Issuu

2026 | october/November | No. 77

COMMUNITY GROWS the magic of valmonte farm & Garden Across the World, At Home in a Library FALL FUN & HALLOWEEN your local guide to family adventures

PALosVErdEsmAGAZiNE.Com

Your Coastline, This Autumn Everything you need, close to home. An afternoon at the spa. Dinner at Mar’sel, wine poured as the sky turns over Catalina. Celebrate the season at the Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 25th. An evening along the bluffs with live music, autumnal fare, activities, and more.

T E R R A N E A . C O M / S PA 8 7 7. 5 0 9. 4 5 7 8

City of Hope

Los Angeles

“Our goal is to ensure that every patient benefits from the latest scientific advances while receiving care that is personalized to their unique diagnosis, goals and needs.”

Breast cancer is not a single disease. Each diagnosis is different, with its own biology and its own treatment considerations. That’s why choosing a team with breast cancer expertise matters. City of Hope is one of the nation’s largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations, earning an “Exceptional” rating from the National Cancer Institute. More than 2,000 cancerfocused physicians, researchers and specialists work together to focus on achieving superior outcomes, even for less common diagnoses. “The pace of progress in breast cancer has accelerated dramatically. New therapies are allowing us to treat cancer with greater precision, tailoring treatment and care to the biology of each patient’s disease,” says Hope S. Rugo, M.D., an internationally renowned breast cancer expert and Director of City of Hope’s Women’s Cancers Program and Division Chief of Breast Medical Oncology. “At City of Hope, we’re committed to ensuring patients have access to these innovations through leading-edge research, clinical trials and personalized care.”

Dr. Rugo leads one of the nation’s most distinguished breast cancer teams. Here, we bring together experts in medical oncology, surgery, radiation oncology, genetics, pathology and supportive care. Every patient’s case is reviewed by this team, developing highly personalized treatment plans that reflect the latest research and advances in breast cancer care. For patients, it means nationally recognized expertise, innovative therapies and coordinated care — all coming together in a personalized strategy focused on healing and recovery.

Many options for breast cancer

Because breast cancer takes many forms, treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Options include advanced endocrine therapies, targeted treatments, immunotherapies and precision radiation techniques. New surgical approaches, such as a nipple-sparing mastectomy, are also possible. Additionally, as a leading research institution, City of Hope offers patients access to an extensive roster of breast cancer clinical trials. These studies explore promising new therapies and

CityofHope.org/LA | 844-562-HOPE (4673)

–Hope S. Rugo, M.D.

Division Chief of Breast Medical Oncology, Women’s Cancers Program Director

treatments years before they become widely available. And City of Hope goes beyond just treating the disease. Our whole-person approach also includes supportive services that help address cancer’s physical and psychosocial impact. Long-term survivorship programs focus on reducing recurrence risk, improving quality of life and individual concerns such as preserving fertility.

Changing what’s possible

The team you choose matters. For people with breast cancer, we deliver advanced, individualized care and, most importantly, hope for the future. For more information on City of Hope’s breast cancer program, call 1-844-562-HOPE (4673). City of Hope is ranked #1 for best hospitals in cancer during 2026-2027 in the Los Angeles metropolitan area by U.S. News & World Report.

Ending cancer starts with Hope

More than breast cancer breakthroughs. A path towards hope.

ENDING BRE A ST CANCER START S WITH HOPE Our singular focus on cancer leads to superior outcomes.

Angela, a motorcycle rider and rock climber, refused to let breast cancer slow her down. Today, she’s back to living at full speed. At City of Hope, we know every patient is different. That’s why our breast cancer specialists create a plan designed around you, with access to leading-edge treatments, clinical trials and compassionate support — and the goal of getting you back to the life you love.

CityofHope.org/LA | 844-562-HOPE (4673)

Angela

City of Hope Patient

Cover photo by Erik Jay

Editor’s Letter | Issue No. 77 PV Friends and Neighbors, As I write this letter, we have finally gotten some relief from the heat! Hopefully, fall is arriving, and we can cool off a bit and enjoy the season. Of course, I remember plenty of trips to the pumpkin patch when the kids were little and it was still so hot! It’s funny that the heat comes to mind before all those treasured memories. Haha! Seriously though, I am so excited to welcome all the fun that October brings. Pumpkins everywhere, costumes and a calendar full of reasons to gather make this such a wonderful time on the Peninsula. Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Halloween, and I have since the kids were toddlers. We hosted the neighborhood haunted house, and many of you probably remember coming over during those years. It seemed to grow right along with the kids, eventually spilling out of our garage into the driveway and along the side of the house. Although there are no more Borden haunted houses, I still get excited seeing the decorations and reminiscing about those years. There are so many exciting events to share this month that we expanded our community calendar to two pages! I hope you’ll find a few new adventures alongside your favorite fall traditions. Our cover photo this month, taken at Valmonte Farm & Garden, is one of my new favorites. Inside, our story about this little community gem, along with our feature on the Palos Verdes Community Produce Exchange, celebrates the ways neighbors come together through growing, sharing and connecting. Jonathan Beutler’s “Have Library Card, Will Travel” takes us from Nairobi to the Peninsula and reminds us how libraries can help us feel at home. These stories offer different glimpses of belonging through the places we love and the people who make them meaningful. As you flip through this issue, I hope you’ll feel inspired to find some fall fun, visit somewhere new or make plans with someone you’ve been meaning to see. Sometimes the best memories begin with a simple invitation. Thank you to our contributors, readers and advertisers for helping us share these stories each month. Please keep our local businesses in mind as you shop, dine and enjoy the season. Their support makes these pages possible. Here’s to a joyful October filled with community, connection and a little fall magic!

PV MAGAZINE TEAM Kristin Borden Founder & Managing Owner 310-940-1445 kristin.borden@palosverdesmagazine.com lane bullard Creative Director lane.bullard@palosverdesmagazine.com cindy donnelly Community Calendar, Special Advertising, Content Creation cindy.donnelly@palosverdesmagazine.com melani Edelstein Writer melani.edelstein@palosverdesmagazine.com Molly McLEOD Digital Content, Production molly.mcleod@palosverdesmagazine.com Edward McClure Contributing Event Photographer mccsch@aol.com PVM Street Team Christian (Cifen) Alexander, Video Host, Editor Isabel Galvin, Video Editor

For advertising inquiries: kristin.borden@palosverdesmagazine.com

www. palosverdesmagazine.com

Warmly, Kristin Borden Owner & Publisher

Partnered with www.onetreeplanted.org

06 | PVMagazine | October/November | 2026

Scan to Schedule Your Mammogram Today!

IN THIS ISSUE Issue No. 77

community + locale

16 The Magic of Valmonte Farms Valmonte Farm & Garden has grown into a thriving community where people gather to enjoy fresh produce, local crafts, nature, and learning 21 Sharing the Harvest The Palos Verdes Community Produce Exchange brings neighbors together each month to share homegrown food and plants while building friendships and community connections

Around town

24 Peninsula Committee/LA Philharmonic Summer Fundraiser 25 Changing Tides: Celebrating Community, Advancing Conservation

16 pv profile 28 Have Library Card, Will Travel PVLD Board of Trustees President Jonathan Beutler tells us how libraries around the world remind him of the Peninsula’s libraries

junior contributor 33 Sending Grace How high schooler Grace O’Rourke connects elementary students with seniors through letters, inspired by how letters helped her grandmother feel loved and connected during the COVID pandemic

pv Community calendar 12 October & November Highlights Peninsula fun for everyone 2026 | October/November | PVMagazine | 09

seas the swirl. savor the flavor. frozen yo g u rt sorbet g e l at o c u s ta r d

55 Malaga Cove Plaza Palos Verdes Estates www.neptunesfrozen.com Stay Up-to-Date:

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PV CALENDAR october-november 2026 highlights Second Saturday of Every Month from 10am to 3pm

October 22 from 9am to 3pm

Walk the grounds, visit the Display Center, ask a volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliarist questions about the lighthouse, and enjoy the beautiful views. friendsofpvlighthouse.org

Join us at the Double Tree Hotel in San Pedro for a mid-century modern style themed event. There will be an array of vendors, Las Candalistas signature specialties, a buffet lunch, plus 2 guest author/speakers: Chris Nicols and Charles Phoenix. lascandalistas.org

Open House at the Point Vicente Lighthouse

Wednesdays 10:15am to 11:30am

Peninsula Seniors Bohannon Lecture Series at Scriba Family Center Open to the community, enjoy a cup of coffee followed by a lecture presented by local personalities. Coffee at 10:15am, lecture begins at 10:30am. Free. pvseniors.org.

October 1

Individual Tickets Go On Sale for Palos Verdes Pastoral: 2026 Garden-to-Table Dining Event,”Garden Nocturne” The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy will present Tuesday, October 27th a signature event featuring a unique sustainable menu served al fresco under an autumn sunset at Terranea Resort. Seating is limited and sells out quickly. pvplc.org/pastoral.

October 10 & 11 from 10am to 5pm 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

October 10 from 10:30am to 11:30am

Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy Nature Club for Kids: Wildlife Tracking Join us at White Point Nature Education Center. We’ll do fun activities and learn about how scientists study animals that come out at night! Ages 3-10 years old. No advanced signup required. pvplc.org

October 16 & 17 from 10am to 5pm Peninsula Library Friends Foundation Monthly Book Sale at Malaga Cove Library

More than 25,000 books, large print, books on CD, music CD’s, records, and puzzles to pick from. Admission is free and sales take place on Friday and Saturday. Plffoundation.org/book-sales

October 17 at 9am

Docent Guided Nature Walk at Ocean Trails Reserve (Sunrise/Sunset Trails) with Los Serenos Hike through the Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat along the Western Bluff of Trump National Golf Course, learn about local geology and fall blooming habitat. For more information visit www.losserenosrpv.org

October 17 at 6pm

Partners for Pediatric Vision 10th Anniversary Celebration: Keeping Dreams in Sight Join us for dinner, dancing, inspirational stories, and a silent auction with all proceeds providing free pediatric vision care for children and families in need. www.partnersforpediatricvision.org

October 21 from 1pm to 3:30pm 10th Annual Upside of Aging Event: Aging Well in the Age of Innovation

Join us at the Palos Verdes Golf Club as gerontologist and venture capitalist Katy Fike and nationally syndicated columnist Helen Dennis discuss what’s changing, what’s next, and lessons learned about aging well. Resource Fair and Raffle. Free but RSVP required. www.peninsulavillage.net

12 | PVMagazine | October/November | 2026

Las Candalistas Presents “Brighter Tomorrows” Fall Fundraising Event

October 28 from 11am to noon

Palos Verdes Peninsula Village Information Session at Peninsula Library Come learn about this dynamic organization of older adults who have joined together to help one another navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging. Call 310-991-3324 or email PeninsulaVillagePVP@gmail.com for details and to RSVP.

November 4 at 9:00am

1st Wednesday Bird Walk with Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy Join expert Bob Shanman meeting in front of White Point Nature Education Center for a free bird walk with an experienced naturalist, binoculars provided. pvplc.org

November 7 (Part 1) and Nov 14 (Part 2) from 9:30am to 12:30pm Amateur Radio Technician License Test Preparation Class at Hesse Park

The PV Amateur Radio Club will conduct a two-part free class to prepare to take the FCC Technician Class Amateur Radio Test to become an Amateur Radio operator. Amateur radio operators provide public service activities such as communication for local events, and emergency communications during disasters. skibear@mindspring.com

November 7 at 8pm

Gypsy Dreams The Music of Fleetwood Mac at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Top-tier tribute to Fleetwood Mac replicates the free spirit and raw rock authenticity of the iconic band featuring timeless hits like Dreams, Go Your Own Way, Rhiannon and more. grandvision.org

November 11 from 9am to 11am

City of Rancho Palos Verdes Veterans Day Breakfast Join us as we honor and celebrate those who have served our country at our annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Complimentary for RPV Veterans, $10 per guest. RSVP by October 30th. rpvca.gov

November 11 from 1pm to 2pm

Veterans Day Tribute at Veterans Memorial Park Redondo Beach Traditional hometown Veterans Day observation in Redondo Beach at the Veterans Memorial in beautiful Veterans Park by the Redondo Pier. The one-hour ceremony will begin at 1pm. rbveteransmemorial.com

palosverdesmagazine.com/calendar

Weekends October 10 through November 1

October 22 from 9am to 3pm

Inspired by the beloved Bavarian tradition of Oktoberfest, this one-of-a-kind event brings together dogs and their humans for a festive celebration filled with live music, beer and plenty of tail-wagging fun! southcoastbotanicgarden.org

Las Candalistas Presents “Brighter Tomorrows” Fall Fundraising Event

Dogtoberfest at South Coast Botanic Garden

October 11 from 12pm to 3pm Green Hills Annual Harvest Festival

This event will include a giant pumpkin patch (one per person), fun maze, food trucks, arts and crafts, hay rides, face painting, live music and much more! FREE. greenhillsla.com/about/events/

October 30 from 4 to 5pm

Friday Fun at Peninsula Center Library: Spider Web Craft Create a spooky spider web! Aimed at grades TK - 5th grade but all ages welcome No registration required. pvld.org

October 16 & 17 from 10am to 5pm

October 31 from 3pm to 6pm

More than 25,000 books, large print, books on CD, music CD’s, records, and puzzles to pick from. Admission is free and sales take place on Friday and Saturday. Plffoundation.org/book-sales

Join us Halloween for a magical night of Food, Fun, Cotton Candy, Costume Contest, Haunted House, Face Painting, Games and More. Carnival rides on Saturday and Sunday! Visit them on Instagram for updates thepromenadepv

October 17 at 9am

Friday, October 31 from 3pm to 6pm

Hike through the Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat along the Western Bluff of Trump National Golf Course, learn about local geology and fall blooming habitat. For more information visit www.losserenosrpv.org

A South Bay tradition, attracting thousands of children each year to enjoy Halloween in a safe, outdoor and fun atmosphere. Shops hand out candy and treats outdoors from 3 to 6pm while supplies last. Stop for dinner in one of the many restaurants in the Village. rivieravillage.net

Peninsula Library Friends Foundation Monthly Book Sale at Malaga Cove Library

Promenade | PV Halloween Trick or Treat Event and Costume Contest

Riviera Village Trick or Treat 2026

Docent Guided Nature Walk at Ocean Trails Reserve (Sunrise/Sunset Trails) with Los Serenos

October 17 from 11am to 2pm City of Rancho Palos Verdes Trunk or Treat

Join us for Decorated Car Trunks, Trunk or Treating for the Kids, Puppet Show and Music, Inflatables, Games, Face Painting, Giveaways, Costume Parade, Food Vendors. Free. www.rpvca.gov/parks

October 17 at 7pm

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Sea Scare! Monsters of Myth Join us for a family-friendly Halloween spooktacular designed for guests of all ages featuring Trick-or-treating, Games and activities, Arts and crafts, Live DJ, Costume contest, and Family friendly haunted house! cma.recreation.parks.lacity.gov

October 17 at 6pm

HALOWEEN FUN WITH YOUR PUP! October 31 from 10am to noon

Howl-O-Ween Dog Paw-rade at Eastview Dog Park

Partners for Pediatric Vision 10th Anniversary Celebration: Keeping Dreams in Sight

Bring your pups in costume for a fun Dog Parade, strike a pose at our photobooth, and enjoy special goodie bags for every dressed-up dog. www.rpvca.gov/parks

Join us for dinner, dancing, inspirational stories, and a silent auction with all proceeds providing free pediatric vision care for children and families in need. www.partnersforpediatricvision.org

October 31 at 11am

October 21 from 1pm to 3:30pm

Halloween Dog Parade with the PVP Land Conservancy at White Point Nature Preserve Costumed pups, strut your stuff with your owners! October 31st, 11 am. Pvplc.org

10th Annual Upside of Aging Event: Aging Well in the Age of Innovation

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. 2026 | October/November | PVMagazine | 13

Still Here. Still Local. Protecting Southern California Communities for 70 Years and Counting

We’re still family-owned. We’re still locally operated. And we’re always here when our customers need us the most. Today, Peninsula Security is part of the Post Alarm family, combining a trusted local name with the experience, resources and advanced technology of Post Alarm. For 70 years, Southern California families have trusted Post Alarm to protect what matters most. As a thirdgeneration, family-owned company, we’ve built that trust by putting our customers first and being there as their security needs evolve. Because effective security isn’t one-size-fits-all. We take the time to understand your home, your concerns and the way you live, then design a customized safety and security plan around what matters most to you. And as the crime risks and technologies continue to change, we’re here to provide the expertise and guidance to help your protection evolve with them. More than a security company. Your life safety and security partner.

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A Little Patch of Farm

Magic in Valmonte Written by Melani Moro s e E d e l s t e i n Photos by Erik Jay

Tucked into the Valmonte neighborhood, behind the bustle of everyday Peninsula life, a small farm is quietly doing something remarkable. Fruit trees ripen in the sun, vegetables push through rich soil, chickens cluck around their coop and children dig into a mud kitchen. On Saturday mornings, the gates open to neighbors looking for fresh produce, a cup of coffee, a handmade treasure or simply a place to linger. Valmonte Farm & Garden has grown into one of Palos Verdes’ most unusual community gathering places. And these days, there is plenty new to discover. The 1.5-acre farm began about 14 years ago as an outdoor classroom for PVPUSD transitional students with special needs teaching practical job and life skills through gardening and farm work. Nancy Lemargie transformed an overgrown school district property into the garden, farm stand, greenhouse, chicken coop and gathering spaces that exist today. Since Lemargie’s retirement, a new team has taken up the work. Gary Weiss, who joined the farm about four years ago now helps run it with businesswoman Alanna Laforet, landscape architect Charlie Loy, director of social media Henry Weiss, Ji Sterling and a host of dedicated and beloved volunteers. “Nancy is a one-of-a-kind woman,” Weiss says. “She built the foundation that we have today.” 16 | PVMagazine | October/November | 2026

The Weiss Family: Gary, Henry, and Debbie

community + locale

“ This is the only local farmers market on a real farm. It’s a place to unwind, explore and let the imaginations run wild.” —Henry Weiss

Now the team is adding their own chapter. Gary along with his wife Debbie have expanded the weekly market into the Valmonte Farm & Craft Market, held every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. bringing together, bakers, artists, sourdough makers, coffee vendors and other small businesses alongside the farm’s own harvest. And what a harvest it is. Under the direction of Chief Farmer Charlie, along with Farmers Erin, Alan and Reed, the orchard yields Cara Cara oranges, apples, persimmons, figs, pomegranates, Meyer lemons, guavas, kumquats, jujubes, plums and peaches, with a new banana tree joining the mix. Vegetable beds overflow with herbs, specialty basils, lemongrass, beets, beans, squash, cucumbers and tomatoes, while asparagus and two varieties of kale provide reliable seasonal crops.

The farm is also turning its attention beneath the surface. Two composting areas supply nutrient-rich material for the gardens, reducing the need for outside fertilizers. The team is experimenting with Korean natural farming techniques and plant-based extracts to support healthy plants and natural pest management. But the real magic may be what happens when visitors arrive. Visitors can feed chickens, wander among the beds and orchards, browse handmade goods, settle at a bistro table with coffee or a snack, and take in views toward the Santa Monica Bay. There may even be a visit from Miffy, the farm’s resident cat. For Weiss, the farm’s greatest crop isn’t something that grows in the soil. “Valmonte Farm & Garden is a true hidden gem, a special place that provides true connection,” he says. With fall markets, holiday events, classes, volunteer opportunities and private gatherings ahead, the farm continues to evolve while holding onto its original purpose: bringing people together through nature, land stewardship, food, learning and service. “Hopefully, we can bring our community together,” Weiss says. “Adults, children and students all have a place to learn, connect and just be in nature.” For a community surrounded by beauty, Valmonte Farm & Garden offers something different: a place to get your hands a little dirty and discover that sometimes the best things grow close to home.

2026 | October/November | PVMagazine | 17

Live Exceptionally. Reserve your spot today.

Live the life you want. The good life is worth the wait. Residences at The Canterbury are fully reserved, but that’s to be expected when senior living is this sophisticated, relaxed, and maintenance free. From exceptional dining and fitness programs to housekeeping, transportation, and medication management, we handle the details. So you can live the life you deserve.

thecanterbury.org | (310) 982-4025 An ECS senior living community. Proudly nonprofit. 5801 Crestridge Rd. Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 RCFE 191-603774, COA 257

Lorena

Avila

For 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving families, homeowners, and real estate professionals across the Palos Verdes Peninsula and South Bay as an Escrow Officer with Peninsula Escrow. This community is where I’ve built my career, and I never take that trust for granted. Every escrow represents more than paperwork, it’s a family beginning a new chapter or a milestone years in the making. I bring care, responsiveness, and attention to detail to every transaction, from a first-time buyer’s closing to a seasoned investor’s latest deal. My commitment to this community and profession remains as strong as ever.

MALAGA COVE OFFICE

Lorena • Victoria

Because Every Detail Matters 310.373.1063

Lorena@PenEscrow.com

57 Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

community + locale

Some of the fresh herbs grown

Neighbors at the the Community Produce Exchange

Sharing the Harvest Written by Melani Moro s e E d e l s t e i n

What began with a peach tree has grown into a monthly tradition of sharing food and connecting neighbors across the Palos Verdes Peninsula. When Prakash Dheeriya bought his first home, its peach tree sparked a love of homegrown food. He later planted 20 fruit trees and discovered the Torrance Produce Exchange, inspiring him to create a similar gathering closer to home. Today, the Palos Verdes Community Produce Exchange draws 30 to 40 regulars on the third Sunday of each month at 11:30 a.m. between the palm trees near Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall, next to the tennis courts. Everyone is welcome. Participation is free, and nothing is sold. Neighbors bring homegrown fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds or gardening supplies. Those without a garden can contribute baked treats or homemade foods. After introductions and conversation, families take turns selecting one item at a time until the tables are empty. Offerings range from tomatoes and avocados to fresh sugarcane juice pressed with ginger and lemon. One family brought warm idlis with gravy, while seedlings donated by Cerca Nursery in Redondo Beach have become another favorite. Along the way, gardeners swap growing tips and advice. “There’s a unique magic in sharing food you’ve grown with your own hands,” Dheeriya says. The exchange gives surplus harvests a purpose while helping neighbors build friendships. Dheeriya hopes to welcome more families and eventually add a shared potluck lunch. For now, the invitation is simple: bring something, share it and get to know the people growing alongside you.

Homegrown harvest, ready to share

2026 | October/November | PVMagazine | 21

MOVING THIS FALL?

A little seasonal planning can make moving day smoother. Use the Daylight

Fall days get shorter. When possible, schedule loading and unloading earlier so your crew has plenty of daylight for stairs, walkways and driveways.

Pack for the Season

Keep jackets, blankets, toiletries, kitchen essentials and other fall necessities together and clearly labeled. Your ﬁrst night box should be easy to ﬁnd.

Expect Changing Weather

Fall weather can shift quickly. Have towels, ﬂoor protection and plastic sheeting ready in case rain makes an appearance—and watch for wet leaves on walkways.

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AROUND TOWN

Peninsula Committee/LA Philharmonic Summer Fundraiser

On Sunday, August 30th the Peninsula Committee kicked off its 2026/2027 season with a fundraiser for Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA). Hosted in the beautiful Rolling Hills residence of long-time member Carole La Caze, two premier musicians from the LA Phil Orchestra donated their time and talents to the cause. 80+ lucky guests were treated to an ethereal recital by principal flutist, Denis Bouriakov and principal harpist Emmanuel Ceysson. Post concert, everyone enjoyed wine, appetizers and getting ‘up close and personal’ with these world class musicians. Peninsula Committee is dedicated to providing opportunities and experiences to help improve the lives of young musicians (both locally and throughout greater Los Angeles). To learn more about Peninsula Committee Los Angeles Philharmonic: www.pclaphil.org

Fundraiser Organizers: Lu Takeuchi, Marian Hall and Cheryl Graue

LA Philharmonic Chief Philanthropy Officer, Mitch Bassion, Principal harpist Emmanuel Ceysson and Principal flutist Denis Bouriakov

24 | PVMagazine | October/November | 2026

LA Phil principal musicians: Denis Bouriakov (flute) and Emmanuel Ceysson (red harp)

LA Phil CPO Mitch Bassion and LA Phil Affiliates Chairperson Vikki Sung enjoying the fundraiser

AROUND TOWN

To see more photos of any of these events, scan the QR code!

Changing Tides: Celebrating Community, Advancing Conservation

Sweeping ocean views and a shared commitment to protecting marine wildlife set the scene for Changing Tides on September 26, 2026. Hosted at the Palos Verdes Estates home of Melanie and Richard Lundquist, the gathering brought Marine Mammal Care Center supporters together for an afternoon of conservation, community and impact. It was a beautiful afternoon that only a spectacular PV sunset could top, bringing a memorable celebration to a golden close. The Lundquists also serve as co-chairs of the organization’s capital campaign for a proposed marine mammal hospital, research hub and public education center on the waterfront at King Harbor in Redondo Beach. With funding commitments from a combination of public, private and state sources, the campaign reached a major milestone announced by city and organizational leaders on October 1. The planned facility would expand the center’s ability to care for sick and injured marine mammals while creating new opportunities for ocean conservation research and education.

Jonathan Beutler and Lisa Robinson

John Van Hamersveld and MMCC Board Member Jon Poelma

Lavae McClinnahan and Alida Post

Marilyn MacLean and Melanie MacLean

Richard & Melanie Lundquist with CEO of MMCC John Warner

MMCC Board Member Christopher Knight and John Warner Kristin Borden, Kavita Gupta and John Warner

2026 | October/November | PVMagazine | 25

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COMING HOME TO CARE Dr. Jennifer Che brings personalized eye care and a deeply local story to Malaga Cove

Magnolia Optometry, located in Malaga Cove and opened by Palos Verdes native Dr. Jennifer Che, is a new personalized eye-care practice that provides comprehensive eye care for adults and children, ranging from pediatric evaluations and myopia management to dry-eye care, diabetic exams, and disease screenings. As both a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a mother, Dr. Che combines high-level expertise with personal empathy, placing a strong emphasis on preventive health. For Dr. Che, the practice—named after the symbol for dignity and resilience—is more than a business; it is her way of giving back to the community that raised her.

DR. JENNIFER CHE

300 Tejon Place, Unit 5, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

310-591-8668 | magnoliaoptometry.com Patients are seen by appointment.

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“I want patients to feel like they’re coming home—they’re greeted, they’re known, and they’re valued as individuals.” Dr. Jennifer Che

Have Library Card, Will Travel From Nairobi to the Peninsula, discovering the places that help us feel at home.

Municipal Library of Sintra, Portugal

Written by Jonathan Beu t l e r

Rising above Nairobi’s Upper Hill district sits Maktaba Kuu, Kenya’s impressive national library. Inside, visitors are greeted by a massive, beautiful mosaic portrait of a young woman looking out over the information desk, as if welcoming and keeping watch over all who walk in. On a sunny afternoon in March 2025, I stood in that lobby longer than I meant to. I’ve been walking into libraries my whole life, from the local branches where I enjoyed Dr. Seuss as a child to the library where I shelved books as a teenager. The feeling is always the same: the low hum of people reading and working, that quiet permission to stay, the sense that the whole world is contained somewhere on these shelves, ready for you to dive into. I had never been inside this particular building before. And yet, more than 9,000 miles from home, it felt familiar and comfortable. I knew exactly where I was: a library, and I belonged. 28 | PVMagazine | October/November | 2026

Libraries are places where curiosity begins, where understanding and ideas expand. That was certainly true in my case. As a teenager working at my local public library, I spent my breaks with the atlases, travel shelves and foreign-language section, where I first met languages I would later study and speak. Later, while studying literature, I discovered Jorge Luis Borges, the iconic writer who was completely obsessed with libraries. Reading about places I had never seen taught me to listen before I speak and to assume there was always more to any story. Eventually, I stopped only reading about those places and started going to them, first as a student in Spain, then living and working in South America and Asia. The U.S. Foreign Service put that curiosity to work. As a diplomat, I was proud to serve and represent the United States overseas. The State

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Department supports a worldwide network of American Spaces, often small libraries and learning centers housed inside local institutions. I was honored to help support them. It became bridge-building, one reader at a time. Without knowing it, I had been training for it my whole life.

A World of Welcome

In recent years, whether traveling for work or with my family, I’ve made it a point to seek out the local public library. Nowadays, I visit with a library trustee’s eye, asking: what does this place do for its community? In Nairobi, I met James, the head librarian for services for blind and low-vision readers. He led me to a wall of oversized binders, each one a book transcribed into Braille. I read the spines: Little Women. Old Yeller. Anne of Green Gables. These were books that reminded me of my childhood, now available for readers to discover through their fingertips. In Taipei, what impressed me most was how deliberately it serves everyone, with offerings for ethnic and linguistic minority communities and even a way for foreign visitors to become temporary library patrons. My family’s ties to Taiwan run deep, and I left proud of what I saw: a library that treats welcoming newcomers and embracing innovation as parts of the same core mission. Just west of Lisbon, in Sintra, the public library sits in a lovely neighborhood where classic architecture meets a bright, modern side. Its café invites patrons to linger over pastries and coffee, talking or reading. When I spotted puzzles set out for patrons, I smiled. That scene could easily have been the puzzle tables at Peninsula Center or Miraleste!

Digital Directory in Taipei, Taiwan

Coming Home

In every library I’ve visited, from Nairobi to Taipei to Sintra, the same promise is implied: our doors are open, the books are free, and you belong. No one asks where you’re from, what you believe, or what you can afford. That is our mission here in Palos Verdes, too, and it is why I love serving as a library trustee. Our libraries serve as a place where the whole community can convene. Our mission statement puts it simply:

We Connect, We Inspire, We Transform. Together.

Borges once imagined paradise as a kind of library. Every library I’ve loved offers the same thing: possibility seemingly without limit. The paradise Borges imagined had no admission requirements, only a welcoming entrance. Our welcoming entrance happens to be on Deep Valley Drive.

Scan the QR code to read Jonathan’s full article.

Jonathan with James, head librarian for blind and low-vision services, and Sandra

Meet Jonathan Beutler

Jonathan Beutler is president of the Palos Verdes Library District Board of Trustees and a former U.S. diplomat. His lifelong curiosity about languages, cultures and books inspires his exploration of libraries around the world. He lives on the Peninsula with his wife and four children, enjoying photography, travel and family outings from Little League games to equestrian competitions.

Meet the PVLD Board of Trustees Jonathan Beutler, President Kingston Wong Beth Whittenbury Rosa Kwon Easton Zoe Unno, Ph.D. Five elected trustees serve without pay for staggered four-year terms, guiding the Palos Verdes Library District and helping steward its libraries, resources and services.

Debby Stegura, Jonathan Beutler and Beth Whittenbury

2026 | October/November | PVMagazine | 29

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Sending Grace One Letter at a Time Wr i t t e n b y G ra ce O ’ Ro u r ke

Before COVID, seeing my grandma, who I call DukeMom, after her beloved dog Duke, was a normal part of both of our lives. Then suddenly, it wasn’t anymore. While I still had my immediate family around me and found ways to stay connected with friends, DukeMom couldn’t leave the house or see the people she normally would. Her world had become much smaller. I missed her desperately, but I also began thinking about how much she must have missed all of us. So, I started writing her letters, little reminders that someone loved her and was thinking about her. The letters carried many different messages

Grace with her grandmother, whose relationship inspired Sending Grace

but the clearest one was that I cared. When I was finally able to see her again, she told me those letters were what got her through the pandemic. That stayed with me. If that distance was so difficult for DukeMom, who had these letters, what was it like for senior citizens who experienced that separation not as a pandemic, but as part of everyday life? Researchers estimate that more than one-third of adults over 45 report feeling lonely, according to AARP, and a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that nearly one-fourth of adults over 65 are considered socially isolated, numbers that have only grown since the COVID-19 pandemic forced care facilities to restrict visitation for months at a time. Behind the statistics are real people who want what all of us want: to feel seen, remembered and connected. That realization inspired me to start Sending Grace, an organization that connects elementary school students with seniors through handwritten letters. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to bring letter writing into multiple schools, allowing kids to create letters like the ones I would for my grandma filled with messages and drawings that are delivered to seniors in local care facilities. I’ve been lucky enough to see firsthand what those small messages can lead to. One afternoon at Ivy Park at Palos Verdes, an assisted living and memory care community, I arrived with a stack of letters from local elementary students, expecting simply to deliver them. Instead, I found myself sitting with residents, reading the letters together and talking about the drawings. One woman read hers three times, while a World War II veteran and I talked about a child’s drawing of a sunset that reminded him of being out on the water. I walked in thinking I was bringing them letters, but I left realizing the letters had created something much bigger: an opportunity for connection.

Grace with Ms. Arjasbi, Principal at Silver Spur Elementary and Grace’s own 1st grade teacher

Grace O’Rourke is a junior at Palos Verdes High School and founder of Sending Grace, an organization connecting younger generations with seniors through handwritten letters. Inspired by letters to her grandma during COVID, Grace is passionate about storytelling, community, and helping seniors feel seen, remembered, and connected. Learn more at sendinggrace.org, or follow along on Instagram @_sendinggrace.

Grace with a resident at Ivy Park Assisted Living in Palos Verdes

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