Southbay - May/June 2016

WHERE WE LIVE

OURSOU T HBAY.COM

The

Men’s issue Professional Surfer Alex Gray

SIX DOLLARS

MAY/JUNE 2016

THE CAPELLARO GROUP

Cal BRE# 01842507

c: 310-463-4100

RondaDrive.com

One-of-a-Kind Property, One-of-a-Kind Opportunity Offered at $14,900,000

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a one-of-a-kind property, encompassing two separate parcels that have been beautifully blended by the property’s “secret garden” into the single largest residential lot in Manhattan Beach. The private and expansive estate, a collective container for the elegant main house, pool house and guest cottage, were all designed with a nostalgic nod to French Country architecture.

The property, a neighborhood peninsula, enjoys perimeter gardens laced in perfection with the latest in

water-conscious plantscaping. For the luxury car connoisseur, the property offers eight garage spaces between the main house and guest cottage. The interior spaces are a design-specific compliment to each building’s architectural style and function, offering a taste for both formal and informal. The “secret garden” is the ultimate in privacy and a priceless feature for the art and enjoyment of entertaining or providing hard to find wide-open spaces for children to romp around freely. Rare, private offering…the secret is out!

©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International® and the Coldwell Banker Previews International Logo, are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

Share with us:

Black

Pantone 4625 U

Pantone 4625 U

Pantonenot 5493 U far away.

Come discover a land

Contact your travel professional, call 855.416.3928 or visit Terranea.com.

White 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 |

Traditions Red

Escape...

Adventure within reach.

Rusnak Maserati of South Bay. Now Open.

Experience the Rusnak Standard.

Rusnak Maserati of South Bay 22715A Hawthorne Boulevard Torrance, CA 90505 (877) 918-1320 | www.MaseratiSouthBay.com

The most Our name trusted neighborhood, in real estate.

DARIN DERENZIS 310.418.6210 CALBRE# 01760239

your home.

RICK EDLER DARIN DERENZIS 310.872.4333 310.418.6210 CALBRE# 01113145 CalBRE# 01760239 darin.derenzis@vistasir.com KITTY EDLER 310.283.8790 CALBRE# 00800837 RICK EDLER 310.872.4333 CalBRE# 01113145 rick.edler@vistasir.com

1730 6TH ST. | 2,895,000 | 5 BEDS | 5.5 BATHS

RANCHO PALOS VERDES | $6,499,000 | 6 BEDS | 9 BATHS

129 ROCKY POINT RD | $2,749,000| 4 BEDS | 5 BATHS

PALOS VERDES ESTATES | $8,695,000 | 6 BEDS | 9 BATHS

49 SANTA BARBARA | $2,150,000 | 4 BEDS | 3.5 BATHS

PALOS VERDES ESTATES | $2,899,000 | 4 BEDS | 4.5 BATHS

100 TERRANEA WAY 13-101 | $1,499,000 | 3 BEDS | 3.5 BATHS

PALOS VERDES ESTATES | $2,899,000 | 4 BEDS | 4.5 BATHS

100 TERRANEA WAY 32-401 | $2,595,000 | 3 BEDS | 3 BATHS

Trump National Golf Club LOS

ANGELES

The Most Spectacular Golf Course In the United States

W I T H 1 8 H O L E S O N T H E PA C I F I C O C E A N “The best golf course in California” “Finest dining in Los Angeles”

“Trump National, Los Angeles is the stretch limo of golf courses”

- The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences

- Ron Whitten, Golf Digest

“Best of Weddings”

“The best course in the entire state of California”

- The Knot Magazine

“Top 100 Golf Course”

- Southland Golf

- Golf Magazine

Open to the Public

2016 Rates* - Daily $280, Mid-Morning rate: $250 Midday $215, Af ternoon $160, Sunset $80

TEE TIMES & PRO SHOP 310 303 3240 • RESTAURANT & EVENTS 310 265 5000 • ONE TRUMP NATIONAL DR, RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA

TRUMPGOLF.COM

*Rates are subject to change, all rates subject to 7.5% city tax

T EAK

WAR EHO USE wholesalers of

COPENHAGUE DEEP SEATING COLLECTION

TIKI

COPENHAGUE CLUB CHAIR

EL FRESCO & EDGE

JOSEPH DINING SET

CONTEMPO LOUNGERS

BLOK CONCRETE DINING

ZAMBEZI WICKER COLLECTION

OPEN DAILY TO THE PUBLIC & TRADE FROM 10AM to 6PM

CABO CLUB CHAIR

www.teakwarehouse.com

Everything is in stock, fully assembled & ready for local pick up or national delivery. Outdoor cushions as shown are included with deep seating.

2653 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Redondo Beach - Only 3 Miles East of the Manhattan Beach Pier

800.343.7707

310.536.8325

IMPROVE THE “PROFILE” OF ALL YOUR SUMMER EVENTS

Kybella* reduces neck fat without surgery or downtime.

It is equally effective for men & women with just one to three treatments.

SHONDA CHASE MSN, RN, FNP CO-OWNER

*Kybella by Allergan

Before

After

Nordstroms

Before

4 WEEKS

4 MONTHS

REVIVE PATIENT AFTER ONE KYBELLA TREATMENT

Call Revive for a free consultation and receive $100 OFF your second Kybella vial at your first appointment.

(310) 375-7599 | www.revivecenter.com

MONDAY – FRIDAY: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM SATURDAY: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 22330 Hawthorne Blvd. Suite J Torrance, 90505 Talia Emery MD, Co-owner

OYSTER PERPETUAL GMT-MASTER II

rolex

oyster perpetual and gmt-master ii are

速

trademarks.

Fostering Hope For Families Impacted By Cancer Contact us now for sponsorship opportunities 310.322.3900 WhiteLightWhiteNight.org

速ROBERTOCOIN

ROBERTO COIN BOUTIQUE 1141A Highland Avenue | Manhattan Beach, CA | 90266 | 310.546.4900 NEW BAROCCO & CENTO COLLECTIONS | robertocoin.com

Celebrate CHEFS

The Associates present

CELLARS

a n afternoon in the vineyard

cata lina v iew ga r dens

·

pa l o s v e r d e s d r . s , an afternoon of restaurants, wine & beer sipping, & entertainment

fundraiser to benefit the palos verdes art center

call sharon holman 310-375-6917 holmsha@aol.com

top local restaurants and specialty caterers

pudding and more, corazon mexican restaurant, entertaining friends catering, good stuff restaurants, great maple, h.t. grill, kincaid’s restaurant, lou’s on

jim york, catalina view gardens judith and stanley solomon southbay magazine the daily breeze rolling hills living peninsula people lili and rim kaminskas carol wharton low charla and mickey martinez maureen pugsley and pat webb sharon ryan, an uncommon journey roxanne lawrence, cabaret jewels karen and leonard gale don and lynne variano

the hill, p.v. grill, plates an american bistro, rebel republic social house, the whale and ale

[ sip, savor and experience top wines, spirits, and beer

balverne winery, barsha wines and spirits, catalina view wines, lafond

winery, riverbench vineyard and winery, robert hall winery, santa barbara winery, stone brewing co., the dudes’ brewing company, thorne wine, tito’s handmade vodka

w w w. c e l e b r a t e c h e f s . c o m



celebrate chefs cellars

# of event tickets: ____ mc

{

avenue italy, bettolino kitchen, bluewater grill seafood restaurant, bread

thank you to our sponsors:

visa

reservations

[ savor and enjoy mouthwatering tastes from more than a dozen

beverly g. alpay center for arts education

amex

r a n c h o pa l o s v e r d e s

--- $125 per ticket ---

july 17, 2016 • 4 – 7pm

event cost per person: $125

·

or

to order tickets by phone: (310) 375-6917

unable to attend/donation: $________ total: $

________

or checks payable to the associates of pvac

name (as on credit card if charging) street address (billing address if charging)

city, state, zip

daytime phone - must supply to process

email address

credit card #

exp. date

cvv#

please mail this form to: celebrate chefs and cellars 2016 | attention: sharon holman, 26704 hyte road, rancho palos verdes, ca 90275

june 2016

2 0 0 P i e r Av e n u e , s u i t e 3 0 1 HermosA BeAcH cAliforniA 90254 3 1 0 3 74 7 7 0 0

f e At u r i n g s u z A n n e k A l A n

BOHEMIAN HOME DECOR FROM TUNISIA & ABROAD! 1201 MANHATTAN AVE. MB | (310) 545-1016 | THESOUKMB.COM | @THESOUKMB

fit

Huge selection of diamonds, engagement rings, bridal jewelry, pre-owned Rolex* watches, and more!

Ranging from luxury to everyday items ... all at direct import pricing ing in z i l a i c Spe and A I G h t ds wi n o m a ts! di r o p e r A EGL US

Ask us 5-day our 4 abouturn policy** ret

Featuring Natalie K and other fine jewelry collections

Hours: Tue–Sat 10:30am–6pm Sun 11am–5pm Mon Closed

Cielo (Sales)

Anthony (Manager)

Joe (Sales)

Nora (Sales)

24020 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505 310.378.0714 anthony@baydiamondimporters.com baydiamondimporters.com

* Bay Diamond Importers is not an authorized Rolex dealer. ** The 45-day return policy does not apply to custom or designer items. © 2016 Bay Diamond Importers.

A modern luxury med spa where Beauty, Vitality, and Wellness is our passion and expertise.

Over the years, Dinah has earned a reputation for her warm personality, artistic eye, and gentle technique. Her love and passion for helping women look and feel their best led to the collaboration with Dr. Robert Hashemiyoon to open Pure Luxe Medical and bring a “luxury med spa experience� to the city of El Segundo.

Botox | Dysport | Juvederm | Voluma | Restylane | Radiesse | Belotero | Sculptra | Facials Chemical Peels | Microneedling | Dermaplaning | IM Vitamin Injections Robert Hashemiyoon, MD Co-Founder | Medical Director

Dinah Manalo, CNP, MSN, BSN Co-Founder | Clinical Director

PureLuxeMedical.com | 423 Main St El Segundo, CA 90245 | 424.277.1642 | info@pureluxemedical.com

MAY/JUNE 2016

WHERE WE LIVE 36 Q&A

44 Palate

Steve Napolitano

Guys in aprons

38 Style File

46 Weekender

Man up

Bachelor getaways

40 Give

48 Arts

DIFF Eyewear

42 Friendly Competition

Burritos supreme

Dan Janotta

51 Tips

36

Core and more

48

52 Media

In his words

54 Community

Tour de Pier

56 Datebook

South Bay events calendar

58 Seen

Who’s who around town

Also ....

71

Table

Local chefs share winning recipes

122 Profiles

Finance and Wealth Management

On the Cover

46 oursouthbay.com

“Southbay Strong” subject Alex Gray, photographed by Bryce Lowe-White

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

25

MAY/JUNE 2016

FEATURES 82

82

Blue Sunday

Three local weekend warriors sport South Bay style in our favorite summer shades.

88 Birdie Branches Out

An American-made swimwear and surfwear icon makes a splashy return and opens doors here in Manhattan Beach.

94 The Amazing Racer

Throughout his incredible career, Parnelli Jones inspired generations of racing fans and, most importantly, those who share his adrenaline-charged DNA.

100 Bachelor Pad, Ocean View

A Ferrari collector remodels a mid-century modern Palos Verdes home to suit his taste and lifestyle.

106 Waxing Shadows

Following his brother’s death, Alex Gray gets “Southbay Strong” and doubles down on his passion for surfing.

114 Nature Boy

Grown-up camping with that little bit extra.

114 100 26

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

Health Matters.

Peter S. Borden, MD At Sports & Spine Orthopaedics we provide the highest quality of care to all patients through the latest medical advances.

S portS & S pine

orthopaedicS

SHOULDER, KNEE & ANKLE SPORTS MEDICINE SPECIALIST

Chris F. Wolf, MD CERVICAL, THORACIC AND LUMBAR SPINE SPECIALIST

Allyson A. Estess, MD SHOULDER, KNEE, AND HIP SPORTS MEDICINE SPECIALIST

EL SEGUNDO

TORRANCE

2361 ROSECRANS AVE. SUITE #165

23456 HAWTHORNE BLVD., SUITE #200

310-775-2331

310-375-8700

General Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry www.HutchinsonDDS.com 512 Main St., #4, El Segundo 310.640.2025

Implants TMD and Sleep

PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

ART DIRECTOR

Jared Sayers

Darren Elms

Michelle Villas

EDITORIAL

Copy Editor | Laura Watts Food & Wine Editor | Bonnie Graves Graphic Designers | Christine Georgiades, Elena Lacey CONTRIBUTORS Zoe Alexander, Diane Barber, Emily DeRenzis, Chris DiVecchio, Chris Gernon, Amber Klinck, Jennie Nunn, Alina Orozco, Helen Ray, Stefan Slater, Rich Thomas, NeCee Wilson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff Berting, Siri Berting, Kremer Johnson Photography, Chris Gernon Bryce Lowe-White, Kat Monk, Shane O’Donnell, Monica Orozco ADVERTISING Jared Sayers |

310-502-8262 | jared@moontidemedia.com

SOUTHBAY ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Erika Carrion | 310-897-2424 | erika@moontidemedia.com Marcie Gutierrez | 310-947-5404 | marcie@moontidemedia.com Derek Poole | 310-266-3846 | derek@moontidemedia.com Victoria Vande Vegte | 760-705-7250 | victoria@moontidemedia.com MOON TIDE MEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Associate Publisher | Mia Pierre-Jacques | 310-880-0559 | mia@moontidemedia.com Senior Account Executive | Dale Tiffany | 310-663-4609 | dt@moontidemedia.com Senior Account Executive | Robin Sanders | 818-427-2050 | robin@moontidemedia.com MARKETING & OPERATIONS

Partner & Brand Publisher | Emily Stewart Brand Publisher | Hannah Lee Associate Brand Publisher | Cherice Tatum Marketing Manager | Rachel Gotko Director of Digital | Charles Simmons Social Media Manager | Danielle Price Operations Manager | Allison Jeackjuntra Business & Financial Consultant | Karina Aguiar

Investing in our community. One client at a time.

“Premier Bank of PV offers everything I need. The friendly and helpful staff always goes above and beyond to deliver more than expected. With practices located in Palos Verdes & Manhattan Beach, Premier was instrumental with the expansion of our third office in San Pedro. I would highly recommend Premier to any business looking for a true financial partner, a partner who cares about your success!”

Damien A. Delio, D.D.S. Delio Orthodontics

MANAGING PARTNERS

Charles C. Koones

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

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe by email: info@moontidemedia.com or phone: 310-376-7800.

Subscriptions are $29 per year.

200 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Suite 110 El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel 310-376-7800 • Fax 310-376-0200 MoonTideMedia.com OurSouthBay.com oursouthbay.com

SBA

Todd Klawin

Preferred Lender

We’re here to help you succeed.

LA Headquarters and Branch 213-689-4800 Palos Verdes Branch South Bay Loan Center Malaga Cove Branch

310-698-8400 310-540-4250 Opening May 2016

ibankpremier.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

29

Advertiser Index

Idyllwild Arts Summer Program offers intensive hands-on classes in dance, film, music, theatre, creative writing, fashion design, visual arts, Native American arts, and more to people of all ages and abilities.

Register Now! summer@idyllwildarts.org 951.468.7265 For a full list of classes visit:

idyllwildarts.org/summer

30

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

June 19 - August 14

Anheuser-Busch........................................................................................ C3 Barsha Wine & Spirits ..............................................................................22 Bay Diamond Importers ..........................................................................23 Beach Cities Accounting ..................................................................... 140 Belmont Village............................................................................................63 Cake Bakeshop..........................................................................................149 Cancer Support Community .................................................................81 Catalina Cooking Store ............................................................................41 Celebrate Chefs......................................................................................... 20 Cell Life Medical .........................................................................................34 Cryo Wave .................................................................................................... 39 Darren’s Restaurant & Bar.......................................................................75 Del Amo Fashion Center............................................................................ 8 Deluca Trattoria ..........................................................................................77 Downtown Manhattan Beach Business & Professional Association ....................................................................67 Dr. Brian Boyd ..............................................................................................70 Dr. Kristin Egan ............................................................................................43 EP Wealth Advisors..................................................................................142 Farmers & Merchant Bank of Long Beach .....................................136 Fred Astaire.................................................................................................. 65 Guzman Law Group ................................................................................130 Hamilton Butler Jewels .............................................................................21 Harris Financial Advisors Inc ...............................................................146 Hot’s Kitchen............................................................................................... 121 Hutchinson Dental ....................................................................................28 Idyllwild Arts Academy ........................................................................... 30 JWM CPA & Company P.C....................................................................144 Lisa’s Bon Appetit ..................................................................................... 80 LuAnn Development .................................................................................41 Manhattan Postal Center .....................................................................120 Marmi Shoes .............................................................................................120 Morgan’s Jewelers ......................................................................................17 Moss Adams Wealth Advisors ....................................................128, 147 Navigoe.................................................................................................. 33, 132 Nev Productions.......................................................................................105 Nvision ...........................................................................................................93 Old Venice .....................................................................................................76 Pacific Pain and Wellness .......................................................................57 Palos Verdes Plastic Surgery .................................................................53 Penta Water LLC .........................................................................................12 Peter S. Borden M.D. .................................................................................27 Premier Business Bank ........................................................................... 29 Pure Luxe Medical .....................................................................................24 Red Car Brewery & Restaurant ............................................................78 Revive Wellness Center ........................................................................... 16 Roberto Coin................................................................................................ 19 Rusnak Maserati of South Bay ...............................................................6 SEIA LLC ......................................................................................................126 Simply Tiles Design Center...................................................................120 South Bay Aesthetics ...............................................................................47 Studio 637 ..................................................................................................120 Stumpo Wealth Management Group ......................................123, 124 Sugar Dayne.................................................................................................119 Summer Orthodonics ............................................................................. 121 Teak Warehouse...........................................................................................15 Terranea Resort............................................................................................. 4 The Aesthetic Center.................................................................................31 The Bathroom Store .................................................................................63 The Circle Palos Verdes Art Center...................................................149 The Strand House .....................................................................................79 Together Wine Co ....................................................................................148 Torrance Memorial Medical Center .....................................................13 Tortuga Wealth .........................................................................................145 Trump National Golf Club ................................................................14, 74 Waddell & Reed ........................................................................................134 Walk With Sally.............................................................................................18 We The Folk................................................................................................. 99 Wells Fargo Advisors - Shannon Ryan...............................................141 Wells Fargo Advisors-Palos Verdes ..................................................143 Wendell Charles Financial.....................................................................138 Yoga Loft .....................................................................................................148 REAL ESTATE Beach City Brokers – Michelle Accetta............................................169 Chad Heitzler Fahlbusch – NW Real Estate................................... 167 Chris Adlam – Vista Sotheby’s ...........................................................150 Coldwell Banker Judith Shockley ...................................................... 160 Edler | DeRenzis Group – Vista Sotheby’s ....................................... 10 Forbes Corrales .........................................................................................161 Gordon Inman Team – Keller Williams.............................................156 Hunter Mason Realty ............................................................................. 157 John Capellaro–Coldwell Banker Previews International–2, 154 John Chuka – NW Real Estate ............................................................159 Karen Anderson – Keller Williams .....................................................164 LDD Longpoint Development – Terranea Real Estate...............163 Manhattan Pacific Realty – Richard Haynes ................................165 New American Funding – David Gentry .........................................166 Strand Hill Christie’s – Lily Liang ........................................................ 152 The Agency.................................................................................................158 Jim Van Zanten – Vista Sothebys International Realty ............168

oursouthbay.com

EDITOR’S LETTER

CONTRIBUTORS

Bryce Lowe-White PHOTOGRAPHER “Waxing Shadows”

Bryce Lowe-White is a photographer and director who was born and raised on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Surfing has always been a passion of his, and he discovered his love for photography shooting the beaches of the South Bay. He is currently the video producer for Surfer and spends most of his free time in the ocean.

Reigning Men

D

ebuting a Men’s Issue to Southbay was a no-brainer. After a few successful years offering our annual Women’s Issue, we felt it was time to even the playing field and offer the guys of the South Bay their very own edition.

So what constitutes a Men’s Issue anyway? Is it something tailored exclusively for our male readership? Not at all. On the contrary, we think there’s ample reason for both genders to dig into our current content.

Just as we’ve done with our Women’s Issue, the focus of our subjects certainly skews one direction—but the takeaway is 100% universal. We’re just giving a few good men of the South Bay their chance to shine on our pages.

Our subjects span generations, careers, personal interests … but as a whole they are uniquely South Bay stories. Each contributes to the rich texture of our community, whether familiar or brand new. We celebrate the leaders, mentors, sons, fathers, grandfathers and brothers who inspire our lives.

This issue, we’re particularly proud to introduce a new feature to our print magazine as well as our online media channels. “Southbay Strong” will bring you the true stories of local men and women who overcame incredible challenges to find their own form of personal success. While these stories hearken dark or difficult moments in each subject’s life, a message of perseverance and triumph leaves us truly inspired by their journey.

For May/June’s “Southbay Strong” we offer “Waxing Shadows,” a portrait of surfer Alex Gray. After losing his older brother to addiction, Alex found strength and comfort in his sport, stepping out of his comfort zone and paying it forward with public speaking. In addition to the article printed in this issue, please check our companion short film by Bryce Lowe-White on oursouthbay.com and all Southbay magazine social channels. You won’t want to miss it.

Check out some awesome local style geared toward the South Bay weekend warriors, perfect for Father’s Day gifting. We’ll also be launching a new film series called Behind the Seams, taking you inside our fashion shoots. See our “models for a day” up close and untucked as they share what men’s style means to them.

Shane O’Donnell PHOTOGRAPHER “Bachelor Pad, Ocean View”

Shane is a Wisconsin-born photographer living in the South Bay. His documentary and commercial training bring a realistic and refined style to his work. He photographs catalog, advertising, architecture and travel and has shot for such clients as Budweiser, Hershey, Syfy Channel and Vespa. seelikeshane.com

Stefan Slater WRITER “Waxing Shadows” & “Birdie Branches Out”

Stefan is a freelance writer. He’s covered sports, chiefly surfing, and various cultural events for several magazines, including Angeleno, Huck and Surfer. He graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2010 with a degree in humanities.

Darren Elms

32

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

SECURING YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE Serving the South Bay since 1997.

CONCIERGE WEALTH MANAGEMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT TAX PLANNING

About Navigoe Family owned and operated by South Bay residents

Largest Fee-Only Wealth Management Firm in the South Bay

ESTATE PLANNING

info@navigoe.com

310-697-0400

navigoe.com

Stem Cell Therapy for a Richer Life A Regenerative Stem Cell Practice Cutting Edge Adult Stem Cell Therapy Minimally Invasive Outpatient Care Alternative to Joint Replacement and Spine Surgery Conditions Treated: • Joint Arthritis • Hip, Knee & Shoulder Pain • Lumbar and Cervical Disc Disease • Spinal Facet Pain Three Locations: Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Westwood

Fabian A Proano, MD

www.celllifemedical.com

310.443.3600

WHERE WE LIVE Nifty Shades

Meet the local entrepreneurs behind an eyewear company with a vision to give back.

More on page 40.

WHERE WE LIVE | DEP

36

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

Q&A | WHERE WE LIVE

Home Improvement Manhattan Beach native Steve Napolitano wants to bring his passion for public service to the 2.2 million people of LA County’s 4th District.

WRITTEN BY RICH

Steve Napolitano has been in the South Bay long enough to remember when a taco and chips at El Tarasco cost $.55 and when the area surrounding the intersection of El Segundo and Sepulveda was berry and corn fields. At age 26 he was elected to the Manhattan Beach City Council and became the city’s youngest mayor the following year.

For the last decade he’s held the role of senior deputy to 4th District Supervisor Don Knabe, whose term ends in 2016. This November, with Knabe’s endorsement, Napolitano is looking to take over the role of supervisor, making him largely responsible for 458 square miles of communities from Catalina Island to Diamond Bar. We caught up with Napolitano for coffee at Shade Hotel to learn more about him.

oursouthbay.com

THOMAS |

Not only is the 4th District geographically extensive, it’s also incredibly diverse. The needs of your constituents in Rancho Palos Verdes—I’m sure—are much different from those in Downey. How do you spread the love around?

The beauty of the 4th District is its diversity. It’s diverse geographically, it’s diverse economically, it’s diverse ethnically. We’re the most diverse district in LA County and probably the most diverse in the nation.

It’s just an understanding of what the issues and needs are. We’ve got a great system—field offices with field deputies who oversee their areas and interact with the communities, city government and constituents to provide services that make sure the county is up-to-date.

On a federal level, partisanship and obstructionist politics are a bigger problem than they’ve ever been before. What about at your level?

Thankfully local government is nonpartisan. There’s not a Democratic or Republican way to fix a pothole—people just want it fixed. When you get to the state and the federal level, though, you’ll

PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAT

MONK

get the D or the R next to the name. I am a moderate. I’m a fiscal conservative [and a] social progressive. I think people don’t want their money wasted, but they don’t want to be told how to live either. I’m not here to tell people how to live; I’m here to fix their problems.

You have a BA in fine arts as well as a law degree. How do you use both of those to your advantage?

The arts improve lives. I had my own business [doing] freelance graphic design for several years after school, but chasing down people who wanted to pay 90 days out lost its appeal after a while.

(Laughs) I had many interests so I decided to go to law school, but art is something I think about every day. It’s something I do when I can, but it’s not just paint on a canvas or a performance; it’s thinking creatively. My approach to the law was, “I need to create an argument for my client to win this case or to make a point to someone in a discussion.” It’s the same thing in government. My approach is being creative—finding those areas of consensus and working things through. It’s not art in the pure sense, but to me I’m being artistic in what I do every day.

What are the biggest issues facing the South Bay right now?

There’s a certain consistency to the major issues in the South Bay, and that’s always going to be the tension between development and the people who feel threatened by that development and the traffic that comes along with it. Change is not an easy thing for most folks around here. Manhattan Beach used to be very lower middle class when I was growing up, but my understanding is that 60% of the population here in Manhattan Beach moved in after the year 2000. A lot of the people that I grew up with can’t afford to live here anymore and have moved away—or moved by choice because they felt it was overcrowded. It has changed—it will continue to change—but I think what folks want to hold onto is that small-town atmosphere and low-profile development … the idea that this place is something special, and what makes it so special is the people.

So … El Porto or North Manhattan?

El Porto. Come on (laughs)! I don’t even know what North Manhattan is except for there’s a sign out there that says North Manhattan. It will always be El Porto to me. l

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

37

WHERE WE LIVE | STYLE FILE

Man Up Essentials for the well-dressed guy … at work or at play EDITED BY JENNIE

Tissot Heritage Visodate automatic watch, $695, Morgan’s Jewelers in Torrance, morgansjewelers.com Floral print linen pocket square, $55, Ted Baker in Santa Monica, tedbaker.com

Mosaic semi-precious stone square cufflinks,$89, Ted Baker in Santa Monica, tedbaker.com XWV22 shirt, $158, Michael Stars in Manhattan Beach and at The Point in El Segundo, michaelstars.com

NUNN

Novel duffle, $84.99, Herschel Supply Co., herschelsupply.com Sperry driving moccasins, $120, J.Crew at Plaza El Segundo and Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, jcrew.com

38

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

Chill Out!

ADVERTISEMENT

The coolest new trend in fighting inflammation, pain & muscle recovery has taken the South Bay by storm!

W

hether you’re a professional athlete looking for a competitive edge in training and muscle recovery or an active baby boomer looking to reduce inflammation and joint pain, the coolest new therapy is taking the US and South Bay by storm! Developed over 40 years ago by a Japanese doctor to help treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, Whole Body Cryotherapy has most notably been used by professional athletic teams over the last several years. After many athletes have seen such tremendous results centers are opening up offering the treatment to the public.

The South Bay’s first Whole Body Cryotherapy Center, which is owned and operated by native Manhattan Beach residents, has quickly become the way to combat a variety of health and wellness concerns in 3 minutes or less. Located in Manhattan Beach on Sepulveda Blvd & 19th, in an easily accessible retail front, you are warmly greeted by knowledgeable staff who will put your mind at ease while you enter a CryoSauna or CryoChamber which are literally, the coldest places on earth! During the quick 2-3 minute session you will be exposed to temperatures as low as -250 F, and although the feat seems unbearable most people liken the cold, dry temperatures as more tolerable than an ice bath. Trained technicians closely monitor you throughout the session which are tailored to each individuals needs. The process is quite a rush and many leave feeling energized and notice a variety of benefits including improved mood and sleep, decreased muscle soreness, reduced inflammation and pain, improved skin tone and a reduction in cellulite. In addition the quick session will give your metabolism a boost! Some studies have shown an after burn effect that can metabolize several hundred calories per day. Stop by the coolest new place to hit the South Bay. www.cryowavecenters.com 310-545-0406 Open 7 days/week No appointment needed

CRY0 WAVE WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY

WHERE WE LIVE | GIVE

Nobel Vision A local business challenges the notion that quality eyewear should be out of reach— while giving back to an amazing cause.

WRITTEN BY

40

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

AMBER KLINCK |

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF

BERTING

oursouthbay.com

GIVE | WHERE WE LIVE

Home is where the heart is...

C

had Dime, one of the three founders of DIFF Eyewear, is a young guy, super-friendly and incredibly gracious.

He and his two partners, Zachary Gordan and Chad Jernigan, run their business in a small office space in South Bay. That is, of course, when they’re not traveling to music festivals around the country, building awareness for their brand.

DIFF began as the brainchild of Zack and Chad J., who were both trying to find a solution to poorly made, paper diffraction glasses on opposite ends of the country. Chad D., who had already been working in eyewear, was looking to translate his experience into an opportunity to give back while being a part of the current social scene.

The company has since evolved into what the guys describe as a “positive disruption” in the eyewear industry, with a socially conscious business model. The brand boasts stylish, high-quality eyewear at a price point that keeps them accessible, which is pretty fab on its own.

But what really sets the line apart is DIFF’s partnership with Eyes On Africa, a nonprofit whose mission is “to provide eyeglasses at no cost to Africans through distribution in communities with no access to vision care.” For every pair of DIFF sunglasses sold, a pair of reading glasses are donated to Eyes On Africa’s cause.

For Chad D., a Palos Verdes native, the notion of giving back was an important part of the direction he envisioned for DIFF. “I was raised in a surf community, with values that encompass a lifestyle that encourages a lot of respect—how to give back and not just be selfish and greedy,” Chad D. notes. “I think that’s a really cool part about where I was raised and the values that came with being a surfer, which I think feeds into the socially conscious aspect of our brand.”

With Chad D. working primarily with DIFF’s charitable partnership and handling the day-to-day logistics, Chad J. focuses the majority of his energy on maintaining the backend of the website … making sure DIFF’s ready to launch on campaign days. Zach serves as the brand’s social media guru, reaching out to influencers that are a good fit for DIFF’s brand image. But the guys are quick to point out that while they may have organically fallen into roles that take advantage of each founder’s strengths, they’re not about to limit themselves with individual job descriptions.

“We found in the beginning that we kind of had to remove ourselves from the titles and just know that we’ll each do what it takes for the business to work,” explains Chad D. Whatever they’re doing, it’s working.

Without a brick-and-mortar, the DIFF team has been expanding their reach by keeping their finger on the pulse of their target audience: today’s youth. With the brand’s first sale on Black Friday 2014, DIFF’s outreach has continued to grow through their website and strong social media presence.

“Right now we’re thinking that staying e-commerce-based might actually be a more sustainable way to do business,” Chad D. explains.

So where does the DIFF acronym come from? It stems from the company’s origin, creating quality diffraction shades for partygoers and music lovers. But it’s also a play on being different, seeing different and, most importantly, making a difference.

It’s a company with a clear set of values, a super-cool image and a killer product. If you haven’t already, there’s no doubt you’ll be hearing more about DIFF. l

oursouthbay.com

LuAnn Fabian General Contractor & Developer CA LIC #981015

best of Custom Homes, Spec Builds & Remodels

2012 to

2014

See our portfolio at luanndev.com

310 · 428 · 3578

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

41

WHERE WE LIVE | FRIENDLY COMPETITION

Burrito Supreme This was a tough one. Get three local guys to eat some of the best burritos in town. But which one came out on top?

Let’s unwrap the mystery.

1 SUPER DELUXE CHICKEN BURRITO

EL BURRITO JR., REDONDO BEACH (chicken, rice, beans, lettuce, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, special sauce) Matt: Each bite feels lighter than other burritos.

Cody: On the messy side. You’ll need a fork or knife.

Courtney: Hangover cure; hopefully in crawling distance.

Score (10 highest): 6

2 HOUSE CHICKEN BURRITO

WI

NNE HERMOSA MEXICAN, R! HERMOSA BEACH (chicken, rice, beans, cheese) Courtney: Very fresh. Good ratio on ingredients.

Matt: Easy to eat.

Cody: Can I have another one now?

Score (10 highest): 7

3 STOUDEMIRE

BROTHER’S BURRITOS, HERMOSA BEACH (spicy chicken, broccoli, chorizo, brown rice, jack cheese) Courtney: Flavor kicks you in the teeth!

Matt: Healthy. Lots of veggies. Well seasoned.

Cody: I feel like mom is trying to sneak veggies into my favorite food again.

Score (10 highest): 6

4 SHREDDED CHICKEN BURRITO

EL GRINGO, MANHATTAN BEACH (chicken, beans, rice, lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole) Cody: 11 on the messy scale.

Courtney: Sour cream for days.

Matt: Other burritos made me want to think about what to say. This one made me want to shove it in my face.

Score (10 highest):

6

THE JUDGES:

COURTNEY WILSON, 24

Head Hunter, Hermosa Beach MATT JONES, 34

Product Manager, Hermosa Beach CODY RICE, 28

Data Scientist, El Porto

42

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

Live Confidently!

SLIM YOUR JAWLINE

Before

After

Before

After

One Hour Procedure In Office, No General Anesthesia Short Recovery Time, 2 Days One Time Procedure with Lasting Results

Mention this ad for a FREE Consultation KRISTIN EGAN, MD 2809 Sepulveda Boulevard Manhattan Beach, CA www.DrKristinEgan.com

Call 310-426-8415 for an appointment today!

WHERE WE LIVE | PALATE

Guys in Aprons What some of our favorite local chefs like to make in their home kitchens.

WRITTEN BY BONNIE

GRAVES GEORGIADES

ILLUSTRATED BY CHRISTINE

I

love my husband, but somehow he never learned to cook. As in, the man makes a mean bowl of cold cereal and is pretty adept at Annie’s boxed mac ’n’ cheese, but the kitchen skills stop right there.

Once upon a time, being a “cook” meant peeling potatoes in the Army. Nowadays the term is “chef,” and it means you might well be a TV star.

For this issue, we asked three top professional chefs what they cook at home. Each spends thousands of hours cooking for others, so what they whip up on their own time has to be fast and delicious. From the single guy looking to cook something for a date … to the dinner party entrée that impresses with minimum effort … to the healthy dessert any busy dad can whip up for the kids, these three recipes are all winners.

The Single Guy CHEF MICHAEL FIORELLI LOVE & SALT, MANHATTAN BEACH

WHAT

Grilled Sugarlip Peach Salad WHY

Because could there be any sexier produce at the farmers market? These seasonal peaches are bursting with flavor. If you can BBQ, you can whip up this sure-to-impress salad for your date in about 10 minutes.

And that farmers market is a great place for single guys of all professional backgrounds. And—by the way—so much more fun than Tinder, right?

44

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

2 whole sugarlip peaches 12 slices of duck salami (or any salami) 1 bunch of dandelion greens, washed, stems removed and rough-chopped 8 thinly sliced pieces of Toma (or sharp aged cheese) ¼ cup rough-chopped almonds (preferably Marcona) 1 tablespoon Saba or aged balsamic vinegar extra virgin olive oil, as needed Halve peaches and remove the pits; then quarter and toss with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill peaches for 1 minute on both sides until they start to get nice grill marks. Remove and set aside.

Preheat a pan on medium heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add almonds, peaches and dandelion greens to pan and toss until greens are just warm and wilted. Transfer peaches to a plate, top with greens, almonds, salami and cheese.

Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and Saba.

oursouthbay.com

PALATE | WHERE WE LIVE

Dinner with Friends CHEF JASON NERONI THE ROSE CAFÉ & RESTAURANT, VENICE BEACH AND B-SIDE PIZZERIA, NYC

WHAT

Roasted Chicken with Honey-Lavender Glaze WHY

Because that takeout rotisserie chicken from Whole Foods just isn’t that good. Making a delicious roast chicken is a skill anyone can master, and it’s easier than you think. Chef Jason’s version features a yummy honey-lavender glaze, and it tastes fantastic with a salad dressed with his homemade Green Goddess dressing. Pair with a dry Provençal rosé and a nice baguette—and invite those neighbors over.

Easy and impressive.

1 whole chicken, 2-3 pounds 2 tablespoons room-temperature butter ¼ cup chopped parsley 1 cup honey 1 tablespoon dried lavender flower 2 teaspoons sea salt ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Healthy Dad Dessert CHEF NICK ROBERTS PLAYA PROVISIONS & THE TRIPEL, PLAYA DEL REY AND HUDSON HOUSE, REDONDO BEACH

WHAT

Coconut Chia Seed Pudding with Fresh Fruit WHY

Even being married to a fellow chef (wife Brooke Williamson) doesn’t mean you get out of kitchen duty. This busy dad/restaurateur whips up a pudding so tasty your kids won’t realize it’s actually healthy. Skip the ice cream and make a batch of this with fresh berries on the side. Your kids will love it, and your wife will love you for it.

oursouthbay.com

Preheat oven to 400º. Steep lavender in 1 cup boiling water for 4 minutes; strain and fold into honey. Warm honey-lavender mixture in saucepan, or 30 seconds in microwave, before use.

Rub chicken with butter and herbs and season with salt and pepper. Place on a roasting rack set in a baking pan. Place in the center of the oven and roast 40-45 minutes at 350º, rotating chicken three times during the cooking process. When the chicken is cooked, it should be golden brown all around. Rest the chicken for 20 minutes before carving.

Serve with honey-lavender glaze.

GREEN GODDESS DRESSING

Makes 1 pint 1/2 cup nasturtium petals 1 cup mayo 1 cup crème fraîche 2 avocados 2 anchovies, preferably white 1 cup olive oil salad greens Combine all ingredients except greens in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Wash and dry salad greens. Drizzle with salad dressing.

¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut ¼ cup chia seeds ¾ cup coconut milk ½ cup coconut water 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon Himalayan salt ½ cup fresh raspberries ¼ cup fresh blueberries ¼ cup fresh blackberries ¼ cup mango/kiwi 2 tablespoons honey

In a small bowl or half-pint Mason glass jar, add coconut, chia seeds, coconut milk, coconut water, vanilla and salt. Mix until very well combined. Place in the refrigerator and allow to rest for at least 2 hours. Serve with fresh berries tossed in honey.

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

45

WHERE WE LIVE | WEEKENDER

Where the Guys Are Skip Vegas. We’ve zeroed in on two desert hot spots for your upcoming bachelor party.

S

ir Francis Bacon said, “A bachelor’s like is a fine breakfast, a flat lunch and a miserable dinner.” Sad, no? More reason to celebrate your favorite bachelor’s impending transition from singlehood to wedding bliss with an amazing weekend getaway.

You could go to Vegas. OK, sure. But why not try something different that’s just as close and totally unexpected? Here are two weekend jaunts you can customize to suit your groom-to-be’s style and speed.

KEEP IT CLASSY Palm Springs and the “other” desert cities could possibly be the hottest getaway destination within a two-hour stretch of the South Bay. And that’s not just when the temperatures top out at 115º. Since the arrival of Coachella and Stagecoach, the desert is certifiably happening again and shows no signs of slowing down.

Often overlooked in favor of tourist-friendly Palm Springs, La Quinta is much more than a resort and seasonal vacation homes … it’s also incredibly picturesque and home to great golfing, dining and more.

Energetic and vibrant, with an intoxicating mix of attentive service and desert solitude, The Chateau at Lake La Quinta welcomes indulgence on many levels. Fresh from a $3.5 million renovation that added 13 spectacular lake-view guest suites and a new gourmet lakeside restaurant, The Chateau is our recommendation to touch down and get the weekend started. thechateaulakelaquinta.com La Quinta is also home to two Pete Dye courses, located just a short walk from nearby La Quinta Resort’s lobby. Dunes Course offers a traditional Scottish design, while Mountain Course is celebrated for unmatched views and challenging play. To book a tee time, visit laquintaresort.com.

If you still want some nightlife, you can’t beat the pool scene at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. But we suggest treating your guest of honor to a steak dinner at recently revised Mr. Lyons just down Palm Canyon Drive. mrlyonsps.com

GET THE PARTY STARTED: (top) Good stuff lining the bar at The Chateau at Lake La Quinta; (middle) Picturesque golfiing at La Quinta; (bottom) Extreme WOW Suite at W Scottsdale.

GO ALL IN In the heart of Scottsdale’s entertainment district, the W Hotel offers the best in nightlife across the Arizona border. Best of all, they cater to both bachelors and bachelorettes in search of the ultimate getaway weekend.

Endless Arizona sunshine makes tiier WET pool the ultimate day club … all year long. During the weekends the pool DJ spins long after the sun goes down. Daybeds and private cabanas featuring TVs, internet and more are available for large groups.

Speaking of groups, When your party reserves 10 or more rooms per night during any weekend between June and September, the W offers a celebration rate including additional perks like discounted King rooms or Wonderful rooms with two double beds, complimentary Friday and Saturday night VIP table including a bottle of Champagne, a 20% discount on Bliss Spa services and complimentary Sunday golf or $30/ day (per person/per round) at The Phoenician Golf Club. For more, visit wscottsdalehotel.com. 

46

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

Not WILD about your looks?

CHRISTOPHER S. VERBIN, MD board certified plastic surgeon

NATURAL FACE LIFTING | BREAST AUGMENTATION | BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT TUMMY TUCK | MOMMY MAKEOVER | POST-WEIGHT LOSS BODY RESTORATION BOTOX AND INJECTABLE FACIAL FILLERS | LASERS/ULTHERAPY 310.539.6500 | www.sbaesthetics.md | 3600 Lomita Blvd Suite l00 Torrance, CA 90505

WHERE WE LIVE | ARTS

Extreme Coastal Hermosa Beach artist Dan Janotta paints the local beach scene with an unexpected brushstroke.

WRITTEN BY ALINA

OROZCO OROZCO

PHOTOGRAPHED BY MONICA

48

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

ARTS | WHERE WE LIVE

I

t’s easy to see why robust artist communities blossom within the Beach Cities of South Bay: the statuesque palms that seemingly reach into the heavens, the rhythmic crash of the ocean waves that massage the shoreline and the unpredictably glorious hues produced by the sun’s daily rise and dip into the sea.

For all of this natural beauty, there is an endless succession of en plein air painters—French for “in open air”—determined to capture it. But Hermosa Beach artist Dan Janotta is not one of them.

“They’re beautiful paintings, and the technical execution is unbelievable,” he notes. “But I don’t want to do that.”

Instead Dan is intent on bridging the gap between the picturesque, although familiar, landscapes of Southern California beaches and the pulse of its culture—specifically the surfing scene. ”I want my style to be more urban, more edgy,” explains Dan. A notable architect by trade, with more than 25 years as principal and senior designer at the acclaimed Johnson Fain, Dan picked up painting to fuel his creativity and decompress from a stressful career.

At first his work was as precise as his architectural projects. “It was a lot of lifeguard stands and architectural-type structures,” he admits.

Soon, though, his style evolved. Detailed geometric shapes and straight lines transformed into more abstract images. Then on his daily commute, inspiration struck.

Glancing around from his car, Janotta noticed the long shadows that the end of the day produced, casting a hazy spell over familiar Los Angeles streets and freeways. “You can be in your car, in traffic, but look out and see there is so much beauty in the surroundings.”

oursouthbay.com

Dan moved away from the beach scenery and instead began painting popular Los Angeles spots, late in the afternoon … snapping photos from his phone while in traffic, then spending the weekend conveying the quick snaps from the car onto a canvas.

Unable to capture the precise shapes and architectural details due to loss of daylight, Dan’s paintings became more abstract and experimental. He added figures and skipped architectural details in favor of expressing the mood and beat of the city and its inhabitants. ”I’m always trying to be looser and less precise than what I do in my career,” says Dan. The series featured long shadows, silhouettes, loosely interpreted architectural structures and intense bursts of color within a typically muted palette.

Now Dan is bringing the same themes back to the ocean. In his exhibit at the TAG gallery, appropriately titled Back to the Beach, Dan uses the familiar setting to introduce the audience to a younger generations of beach-goers, often surfers, and most with tattoos—as observed by the artist, retaining the signature style of deep shadows, muted colors with erupting sunset tones and ocean hues.

Dan calls his style “extreme coastal.” The impressions of the California coast that capture surfing, intense colors of the sunset and striking figures against the bright horizon are images that are strikingly different from the precisely executed en plein air artists you’ll find tucked away behind their easels along the boardwalks of the beach communities. Nonetheless, the images as interpreted by Dan are as Californian as the palms waving in the salty air. l Dan’s Back to the Beach will be on view TAG through May 14.

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

49

Find Your Beauty Bliss Looking and feeling your best year-round is no easy endeavor, especially with summer knocking on our door. Not to fret, Southbay magazine has you covered.

We’ll introduce you to local experts who are devoted to helping you achieve beauty bliss ‌ from fitness gurus to spa aestheticians to cosmetic medical professionals. Meet them in our next issue.

SPA, BEAUTY & FITNESS 310.376.7800 | oursouthbay@moontidemedia.com oursouthbay.com

TIPS | WHERE WE LIVE

SPA, BEAUTY & FITNESS

Core and More in 4 Premier Mind & Body’s Chris DiVecchio offers advice on achieving a lean summer body.

WATER. WATER. WATER. H2O is our friend and our enemy, but most people don’t know how to get rid of it in their body to get that lean look for the pool parties. To drop water you need to drink water. Give yourself one week, and start by drinking 1 gallon on days 1, 2 and 3. On day 4 reduce your water intake to ½ gallon. On day 5 and 6 reduce it to ¼ gallon. Day 7, which should be the day of your event, you will consume as little water as you can until you get poolside.

you create inflammation. The inflammation in your mid-section from doing crunches before you take your shirt off can smooth out those deep cuts you have in your abdominals. You’ve worked way too hard to get them, so make sure you train them hard for a few days and then give them a couple days to recover before the big reveal.

LESS CARBS AFTER 3 P.M. Carbohydrates are a great source of energy … however, if you don’t know how to use them, they can leave you looking bloated. Keep your carbs toward the front end of your day. Breakfast and lunch are two meals that you can safely add carbs and capitalize on their benefits by burning them for energy. Consume carbs any later than 3 p.m., and you may run the risk of storing them as fat. Not ideal for that summer body.

ISOMETRIC TRAINING IS WAY UNDERRATED. Isometric work is contracting a muscle without any weight resistance. By working a muscle isometrically, you can increase muscle hardness and definition.

Biceps, triceps and chest are three main muscle groups that can show impressive results through isometric training. You can perform isometrics in between sets at the gym or you can even perform isometrics in your car while your sitting still on the 405. The harder and more frequently you contract those muscles, the tighter and harder those muscles will look. l

STOP AB WORK 2 DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT. When you train a muscle, including abs,

Chris graciously modeled for our Blue Sunday fashion feature on page 84. You can visit him at premiermindandbody.com.

oursouthbay.com

The finest professionals in theSouth Bay MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

51

WHERE WE LIVE | MEDIA

InWORDS His

KEEP CURIOUS AND CARRY A BANANA: WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE WORLD OF CURIOUS GEORGE

by H.A. Ray Perfect for both young and young at heart.

For more than 75 years, the world of Curious George has delighted readers with its playful charm and deceptively simple wisdom. Each inspiration is humorously accompanied by an illustration from the original works of H. A. Rey’s books.

GAME 7, 1986: FAILURE AND TRIUMPH IN THE BIGGEST GAME OF MY LIFE

by Ron Darling and Daniel Paisner

Fiction, biography and even some hip-hop history from men with something to say EDITED BY

Stage IV lung cancer. The book chronicles Kalanithi’s transformation from a naïve medical student “possessed,” as he wrote, “by the question of what, given that all organisms die, makes a virtuous and meaningful life” ... into a neurosurgeon at Stanford working in the brain, the most critical place for human identity, and finally into a patient and new father confronting his own mortality.

THE REASON I JUMP: THE INNER VOICE OF A THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD BOY WITH AUTISM

by Naoki Higashida

Every little kid who’s ever taken the mound in Little League dreams of someday getting the ball for Game 7 of the World Series.

Ron Darling got to live that dream—only it didn’t go exactly as planned. Published to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the 1986 New York Mets championship season, Darling’s book will break down one of baseball’s great “forgotten” games—a game that stands as a thrilling, telling and tantalizing exclamation point to one of the best-remembered seasons in baseball.

From the introduction by David Mitchell: “The thirteen-year-old author of this book invites you, his reader, to imagine a daily life in which your faculty of speech is taken away. Now imagine that after you lose your ability to communicate, the editor-in-residence who orders your thoughts walks out without notice. A dam-burst of ideas, memories, impulses and thoughts is cascading over you, unstoppably. Your editor controlled this flow, diverting the vast majority away, and recommending just a tiny number for your conscious consideration. But now you’re on your own.”

WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR

by Paul Kalanithi

LEAVES OF GRASS

by Walt Whitman

At the age of 36, on the verge of completing a decade’s worth of training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with

In 1855 Walt Whitman published—at his own expense—the first edition of Leaves of Grass, a visionary volume of 12 poems. Exalting

52

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

DARREN ELMS

nature, celebrating the human body and praising the senses and sexual love, the monumental work was condemned as “immoral.”

This edition presents the original 12 poems from Whitman’s premier 1855. Included are some of the greatest poems of modern times, works that continue to upset conventional notions of beauty and originality even today.

HAMILTON Original Cast Recording Grammy-winning cast album Hamilton, which transferred to Broadway following a sold-out run at The Public Theater, is the acclaimed new musical about the scrappy young immigrant Alexander Hamilton, the $10 Founding Father who forever changed America with his revolutionary ideas and actions. Hamilton has book, music and lyrics

by Tony and Grammy Award-winning composer Lin Manuel Miranda, who also plays the title role. 

oursouthbay.com

Stay Forever Young

MOTHER & DAUGHTER - ACTUAL PATIENTS

Eyes | Breasts | Face | Body Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery

www.dr-petti.com 3400 W. Lomita Blvd., Suite 305, Torrance, California 90505 | Tel. 310-539-5888 | www.facebook.com/drpetti

WHERE WE LIVE | COMMUNITY

Riding for a Cure

Just one true story behind the Tour de Pier’s “Why I Ride” campaign WRITTEN BY DARREN

ELMS |

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF

BERTING

A

few years ago Hermosa Beach’s Chip Hackley and “Chinny is doing great,” shares Chip on his son’s amazing wife Tara were informed that their 2½-year-old recovery. “He is the picture of perfect health. It will be five son, Chinny, had a brain tumor. Overwhelmed years this summer since he had his last surgery. The docwith shock and grief, Chip kept asking himself, tors told us last summer after his last scan to consider him “How could a healthy little boy have cancer?” ‘cancer-free.’”

The doctor informed the couple that surgery was needed Although this was a major challenge for Chip, it was within days to remove the tumor quickly. After several also a huge learning experience. With the right leaderhours of surgery, the doctors brought Chip and Tara into a ship, he understood how strong his family could be, especially separate room away from with his wife by his side. the other visitors.

“I was just in awe of “The doctor said that her strength,” he says.

There are some posters around town the tumor was inoper“I realize now how preable and didn’t say cious life is and how with his picture on them for the Tour de Pier. much else,” remembers quickly it can end.”

Chip. “That was the Alongside his dad, So .” lowest point for me.”

Chinny exemplifies the In a daze, he walked Tour de Pier’s “Why I out of the room, past Ride” campaign. He’s a his family and friends fighter. who were waiting to hear the news, and just completely “We are friends with Heath Gregory, co-founder of the broke down and cried. As a father and husband, he knew it Tour de Pier, and his wife, Mandy,” says Chip of his conwas necessary to pull himself together, be strong for his famnection to Tour de Pier. “Heath told us about this fabulous ily and do everything he could to make his son well again. event, and we instantly became attracted to the cause.”

After the first meeting with Chinny’s oncologist, Chip After months of fundraising, Chip will ride along with received news that would completely change his outlook on countless others in search of a cure for cancer. He believes the situation. The doctor said there was a 50/50 chance to that with advance technology and strong research, finding a cure his son with chemo and, eventually, another surgery. For cure is close.

Chip this was all he needed to hear ... hope. From that point Will Chinny be there? You bet. “There are some posters forward, Chip and Tara went into complete fighting mode, around town with his picture on them for the Tour de Pier,” spending every waking moment for the next six to seven says his proud father. “So he thinks he is famous.” l months researching the best treatment.

A few doctors told Chip that if his son did indeed live The fourth annual Tour de Pier will take place Sunday, May through this, he wouldn’t flourish and live a normal healthy 15 at 7:30 a.m. on The Strand overlooking the Manhattan life. That was almost five years ago.

Beach Pier. For more information, visit tourdepier.com.

he thinks he is famous

54

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

COMMUNITY | WHERE WE LIVE

oursouthbay.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

55

WHERE WE LIVE | DATEBOOK

SUMMER WARM-UP

May 13

Go Red for Women Luncheon 11 a.m., Manhattan Beach Marriott

The American Heart Association (AHA) will celebrate three South Bay women for their positive, transformational impact on community health: actress Regina Hall, StubHub general manager Katie Pandolfo and Four Daughters Kitchen owner Kori Clausen. The AHA’s Go Red For Women movement provides women with tools and resources they need to live longer, stronger, healthier lives. southbaygored.heart.org May 25

The Who Hits 50!

7:30 p.m., Staples Center

The Who exploded conventional rhythm and blues structures, challenged pop music conventions and redefined what was possible on stage, in the recording studio and on vinyl. As they enter their 50th year, the band is still going strong, winning rave reviews and coming to LA for one night only. axs.com June 16

El Segundo Art Walk 5 to 9 p.m

On the third Thursday evenings of the summer months, more than 30 creative El Segundo businesses will open their doors for studio tours. Each unique venue will act as a pop-up gallery, displaying original works of local Los Angeles based artists. elsegundoartwalk.com May

June

July

16 Providence Little Company of Mary Golf Classic

11 & 12 Palos Verdes Street Fair and Music Festival

4 Village Runner 4th of July 5K

20 VERTE: Grades of Green Annual Fundraiser

25 & 26 Riviera Village Summer Festival

28 Ultimate Billy Joel Tribute, The Stranger

26 Celebrate Wellness

6 a.m., Palos Verdes Golf Club california.providence.org

The Ritz-Carlton, Marina Del Rey gradesofgreen.org

8 p.m., Palos Verdes Performing Arts Center palosverdesperformingarts.com

56

ROCK & STROLL Above: The Who goes golden; El Segundo Art Walk

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

10 a.m., Norris Center & Deep Valley Drive pvstreetfair.com

10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Riviera Village rvsummerfestival.com

3 to 7 p.m., South Coast Botanic Garden cancersupportredondobeach.org

8 a.m., Riviera Village villagerunner.com

15-17 South Bay Greek Festival

St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Redondo Beach sbgreekfestival.com

17 Celebrate Chefs

4 to 7 p.m., Catalina View Vineyards celebratechefs.com

oursouthbay.com

Rediscover life without pain.

Get relief from chronic pain and enjoy the things you love to do once again. All without surgery.

Stem Cell & PRP Therapy Your body heals naturally using your own healthy regenerative stem cells.

Ideal for treating: Hip Arthritis Back Pain Neck Pain Knee Arthritis Shoulder Arthritis Tennis/Golf Elbow ACL Injuries Meniscus Tears Ligament Injuries Joint Dysfunction

Pacific Stem Cell & PRP A DIVISION OF THE PACIFIC PAIN & WELLNESS GROUP

Kartik Ananth, MD

Reuben Chen, MD

23000 Crenshaw Blvd. Suite 100, Torrance, CA 90505 | (424) 625 - 6601 | Fax: (310) 437-7398 | www.pacificstemcellprp.com

WHERE WE LIVE | SEEN

Moon Tide Media Open House

After years in Hermosa Beach, Moon Tide Media moved to higher ground. The local content marketing agency known for its regional publications Southbay and Ventura Blvd magazines relocated to a custom-built space in the PCT towers of El Segundo.

Guests enjoyed gourmet bites from Paul Martin’s American Grill and a delicious dessert bar by Cake Bakeshop. Toasts in honor of the growing business were raised, thanks to the delicious wine selections from Barsha Wine and Spirits. A special thanks to Penta for providing the purified bottled water, Choura for facilitating the party rentals and our friends We The Folk for pumping out their funky beats throughout the evening.

Dessert bar by Cake Bakeshop and art by Stanley Silver

Gabe Wheaton of We The Folk

Joy Stingone and Jenny Karl

58

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

David Neale, Elissa Goodman, Mary Herne

PHOTOGRAPHED BY TRACY BRESHEARS

Kristine Nickel, Dr. Christine Petti, Liz Diaz, Shayla Storz

Paul Martin’s American Grill beef sliders and salmon cups

Elena Lacey, Christine Georgiades, Emily Armer and friends

oursouthbay.com

SEEN | WHERE WE LIVE

Jen Klawin and Todd Klawin

Charlie Koones and David Berglass

Adnen Marouani and Lenora Marouani from Barsha Wine and Spirits

Linda Grasso, Karen Silver, Tracy Berglass

Megan Jone and KC Campbell

Chelsea Thurly and Rachel Dwyer

oursouthbay.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

59

WHERE WE LIVE | SEEN

Palos Verdes Juniors Spring Fundraiser

The “Luck be a Lady” Las Vegas-themed event benefited South Bay women and children in crisis. Proceeds will be disbursed to selected philanthropies on May 26 at the Palos Verdes Golf Club.

Peanie Wang, Suzanne Sugano, Judy Cha Julie Douglass, Cheryl Friedman, Paula MannionFarrow, Susan Taylor Davis, Laurie Barraclough

Cabaret Versatile entertainers

Deborah Richie-Bray and Todd Bray

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JAY ROBERTS

Alida Van Hammersveld, John Van Hammersveld, Rene Miziguchi, Eric Ewing

Derek Poole, Lindsay Skorupa, Angela Kinney, Mal Kinney

Women’s Lunch

60

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEIDRE DAVIDSON

The women of the Ambassadors came together at Torrance Memorial to hear Patricia Sacks, MD, explore the breast cancer advocacy movement. Dr. Sacks covered the recent controversy over the frequency and age a woman should receive a mammogram, advances in testing, financial implications of breast cancer and more.

oursouthbay.com

SEEN | WHERE WE LIVE

GirlTalk LA’s Connect+Inspire

This inaugural event at Shade Hotel brought like-minded women together to engage in conversations and support one another.

Attendees heard from an empowering panel of celebrity, entrepreneur, fashion and beauty speakers, all while enjoying a Champagne brunch, glam booths and networking while lifting others up and raising money for the Kind Campaign.

The GirlTalk LA panel

The Bella Twins with Katie and Denise Austin

Rachel Gotko and Danielle Price

Founder of GirlTalk LA Sarah Pendrick with The Bella Twins

Sarah Happ, Jordan The Balanced Blonde, Elizabeth Keene

PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATHRYN COLBY/JP CORDERO

GirlTalk LA silent auction

Flowers by Mulberry and Moss; place setting gifts from Kendra Scott and BeautyKind

oursouthbay.com

Sarah Pendrick with the speakers: The Bella Twins, Katie Austin, Sara Happ, Elizabeth Keene, The Balanced Blonde, We The Classy, Kirbie Johnson, Curry Girls Kitchen

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

61

WHERE WE LIVE | SEEN

An Evening in Spring with Susan & Alli

The Gala, Celebrating the 85th anniversary of Palos Verdes Art Center

Real estate team Susan Jensen and Alli Baldocchi hosted an evening celebrating friends and spring with ONEHOPE Wines, benefitting autism and breast cancer. Gold glitter bottles of brut were given in a drawing, and each guest received a swag bag. Music was provided by Paul Lemire, hors d’ourves

by Lisa’s Bon Appetit, desserts from OH PIE and planning by Social Scarlett.

Hosted by Bruce Bibby, aka Ted Casablanca, entertainment journalist and E! Online gossip-columnist-turned-artgallerist, the night began with cocktails and a silent auction before an opulent dinner by TGIS.

Susan Jensen and Alli Baldocchi

Joe Mogel, Lisa Mogel, Susan Jensen, Charlene Hamilton, Malissia Clinton

Susan Jensen and Chief Eve Irvine

62

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

Linda Lyons, Gladys Lyons, Susan Jensen, Mica Linsley, Monica Gee

Kim Martin, Susan Jensen, Steve Martin

Julie D’Adamo, Karl D’Adamo, Susan Jensen, Phil Linsley

Anthony Richardson and Marta Jevenois-Richardson

Eva Sweeney and Brian Sweeney

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LINDA COTTER

Alli Baldocchi, Eric Read, Caren Read, Tome Baldocchi

Stan Solomon and Judith Solomon

oursouthbay.com

SEEN | WHERE WE LIVE

The Bathroom Store

PVAC executive director Joe Baker and Gabrielle

SUPER SALE!

F UP TO 50% 0O16F MAY 16-21, 2

310-787-2400 | 2140 W. 190th St Torrance | www.totospecialist.com

PHOTOGRAPHED BY MONICA OROZCO

Lena Adishian and David Adishian

Distinctive Residential Settings | Chef-Prepared Dining and Bistro Premier Health and Wellness Programs | Award-Winning Memory Care Professionally Supervised Therapy and Rehabilitation Services BURBANK | ENCINO | RANCHO PALOS VERDES Vikas Sachar and Suthar Sachar

HOLLYWOOD HILLS | WESTWOOD | THOUSAND OAKS

The Community Built for Life.® belmontvillage.com

© 2016 Belmont Village, L.P. | RCFE Lic 197608468, 197608466, 197608467, 198601646, 565801746, 197608291

oursouthbay.com

VenturaBlvd_2016_dining.indd 1

4/11/16 7:42 AM

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

63

WHERE WE LIVE | SEEN

Kit and Ace Takes the Plunge Kit and Ace launched their first-ever swimwear line and hosted a day at sea in Marina Del Rey to celebrate. While guests engaged in Real Talk and rosé, models showcased new swimwear for men and women that was created to seamlessly layer with everyday wear—perfect for long summer days.

64

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

SEEN | WHERE WE LIVE

GrowingGreat Jr. Chefs Program visits Manhattan House

Pacific Garden Salad

Manhattan House restaurant was host to some of Los Angeles’ youngest culinary talents. The students of Pacific Elementary School prepared a locally sourced and organic dish, eponymously named Pacific Garden Salad. It was featured in March on the gastropub’s seasonal menu as a part of GrowingGreat’s Jr. Chefs Program.

Redondo Beach BE ACTIVE, BE SOCIAL

BE HAPPY! Dancing is a perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation!

Diana Stavaridis speaks to Pacific Elementary students with Jill Coons of GrowingGreat.

Amber Case prepares the Pacific Garden Salad.

Diana Stavaridis shows students around.

Grant Whitney fries some bacon.

SALSA  MAMBO  HUSTLE  SWING CHA CHA  PLUS MANY MORE!

1650 S Pacific Coast Hwy #110 Redondo Beach www.fredastaireredondo.com Harper Sussin assists her classmate.

oursouthbay.com

Grant Whitney and Will Doherty

(310) 316-5800

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

FredAstaire_SB0416_TV-Final.indd 1

65

3/14/16 11:56 AM

WHERE WE LIVE | SEEN

Bowl-A-Thon

Walk With Sally raised nearly $50,000 at this year’s Bowl-A-Thon peer-to-peer fundraiser. Superhero-themed teams came together to take a strike at cancer during this afternoon bowling competition. Team South Bay Villains walked away as the highest fundraising team, bringing in more than $8,000.

Team Powerpuff Girls: Shamim Totounchi, Kim Wakefield, Jason LeClair, Lauren Hamm

Team Andy’s Heroes: Melissa Fuller, Chuck Slavik, Amy Dorr, Chloe

Celebrity judges Dawn McCoy, Brooke Marston, Jadon Sand

66

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

PHOTOGRAPHED BY FRANK TARABORELLI JR.

Greg Colgan and Max

Nick Arquette with sponsors Bradley Sperber and Andrisa Sperber

oursouthbay.com

SEEN | WHERE WE LIVE

Go Local Manhattan Beach

At this event dedicated to celebrating our local South Bay community, guests enjoyed food, drinks and music all brought by local businesses. The event was hosted by Garrett’s Run Shop and Pier to Pier Brokers.

Hours Tuesdays

11 am – 4 Pm 5 Pm in summer

The BLND PR girls

Vox DJs

Adrienne Lazovick, Caitlin Wall, Alyssa Baldino, Jamie Morgan

Diana Roberts and Blake Roberts

Located in Downtown Manhattan Beach at 13th Street, between Valley/Morningside Drive MBfarmersmarket.com

Matt Preuss

oursouthbay.com

Le Louis, Carolyn Madrinkian, Andrea Don, Amy Lynn Goodrich

Farm fresh produce, herbs, micro greens & flowers, eggs, pasta & cheese, vegan cheese, nut butters, pickles, olive oils, hummus, yogurts, hot foods & more

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

67

WHERE WE LIVE | SEEN

Grand Opening

Manhattan Pacific Realty celebrated the grand opening of their new offices in Hermosa Beach with an afternoon reception.

Layne Tally, Jason Sabaugh, Jillian Sabaugh, Abby Barbour

Bill Murin, Julie Haynes, Carol Murin

Lindsay Freeman, Chris Frantz, Julie Haynes, Tony Graeber, Zach Freeman, Colby Comstock Frantz

Herman Hibler, Tom Aldrich, Lou Myers, Taylor Adams

Paul Cooney, Kevin Lang, Brad Chambers

Brad Chambers, Max Fitzgerald, Julie Haynes, Richard Haynes, Kelley Dahlen

Nicole Fevergeon, Richard Haynes, Sheena Mariano, Joe Persichina, Kelly Porterfield, Brent Graham

68

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

SEEN | WHERE WE LIVE

Celebrating Excellence and Opportunity

Friends of Providence Little Company of Mary (LCM) Medical Center Torrance gathered in El Segundo at the MotoArt Studio of artist Donovan Fell. Like LCM, with its distinguished history and national recognition as a Truven Analytics Top 100 Hospital four years in a row and Top 50 Cardiovascular Center, Donovan had reason to celebrate. Thanks to the response of the El Segundo Fire Department and the exemplary and dedicated care he received at Providence, he was able to fully embrace life following a recent devastating cardiac event.

Linda Wenglikowski, David Craddock, Jane Centofante

FIND US SOCIALLY Donovan Fell, Dr. Jamie Kahn, Marc Rosenblatt

/OurSouthbay

@OurSouthbay

/OurSouthbay

/OurSouthbay

Sr. Terrence Landini, LCM, Mary Kingston, Dr. James Scharffenberger, Marlene Young

Dr. Mike Del Vicario, Donovan Fell, Rich Severa, Sean Armstrong

oursouthbay.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

69

FEEL AT HOME IN YOUR SKIN.

M e n ti o n a n d r e c e iv th is a d e c o m p li m e a F R E E n c o n s u lt a ti ta r y on.

Whether you’re a mother or not, there’s no reason to say goodbye to your bikini body.

Get your body back with a

Feel confident in your bikini with a

Recently lost a lot of weight? Get a

BREAST ENHANCEMENT & LIPOSUCTION

BREAST LIFT & TUMMY TUCK

BREAST REDUCTION & TUMMY TUCK

carried out at the same time.

carried out at the same time.

carried out at the same time.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING

310.597.4734

14650 Aviation Blvd #210 Manhattan Beach, CA 90250

WWW.MY-PLASTIC-SURGEON.COM

WRITTEN BY LAURA WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

Local chefs and patrons alike crave the tasty treats that summer brings. Experience the South Bay’s hottest eateries—featured on the following pages. Read about the history and ambience of the restaurants and the culinary journey and cooking style of the chefs. And try some of these delicious recipes right in your own home!

oursouthbay.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

71

KINCAID’S

EXECUTIVE CHEF RAMON FERNANDEZ & SOUS CHEF ROSA MARTINEZ

SESAME CRUSTED AHI WITH FORBIDDEN RICE Ahi is a mainstay on our menu. With this recipe, we’ve added some new flavors and textures to give the plate more color and more excitement. olive oil blend 1 (6-ounce) filet of ahi black & white sesame seeds Crusted Bok Choy (bok choy bulbs, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, vegetable oil) Forbidden Rice (rice, water, coconut milk) Garnishes: lilikoi wasabi, pesto wasabi, pickled ginger

In a sauté pan, heat olive oil blend until pan is hot. Dust the ahi with the seeds and sear to crust the fish.

Dip bok choy bulbs in egg wash, then crust with panko crumbs. Fry in a separate sauté pan with vegetable oil.

Cut in half and then let finish baking in the oven at 200º for 3-5 minutes.

Make Forbidden Rice by cooking rice according to package directions, using half water and half coconut milk. Mix lilikoi (passion fruit juice/ puree) with wasabi, 3 parts to 1 part.

Separately mix pesto with wasabi, 3 to 1. Serve fish, bok choy and rice with garnishes.

72

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

A classic American grill located on the world-famous Redondo Beach Pier, Kincaid’s has been serving the South Bay since 1999. Featuring a true “scratch kitchen,” it is the local go-to for simple weekday dinners as well as special occasions—including a weekend brunch and Bloody Mary bar.

Kincaid’s has earned a five-star ranking for both food and service from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association and was named one of the top seafood restaurants by USA Today Travel. The eatery offers happy hour seven days a week and a late-night menu from 9 p.m. until close. Live music is featured on Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. and for Sunday brunch from noon to 3 p.m.

The culinary team of Kincaid’s—led by executive chef Ramon Fernandez and sous chef Rosa Martinez—specializes in grilling fresh seafood and meats with seasonal woods to bring out the most unique flavors. “We pursue perfection one piece of meat at a time,” says GM Reggie Thomas. “Working on our grill is an art form; the grill can’t be too hot or too cold. It has to be just right, and you have to be able to work the entire grill.”

Both Chef Ramon and Chef Rosa cut their culinary chops the old-fashioned way—in the kitchen. They both got their start in the industry washing dishes and moved up from there.

“It’s funny how we meet aspiring chefs today, and they think that what goes on in the classroom is the reality of a restaurant like ours,” says Ramon. “We are a high-volume location with more than 400 seats, so whenever we get someone from culinary school on our team, it’s a bit of a wakeup call. Some of them are able to execute and keep up the pace; some are not, but we try to teach them what we can and enjoy the time together. We’re always seeking and sharing knowledge.”

When asked about the rewards of working as a chef, Rosa explains, “Creating new dishes is by far one of the best things. We change our menu monthly, so as soon as we create a new menu we’ve got to go right back at it again.”

Kincaid’s has an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean, which adds a unique element to the dining experience. “We’ve got the best view in the South Bay,” Reggie says, “and the only location south of Malibu with live waves crashing beneath our patio.”

Chef Ramon agrees: “With our patio being right over the water and waves crashing beneath us, we have a lot of events there, so I do a lot of tapas-style pairings with cocktails, beer and wine.

Last year we featured a surf ‘n’ turf. This year we’re showcasing an ahi recipe. Our guests demand only the best.”

500 Fisherman’s Wharf Redondo Beach 310-318-6080 kincaids.com

oursouthbay.com

oursouthbay.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

73

JUMBO LUMP CRAB CAKES L to R: Jean-Pierre Vincent, executive chef Ron Swart, pastry chef Ken Harada, sous chef

CAFÉ PACIFIC AT TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF CLUB, LOS ANGELES

When Donald Trump bought Trump National Golf Club in 1999, his vision was to offer food, décor and service of the highest caliber and to cater to the needs of all guests. Reflecting that vision for Café Pacific restaurant at Trump National is Executive Chef Jean-Pierre Vincent.

Guests enjoy the chef’s innovation specials, weekend and holiday brunches, theme nights and wine dinners featuring Trump Signature Wines.

Originally from Venezuela, with a French father and Cuban mother, the chef’s culinary talents have been greatly influenced by his travels. He has cooked throughout the United States, Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa. Chef Jean-Pierre’s cooking style is Mediterranean-inspired and rustic. He uses fresh, local, seasonal and house-made ingredients and recipes whenever possible.

Sous Chef Ken Harada hails from

Tokyo, Japan, and has been in the U.S. for the past 19 years. He graduated with honors in business and management and then discovered his passion for food when he took over a small business that he later turned into an upscale Japanese bistro. He then trained with accomplished Asian chefs who taught him basic principles of classic Japanese cuisine. Ken has been cooking for 15 years and has perfected the art of sushi.

Pastry Chef Ron Swart was born and raised in the Netherlands and studied at the Dutch Culinary Institute and The Pastry and Bread Academy of Amsterdam.

He then trained with some of the most prestigious master pastry chefs in Holland. Ron has an international approach to many dessert specialties—including ice creams, wedding cakes, plated desserts and his showpiece creations of pulled sugar and chocolate.

One Trump National Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes 310-265-5000 trumpnationallosangeles.com

74

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

Crab Cake: ½ pound jumbo lump crab meat 1 egg 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs juice and zest of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon chopped chives salt and pepper to taste ½ tablespoon vegetable oil Cassoulet: ¼ cup diced pancetta ½ tablespoon shallots, julienned 1 leek (white part), julienned ¼ cup white wine sprig of fresh thyme & rosemary ½ cup chicken stock ½ cup cooked chickpeas Remoulade: ½ cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon chopped gherkins ½ teaspoon chopped capers 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped 1 teaspoon chopped dill 1 teaspoon chopped chives ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil salt and pepper to taste

Mix all crab cake ingredients together and form into 1½-ounce cakes. Preheat oven to 350º. Preheat sauté pan on medium; add oil.

Sear cakes on one side until golden brown.

Flip over and place in oven for about 5 minutes. Keep warm.

For cassoulet, cook pancetta in a small pot on medium until crispy. Add shallots and cook for 2 minutes. Add leeks and cook, covered, until soft. Add wine and cook for 5 minutes or until reduced by half. Add herbs, stock and chickpeas and cook for 15 minutes.

Season to taste.

Mix all remoulade ingredients together.

Place a dollop of cassoulet in the center of the plate. Place crab cakes on top. Add a few teaspoons of remoulade.

oursouthbay.com

DARREN’S

RESTAURANT EXECUTIVE CHEF DARREN WEISS

1141 Manhattan Ave. Manhattan Beach 310-802-1973 darrensrestaurant.com

oursouthbay.com

Darren’s Restaurant features dishes that combine American, Mediterranean and Pacific Rim flavors. Guests enjoy an upscale, fine-dining experience—whether celebrating a special event, hosting a business dinner or eating a midweek meal—in a welcoming, beach-friendly atmosphere.

In October 2007 Darren Weiss found his “home” in Manhattan Beach and opened his namesake restaurant. In 2014 Darren’s underwent substantial renovations to both the restaurant and the menu.

The reimagined Darren’s still features the warm atmosphere guests love but with a reinvigorated spirit.

Over the course of more than 20 years in the restaurant industry, general manager Bart Thompson has crafted his guiding principle of “only exceptional food, only exceptional service, only friendly and knowledgeable people.” Sommelier Nadia Pavlevska is responsible for all things wine-related, including building the restaurant’s boutique selection of international and California wines. She is a Certified Sommelier (CS) with the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) with the American Society of Wine Educators, a Certified International Etiquette and Business Protocol Consultant with the Washington School of Protocol, and a member of the Guild of Master Sommeliers. Mixologist Jonathan Dahl runs the cocktail program, which he and Bart built from scratch.

Chef Darren attended The Culinary Institute of America and then worked in Hawaii during his early career. In 1998 he moved to Santa Monica and worked at Rockenwagner. After two years, he left to open Café Catalina—his first restaurant—which enjoyed a successful five-year run. Darren worked at resorts in Texas before returning to the South Bay in 2007.

He enjoys spending time with his family, as well as hiking, fishing, skiing and ice-skating.

PAN-SEARED NORTHERN HALIBUT WITH MEYER’S LEMON MARMALADE 4 Meyer’s lemons (or substitute with regular lemon) 1 cup water 1 cup granulated sugar 1 T chopped mint 4 (6-ounce) portions halibut kosher salt 1 tablespoon Italian parsley, finely chopped canola oil

To make marmalade, combine lemons, water and sugar in a stainless steel pan. Bring to nearly boiling. Reduce heat to simmer and continue simmering until mixture becomes syrupy (approximately 1 hour). Add mint, stir and cool for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350º. Season halibut with salt and parsley. Heat oil in a large ovenproof saucepan until it starts to smoke. Add halibut and sear until golden brown on both sides, approximately 30 seconds per side. Place pan in oven and continue to cook until internal temperature reaches 135º (approximately 5–8 minutes, depends on thickness of halibut).

Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Serve with marmalade.

Enjoy!

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

75

OLD VENICE

EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDREW HANTZARIDES Old Venice is a family-owned and operated restaurant patterned in the Greek taverna style. Opened in 1984 by husband-and-wife team Jimmy and Julie Hantzarides, the building was destroyed by a fire in 2006.

Tragically, two years later Jimmy was killed in a bicycle accident.

In his honor, Julie—along with their son and daughter, Andrew and Natalie—reopened the restaurant in 2009.

Under the guidance of executive chef Andrew Hantzarides, Old Venice offers a full menu of Greek and Italian traditional and classic favorites. Old Venice prides itself on fresh-made, homestyle cooking, creating menu items with the taste and feel of an authentic Greek or Italian kitchen from family recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Chef Andrew learned his cooking skills, as well as the daily operations of the restaurant business, from his father.

“It was just something I had in my blood,” the chef says of his chosen profession. “I grew up in the kitchen and took to cooking very naturally. I love seeing people’s eyes light up when my food is placed in front of them and they take that first bite.”

When he’s not at work, Andrew enjoys traveling, photography and anything related to sports. The featured recipe, aptly titled Andrew’s Special, was influenced by the flavors and cuisines Andrew enjoyed as a child.

ANDREW’S SPECIAL 4–6-ounces chicken breast, diced 1 Italian sausage, sliced pinch of garlic clove, chopped 1–2 ounces olive oil ½ potato, diced 1 celery stalk, chopped 1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced 1½ ounces lemon juice ½ ounce jalapeño juice salt & pepper to taste pinch of fresh basil, chopped pinch of fresh cilantro, chopped 1 cup fresh spinach 4 ounces marinara sauce 8–10 ounces spaghetti, cooked

Sauté chicken, sausage and garlic in olive oil until browned.

Add potatoes, celery and tomatoes; cook through. Add lemon juice, jalapeño juice, salt and pepper. Add basil, cilantro, spinach and marinara sauce and simmer for a few more minutes.

Serve over spaghetti.

1001 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach 310-376-0242 oldveniceonline.com

76

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

GNUDI AL POMODORO FRESCO

DELUCA

TRATTORIA DIRECTOR ANDREA FRANCESCO TORELLI-LESKY

EXECUTIVE CHEF GABRIELLA TORELLI Deluca is a traditional, country-style Tuscan trattoria with a rustic, warm and relaxed ambience. The trattoria primarily serves authentic Tuscan dishes but also explores recipes from other regions of Italy.

Born and raised in Florence, Italy, executive chef Gabriella Torelli has long made family cooking a priority. “Being Italian through and through, I don’t think any of us chose this profession—it chose us,” says managing partner Andrea Francesco Torelli-Lesky.

“We feature authentic Italian recipes … like Nonna and Mamma made.”

Chef Gabriella and her son, Andrea, enjoy sharing their Italian culture and history with guests. “Whether here or in Italy,” Andrea explains, “Italians have a passion to want to express themselves through food and wine. It’s part of our cultural and histor-

ical ego. We want people to know how good authentic Italian food and wine really is.”

Even when they’re not at the trattoria, Andrea and Gabriella enjoy sharing food and wine with family and friends. “Gathering around a table or in a kitchen is an important part of daily life for us ... and most likely the main reason Deluca has become our guests’ home-away-from-home,” says Gabriella.

Some of Chef Gabriella’s favorite summer menu items include Zuppa di Piselli Primavera, Insalata Della Casa Torelli, Tortellini al Salsa di Salvia e Mandorle and Branzino all’Acqua Pazza. She also loves to make a guest favorite: Gnudi al Pomodoro Fresco—a type of gnocchi that originated in Tuscany during the second century B.C. “Buon appetito, mangia bene, buona bevuta, e ci vediamo presto!”

¼ cup olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 3 cloves garlic 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped salt to taste pinch peperoncino 1½ pound diced tomatoes pinch of sugar 2 pounds raw spinach, sliced 2 eggs 1 pound ricotta cheese pepper to taste nutmeg to taste ½ pound flour ½ pound Parmesan cheese garnish: fresh basil leaves

Make tomato sauce: In a large saucepan, combine oil, butter, garlic, basil salt and pepperoncino. Sauté until basil and garlic are cooked but not browned. Add tomatoes, mix and sauté. Taste and adjust for salt; add a pinch of sugar.

In mixer, combine spinach and eggs; mix well. Add ricotta, salt, pepper and nutmeg; mix until combined. Taste to adjust spices. Add half of flour and mix, until texture is similar to pizza dough. If needed, add more flour and ricotta. Let sit for 10 minutes.

With a tablespoon, make 1-inch balls of dough and roll in remaining flour. Bring water and salt to boil in a large pan and add gnudi. When they float to the surface, drain and serve with tomato sauce and Parmesan. Garnish with basil.

225 Richmond Street, El Segundo | 310-640-7600 | delucapasta.com

oursouthbay.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

77

RC BABY KALE BLACKENED SALMON CAESAR SALAD

RED CAR

BREWERY & RESTAURANT Red Car Brewery & Restaurant is a familyowned and operated business that brews all of its own craft beers on site. In business for more than 16 years, the upscale-casual establishment prides itself on a warm, friendly ambience and classic food such as salads, sandwiches, house-made sauces for pastas, Angus grass-fed beef burgers and a wood-fired pizza oven for pies made from scratch pizza dough. Some popular beers on their brewery menu include the Big Red Ale, Motorman Reserve and South Bay IPA. Owners Bob and Laurie Brandt are 22-year residents of Torrance and have two children, William and Paige. The Red Car team supports the arts, local schools and numerous nonprofit organizations and were recognized by the Torrance Chamber of Commerce as one of the most 100 influential businesses in Torrance.

Bob and Laurie were also recognized as Citizens of the Year in 2014.

Laurie graduated from Indiana State and enjoyed a successful career in the fashion industry after moving to California. She manages day-to-day marketing, community outreach, staffing and catering for Red Car Brewery & Restaurant.

Bob started home brewing while attending grad school at USC. An apprenticeship at Alpine Village’s Southern California Brewing Co. in 1993 led to a brew master position with the Huntington Beach Beer Co. In the mid-1990s Bob and Laurie, who met in 1991 in Santa Monica—at one of the first tap rooms/beer bars, became original investors in the Newport Beach Brewing Co., and Bob was a partner in the Tustin Brewing Co. before opening their own business.

“We’re happy to be a part of the early generation of brewpubs that started this industry,” says Laurie. Adds Bob, “It’s a great time to be a beer drinker in Torrance’s Beermuda Triangle.”

1266 Sartori Avenue, Torrance | 310-782-0222 | redcarbrewery.com

78

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

8 ounces baby kale 4 ounces rustic croutons 12 ounces Norwegian salmon 2 ounces shaved Parmesan 3 ounces grated Parmesan Red Car Cajun Spice Rub (see recipe) creamy Caesar dressing RC Cajun Spice Rub 3 tablespoons paprika 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Rinse the kale, pat dry and set aside.

Rinse salmon and pat dry; dredge and coat in the RC Cajun Spice Rub. Pansear in hot skillet lightly with olive oil for 1 minute on each side. Place into 350º oven for 5 minutes to finish; let rest. Add kale, grated Parmesan, croutons and portion of shaved Parmesan to large bowl and toss.

Lightly add Caesar dressing, a little at a time, over ingredients to lightly coat. Avoid adding to much at one time as croutons will become soggy.

Cut cooked salmon into 4 strips and place 2 on each salad. Add remaining shaved Parmesan for garnish and serve with a crisp Red Car South Bay IPA. Enjoy! Cheers!

oursouthbay.com

ZINC

AT SHADE

EXECUTIVE CHEF ASHLEY OATES

1221 N. Valley Drive Manhattan Beach 310-546-4995 mb.shadehotel.com/dine

oursouthbay.com

Shade Hotel owner Michael Zislis is no novice to the restaurant business.

When searching for a top chef to run Shade Hotel’s Restaurant Zinc@ Shade, he sought out young, vibrant Ashley Oates. “Her energy, creativity and passion for quality ingredients has elevated our menu to another level,” Michael says.

Ashley, a South Bay local, has been the executive chef at Zinc@Shade since November. She describes Zinc’s food as “clean, seasonal with a modern twist.” Chef Ashley says, “When you have knowledge and respect for the ingredients that you use, it makes creating new dishes easy, beautiful and, most importantly, delicious.”

Prior to joining the culinary team at Shade, Ashley attended Le Cordon Bleu and has worked as a chef at the Hollywood Bowl, McCoy Station and Parallax in Mammoth Mountain, The Walt Disney Concert Hall and Trump National Golf Club.

Growing up, Ashley and her family enjoyed preparing dinner together— emphasizing the importance of cooking and healthy eating. She started working in the industry at age 16 as a restaurant hostess. When she’s not at work, Ashley enjoys trying new LA restaurants, biking and running on the beach.

“The Shade team as a whole is the most creative, intelligent and forward-thinking group of people I have ever worked with,” says Chef Ashley. “The food that my team and I produce out of our tiny kitchen is exemplary of the passion, skill and technique that my cooks and I have. Although the hotel is small in comparison to others, I have yet to see an event that we didn’t pull off to far exceed our clients expectations, and that’s an amazing thing to be a part of.”

PANANG YELLOW CURRY BOWL This is an ideal meal: light, flavorful and versatile. Make it heartier by adding chicken, shrimp or tofu.

1 lemongrass bottom ¼ piece ginger, peeled 1 tablespoon chopped garlic 1½ ounces water cooking oil 1 lime rind 7 ounces yellow curry paste 1 ounce fish sauce 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk salt and pepper to taste 4 cups brown rice, cooked 1 cup red quinoa, cooked assorted vegetables (blanched sweet potato, cauliflower, zucchini, red onion, squash) ½ cup cashews, chopped & toasted 3 green onions, thinly sliced on bias

Blend lemongrass, ginger, garlic and water until it becomes a mash. Add some oil to a pot and cook the mash for 5 minutes, continuously stirring, until it gets dark and fragrant. Add lime rind and curry paste. Cook for 5 minutes and add fish sauce and coconut milk. Simmer for 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper.

Sauté vegetables until tender and cooked through. Toss in curry sauce and cook until evenly coated. Spoon curried vegetables onto a bed of cooked brown rice and quinoa. Top with cashews and green onions.

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

79

WATERMELON FETA BITES

APPETIT

Lisa’s Bon Appetit is a full-service catering and event agency serving the South Bay for more than 35 years. Lisa Eriksen founded Lisa’s Bon Appetit from her home and opened her first café in Torrance in 1989. When she retired, she passed her legacy to her daughter, Susanne Alexander, who is in the process of expanding the business along with COO Leif Alexander, regional manager Ian Alexander, and sales/events director Noelle Ramirez.

The team is opening a new café location in El Segundo, and in June they will open a new, stateof-the-art catering and event facility in Torrance.

The events team–led by Noelle and events sales manager Louis Palacios—can design every aspect of clients’ special celebrations, including catering menus, top-quality rentals, one-stop entertainment options, themed décor and much more. Rounding out the team are event coordinators Alicia Pena, Jenna Stockel, Britney Williams and Michel Dodd.

Cut watermelon into cubes (1.5” x 2” x 1.5”). Scoop out the center of one end to form a shot glass. Stir balsamic vinegar and honey together in a small saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer until the vinegar mixture has reduced to 1/3 cup, about 10 minutes. Set the balsamic reduction aside to cool. Fill each watermelon shot glass with balsamic vinegar and top with feta cheese and garnish with a mint leaf.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY NOELLE RAMIREZ

LISA’S BON

watermelon 1 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup honey feta cheese mint

3535 Lomita Blvd., Unit C, Torrance 310-784-1070 LisasBonAppetit.com

80

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach’s

20th Annual

Food & Wine Tasting in the Garden

Sunday, June 26, 2016 • 3-7pm South Coast Botanic Garden Palos Verdes Peninsula

$150 per person

(must be 21+ years of age to attend)

Sample delectable cuisine from some of the area’s finest restaurants and caterers, taste exquisite wines from notable vintners, and enjoy other speciality beverages.

To see the full list of participating businesses and to purchase tickets, please visit

www.CancerSupportRedondoBeach.org or call 310.376.3550 for more information.

Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach is a 501(c)(3) non profit, Tax ID # 95-4076131 that is dedicated to providing free programs of support, education and hope to adults & children impacted by cancer.

thank you to our generous sponsors

MEDIA SPONSORS Beach Front Property Management Griswold & Griswold Insurance Southbay Magazine California Hematology Oncology Jim & Joanne Hunter Daily Breeze • Easy Reader • Beach Magazine Medical Group Kaiser Permanente • Peninsula People • Palos Verdes Capital Group Companies Peninsula News • The Beach Reporter Rich & Pat Lucy Chevron Malaga Bank Choura Events PDM CPAs Portia & Andy Cohen Providence Little Company of County of Los Angeles Mary Medical Center Torrance Supervisor Don Knabe South Coast Botanic Garden Francesca & Douglas Deaver cancersupportRB Vantage Oncology Farmers & Merchants Bank

Blue

SUNDAY Weekend warriors hit Hermosa Beach in this season’s coolest hue.

STYLED BY HELEN

RAY JEFF BERTING MAKEUP & HAIR BY NECEE WILSON PHOTOGRAPHED BY

WHO Sheldon Bailey Actor Torrance WHERE Deep Pocket Jean Company Flying Fortress jeans, $90.80, chambray shirt by Ambig Clothing, $60, fedora by Goorin Bros. Hat Shop, $38, sunglasses by Randolph, $155; Deep Pocket Jean Co. in Hermosa Beach, deeppocketjeancompany.com.

WHO Chris DiVecchio Personal Trainer Manhattan Beach WHERE Pier Avenue Slim fit khakis, $44.95, long sleeve printed shirt, $39.59, brown chukkas, $35.95; American Eagle at Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, ae.com. Light denim jacket, $99, Golden State backpack, $149; Lucky Brand at Del Amo Fashion Center and The Point in El Segundo, luckybrand.com.

Ray-Ban 3483 sunglasses, $165; ray-ban.com. 30.25� Firefly Complete skateboard by Carver Skateboards, $207; Tyler Surfboards El Segundo, tylersurfboards.com.

Structure watch from Dubey and Schaldenbrand. Stainless steel case with a self-winding mechanical movement, full calendar and moon phase, $7,500; Medawar Fine Jewelers in Rolling Hills Estates, medawarfinejewelers.com.

WHO Derek Poole Account Executive Redondo Beach WHERE Rockefeller Gastropub Slim fit active white shorts, $44.95, printed tee, $19.95, classic fit shirt, $39.95; American Eagle at Del Amo Fashion Center. Boat shoes by Sperry, $95; sperry.com.

86

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

WATCH THE FILM AT OURSOUTHBAY.COM

EPISODE 1: BLUE SUNDAY An on set look at the making of our fashion shoot for the Men’s Issue. presented by

a film series by

88

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

BIRDIE Branches Out An old-school surf trunk business expands under new ownership while staying true to its authentic heritage.

WRITTEN BY STEFAN

SLATER BERTING

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF

Birdie Branches Out

or Natas Kaupas, a former professional skateboarder from Santa Monica, Birdwell Beach Britches’ surf trunks were a staple of his beach scene. The shorts with the distinctive Birdie logo—a grinning and cartoonish, trunk-wearing surfboard character—were simply ever-present. “It’s such an iconic brand,” Natas says.

“The shorts are ingrained in our [surf culture]. It’s part of the landscape.”

Since 1961 Birdwell Beach Britches has specialized in hand-making customized surf trunks—they were one of the first companies, in fact, to manufacture swim trunks designed specifically for surfers. Natas points out that in beach communities from Hawaii to Florida the trunks have a reputation for comfort and durability.

That’s why surfers, paddlers and even lifeguards have developed a fondness for the shorts.

So as a child Natas quickly came to recognize the trunks—and especially Birdie, he adds with a smile—as being synonymous with surfing.

Though Manhattan Beach’s Geoff Clawson grew up on Texas’ Gulf Coast, far from Birdwell’s headquarters in Southern California, the brand was still closely tied to his local surf scene.

“I grew up in the ‘80s surfing and skating [in Texas], and Birdwell was what the older generation wore in the water. They were everywhere,” he says, adding that the two surf shops that were in Galveston when he was growing up both carried Birdwell trunks. The Birdwell family ran their surf-wear business for well over a halfcentury, hand-making shorts in a small Orange County

90

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

factory and rarely, if ever, updating their methods and manufacturing strategies as the decades rolled by.

But in 2014, ready for change, they passed along the company to a new team of owners. Though Natas, Birdwell’s new creative director, and Geoff, Birdwell’s current president and CEO, hope to expand the company’s presence and modernize certain aspects, their overarching goal is a simple one: to keep the Birdwell business—and its shorts—relatively the same.

“We have respect for this iconic brand, and we want to do right by it,” says Geoff. “We’re members of the generation that grew up around it, and we simply want to introduce the brand to more people.”

“We’ve been entrusted,” says Natas. “And we don’t want to screw it up.”

Carrie Birdwell Mann began Birdwell Beach Britches during California’s golden age of surfing. The sport was at the height of its popularity, and the market for surf-related products—especially clothing—was starting to grow.

Carrie, a sewer by trade, made Birdwell swim trunks in her Orange County home, sewing the final product in her living room. Canvas was commonly used to make swim trunks back then, but Carrie started experimenting with other materials, hoping to make a more durable product. “She set about making a better product,” says Geoff. “And they got it right.”

Carrie tinkered with nylon, eventually creating a pair of trunks made with two layers of nylon. Using two layers ended up being a brilliant move—not only did the extra layer help the shorts dry a little more quickly and

oursouthbay.com

Birdie Branches Out

“

Birdwell’s is a true story, and WE’RE STILL MAKING THE SHORTS THE SAME WAY. And we don’t find many other companies like that.”

boost durability, but they also made the shorts more comfortable.

“The way the two materials work together,” says Natas, “they’re super-functional. As you go from sitting to paddling [on a board], they slide against each other and they don’t bind—they move together.”

Since the two layers don’t bind up when the wearer moves, the shorts became extremely popular amongst not only surfers but also longdistance paddlers and lifeguards too. The shorts became top sellers, and they set the company apart from competitors.

“Customization has been a big part of Birdwell,” says Geoff. Since the beginning of the company, customers could call in with special orders or even write letters with sketches of the type of swim trunks they wanted. Both Geoff and Natas have framed letters dating from the ‘60s and ‘70s from customers who’d drawn images with directions about colors and styling.

Marketing and sales were kept straightforward.

Birdwell placed an ad in one of the first issues of Surfer in the ‘60s (an ad that ran, unchanged, for years), and customers could purchase directly from a small store within the Birdwell factory in Santa Ana or order shorts over the phone (or eventually online). Only a handful of specialty retailers carried the shorts, and Birdwell didn’t have any brick-and-mortar locations.

As the collective surf industry exploded into the multi-million dollar monstrosity that it is today, the Birdwells’ approach to business

oursouthbay.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

91

Birdie Branches Out

remained relatively unchanged. Though the company eventually relocated from the Birdwell home to a factory in Santa Ana, nearly every other aspect—from manufacturing to the design of the shorts— stayed the same for decades.

And it was Birdwells’ unwavering commitment to keeping the original formula that helped the brand become so iconic. The Birdwell family stayed in touch with their ‘60s-era surf heritage, keeping the same low-key, family-business strategy for all matters—big and small.

Carrie eventually passed the business over to her children, and it stayed in the family until 2014. Few original surf-wear companies have been able to retain this family-focused approach, and it’s something that’s endeared the brand to generations of surfers.

Geoff and Natas are retaining the Birdwells’ subtle approach. The manufacturing process hasn’t evolved that much from Carrie’s original—even today—and the shorts are made by hand in the original Santa Ana factory by some of the same sewers who have been with the company for decades. The shorts’ design hasn’t been altered significantly, and they are still customizable—though the company now carries women’s trunks too.

And last summer Birdwell officially opened its first brick-and-mortar retail location in Manhattan Beach. But all other changes have been slight or cosmetic—Natas and Geoff want to remain true to the brand’s heritage, which they believe is one of its strongest attributes.

“We’re not making shorts that allude to [surf ] heritage or are trying to be vintage. We are original, and we have this [incredible] heritage,” he says.

Natas agrees. He points out that the company’s heritage and story is an original one. Many surf brands, he notes, aim to create a backstory that alludes to some sense of originality or heritage, but “Birdwell’s is a true story, and we’re still making the shorts the same way. And we don’t find many other companies like that,” he says.

The brand has had a major presence in the South Bay since

92

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

its inception, and the company’s modest recent growth has been received warmly. Locals often come by the Santa Ana factory to see where the Birdwells made their shorts for decades.

“You can check out where these things have been made since the ‘60s. It’s great to watch a dad or granddad come in with his son or grandson or daughters and introduce them to the brand and say, ‘These are the shorts I grew up surfing in,’” he says.

Bree Valbuena, manager of the Manhattan Beach store, notes something similar. “We have a handful of guys—grandfathers and dads—who come in with their children and talk about how they’ve had the same pair of Birdwells for 30 years,” she says. Sometimes people simply wander into the shop to talk about a pair of Birdwells they bought decades ago (before eventually purchasing a new pair).

Geoff and Natas are excited to retain the Birdwells’ original, oldschool approach to their trunk-making while gradually expanding the business. They’re careful to note that they aren’t going to change any aspect of the brand significantly—the business was a part of the Birdwell family for more than 50 years, and the duo feel an obligation to stay true to Carrie’s original strategy.

But they’re excited to reintroduce the brand to a new generation.

“Now these younger generations are forming a connection to Birdwell, and the brand is a part of their family story,” says Geoff.

It’s these connections, though, that excite Geoff and Natas. So many surfers have grown up with the brand, and previous customers often call the Manhattan Beach store—simply happy to hear that the company is growing.

Geoff notes that one man called the shop recently just to say that he’d “proposed to his wife 30 years ago in Hawaii while wearing a pair of Birdwells.” He still had the shorts, and he was happy to hear that Birdwells was back and doing well.

“He didn’t fit in the old ones anymore,” Geoff says. “But we got him some new ones.” 

oursouthbay.com

GET YOUR LIFE BACK IN FOCUS

ALL-LASER CUSTOM LASIK FOR THE ACTIVE SOUTH BAY LIFESTYLE State-of-the-Art Technology • Most Experienced Surgeons in California Plus VISIONforLIFE Nationwide Lifetime Commitment

FRANKLIN LUSBY, MD Dr. Franklin Lusby is the Medical Director and Chief of Surgery at NVISION, Torrance. He has performed over 65,000 refractive procedures including all-laser custom LASIK and PRK surgeries.

AMARPREET BRAR, MD Dr. Amarpreet Brar is the Cataract Medical Director at NVISION, Torrance. He specializes in LASIK and cataract surgery with an expertise implanting intraocular lenses.

“...the whole process was far easier than I could have even imagined.....I was in the operating chair less than 10 minutes. I could see, though a bit hazy, and no pain at all. The next day I was in my regular doctor’s office getting the [eye] shields removed and my eyes checked. I could see perfectly. ‘You’re good to go,’ he said. ‘That’s it?’ I replied. Yes, that’s really it.”

- NVISION Torrance and local South Bay Patient

NVISIONCENTERS.COM | (877) 455-9942 NVISION Torrance: 23550 Hawthorne Blvd. Suite 220, Torrance, CA 90505 | (310) 784-2020

The Amazing Racer 94

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

Hometown legend Parnelli Jones enjoyed a successful career in the fast lane. His incredible career inspired generations of racing fans and, most importantly, those who share his adrenaline-charged DNA.

oursouthbay.com

WRITTEN BY DIANE

E. BARBER |

PHOTOGRAPHED BY KREMER

JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

95

The Amazing Racer

alos Verdes resident and motor racing legend Rufus Parnell “Parnelli” Jones is the personification of the American dream. But Parnelli did not always live a privileged life in the fast lane.

Though he calls Torrance his hometown, he was born in Arkansas in 1933 during the Great Depression. Unemployment, foreclosures and a severe drought that destroyed agriculture pushed his parents west, leaving behind 52 acres of family land and their livelihood in search of a more prosperous life in the Golden State.

They arrived in California when Parnelli was 2 years old, and his father supported them working on farms north of San Diego. Five years later they moved to Torrance during World War II to be closer to relatives, and his father found work that was spawned by the war in the shipyards.

The Jones family survived many hardships during those years. However, Parnelli’s parents’ marriage did not weather the storm. They divorced when he was 15 years old—the oldest of three children.

With the war over, the economy was booming again and Parnelli wore grit and determination like badges of honor as he set out to change the course of his life. He was not a fan of school, so work was imminent.

He was initially interested in horses and worked part-time at a riding stable where he bought a horse. But eventually cars captivated him. He sold his horse to buy a 1923 Ford hot rod, went to work at a gas station on Hawthorne Boulevard and got hooked on fast cars and street racing as a teenager in the South Bay. The local police (who knew him well) likely sighed with relief in 1952 when he debuted in his first official on-track stock car race at a small dirt track called Carrell Speedway in Gardena, setting the stage for what would become a lifetime of speed and fame. In the years to follow, Parnelli raced everything with wheels on it and won.

By 1960 he competed in his first Indy car race. Two years later he was the first driver to ever qualify for the Indianapolis 500 at a speed in excess of 150 mph, and in 1963 he won the race. He eventually retired from open cockpit racing and went on to win in other series, including Trans Am and off-road racing.

In addition to competing behind the wheel, Parnelli and his late partner, Vel Miletich, established one of the most winning teams in racing history with top gun racers including Mario Andretti, Al Unser and Joe Leonard. The team competed internationally in just about every racing series there was, from off-road to Formula One. Parnelli retired from his illustrious racing career with countless wins and honors to his credit, including an induction to the India-

napolis Motorsports Hall of Fame. (Behind the Indianapolis 500 with Parnelli Jones is a short film scheduled for release in 2016 that chronicles his life as a professional racecar driver.)

His prowess on the track carried over to his business life. He and Vel built and sold a successful chain of Parnelli Jones Firestone tire stores and tire warehouses in the western United States and invested in commercial and industrial real estate. While Parnelli currently oversees the real estate holdings and he and his wife, Judy, support philanthropic causes in the community, he still has his hand in racing as the need for speed and hunger for competition lives on in the Jones family.

Before they piloted racecars, Parnelli’s sons, Parnell Velko “P.J.” and Page, had their first taste of competitive sports playing youth ice hockey when they were growing up in the South Bay. But the apple does not fall far from the tree, as the saying goes, and following in their dad’s tire tracks was inevitable.

“I tried to keep my kids from racing. It all started when they wanted me to take them with me to the Caesars Palace Grand Prix years ago. Page was about 7 then and was a pool hustler. There were three balls on the table, and he said, ‘If I put all three balls in, will you take us to Las Vegas?’ I had to work and didn’t want to worry about them in Vegas so I said, ‘I will buy you go-karts instead.’”

Page effortlessly sunk the balls, Parnelli kept his promise, and the second generation of Jones racers was in the making. Karting for fun soon led to competitions organized by the California-based International Kart Federation (IKF) and the official beginning of P.J. and Page’s racing careers.

Page, the youngest of the two brothers, had numerous wins in midget, spring cars and road racing from 1989 until a devastating, near-death accident ended his career in 1994. He was leading the race when his car flipped upside down on the track. While it was stopped, the secondplace car slammed into him—resulting in severe brain damage.

Page’s miraculous recovery defied the odds. Today he is married with children, works for the family business part-time, attends college, is an advocate for long-term rehabilitation for others with brain injuries and enjoys public speaking.

When asked if he misses racing, he says with a smile, “Yes, I do miss racing. I miss it all.” (Godspeed: The Story of Page Jones is a documentary that chronicles his rehabilitation and life journey after the crash.)

P.J. started racing before Page did and still occasionally competes in off-road events. His career was fast-tracked when the United States Auto Club named him the 1986 Rookie-of-the-Year in karting.

“I TRIED TO KEEP MY KIDS FROM RACING. IT ALL STARTED WHEN THEY WANTED ME TO TAKE THEM WITH ME TO THE CAESARS PALACE GRAND PRIX YEARS AGO. PAGE WAS ABOUT 7 THEN AND WAS A POOL HUSTLER. THERE WERE THREE BALLS ON THE TABLE, AND HE SAID, ‘IF I PUT ALL THREE BALLS IN, WILL YOU TAKE US TO LAS VEGAS?’”

96

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

The Amazing Racer

oursouthbay.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

97

The Amazing Racer

He later went on to win numerous titles throughout the world in race cars, sports cars, trucks and off-road vehicles. His most distinguished accomplishment was his overall win at the 1993 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in a GTP car.

P.J. is also a family man and resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife and children and operates his racing-related businesses there. PJ’s Performance builds and modifies four-wheel ATVs (allterrain vehicles) for clients for both pleasure and competition. He also owns one of the largest distributors of radio-controlled cars in the western U.S. The apples continued to fall close to the Jones family tree in the third generation. P.J.’s 13-year-old son, Jagger, and 11-year-old son, Jace, are carrying on the family legacy and can be found donning racing helmets and driving suits, competing behind the wheels of go-karts.

Jagger, an honor roll student who has his own website and an impressive fan following on Facebook, has his heart set on going to racing school in Italy and aspires to join the ranks of the elite in the motorsports world as a Formula One driver. Jace, on the other hand, is less concerned about results and enthusiastically enjoys racing and delights in passing other cars.

According to their famous grandfather, “Jagger is like his dad, P.J. He is very intense, very forward, knows what he wants and where he wants to go. Jace has a mind of his own and a lot of natural ability.

98

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

He is very easygoing and a lot like my son, Page. I knew Jace was a natural when he was almost 3. The kids were driving an ATV fourwheeler, and when I turned the power down for safety, Jace said, ‘I’m not riding it anymore!’”

Page’s kids have sidestepped motorsports. Instead of lacing up racing shoes for sports competition, his 8-year-old daughter, Joie, and 11-year-old son, Jimmy, have taken to ice skates and have followed their father’s and uncle’s childhood passion for hockey. Like his cousin, Jagger, young Jimmy has his sights set on becoming a pro in his chosen sport.

He recently asked his coach about checking, a physical defensive technique. When the coach asked him if he was worried about getting hit, he responded, “No, getting penalized!”

Those who have the honor of knowing the Jones men can attest to their quick wits, fearlessness, contagious sense of humor, passion and competitive spirit. As Parnelli’s legacy lives on and they champion the racing endeavors of young Jagger and Jace, Page is a quiet reminder of the inherent risks that go hand-in-hand with the sport that has defined and shaped the lives of three generations of the Jones family.  Parnelli and his family established the Page Jones Fund Foundation to support programs that help others who suffer from brain injuries.

For more information, visit godspeedpj.com/PJfoundation.

oursouthbay.com

100

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

Bachelor Pad,

Ocean View Steve Tillack, South Bay resident and Ferrari aficionado, has a very clear mantra: “No boring cars!” When he purchased a mid-century modern Palos Verdes home to remodel, he confirmed his home design mantra as well: “No boring houses!”

WRITTEN BY ZOE

oursouthbay.com

ALEXANDER |

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE

O’DONNELL

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

101

Bachelor Pad, Ocean View

S

teve Tillack’s life is constantly in motion. With a career in the specialty automotive world that includes time spent behind the wheel in nonprofessional auto races around the world, he sells, restores and collects Ferraris for himself and clients at Tillack & Co. in Redondo Beach.

Although Steve was a Redondo resident not looking for a house, a friend contacted him about a listing in Palos Verdes. Curious, he drove by to discover the current tenant in the process of moving out.

Steve recalls, “She invited me in for a walkabout. My first impression was: ‘What a disaster!’ Then I got to the west windows. It was a clear day, and I could see from Point Mugu all the way south to Catalina.”

Eager to transform the dated interior to match the view, Steve purchased the house and started demolition himself.

“Images of how I wanted it to look began taking shape, and the latent architect took over,” says Steve, who studied drafting and architecture in high school.

However, he quickly realized that executing his vision would require professionals—especially a designer to interpret the dream home taking shape in his head.

While researching the remodeling process, Steve came across an issue of Southbay featuring an article on Diane

102

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

Barber’s interior design work.

Steve had worked with Diane previously in the auto racing industry. He notes, “Having very successfully worked with Diane, I called her immediately and said, ‘Hey, D, going to need you. Release the emergency brake on your car and coast down to my new house.’”

As soon as Diane saw the view and sensed what Steve envisioned, she knew this would be a singular, stunning project.

Architect Miles Pritzkat also cites the view as the focal point for the home’s unique style.

In order to enhance it, they demolished the original (very low) ceilings and installed floor-to-ceiling glass wherever they could. Miles notes, “Since the low point was at the kitchen, we added skylights to visually raise the ceiling height.”

Steve knew that once the walls came down, the view would dictate much of the design. Miles adds, “When we created the see-through fireplace between the great room and the sitting room, it opened up a view to the Point Fermin Lighthouse from the master bedroom!”

As anyone who has remodeled a home can attest, working with a designer is a personal process. Diane had an advantage in having a prior friendship with Steve; it helped her read his aesthetic and incorporate both function and flair into the home. Like Steve, she also travels to Europe

oursouthbay.com

Bachelor Pad, Ocean View

oursouthbay.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

103

Bachelor Pad, Ocean View

frequently, which influenced the materials she sourced—such as Duravit sinks and cabinets from Germany, Carrara marble from Italy and Thassos stone from Greece.

Diane also partnered with local artisans and vendors to hone the many materials that went into every room. She collaborated with Classic Tile & Design, His Life Woodworks and Dave Dennee for furnishings, including a custom steering wheel table.

Dave is also a car collector and notes, “I knew Steve would appreciate great craftsmanship and features such as handantiqued leather and chrome. The steering wheel table is a good example of how we like to put things in a home that relate to a client’s lifestyle.”

Diane and Steve also considered how certain spaces could adapt over time. Diane notes, “We took an aging-in-place approach to building Steve’s dream home, which I always do with clients intending to retire in their homes. An elevator topped his list. The master shower does not have a dam, for easy access. The door openings and passageways are wide, for easy mobility. And the shower walls have wood reinforcement behind the tiles, should grab bars need to be installed later.”

As the house reached completion, Diane had quite a view to work with. To complement it, she chose a neutral color palette with white walls throughout so the landscape offers color and stands out.

While the great room feels like it is floating, the space is grounded by custom-milled, dark hickory hardwood floors and is framed by dark wood ceiling beams. The many surfaces in the home are both elegant and earthy, further anchoring the space against its ethereal backdrop.

With Diane and a talented renovation team led by Shoreline Construction, Steve’s vision was realized and he now has a home with much more than a view. He reflects, “I am blessed with the ability to envision a concept. As a project like this evolves, you must keep an open mind. Diane’s eye for design and detail was an absolute inspiration and wonderfully compatible with my vision.” 

104

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

Waxin Waxing Shadows You probably already know Alex Gray as one of the finest surfers to come out of the South Bay in his generation.

Earnest, gregarious and full of life, he embodies the “go big or go home” dogma. Yet behind the enthusiasm and incandescent smile, this journey to the top is much more than conquering epic waves, one after another.

Like so many meaningful narratives, Alex’s comes layered with emotion, struggle and redemption.

Here’s what makes him South Bay Strong.

WRITTEN BY

106

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

STEFAN SLATER |

PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRYCE

LOWE-WHITE

oursouthbay.com

ng oursouthbay.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

107

Waxing Shadows

108

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

Waxing Shadows

Alex Gray

seems, at first, to be impossibly positive. A professional surfer and third-generation Palos Verdes resident, Alex is slender and tan, his movements animated. He smiles constantly and speaks with compelling—but genuine—enthusiasm.

Attempting to talk with Alex briefly is entirely out of the question. Simple hellos evolve rapidly into lengthy and comfortable conversations. But drone on he doesn’t. Nor does he dwell on himself. He engages you completely, asking questions, constantly moving and laughing.

Alex seems to care for the moment, the conversation and whomever he’s speaking with completely. To put it simply, he seems to be wholly and truly content.

But looking at Alex, taking in his abundant sincerity, a question does begin to form: Has all that positivity ever been tested? Is he always this way? And would all that enthusiasm survive, unscathed, if he were actually challenged?

But Alex has been tested. He’s experienced tragedies and challenges: the loss of his brother, Christopher, a debilitating illness and a major career setback … events that would derail most people. But that positivity survives in spite of those obstacles.

So why? “I’m very lucky to do what I love as a profession. I can’t get enough of it,” he explains.

Alex feels fortunate for everything he’s earned in his life—especially his surfing career. Remaining positive, pushing forward serves as his way of showing gratitude, of being thankful for everything he has and of showing his appreciation to all those who care.

And he is, as expected, confident that things usually work out in the end. “I’ve had these hardships, but I’ve done my best to keep going, make it positive, and things turn around,” he says.

Alex notes that growing up in the South Bay, he played all the usual sports as a kid: baseball, football and soccer. But when he was 10 years old, his older brother brought surfing into the Gray household.

Christopher, who was three years older than Alex, returned from Junior Lifeguards one day and said that one of the instructors, Jimmy Miller, had taught him how to surf. “We didn’t know that [Jimmy] was one of the best surfers in the South Bay,” says Alex. As soon as Christopher came home, he announced to his family that he was officially a surfer.

As younger siblings usually do, Alex wanted to follow in his brother’s footsteps. “I told [my parents] that I was a surfer now too,” he says.

Alex’s father had “this old foam surfboard with a plastic fin from the ‘70s” that had been stashed in the garage for decades. He gave Alex his first surf lesson at Torrance Beach. “I rode my first wave, and I didn’t know how that wave would change my life forever,” Alex says.

After that point, Alex did everything in his power to surf every single day. “I became a con artist at getting rides to the beach. That’s all I thought about: surfing,” he says.

oursouthbay.com

At 12 years old, Alex connected with a local professional surfer, Greg Browning. Greg helped Alex gain some of his first sponsors, like Spyder Surfboards and Body Glove. And then Alex began competing in events up and down the California coast.

“My parents drove me to these contests literally every weekend from when I was 12 to 18,” he says. When he started attending Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, Alex began traveling more for competitions. From Australia to Costa Rica, Alex flew around the world—gradually working closer to his ultimate goal of becoming one of the top surfers on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour competition.

Alex became hungry. He rarely went out with friends, didn’t date and focused solely on surfing. “I put tunnel vision on, and I just told myself that I wanted to get on the world tour and possibly become a world champion,” he says.

His sponsors told him that as soon as he finished high school, they would set him up financially to start traveling and competing more internationally. Friends fell to the wayside; teachers tried to dissuade him from pursuing what they saw as a risky career move.

One teacher, he says, tried to convince him to switch to a traditional sport like football for a more “promising career.”

To Alex, it seemed like nothing could pull him away from his dream.

When he was 17 and nearing the end of high school, he was preparing to jump on the world qualifying series.

But before he could do so, his brother confessed to the family that he had a drug addiction. “I didn’t even know what that meant at first, to be honest. My parents did, but I didn’t,” Alex says.

The family pulled together, working to help Christopher detox and remain sober. But at 20 years old, he relapsed and passed away from a heroin overdose.

Alex says that life stopped. He didn’t go to school for a month and a half. “I don’t remember much during that time. It was a dark, hazy area,” he says.

He rarely surfed, and one day when he tried, it went terribly. “Surfing was that something that me and my brother shared.”

Alex wanted to use the sport to reconnect with his brother, to start healing, but surfing reminded him too much of Christopher’s passing. “Surfing was a gift that he gave me. It was that connection that made surfing so fun with my brother. As a younger sibling, all you want to do is shadow your brother,” he says.

After one particularly terrible afternoon session, Alex tossed his board in a trashcan and told his

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

109

Waxing Shadows

parents he was done with surfing for good. His parents, he says, were beyond supportive.

On a whim, the family decided to attend a few local contests, just to keep the surfing connection burning. Alex says that even being down on the sand watching these events pained him. “My brother was always with me. He was really my coach,” he says, adding that Christopher would usually be by his side before an event, offering advice and tips. But he was gone.

Something clicked in Alex’s mind. He was on the brink, he notes, of every professional surfer’s dream. And would his brother want him to walk away? To give it all up? No, he decided—he would treat surfing as a means of honoring his brother’s memory.

“I turned the darkest place I’ve ever been into a grateful, loving and passionate place of honor,” he says. “I have this gift and this fire built up, and I’m like, ‘Let’s do this,’” he says.

Alex started competing actively again. Within a few years of competing nationally and internationally, he had climbed the global rankings. At one point he finished 49 th in the world.

At 22 Alex was hungry for a higher ranking. But during a trip to Hawaii, he developed a pain in his chest. “I felt like I was having a heart attack.” He came home to the South Bay, and one night he woke up “on the floor, on my hands and knees, gasping. I thought I was dying.”

His girlfriend rushed him to Torrance Memorial Medical Center. He was diagnosed with pleurisy—a painful and potentially life-threating inflammation of the lungs and chest—and he spent a week in the emergency room.

Relaying the experience, Alex grows quiet for a moment before saying, “There was a close point where I almost didn’t make it.” He lost dozens of pounds, he shares, and felt like a vegetable.

“It took three months for me to feel human again,” he says.

Once he recovered, he was eager to return to competing. But when he checked his world ranking, he saw that he’d dropped from the top 50 to “1,000-something.”

He called the ASP (renamed the World Surf League), and they informed him that because he’d failed to pay his annual membership fee of $700, the points he’d earned over the course of his competitive career were no longer valid. He explained that he’d nearly died; his doctors had proof of Alex’ illness.

The ASP’s response? “Sorry, nothing can be done. Those are the rules.”

“All my competitive successes got pulled out from under me,” he says. There was a moment of panic: Most of the incentives his sponsors offered were contest-based. He worried that his career was finished.

He started competing in small-time, local events “just to get points back.” They often went terribly, and surfing was starting to lose its fun.

But then “I got lucky,” says Alex. His sponsors approached him with a deal: He could take time away from competitive surfing, and they would support him as he chased swells around the world.

Alex never looked back. He focused entirely on big wave surfing, pursuing titanic swells from Hawaii to Tahiti. He generated images and videos of his incredible rides, and he pushed the limits of his surfing abilities—hunting down rides in remote surf destinations like Alaska.

He pushed competition aside. “I want to go to obscure places,

110

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

Waxing Shadows

TUNNEL VISION Alex slices through a wave off the coast of Redondo Beach. oursouthbay.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

111

Waxing Shadows

and I want to take the extra effort and time to search out the less-thought-of places,” he says.

Although he has no signs of slowing down, Alex laid down some roots in Torrance and bought a home, not far from where he grew up. He also speaks to local high school students about his brother and the impact of drug abuse on himself and his family. With each public interaction, he heals a bit more—channeling grief into a rallying call for courage.

The source of that impossible positivity stems from Alex’s gratitude. He’s grateful for his career, for his family and for surfing—a gift that his brother and Jimmy Miller gave him. Alex will keep pushing, keep working—no matter the obstacle or challenge. It’s his way of thanking everyone who’s supported him.

“I’m living the dream that my brother and I first had when we started surfing.

This is exactly what I dreamt of, and it’s even better than what I could’ve imagined,” he says. l

112

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

WATCH THE FILM AT OURSOUTHBAY.COM

EPISODE 1: ALEX GRAY Surfer. Advocate. Brother.

presented by

a film series by

114

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

Nature Boy Ditch everything you thought you knew about camping and go into the woods with outdoorsman Chris Puckett.

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHRIS

oursouthbay.com

GERNON MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

115

Nature Boy

"OUR HERO JOHN MUIR 116

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

oursouthbay.com

Nature Boy

“M

y father is a retired colonel in the U.S. Army, so as a kid we were stationed all over the world—giving me the ability to just pick up and go. Home is where my backpack lays,” shares Los Angeles explorer Chris Puckett, who recently formed a new excursion company that takes guests out of their element and puts them in the elements. “Camping and hiking was always a favorite. It’s where we connected with other family members and created countless memories.”

With Puckett Excursions, Chris aims to recreate those important moments of bonding with an ever-changing roster of participants. While the beauty of the outdoors takes center stage on all of his chosen adventures, there’s also an elevated experience that allows guests—particularly those with an aversion to camping—the opportunity to feel at home.

“It combines the hassle-free environment of a five-star hotel with the long-held traditions of camping,” says Chris. “I’m talking starry nights, crisp mornings, hot showers, fine camp cuisine, luxury bedding and the most majestic scenery the world has to offer.”

Imagine pre-dinner cocktails by a roaring fire, exchanging amazing stories with a group of friends, only then to be ushered to a fully catered, farm-to-table meal paired with locally sourced wine. These are just a handful of ways Puckett Excursions has reinvented the outdoor experience. It’s geared toward adventure seekers who want to connect with nature but do it in style and comfort.

Chris says he’s long been the “go-to” guy for planning excursions among his circle of friends and acquaintances. “If anyone needed help, I’d jump in to find unique and special ways of traveling,” he explains. “I enjoy pushing each person out of their comfort zones with the hiking, trekking and backpacking experiences.”

But as the requests got progressively more involved, Chris saw an opportunity to branch out. “With research and experience, my knowledge grew,” he says. “It’s then that I felt this could be an actual business. I really wanted to share my love for travel with everyone, not just those who knew how to get ahold of me.

Puckett Excursions offers trips to all of the major national parks, including Yosemite, Zion, Yellowstone and Olympic, with each trip focused on “off-the-beaten-path” adventures and special attention to the “must-sees” of each location. This might include a hike through secret paths or a hidden trail, which only an experienced guide can show you.

“I’ll guide you over fallen logs to secluded meadows, tempting you to take a plunge in natural formed glacier pools,” Chris shares. “You’ll rappel down rocks, scurry over boulders and swim through dark waters to see one of the world’s most beautiful rock formations.”

SAID IT THE BEST. ‘OF ALL THE PATHS YOU TAKE IN LIFE, MAKE SURE A FEW OF THEM ARE DIRT.’ WE’LL SEE YOU OUT THERE.”

oursouthbay.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

117

Nature Boy

INSPIRED TO TAKE THE JOURNEY? CHECK OUT THESE PLANNED ADVENTURES FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2016: Yosemite National Park: May 20-23 and May 27-30 (Memorial Day Weekend) Olympic National Park: August 19-23 Yellowstone and Grand Tetons: September 2-6 (Labor Day Weekend) Zion and Bryce Canyon: September 23-27

118

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

Michael Pena, CEO of LA Skin Inc., has joined Chris on three excursions so far: Yosemite, Zion and Bryce Canyon. “I’m convinced Chris Puckett is a walking GPS when it comes to hiking through our national forest parks,” he says. “He is pure genius in selecting or creating his own trails to excite our adventurous seeking eyes.”

Bryson Rand was also one of Chris’ lucky guests on a recent trip to Yosemite, where they hiked a challenging route to the top of the falls. “The view was breathtaking,” he remembers. “After hiking along the water away from the falls, Chris led us to what felt like a totally secluded swimming hole. Each of my fellow hikers took the time to swim in the crystal clear pools to cool off and get some alone time.”

By the end of the trip, Bryson felt a special connection to the members of his travel group through their combined effort. “It could be described as male bonding, but the experience felt more universal than that,” he says. “We shared in the physical challenges, as well as the natural beauty of the park, and at the end of the day discussed our adventures around the campsite. It really brought everyone together, and by the end of the excursion we were like a team.”

“Our hero John Muir said it the best,” says Chris. “‘Of all the paths in life, make sure a few of them are in dirt.’

We’ll see you out there.” l For more on Puckett Excursions, visit puckettexcursions.com.

oursouthbay.com

It’s Time to Love Your Smile Call to Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

310.545.0770 Metlox Plaza 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Ste. D-224 Manhattan Beach, California 90266

Summer Blake DDS, MS

Follow us on Facebook

www.summerorthodontics.com

1/2 AD

oursouthbay.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

119

Handmade with Love sugardayne.com | @sugardayne | 310.462.7566

FIND US SOCIALLY

/OurSouthbay

120

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

@OurSouthbay

@OurSouthbay

/OurSouthbay

oursouthbay.com

AUDIO - THE LAB Record/mix/master music, voice over, ADR, live sound, live stream mixing, production and post for film/tv/online, audio restoration VIDEO - THE CINEMA Commercials, corporate video, music video, post production, live streams and on location shooting LIVE ROOM 1000-sq-ft with green screen wall, pro lighting, acoustically tuned

AUDIO VIDEO STREAM Kitchen & Bathroom Specialist studio-637.com HERMOSA BEACH

WE ARE YOUR MEDIA HOUSE BY THE BEACH

oursouthbay.com

Fine Ceramics

|

Natural Stone

|

Hardwoods

|

Cabinetry

|

Faucetry

3968 Pacific Coast Hwy. Torrance • (310) 373-7781 • www.simplytiles.com License #904876

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

121

Finance & Wealth Management In order to keep, grow and share what you’ve earned, you need a team of financial experts supporting you and helping you meet today’s challenges. The South Bay wealth management professionals on the following pages can help you achieve the peace of mind that comes with meeting your financial goals. Read on to learn about some of our community’s most trusted minds in the field of money management.

EDITED BY LAURA WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

124 STUMPO WEALTH MANAGEMENT

GROUP AT UBS FINANCIAL

SERVICES, INC.

132 NAVIGOE, LLC

142 EP WEALTH ADVISORS

134 WADDELL & REED INC.

126 SIGNATURE ESTATE &

INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC

136 FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK

143 MCDONALD WEALTH

ADVISORY GROUP OF WELLS

FARGO ADVISORS LLC

138 WENDELL CHARLES FINANCIAL

144 JWM CPA & COMPANY, PC

140 BEACH CITIES ACCOUNTING, INC.

145 TORTUGA WEALTH MANAGEMENT

141 RYAN WEALTH MANAGEMENT

GROUP OF WELLS FARGO

ADVISORS, LLC

146 HARRIS FINANCIAL ADVISORS, INC.

128 MOSS ADAMS WEALTH

ADVISORS LLC 130 GUZMAN LAW GROUP, PC

“My clients gain a sense of security from our relationship. I consider myself a forward-looking advisor and do not stand behind my reputation or accomplishments alone. I hold myself to a high moral standard and remain fully committed to the constant advancement of my education to better serve my clients.”

– GINO R. STUMPO, STUMPO WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP AT UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

| Finance & Wealth Management | STUMPO WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP AT UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. Gino R. Stumpo, CFP®, CRPC® Senior Vice President – Wealth Management

S

tumpo Wealth Management Group at UBS Financial Services, Inc., provides comprehensive advice for wealth management including retirement planning.

Gino Stumpo joined UBS in 1999 as a Financial Advisor and since then has earned the designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM. As a highly regarded company in existence for 150 years, UBS manages more than $2 trillion in total invested assets across the globe.1 Gino founded Stumpo Wealth Management Group, which assists high net worth individuals in Southern California with financial and investment planning. He was recognized as a UBS 2016 Chairman’s Council member. He was also featured in Forbes Magazine in 2012; in Modern Luxury Magazine’s Philanthropy issue in November 2015 as one of the “Modern Men of Orange County”; and he was interviewed in a Long Beach Business Journal retirement article in 2013.

How do you build your relationship with your clients?

“My team, the Stumpo Wealth Management Group, caters to my clients individually with impeccable client service. I stay actively engaged, which enables me to assist them with unforeseen circumstances. I limit the size of my practice with an account minimum for new clients in order to ensure exceptional service is delivered. Together we can address my client’s investment goals to help them build a more confident future.”

What is your primary objective with your clients?

“The confidence to pursue all your life’s goals starts with a plan. Planning is the first step in our ongoing conversation with a client to develop a clear, actionable and flexible plan based on their needs—whether my client is looking to save

more intelligently, start a business, retire early or help with their children’s college education.”

How do you differentiate yourself from others working in wealth management?

“I take great pride in delivering added value to my clients and consider myself a very proactive advisor. I keep close relationships with clients through frequent conversation, in-person meetings, financial plan updates, communication with their other professionals (such as CPAs and estate attorneys), at their request, meeting with their children and hosting educational events.”

FAST FACT Gino Stumpo has earned the designations of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM. He is also a Portfolio Manager.

How can investors prepare for market fluctuation?

“I see many prospective clients of being overly aggressive while the market is performing well.

When the markets are high, individuals tend to be ‘pro-stock’ but are ‘anti-stock’ while markets are low. I believe in buying straw hats in the winter. Individuals should avoid making sudden changes to their overall asset allocations.

However, I believe that a portion of bonds within a portfolio can help lower the standard deviation (i.e., risk) and seek to enhance the income it generates.”

Who is your typical client?

“Our typical client has accumulated their wealth through hard work and prudent saving. They understand the value of entrusting a professional who can help guide them to set specific goals, develop a plan and stay on the right path.”

What is the biggest advantage your clients gain from your services?

“I am their financial ‘concierge.’ I believe a financial concierge understands that managing wealth goes beyond numbers and investments.”

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

“When I’m not at work, I enjoy golfing, fishing and body boarding. My wife, Ana Maria, and I enjoy traveling, watching stand-up comics, discovering new restaurants and hiking through Crystal Cove. We are proud to announce the new addition to our home this past year: a Goldendoodle named Bentley.”

How do you give back to the community?

“Ana Maria and I have become active supporters and donors to health research organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Every year the men in our branch take a month-long oath to scruffiness during ‘September,’ a fundraiser that raises money and awareness for cancer research.”

Disclaimer: Gino R. Stumpo is a Financial Advisor with UBS Financial Services Inc. a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC in Seal Beach, CA. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S. Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM and CRPC® are registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning®.

The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments.

Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of UBS Financial Services Inc. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services. These services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. For more information on the distinctions between our brokerage and investment advisory services, please speak with your Financial Advisor or visit our website at ubs.com/ workingwithus.

1

UBS AG Investor Relations 2Q15 results.

3030 OLD RANCH PARKWAY, SUITE 300, SEAL BEACH | 562-343-9229 | UBS.COM/TEAM/STUMPO

124

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

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

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

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

125

| Finance & Wealth Management |

SIGNATURE ESTATE & INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC Vince A. DiLeva, MS, CFP®, AIF® Eric C. Pritz, CFP®, CMFC Kathleen A. Adams, CFP®, CPWA®

S

ignature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC® (SEIA) is an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm offering wealth management and financial planning services to affluent individuals, families and business owners. SEIA and its affiliates manage $5.1 billion in client assets as of December 31, 2015. SEIA has received acknowledgement from top financial publications including the 2015 Forbes Top 100 Wealth Manager in the U.S. list, the 2015 Los Angeles Business Journal list of top money management firms, the 2015 REP Top 100 RIA list, and the 2014 Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers list.

With a combined 47 years of wealth management experience, Vince DiLeva, Eric Pritz and Kathleen Adams are residents and supporters of the South Bay community. Backed by the advanced resources of the firm, the South Bay team offers portfolio management, retirement planning, estate and legacy planning, as well as philanthropic and family foundation management. Vince, Eric and Kathleen have earned multiple advanced degrees and financial designations over the years.

basis, rather than just making efforts to beat the market. Investors typically view portfolio performance versus the market or some arbitrary index as the best way to determine the worth of an advisor. Although hard to quantify, Vanguard believes advisors can add an additional three percentage points through advice on asset allocation, portfolio rebalancing, spending strategies for drawdowns, cost-effective investment guidance and behavioral counseling. We strongly believe in these principles, and our clients have benefited from this knowledge and expertise.

We believe the guidance, peace of mind and discipline that we provide through behavioral coaching and understanding the tendencies of the emotional investor adds the most value over time (especially in times of crisis).”

Who is your typical client?

“In 2016 investors are very focused on the election and the impact of various results on the markets. Many news sources and pundits spout their extreme opinions, which translates to the public as a perception that there will be an immediate and significant reaction depending on the outcome. Market worries were rampant when Bush was elected, as well as Obama. During the majority of both presidencies, markets doubled and tripled (with a sharp downturn just before the transition between the two). The view of our firm is that the president has little short-term effect on the markets, and although their policies can make small long-term changes, they get too much credit or blame for the direction of the economy during their tenure.

“We have a diverse client base, but most of our clients are successful professionals who have worked hard and saved well. Our clients tend to be determined to live an active, fulfilling lifestyle and want to make sure their money is positioned so they can live life and not worry about day-today money management.”

What is the biggest benefit your clients gain from working with you?

“We try to add ‘Advisor Alpha’ to every client relationship using a multitude of tools and strategies. A process identified by The Vanguard Group, Advisor Alpha takes a varied approach to wealth management on a client-by-client

L to R: Rachel Otto Jennifer Embler Jeffrey Zuanich Eric C. Pritz Kathleen Adams Vince A. DiLeva David Swift Katie O’Neill

How important is it to have wellestablished relationships with legal, tax planning and other professionals on behalf of your clients?

“As longtime South Bay residents and business owners, we have worked with and developed relationships with many local professionals.

We ensure the seamless integration of all the components of your multifaceted financial life by serving as quarterback amongst a collaborative team of CPAs, attorneys and other trusted advisors.”

Give us your opinion on today’s economy and how it impacts your customers.

Depending on which party wins the White House in 2016, SEIA will tactically rotate to different sectors of the economy to take advantage of the next opportunity. We believe the most important thing is to stay focused on the things you can control, stay proactively focused on the purpose and timeframe of your portfolios, and keep emotional reactions out of the decisionmaking. That’s why you use professional advice.”

1815 VIA EL PRADO SUITE 100 | REDONDO BEACH | 310-712-2320 | SEIA.COM

126

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

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

FAST FACT SEIA of Redondo Beach supports local education and athletic foundations, the Be The Match Foundation, Rotary and the LA25 Foundation for the Arts.

How do you give back to your community?

“As a community-based firm, we spend time in our own altruistic endeavors—donating our time and monetary support to organizations from local education foundations to the Be The Match Foundation, the LA25 Foundation for the Arts, Rotary and Mira Costa athletic support.”

Disclaimer: Registered Representative/Securities offered through Signator Investors, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC, 2121 Avenue of the

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

Stars, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90067 (310) 712-2323. SEIA, LLC and its investment advisory services are offered independent of Signator Investors, Inc. and any subsidiaries or affiliates.

VAD CA INS. LICENSE # 0B84300 and ECP CA INS. LICENSE # 0E55966 KAA CA INS. LICENSE # OC76833. Opinions expressed here are the authors’ and do not necessarily represent the opinions of SEIA. Source: Francis M. Kinniry Jr., Colleen M. Jaconetti, Michael A. DiJoseph, and Yan Zilbering, 2014. Putting a value on your value. Quantifying Vanguard Advisor’s Alpha.

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

127

| Finance & Wealth Management |

M

oss Adams Wealth Advisors LLC helps families and business owners meet financial goals, make informed decisions and integrate their financial, investment, tax, estate, insurance, real estate and charitable giving into their plan. The firm is a wholly owned subsidiary of Moss Adams LLP, one of the largest accounting firms in the nation. Jim Schlager is one of more than 260 partners at the firm.

Jim grew up in Seattle and started his financial career in his early 20s after graduating from Washington State University. Over the years he completed his master’s degree in financial planning and earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Life Underwriter (LUTCF) and Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) designations. He also holds series 6, 63, 65, 7 and 24 securities licenses.

Jim moved from Seattle to the South Bay in 2000 to open the firm’s Los Angeles wealth management practice. After falling in love with the community, he decided to raise his family here. Jim and his wife, Lisa, married 10 years ago and have one daughter, Maddie, and one son, Cooper.

He enjoys coaching his children’s sports teams and he recently served on the board of the Manhattan Country Club.

What trend is changing the financial industry?

“While technology isn’t new, DIY financial websites, programs and apps are becoming everyday tools. Although these are great for managing a budget, they can be misleading when it comes to effective planning. It’s best to have a professional opinion from someone who isn’t emotionally attached to your finances and will give you honest and professional guidance.”

What is the biggest benefit your clients gain from working with you?

“Peace of mind—so they can stay focused on the work they do to build their worth and what matters to them. We help busy entrepreneurs and executives define and achieve their financial goals, which can help alleviate the stress that financial issues sometimes cause.”

What would you like potential clients to know about you?

“As a business owner or executive, you know you must take calculated risks to succeed. Weighing

128

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

those choices takes time and requires practical experience. We can help you define and achieve your financial and life goals by making wise, planned decisions that encompass the complexity of your priorities, timing and dreams.”

How do you tailor your services to each client?

“Every client is unique in respect to their personal and business situation, as well as where they are in their personal or business life cycle.

This necessitates having customized financial and investment plans based on their goals. The common denominator in all of our client relationships is having a well-defined personal plan that’s aligned with that of their business needs.”

MOSS ADAMS WEALTH ADVISORS LLC Jim Schlager, CFP®, MS, CLU, ChFC, CTFA Principal

L TO R: Rich Friedland, Curt Abramson, CPA, Jim Schlager, Jason Romano, CFP®, AIF®, Aimee Kwain, JD

What’s the most common mistake people make with their money?

“Often we see people making decisions in a vacuum—without regard to their goals or other financial factors, such as their business or potential influxes of future wealth. This can cause significant impacts to one’s finances that may not be felt for years. On the other hand, integrating all aspects of your financial life through a personal and—if necessary—a business financial plan allows you to understand the implications prior to making a decision and be methodical and proactive in planning.”

Give us your opinion on today’s economy and how it impacts your customers.

FAST FACT Moss Adams opened an office in Manhattan Beach to help local residents and business owners better meet their unique needs.

“Obviously our economy is ever-changing, and markets are and will continue to be volatile.

While technological advances will continue to help us, the regulatory environment will continue to slow things down and make things more complicated. Planning, along with strategic and tactical family decision-making, must be dynamic and consistent within this context.”

How does your firm give back to the community?

“Moss Adams Wealth Advisors understands the importance of community, and we’ve been a corporate sponsor and silent auction sponsor of the Manhattan Wine Auction supporting the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation for the past several years.”

Who are your typical clients?

“Our clients here in the South Bay are just like me, and I relate to them on so many levels. I am fortunate enough to see them every day—walking with our families, at a community meeting or at one of the baseball, softball or football practices. These personal connections establish a level of trust and open dialogue that is a real advantage as we work with our clients to help them plan their financial futures.”

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

1334 PARKVIEW AVE., SUITE 330, MANHATTAN BEACH | 310-295-3733 | MOSSADAMSWEALTHADVISORS.COM/SOUTHBAY

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

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

129

| Finance & Wealth Management |

GUZMAN LAW GROUP, PC Denise M. Guzman Founder/Principal Attorney

Who should do financial planning?

Denise M. Guzman, Business and Estate Planning Attorney: “Everyone needs a financial plan, whether an individual or family, or a family-owned business or closely-held company. For individuals or families, a sound financial plan is important to have in place for important life events, college, weddings and retirement, plus estate planning and asset protection. For businesses, a strategic business plan allows for the company’s growth for the future as well as contemplates an exit strategy, such as planning for the sale of the business. With family-owned businesses, given their special needs, we emphasize the need to create a corporate succession plan for the next generation to succeed in taking over and managing the family business.”

How do you differentiate yourself from others in the wealth management industry?

Denise M. Guzman: “Experience. I have seen a lot of successful and unsuccessful structures, whether in estate planning or corporate succession planning. I use that experience and knowledge in guiding my clients.”

What is your best piece of advice?

Denise M. Guzman: “Take the time to put a plan in place for the future, whether we are talking about corporate succession planning or estate planning. You need to answer the tough questions: How will I exit from my business? Am I grooming a successor, or will I sell to an outside party? When is the right time to sell? In estate planning, a well-planned estate will be positioned to pay the least amount in estate taxes and will leave a clear road map for the family to follow, reducing any chance for conflict within the family.”

How do the solutions you offer preserve and enhance the value of your client’s business?

Edward Powell, Business Attorney: “For family-owned businesses, establishing a succession plan is crucial to

ensuring the next generation is in a position to take over the business, to maintain continuity for the company’s customers and to create a culture that aligns the interests of family members with the success of the enterprise.”

How do you tailor your services to each client?

Richard A. Luftman, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Attorney: “This is not a ‘cookie-cutter’ area of the law.

Every client has their own unique set of circumstances, and we use our experience to tailor a custom solution to each client’s specific needs and goals.”

How important is it to have well-established relationships with legal, tax planning and other professionals on behalf of your clients?

Denise M. Guzman: “It is essential to put together the right team of professionals, whether you are structuring a corporate sale or creating an estate plan. Each of those professionals brings a different perspective to the table, and it is important to have those professional relationships in place because in the end it allows us to give the client the ultimate service and protection. And that is the most important thing we can do for a client.”

Marcus Chang, Business and Estate Planning Attorney: “I believe it is very important to have these kinds of working relationships within your network in order to best serve your clients. When I work with a client, I always try to involve the professionals that the client works with, such as their accountant or financial planner, because they can provide me with a bigger picture of my clients’ needs— allowing me to better protect my client.”

What is the biggest benefit your clients gain from working with you?

Edward Powell: “Practicing business law allows me to become an integral part of my clients’ successes. Anticipating, acknowledging and addressing the interests of all the parties to a transaction not only protects my clients’ particular legal interests but also ensures that the business relationship is on sound footing and a positive experience for everyone.”

George G. Romain, Business Litigator and Employment Lawyer: “The greatest value our clients gain from working with the Guzman Law Group is peace of mind. As result of our hard work and expertise, our clients can trust in our recommendations on any given point. ‘Protecting the needs of each and every client’ is not only the cornerstone of our philosophy and practice but also the reason why our clients continue to turn to us.”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARISA GUZMÁN-ALOIA

G

uzman Law Group acts as in-house corporate counsel focusing on owners of closely held businesses, from startups to multi-million dollar corporations in all industries, ranging from manufacturing to entertainment. Founder Denise M. Guzman is a noted business, estate planning and trust attorney. She has been serving the South Bay for more than 30 years.

1230 ROSECRANS AVENUE, SUITE 650, MANHATTAN BEACH | 310-321-6640 | GUZMANLG.COM

130

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

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

FAST FACT Guzman Law Group was voted South Bay’s Best Attorney’s in the 2015 Readers Choice Awards held by the Daily Breeze.

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

L to R: Attorneys Edward Powell, Carla B. Hoffman, Richard A. Luftman, Denise M. Guzman, George G. Romain, Marcus Chang, Carol T. Contes

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

131

| Finance & Wealth Management |

FAST FACT Once a quarter, the Navigoe team closes the office for a day and volunteers at a local charity.

417 BERYL STREET, REDONDO BEACH | 310-697-0400 | NAVIGOE.COM

132

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

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

NAVIGOE, LLC

Scott A Leonard CFP® & Eric S Toya, CFP®

N

avigoe is a full-service financial planning firm offering all-inclusive wealth management services. CEO Scott Leonard founded the firm in 1996 and today manages Navigoe with Eric Toya, director of wealth management. Scott, Eric and their team provide clients with a thorough evaluation of their financial needs, including investment, estate and tax planning. Both Scott and Eric are Certified Financial Planner™ professionals and NAPFA Registered Financial Advisors.

Navigoe operates under three core values: offering fee-only, independent advice (no commissions); delivering services through a consultative education-based process (first learning about clients’ core values); and forming long-term relationships with clients.

investment advice, less than 7% actually provide a full suite of wealth management: tax planning, wealth transfer, estate planning, risk management and charitable planning. At Navigoe, our Concierge Wealth Management service is a unique, fully integrated wealth management solution.”

How do your services target clients’ needs and exceed their expectations?

“Failing to plan. Anyone who has planned for anything— travel plans, a project for work or a wedding—knows that the process of planning requires an understanding of your goals, your resources and who will assist you along the way. Unlike a special event or a family vacation, when it comes to your money, planning is a lifelong process of assessing goals, monitoring progress and integrating changes in your life.”

“Many of our clients come to us in preparation for retirement. Leaving a lifetime of working and turning their investment portfolio into a lifelong stream of income is often quite daunting. Our retirement income planning process has allowed us to maintain our clients’ cash flow needs, even through two of the biggest stock market crashes in history. In addition, as our clients prepare for retirement there are numerous decisions that will have a significant impact on their family’s financial security. Our comprehensive process allows us to help our clients make good decisions to secure their retirement.”

Tell us about your team of professionals.

“Navigoe’s team of professionals includes Certified Financial Planner™ professionals, a Certified Public Accountant and an Enrolled Agent. This diverse team allows us to provide the broad general knowledge necessary for holistic planning, in addition to multiple areas of specialization necessary to get into the details of complex wealth management strategies. Clients work with the entire team to help design, evaluate and execute their unique financial plan.”

What is your primary objective with your clients?

“To provide ‘Peace of Mind’ by minimizing the risks to our clients’ wealth. We accomplish this first by having an academically sound and market-tested approach to addressing wealth management issues. We then follow up the approach and planning with ongoing implementation, monitoring and evaluation.”

How do you differentiate yourself from others working in the wealth management industry?

“While virtually all wealth management firms provide

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

How do the solutions you offer preserve and enhance your clients’ wealth?

“For those who have worked hard and saved over their working career, the biggest drag on their wealth is continued and future taxation. We utilize advanced income sequencing and asset location strategies to minimize the taxation for our clients, while maximizing the amount of after-tax income they have to live their lives.”

What’s the most common mistake people make with their money?

How important is it to have well-established relationships with other professionals on behalf of your clients?

“In our view, it is very important to have a collaborative, working relationship with our clients’ other professionals—we have a systematic approach to bring the team of professionals together to review the total financial picture of our clients.”

What is your best piece of investment advice?

“Everyone should have a written investment plan, referred to as an Investment Policy Statement (IPS). An IPS lays out the goals of the investment strategy and helps prevent ad hoc changes. The IPS will also establish guidelines regarding investment selection, portfolio management and review process. Without an IPS, most people unintentionally try to time the market or chase hot investments.”

What should someone do if they are interested in further evaluating your firm?

“The best way to learn more about working with our firm is to come into our office for a no-charge, no-obligation meeting where we explore the options of working together and your unique goals. Since everyone is not a proper fit for the services provided by our firm, we have an extensive list of financial advisors we can refer you to if appropriate.”

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

133

134

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

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

WADDELL & REED INC.

Kärin L. Frasier, Financial Advisor

O

riginally from Colorado, Kärin Frasier moved to the South Bay in 1986 and worked in the banking and payroll industry prior to joining Waddell & Reed in 1996. As a financial advisor for the firm, she assists clients in identifying and solidifying their financial goals in a sometimes volatile market environment. Kärin spent 10 years splitting her time between her planning practice and mentoring advisors as a district manager. Since 2008 she has devoted 100% of her energy to her clients.

Tell us about your team of professionals.

“My team (consisting of Anna Hill and Deana Dyjor) is there to support my business and assist with client activity.

Meetings with our clients are primarily conducted by me as the financial advisor. However, Deana is also fully licensed and has been with Waddell & Reed for more than 10 years, which gives our team breadth and depth of knowledge our clients may rely upon.”

In what ways is your relationship with your clients a partnership?

“Without an open and communicative collaboration, most planning goals will not be achieved. Financial planning is not a one-time event. It is an ever-changing journey that must be monitored, updated and/or re-evaluated on a regular basis. Very few people will be exactly where they thought they would be 10 years into their plan. Clients who meet with me on a regular basis and keep their plan updated, statistically, are more apt to achieve the goals they established for themselves.”

What is your primary objective with your clients?

“To understand what is important to them. To know why it is important so I may honor their intentions when making recommendations. Aligning my recommendations to their values and beliefs is fundamental to all I do. I believe there is no single right or wrong way to invest or to plan for funding a goal.”

How do you cater to your clients’ requirements on a one-on-one basis?

“There is no cookie-cutter way to assist our clients, so we approach each client relationship as a unique opportunity to provide a service model. We work with many retirees and pre-retirees of our various local aerospace companies and know the company benefits and retirement processes— so we may be a resource in evaluating the ‘options for

retirement’ being offered. We can show side-by-side comparisons for the various benefit payout options. That can be a huge assistance to the pre-retiree.”

How important is it to have well-established relationships with other professionals on behalf of your clients?

“It certainly makes it easier for us to plan holistically for our client if we all know what the other professional is trying to accomplish. Working with my client’s tax professional is incredibly important; as a team we can make a huge impact on our client’s tax liability year by year. Fostering an environment of open communication can be strategically important in reaching our clients goals.”

FAST FACT Kärin is celebrating her 20th anniversary with Waddell & Reed in the Torrance office.

How do you give back to your community?

“As an active member of Rotary Club of Del Amo, we not only participate in the broader mission of Rotary International, we raise money through two major charity events per year to dedicate to local causes. We sponsor a Comedy & Magic night in the spring and Café for a Cause in the fall (examples of past recipients are New Challenge Ministries, Trash4Teaching, PTN and South Bay Children’s Hospital).

And we support several local projects: Project Shoe (which annually provides a new pair of shoes to kids in our area), and we supply holiday gifts to students of the Washington School each year.”

Tell us about working in the financial industry.

“This is not an easy industry. Market volatility, federal regulations, a cornucopia of ‘professionals’ on the radio and TV sharing their ideal investment advice, ever-changing tax regulation … I love this industry and being a financial advisor, but it takes diligence to stay current. I owe my longevity at Waddell & Reed to the support of my clients. It is a privilege to be invited into their lives and be a part of their team. As our CIO says, every day we remind ourselves that we are working with other people’s money—their livelihoods. That is not something I ever take lightly.”

Waddell & Reed, Inc., Member SIPC

3625 DEL AMO BLVD., SUITE 360, TORRANCE | 310-371-7036 X117 | KARINFRASIER.WRFA.COM | KARINFRASIER@WRADVISORS.COM S P E C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S E CT I O N

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

135

| Finance & Wealth Management |

FAST FACT Farmers & Merchants Bank has more than $6 billion in assets and 24 branches across Orange County, Long Beach and the South Bay.

27525 INDIAN PEAK RD., ROLLING HILLS ESTATES | 310-491-1711 | 22400 HAWTHORNE BLVD., TORRANCE | 310-265-3200

136

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

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

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC.

F

ounded in Long Beach in 1907 by C.J. Walker, Farmers & Merchants Bank is still managed by the Walker family, with Daniel K. Walker as CEO and W. Henry Walker as president. The bank specializes in commercial and small business banking, business loan programs, home loans and consumer retail banking products. The F&M Bank South Bay management team has an average of 30+ years in the banking industry.

In what ways is your relationship with your client a partnership?

“As a bank with a 108-year old history, we take great pride in the fact that we have a very long-term view on the world of banking and take that view to every relationship we embark upon. Every professional at F&M works to develop our client relationships and uphold our foundational values of integrity—the driving force behind our bank and our commitment to safeguard our client’s money. The strength of our bank rests on more than just its assets, profitability and bottom line. Our bank is strong because it has earned the trust of its community and customers. It’s our belief that trust can only be given to a financial institution with a strong moral compass, commitment to values and the ability to demonstrate those values to the communities it serves.”

Tell us about your team.

“F&M is one of the last family-led independent banks in America. Throughout the years the Walkers have ensured that their relationships with employees remain at a personal level. To work at F&M means entering a family. The bank enjoys one of the strongest rates of employee retention in the business, demonstrating the loyalty and devotion of F&M employees to the company and allows our employees to develop deeper relationships with clients. Being known as one of the strongest banks in California, we have found that over time—in good times and bad—, our integrity and trust has made the difference. For the Walkers and F&M alike, it has always been about recognizing the human element and upholding the importance of family and doing good, which has helped create an impenetrable foundation that yields long-term and lasting success.”

How do you cater to your client’s requirements on a one-on-one basis?

“As a regional bank, clients benefit from having direct

access to an F&M team member or executive when and where they need us. When clients, prospective clients or investors have comments or concerns. They have a direct point of contact to help with all of their banking needs.”

How do your services target clients’ needs and exceed their expectations?

“In the bank’s early years, our founder C.J. Walker reassured depositors that their money was always safe at F&M. His integrity has remained the bedrock under the Walker family’s commitment to safeguard our clients’ money. F&M continues to address a client’s needs and exceed expectations by dedicating time to growing the strength of the bank to meet any need that might arise.”

Tell us about your level of customer service.

“At the end of the day, the client is the most important person at F&M. Our second president, Gus Walker, once said that a client ‘was never an interruption of work but rather the purpose of it.’ F&M makes an effort to thank everyone who comes through their doors for their business, trust, friendship and—above all—the opportunity to service them.”

Give us your opinion on today’s economy and how it impacts your customers.

“Barring any unforeseen geopolitical issues, the 2016 economic outlook for the financial services industry should be very similar to what we saw in 2015. With no significant economic changes currently projected for 2016, now is the time for individuals to start thinking about whether they are doing business with the right people or depositing their money in the right bank.

Trust is built over time, so it is important to foster those relationships now, during periods of stability and opportunity, versus waiting for a crisis to hit.”

How do you give back to your community?

“Following the Walker tradition of giving back to the community, the bank continues to donate more than $2 million each year to local organizations and businesses, including local nonprofits, schools, houses of worship, hospitals, the arts, and police and fire departments.

F&M is also committed to implementing green initiatives and most recently developed a new customer care center in Seal Beach as a sustainable infrastructure that is both environmentally responsible and resource-efficient.”

1304 S.PACIFIC COAST HWY., REDONDO BEACH | 310-802-7560 | FMB.COM

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

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

137

| Finance & Wealth Management |

WENDELL CHARLES FINANCIAL

Evan Kirkpatrick, Founder/CEO

I

n January 2011 Evan Kirkpatrick founded Wendell Charles Financial in the South Bay. The professionals at the firm specialize in custom financial planning, investment portfolio management and philanthropic advising. Evan has worked in the finance industry for the past decade.

Tell us about your education and work background.

“Education is an ongoing, infinite pursuit, so in addition to formal education and licensing, I spend the majority of my time outside client meetings reading industry white papers and research. I also love the Manhattan Beach public library! At Northwest University I was a scholarship basketball player and an active stock and options trader. My professional career began at a Fortune 100 financial firm and then as a senior consultant for a boutique corporate benefits and investment firm. In my early career I evaluated corporate, government and nonprofit retirement plans for companies across seven states.

Evaluating alternative investments became a focus during that time, in addition to financial planning. I launched Wendell Charles Financial five years ago and continue to serve clients as an independent LPL financial advisor in Manhattan Beach.”

Why is the firm named Wendell Charles Financial?

“The firm is named after my grandfather, Wendell Charles Kirkpatrick, who is 90 years young and a retired physician, investor and philanthropist—although he wouldn’t call himself that. I grew up painting apartments that he owned and learned from him about real estate, the stock market and life. After selling an appreciated property when I was a teenager, he transferred the funds into a charitable remainder trust. I became interested in philanthropy and investments at that time, and the financial services we provide attempt to do on an institutional level for many clients what he accomplished individually.”

How do you differentiate yourself from others working in the wealth management industry?

“I am truly committed to providing solutions for charitable clients in addition to our custom financial plans. Selecting and managing the appropriate philanthropic investment vehicle is something we do very well. I’ve found that responding quickly, doing what we say we’ll do and setting clear expectations are differentiators in this industry.

Beyond the basics, we use a variety of technology solu-

tions to offer things like online appointment setting, custom client websites that show performance across all of your accounts, and reports with hundreds of data points that we explain in plain English. Differentiating yourself in this business is ultimately about financial decision-making that results in positive outcomes for clients.

From an investment standpoint, we are able to access unique opportunities above and beyond what is available through major stock exchanges for clients that meet certain requirements. Personally, I assist clients with everything from individual corporate and muni-bonds to stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and alternatives. Lastly, I am Dave Ramsey’s endorsed local provider (*Dave Ramsey is not endorsed by or affiliated with LPL Financial) in the South Bay and a contributor to Forbes and CNBC.”

What are some of your firm’s core values?

“Our firm only has one core value/principle: Do what is in the best interest of the client.”

What common mistake do people make with money?

“Improvising instead of committing to decisions based on a well thought through plan.”

Give us your opinion on today’s economy and how it impacts your customers.

“This is a very unique time, with interest rates near historic lows and The Fed stating they will progressively increase them. The challenge that presents is finding income-producing investments for retirees that are unlikely to be adversely affected as that occurs—something I have personally spent an enormous amount of time to create custom plans for. Younger clients should be focused on consistent contributions as opposed to today’s news headlines or economic conditions.”

What do you like to do for fun?

“While I wait patiently with 3,000 people ahead of me in line for Lakers season tickets, I love going to a few games each year! I enjoy reading nonfiction and biographies, writing about entrepreneurship and spending time with my fiancée, Jessica, friends and family. If that time happens to be at the beach, MB Post, Izaka-Ya or Darren’s, all the better!”

Disclaimer: Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.

1230 ROSECRANS AVENUE, SUITE 300, MANHATTAN BEACH | 310-706-4179 | WENDELLCHARLES.COM

138

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

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

FAST FACT Wendell Charles Financial is named after Evan’s grandfather, 90-year-old Wendell Charles Kirkpatrick, a retired physician, investor and philanthropist.

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

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

139

BEACH CITIES ACCOUNTING, INC.

Kathy Flynn McQuiggan, CPA, CEO/Owner

B

each Cities Accounting is a professional services firm that provides outsourced accounting and bookkeeping support to small and mid-sized businesses and high-wealth individuals. After more than 20 years as a CPA in corporate America, Kathy Flynn McQuiggan launched Beach Cities Accounting in 2012.

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“There are many accounting firms out there, but few come with our level of expertise and knowledge. Everyone on our team is a CPA and/or QuickBooks-certified. Because we’re a small firm, we work together closely to make

sure our clients’ needs are being met—using the most innovative and advanced technology and know-how in the industry.”

FAST FACT Beach Cities Accounting was chosen as one of 20 Intuit Firms of the Future—a recognition given to accounting firms using innovative technology and cutting-edge knowledge to help clients.

How do clients benefit from working with your team?

“We give our clients peace of mind. The finances of running a business can be incredibly stressful, and we want to take away that stress. We are there to be the back office, to take care of what the business owners don’t want to or perhaps don’t know how to do on their own. Whether that means handling a client’s financials directly or working with their in-house bookkeeper or tax CPA to provide a second look at the books, the oversight we

provide ensures that reports are accurate. An extra set of eyes is also a deterrent to fraud.”

What are the most common problems when working with clients?

“Many businesses have high turnover in their accounting departments, which can make their bookkeeping inconsistent and susceptible to errors. It’s common to see QuickBooks files that are a mess because they were maintained by a well-intentioned bookkeeper who wasn’t adequately trained. Even if only 1% or 2% of transactions are out of that person’s scope or capabilities, those transactions can skew the numbers. We provide high-level oversight to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“My team and I have a passion for helping businesses succeed, and I really love it when my clients ‘get it’! When clients understand their financials and can use that understanding to grow their businesses, it’s incredibly rewarding for both of us. I love what I do, and I only hire employees who share my passion and vision!”

2100 SEPULVEDA BLVD., SUITE 15, MANHATTAN BEACH | 424-257-0253 | BEACHCITIESACCOUNTING.COM

140

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

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

| Finance & Wealth Management |

RYAN WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP OF WELLS FARGO ADVISORS, LLC, MEMBER SIPC

Shannon Ryan, CFP® Senior Vice President–Investments

F

inancial advisor Shannon Ryan has worked with individuals, families and businesses for more than two decades, helping them make financial decisions. Shannon also enjoys giving back to her community as president-elect for Manhattan Beach Rotary, a Girl Scout leader, a provisional patroness with NCL Manhattan–Hermosa chapter, a member of the Manhattan Beach Host Town Committee for Special Olympics, and a member of Leadership Manhattan Beach class of 2011.

FAST FACT In addition to being a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Shannon is an author, public speaker and blogger on financial literacy for children.

How do you differentiate yourself from others working in the wealth management industry?

“My passion for financial literacy and building financial strategies. To accomplish your financial goals, you have to know why and what you are investing in.

You should also consider taxes, liquidity, estate planning and the risk you face on the path to your goals.”

What are some of your firm’s core values?

“I moved my private practice to Wells Fargo Advisor, LLC two years ago. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC has a very broad depth of resources: lending, small business, M&A, elder care, estate planning, alternative investment and many other areas. These were resources that my clients could benefit from, which I did not have access to as an independent advisor.

WFA also has a strong commitment to our community and their charitable efforts across the country.

I feel privileged to work with a company that has strong core values.”

What’s the most common mistake people make with their money?

“The most common mistake is not being proactive—not taking the time to sit down and align your money decisions with your values. Often there are financial strategies clients have missed that allow them to enjoy their money to its fullest. That may be using it now or building a legacy estate plan that lives for generations.”

How important is it to have well-established relationships with other professionals on behalf of your clients?

“As a Certified Financial Planner, I work with my clients’ entire financial lives. It is very important to have your ‘team’ talking to each other as you make decisions. We are on the phone daily with other professionals on our clients’ financial teams. It is my opinion that these well-established relationships are critical to our clients’ financial success.”

2321 ROSECRANS AVE, SUITE 2275, EL SEGUNDO | 310-725-2268 | SHANNON.T.RYAN@WFADVISORS.COM S P E C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S E CT I O N

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

141

| Finance & Wealth Management |

L to R: Brian Parker, CFP® Ryan Serrecchia, CFP® Tammy Trenta, MBA, CFP® Kevin Ashworth, CFA Sherryl Ray Derek Holman, AIF®, CFP® Patrick Goshtigian, CFA

EP WEALTH ADVISORS

E

P Wealth Advisors, an independent financial planning and investment management firm, assists clients in all stages of life with their finances in the areas of investments, estates, business, tax planning and life transition.

How do your services target clients’ needs and exceed their expectations?

“To create wealth, everyone needs to invest in something. The obvious answer for an investment firm is to invest in the stock market, but investing can also be investing in your business or career, your relationships with your family, a personal dream, your health, or investing time in your community. We exceed our clients’ expectations because we’re able to see that wealth goes well beyond a portfolio; it’s about living the life you’ve always wanted—which often requires financial preparation. We include a stock and bond portfolio and a finan-

cial plan—but also account for those meaningful parts of your life.”

How do you cater to your clients’ requirements on a one-on-one basis?

“We spend time up front getting to know our clients, because that’s the way we can truly invest appropriately for each of them. We ask questions about what matters to them and why so we can help them achieve their own goals and dreams.”

FAST FACT EP Wealth Advisors is a fee-only firm with more than $2.2 billion in assets under management.

What’s the most common mistake people make with their money?

“Not saving enough—it makes retirement planning so much more difficult. On the investing side, probably holding too concentrated of a portfolio, because that opens up so much risk.

We make sure our clients save enough and that they have a portfolio that’s balanced so they don’t take big hits.”

Give us your opinion on today’s economy and how it impacts your customers.

“Make no mistake: The times are changing.

And that can be scary. But if you take a step back from the headlines, it’s easier to see that there have been many scary times throughout history. The market has always improved over longer periods of time. In the short term, we have to understand political repercussions, but it’s still about evaluating the fundamentals of the market. Right now we are still cautiously optimistic. Our job is to remind our clients of the facts and the context of the current political and economic situation so we can get to what’s important: their life goals.”

Disclaimer: All investments and investment strategies have the potential for profit and loss.

No guarantees or warranties can be made that a client or prospective client will achieve profitable results or be satisfied with our services.

Assets under management are as of 3/31/16.

21515 HAWTHORNE BLVD., SUITE 1200, TORRANCE | 310-543-4559 | EPWEALTH.COM

142

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

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

L to R: Jay McDonald, Managing Director–Investment Officer Shelley Church, Client Associate Kathleen Hogan, First Vice President– Investment Officer Ian McDonald, First Vice President– Investment Officer

MCDONALD WEALTH ADVISORY GROUP OF WELLS FARGO ADVISORS LLC

Jay McDonald, Ian McDonald, Kathleen Hogan & Shelley Church

T

he McDonald Wealth Advisory Group, which advises a select group of individuals, families, businesses and foundations to build, manage, preserve and transition wealth, originated in the South Bay in 1966. The team consists of Jay McDonald, Managing Director–Investment Officer; Ian McDonald, First Vice President– Investment Officer; Kathleen Hogan, First Vice President– Investment Officer; and Shelley Church, Client Associate.

In what ways is your relationship with your clients a “partnership”?

“The majority of our clients are successful entrepreneurs, retired professionals and

long-time South Bay families. They are advocates for our practice, some of whom have been with us for more than 40 years. They appreciate working with a trusted advisory team that has integrity, experience, knowledge and is dedicated to working with them to achieve their life goals. We team with our clients in defining and prioritizing their goals and objectives, seeking to reduce their exposure to risk and framing their investment strategies around them.”

FAST FACT The McDonald Wealth Advisory Group has a combined experience in the financial services industry in excess of 100 years.

How do you differentiate yourself from others in the wealth management industry?

“Over the years we have come to realize that we cannot be all things to all people.

We strive to be all things to a select group of people. Our relationships are built on mutual trust, rapport and respect. Only after we agree upon these essentials do we move forward in establishing a client advisory relationship.”

What is your primary objective with your clients?

“Our objective is to provide clarity, confidence and structure for our clients and their families. The foundation of our practice is designed to manage our clients’ assets with integrity.”

How important is it to have wellestablished relationships with other professionals on behalf of your clients?

“It is more important than ever for our select group of clients to have a trusted team of advisors on their side. When we work with our clients’ tax and legal counsel, together we become a much stronger team. By communicating directly with each other with the best interest of our mutual clients in mind, we accomplish our common goal of adding value to and enriching our clients’ lives.”

Disclaimer: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Investment and Insurance products: NOT FDIC-Insured • NO Bank Guarantee • MAY Lose Value

500 SILVER SPUR RD., SUITE 300, ROLLING HILLS ESTATES | 310-377-1942 | 800-541-4377 S P E C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S E CT I O N

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

143

| Finance & Wealth Management |

FAST FACT John was an active board member of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce for more than 10 years and was an active member of Rotary International.

I

n his early 20s, John McLellan started his career as the executive administrative assistant to a CFO, which led to him becoming the accounting manager/controller of a small, international construction company before becoming a CPA. He worked at two firms before starting JWM CPA & Company in 1999. When he’s not at work, John enjoys surfing, biking, Motocross and spending time with his son.

What question or concern do you frequently hear from clients?

“Clients are most concerned about protecting their family’s assets and about the ever-changing new tax laws. They want to be in compliance with tax laws, to not have any issues with the IRS and to not have to pay any more taxes than are necessary. They want a CPA who is available year-round and

not just during tax season. We take away the stress of taxes for our clients by planning and keeping them informed. We listen to our clients’ needs, and we go beyond just crunching the historical numbers by providing proactive advice.”

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“We development a strong relationship with our clients, and I take the time to inquire about our clients’ lives and activities that may affect them financially. Typically I uncover tax deductions and/or additional information that a client will forget to provide by just asking the right questions. As a CPA, our clients value our services and really trust us.”

Tell us something unique about your business.

“We utilize cutting-edge technology to stay on top of tax developments and provide

JWM CPA & COMPANY, PC John W. McLellan, CPA Principal

quality customer service that is equal to a large firm. Unlike a large firm, though, clients get direct access to the firm’s decision-maker.”

Why does your industry appeal to you?

“I love what I do because it allows me to really help people while providing a valuable service. I like working the numbers and conveying complex taxes and account matters into a ‘bottom line’ that clients can understand.”

Give us a great piece of advice on how we can protect ourselves and our families.

“If you have a small business with employees, you should be incorporated. If your family’s estate holds real estate, you should set up a trust to avoid probate. Lastly, everyone should have umbrella insurance policy to protect them.”

111 N. SEPULVEDA BLVD., SUITE 310, MANHATTAN BEACH | 310-372-0672 | JWMCPA.COM

144

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

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

FAST FACT Kevin’s latest adventure was a snowboarding trip to Whistler, and Angela’s was a ski trip to Mammoth with two kids and a dog.

TORTUGA WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Angela Park Sheldon, CFP® & Kevin Bidenkap, CFP®, CLU, ChFC Wealth Advisors/Managing Partners

T

ortuga Wealth Management is an independent private wealth planning and asset management firm in the greater Los Angeles area. Co-owners Angela Park Sheldon and Kevin Bidenkap provide wealth management advice in the form of a customtailored plan for the various stages of life for each client. Angela and Kevin started Tortuga Wealth Management in 2010 and have a combined 36 years of experience in the financial field.

What is your primary objective with your clients?

“To make their lives easier. We take care of their financial headaches and concerns so that they don’t have to. We consolidate assets so they can have an easy snapshot picture of their entire net worth, allowing us to better plan for their future.”

How do you cater to your clients’ requirements on a one-on-one basis?

“We believe that no one solution is the right solution for every client. We believe in a custom portfolio for each client—and for each account (e.g., retirement, down payment on a property, general wealth growth, etc.).”

How do the strategies you offer help preserve your clients’ wealth?

“We focus on long-term strategies for our clients that result in multi-generational wealth transfer. We look at things like a client’s tax situation today and project it into the future to see how that impacts their wealth. Oftentimes it’s not the investment returns that veer clients away from their path but the wrong vehicles that are used to get there.”

What’s the most common mistake people make with their money?

“Not teaching their children the value of money. We insist that our clients bring in their children so that we can start teaching them at an early age how to manage money wisely.”

How important is it to have well-established relationships with legal, tax planning and other professionals on behalf of your clients?

“Very important, since we almost always suggest that a client get a trust established if they don’t have one already. Our clients trust us to manage their money, but they also trust us to be a good resource for various areas of their life. We make sure to have a solid team of local professionals that we can refer to our clients.”

Disclaimer: Kevin Bidenkap and Angela Park Sheldon are registered representatives with and securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Tortuga Wealth Management, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

1957 W. CARSON ST. STE #100, TORRANCE | 310-906-0517 | 310-906-0676 | TORTUGAWEALTH.COM S P E C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S E CT I O N

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

145

| Finance & Wealth Management |

Advisor Team L to R: Mark Boujikian, CFP® Kristen Perez, CFP® Clay Zachry, CFP® Mary Harris, CFP® Matthew Kuhn, CFA, AIF® Cristin Rigg, CFP®, CDFA™ Stewart Darrell, CFA

HARRIS FINANCIAL ADVISORS, INC.

H

arris Financial Advisors (HFA) is a Registered Investment Advisor, celebrating 24 years as an independent wealth management firm. As fee-based advisors, the HFA team offers investment and financial planning advice and wealth management services to individuals, families and charitable organizations across the United States.

Tell us about your team of professionals.

“Our approach to wealth management gives our clients direct, personal access to a team of professionals, including Certified Financial Planners™, Chartered Financial Analysts and a Certified Divorced Financial Analyst®. The collective experience of our team provides more than 100

years of experience that we are able to leverage to address the detailed planning and technical complexities involved when one accumulates significant wealth. This experience is further strengthened by our fiduciary obligation, which requires us to put the interests of our clients ahead of all others.”

FAST FACT Harris Financial Advisors, Inc. is celebrating 24 years in business as an independent wealth management firm.

What are some of your team’s core values?

“Trust and transparency are at the heart of everything we do to ensure we offer the highest level of client service. We believe trust is the essential cornerstone on which a successful relationship is built, and transparency allows our clients to clearly see all facets of our business—

including fees, costs and other pertinent information—before committing to working with our team. Our clients understand where their money is invested and why, and how their investments are performing.”

How does your team give back to the community?

“Our culture is one of giving back, primarily through education. As regulation, markets and taxes make financial decision-making increasingly more complex, we believe that our role in promoting financial literacy helps people better engage in and make informed financial decisions with confidence.

Our workshops are offered monthly at no charge in our on-site education room. Through community outreach we partner with organizations such as Torrance Memorial Medical Center and Palos Verdes Peninsula Library in hosting educational events. Recent workshop topics have focused on Social Security strategies, retirement income planning and unique financial challenges facing women today.”

25500 HAWTHORNE BLVD., SUITE 1030, TORRANCE | 310-791-3226 | HARRISFINANCIAL.NET | HFA@HARRISFINANCIAL.NET

146

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

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

Financial coaching for the long game.

From draft day to retirement and beyond, your financial scoreboard is just as important as the one on the field.

Whether it’s tax planning, wealth management, multistate residency, business consulting, or something else you need, we’ve got you covered. Put our experience in your corner.

1334 Parkview Avenue, Suite 330 | Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (310) 295-3733 W W W. M O S S A D A M S . C O M / P R I VAT E C L I E N T S

Assurance, tax, and consulting offered through Moss Adams LLP. Investment advisory and personal financial planning offered through Moss Adams Wealth Advisors LLC.

Jim Schlager MS, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, Principal

Spring into Yoga Loft

Ocean View Yoga New Student Specials: One week unlimited - $30 One month unlimited - $75 10 Classes for - $100

1112 Ocean Drive, Manhattan Beach,CA. 90266

148

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

yogaloftmb.com 310.372.7334

oursouthbay.com

oursouthbay.com

MAY/JUNE 2016, SOUTHBAY

149

Gorgeous Tennis Estate in PVE. Gated, 5 bedroom home, built in 2005, with pool, spa, tennis court, wine cellar and more. $4,999,000.

Chris Adlam 310.493.7216 www.chrisadlam.com

REAL ESTATE OURSOUTHBAY.COM/REAL-ESTATE

ONE-OF-A-KIND MANHATTAN BEACH Two parcels joined to become the largest estate in Manhattan Beach 1155 & 1165 Ronda Drive Offered at $14,900,000 Listed by The Capellaro Group Coldwell Banker Previews International See page 2 for more information.

L I NE ST W IN G

REPRESENTING PALOS VERDES’ FINEST HOMES & ESTATES FOR OVER 30 YEARS!

3300 Palos Verdes Dr. W., Rancho Palos Verdes

2990 Twin Harbors View, Rancho Palos Verdes

$4,988,000 | 4 bedrooms + Library | 6 baths | 6,208 sq ft | Lot size 12,644 www.2990TwinHarborsView.com

ES

C IN R O W

$10,800,000 | 5 bedrooms | 10 baths | 12,278 sq ft | Lot size 48,787 www.3300PalosVerdesDrWest.com

525 Palos Verdes Dr. W.

1413 Via Coronel, Palos Verdes Estates

$3,199,000 | 5 bedrooms | 4 baths | 3,282 sq ft | Lot size 8,188 www.525PalosVerdesDriveWest.com

PE N

D

IN

R P ED R U IC C E TI O N

G

4 bdrm | 4 bath | 3,888 sq ft | Lot Size 16,186 | $2,699,000 www.1413ViaCoronel.com

717 Via Bandini, Palos Verdes Estates

$2,099,000 | 5 bedrooms | 5 baths | 4,000+ sq ft | Lot size 10,000 www.717ViaBandini.com

28043 Lobrook Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes

$1,999,000 | 5 bedrooms | 6 baths | Approx. 4,000 sq ft | Lot size 10,000 Also for lease $6,300/mo | www.28043LobrookDr.com

LILY LIANG Executive Vice President, Strand Hill Properties 550 Silver Spur Road, Suite 240, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 14 SOUTHBAY, NOVEMBER (310) 2015 373-3333 | lily@lilyliang.com | www.lilyliang.com Cal BRE# 00837794

oursouthbay.com

WHO IS STRAND HILL PROPERTIES?

Strand Hill / Christie’s International Real Estate is a boutique real estate brokerage with offices located in Manhattan Beach and Palos Verdes. Strand Hill is an exclusive global affiliate of the Christie’s International Real Estate network.

WHAT IS CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE?

Established by James Christie nearly 250 years ago, Christie’s conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it is the world’s premier auction house and sets the standard for international art sales.

Supported by the esteemed art auction house, Christie’s International Real Estate is a global network offering exclusive home and luxury real estate services to buyers and sellers worldwide. The Christie’s brand is instantly recognizable to clients and distinguishes your property from others. We focus exclusively on luxury residential real estate and understand how to reach and serve discerning clientele. Along with this expertise, we offer you the tailored, trusted service that our clients have depended on for 250 years, collaboration with our auction house colleagues, and referrals from our network of the world’s top brokers.

Christie’s International Real Estate built its reputation on the rigorous selection of local brokerages. Our Affiliates are selected for their success in luxury property sales and their ability to meet strict standards of excellence. When awarded Affiliate status, they gain access to our global marketing programs, worldwide network of more than 1,350 affiliate offices and 32,000 agents across more than 47 countries, and the expertise of the Christie’s International Real Estate regional management teams.

The art of beach real estate

STRAND HILL PROPERTIES 1131 Morningside Drive, 2nd Fl. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 +1 310 545 0707

550 Silver Spur Road, Suite 240 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 +1 310 541 6566

info@strandhillproperties.com www.strandhillproperties.com

CAL BRE #01968431

505 El Redondo Avenue Unit A, Redondo Beach $1,149,000 Detached Town Home in South Redondo Beach on quiet tree-lined street within walking distance of Redondo Union High School. This 2,300 square foot home offers 4 bedrooms and a spacious sunlit office. The Master Suite has a large walk-in closet with custom built-ins and a balcony overlooking the private landscaped front yard. Beautifully updated living room fireplace, plantation shutters, hardwood floors, travertine marble baths, new Berber carpeting and one of the best neighborhoods in the South Bay. It’s all in the details. www.505ElRedondo.com

THE CAPELLARO GROUP

Cal BRE# 01842507

c: 310-463-4100

I T ’ S A L L I N T H E D E TA I L S Two of the Capellaro Group’s newest listings from the recently completed gated community of 360 South Bay.

5531 Palm $1,295,000 The largest model within the community at over 2,400 square feet on 3 levels with 4 bedrooms. www.5531palm.com

5593 Palm #103 $819,000 This immaculate, well-designed, and contemporary Town Home has a stellar layout offering 3 bedrooms, a large open floor plan living area. www.5593palm.com

©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International® and the Coldwell Banker Previews International Logo, are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

Live in the Gated City of Rolling Hills Happy Holidays from The Inman Team!

Homes for saLe by THe inman Team

Thank you to our clients of Rolling Hills for making The Inman Team the #1 Team in Rolling Hills out of all agents and offices

THe inman Team soLd over 115 miLLion doLLars in saLes for 2014 & 2015

Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills This architectural masterpiece features

• • • •

5 bedrooms 8 bathrooms 10,288 sq. ft. a gourmet kitchen & Butler’s kitchen

• two family rooms • 15 seat movie theatre • all on 2.75 acres with a panoramic city light & queens necklace view.

Pine Tree Lane, roLLing HiLLs LuxuryLivinginRollingHills.com

an incredibLe 2.63 acre esTaTe feaTuring 6 bedrooms, 6 baTHrooms, over 12,000 sq. fT. of Living sPace wiTH a formaL Living room, dining room, Library/office, exPansive famiLy room, remodeLed kiTcHen , an oversized masTer suiTe and THeaTre room. any acTive famiLy wiLL $6,450,000 aPPreciaTe THe PaddLe Tennis courT, soccer fieLd/Lawn, fuLL gym and indoor racqueTbaLL courT. THis esTaTe offers LoTs of Privacy and dramaTic ciTy LigHT and coasTLine views from aLmosT every room.

$7,195,000

Openbrand Road, Rolling Hills This classic ranch home features

• 5 bedrooms • 3.5 bathrooms • 4100+ sq. ft.

• a family room • remodeled gourmet kitchen • a loft that can be used as an office

• 3 car garage • city light view • pool

uPPer bLackwaTer cyn road, roLLing HiLLs CharmingCountryEstate.com $2,995,000

uPPer bLackwaTer cyn road, roLLing HiLLs THis cusTom designed esTaTe by renowned roLLing HiLLs arcHiTecT, george sweeney, feaTures 5 bedrooms, 5 baTHrooms, 6,000 sq. fT. of Living sPace, and a remodeLed kiTcHen. THis ProPerTy is a True esTaTe wiTH an 800 sq. fT. barn, PooL and a 500 sq. fT. guesT House aLL on 3.5 acres wiTH comPLeTe Privacy from THe surrounding canyons, breaTHTaking Panoramic views and an award winning garden.

We have off market properties available in Rolling Hills, caLL for Price offered exclusively by The Inman Team. Call 310.944.5554 for more information!

your souTHbay sPeciaLisT

CONTACT@INMANTEAM.COM | (310) 944-5554 WWW.INMANTEAM.COM ROLLINGHILLSHOMES.COM

SALES | LEASING | RESIDENTIAL | INVESTMENT PROPERTY

STAGING PROVIDED BY:

COURTNEY SELF Broker / Owner Director of Relocation 310.350.6205 info@huntermason.com BRE 01229263

SOUTH BAY LONG BEACH WESTSIDE CourtneySelf.com

K R I ST I N R EGA N 424 .4 8 8 .1 0 1 3 | K Re g a n @T h e A g e n c y R E .c o m

The Agency is a collection of top producing agents who work together to offer our clients the combined talents, resources and networks of our individual agents. We go beyond selling four walls and focus on selling a lifestyle, offering a fresh, forward-thinking approach to how real estate is marketed and sold. At The Agency’s Beach Cities Office, we live and breathe the spirit of the South Bay — the lifestyle, the people, the architecture. When you hire one of us, you hire all of us. Now is the time to see how our strength together can best serve you.

B E AC H C I T I E S OF F IC E 3 1 0 W. WA S H I N G TO N B LV D. | M A R I N A D E L R E Y, C A L I F O R N I A 9 0292 LUXU RY R E A L ESTATE AT TH E AG E N CY R E .CO M

Selling “West of Normal” Since 1979 NW REAL ESTATE BROKERS, INC.

WWW.NWREBROKERS.COM | 310.546.3468

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | INCOME PROPERTY SALES | LEASING | DEVELOPMENT

more

dreams Coldwell Banker® has helped millions of homeowners achieve the ‘American Dream’ of owning a home.

With a legacy built on more than a century of results and integrity, make Coldwell Banker your first choice in real estate. Contact a Coldwell Banker sales associate today to help find the home of your dreams.

MANHATTAN BEACH - METLOX PLAZA (310) 802-5700 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Ste D220, Manhattan Beach Facebook.com/ColdwellBankerManhattanBeach

PALOS VERDES - BEACH CITIES (310) 378-5201 68 Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates Facebook.com/ColdwellBankerPalosVerdes

ColdwellBankerHomes.com ColdwellBankerHomes.com ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International® and the Coldwell Banker Previews International Logo, are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

F O R B SEC ASN QC O R R A L E S M E D I A R CODE TO VIEW SHORT FILMS 225 JOHN STREET, MANHATTAN BEACH PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS

ABOVE THE CROWD

Jonathan Starr Architectural Jewel | 5 BD . 4.5 BA . office. media room . approx.

4,481 sf . approx. 5,466 sf lot | $6,995,000

Manhattan Tree Section . 5 BD . 4.5 BA . 3 car garage . approx. 3,714 sf . approx. 5,406 sf lot | $3,275,000 or $15,000/mo partially furnished

THE YARD… IN THE MB TREE SECTION

BEYOND THE SUNSET

3 BD . 2.5 BA . approx. 1,887 sf . approx. 5,405 sf lot | $1,999,999

3 BD . 3 BA . approx. 2,329 sf . panoramic ocean views . downtown MB . 2 blocks to the beach | $3,399,999

L A U R E N C A L B R E

F O R B E S

0 1 2 9 5 2 4 8

call | text 310.901.8512 Lauren@ForbesCorrales.com

JOHN

CORRALES

C A L B R E

0 1 2 6 3 6 8

call | text 310.346.3332 John@ForbesCorrales.com

DOWNLOAD QR APP TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International® and the Coldwell Banker Previews International Logo, are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

MATTEPSTEIN.COM SOMATT@BHHSCAL.COM 818-789-7408 Follow me on Facebook: MattEpsteinRealty Follow me on Twitter: @SoMattEpstein CalBRE# 01121162

With proven results from the market leader, why call anybody else?

3726 Ventura Canyon Ave - SO - $1,877,000 - 4Br+3Ba in 2,780 SqFt on a 12,792 SqFt lot - Gated and private Spanish resort style home updated to today’s standards. Pool, spa and grassy yard.

#KeepingItRealEstate

4152 Weslin Ave - SO - $1,995,000 5Br+3.75Ba in 3,000+ SqFt on a 7000 SqFt Lot - Fabulous modern with panoramic valley views, home theater & grassy yard with room for a pool

14068 Davana Terrace - SO - $1,895,000 4Br+4.25Ba in 3,238 SqFt on a 6,787 Lot - S. of the Blvd.

Spanish style home recently remodeled with custom features and touches. Pool and grassy yard.

14005 Chandler Blvd - SO - $1,580,000 - 2 houses on 14,473 lot. Use as is or build new or split the lot and build 2 dream homes. Gated circular driveway and plenty of parking. Grassy yards.

11912 Laurelwood Dr units 101-401 - SC $799,000-$929,500 - All units 3Br+2.5Ba from 1500-1690 SqFt. - Sleek, modern westside architecture, fixtures and finishes in prime Studio City.

Call for your FREE market analysis! Š2015 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity. CalBRE# 01317331

Introducing

THE VILLAS AT TERRANEA

An exclusive collection of exquisite seaside second homes just 20 minutes from Los Angeles.

Become one of the privileged few who can call Terranea their own seaside sanctuary for every season.

Choose from 2, 3 and 4 bedroom Ocean Golf Villas, each with its own sweeping ocean and sunset views, and gracious outdoor spaces perfect for a lifetime of entertaining family, friends and colleagues.

Call 310-265-2888 T ERRANEA R EAL E STATE.COM

TERRANEA REAL ESTATE

PRICING FROM $1,500,000 - $3,100,000 Only 14 Remaining

100 Terranea way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

BRE LICENSE #1774333

Class & Elegance with a Modern Flair!

2 Palomino Lane, Rolling Hills Estates 5 Bedroom, 3 Baths $1,999,000 3,072 sq. ft. | 19,138 sq. ft. lot | Equestrian Property Gourmet Kitchen with Viking Appliances Attention to Detail Open Concept Living

www.2palomino.com

SC IN E

ROW

Quaint and Private Home in Lunada Bay 1541 Palos Verdes Drive West 3 Bedroom, 1-3/4 Bath with Den $1,199,000 1739 sq. ft. house | 8858 Sq. ft. lot

www.1541PVDriveWest.com

Karen Anderson 310-251-2883 karen@prestigeteamhomes.com

on the on cover the cover

Feature onFeature page 80 on page 80

216 9th Place: Beautiful brand new construction in Manhattan Beach with stunning panoramic views from the pier to Paloes Verdes. With just over 216 9th Place: 216 9th Beautiful Place: brand Beautiful newbrand construction new construction in Manhattan in Manhattan Beach withBeach with 2,000 sq. ft. from and the 3 bedrooms, contemporary home is just from stunning panoramic stunning views panoramic views pier from to Palos the this pier Verdes. to Palos WithVerdes. just over With 2,000 just sq. overseconds ft.2,000 sq. ft. and 3 bedrooms, and bedrooms, this contemporary this contemporary home justhome seconds is just from seconds the sand from and the the sand and the the3sand and the South Bay’sis finest restaurants.

Offered at $3,899,000.

South Bay’sSouth finestBay’s restaurants. finest restaurants.

Offered at $3,899,000.

Offered at $3,899,000.

Photography by Photography Paul Jonasonby Paul Jonason

R I CHA RIRD CHA HAY RD NE HAYN S ES

310-379-1724 310-379-1724 richard@manhattanpacific.com richard@manhattanpacific.com www.manhattanpacificrealty.com www.manhattanpacificrealty.com BRE: 01779425 BRE: 01779425

WHEN IT COMES TO JUMBO LOANS, NEW AMERICAN FUNDING HAS MORE TO OFFER. JUMBO PROGRAM FEATURES: • • • •

• Loans to $15 million • Bank statement loan in lieu of tax returns • Foreign nationals to 65% LTV

25% down to $5 million 15% down to $3 million 10% down to $1.5 million Self employed

• Up to 10 financed properties • Cross collateralization for down payment to lessen amount of cash needed to close

Manhattan Beach Branch 1230 Rosecrans Ave. #402 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 844-247-6883

Coastal branches located throughout Southern California

Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. NMLS ID#6606. All products are not available in all states. All options are not available on all programs. All programs are subject to borrower and property qualifications. Rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. © New American Funding. New American and New American Funding are registered trademarks of Broker Solutions, DBA New American Funding. All Rights Reserved. Corporate Office (800) 450-2010. 4/2016

CHAD HEITZLER FAHLBUSCH

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Proven Marketing Plans that Will Sell Your Home Top 1% of Realtors in Los Angeles County Luxury Home Listing Specialist Selling Homes from Manhattan Beach to Palos Verdes Over $625 Million in SouthBay Property Sold Since 2003

310.600.3555 | CHAD@SOUTHBAYCHAD.COM | WWW.SOUTHBAYCHAD.COM

TREE SECTION COMING IN SPRING 2017 | CALL FOR DETAILS

TREE SECTION COMING IN SUMMER 2016 | CALL FOR DETAILS

EAST MANHATTAN COMING IN SUMMER 2016 | CALL FOR DETAILS

HERMOSA VALLEY COMING IN SUMMER 2016 | CALL FOR DETAILS

JIM VAN ZANTEN 310.466.1004 CO-CEO, BROKER CALBRE #00544011

ROB DEPAOLI 310.896.5343 REALTOR速 CALBRE #01918925

DAVID SMITH 310.720.7900 REALTOR速 CALBRE #01949282

WALT SPADONE 310.345.7350

WE KNOW THE MARKET. WE KNOW OUR CLIENTS. Luxury property specialists with a refined understanding of the South Bay. We represent both buyers and sellers in residential transactions, structure savvy property investments, and coordinate distinctive construction projects.

EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

REALTOR速, DEVELOPMENT PARTNER CSLB #967329, CALBRE #01343434

VZG@VISTASIR.COM THEVANZANTENGROUP.COM

The Ultimate inCalifornia Oceanfront Living

NEW CTION S N CO TRUBLE! AVAILA

Set against the backdrop of Trump National Golf Course and Catalina these exquisite estates feature exceptional, cutting-edge design to provide the features most desired for today’s luxury lifestyle. Featuring spacious interiors, exquisite details and distinctive elevations, these homes beautifully unite Old World Tuscan charm with elegant modernity. Custom built using to represent the ultimate in design, comfort, and quality, functionality as well as the luxuries of a quintessential California resort style oceanfront living one would expect at the Trump National Estates.

LIMITED OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE INCLUDING NEW CONSCRUTION INQUIRE FOR AVAILABILITY AND PRICING

SOLD

MICHELLE ACCETTA 310.293.1883 | Michelle@weberaccetta.com | weberaccetta.com

SOLD

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

A Few Good Men Gelato Mama, Emily DeRenzis, reflects on the other man in her life: her son.

I

knew I was having a boy.

After the shock of my surprise pregnancy wore off, I distinctly remember standing in the shower … the thought hitting me like a grenade: It’s a boy. And nine months later … well, I was right. A baby boy. My Son. And here I sit, nine years later, to the halfway point. Can it be that in the same short amount of years I’ve been graced with Son, he will soon be off to adulthood? To college, to travel, to discover who he wants to be?

And, oh my God, will he ever learn how to close the damn dresser drawers? Or will he forever just fling them open, toss his clothes around and leave the room? On the flip side, 87% of the time, he puts both the seat and the lid down, so yeah. You’re welcome, World.

For those first few years of motherhood, your main focus is sanity, keeping the children safe, sanity, trying to do the right thing, sanity, keeping the children healthy, and, of course, sanity. (With a few hundred bottles of wine mixed in for good measure.)

But now, nine years later, I realize, oh shit, I have to not only make sure my baby boy goes to bed at a decent time but also guide him into becoming a good man. Because as fore-mentioned, I’m halfway done before I release him to the world, and he for real can’t eat cereal without milk dripping down his chin. I AM FAILING HIS FUTURE PARTNER.

170

SOUTHBAY, MAY/JUNE 2016

As my son grows older, I realize more and more that although he has a Kick-Ass Mother (a-hem!), a young boy also needs a few good men in his life to really set the pace for becoming a successful human. And I only need to take a small glance around me to realize he has examples abound.

There are his uncles, who can teach him a good golf swing and a better fastball. He can look to his Poppy for unlimited lessons in Italian cuisine; he has grandpas who delight in showing him how to build a birdhouse or the best way to hook a catfish on the side of the dock, feet dangling in the lake.

There are the neighbors who need little temptation to toss a ball around with him or play some FIFA soccer. And, of course, he has his father—a man who will protect him at all costs and whom he can thank for his tenacity, intelligence and an unhealthy obsession with UCLA. (Go Bruins!)

But what these good men so generously show my son, besides a good fastball, is that to be kind is to be good. To be loyal is to be good. To be present is to be good. And most importantly, to take the time is to be good.

So today I raise my glass to all the good men in this world. Once in a while, we gotta give you a little credit. Cheers! l For more of Emily’s parental observations, visit her at gelatomama.blogspot.com.

oursouthbay.com

Leave a Mark.

Purchase a Limited Edition Chalice BuyaLadyaDrink.com

1

Limited Edition Chalice

5

Years Clean Water

Be Legacy

Hand Knotted using finest Wool & Silk blended yarn. Meticulously hand crafted using 49 different shades of colors. On display in 9x12 size.

Amara | Artistry Edition 23645 MADISON ST. TORRANCE CA 90505 | AMARARUGS.COM | BY APPOINTMENT | 310.378.6999