2023 | February | No. 33
your community magazine
The Peninsula Turns 100 Countdown to the Summer Centennial Celebration PVLD Announces Doors Open Peninsula 2023
Equestrian Emma Post & one love win big
U.S. Equestrian Association Awards 2022 Horse of the Year La Venta 100 Years of Love, Hospitality & Community Little League is Back
palosver d e s m a ga z in e . co m
Cover Photo: Erik Jay
Editor’s Letter
Issue No. 33
Hello Palos Verdes! 2023 is gearing up to be an exciting year for the Palos Verdes Peninsula and PV Magazine! It marks 100 years since a real estate rally was held to sell off the beautiful plots of land that eventually made our incredible community what it is today! The Palos Verdes Library District, with Monique Sugimoto, is spearheading what will surely be a historic event, “Doors Open Peninsula 2023: Celebrating 100 Years of History on the Palos Verdes Peninsula (DOP 2023). “ PV Magazine is honored to be part of this historic event. In honor of and to support the effort, we have decided to feature a series of historic locations each month, celebrating the rich history and growth of our community. We will also be hosting fun events as well as sponsoring our annual PV Mag Student Photography Contest, leading up to the summer celebration. Stay tuned. This very special issue also celebrates love on the Peninsula. I feel very honored to be able to share Trisha Paddock’s story and her wholehearted dedication to making a positive difference in this world. I never met Trisha but my daughter was friends with her daughter Eden. They were both seniors at PV High School when Trisha passed. I remember Grace coming home from school one day and telling me how sad she was for her friend who just lost her mother. Grace hugged me longer and harder than most days and that’s when it really hit me that this woman had two daughters, a son, and a husband who were left behind to deal with this tragedy. Early, after her passing, people began telling me how incredible Trisha was, not because she was the current president of PV High’s PTA but because of the many things she quietly did daily for others. I reached out to her husband Ryan before the Holidays and the voice memo response I received was heartbreaking. The pain in his voice was unmistakably committed to making sure I understood the depth of her exemplary character. Although we titled the story “Trisha and Ryan’s Love Story Lives On,” it’s not really about Trisha and Ryan’s love story, it’s about the universal and unconditional love Trisha had for all people. I think to understand Trisha, you just must read one of her last posts on social media that she wrote on Valentine’s Day 2022, a month before she ran the LA Marathon.. “ February 14th can be a hard day for some. So, I want to wish my single, divorced and widowed friends & family Happy Valentine’s Day. You are loved and I’m thinking of each and every one of you, especially how you have been a great influence in my life! Here’s to celebrating love and kindness today!”
I hope Trisha’s spirit inspires you as it has inspired me.
Greg Becker’s Little League article stirred up some nostalgia (PVLL circa 2013)
Thank you to Shaolin Lomita for the excellent performance for Lunar New Year at Rolling Hills Country Club
Kristin Borden Publisher, Managing Editor & Owner PV Publications, LLC 310-940-1445 kristin.borden@palosverdesmagazine.com palosverdesmagazine.com Follow us on Instagram and remember to tag us for your chance to win 2023 PV Magazine merch coming soon! @palosverdesmagazine
Thank you to PVPAR for a great evening with our local real estate professionals
PV Magazine has partnered with www.onetreeplanted.org
PV MAGAZINE TEAM lane bullard Graphic Design lane.bullard@palosverdesmagazine.com
melani Edelstein Writer melanimoroseedelstein@gmail.com
For advertising inquiries: Roma Mistry roma.mistry@palosverdesmagazine.com
cindy donnelly Community Calendar, Special Advertising Section, Content Creation cindy.donnelly@palosverdesmagazine.com
minnie payne Proofreader, Copywriter
Contributing photographer Brenda Cash brenda@brendacash.com
06 | PV Magazine | February | 2023
laura hiller Digital Growth, Newsletters HillerELaura@gmail.com
CHECK our community calendar and submit your event for free!
Palos Verdes Residents Trisha and Ryan Paddock’s
Love Story Lives On Just as the late 46-year-old Palos Verdes resident Trisha Paddock cast sunshine on those she touched and loved, her legacy continues to do the same. That happens when people do good and spread joy. But those who knew Trisha know that the love she showed and the joy she spread was not for self-glorification but for the love of mankind. Ryan Paddock, 44, Trisha’s husband, shared that her three big desires for mankind were “equity, inclusiveness, and diversity.”Ryan stressed that Trisha’s philosophy was kindness. On March 20, 2022, after having trained, according to the MSN news source, Trisha started running the 13.1-mile LA Marathon, representing the nonprofit Asian American Drug Abuse Program. Things looked good for the charity’s halfmarathon until the finish line when Trisha collapsed. She died in the hospital on March 20, 2022, because of a heart attack. Her remaining immediate family includes her husband Ryan Paddock and their three children. Ryan, age 19, and Trisha, age 21, met in South Africa in 1997, when they were missionaries for The Church of Latter Days Saints from 1997 – 1999. And true to form, as a rule, when two people share the same ideals and dreams, good and happiness follow. The 22-year marriage started for Trisha, age 24, and, Ryan, age 22, on Aug. 11, 2000, after they finished their mission work in South Africa. As many couples express their love for each other on February 14, Ryan Paddock shares memories. I was the first man that Trisha kissed. We had a beautiful courtship. She told me that she wasn’t going to give away her kisses. Trisha was Miss Samoa and runner up to Miss Asia America. Putting aside beauty pageant qualities, she was a beautiful woman. Her beauty came from within. When I watched her in the hospital, she was no more
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pv profile
“At night she would say ‘Now tell me you love me.’ And I would. Then she would say,
Now, tell me why you love me. That made all the difference. And there were so many reasons I loved her”.
beautiful. That’s when I realized that her beauty came from within. Early in our marriage, we argued about a family matter, and I made her cry. I promised then not to do that again. God counts a woman’s tears. If we treated women better, this would be a better world and there would be more happy marriages. Did I ever cheat on her? No. Our relationship was unique. If someone asked me what the secret to a good marriage is, I would reply ‘being kind’ and telling each other that you love each other. Expressing love for each other and telling each other why was key for us. About 10 years ago, she would have me hold her at night and she would say ‘Now, tell me you love me.’ And I would. Then, she would say ‘Now, tell me why you love me.’ That made all the difference. And there were so many reasons I loved her. In a recorded audio message left for PV Magazine’s publisher Kristin Borden, Ryan shares memories and loneliness. My kids and I have promised ourselves that no matter how lonely we are, we want others to be happy. I am grateful for Trisha and our children, but that doesn’t mean that it’s easy. I am strong and get stronger through a greater power. There are more dark days than bright days. For the first time, I am jealous of Trisha. I want to be where she
is but I realize that my place is with my children, and I want the community of Palos Verdes to be for everyone. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? I won’t lie. It has been hard. Ryan shares that he is grateful for 22 years of a good marriage and that he could go home at the end of the day where there was peace. “I’m strong and that’s what gets me through this. I’m not going to lie – it’s hard but that doesn’t mean that I’m not grateful for my circumstances. I have three good children and I hope that I don’t screw it up. If everyone, regardless of race/ethnicity, could just get along. I hope that everyone knows that Trisha was a phenomenal Mom.” He continues that on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas, his family have promised that they want others to be happy. “We get our strength from the eternal life of Jesus Christ. There are more dark days than there are bright days. The goal for me is to be with my children. I want Palos Verdes to be a place where Trisha lives on.” One of the charitable things that Trisha and Ryan did together was taking $100 and going to Harbor City and passing out smaller bills. “Or we would buy someone a soft drink, a meal, hand out toothpaste/toothbrushes, or do another kindness.
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Photo by Erik Jay
Almost a Century Old, La Venta Inn Revamps & Readies for the Next 100 Years on the Peninsula Photos courtes y o f L a Ve n t a I n n
To commemorate its 100 anniversary in 2023, La Venta Inn is hosting a myriad of engaging, fun and food-filled community-centric events throughout the year. The property has served various roles since its development in 1923, including community center, inn, private residence, and special event venue. In 2021, Meg Walker, CEO & executive chef of Made by Meg, became the operator and exclusive caterer of La Venta Inn, and she remains committed to respecting the beloved venue’s rich history, while ensuring its continued legacy. 100 YEARS, 100 MORE Finally realizing her lifelong dream of becoming La Venta’s newest caretaker, Walker’s first task was to refresh the property while still preserving its iconic landmark status in partnership with local designer, Dannielle Albrecht. In addition to La Venta’s facelift, Walker extended Made by Meg’s signature cuisine and attentive service to guests of the venue. Looking to La Venta’s future, Walker and her team plan to continue the storied property’s long legacy of hosting exquisite seaside events. An emphasis on community will also take precedence in 2023 and beyond. Through the upcoming public centennial events, new traditions and other future initiatives, La Venta will revisit its roots as a community gathering place for many years to come. “It is an incredible honor to be the proprietor of this historic landmark as it passes 100 years of service to our wonderful community,” Walker says. “A day doesn’t go by without someone sharing that they were married or went to a treasured event at La Venta. We are in awe of how much history La Venta holds and how much is to come.”
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1925 – La Venta Courtyard Patio. Mrs Gladys Towle, far right, was the first resident of Palos Verdes Estates in July of 1924. Photo circa 1925.
Signature of Rear Admiral Chester W. Nimitz in La Venta’s guest book, accompanied by the USS Arizona!
2023 Community Events at La Venta February 14: Love at La Venta For the first time ever, La Venta Inn will host couples for an unforgettable dinner featuring breathtaking views of the Queen’s Necklace shoreline on Valentine’s Day. For $75 per person, couples will enjoy a romantic 3-course meal, complete with wine pairings. Reservations only. April 9: Easter Celebration + Easter Egg Hunt Easter at La Venta Inn will consist of a classic egg hunt, bites from Made by Meg catering, a visit with the Easter Bunny and more! May 14: Mother’s Day Brunch Surrounded by lush gardens and greenery, Mother’s Day at La Venta will consist of a decadent meal for the whole family will enjoy. June 17: Centennial Rally with the PV Library/Historical Group Take part in a rally for the ages in partnership with the Palos Verdes Library and Palos Verdes Historical Group.
Peggy Schnetzler drove an ambulance for the VA – Red Cross
July 4: La Venta Fireworks Viewing Party Experience a dazzling firework display from the best view on the Peninsula! Enjoy a variety of BBQ bites and family-friendly activities, all while taking in the sights of fireworks bursting throughout the city of Los Angeles, everywhere north of Palos Verdes! December 3: A Very La Venta Holiday Party Take part in the most wonderful time of the year at La Venta Inn’s second annual holiday party! Adults and children alike can enjoy seasonal activities, holiday hors d’oeuvres and festive libations. Mention you were married at La Venta, bring your wedding photo and PV Magazine will feature you in our next issue. For additional information on centennial programming, please visit LaVenta.com.
Peg sitting with her daughter Pat on front entrance pond, circa 1944
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pv history
A HOSPITABLE HISTORY La Venta—which means “the sale” in Spanish—was designed by architect brothers Walter and Pierpont Davis in 1923 and originally built as the sales office for the then soon-to-be-inhabited city of Palos Verdes Estates. The Spanish-style property offered sweeping ocean views and lush gardens designed by landscape architect brothers John Charles Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.––who was behind the design of New York City’s beloved Central Park in the 1850s––and was used as a model to encourage and attract prospective landowners to build homes in the new neighborhood. Over the past 100 years, La Venta’s role within the community has evolved, being used as: a lookout during World War II, a restaurant, an inn, a private residence, a haven for Hollywood’s elite during the industry’s Golden Age, and of course, a beloved seaside venue for timeless weddings and events. “La Venta has been part of our family for nearly 80 of its 100 years and is filled with memories of our grandparents, parents and siblings.We are so fortunate to have the privilege of protecting such a special place. Every year we have held family reunions at La Venta to pass on the love and responsibility to the next generation. I have no doubt that between our family and Meg’s team, it’ll remain in good hands.” —Mark Matthews, Co-Owner of La Venta
Virginia and Les were privileged to represent the Buyers and/or Sellers of these homes in 2022 S = represented seller S
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B = represented buyer
B
630 Hightree, Santa Monica | $5,400,000
S&B
528 Via Almar PVE | $3,300,000
S
25 Coveview RPV | $3,000,000
S&B
1108 Via Zumaya PVE | $2,800,000
S
2747 Vista Mesa RPV | $1,855,000
104 Via Jose PVE | $1,700,000
S&B = represented seller and buyer
S
S
28852 Crestridge Road RPV | $3,250,000
1700 Espinosa Circle PVE | $3,052,000
S
S
26603 Nokomis Road RPV | $2,125,000
30569 Ganado Drive RPV | $1,995,000
S
S
2862 W. 76th Street LA | $1,600,000
S
S
3309 Antonio, Torrance | $1,385,000
32653 Seagate #307 RPV | $1,310,000
S
S
2005 S. Leland SP | $885,000
|
S
21844 S. Vermont #1, Torrance | $545,000
7008 Willowtree RPV | $1,505,000
S
519 S. Guadalupe RB | $1,200,000
2118 Grant Ave., #1 RB | $960,000
Yes, the market is shifting, but that means unique opportunities for both Buyers and Sellers. After 40+ years as Realtors® in PV and the South Bay, we have the experience and expertise to successfully guide you. Call us to find out how this could benefit you.
310.849.1779 Virginia@butlerfishman.com Les@butlerfishman.com
CALL US to hear about our coming-soon properties! Les Fishman CalBRE #00816300
Virginia Butler CalBRE #00770290
Malaga Cove Plaza Palos Verdes Estates
SERVICE TO CLIENTS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1980
MEET SIR CHEWY
pv pets
PV PET OF THE MONTH
Written by M e l a n i E d e l s t e i n
Melani, Mark, Jake, Natalie, and Rachel Edelstein are proud owners of Sir Chewy, a 14-year-old Shih Tzu that is definitely king of his castle. Where did you get your pet?
Sir Chewy came to our family thanks to the friends at HELP, a nonprofit organization in San Pedro devoted to finding a Home for Every Living Pet. He forever changed the dynamic of our family. Our daughter Rachel, nine years younger than her brother and six years younger than her sister, decided that she needed a pet when the big kids went to college. She immediately presented her parents with a PowerPoint presentation on why she should have a dog; the next thing the family knew Chewy was home! Rachel might have adopted him but he quickly became the most adored and beloved member of the family. Is there a story behind his name?
He had the name Chewy when we rescued him, but we knighted him shortly after he came home and took over the family and he became Sir Chewy. Is there anything unique or unusual about your pet?
We don’t know about his life before we got him, but clearly, he was very well-trained. Chewy is getting older now and especially loves to sleep in one of his three beds, but back in the day, he loved to jump high and play hard and was always happy to shake hands for treats! What do you like best about your pet?
He’s the sweetest, most easy-going creature around. He’s easy to care for and never complains. He truly provides us with more laughter and joy than we thought possible. Any funny stories about your pet?
Chewy insists on being the line leader! He will not follow when walking. Whether it’s down the hall at home or out on a walk, Chewy must lead the way. When we first got him he was very spirited and loved to play aggressively with his chew toys. His favorite game was “bite dad” which inevitably ended with Mark’s hand wounded from an accidental bite. How spoiled is your pet?
To say he’s spoiled is an understatement. In many ways, he gets better treatment than anyone else in the family. From gourmet meals to lounging on the furniture and in the once totally off-limits bed, we all know who’s boss. What else should we know?
Chewy was our first dog. He brings pure joy and happiness to each member of our family and it’s hard to imagine our lives without him.
Sir Chewy sitting on his throne, Mark Edelstein.
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