege and soon met Giordana, a native of

their check to the nearest dollar, knowing

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the restaurant will match the donation up to

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After graduating from the University of Michigan, Giordana worked on various

Giordana and Vince with team leaders Jose Gomez and Teg Sanghera

advertising and marketing accounts such as Toyota, Kia, Mitsubishi, The Bay Club Company and MotorTrend—making it a natural next step for her to become head of marketing for the family-owned restaurants while she and Vince fell in love.

For the past 10 years, the takeout department at Gaetano’s has continued to grow 15% annually—including throughout the | 71

The Fair City REVISITING THE INTERNATIONAL APPEAL AND BREATHTAKING BEAUTY OF VANCOUVER Written by Darren Elms

I can’t believe it took me 35 years to return to Vancouver. The fairgrounds are long gone, but the international spirit survives … in the culture, in the food and in its diverse population.

Vancouver is also drop-dead gorgeous. A mostly modern metropolis surrounded by parks, forests and mountains, it’s not hard to delight in your surroundings. Whether you decide to spend your vacation time immersed in nature or canvasing the wonderfully unique neighborhoods—or both—Vancouver is unlikely to disappoint.

WHERE TO STAY The St. Regis Hotel can’t be beat for its central downtown Vancouver location and top-notch amenities.

Anyone remember the World’s Fair—the every-two-year

Another resort, Landmark Rosewood Hotel Georgia,

global showcase of culture and advancement that took

enjoys a Hollywood pedigree, having hosted the likes of

over a host city for an extended period of time? In 1986,

Frank Sinatra, Katharine Hepburn and the king himself,

Vancouver’s Expo 86 was the summer destination, and

Elvis Presley. If you prefer to live like a local, consider a

my family couldn’t resist the buzz. I remember loving

private home rental—from stylish high-rise condos to

this trip—the exhibitions, the gorgeous mountain back-

charming houseboats with harbor views.

drop, the monorail (they had a monorail!).

72 |

L’Abattoir

THE NEIGHBORHOODS

WHERE TO EAT

Gastown, Vancouver’s most historic hub, got its name

Housed in a 19th-century building that acted as

from saloon proprietor Gassy Jack Deighton. Popular

Vancouver’s first jail, L’Abattoir stands out as one of

among tourists and locals alike, this enclave of cobble-

Gastown’s best dining spots. Woodsy and industrial on

stone streets and restored Victorian buildings hosts shop-

the inside, the cozy venue packs in fans of the French-

ping, dining, art galleries and great people-watching.

influenced West Coast fare by chef and proprietor Lee

A former warehouse district, Yaletown is now home to chic coffee shops, lounge bars and boutiques. Over

BURDOCK & CO. PHOTO BY HAKAN BURCUOGLU; L’ABATTOIR PHOTO BY ERIC MILIC

Burdock & Co

Cooper, along with exquisite cocktails and wine selection.

Chef Andrea Carlson’s close relationship with local

on the West End, tree-lined boulevards, cafés and

suppliers means the menu at Burdock & Co shines with

independent stores welcome a bohemian crowd. Known

the freshest ingredients in town. Communal tables

for its famous Kits Beach, Kitsilano is considered one

invite diners to get acquainted while feasting on shared

of Vancouver’s most desired older neighborhoods, with

plates and sipping natural wines, craft beers and in-

views of the city skyline and Stanley Park.

spired spirits. Sister property Bar Gobo makes a great

Speaking of Stanley Park, this expansive nature rainforest on the city’s northern peninsula is a must for the

stop for wine tasting and quick bites or snacks.

And no foodie should miss Granville Island. After

outdoor enthusiast. Traverse the famous seawall by foot

a quick ferry ride, visitors can start at the Public

or bike, get lost in the forests of Douglas fir and west-

Market, where the city’s top chefs source local ingre-

ern red cedar or get to know the regional aquatic life at

dients from an array of vendors selling fresh produce

the Vancouver Aquarium. Yes, they have otters.

and gourmet goodies. There are also plenty of restau-

I highly suggest getting a Destination Vancouver

rants scattered on the island, especially the seafood

Pass, which gives you access to many attractions, bike

variety—a perfect lunch stop for oysters, a baguette

rentals and ferry tickets.

and a chilled glass of white. ■

| 73

La Fotógrafa

la doña CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER MONICA OROZCO DISCOVERS A CULTURAL CONNECTION IN THE HOLLYWOOD HERITAGE OF THE HISTORIC LA VENTA INN. Curated & written by Gail Phinney | Photographed by Monica Orozco

As the subject of her own photography, Los Angeles-based Monica Orozco makes self-portraits

In a bold move, she left Hollywood in the 1940s and returned to Mexico to hone her craft. She is considered one of the most important female figures in the Golden

that explore the human experience

Age of Mexican cinema, and her illustrious career

by portraying a wide range of

spanned more than five decades.

characters—including her alter ego, deMonica. The resulting work

This is a new type of series for Monica, and it posed a unique set of challenges. “In Mexico there are women called doñas,” she explains. “There’s a beautiful

is both deeply personal and

Mexican elegance about them. That elegance is hard

universally appealing.

to fake. It’s something you just have. When I recre-

Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Monica was greatly influenced by Mexican cinema. “Those im-

ate other characters, they’re usually not elegant, so it was a very interesting challenge to work outside my wheelhouse.”

ages have been with me since I was a child because they

Rather than present a literal interpretation of the

were always on the television set,” she recalls. “When

actress, Monica channels the inner quality of elegance

I was 10 years old my dad decided to move us back to

and grace that made del Río not just a much-admired

his hometown in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, where we

actress but also a great lady. These artfully styled and

lived until I was 16. Black-and-white Mexican Golden

meticulously crafted vignettes are a window into the

Age movies were on repeat everywhere, and also in the

life and times of the actress as seen through the con-

Valley with the older generation in my family.”

temporary lens of this Latina artist. The photographer

Those childhood memories became the inspiration

as performer brings her unique sensibilities to bear in

for her latest body of work, La Doña of the Mexican Silver

her portrayal of her subject. Each image is an essential

Screen, created exclusively for this issue of Southbay and

moment in the narrative.

shot entirely on location at La Venta Inn on the Palos

La Fotógrafa depicts a cultured, fashionable woman

Verdes Peninsula. Constructed in 1923, the inn, a popu-

of the world documenting her travels. Waiting for My

lar retreat for celebrities in the 1930s, was selected for

Close Up reads like a studio shot of an ingénue on set.

its period Spanish architecture by the firm of Francis

Baila Conmigo captures the joy of movement—a pas-

Pierpont Davis and Walter Swindell Davis, as well as

sion shared by both the photographer and her histori-

the Olmsted Brothers’ design of the grounds. “I saw La

cal subject with the actress portrayed as a glamorous

Venta Inn and remembered all those early images of

Hollywood hostess.

Dolores del Río in the movies,” Monica shares.

76 |

backdrop for her 1930 film The Bad One.

The figure in The Bad One possesses all the fierce

In this series, the artist addresses both her Mexican

determination of a woman who rejected her movie star

American heritage and her love of Hollywood glamour

image to become a serious actress on her own terms.

in homage to del Río. Renowned as one of the most

The photographer found inspiration in her subject’s

beautiful women in the world, del Río was the first

life choices. “It really shows that she respected herself

Mexican crossover actress to succeed in Hollywood in

more than fame or the movie-making machine.”

the 1920s and ’30s. Always an innovator, she selected

Over the years Monica’s self-portraits have mir-

the Peninsula’s Mediterranean coastline as a natural

rored the different stages in her life, and lately she’s

Xxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxxx x xxx xxxx xx x x xxxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxx x x xx xxxxxxx xxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxxx x xxx xxxx xx x x xxxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxx x x xxxx xxxxxxx xxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxxx x xxx xxxx xx x x xxxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxx x x xxxx xxxxxxx xxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxxx x xxx xxxx xx x x xxxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxx x x xxxx xxxxxxx xxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxxx x xxx xxxx xx x x xxxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxx x x xxxx xxxxxxx xxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxxx x xxx xxxx xx x x xxxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxx x x xxxx xxx xxxx xxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxxx x xxx xxxx xx x x xxxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxx x x xxxx xxxxxxx xxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxxx x xxx xxxx xx x x xxxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxx x x xxxx xxxxxxx xxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxxx x xxx xxxx xx x x xxxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxx x x xxxx xxxxxxx xxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxxx x xxx xxxx xx x x xxxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxx x x xxxx xxxxxxx xxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxxx x xxx xxxx xx x x xxxx x x x xxxxxxxx x xxx x x xxxx xx

■

Baila Conmigo

The Bad One

Waiting for My Close Up

been exploring what it’s like to be middle-aged. These

When asked why she chose del Río as her muse, she

portraits have a maturity about them that reflect not

cites the impact of her legacy on the next generation

only this particular actress in her prime but also the

of Latina artists. “Celebrating women has always been

photographer herself as a woman and an artist—show-

important to me,” Monica says, “but I wanted to look

ing the beauty of a woman at any age.

at women who come from Mexico, who I didn’t feel

When asked about her secret to ageless beauty, del

I’d paid tribute to yet. I’ve become a really big fan of

Río famously offered, “Take care of your inner beauty,

Dolores del Río from doing this project, and I wanted to

your spiritual beauty, and that will reflect in your face.”

create awareness about her.”

That sentiment resonates with Monica, whose artistic practice has always focused on female empowerment.

She believes that’s something to aspire to.

La Doña of the Mexican Silver Screen is the culmination of a lifetime of experiences for this mid-career artist.

Monica Orozco and Gail Phinney are friends, artistic collaborators and frequent contributors to this publication. We are grateful to La Venta Inn and The Kali Man (vintage clothing) for their generous support of this project. ■

| 79

L to R, back: Courtney Glickman, Ann Grant, Alexa Tibshraeny, Hannah Ramelow Front: Taylor Grant and Ashley Madrid

FAMILY FRIENDLY A team approach and compassionate touch help family law clients traverse the rocky waters ahead.

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS

G

oing through a high-conflict

of stress and strife to everyone involved.

“Divorce does not have to be the end of

divorce is tough for anyone.

But attorney Ann Grant strives to help her

your life and it does not have to be an end-

Add children to the equation,

clients have a positive experience despite

less, complicated undertaking,” Ann writes

and it brings another level

the turmoil.

in her book, The Divorce Hacker’s Guide to

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Untying the Knot. “It is an opportunity for a new and better life, and I am here to show you how to make that a reality.”

Ann graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law and was working as a partner at a large international law firm when she found herself in the midst of a nasty divorce. Once she got to the other side of that transition, she realized how passionate she was to help clients and their children not just survive the process of divorce but start fresh and thrive as they create their future.

“We enjoy working through not only the legal issues my clients confront but also the other issues that arise when facing a

B U S I N E S S S P OT L I G H T

“WE ADDRESS THE WHOLE PERSON— INCLUDING THEIR GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS— AS WE WORK TOGETHER TO GET THEIR LIFE ON TRACK.”

major change,” Ann explains. “We address the whole person—including their goals and

violence cases and prenuptial, postnuptial

aspirations—as we work together to get

and marital settlement agreements.

their lives on track.”

This passion led her to open Manhattan

Each attorney possesses superior litigation experience when that is needed, yet

Beach Family Law in 2010. Ann leads

they are also trained in the collaborative

a team of three other attorneys—Alexa

process—a great way to arrive at creative

Tibshraeny, Courtney Glickman and

solutions without having to go to court.

Hannah Ramelow—supported by legal

“Whenever possible, we attempt to resolve

assistant Taylor Grant and paralegal

matters without resorting to litigation

Ashley Madrid.

because it generally is less expensive and

Alexa earned her degree from Loyola

disruptive,” Ann shares. “Sometimes, how-

Law School and is one of Super Lawyer’s

ever, it is necessary to set clear boundar-

Rising Stars in Los Angeles family law—an

ies and we need to go to court in order to

honor reserved for only 2.5% of attorneys

achieve a client’s objectives. After years of

and Orange County. “Having gone through

in Southern California. Together with

litigating, I know how to get things done

a divorce with children, I am attuned to

Courtney, who is also a Super Lawyer

and when to go to court.”

our clients’ needs,” Ann says. “Our team

Rising Star, they are spearheading the

Ann and her team get to know clients

approach and specific, tailored represen-

firm’s Brentwood office. Hannah graduated

and their families so they can craft creative

tation—both in and out of the courtroom—

from the Pepperdine University School of

solutions to help them achieve their goals. If

help clients achieve the best possible results

Law and worked at a fast-paced litiga-

needed, they bring in other professionals—

so they can move forward with their lives

tion firm before joining Manhattan Beach

financial advisors, forensic accountants,

and be prosperous and happy.”

Family Law.

divorce coaches, child specialists, career

Together, the attorneys have more than

counselors and mental health profession-

50 years of legal expertise. They bring com-

als—to address all aspects of a person’s life

MANHATTAN BEACH FAMILY LAW

passionate support to their clients, work-

during this major adjustment.

1500 ROSECRANS AVE., SUITE 500,

ing closely with them to achieve the best

This holistic approach to divorce has

possible outcome in complex, high-asset

resulted in growth for the firm, which has

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marital dissolutions, as well as domestic

expanded to serve clients in Brentwood

MBFAMILYLAWYERS.COM | 81

Passion Project SHANE O’DONNELL FUSES HIS PROFESSION OF PHOTOGRAPHY AND HIS LOVE OF PAINTING IN A NEW CREATIVE PURSUIT. Art & photography by Shane O’Donnell | Written by Linda Grasso

By all measures, Shane O’Donnell has found success as

decided to go the art store and buy some paint, brushes

a freelance photographer, whether he is shooting for a

and small canvases. I wasn’t sure what I would paint,

high-end fashion brand or a start-up cosmetics com-

so I perused an older photo project I’d done that I called

pany. Or a magazine—Shane is a regular contributor

The Beauty of Decay. They were still lifes—essentially of

to Southbay, having shot numerous covers and articles

worn-out, everyday items,” he explains.

over the past 12 years. But about four years ago, Shane

Not knowing exactly where he was going, Shane

found himself longing for a different creative experi-

started creating paintings of those photos. With a fond-

ence. Something more personal.

ness for Americana—everything from roadside signs

“I have always admired painters, so one night I

to neon motel marquees—he ultimately decided that would be the focus of his new creative endeavor.

After a brief period of experimentation, Shane got his process down. First, he takes photos of things that catch his eye. Second, he projects them onto a canvas and pencils in the line art. Then, using the original image on his computer screen as reference, he slowly adds paint.

“I don’t paint like most people. I am self-taught, so I don’t paint complete layers and add as I go. Instead, I paint in segments or areas until I am happy with it.

Unless there is a large area of a specific color, I stick to that one section of the painting, adding color bit by bit.”

Then something unexpected happened. Shane started showing his paintings to friends and clients, and much to his surprise they offered to buy them.

“Selling the pieces happened by word of mouth.

Look, I enjoy the challenge of it, but I’m the first to say I’m just amazed that there is a painting at the end of all of it!” he chuckles.

Shane’s works have been shown at the annual Art Walk in El Segundo as well as shows in Manhattan Beach and Venice.

For more on Shane’s work, go to theshanegallery.com. ■

82 |

“I LOVE NEON AND DILAPIDATION. I LOVE THE PATINA OF THE OLD AND THE GLOW OF THE PAST.”

parallel pursuits THE CO-OWNER OF HAMILTON BUTLER JEWELS, JONI HAMILTON, AND HER HUSBAND, JAZZ DRUMMER JEFF HAMILTON, PROVE YOU DON’T HAVE TO SACRIFICE YOUR DREAMS TO SUPPORT YOUR PARTNER’S. Written by Amber Klinck | Photographed by Shane O’Donnell

86 |

Joni and Jeff Hamilton are the kind of couple you want to go to dinner with.

They’re quick to laugh, they’re both genuinely passionate about what they do, and they often finish each other’s sentences like two friends retelling an inside joke (even if they sometimes disagree on the punchline).

Joni, co-owner of Hamilton Butler Jewels, opened the doors of the Hermosa Beach location with her partner, Shelia Butler, more than seven years ago. Jeff, a highly celebrated jazz drummer, has spent his career traveling the world—often sharing the stage with some of the industry’s most talented musicians.

Through 40 years of marriage, they have prioritized their individual pursuits—as well as their partner’s— supporting the paths necessary to make each other’s dreams come true. And from the sound of it, they’ve had a lot of fun along the way.

Jeff knew early on what he was meant to do. “There was a famous drummer named Gene Krupa,” he says.

“I was lying on the floor, watching a little black-andwhite TV, and it was ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’—the big drum solo. I said, ‘I want to do that.’”

His family was supportive of his musical inclinations, but they steered him toward the piano to start. “The line I like is: They made me play piano first. So I started piano at 5 and quit at 5:30,” Jeff laughs. “They had me wait until I was 8 years old to start the drums because they figured I was serious by that time.”

Originally from Richmond, Indiana, Jeff’s home was on the road for roughly seven years. “I didn’t live anywhere; I was on band buses. And then I moved [to Los Angeles] for a job opportunity in January ’78. A month after I met Joni,” he adds.

“He was traveling with the Woody Herman Orchestra

| 87

“I [TOLD HER], ‘I’VE GOT TO LET YOU KNOW, I’M PROBABLY GOING TO BE ON THE ROAD FOUR OR FIVE MONTHS A YEAR.’ AND SHE SAID, ‘DO YOU THINK I WANT YOU AROUND ALL THE TIME? I HAVE A LIFE.’ SO I THOUGHT, ‘OH THIS MIGHT BE THE ONE.’”

88 |

playing Carnation Plaza Gardens,” Joni notes. “Jeff was

What would you say if somebody your age said to you,

the drummer, and I thought he was rather handsome.

‘I think I’m too old?’ I’d say, ‘What are you, nuts? Go

A few weeks later he moved to Los Angeles, and thus

ahead, you’re not dead.’”

began a lovely relationship.”

The job opportunity was with the jazz quartet The L.A.

Jeff was on board from the get-go. “He’d been telling me for years to open a store,” Joni points out.

Four. It was a big break for the 24-year-old drummer

Hamilton Butler Jewels carries custom pieces as well

and an opportunity to play with a musician he deeply

as an assortment of designer lines—many of which are

admired: “Ray Brown, the great bassist,” Jeff notes. “I’d

exclusive in the South Bay. Additionally, Joni and Shelia

wanted to play with him since I was 10 years old.”

work with clients looking to repurpose old jewelry they no

During this time, Joni was working as a makeup artist

longer wear. And while it wasn’t necessarily the intent to

with NBC. The work was incredibly demanding, and life

primarily collaborate with other women-owned business-

was busy. So at the start of their courtship, when Jeff

es and designers, it’s been a rewarding experience.

intimated his tour schedule would keep him on the road quite a bit, Joni assured him that would not be a problem.

“I [told her], ‘I’ve got to let you know, I’m probably

“To be part of a community of women supporting each other has been so nice,” Joni says.

Of course, just like the rest of us, life looked a lot dif-

going to be on the road four or five months a year,’”

ferent for Joni and Jeff during COVID-19. For the first

Jeff remembers. “And she said, ‘Do you think I want

time in their marriage, Jeff wasn’t touring. And a new

you around all the time? I have a life.’ So I thought, ‘Oh

tradition was born. “We called it the Sunday COVID

this might be the one.’”

Concerts,” Joni says. While Jeff played, Joni made herself

For the first 20 years of marriage, Jeff was on the

comfortable and enjoyed a front-row seat to her own pri-

road roughly 180 days a year. “The longest was a three-

vate performance. “[It] was my favorite thing,” she says.

month world tour,” Jeff says. “That was ’89 when the

The energy exchange between a live audience and a

Berlin Wall came down.”

When Joni’s schedule allowed, she would travel with

performer is palpable. Having a shared experience with a crowd, whether at a sporting event or watching an

him. It soon became a priority to schedule time to

artist on a stage, is powerfully communal. So when the

travel together when Jeff wasn’t working. Life on the

time came to start touring again, the magnitude of the

road can be a grind. “I get paid to travel; I play music

moment was not lost on Jeff.

for free,” Jeff notes.

Joni stayed with NBC for 25 years before deciding to

“The experience was just … the hair’s standing on the back of my neck as I’m talking about it. Because

retire—though she was far from slowing down. “I’d

you’re offering what you have on stage, and you’re get-

always loved jewelry, and when I left [NBC], a jewelry

ting back even more excitement,” he points out.

designer asked me if I wanted to come to work with

Hamilton Butler Jewels just wrapped its seventh holi-

her. So I started working downtown in the jewelry

day season, and Jeff’s sought-after sound keeps him in

district,” she notes.

constant demand. As busy as they are individually, they

The two had a small line of jewelry they would sell to

both take time to celebrate each other’s successes.

stores, and eventually one of those stores made Joni an

“Jeff got a call from Herb Alpert last month. He asked

offer to manage their location. She accepted the offer,

a colleague of his, ‘Who’s the best brush player in town?

but her sights were set on something more.

And he was like, ‘Jeff Hamilton.’ So he called Jeff and

“I’d wanted to open my own store for a long time,

said, ‘I’ve got a tune, and I need you on it,’” Joni says.

but I thought I was too old,” Joni says. “I thought it

“Everything she’s done, she’s done really well,” Jeff

had passed me by. And then one day I was thinking,

adds. “We both love what we do.” ■

| 89

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| 91

Community Table A REDONDO BEACH COUPLE KEEPS A LOCAL FAVORITE ALIVE. Written by Jen Turquand

Fifteen years ago, when Shawn and Alethea Dufraine

restaurants on the street. Everything was going accord-

moved from Hermosa to South Redondo—hungry and

ing to plan, but a few short months later COVID-19 hit.

with a house full of boxes—they walked around the

Luckily, since they were considered an essential busi-

corner to Riviera Village and into the first restaurant

ness, they were allowed to stay open.

they came to: Casa Playa. Both fans of Mexican food, the cinematographer and the film director found their

order to get to know the community better. Those

spot and soon became regulars.

shared struggles and common experiences bonded them

Chatting with the owner, they expressed their love

to nearby restaurants L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Pedone’s

for traveling the world. In each country they visited,

Pizza & Deli and Hi-Fi Espresso. Soon they were all

they always fantasized about opening a Mexican

helping each other with suppliers and products.

restaurant. The owner soon became a friend and the restaurant a second home.

When their new friend was ready to sell, the couple

Once the world started opening back up, the couple focused on how they could not only serve tasty, fresh food but also do good for the community and the

didn’t have the capital to invest, so they said goodbye

planet. On certain nights they donate a percentage of

to that dream. Ownership changed, and the Dufraines

profits to neighbor Ten Thousand Villages, a fair-trade

befriended the new owner as well. Over time the staff

nonprofit. Alethea volunteers her time with the city of

became like family to them, keeping an eye on the

Redondo Beach, helping educate local businesses about

couple’s young son, Sebastian, and introducing him to

new composting regulations.

lots of firsts like guacamole!

“I try to be a good steward of the planet,” she says.

A few years later, on Taco Tuesday, the owner jok-

Casa Playa uses compostable or recyclable to-go con-

ingly asked if they would buy the restaurant. They con-

tainers, and their local vendor turns all the compost

sidered it a sign. Before they knew it the restaurant was

collected into mulch and gives it away for free at twice-

theirs, and they got the keys on Halloween night 2019.

yearly events held at Wilderness Park in Redondo Beach.

Shawn quit his job to run Casa Playa full time, and

When you walk into Casa Playa, you are greeted by

they started making changes—most notably adding

amazing smells and beach prints on the walls. Look

several plant-based menu items (Shawn is a vegetar-

closer, and you can see another example of how the art

ian). Most of the employees stayed on, and when Casa

of community-building drives this couple: The posters

Playa’s longtime cook retired, his son-in-law took

on the wall are John Van Hamersveld prints.

over, keeping things in the family.

Alethea kept her day job of producing films, but she also dove into forging relationships with other

92 |

The couple used the time during the stay-at-home

John is best known for designing record jackets from the 1960s onward and the film poster for The Endless Summer, not to mention the South Bay’s own BeachLife

Festival posters. John started his career in El Segundo and still lives locally. He visits Casa Playa frequently, refreshing his prints and even signing some from time to time.

In the corner sits a vintage record player, so while you get your Mexican food fix, you can also check out the vinyl collection and select one to listen to. You might even sit next to Riviera Hall students who have the lucky opportunity once a week to practice etiquette at local dining establishments. The students are known by name and food order by Casa Playa employees.

The food is delicious, with a variety of options featuring local products like small-batch tortillas made right here in SoCal. I am currently making my way through the menu, and so far my favorite is the salsa

FAMILY PHOTO BY GABI VANWINKLE

bar, which offers five types of fresh, house-made salsas ranging from mild to get me a beer ASAP! Once just a fun travel story and now a reality, Shawn and Alethea have created a welcoming space for the community that feeds all the senses and does good at the same time. Now that is an art. ■

| 93

Bring It Home LOGAN GOODMAN IS TAKING THE TRADITIONAL ART GALLERY AND FLIPPING IT ON ITS HEAD. Written by Quinn Roberts | Photographed by Adelaide Brannan

Logan Goodman, 28, knows what he likes. With a discerning eye, youthful ambition and South Bay roots,

work to find out what he truly enjoyed and could excel

he’s finding new ways to connect residents with up-

at. That transition started with his dad, who connected

and-coming artists.

him with an artist friend in Phoenix in need of repre-

“I saw a lot of the same photos everywhere. It has

sentation in Los Angeles. Logan soon added more cli-

made me find new artists,” says Logan. “I just know so

ents to his roster and connected with Michael Palumbo,

much more is out there besides that. My goal is to show

a real estate developer in Calabasas, to hang their art in

other artists that maybe you have or haven’t seen.”

Michael’s staged homes.

While at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach,

“I represented them based on what I liked and by

Logan focused so strongly on soccer that a future in

knowing what the clientele would like. With so many

the art world never crossed his mind. He never took

modern glass homes, I knew what would work and at

art classes or plugged in to social media—not even an

certain price points,” says Logan. “I wanted the art to

Instagram account. Ten years later, he is amazed at

be the focal point instead of it being the last thing.”

how much his interests have changed.

94 |

Logan spent two years in film school before starting

While Logan Goodman Art Gallery officially began

Bay residents—is local artist Richard Podgurski Jr., a talented photographer focused primarily on aerial and landscape images. One of Logan’s most well-known clients is Eric Zener, a Northern California artist who paints with water as a primary element.

While Logan’s age may be surprising to some, Candice CMC, another artist he represents, says this is something she never even thought about when working with him because he is so professional and has such a great eye.

“Good relationships with artists are important, and he’s mastered that. He’s kept me up to date on everything and has been up front from the beginning. That isn’t always the case with other people and galleries, so I really appreciate all of that.”

Her art consists of hundreds of sharp-focus photographic images of colorful donuts. Candice first photographs the donuts and then studies the characteristics of each so she can arrange them according to their tones, colors, values and intensity to create an iconic portrait. Logan has sold a few pieces for Candace in the South Bay—a location she never would have thought to sell her art since she is based in Long Island, New York.

That connection is key to Logan’s success. He’s digging deeper into artist collections and learning more in July 2018 when the first client piece sold, he started

about their backgrounds, motivations and processes in

the online gallery in August 2022 to make it easier for

the hopes of finding potential buyers in the South Bay.

the artist, the clients and himself. That first sale, which

Logan plans to expand his focus outside the South Bay

was a set of three glass sculpture bags by artist Dylan

and represent more artists in the future.

Martinez, gave him the confidence to move forward.

While many online art galleries provide only prints, Logan offers paintings, photographs, prints, ceram-

about the gallery, put each in an envelope with a wax

ics and sculptures. No artist is represented on his site

seal and left them at local homes in Manhattan Beach

until he’s sold at least one piece of their art. That is his

and Hermosa Beach. He’s already seen his hard work

promise to them.

pay off by selling a few pieces as a result. His next spot

He’s constantly on his phone combing through platforms like Artsy, 1stDibs, Pinterest, YouTube and

will likely be Palos Verdes.

“It was such a slow process in the beginning,” says

Instagram. Currently he works with nine artists who

Logan. “As time has gone on, I’m mature enough to

are located throughout the country.

now say this is my brand, and I’ve found what I like. I

One of his clients—who is familiar to some South

96 |

Until then, he is pounding the pavement. He recently made 200 postcards with a QR code and information

feel comfortable and am confident.” ■

SEEN

Torrance Memorial 39th Holiday Festival Gala Torrance Memorial’s 39th Holiday Festival Gala was held under the big white tent on December 2. Nearly 600 guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing. More than $1.5 million was raised to support the future Torrance Memorial emergency department expansion and the Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute.

Mike Gleason, Sandi Gleason, Kathi Colligan, Perry Colligan, Laurie McCarthy, Tom McCarthy, Jamie Buckstaff, Ken Buckstaff

Pat Lucy and Rich Lucy

Sam Sheth and Kay Sheth

Priscilla Hunt and Brenda Nowotka

Pat Theodora, Ellen Theodora, London Theodora, Sandii Minshull, Lee Minshull

Volunteer Auxiliary Donates $182,707 to Torrance Memorial On January 6, the volunteer Auxiliary at Torrance Memorial PHOTOGRAPHED BY DIEDRE DAVIDSON & VINCE RIOS

presented a donation of $182,707.52 to the Torrance Memorial Foundation. The funds support the many programs and innovative treatments bringing exceptional care to the South Bay community. Thank you to the volunteers who made this possible by generously giving their time and fundraising efforts throughout 2022, including nearly 97,000 hours of volunteer service.

Laura Schenasi, Keith Hobbs, Mark Lurie, MD, Betty Broughton, Helen Metzler | 97

– LAUREN FORBES, LAUREN FORBES GROUP

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING

“When I start a relationship with a new client, I want them to know that I am their real estate partner for life. I want to make sure their decisions are in line with the current real estate market and that they are making an investment or selling an asset that is best for them given their circumstances. It is always their decision, but I want to make sure they have all of the information to make it. So many clients become dear friends, and if I can help make their lives better in any way beyond the transaction, I’m in!”

R E A L E S TAT E Buying or selling a home can be a roller-coaster ride. It is crucial to have a capable, experienced, trustworthy professional—or a team of them—by your side. Here we share our annual real estate profiles section, showcasing some of the most accomplished professionals of the South Bay. Whether you are merely seeking advice about your property or you are ready to initiate a transaction, the pros you see on the following pages welcome an opportunity to offer assistance.

100

LAUREN FORBES GROUP | COMPASS

114

102

JENNY MORANT & TYLER MORANT JENNY MORANT GROUP | COMPASS

TERRY NIEMANN TERRANEA REAL ESTATE

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104

STEVEN MULLINS VISTA SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

HOLLY DANNA COMPASS

116

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DAVE KING COMPASS

KAREN ANDERSON THE PRESTIGE TEAM | KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY L.A. HARBOR

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JOHN BATHURST JOHN BATHURST GROUP | COMPASS

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LISA Y. LEVIN STRAND HILL PROPERTIES

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KATHLEEN CARTIER & SLOANE SANDERS THE CARTIER SANDERS TEAM

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LILY LIANG STRAND HILL | FORBES GLOBAL PROPERTIES

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THE KONDO GROUP | COMPASS

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DIAN MCMANUS THE AGENCY

RACHEL EZRA VISTA SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

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SCOT NICOL, NICOLE ODOM-REIS, JACQUI WITHERS NICOL REAL ESTATE GROUP | COMPASS

WRITTEN BY LAURA L. WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL & LAUREN TAYLOR

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REAL ESTATE

LAUREN FORBES GROUP | COMPASS

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auren Forbes, owner of Lauren Forbes Group, has worked in real estate for more than 22 years. She is a graduate of UC Irvine and Loyola Law School and practiced law for eight years before transitioning to real estate. Three years ago, she joined Compass as a founding member of the Manhattan Beach office.

A licensed broker, Lauren leads an eightperson team that is ranked by RealTrends in the top 1.49% of more than 1.6 million licensed Realtors® nationwide.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Lauren Forbes: Real estate affords me the opportunity to meet new people every day and help them find a home—I love that. My purpose has shifted over the years, and as I get older, the most important thing to me is making a difference in people’s lives. Homes have become more and more significant for people through the pandemic. For many it is now their gym, office and theatre—it’s where they connect and find joy. In addition, second homes have become even more critical for those wanting to travel often and share time with family and friends. I love that I can be a part of bringing people together and helping them find their place in this world.

HOW DOES YOUR TEAM MAKE THE SOUTH BAY A BETTER PLACE? Lauren: Our team is a group of incredible people who strive to make positive impacts wherever we go. Trevi started a group to help women find new purpose after divorce.

Bri devotes hours to Sandpipers and always holds a committee position. Roma is a Bronze Sponsor for the Special Children’s League South Bay, which raised $170,000 in 2022 for individuals with developmental disabilities. I am on the board of Freedom 4U, and I volunteer at the American Martyrs separation and divorce support group. We donate regularly to the local education foundations, city events and charities.

WHAT IS YOUR TEAM KNOWN FOR? Lauren: Our team is known for professionalism, intelligence, integrity, consistency and hard work. Here’s what our clients have to say: “Lauren Forbes and her team are the go-to Realtors if you want to buy or sell your home in Manhattan Beach. We’ve worked with them on the purchase and sale of three properties in the past year and are continually impressed by their market expertise and professionalism. Lauren is extremely diligent with the contractual elements of the transaction, and their team manages the process from start to finish very smoothly.” – Ann & Colin Cowherd, host on Fox Sports Radio “Lauren and team set the platinum standard for the home-selling experience. Aside from her outstanding acumen and execution of the luxury real estate market and sales process, it is her authenticity, honesty and exemplary communication skills that set her apart. Thank you to the entire team!”

– Betsy McLaughlin, former CEO of Hot Topic WHAT GIVES YOU AN EDGE? Roma Barba: Palos Verdes expertise and depth of knowledge in the equestrian community is my edge. I’m a member of the Compass Equestrian Division, a national network of vetted equestrian specialists dedicated to serving clientele in horse communities. There’s a lot that goes into owning an equestrian property, and it’s important to entrust an agent who lives the lifestyle and has the depth of knowledge so no detail is overlooked for both the client and the horse(s).

WHAT SETS YOU APART? Bri Haydis: Being on one of the top teams in the area. Other agents and teams know we get the deal done. We are in the top networking groups and have access to

off-market properties. I was helping out-oftown buyers look for a property in 2022, and there was not a lot of inventory. I called the top local agents and found something offmarket. My clients immediately came to see it and put an offer in that was accepted. Only a few other Realtors knew about this property.

If it wasn’t for the reputation of Lauren Forbes Group, I wouldn’t have found this home.

HOW DOES YOUR BACKGROUND ENHANCE YOUR WORK IN REAL ESTATE? Trevi O’Neill: Prior to becoming a Realtor, I was a doctor helping run a charitable foundation in the health care industry.

Wanting to continue to be of service to my community, I formed a group for women to start a new chapter in their lives after divorce. I love making a difference for other people. The South Bay has so much to offer, and there are endless opportunities for adventure. This sparked my family to start a travel influencer company called The Adventure Buddies. Not only do we show people how to travel, but we highlight fun, local activities in our incredible hometown.

WHAT DISTINGUISHES YOU AS A TOP PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR FIELD? Jagger Kroener: My clientele reflects the next generation of homeowners and real estate investors: young tech and finance professionals looking to build portfolios and long-term wealth in South Bay real estate.

We advise them on buying their first home, but our services extend to vacation homes, investment property, out-of-state property, 1031 exchanges and much more. Our team constantly rethinks industry norms and pushes further through technology, design, high-end collateral and luxury service— leading to hyperlocal knowledge and private access available solely to our clients.

Disclaimer: Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the state of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License #01991628.

1221 HERMOSA AVE., SUITE 210, HERMOSA BEACH | 310-901-8512 | LAURENFORBESGROUP.COM @LAURENFORBESGROUP | DRE #01295248

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L to R: Kelsey Riggan, Bri Haydis, Roma Barba, Lauren Forbes, Michelle Ramkissoon, Jagger Kroener, Trevi O’Neill

REAL ESTATE

JENNY MORANT & TYLER MORANT

Jenny Morant Group | Compass

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he Jenny Morant Group is a team of Realtors®, led by president Jenny Morant and vice president Tyler Morant, that specializes in luxury single-family homes and multiunit residential income properties. Jenny earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Colorado Boulder and also has a degree in fashion merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She started working as a Realtor in 2010 and has managed her family’s portfolio of residential units since 2007—allowing her to bring a long-term investment perspective to clients.

Tyler earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School. His diverse business background includes working as a sports agent for X Games and Olympic athletes and as an attorney for early-stage start-ups in Silicon Beach and across the country. Tyler retired from law practice in 2021 to join the Jenny Morant Group.

WHAT IS YOUR TEAM KNOWN FOR? Jenny and Tyler are known for being pragmatic negotiators who can handle the most complicated residential real estate transactions. They have extensive experience in preselling new-construction homes and remodels and selling properties with issues affecting the title. Their backgrounds give them a tool set that is second to none for handling these complicated transactions.

Jenny has extensive experience with construction and remodeling, so she is able to help clients select finishes and identify what to be most concerned with. Tyler has extensive experience negotiating and resolving disputes with commercial agreements, so he knows how to structure the deal to best protect clients’ interests.

WHAT SETS YOU APART PROFESSIONALLY? In addition to our team’s expertise in managing complex transactions, we are known

for our customer service throughout each phase of the transaction. The core themes that dictate our customer service experience are: (1) we listen to our clients, (2) we educate our clients, (3) we are up front and honest and (4) we tend to our clients from beginning to end.

We recognize that each client has different needs, interests and personal style, so listening helps us get our clients the home they want. We live and breathe real estate every day, but our clients do not—that is why our client onboarding experience has an emphasis on education. We advise clients about the real estate transaction, the market and overall real estate investment strategy.

Being attentive to clients during every phase of the real estate experience is an important component of our success. It also means we work to set realistic expectations at the outset. We are always transparent—even if it’s not what the clients want to hear.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR ENSURING A SUCCESSFUL DEAL? For sellers, it is important that you properly vet your buyer before accepting an offer.

Financials are just one aspect of their suitability. Other factors include who they are (is it an end user or investor/developer?), whether this is the buyer’s first time buying a home, and the feedback the agent has gotten from the buyer about your home (is it positive or negative?).

Also, disclose to your agent everything you know about the property—good and bad—before going live with the listing. The more information you can share at the outset, the greater trust you build with the buyer and the more likely you will close the deal.

For buyers, get prepared before writing your offer. That means lining up financing and preparing a budget for the inspections you want to perform. Do not skimp on or be put off by inspections. Most issues can be fixed with a bit of manpower and money.

WHAT GIVES YOU AN EDGE? Tyler: Jenny gives us our edge, full stop.

She listens to her clients’ wants and needs and always delivers. She has this uncanny ability to interpret what a client’s tastes are and connect them with the exact house that matches their style and personal needs. And her vast network of agents and service providers gives her a leg up on every deal that is coming to market. Who you know matters, and no social media posts or advertising will ever overcome that.

Jenny: Tyler’s experience in commercial transactions helps us craft deals that are in our client’s favor. His belief that good paper makes good relationships has been a major factor in helping our team smoothly close deals where construction or remodeling need to be finished before closing.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE IN REAL ESTATE THIS YEAR, SPECIFICALLY IN THE SOUTH BAY? We believe the South Bay will continue to see increases in prices, albeit not as great as the increases we have witnessed over the last two years. The South Bay is a very desirable market, no matter what type of market we are in (bull or bear). We think the first half of 2023 will see the slowest price increases because of the projected interest rate increases, but we think the second half will see the number of transactions and prices pick up as the Fed begins to get less hawkish on inflation. We also think inventory is going to remain low throughout this year again, which will keep prices up.

The rental market appears to be following a similar path, as more buyers have exited the market with the increased cost of borrowing. We also believe inventory will remain low and will keep rents high.

Disclaimer: Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the state of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License #01991628.

1221 HERMOSA AVE. #210, HERMOSA BEACH | 424-409-8976 | JENNYMORANT.COM | @JENNY_MORANT | DRE #01874517, 02155473

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REAL ESTATE

STEVEN MULLINS

Vista Sotheby’s International Realty

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teven Mullins helps buyers and sellers navigate the purchase and sale process of primary residences, vacation homes and multifamily income properties throughout the South Bay. After graduating from UCLA and Loyola Law School, he practiced law for 15 years as a corporate mergers and acquisitions attorney and then associate general counsel supporting commercial, real estate and multifamily businesses. He also served in law enforcement as a reserve Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy. Steve obtained his broker license in 2005 and pursued the real estate business on a part-time basis until 2016, when he transitioned away from law to pursue real estate full time.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR PEERS? I bring a completely different skill set and experience to the table than other Realtors®. There are a few others with a law background, but I don’t know of many with 15 years of legal experience in M&A, corporate, transactional and real estate law. I have the added benefit of working in the real estate industry for many of those years, so I have hands-on, practical real estate experience and relationships coupled with my legal expertise.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE POTENTIAL CLIENTS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? My approach to my real estate business, like my legal work, is simple. Above all else, my client comes first. My ethical responsibility to my client means honesty and transparency to all involved in the process, along with working tirelessly to achieve their unique goals. Listening to and advocating for them during a stressful process allows me to earn their trust and form a long-lasting relationship. Earning their confidence to refer me to their friends and family as their real estate resource is the ultimate compliment!

WHAT DISTINGUISHES YOU AS A TOP PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR FIELD? Real estate is the place where my personal interests and professional strengths collide. As a resident for 23 years, I have a strong knowledge and love of the South Bay communities. I’m passionate about navigating the challenging, ever-changing industry with the ultimate goal of helping my clients find their perfect home or investment.

WHAT GIVES YOU AN EDGE? It is paramount to have someone with the experience to navigate the negotiation process and maximize the client’s position as well as strong relationships with other agents to help bring parties together. I tap into my legal background to negotiate on behalf of my clients whether they are buying or selling. Over the years, I have established solid working relationships within the real estate community. In addition, I am a member of an elite, multiagency, highly collaborative networking group that shares leads on pocket listings and properties before they come to market—giving my clients an early opportunity to view them.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BUYERS IN THE CURRENT MARKET? Many buyers are on the fence as we enter 2023. I completely understand the hesitancy, but we must consider that our inventory remains low and the desire to live in our communities is strong. I don’t think these factors will change anytime soon. Buyers are deciding if now is the right time, given higher interest rates and continued limited inventory, but my advice continues to be that buyers should look at their situation and evaluate their spending power. It is not necessarily about the purchase price but more about how much they are comfortable spending each month. If the home fits within your budget at today’s rates and it makes sense for you or your family to buy, then buy.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MARKET THIS YEAR? The South Bay provides unique small communities with outstanding schools, engaged citizens and public services that the remote workforce will continue to be drawn toward. This creates a strong demand for those looking to own their own home as well as those looking to rent. I think this demand for rentals will continue to increase during the higher interest rate environment.

This will create an opportunity for those looking to buy rental properties. I see those with cash taking advantage of what will be less competition for local investment properties. I continue to get calls for both small and large investment properties.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I wake up every morning and can’t wait to get my workday started. Whether I’m running on The Strand, meeting new clients or attending a school event, it is great to see friends, coworkers and clients enjoying the unique environment that I am so fortunate to live and work within.

Real estate provides me an opportunity to engage in a business that is both personal and professional. I also love that I can utilize my legal background and calm demeanor to help my clients feel less stressed and more confident throughout what can be an emotional process.

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY? I live in Hermosa Beach with my wife, son and daughter. I was in Manhattan Beach for a few years, but we decided to move to Hermosa and stay there to raise our family. I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation board and the Hermosa Beach Little League board, and I’m a member of the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce.

916 MANHATTAN AVE., MANHATTAN BEACH | 310-901-4687 | STEVENMULLINS.COM | @STEVENMULLINSREALESTATE | DRE #01487977

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REAL ESTATE

DAVE KING

Compass

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fter working for eight years with Vista Sotheby’s International Realty, Realtor® Dave King moved to Compass last February. He started his working life as a music teacher and football coach and then became a television actor and host, working for 14 years on home shopping channel QVC. He is a husband, a father of three and a member of the board of directors of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

HOW DOES YOUR BACKGROUND ENHANCE YOUR WORK IN REAL ESTATE? As a teacher at heart, I love educating my clients about the intricacies of the real estate market and escrow process. As an actorturned-QVC program host, I told thousands of stories during my 14,000+ hours of live TV. That skill set gives me the unique ability to tell the story of my clients. Who you choose to tell your story matters!

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR PEERS IN REAL ESTATE? Unparalleled client service. I always put myself in my client’s position and do whatever it takes to assuage their concerns, answer their questions and relentlessly advocate on their behalf.

WHAT GIVES YOU AN EDGE? This is a relationship business. I pride myself on having a good relationship with most of the top agents in the South Bay. My clients benefit from that relationship because I can provide key market knowledge, off-market properties and sales information.

I am an agent who other agents look forward to working with. I provide unparalleled service, and I work exclusively with a limited number of clients until they are completely satisfied before taking on new clients. This process is critical in maintaining my “service first” reputation as a Realtor.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? Without question, what I love most about my work as a Realtor is telling my clients’ stories or the story of their homes. Buying or selling a home is much more than just numbers. It is an emotional, life-changing event. When all is said and done, sellers and buyers want the same thing: the best price! But sellers also want buyers to love their home as much as they do. As your listing Realtor, it is my job to help potential buyers see the value you place on your home beyond dollars and cents, because it is a part of the fabric of your life. As your buying Realtor, it is my job to encourage sellers to see you as more than just another offer. I will show them who you are and why selling their home to you is the best decision they can possibly make!

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE POTENTIAL CLIENTS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? That when they are watching television and they see an actor that makes them think, “Is that Dave King?” … it probably is!

HOW DO YOU HELP YOUR CLIENTS BEAT THE COMPETITION? While it may seem simplistic, having the answer to one key question: “What’s it gonna take to get this done?” Then putting together the plan to do just that. You beat the competition through diligent preparation, relentless pursuit of market knowledge and opportunities, and consistently capitalizing on key relationships that foster the desired results.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR ENSURING A SUCCESSFUL DEAL? Transparency and flexibility. It is always best to be completely honest when it comes to a real estate transaction. I tell my sellers, “When in doubt, disclose.” I tell my buyers, “Be up front with issues affecting the escrow.” Transparency ensures trust, and flexibility gets the deal done.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BUYERS IN THE CURRENT MARKET? Be ready. By that I mean be preapproved— have your financing in place. Be specific— know what you are looking for, and if the property meets 90% of your “must-haves,” make an offer. Be aggressive—make an offer that the seller will have a hard time saying “no” to. Beyond price, make the terms attractive to the seller.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MARKET THIS YEAR? I anticipate a myriad of new programs from lenders incorporating adjustable-rate mortgages in response to the rising interest rates.

Adjustable-rate mortgages represented 12% of the mortgages nationally in November 2022 versus 3% in 2021.

IS STAGING A HOME WORTH THE COST? That’s a great question. We know that staged homes sell faster and at higher prices, but think of it this way: You’re hiring a professional because this is important.

Most brides do their hair and makeup every day, but on their wedding day they hire a pro, right? When it comes to your home, you should do the same.

WHAT IMPACT HAS SOCIAL MEDIA HAD ON YOUR BUSINESS? 95% of home buyers start their home search online, so it is imperative that your Realtor have a presence online. In addition to my website, I have nearly 50,000 followers on my social media pages on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. I can get a client’s home in front of tens of thousands of potential buyers in a fun, informative and entertaining way. All of my listings and open houses are posted on Instagram and Facebook, and nothing makes me happier than when someone walks into my open house and says they loved the video and wanted to see the home in person.

1221 HERMOSA AVE., SUITE 210, HERMOSA BEACH | 310-563-5185 HOMESFITFORAKING.COM | @HOMESFITFORAKING | DRE #01930073

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JOHN BATHURST

John Bathurst Group | Compass

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ohn Bathurst is the principal and team leader for the John Bathurst Group, a full-service brokerage based in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach and operating under the Compass umbrella. John joined South Bay Brokers in 2015, just before it was acquired by Vista Sotheby’s. In 2018 he joined Compass as a founding member in the South Bay. John earned a marketing and finance degree at Cal State Long Beach and worked for 30 years as a sales and marketing executive with Nordstrom, Ralph Lauren, Quiksilver and Speedo. He decided to pursue real estate in 2014—a transition that was seamless thanks to his extensive brand, sales and marketing experience.

WHAT IS YOUR TEAM KNOWN FOR? Our team is focused on one thing: our clients. We want to be our clients’ real estate advisors for life—just like your financial advisor is for your portfolio. This goes way beyond just buying and selling real estate. We want to make sure every purchase or sale meets your goals and aspirations and is meaningful. Whether it’s making a house a home, selling your home and transitioning to a new home or making the right investment, we want to help our clients make the best possible decisions.

HOW DOES YOUR BACKGROUND ENHANCE YOUR WORK IN REAL ESTATE? My sales and marketing background has had a major impact on my career and success in real estate. Whether I am marketing a new listing, providing sound sales advice or providing relevant data to make good decisions, I am a professional and always looking to give the best advantages to my clients.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love people and being part of the

South Bay community. I am in the people business. I love sharing my local knowledge and passing it on to all my clients. I absolutely cherish the relationships I have with my clients before, during and after an escrow. The real estate process can be very emotional and stressful, and I want to bring comfort to my clients and take the edge off—making it as smooth as possible.

From the initial consultation with my buyers and sellers to closing their transaction, my clients know my team is supporting them every step of the way.

Even after handing them the keys or setting up the move to their new house, I am there to help with all their needs. I am extremely grateful my clients have chosen to work and put their trust in me. This is probably why a large percentage of my business comes from past clients and referrals.

Also, I love the empowerment of being an entrepreneur and the flexibility to balance my business, family and personal time. I have three boys—Kai, Caden and Jett—so having the flexibility to spend valuable time with them is as important as running a business.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BUYERS IN THE CURRENT MARKET? If you are a buyer in any market, it is exciting.

We can always find the right opportunity because it starts with being committed to becoming a homeowner and building longterm wealth. In this current market, you have more leverage with sellers than you did a year ago. Sellers were in the driver’s seat and making almost no concessions.

It may take a bit longer to find the perfect home because of the lack of homes available, but the good news is you have less competition. Yes, interest rates have more than doubled in the past year, but if you look at the historical data, the rates are still very favorable.

Keep in mind: When rates drop, more buyers will enter the market and you will have more competition. You can always refinance when the rates drop. If you have funds for the down payment and are comfortable with the monthly payment, now is a great time to buy. I do think the best strategy is understanding clients’ long-term goals and deciding what will be the best scenario for them.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE IN REAL ESTATE THIS YEAR, SPECIFICALLY IN THE SOUTH BAY? It will be an interesting year, no doubt. I think the spring market will be active but more like the second half of 2022. There will be fewer homes coming on the market, and although buyer demand has decelerated, homes will sell but take a bit more time.

The opportunity for buyers is less competition in the market and getting more seller concessions. Sellers have a great opportunity because home inventory is low and there are fewer competing properties.

If the home is in great shape, priced accordingly and marketed properly, the seller should be happy with the result.

There are also opportunities for investors—especially homes that need work.

Since some buyers have pulled out of the market for the time being, they will continue to rent … so acquiring rental properties is a great investment strategy. Every situation will be different. Having an experienced and knowledgeable agent guiding you will be very important in 2023.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE POTENTIAL CLIENTS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I am a fierce competitor, an honest and hardworking Realtor, and a loyal and committed friend and neighbor. I look for the right answer, and the glass is always half full. I’m also a lot of fun.

1221 HERMOSA AVE., SUITE 1221, HERMOSA BEACH | 310-595-5705 | JOHNBATHURSTGROUP.COM @JOHNBATHURSTGROUP | DRE #01977487

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KATHLEEN CARTIER & SLOANE SANDERS

The Cartier Sanders Team

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ealtors® Kathleen Cartier and Sloane Sanders are a mother-daughter team specializing in residential real estate in the South Bay and beyond, including home buying and selling, investment properties, new construction and development, and corporate relocation. Their real estate careers span a combined 50 years.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS IN THE CURRENT MARKET? Finding a trusted source for your real estate news is going to be critical for the next 12 to 24 months. As we continue to see shifts in the market, we will also see scary media marketing headlines that generate fear and can lead to analysis paralysis. As real estate advisors, we provide insightful, honest information to ease clients’ concerns and formulate a game plan for their real estate goals while acknowledging the ever-changing market. Whether it’s a simple conversation about the current market, interest rates,

inventory, or buying and selling a home, we are here for you to lean on through the good, the bad, and the not-so-pretty ebbs and flows of the real estate market.

HOW DO YOU HELP YOUR CLIENTS BEAT THE COMPETITION? Experience, market knowledge, agent relationships, strong negotiation skills, creativity and a competitive drive to succeed. At a minimum, these attributes open the doors that ultimately allow our clients to have the opportunity to not only compete but prevail in a competitive situation or otherwise.

DOES STAGING ACTUALLY HELP? We wholeheartedly believe that presentation is a key component for selling your home in the shortest amount of time and for the most money. Over the last five years, that belief has morphed into a 900-square-foot storage unit that allows us to provide unique staging services for our clients. We can elevate a

client’s existing furnishings with our design eye and inventory of accessories, artwork, pillows, plants and more. This has been wildly successful; the transformation surprises our clients to the point they don’t want to move!

WHAT IS YOUR TEAM KNOWN FOR? Hands-down our clients and peers know us for our passion to achieve a successful transaction, our expansive knowledge and experience executing contracts and negotiations, and our absolute attention to detail. Kathleen has built a reputation over the last 40 years of looking after clients and agents alike. Her impeccable due diligence and fiduciary duty to all parties involved show her dedication to the business and positive transactional outcomes. As for Sloane, let’s just say the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.

Disclaimer: Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the state of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License #01991628.

1221 HERMOSA AVE., SUITE #210, HERMOSA BEACH | 310-874-4106 | THECARTIERSANDERSTEAM.COM IG: @THECARTIERSANDERSTEAM | FB: THE CARTIER SANDERS TEAM | DRE #00874556, 01899835

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REAL ESTATE

L to R: Victoria Brown Paullin, Poul Erik Norgaard, Michelle Nishide, Lisa Martini, Meg Puccinelli, Tadashi Kondo, Mora Sepehrnia, Lorena Andrade, Shima Razipour, Aly Bassanelli Hill, Hanna Raine Carlson, Amanda Krampert

THE KONDO GROUP | COMPASS

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he Kondo Group is a team of real estate agents working under the umbrella of Compass. Started by Tadashi Kondo in 2014, The Kondo Group is comprised of 13 agents and staff members with more than 60 years of combined experience and a wide range of backgrounds and degrees. For the last few years, they have been included in the top California 100 teams with RealTrends, and they are part of the 2023 Real Estate All-Stars

by Los Angeles Magazine.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MARKET THIS YEAR? After going through a hot market these past few years, we are now seeing a stabilization in the housing market. Though inventory is still tight—causing home prices to remain historically high—we are seeing a golden opportunity for buyers. There is now a greater chance for buyers to

purchase homes in the neighborhoods they’ve been eyeing, negotiate the purchase price and ask for repairs.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR ENSURING A SUCCESSFUL DEAL? Communication, communication, communication. Every transaction is different, and managing each escrow diligently is of utmost importance. Whether we are representing a seller or a buyer, we must set expectations from the get-go with our clients and the agent we are working with. We make sure our clients are aware of the market, risks and what to expect so they aren’t blindsided. At the end of the day, we are all working on the same goal: to get the home sold.

WHAT GIVES YOU THE EDGE? Our headquarters are in Rancho Palos Verdes, where we are the biggest team in the area. With 13 agents and staff, we have

better connections, better efficiency, indepth guidance and more effective marketing campaigns than your average Realtor®.

When a client works with one of our agents, they get the support of our whole team and administrative staff. We believe that more resources combined with unparalleled service equals a better real estate experience.

IS STAGING A HOME WORTH THE COST? Staging a home is 100% worth it in certain scenarios. But keep in mind, it doesn’t work for every home. Staged homes are easier for buyers to visualize the space and layout of a particular room. According to the National Association of Realtors, 95% of staged homes sell at or above list price. They stand out from the crowd, which is key if a seller needs to sell quickly. Getting a home ready to sell is stressful, but we’re here to guide you through the entire home-preparation process!

550 SILVER SPUR RD., SUITE 110, RANCHO PALOS VERDES | 310-740-5742 | THEKONDOGROUP.COM | @THEKONDOGROUP | DRE #01438455 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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DIAN MCMANUS

The Agency

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ian McManus is an award-winning real estate agent who works with The Agency South Bay. She brings to the table more than a decade of experience in the private wealth management and banking realm in Los Angeles and New York. Dian is a Palos Verdes Specialist, a member of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Horsemen’s Association and part of the Palos Verdes Association of Realtors®, where she is involved with the scholarship and fundraising committee for Palos Verdes schools.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR PEERS? The real estate business is very personal and delicate. It has many nuances and is not for the faint of heart. Feeling the emotions your client is going through is extremely important.

Being positive and passionate about what you do helps create outstanding results. I put my clients’ best interests at heart, am diligent in my work and provide impeccable, white-glove service. I am passionate for luxury as a lifestyle and love treating my clients like royalty.

I love fashion and architecture. I agree with Oscar Wilde: “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” And if I may add: You can never be overprepared. Success comes from the attention and the extra work you put into what you do, and it will show. I also have a designer’s eye and a talent for and experience with beautiful design and tasteful style. I also love horses and am a fervent Francophile. I am bold but have a soft heart. I am fiercely passionate about life, people and animals. I am definitely not a cookie-cutter entity.

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT LAST YEAR? In December I spread my wings and became an independent solo agent, which brought my proud move to The Agency.

Inman has named The Agency the Top Luxury Brokerage of 2022—the highest honor in luxury real estate. The Agency is highly selective about who they bring in, and I am grateful for the warm welcome and immense support I have received. The firm’s real estate occu-soap TV show, Buying Beverly Hills, currently airs on Netflix. Binge away!

WHAT GIVES YOU THE EDGE IN YOUR AREA? I love where I live, work and play passionately. I love sharing with prospective clients the lifestyle they could have living in the area. Hearing it firsthand from me as a proud resident, homeowner and entrepreneur who gives back to the community counts a lot.

DO YOU INVOLVE YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR WORK? Yes. They support my business fully. Whenever I need an extra hand, my husband, daughters, mom, parents-in-law and brother are always willing to help. I feel so blessed and lucky!

310-980-7034 | THEAGENCYRE.COM/AGENT/DIAN-MCMANUS | @MADAMEDARLING | DRE #02080334

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REAL ESTATE

SCOT NICOL, NICOLE ODOM-REIS, JACQUI WITHERS

Nicol Real Estate Group | Compass

F

ormed in 2016, the Nicol Real Estate Group specializes in residential, multifamily, commercial, development and investment transactions in the South Bay. The team consists of Realtors® Scot Nicol, Nicole Odom-Reis and Jacqui Withers.

Scot is a Los Angeles native and has worked in real estate since 2006. Nicole was raised in the South Bay and is a second-generation Realtor, following in her mother’s footsteps.

Jacqui is a lifelong resident of Palos Verdes and the South Bay with more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage and real estate industry.

WHAT IS YOUR TEAM KNOWN FOR? The personal touch. We value people over profit and focus on helping our clients achieve their goals. As the market has shifted over the past months, we have been tasked with helping our clients navigate the waters. Sometimes you have to take a step back to take two steps forward.

WHAT SETS YOU APART? There is no sales gimmick with us. We are up front, honest and hardworking. We are all involved in our communities and share that finger-on-the-pulse knowledge with clients.

emotions from the deal so you are not making emotional decisions. Having an agent you trust who is willing to keep you as informed as they are on the market makes the process that much more enjoyable.

WHAT IS YOUR TEAM’S GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT OVER THE PAST YEAR? 100% client retention. 2022 saw canceled listings and changing of agents. We retained all our clients and even gained a few.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE POTENTIAL CLIENTS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? We believe in clients for life. Trust is our foundation, and honesty is something we do not take lightly. We are facilitators, not salespeople working toward a quota. Clients are people and families, not numbers on a page to brag about on social media. When you put the client first, you build a client and friend for life.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MARKET THIS YEAR? Last year we saw a 15% decrease in overall inventory. That will be made up at some point this year. We’re advising our clients to be ready to move for the right property.

Rates change, but the right house may only come up once every 10 years.

HOW DO YOU ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL DEAL? Listen to the professionals. Separate

WHY IS WORKING WITH A TEAM HELPFUL? Knowing you will always have someone licensed and experienced there to help is a great feeling. We are all hands-on, and we lean on each other’s expertise to yield a wonderful result.

550 SILVER SPUR RD., SUITE 110, RANCHO PALOS VERDES | 310-529-5286 | NICOLREALESTATE.COM | @NICOREALESTATEGROUP @NICOLE_ODOM_REIS | @JACQUIWITHERSREALESTATE | DRE #01918400, 02050314, 1225250 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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REAL ESTATE

TERRY NIEMANN

Terranea Real Estate

T

erranea Real Estate began as the sales team for luxury developer-owned Villas and Casitas at Terranea Resort.

When the available properties recently sold out, the firm transitioned to serving as the real estate team for owners looking to resell their Villa or Casita. Terry Niemann, who worked with Terranea Real Estate for eight years right after the resort opened, left her post to sell homes at The Residences of Rolling Hills Country Club community. After the successful sell-out of those 114 homes, she returned to Terranea to help launch the new full-service residential brokerage along with Ted Lennon, senior vice president of Lowe—Terranea’s original developer.

WHAT IS NEW FOR TERRANEA REAL ESTATE IN 2023?

2023 is a monumental year for Terranea Real Estate. With only the occasional resales available at Terranea, we’re now offering our real estate services to buyers and sellers across the entire Palos Verdes Peninsula—making Terranea Real Estate a full-service brokerage. Our headquarters will still be at Terranea Resort, and we’ll be able to leverage our access to the thousands of outof-town visitors who stay at Terranea throughout the year—many of whom are charmed by the South Bay and Peninsula and desire to call the area home.

Also new this year is a waiting list for those interested in buying a Terranea Villa or Casita. Due to our engagement with guests who have the desire to own a home here, when we don’t have the inventory, we are still able to introduce them to homes across the Hill. This gives us an edge over other brokerages.

WHAT IS YOUR HISTORY IN THE SOUTH BAY? As a longtime resident, I raised my children here and was very involved in their schools’ parent associations, community service groups and sports leagues. I am delighted to help clients navigate the different neighborhoods and unique personalities of the communities in the South Bay and on the Hill.

HOW DOES YOUR BACKGROUND ENHANCE YOUR WORK ?

I have a background in marketing and was formerly the president of an advertising agency specializing in real estate. I like to view our clients’ listed homes from the perspective of a buyer.

When finding a new home for a client, I focus on their lifestyle and needs. It’s all about matching the right property with the right people. My designations include Palos Verdes Specialist, which allows me to give our clients the unique history and insight into each of our four cities on the Hill: Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates. Based on sales volume, I was named a Real Estate All-Star top producer by Los Angeles Magazine for 2021, 2022 and 2023.

100 TERRANEA WAY, RANCHO PALOS VERDES | 310-947-4317 | TERRANEAREALESTATE.COM @TERRANEA_REAL_ESTATE | DRE #01909111, #01774333

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REAL ESTATE

HOLLY DANNA

Compass

H

olly Danna and her family relocated to Los Angeles in 2011 from New York City. Before transitioning to her career in real estate, Holly was a fashion executive working in product development and design for Macy’s Merchandising and private consulting firms.

HOW DOES YOUR BACKGROUND ENHANCE YOUR WORK? Having a creative background combined with financial analysis skills has benefited my real estate career. I grew up in a family that prioritized home ownership and real estate investments, so my enthusiasm for the industry was shaped from a young age.

WHAT DISTINGUISHES YOU AS A TOP REAL ESTATE PRO? My negotiation skills and aesthetic presentation of the home (for sellers) distinguish me and my business. My professionalism, problem-solving skills, sales volume, ranking and performance metrics set me apart.

WHERE IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS? My focus is where my clients are located throughout the South Bay. I love working with both buyers and sellers to achieve their real estate goals.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE IN REAL ESTATE THIS YEAR, SPECIFICALLY IN THE SOUTH BAY? I expect that inventory will remain constrained and values will continue to push up. Already in the new year, we are seeing strong momentum and buyers returning to the table. On a positive note, interest rates are expected to recede at the end of this year.

WHAT IS NEW AND EXCITING FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN 2023?

Continuing to grow my referral network for my clients looking to purchase a second/vacation home or move out of the area or out of state. My broker, Compass, has more than 30,000 agents in 300 cities across the U.S. that I can draw upon to service my clients.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE POTENTIAL CLIENTS TO KNOW? I am a transparent and honest communicator—and an exceptional agent. I like to have some laughs along the way and am not entirely serious all of the time! I am a wife, mother and small business owner, and I have a very spoiled Pomeranian. I love to travel and visit new restaurants. I have lived in five cities across the U.S. and one overseas—but I have put my roots down here in the South Bay.

310-405-2769 | HOLLY@HOLLYDANNA.COM IG: @HOLLY_DANNA_ | FB: HOLLYDANNAHOMES | DRE #01988811 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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REAL ESTATE

KAREN ANDERSON

The Prestige Team | Keller Williams Realty L.A. Harbor

B

roker associate Karen Anderson has been active in South Bay real estate since 1997. She founded The Prestige Team in 2007 and works under the Keller Williams Realty umbrella.

WHAT IS YOUR TEAM KNOWN FOR? We’re best known for being completely full service. We were providing true concierge service before it was a “thing.” We handle everything from beginning to end—repairs, complete remodels, cleaning, staging, packing, decluttering. My team and I roll up our sleeves and handle it all! This all-inclusive approach is appreciated by our sellers who are really busy and can’t get it done or are just overwhelmed by the process.

WHY IS WORKING WITH A TEAM BENEFICIAL? I have an amazing team. Our varying skill sets help our clients in so many ways. Someone is always available to help them. All of my team members have been hand-selected by me and have to maintain a high level of service and be professional and ethical at all times. From expert marketing to the “grunt work” of prepping our listings for sale to the nitty-gritty of getting trash picked up, utilities turned on … whatever is needed, we have someone on it!

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR BUYERS IN THE CURRENT MARKET? Don’t be fearful! This market is an opportunity. Limited inventory means that current sellers have a need to sell. General nervousness about rates that has others sitting on the sidelines means less competition for you! Take advantage of the lower prices, property taxes and mortgage and your negotiating power. When rates drop and you can refinance, you will be golden!

IS STAGING A HOME WORTH THE COST? As part of our concierge service, we are so convinced staging is worth the cost and effort that we include it on all of our listings for free! Surprisingly, many buyers don’t have the vision to see how a space can be best utilized, and staging makes a huge difference. Statistics back the theory that staged homes sell faster and for more money.

WHAT DO YOU WANT POTENTIAL CLIENTS TO KNOW ABOUT WORKING WITH YOU? The one thing I always tell both buyers and sellers is that with me, what you see is what you get. I tend to have a very direct approach, but I will always give my very best advice whether it comes to buying or selling. I’ll play devil’s advocate to make sure my buyers consider every facet before making the biggest financial decision of their lives and that my sellers know exactly how to maximize their opportunities for the best end result.

28901 S. WESTERN AVE. #139, RANCHO PALOS VERDES | 310-251-2883 | PRESTIGETEAMHOMES.COM @PRESTIGETEAMHOMES | DRE #01224307

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REAL ESTATE

LISA Y. LEVIN

Strand Hill Properties

R

ealtor® Lisa Levin spent more than a decade working in commercial real estate development before transitioning to residential sales in 2003. She joined Strand Hill Properties in 2019 and is a member of their President Circle. She was named a 2023 Real Estate Star by Los Angeles Magazine.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BUYERS IN THE CURRENT MARKET? There’s much talk about the market slowing down because of high interest rates. While interest rates have gone up, they remain at attractive levels. In fact, the market for buyers is now better in many ways. Properties are more realistically priced, and buyers can ask for more reasonable terms. If you find a property you like and can afford, go for it. Southern California real estate over the long term remains an outstanding investment, and the option to refinance at a later date is always there.

HOW DO YOU HELP YOUR CLIENTS BEAT THE COMPETITION? So many of my deals are done before the properties even get to market. One of the benefits of being in the business as long as I have is the relationships you cultivate over the years. My network allows my clients access to off-market properties and pocket listings that they wouldn’t even know about otherwise.

Just this holiday season—a supposedly slow time—I was not only able to sell my clients’ property but also get them into a new property. Both deals were done off-market, saving time and allowing them the desired discretion they wanted while achieving all their sale and purchase goals.

WHAT IS YOUR TEAM KNOWN FOR? My clients know that I have a full-service, experienced team in place to meet their needs. We are very quick to respond and assist them with different aspects of the transaction: finding the right movers and packers, organizers, painters, handymen or contractors—anything they need to make their selling or buying experience go smoothly.

WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love being able to contribute to making people’s lives better, whether helping them find their dream homes or at a time of transition in their lives. The best part about my job is the relationships I form along the way. My clients treat me like family, and that is such an honor. They share photos of babies, graduations, vacations, and news of job promotions or retirements. I feel privileged to be able to share these milestones with them.

This is what I love most about what I do.

1131 MORNINGSIDE DR., MANHATTAN BEACH | 310-463-9118 | LISALEVIN.COM | @LISAYLEVIN | DRE #01345434 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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REAL ESTATE

LILY LIANG

Strand Hill | Forbes Global Properties

L

ily Liang is the executive vice president of Strand Hill Properties. She has more than 30 years of experience in assisting buyers and sellers on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR PEERS? I have been living in Palos Verdes for more than 30 years. I was born in Taiwan but went to college in the States. I also worked as an expat in Europe and Asia for many years.

Living, studying and working in different countries has given me a unique appreciation for different cultures. This is useful especially when I work with clients from different parts of the world.

I work basically with referrals from existing clients with whom I have developed a reputation for sincerity, hard work and market knowledge. I work without team members, so I am the only one my clients need to talk to or share private and confidential information with. I am available from the beginning to the end of a transaction.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE IN REAL ESTATE THIS YEAR, SPECIFICALLY IN THE SOUTH BAY? I think we will see fewer transactions closed. I think buyers and sellers will largely be limited to those who need to buy or sell. We will likely see fewer investors and fewer sellers testing the market with relatively high listing prices. A lot of buyers and sellers will be on the sidelines trying to see what is next. I do not expect to see drastic changes in prices, as we have limited home supplies with the little buildable vacant land. For owners of existing homes, the South Bay offers a unique combination of fresh air, beautiful scenery, pleasant weather, outstanding schools and a mixed culture.

The South Bay will always be a top choice for highly selective home buyers.

716 YARMOUTH RD. #202, PALOS VERDES ESTATES | 310-373-3333 (OFFICE) | 310-902-7799 (CELL) | LILYLIANG.COM | DRE #00837794

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICOLE LEONE

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR ENSURING A SUCCESSFUL DEAL? Transparency, patience and client support are critical factors for securing a successful deal. It is so important to build mutual trust from the beginning of a client relationship. I always do my homework to avoid negative surprises for my clients. I prepare them for the worst scenario while hoping for the best. It is important that the seller and buyer trust that you have provided all relevant information to them and that you have tried your best to protect their mutual interests.

REAL ESTATE

RACHEL EZRA

Vista Sotheby’s International Realty

R

achel Ezra has been helping clients achieve their real estate goals for more than 20 years. She has served buyers and sellers in the South Bay since 2010, specializing in luxury coastal properties.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO REAL ESTATE? Growing up in Tel Aviv, Israel, real estate always fascinated me. When I moved to Los Angeles, I worked in commercial real estate on the Westside. After relocating to Manhattan Beach, I commuted for two years. One day I asked myself, “Why am I driving out of the South Bay when I can live and work here?” So in 2010 I moved my business to the South Bay and never looked back. Best decision of my life.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES IN THE SOUTH BAY? Taking walks on The Strand with my family. I bask in the beauty of our majestic beaches. I breathe in the fresh ocean air and thank my lucky stars I get to call this place home. We love boogie boarding, taking bike rides, enjoying the great parks, playing pickleball and tennis at MCC, and dining at the worldclass restaurants of the Beach Cities.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER AGENTS? I put the client’s best interests before my own. My clients and I discuss their short-term and long-term objectives—my job doesn’t end after escrow closes. I make myself available to listen and help them achieve whatever they need, and I appreciate those relationships I have built and continue to build with my clients.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BUYERS IN THIS MARKET? Although interest rates are higher than we’ve seen in the past few years, if you find the home that you fall in love with—buy it!

Date the rate; marry the house! You can always refinance once the interest rates go down, but can you find the same house?

WHAT MAKES A HOUSE A HOME? I always say, “Bless the Mess!” When you make dinner and your kids are playing and making a mess, enjoy it! It’s part of living.

Let them be kids and enjoy all the spaces you’ve created in the house. Living in the house is what makes it a home.

IS STAGING REALLY WORTH IT? Absolutely! There’s a way you live in a house and a way to sell a house. You must let the buyers envision themselves in your space, and the best way to achieve that is by staging your home. But not any staging will do. Hire a phenomenal stager who will make your home shine.

916 MANHATTAN AVE., MANHATTAN BEACH | 310-400-0297 | RACHELEZRA.COM | @THERACHELEZRA | DRE#01396863 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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DRE#00967574

Palos Verdes Estates Panoramic ocean, coastline and city lights views from this KAA designed estate. With over 6,800 square feet and five bedrooms, this one level home is truly one of a kind. $15,000,000

R E A L E S TAT E

Timeless Piece of Art This incredible, KAA designed home features the most coveted view in the entire South Bay! 5 bedrooms, plus an office, 8 bathrooms, a dramatic pool & spa, a 2,500 bottle, glass wine cellar, floor to ceiling windows, and extraordinary materials throughout. Like a timeless piece of art, it’s sure to stand the test of time.

968 Paseo La Cresta, Palos Verdes Estates Chris Adlam | Vista Sotheby’s International Realty DRE# 00967574 | 310-493-7216

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133 31 ST ST R E E T | H E R M OSA B E AC H 3 B EDS | 3. 5 BATH S | 3, 2 15 S F | $ 6, 3 0 0,0 0 0 L I ST E D BY J E N C AS K E Y | D R E 0107594

J EN CASKE Y G ROU P 3 1 0.3 72 . 2 20 0 I N FO @ J E N C AS K E YG RO UP. CO M D R E 0107594 6

5 4 0 11TH ST | H E R MOSA B E AC H 3 BED | 2 . 5 BAT HS | 2 , 3 22 S F | $ 2 ,0 9 9,0 0 0 LISTED BY PAT R I C E R A D D E N | D R E 0210 0 059

2 17 11T H ST | MA NH AT TA N B E AC H 4 UNIT B U I L D I NG DT M B | $ 4,950,0 0 0 LISTED BY J E N C AS K E Y | D R E 01075946 Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

& FO FO R R SA LE LE AS E

629 Via Horquilla, Palos Verdes Estates | $8,900,000 and also for lease for $23,000/Month | www.629viahorquilla.com 7 Ba | 10 Ba | 7,465 sq.ft. | 26,494 sq.ft. lot | 4 Car Garage

Breathtaking, yet tranquil, and on an extremely quiet street. This is the dream home that you have been waiting for! A magnificent Tuscan Villa with an excellent floor plan, perched atop the hill overlooking the Palos Verdes Golf Course with panoramic views of the ocean, coastline, city, mountains, and the entire LA Basin. The view changes all the time, like a living canvas in front of you. Features include a two-story foyer, luxurious living room, huge formal dining room, gourmet kitchen w/ adjacent family room, wood-paneled library, a wine tasting room, and media room. Custom wood and stone flooring throughout, custom pedestal cabinetry, tasteful use of granite, amazing ceiling detail, and multiple zoned air-conditioning. Home features include 7 bedrooms, 10 Baths, 5 fireplaces, 4-car garage, 3 stop elevator, pool with infinity spa, fire pit, and tons of exterior patios and balconies making it the perfect setting for entertaining. All on a quiet cul-de-sac street with about 26,500 sq. ft. lot. It has mature landscaping and offers a bonus parking area. Property is fenced, gated, and centrally located with easy access to the Westside, any beach cities, or PV center. This extraordinary home comes with the location, size, VIEW, quality, and privacy...truly a rare opportunity

LILY LIANG

+1 310 373 3333 | 310 902 7799 Text HOME TO THE FINEST COLLECTION HOME TOESTATE THE FINEST COLLECTION OF REAL EXPERTS IN THE SOUTH BAY. OF REAL ESTATE EXPERTS IN THE SOUTH BAY.

STRANDHILL.COM STRANDHILL.COM

STRAND HILL | CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE LICENSE #01968431. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SQUARE FOOTAGE AND/OR

STRANDHILL|CHRISTIE’SINTERNATIONALREALESTATELICENSE#01968431.THEINFORMATIONCONTAINEDINTHISDOCUMENT,INCLUDING,BUTNOTLIMITEDTO,SQUAREFOOTAGEAND/ORACREAGE,HASBEENPROVIDEDBYVARIOUS ACREAGE, HASMAY BEEN PROVIDED

BY VARIOUS WHICH MAY INCLUDE THE SELLER, PUBLIC RECORDS, THE LISTING OR OR OTHER SOURCES. BROKER HASINFORMATION. NOT AND WILL SOURCES WHICH INCLUDE THE SELLER, PUBLICSOURCES RECORDS, THE MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE OR OTHER SOURCES. BROKER HASMULTIPLE NOT AND WILL NOT SERVICE INVESTIGATE VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF THIS

NOT INVESTIGATE OR VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF THIS INFORMATION.

lily@lilyliang.com | www.lilyliang.com 716 Yarmouth #202, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 BRE# 00837794

4 Goldenspur, RPV

26762 Menominee Pl, RPV

3415 Coolheights Dr, RPV

8 Roanwood RHE

2113 Thorley, PVE

15 Goldenspur, RPV

    1932 MacArthur St, RPV

77 Rockinghorse Rd , RPV

19317 Anza Ave, Torr

5103 Carmen St, Torr

     

      

          

    

   

    

   

 

    

our neighborhood, your home

Available Soon in Hermosa Beach Sand Section Home on a Buildable Lot Offered at $3,200,000

908 Manhattan Avenue, Hermosa Beach Five-Unit Income Property with Ocean View Offered at $3,795,000

520 The Village #412, Redondo Beach Oceanfront Two-Level Penthouse Offered at $1,325,000

DARIN DERENZIS

MEREDITH JOHNSON DERENZIS

ROB MCGARRY

310.418.6210 | DRE# 01760239

310.600.7973 | DRE# 01907722

310.463.8488 | DRE #01356525

Each office is independently owned and operated.

HOME FILMS

HOME FILMS

C R E AT I N G V I D E O F O R YO U R L I S T I N G S I S O N LY E X P E N S I V E I F N O O N E I S W AT C H I N G .

H o m e F i l m s i s a f u l l y i n t e g ra t e d , re a l e s t a t e v i d e o p ro d u c t i o n a n d d i g i t a l d i s t r i b u t i o n p a c ka g e . O u r t a l e n t e d f i l m m a k i n g t e a m a r t i s t i c a l l y t e l l s t h e s t o r y o f w h a t m a ke s y o u r l i s t i n g u n i q u e . A n d o u r t a rg e t e d d i g i t a l d i s t r i b u t i o n e n s u re s t h a t t h e r i g h t p o t e n t i a l b u y e r s a re s e e i n g y o u r p ro p e r t y i n t h e m o s t b e a u t i f u l l i g h t.

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Holly’s 2022 Sales Highlights

55 Cresta Verde Drive Rancho Palos Verdes | $1,150,000*

5429 Strand, Unit 101 ThreeSixty at South Bay | $1,375,000

14420 Papaya Lane, Unit 6 Gardena | $870,000

13075 Pacific Promenade, Unit 111 Playa Vista | $965,000*

1 Morgan Lane Rolling Hills | $5,150,000

5550 Boardwalk, Unit 104 ThreeSixty at South Bay | $1,080,000

923 Hickory Avenue Torrance | $1,180,000*

849 12th Court Manhattan Beach | $4,750,000

*

Represented Buyer

6307 Ridgepath Court Rancho Palos Verdes | $1,150,000

My business spans from Manhattan Beach, to ThreeSixty at South Bay, down to the Palos Verdes Peninsula and everything in between! I love working with both buyers and sellers to achieve their real estate goals. If you are thinking of making a move in 2023, please consider contacting me for a consultation. Here is to a happy, healthy and successful New Year!

— Holly Danna

— Gus and Leigh, Sellers

“

“

“Holly and her team made the sale flawless. Holly sold the house within three days on the market. Holly knew what we needed to upgrade (carpet, staging, painting) to sell our home for more than we ever imagined. She is organized and on top of every detail. Thank you, Holly, for a wonderful experience!”

Moving out of the area? Ask me about my National Referral Network.

Holly Danna Top 1.5% Realtors Nationwide | Realtor | DRE 01988811 holly@hollydanna.com | 310.405.2769 | @holly_danna | hollydanna.com *

®

Holly is a proud district parent and Major Donor to Peninsula Education Foundation.

Compass is a licensed real estate broker (01991628) in the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only.

Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. *Wall Street Journal RealTrends America’s Best

LAST WORD

Urban Opus A GLIMPSE INTO THE CREATIVE MIND OF SOUTHBAY ILLUSTRATOR YUIKO SUGINO. HERE, SHE EXPOUNDS ON “SHADOWS,” A DRAWING SHE DID FOR THE COVER OF A RECENT SINGLE BY INDIE MUSICIAN REEYA BANERJEE.

The song “Shadows” is an empowering personal anthem about looking beyond the past and moving forward. The

Color is one of my favorite parts of creating art. I

figure in the image is Reeya, and the setting—with the

wanted to incorporate a sense of light and dark, the con-

Chrysler building in the skyline—is an homage to her

trast of past and future, and a dreamlike feeling where

home state of New York. I fictionalized the spot to allow

the colors are much more vibrant than in reality.

for open-endedness and fantasy.

There’s something intimate and curious about zoom-

130 |

else in sight? I like to leave a little mystery.

I have always been intrigued by textures as well. Here, the distinction between the rigid architectural lines

ing in on an empty concrete jungle. Reeya stops at an

and the faint roaming fog adds drama to the composi-

intersection as she catches the light leaking past tall

tion. It’s always a challenge to interpret words or other

structures. What is she looking at? The viewer cannot see

forms of creative expression into visual art, but that’s

beyond the buildings, yet there’s a sense of optimism. Is

the beauty of illustrations—ideas are limitless, and each

this early morning? Or is the sun setting? Why is no one

mind is free to imagine where the story goes. ■

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THE LUNDQUIST LURIE CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE AT TORRANCE MEMORIAL is a local and national leader for comprehensive cardiac care with more multi-disciplinary experts, advanced treatment options and state-of-the-art technology.

Our affiliation with Cedars-Sinai provides access to more cardiac expertise, innovative capabilities and clinical research.

Learn more at TorranceMemorial.org/Cardio

More Experts in Matters of the Heart

LUNDQUIST LURIE CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE Salman M. Azam, MD, Aziz S. Ghaly, MD, John M. Stoneburner, MD, Matthew Ostrom, FACC, FHRS, MD, J. Christopher Matchison, MD, Ankush Chhabra, MD