2023 | August | No. 39
Remembering A Surfing Soul
Paddle Out for Beloved Businessman Louis Graziadio We Welcome New PVGC General Manager David Stocke & Family to the Peninsula
palosverdesmagazine.com
WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER The Ambassadors program at the Torrance Memorial Foundation helps to support our community medical center and many of its health programs. Our members are dedicated to promoting and financially supporting expert care that makes a difference in helping individuals restore and regain their independence, while improving the overall quality of their lives. Learn more about how you can give back and help us provide expert care for years to come. Start your own legacy at TMAmbassadors.org
IN THIS ISSUE Issue No. 39
16
community+locale
Around town
38 La Venta Inn is Going Strong With the help of residents, this historic landmark keeps its place in the hearts of the PV community
30 ProvidenceLittle Company of Mary Foundation Golf Classic 2023 31 4th of July Fun
41 Celebrating 41 Years of Classical Music The Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay keeps the melody flowing
32 Founding Culture Event
38 PV PROFILE
Cancer Support Community Hosts Sound Healing Celebration 33 Peninsula Symphony With Knox Young Artists Performance Competition and Concert
31
16 Loving Memories of Louis Graziadio Celebrating the life of a local legend 22 Meet David Stocke The new PVGC General Manager and his family are enjoying their new life in Palos Verdes
22 33 45
pv calendar
11 August Highlights Peninsula fun for everyone
pv palate
49 Lisa Boyd Time to cool off with a twist on a summertime classic
34 Class of 2023 at the 59th Annual Palos Verdes Assembly Medallion 35 Special Children’s League Officer Installation Notes Bring Hope Event with Partners for Pediatric Vision and Vistas
pv PETS
45 Meet Cashmere This adopted King Charles Cavalier enjoys a pampered life 2023 | August | PVMagazine | 09
REMEMBERING A
LEGEND Loving Memories of Louis Graziadio, October 23, 1949 – October 17, 2022 Written by Me l a n i M o ro s e E d e l s t e i n | P h o t o g ra p h y b y B re n d a C a s h
Louis Graziadio was one of a kind, a true original. A loving husband, a doting father, and a dyed-in-thewool Palos Verdes family man. He was a lifelong avid surfer, an extraordinarily successful businessman, a generous philanthropist, an innovator, a world traveler, and a man who was a friend to everyone. Louis Graziadio, also called Luigi, embodied the Aloha spirit. His friend Bobby Hill said, “Louis was a living example of Aloha.” That was evidenced at a paddle out recently held in his honor. “When so many from near and far come to celebrate the life of a person for whom they deeply cared, it is extraordinary. I wish this on everyone, live aloha,” Hill reminds us. Louis is survived by his wife Beth and children Gina Graziadio, Gino Graziadio, and Written by Melani Moro s e ECarra d e l s t e Graziadio, in
Marianna Graziadio. A remarkable person with a spirit of entrepreneurship that provided incredible success in business and allowed him to make a significant impact in the world of surfing. He was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Second Southern Corp., the managing partner of Ginarra Partners, LLC, a closely held California company involved in a wide range of investments and business ventures, and a member of the Graziadio Board of Directors at Pepperdine University. Equally essential, he was an original founding partner of the Surfing Heritage Culture Center (SHACC) located in San Clemente, CA. In honor of Graziadio, family, and friends share their special memories with the community.
Photography by Brenda C a s h | Vi n t a ge P h o t o g ra p h y co u rt e s y o f Je f f E a r l e Clockwise from top left: flyer from opening weekend; waitress Narcissa Feinberg serving in our back dining room circa 1973; ownerJeff’s grandfather Harry Earle, on the right, at the first Red Onion Restaurant which he opened in Inglewood in 1949; Inglewood location, 1949. Center, The Original Red Onion today
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The Graziado extended family
“ My dad was always most relaxed when he was on or around the water. He lit up when he told a story about an epic surf session or a great fishing trip. He was most at peace when he could hear the waves crashing. Growing up as a daughter of a surfer, I spent most of my childhood on beaches. Whether we were at our home in the Hollister Ranch, visiting Hawaii, or at our local RAT beach, some of my most cherished memories are packing picnics and heading down to the beach with Dad. My older sister Gina and I would play, while Dad surfed. When he finished, he would take us out and push us into waves.”
— Carra Graziadio Louis’ Daughter
“ I will always remember Louis as a driven, hardworking individual who had an insatiable curiosity about all things and was passionate about life in general. He loved his family and friends more than anything in the world and I will always cherish the amazing journey we shared over the last 30 years.”
— Beth Graziadio Louis’ Wife
2023 | August | PVMagazine | 17
Meet
David Stocke & Family Fore-Family Legacy: New Golf Club GM Brings Passion and Expertise to the Greens Written by Melani Moros e E d e l s t e i n
Photo by Brenda Cash
Top: David Stocke at PVGC; photo by Brenda Cash Center: Stocke kids testing the greens at PVGC; photo by Brenda Cash Bottom: David & Holly Stocke and Ed Stocke at the Arizona Junior Golf Tournament, March 2017 where they were caddies for all three kids who played in the tournament
2023 | August | PVMagazine | 23
PV profile
Among breathtaking views, classic courses, and elegant clubhouses, Palos Verdes Golf Club is steeped in history dating back to the 1920s. The traditions and camaraderie surrounding the storied grounds and facilities are not to be taken for granted. The Club celebrates its 100th anniversary on Nov. 15, 2024. When we heard that the Club had appointed a new General Manager, we eagerly awaited the opportunity to meet this enigmatic figure who was poised to take the reins at one of the most renowned golf courses in the country. Meet the new General Manager, along with his family whose captivating journey promises to bring an unforgettable new chapter to the Palos Verdes Golf Club. David Stocke, CCM, the new General Manager, understands the nuances of exclusive country clubs, professional golf, and business management, making him the perfect choice to lead the legendary club. David grew up the son of a golf course superintendent, “Fast Eddie,” and went on to play NCAA D-I college golf for the University of Portland before turning pro and becoming a certified club manager (CCM). Although he, his wife Holly, daughters Peyton and Parker, and son Dawson have lived here a short while, they are enjoying life on the hill. In 2001 David and Holly married on Catalina Island and bought their first home in Windsor, CA. David owned a residential/commercial painting business and Holly was a corporate payroll accountant. An entrepreneurial spirit drove them both. David invented the Painter’s Utility Belt and was awarded a U.S. Utility Patent in 2001. He was busy running a 34-man professional painting & decorating business, while simultaneously trying to get his invention into big box chain stores, including Kelly Moore Paints, and made it to final submissions for the popular TV show, Shark Tank. Meanwhile, Holly was doing software implementation for start-up companies and interior design projects in the East Bay. In 2003, David sold his painting business and Holly left her corporate job, so they could work together as real estate investors and professional home flippers. David earned his California real estate license in 2009 and began researching upcoming foreclosures to purchase at auction, while Holly served as lead designer and project manager. Together with former business partner, Jon Andersen (Pro Strongman, Pro Wrestler, IFBB Bodybuilder), they founded AndersenStocke Real Estate Development Company. The new endeavor allowed David to turn pro in golf, while Holly fulfilled her passion and talents for interior design with a focus on architecture and perfecting floor plans.
AROUND TOWN
PLCM Foundation Hosts Golf Classic 2023
Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation held its time-honored Golf Classic 2023 at the beautiful 18-hole Rolling Hills Country Club. Golfers, including 2023 co-chairs Steve Morikawa and Todd Tydlaska competed in contests and for the coveted First Place prize. Everyone enjoyed a gourmet outdoor dinner joined by emcee KTLA’s Henry DiCarlo. The Foundation would like to thank the wonderful sponsors and amazing community for another successful Golf Classic. The kindness and generosity of the participants and sponsors led the sold-out crowd to generate record-breaking results in support of the hospital’s vision: health for a better world Trevor Ware, Ryan Murphy, and co-chair Todd Tydlaska For more information visit plcmfoundation.org
Armando Rodriguez, MD, Leo Rodriguez, MD, Luis Abrishamian, MD, and Will Conrad, MD
Mike Melideo, Patti Severa, David Cocke, Rich Severa, and Kate Cocke
Henry DiCarlo, Jacky Glass, Jamie Born, and Walavan Sivakumar, MD
Pich Thubthimthong, Jon Nomura, co-chair Steve Morikawa, and Roy Omoto
Miles Shaw, MD, and Mari Shaw
Koji Kuwada, Paul Majich, John Colich, and Rob Bolger
Rex Licklider, Kris Gibello, Chuck Miller
Steve and Marlene Young
Steve Hogan, Amy Hogan, Kathie Eckert, Jessica Henry, and Scott Henry
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To see more photos of any of these events, scan the QR code!
4th of July Bike Parade Valmonte Block Party
AROUND TOWN
Photos by Ed McClure
Neighbors gathered together to ride in the Palos Verdes Estates July 4th Bike Parade! It was a great kickoff to the 4th of July fun around the Peninsula. The day continued with lots of neighborhood block parties and gatherings with friends.
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Poto by Erik Jay
La Venta Inn is Saved! The Community Rallies Around Peninsula’s Oldest Building Written by Me l a n i M o ro s e E d e l s t e i n
La Venta Inn is a provider. Birthplace of the Peninsula, the 100-year-old Palos Verdes historic landmark is not only the oldest building on the hill, but since 1923, it has also provided jobs, fulfilled dreams, and served as the backdrop of countless memories. Thanks to an outpouring of support from our community, this extraordinary Spanish-style villa overlooking the Pacific will continue its long tradition of providing far into the future. “This community answered the call to share their thoughts and feelings,” says La Venta concession38 | PVMagazine | August | 2023
aire/proprietor Meg Walker, who took over operations in 2021.” They wanted to stand up for what they believe in, which is La Venta and its place in this community.” Situated in a residential area, La Venta is no stranger to neighborhood traffic and noise complaints. Based on an ordinance enacted in 1940, the owners have always tried to be good neighbors, peacefully coexisting with the community. When Walker and her Redondo Beach catering company Made by Meg took over after the COVID
community+locale
shutdown, the city of Palos Verdes Estates decided to take a new look at the old ordinance and approached La Venta’s owners and new proprietor Meg Walker about trying to be more specific as to the uses of the Inn. While also providing neighbors with counted-on expectations, Walker says their mutual goal was to come up with regulations, enabling La Venta to continue to operate as a viable business. “I can’t speak on behalf of the city but I can say that the city took a lot of time as well as resources to look closely at the issue and listen to everyone who wanted to voice their concerns. They did an amazing job mediating what probably felt like an impossible conversation at times,” Walker explains. “Since 2021, we have worked with the city through the planning commission as well as the city council to come up with a way that we can operate peacefully in the neighborhood and come up with operating guidelines that I believe answer many neighbor concerns. The property formerly did events until midnight, but we now agree to end at 10 p.m. There were never any limits on capacity, and that’s not a part of the city code, but we agreed to a maximum of 200 occupants.” Because so many people feel strongly about La Venta’s place on the hill, Walker says the successful campaign to save La Venta included almost 50 neighbors in bright yellow T-shirts showing up to city council meetings in support of our iconic PV landmark. There were many difficult conversations but the possibility of closing La Venta altogether was probably one of the toughest. An astounding 500-plus letters of support from community members proves that every voice counts and it’s worth the effort to stand up for your beliefs. “After a lot of love from the community, and a lot of work on the part of the city and neighbors coming forward with their concerns, I think this is the best neutral ground we can find, and we are just so grateful,” Walker says. She believes that it is up to the community to keep La Venta alive so it can continue to be the provider it has always been.
Adrian Hall, Meg Walker and Meg’s beloved grandmother, Marjorie Hall
“My grandmother, Marjorie Hall, passed away very recently. She was such a light! The last time I saw her, she was wearing a bright yellow Save La Venta T-shirt. It stands out because she was born in 1923, the year that La Venta was built. I was reflecting on her amazing person and realized that our bodies, realistically, don’t make it as long as our buildings and we must appreciate that. We can all support and take care of what’s here in front of us and hope that a generation that truly treasures La Venta works hard to keep it alive for the next 100 years, I truly believe that is our charge.”
you love La Venta Inn? Did you or someone you love get married there? The iconic landmark has SEND US YOUR Do touched the hearts and lives of so many PV residents and friends. If La Venta brought you wedding joy,
LA VENTA
WEDDING PHOTOS
we want to hear from you. In celebration of La Venta’s 100th anniversary, we are asking readers to submit your La Venta wedding photos. Send them to info@palosverdesmagazine.com and we will publish them in an upcoming issue.
2023 | August | PVMagazine | 39