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EdITor’S LETTEr
No. 63
Summer may be winding down, but the peninsula is still buzzing with summer fun—from concerts in the park to long beach days and breezy evening walks along the cliffs and trails. august always holds a certain magic—just enough summer left to savor, and just enough anticipation for what’s next.
This month, we’re celebrating the architectural beauty that makes the palos verdes peninsula so visually unique. From the classic red-tiled roofs and stucco walls inspired by early Mediterranean design to the clean lines and bold spirit of mid-century modern homes, our neighborhoods tell a rich story of eras, styles, and the visionaries behind them. Whether you’re an architecture buff or simply someone who loves where you live, we hope this issue offers new insights and a deeper appreciation for the homes and buildings that shape our community.
We’re also thrilled to share a sneak peek of something brand new—our digital video show, local to Global, launches in September! We’ve put together an incredibly creative and talented intern team from el camino college, and together we’re building something fresh, fun, and full of heart. You may have already spotted our pvM Street Team out filming in the community—if you see them around, be sure to say hi!
We even had the pleasure of running into palos verdes resident and renowned philanthropist dr. Melanie lundquist at the neptune Fountain restoration celebration in Malaga cove, hosted by the palos verdes estates Foundation. She was excited to meet our pvM Street Team interns and generously offered them some of her wisdom and encouragement.
as always, we love hearing from you—your stories, photos, and ideas continue to inspire us. Thank you for being part of the pv Mag family and for supporting local storytelling in every season.
Warmly,
Kristin Borden
Founder & editor-in-chief Palos Verdes Magazine pO Box 4752
palos verdes peninsula, ca 90274 310-940-1445
kristin.borden@palosverdesmagazine.com palosverdesmagazine.com
Follow us on Instagram @palosverdesmagazine
pv MaGaZIne TeaM
lane BUllard creative director lane.bullard@palosverdesmagazine.com
cIndY dOnnellY community calendar, Special advertising Section, content creation cindy.donnelly@palosverdesmagazine.com
MelanI edelSTeIn Writer melani.edelstein@palosverdesmagazine.com
edWard McclUre contributing event photographer mccsch@aol.com
off the page and onto the screen!
PV Magazine has partnered with www.onetreeplanted.org
SOpHIa WalTer digital, Website, ad Traffic sophia.walter@palosverdesmagazine.com
naTalIe cOrTeZ Graphic design Intern
FOr adverTISInG InQUIrIeS: kristin.borden@palosverdesmagazine.com
Dr. Melanie Lundquist shares a moment of inspiration with our PVM Street Team interns (Isabel and Cifen) during the Neptune Fountain restoration celebration in Malaga Cove
Cover photo by Erik Jay
now through SePtember 30 From 8 a.m. to 5 P.m.
Bamboozled: An Unexpected Bamboo Adventure Exhibit, and SOAR Tropical Butterflies and Exhibit at South Coast Botanic Garden
Two exhibits to enjoy this month! Bamboozled: an Unexpected Bamboo adventure . This brand-new exhibit features eight monumental bird sculptures made from bamboo, transforming the Garden’s 87 acres into a whimsical, interactive journey. Guests will follow the clatter of bamboo wind chimes as they search for each sculpture. SOar features hundreds of tropical butterflies that you wouldn’t normally see in Southern california. enter the pavilion where you will have an up-close-and-personal experience with the hundreds of butterflies flying throughout the exhibit. For tickets or more information visit southcoastbotanicgarden.org.
eVery wedneSday From 10:15am to 11:30am Peninsula Seniors Bohannon Lecture Series
Join us to enjoy a cup of coffee and thought-provoking lectures on a variety of topics, all presented by local personalities. Open to the community. pvseniors.org
eVery Friday and Saturday through auguSt
From 6P.m. to 10P.m.
Terranea Resort Presents Sound Series at Nelson’s live music and epic sunsets – a signature summer event! experience an oceanfront soundtrack at our annual concert series, and enjoy summer cocktails, beer, bites, and coastal breezes. visit terranea.com/events for details.
eVery Sunday From noon to 5Pm during auguSt
Sunday Rooftop Soiree offered at Both Shade Locations
Join us for the Sunday rooftop Soirée, an elevated daytime experience inspired by the timeless summer charm of the Hamptons. This is the South Bay’s new Sunday tradition! reservations required as Space is limited - First come First Serve Seating. shadehotel.com
auguSt 9 at 7 P.m.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes Presents Movie In The Park: “The Wild Robot”
Join us for a fun evening. Bring a blanket or low-slung beach chair. Food truck and goodies for the family! pre-movie activities start at 7pm. The movie begins at dusk, approximately 15 minutes after sunset. rpvca.gov/parks
auguSt 15 and 16 From 10 a.m. to 4:30 P.m.
Peninsula Friends of the Library Monthly Book Sale at Malaga Cove
Stock up on summer reading! More than 25,000 books, large print, books on cd, music cd’s, records and puzzles to pick from. lots of great gift ideas. new donations arriving daily. admission is free and sale takes place on Friday and Saturday. pvldfriends.org
auguSt 15 From 10a.m. to 12P.m.
Saint Paul’s Lutheran Monthly Food Collection for Harbor Interfaith every third Friday of the month you can drop off non perishible items at Saint paul’s lutheran church at 31290 pv drive, West, rpv for Harbor Interfaith Services. Items needed inlcude: Instant Oatmeal, peanut butter, dried beans, rice and pasta, microwavable foods, pop-top canned meat and veggies, crackers, fruit cups, granola bars.
auguSt 15 From 1P.m. to 5P.m.
Art Box Academy Back-to-School Giveaway drop by our studio in rolling Hills estates with your kiddos and each awesome artist will receive their very own Sketchbook and set of colored pencils! One per awesome artist while supplies last. no rSvp required. theartboxacademy.com
auguSt 16 at 9 a.m.
Los Serenos de Point Vicente Docent Guided Nature Walk at Ocean Trails Reserve
please join us for a morning walk on the public trail system and enjoy the vistas and summer blooming habitat along the lakeview and catlina trails. park at the end of la rotonda drive. Free. For more information call (310) 544-5375 or visit www.losserenosrpv.org
Looking for something to do this weekend?
PV Magazine’s Community Calendar has it all! Scan QR code to find out what’s happening around Palos Verdes and the South Bay.
Saturday and Sunday auguSt 16 and 17 From 10 a.m. to 5 P.m.
Malaga Cove Art on the Lawn Show
The event features paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photography, wearable art, and prints from artists from the seven art groups affiliated with palos verdes art center. pvartcenter.org/event
auguSt 16 From 5:30P.m. to 9:30P.m.
28th Annual Celebrate Wellness Gala
celebrate support, celebrate hope, and celebrate wellness as cSc South Bay marks 38 years of providing free programs of support, education, and hope for those affected by cancer. This special evening, featuring KTla Host and Manager of community engagement Wendy Burch, will include dinner, dancing, exciting live and silent auctions, entertainment, inspiring stories, and more. For details and tickets visit www.cScSouthBay.org
auguSt 16 at 7:30P.m.
City of Rolling Hills Estates Movie in the Park Featuring Moana 2
Join us at ernie Howlette park for a free Movie in the park. Bring a blanket or beach chair and some movie time treats as we gear up for a family fun movie, Moana 2! Movie begins at dusk and is Free! www.rhe. city/movienight
auguSt 17 at 5:30P.m.
Summer Sunday Sounds at The Neighborhood Church presents Tenn West don’t miss out on gathering together on the beautiful coast for fun, food, music, and community. BYO picnic starts at 5:30pm, concert at 6:30pm. Free will offering. ncpve.org/upcoming-events
auguSt 22 and 23 From 8:30a.m. to 5:30P.m.
Embodying Wholeness Healing Retreat with Jeralyn Glass discover your authentic voice, express your creativity, and experience sound as medicine. Join Jeralyn Glass at an ocean front retreat to receive transformative healing through vocal exercises, group activities, watercolor painting, facial treatments and two sound bath meditations each day. For registration information visit www.crystalcadence.com/ embodying-wholeness
auguSt 23 From 11a.m. to 11:30a.m.
NEW! From Roots to Blooms: Native Garden Tour Experience with PVPLC come tour the White point native plant Garden and learn about how to grow and care for native plants. Meet at White point nature education center. pvplc.org
auguSt 23 From 4P.m. to 6P.m.
City of RPV Presents Concerts in the Park: Smokin’ Cobra Oldies a nd Classic Rock
Food trucks, beer and wine booth, giveaways, crafts, inflatables for kids and live music! Bring beach chairs, and a blanket and enjoy an afternoon of live music at this family event. www.rpvca.gov/parks
auguSt 24 From 4P.m.to 6P.m.
Lunada Bay HOA presents Summer Concert Series with Tenn West at Lunada Bay Park
Two thousand miles west of Tennessee, a band of veteran musicians came together to create a sound that can only be described as california country. lbhoa.org/events
ComINg Up IN SEpTEmbEr
wedneSday, SePtember 3 at 7Pm
Los Serenos de Point Vicente Open House at the Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center
calling all nature lovers. los Serenos de point vicente is looking for you. los Serenos de point vicente is in search of adults who are eager to learn about the local geology, flora and fauna, and history, and share their knowledge with museum visitors. For more information, please visit : www.losserenosrpv.org/become-a-docent/
The Archi T ec T ure That Shaped the Peninsula
Written by Melani Morose e delstein
Photos by e rik Jay
From cliffside villas to red-tile roofs nestled among terraced gardens, the architecture of palos verdes has long set the stage for the peninsula’s enduring sense of place. In this special architectural issue of palos verdes Magazine, we explore how the original design vision continues to influence the homes we see today—and how generations of residents have helped preserve the historical integrity of these early landmarks.
The palos verdes peninsula was shaped by master-planned architecture from its very beginning, with Mediterranean revival and Spanish colonial styles setting the tone for harmony with the land. These early homes, built in the 1920s and ’30s, reflected a romantic ideal—rooted in european elegance and adapted to california’s light, climate, and coastal beauty.
Over time, the peninsula’s four cities— palos verdes estates, rancho palos verdes, rolling Hills estates, and rolling Hills—each developed their own distinct architectural identity while drawing from a shared foundation of timeless design. In palos verdes estates, architectural continuity and historic preservation remain cornerstones of the city’s character. rancho palos verdes introduced more expansive modern builds and contemporary interpretations of coastal living. The ranch-style properties and equestrian estates of rolling Hills estates, and the private, gated rural elegance of rolling Hills, brought additional diversity to the region’s architectural landscape.
Today, the legacy of these original designs lives on—not only through careful preservation of historic structures, but also in the thoughtful way newer homes reflect the peninsula’s values: respect for the land, appreciation of beauty, and pride in community. The result is a living showcase of architectural evolution—rich, varied, and rooted in a sense of place that is uniquely palos verdes.
Opposite page: The Harden Gatehouse
This page: Neptune Statue, Malaga Cove
The Neighborhood Chur C h From Lavish Villa to Coastal Landmark
Originally built in 1927–28 as the summer estate of department store magnate J.J. Haggarty, this Mediterranean-style villa was designed by Italian architect armand Monaco and landscaped by the famed Olmsted Brothers. perched above Malaga cove, the 15,000-square-foot home featured murals, carved balustrades, wrought-iron gates, a grotto, pool, private pier, and sweeping ocean views—many of which remain today. despite its grandeur, the Haggartys never moved in. Bertha Haggarty found the location too remote, and after financial hardship during the Great depression, the home sat largely unoccupied. In 1950, the neighborhood church purchased the property for $60,000, transforming the estate into a spiritual and architectural centerpiece. Wrapped in arcades and topped with red-tile roofs, the church remains one of palos verdes’ most iconic landmarks—blending Old World elegance with coastal serenity.
Wayfarers Chapel
Lloyd Wright’s “glass Church” designed by lloyd Wright, son of Frank lloyd Wright, this iconic “Glass church” redefined sacred architecture. redwood beams and diamond-shaped glass panels created a living structure that blended seamlessly into its cliffside grove—a true masterpiece of Organic Modernism. although the chapel was carefully disassembled due to land movement, it has been preserved in full for future reassembly, ensuring its legacy will endure for generations to come.
Top: Neighborhood Church Bottom: Wayfarers Chapel
p alos Verdes b ea C h a N d aT hle T i C Club
Originally built in 1930 as the palos verdes Bathhouse and Beach club, this coastal gem was designed by architect Kirtland cutter in the Mediterranean revival style. developed by the palos verdes project, the facility featured a bathhouse, swimming pools, and community gathering spaces with sweeping ocean views. In 1939, the city of palos verdes estates acquired the property from the palos verdes Homes association. By the late 1980s, the club had fallen into disrepair, and in 1988, the city considered demolishing the structure. Instead, a dedicated group of citizens rallied to save and restore it. Their efforts led to a full renovation, and in 1992, the club reopened as the palos verdes Beach and athletic club—preserving its historic character while updating it for future generations.
malaga C o V e plaza
architect Myron Hunt, working with renowned landscape designers, the Olmsted Brothers, brought Mediterranean revival style to life in the Malaga cove plaza with the stucco walls, terracotta roofs, and breezy arched walkways. at the center, the neptune Fountain steals the scene, channeling the charm of
Top right: Palos Verdes Beach and Athletic Club Bottom: Malaga Cove Plaza
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The Coe h ouse
Neutra’s mid-Century masterpiece designed by renowned architect richard neutra in 1950, the coe House stands as a striking example of Midcentury Modern architecture in palos verdes. With clean lines, expansive glass walls, and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, the home captures panoramic views of the coastline and catalina Island while embodying neutra’s signature modernist philosophy.
notable features include woodbeamed ceilings, built-in cabinetry, and open-plan interiors that extend naturally into outdoor spaces. Though local regulations required pitched roofs— unusual for neutra—he adapted with ingenuity, preserving the modernist spirit through thoughtful design and an emphasis on light, function, and connection to the landscape.
s eaVie W
mid-Century modern gem by paul r. Williams perched along the cliffs of rancho palos verdes, Seaview is one of the peninsula’s most architecturally significant neighborhoods—designed in part by the legendary paul r. Williams. commissioned in 1959 by linde construction co., Williams brought his signature elegance and modernist vision to what was then called Marina Highlands, helping to rebrand it as Seaview palos verdes.
Known for his work with Hollywood’s elite and for shaping the Southern california aesthetic, Williams introduced floor-to-ceiling glass, breezeways, clerestory windows, and open-beam ceilings—features that blended clean lines with a strong indoor-outdoor connection. His designs emphasized livability while maximizing sweeping ocean views, turning Seaview into a showcase of mid-century coastal design. a pioneer in his field, Williams became the first african american member of the american Institute of architects in 1923, and was elevated to Fellowship in 1957. His legacy lives on in Seaview’s timeless architecture—where each home reflects his vision of elegance, innovation, and harmony with the land.
The Coe House. Photo by John Morey
Transforming Homes with Integrity, One Brushstroke at a Time!
In the sun-soaked streets of Southern California, a young man with a single ladder, a weathered paintbrush, and a heart full of ambition set out to make homes beautiful. His name was Benny.
With no team, no ad budget—just skill, pride, and perseverance—he knocked on doors and earned trust one project at a time. His secret? A promise to treat every house as if it were his own. And he kept that promise.
Today, Blend Exteriors & Stucco has grown into one of the region’s most respected names in residential and commercial exterior finishes. From smooth stucco and elegant exterior painting to precision repairs and full façade transformations, our team delivers unmatched craftsmanship with a personal touch.
At Blend, it’s never just about surface work— it’s about elevating curb appeal, restoring integrity, and helping every client feel at home. We bring decades of experience, honest communication, and the kind of care that turns first-time customers into lifelong clients.
MeeT CAROLINE PERRY
U.K.-Born, pv-Based: author caroline perry Brings Heart, Humor, and Messi Magic to Young readers everywhere
pVm: What brought you to palos verdes, and what do you love most about raising your family here?
Caroline perry: We moved here during the pandemic, just as my eldest was starting middle school. We were drawn to pv’s natural beauty and strong sense of community, and as I’m originally from the UK, the misty mornings and microclimates feel both familiar and magical. I’m a regular at the peninsula library—it’s truly one of my favorite places on the Hill.
pVm: How has the pv community inspired your work as a writer?
Caroline perry: I often volunteer as a writing instructor at my daughter’s elementary school. Kids are endlessly creative—it’s inspiring just being around them. If I’m struggling with writers’ block, I head out for a walk along the cliffs. There’s something about the ocean air and sweeping views that clears mental cobwebs. When Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, his impact was immediate— almost overnight, school playgrounds were flooded with pink no. 10 jerseys. But leo’s story is about so much more than soccer: it’s about resilience, dedication, and overcoming serious challenges. With the World cup coming to the U.S. next year, I think this book is arriving at just the right moment.
pVm: Why lionel Messi for your next children’s book?
Caroline perry: When Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, it was like a switch flipped—suddenly every kid was wearing a pink no. 10 jersey. His story is about so much more than soccer: resilience, dedication, and overcoming serious challenges. With the World cup coming to the U.S. next year, I think this book is arriving at just the right moment.
pVm: You also coach soccer—how has that shaped your storytelling?
Caroline perry: last year, I helped coach a U14 boys’ team that won King of the Hill!
pVm: What advice do you have for pv kids who want to follow their creative passions?
Caroline perry: Keep going, even when it gets hard. even bestselling authors face setbacks and rejection, and Messi’s journey is proof that resilience matters just as much as talent.
pVm: Your debut, The Corgi and the Queen, made quite a splash—what’s next?
Caroline perry: It’s been an incredible ride— from VOGUE and People Magazine to being interviewed on Japanese Tv! This year, I have three new books. I’m very grateful!
caroline’S 2025 releaSeS
• The Memory Cake (June) a WWII-era family story set in Malta, illustrated by Jennifer Bricking.
• Messi’s Magic (September 2, local launch party) The inspiring story of soccer’s GOaT, illustrated by luciano lozano.
• I AM NOT HAPPY! (October 7, local launch party) a hilarious tale starring a very misunderstood quokka, illustrated by Sydney Hanson.
Signed copies of all of Caroline’s books are available at {pages} Bookstore in Manhattan Beach
Summer Camp Scrapbook
Summer camps are the heart of childhood memories! At PV Mag, we adore our local camps almost as much as we love our kiddos, so we asked a few of our favorite programs to share snapshots of the fun they’ve been having all summer long. From splashes and crafts to friendships and adventures, here’s a glimpse into a summer they’ll never forget.
Campers getting ready to embark on 12 days at sea together with LAMI for their Tall Ship Island Adventure… next stop - the Channel Islands!
At Fusion Academy Palos Verdes, our middle school summer camps are sparking creativity and learning with new friends. Campers enjoy themes like craft art focus, digital art & illustration focus, and Dungeons & Dragons.
Peninsula Bay Cities (PBC) Day Camp celebrating 30 summers of FUN!
Camp Galileo Supernova camper (rising 4-5th grader) being determined while completing her Master Shipbuilders project.
Camp Chillin’ express coming through! From giggles to glides, these skaters are riding the coolest train on ice at LA Kings Ice PV!
At Peninsula Heritage Summer Fun N’ Games Camp, campers face off in this year’s 2025 Scooter Board Hockey League Tournament to see who takes the title in one of the South Bay’s best homegrown sports.
Robot build, code, and action — capturing every camper’s attention
AROUND TOWN
Malaga Cove 4th of July Celebration
Malaga cove park once again came alive with patriotic spirit during this year’s Fourth of July celebration, drawing families and neighbors together for a morning of festivities, remembrance, and community pride.
This year’s Kenneth T. norris, Jr. Heritage of Freedom award was presented to pete villani, an award-winning cinematographer and real-life hero from altadena. In January, during the devastating eaton canyon fire, villani returned home to find flames threatening his neighborhood. armed only with a garden hose and buckets, he bravely saved his home and seven others, fighting the fire street by street until the water pressure gave out. His selfless actions earned him recognition as this year’s keynote honoree.
The community also paid tribute to the late les Fishman, a beloved local leader who passed away earlier this year. He was posthumously honored with the van dine Family americanism award, which was accepted by his wife, virginia Butler, in a heartfelt moment during the formal ceremony.
Held on the playing fields of Malaga cove School at 300 paseo del Mar in palos verdes estates, the morning kicked off with apple pie entries at 8:30 a.m., followed by judging at 9:30 a.m. Face painting and line-up for the children’s patriotic Bicycle parade also began at 9:30 a.m., with the parade itself rolling out at 10:10 a.m. and a lively magic show beginning shortly after at 10:15 a.m. at 10:30 a.m., the formal program began with an invocation and presentation of colors, followed by recognition of the armed services and a community welcome. The winners of the Herbert albright essay contest were announced, along with the apple pie contest winners. The van dine Family americanism award was presented to les Fishman, and the Kenneth T. norris, Jr. Heritage of Freedom award was given to pete villani, who also delivered the keynote address. The program concluded with a drawing for a U.S. Flag flown over the State capitol and a closing benediction.
From 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., attendees enjoyed a spirited Sousapalooza Band concert with vocals by Brenda lynn. at noon, families gathered for a community picnic and lawn games, bringing a festive close to a heartfelt morning celebrating courage, service, and togetherness. The event was made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers. co-chairs devon Hardwick and peter Mccormack led a hardworking committee that included dee dee Barry, nancy Black, Stacey Branger, Garrett Burke, Judy daugherty, Meg Greenwood, erick Gutierrez, veronica Gutiérrez Barrera, Kristen Jo, Milt lane, cindy Maxwell, carol Murin, Sharon ryan, and Mike White.
The Sousa Palooza Band
Virginia Butler and Terra Van Dine
Peter McCormack Event co-chair and Pete Villani
Uncle Sam leading the Children’s Bike Parade
Pete Vallani, Event Award Winner and Main Speaker
Children’s Patriotic Bike Parade Homemade Apple Pie Contest
To see more photos of any of these events, scan the Qr code!
Neptune Fountain Restoration Celebrated
Photos by Ed McClure
On July 17, Malaga Bank graciously hosted a special event in their courtyard to celebrate the restoration of the iconic neptune Fountain in Malaga cove plaza. The event honored the generosity of donors whose contributions made the restoration possible.
The initiative began when Maria peters, a lifelong resident of palos verdes estates, noticed the fountain’s deteriorating condition during a casual stroll. despite having passed by countless times, that particular day she observed the marble’s dullness, chipped paint, and even a missing cherub’s head.
Motivated by a sense of nostalgia and community pride, peters quickly took action. Her vision gained immediate support following a fortuitous conversation with councilmember and pve Foundation president david McGowan at the ranch café. With the pve Foundation’s involvement, the restoration project moved forward swiftly, with dedicated craftsmen beginning work by May.
Under the careful guidance of contractor John Quinn of Quinn construction, the fountain underwent meticulous restoration. Quinn’s team bead-blasted the marble to clear away decades of accumulation, installed six new led lighting fixtures for enhanced illumination, and concealed previously exposed wiring underground. additionally, plumbing and mechanical systems were thoroughly updated, and a marble specialist crafted a new head for the damaged cherub.
The neptune Fountain, a historic gift from the palos verdes project in 1934, has long symbolized the city, featuring prominently in the official logo of palos verdes estates. Modeled after Bologna, Italy’s renowned Fontana del nettuno, it depicts neptune, roman God of the Sea, surrounded by whimsical figures of cherubs, mermaids, and dolphins. Over its nearly ninety-year history, it has remained a cherished cultural and visual landmark, hosting countless community gatherings and serving as a popular backdrop for weddings, graduations, and memorable photographs. Jere Murray, president of the Malaga cove plaza Beautification project, was among those who generously supported the effort, contributing $10,000 towards the estimated $75,000 restoration cost, fully funded by community donations. Murray highlighted the fountain’s importance, calling it the “centerpiece of the city.” residents responded enthusiastically to peters’ initiative, underscoring the effectiveness of communitydriven projects in maintaining public spaces without solely relying on city funds. The restored neptune Fountain, gleaming anew, once again serves as the vibrant heart of Malaga cove plaza, ready to welcome generations of visitors and residents alike.
Kurt and Cathie Wachter,Chief of PVEPD Luke Hellinga, Virginia Butler (PVE Foundation Board Member)
Luan Fogg, Nan Harman, Virginia Butler (PVE Foundation Board Member)
Michael Kemps (PVE Council Member) Mike Grannis, David McGowan (President PVE Foundation & PVE Council member)
Jerry Kouzmanoff, Erin Grannis
Scott and Jennifer Rosenberg Steve and Patti Delcarson
Maria Peters, Julia Parton (PVE Foundation Board Member), Sue Kouzmanoff and Jerry Kouzmanoff
Janet and Mark Young (PVE Foundation Board Member)
Pat and Debbie Green
Pat Melberg and Barbara Holdsworth
David McGowan (President PVE Foundation & PVE Council member)
AROUND TOWN
Partners for Pediatric Vision “Notes Bring Hope” Family Event
On June 28, 2025, partners for pediatric vision (ppv) and vistas for children hosted “notes Bring Hope,” a day of free ukulele lessons for children with vision loss at the Torrance airport community room. Mark Fitchett, of Fitchett Guitar School, offered ukulele instruction to children who receive vision education and support services from partners for pediatric vision. children were paired with a sighted peer volunteer from Junior vistas, vistas for children, and las amigas. every participant took home their own ukulele to continue their musical journey, thanks to the generous donations of ukuleles from Guitar center Music Foundation and from Shari Sunada and her husband craig. a short walk away, the Western Museum of Flight welcomed the children and their families for an up-close experience with aircraft and space exploration. volunteers led the children with visual impairment through experiences that included sitting in the cockpit of a fighter jet and exploring engines, missiles and model aircraft. children who receive services from partners for pediatric vision learn experientially because of their vision loss. Hands-on opportunities, like ukulele lessons, and museum tours, offer opportunities for the visually impaired to meet one another. To learn more visit www.partnersforpediatricvision.org
16 children with vision loss learned how to play the ukulele.
Zain gets a helping hand from his dad
PPV families gather after the touch tour for a group photo . Photo credit: Bill Dea, Western Museum of Flight
Marcelo’s family exploring the rockets and aircraft
Vistas for Children volunteers: Shari Sunada, Adriana Haskell and daughter Sienna, (Jr. Vista Volunteer), and Julie Christian, Chair of Junior Vistas
Wesley looked like a pilot in his flight bomber jacke
Jeremy and Zain playing and dancing with instructor Mark Fitchett
Colton looking up-close at the ukulele Wesley learning the strings of the ukulele
To see more photos of any of these events, scan the Qr code!
Peninsula Seniors Olde Fashioned Ice Cream Social
It was a glorious, sunny Sunday afternoon at peninsula Seniors Scriba Family center celebrating our 4th annual Olde-Fashioned Ice cream Social. Over 150 members and guests were served delicious ice cream sundaes with whipped cream and sprinkles. Barry Waite and the pacific coast Highwaymen Barbershop Quartet strolled through the crowd providing the musical entertainment. There were pink balloons and cheerful decorations everywhere. This is peninsula Seniors signature social event of the summer to “Make like Fun” for seniors of all ages on the peninsula, as our motto suggests.
Volunteers Nick and Tita Schermerhorn, Susan Kaats, Andrew Lane, Eileen Thomas, Margaret Benson, and Renee Reymond (Program Coordinator
Jason Montague, Tom Hyatt (Board member), and Lee Strong
Nick and Tita Schermerhorn, Susan Kaats, Haley Back, Brittany Platt, Kelly Clark, and Jason Montague
Debbie Kummer, Cindy and Rusty Dahl, and Susie Fenton
Party people
Celebrating 70th Anniversary, Helen and Rick Mendoza
Pacific Coast Highwaymen Barbershop Quartet: Tim Bixter, James Anderson, Scott Suwabe, and Barry Waite
Pam Barrett and Laura Warren
Susan Kaats, Jason Montague, Andrew Lane, and Nick & Tita Schermerhorn
Volunteer Gloria Mangano and President Becky Clark
Cindy Miller and Margaret Benson
Juanita Davis, Karen Hill, Susan Reymond, and Jo Anne Weber (head volunteer)
VirginiaButler@hotmail. com
TO CLIENTS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1980 CONSISTENTLY AMONG THE TOP 5 IN SALES FOR COLDWELL BANKER LONGTIME DIRECTOR FOR PVP ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® AND CA ASSOC. OF REALTORS®
“Photos are of properties I’ve sold, and I have plenty more!”
Malaga Cove Plaza Palos Verdes Estates
Virginia Butler DRE #00770290
Homemade Apple Pie Contest
To see more photos of any of these events, scan the Qr code!
LAMI’s Festival of Sail at LA Fleet Week
Thousands of people converged on the la Waterfront over Memorial day weekend for a myriad of events and activities, including the los angeles Maritime Institute’s annual Festival of Sail at la Fleet Week, presented in association with the Sherry Griswold Foundation. laMI welcomed guests aboard their twin brigantines and visiting schooner Bill of rights for four sails each day over the four days - Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 26. Guests could also take free deck tours on laMI’s tall ships - Irving Johnson, exy Johnson and american pride - in the downtown San pedro Harbor cut, as well as a few smaller visiting ships, and participate in numerous hands-on activities or visit with special guest reenactors. You can read more about the Festival and learn how you can set sail on one of their tall ships at lamitopsail.org/2025festival.
PVAC The Summer Show Opening
The palos verdes art center hosted a lively opening reception for The Summer Show on Saturday, July 19, welcoming members, artists, and guests to celebrate this juried, all-media exhibition. Open exclusively to members of the center’s seven active artist groups—artists Open Group, pacific arts Group, paletteers, peninsula artists, photographic and digital artists, The artists Studio, and The Third dimension—the show featured a diverse array of works thoughtfully selected by juror dennis Keeley, an accomplished artist, photographer, and educator with pieces held in the permanent collections of lacMa , MOca , and the Getty. The evening offered an engaging opportunity for the community to connect, view the rich variety of artwork on display, and honor the creative spirit of local artists.
To view more details, visit: www.pvartcenter.org/portfolioitem/the-summer-show-2025
A mock cannon battle between schooner Bill of Rights and brigantine Exy Johnson
LAMI’s twin brigantines, Exy Johnson and Irving Johnson, are the Official Tall Ships of the City of Los Angeles
Reenactors from Long Beach’s Kraken Barrel Tavern walking past deck tours on LAMI’s historic tall ship American Pride
Lindsey Philpott of the International Knot Tyers Guild demonstrates with the help of visiting sailors
Sculptures and paintings on display at The Summer Show
Crowds filled the gallery space
PV Magazine’s Sophie Walter stands in front of her photograph, joined by her mother, Elisabeth Walter, and grandmother, Mary Sheh — both dedicated members of the Palos Verdes Art Center
Members of the local chapters of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution including the DAR Peninsula Chapter
Reenactors from Port Royal Privateers provide numerous hands-on activities
A bilingual docent on Explore the Coast/ Explora la Costa, LAMI’s stem-focused educational sail
At Belmont Village, we know that each family is unique and that choosing the right senior living option matters. Our experienced advisors will help you ask the questions you need to get the answers your family deserves.
We’re here to help. Just ask.
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Alpha Structural & PV Resident Damien Hammond
Helping Palos Verdes Homes Stand Strong Amid Shifting Ground
Written by Melani Morose Edelstein
In palos verdes, where ocean views and rolling hills define the landscape, the beauty comes with a catch: the ground is always on the move. For damien Hammond, vice president of development at alpha Structural, Inc., and a lifelong pv local, that movement isn’t a problem; it’s been a constant in his life for over four decades.
“I’ve been working under homes for more than 40 years,” Hammond says. “It started as a family thing. My grandfather was an engineer and one of the first to buy in SeaView back in 1957. It was my parents’ home in Portuguese Bend that we bought in ’75 and due to land movement we needed to lift the home, so we raised it in ’80, and I was under it all the time growing up, literally.”
Hammond’s connection to the palos verdes peninsula runs deep, not just emotionally, but geologically. His hands-on experience began early, long before any formal job titles, helping with home-raising projects that taught him how to work with the land, not against it.
“The first house we ever raised wasn’t even in this neighborhood; it was over in portuguese Bend,” he recalls. “That was my introduction to how unpredictable this ground really is.”
His understanding of the terrain, especially the notoriously unstable portuguese Bend, isn’t just technical, it’s lived. “land movement is just part of the landscape here,” he explains. “It’s not ‘Oh no, the land is moving.’ It’s, ‘What are you going to do to live with it?’”
That mindset is at the heart of damien’s work at alpha Structural, a leading Southern california structural engineering and construction firm specializing in foundation and hillside repairs. alpha Structural’s reputation is built on more than 30 years of tackling the toughest jobs, places where houses tilt, slopes fail, and the earth simply refuses to stay put.
“Steel. concrete. Wood. dirt,” damien says, listing the materials like a mantra. “If it involves any of that, especially on a slope or an aging foundation, we handle it.”
alpha Structural was founded by david Tourjé, whose roots in Southern california’s hillside construction scene date back to the 1980s. as the need for slope stabilization, retaining walls, and seismic retrofits grew, so did alpha Structural’s niche. Today, the company is known for solving problems most firms won’t even attempt, like rescuing homes sliding down cliffs or stabilizing land that seems to ripple like waves.
“We’ve seen beams give out and houses sink. We’ve seen landslides swallow backyards, and even drainpipes burst from underneath foundations,” damien says, referencing a recent case in Klondike canyon. “I can show you where a drain popped up right under someone’s living room.”
Of all the areas in pv, portuguese Bend remains one of the most challenging. The land is constantly shifting, sometimes as much as 1/8 inch per month. and the movement isn’t just lateral. The earth slides, dips, and warps in unpredictable ways.
Still, damien is optimistic. “In 20 years, I think this will all be a memory. We’ve got better dewatering wells now, better mitigation strategies. The neighborhood will survive. This is just part of life here.”
damien first connected with alpha Structural during the pandemic, a time when many industries, including construction, hit a standstill. “I had a newborn daughter and two other kids. Work just dried up,” he recalls. “I reached out to alpha Structural looking for an opportunity. Once we talked and I explained my background, they brought me into the hiring process. now I get to do what I’ve always done, but on a bigger scale, with a team that really understands this land.”
From his early days lifting houses with salvaged steel, to managing complex structural projects across the South Bay, damien Hammond represents the grit and adaptability of palos verdes itself. always evolving, always grounded, even when the ground refuses to stay still.
If your palos verdes home is showing signs of foundation movement, slope instability, or retaining wall failure, alpha Structural offers free consultations and decades of proven solutions to keep your property safe, stable, and standing.
contact alpha Structural, Inc. (323) 258-5482 • www.alphastructural.com
Back to Skating!
CAMP CHILLIN’
Keep the summer fun going just a little longer!
AUGUST CAMP CHILLIN’:
WEEK 7: AUG 4 – 8
WEEK 8: AUG 11 – 15
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As summer winds down, we’re gearing up for an exciting fall on the ice! Whether you're returning for another season or trying skating for the first time, there's something for everyone at the rink.
Your home is extraordinary. Your representation should be the same.
THE BISIGNANO GROUP is leading the way in coastal luxury properties. As a vital partner/owner of Vista Sotheby’s with over 30 years of experience, Gerard has cultivated an exceptional team of agents. The Bisignano Group takes immense pride in our position as one of the top teams in the Beach Cities/Palos Verdes Peninsula areas. Our 100+ years of collective experience allows us to offer you a comprehensive perspective of this challenging market and the skills to navigate & maneuver through the complexities of the ever-changing landscape. Our team possesses the necessary tools and insights to get the job done effectively.
Visit www.CoastalLuxuryLiving.com for informaton on the best homes on the Pacific Coast.
4 SINGLETREE LANE, ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
Nestled on a serene cul-de-sac in sought-after Rolling Hills Estates, this meticulously remodeled home offers the perfect blend of luxury and functionality.
4 bed | 3 bath | 3,020 sq ft home (approx) | 20,000
1704 PASEO DEL MAR, PALOS VERDES ESTATES
Designed as his personal residence by noted architect John Merrill Gray in 1963. Parkland across the street offers permanent and sweeping ocean and coastline views from Malibu to the Queen’s necklace. 5 beds | 4 baths | 4,300 sq ft Home (approx) | 13,442 sq ft Lot (approx) Sold Price $4,600,000 | Call Gerard Bisignano at 310.990.4727 for details
3916 HEPBURN AVENUE, LOS ANGELES
Don’t miss this classic Los Angeles home in an iconic neighborhood.
21514 ELLINWOOD DRIVE, TORRANCE
Spacious, traditional home in a desirable Torrance location. This home has ample square footage, on a larger-than-average lot. 4 bed | 4 bath | 2,275 sq feet (approx) | 5,941 sq ft lot (approx) Sold Price $1,845,000 | Call Gerard Bisignano at 310.990.4727 for details
JUST SOLD
THE BISIGNANO GROUP
GERARD BISIGNANO
MICHELLE RIMKA | GIANNI CANTU | DOREEN WRIGHT TIANA BISIGNANO-CAPPER | CHRISTIAN MADSEN | ADRIANA BACELIC
310.738.0673 | MICHELLE.RIMKA@VISTASIR.COM | DRE# 02003912
323.481.0007 | GIANNI.CANTU@VISTASIR.COM | DRE# 02125458
310.971.5781 | DOREEN.WRIGHT@VISTASIR.COM | DRE# 1970762
310.990.4727 | GERARD@VISTASIR.COM | DRE# 01116110
310.503.2377 | TIANA.CAPPER@VISTASIR.COM | DRE# 01991771
818.634.7228 | CHRISTIAN.MADSEN@VISTASIR.COM | DRE# 02234477
310.283.4900 | ADRIANA@VISTASIR.COM | DRE# 01881787
16 MALAGA COVE PLAZA, PALOS VERDES ESTATES
44 SEA COVE DRIVE, RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Stunning Oceanfront Estate on the bluffs of Rancho Palos Verdes. Designed by architect Luis de Moraes, this home was completely re-imagined less than 2 years ago. Perched majestically above the Pacific on the cliffs of Rancho Palos Verdes, this extraordinary estate offers coastal living at its finest. 4 beds | 4.5 baths | 4,509 sq ft home (approx) | 1.07 acre lot (approx) List Price $9,800,000 | Call Gerard Bisignano at 310.990.4727 for details
53 68TH PLACE, LONG BEACH
Exceptional opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind beachfront property on the coveted Bay side of Long Beach Peninsula. Don’t miss this sun-drenched retreat, in a dream location. 7 bed | 3 bath | 4,000 sq ft home (approx) Offered at $4,250,000 | Call Gerard Bisignano at 310.990.4727 for details
3225 PASEO DEL CAMPO, PALOS
VERDES ESTATES
Privacy, views, and potential on prestigious Paseo del Campo. This serene location offers the perfect blend of privacy and convenience 4 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,544 Sq. Ft Home (approx) | 10,882 Sq. Ft Lot Offered at
