2022 | No. 26
your community magazine
MEGAN MICKAEL F i n d i n g i n s p i r at i o n
Dave McGowan
l o o k s t o p r e s e r v e PVE f o r f u t u r e g e n e r at i o n s
Pat & James Brown Honored at Grand Vision Gala Around Town Photos Summer in Full Swing
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Cover art by Megan Mickael
Editor’s Letter
Issue No. 26
Welcome summer! We hope you enjoy this latest issue. We would like to thank Megan Mickael for opening up her beautiful studio and gallery, Studio 347, in San Pedro to the winners of our student photography contest. She installed the photos so they were able to come see their photos hanging on a gallery wall, which was very exciting for the kids. School is out so don’t forget to check our community calendar for fun summer activities around the South Bay. The community is recognizing PV Magazine and we couldn’t be more thankful for all of the support we have been receiving. We want to continue to get the message across that we are not a newspaper. We are a community lifestyle publication. We do our best to tell stories that are positive and not political. We do, however, welcome new story ideas and suggestions. As publisher and owner of PV Magazine, I can tell you that the intention behind our magazine is good and genuine. We welcome new people into the community and we hope you will reach out to us. Everyone has a story and everyone’s story is important. As Mark Twain famously said, “There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.” Enjoy your summer and we hope you enjoy our latest issue! All my best,
MMCC 30th Anniversary
Kristin Borden Publisher, Managing Editor & Owner PV Publications Kristn Borden 310-940-1445 kristin.borden@palosverdesmagazine.com palosverdesmagazine.com At Porsche Experience supporting Phil Freng’s Racing to End Alzheimer’s
CHECK our community calendar and submit your event for free!
PV MAGAZINE TEAM renee jaco Creative Direction, Ad Management renee.jaco@palosverdesmagazine.com
malin rigby Digital Strategist, Website Management malin.rigby@palosverdesmagazine.com
melani Edelstein Writer melanimoroseedelstein@gmail.com
06 | PV Magazine | Summer 2022
lane bullard Graphic Design lane.bullard@palosverdesmagazine.com Brenda cash Photographer brenda@brendacash.com sara atashi Writer sara.atashi@palosverdesmagazine.com cindy donnelly Community Calendar cindy.donnelly@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. 26
12
PV YOUTH 15 2022 Student Photo Contest Winners The reception at Studio 347 celebrates local student’s talent 30 NCL: Palos Verdes Chapter Celebrating class of 2022 seniors
featured 12 Megan Mickael A Q&A with this artist, business owner, and mother 16 David McGowan A Palos Verdes local who cherishes the past to make a better future
33 NCL: Peninsula Chapter Recognition Reception 2022 35 PV High Wins at JRAY Awards Talent theater students show how they own the stage
35
23 2022 PV Fair and Music Festival 26 PV Juniors Reward Local Charities & Award Scholarships Seahorse Classic Poster Contest Winners 27 Educator of the Year Switzer Learning Center Event 28 Young Kids Raise Money to Make a Difference NLYM Annual Dinner Celebrates Achievment Racing So Everyone Wins
22
29 MMCC 30th Anniversary & Seal Day
Philanthropy
41
community+locale +GALLERIES
21 Grand Vision Foundation: Honoring Pat & James Brown A Grand Gala of support
32 Torrance Memorial Celebrates A Grand Opening, Golf Tournament & Women’s Heart Health
36 Beachlife Festival
39 We Are Brave Together Jessica Patay’s own story of support inspires her to race to help
34
pv history pv calendar 22 July Highlights The 4th only kicks off great things happening on the Peninsula
pv pets 37 Meet Cashmere And The Palos Verdes/ South Bay/ Beach Cities King Charles Cavalier Club
23
31 The Black Sheep The story of a transplanted cowboy raising sheep on the hils of PV 34 RPV Hidden Jewels Wayfarers Chapel is rich in history and architecture
PV Professional 45 College Tuition Greg Becker gives sound advice on how to prepare
Summer 2022 | PVMagazine | 09
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pv arts Megan in front of her Succession Series at her beautiful studio/gallery in San Pedro, Studio 347. Megan’s Sucession Series currently is being represented in NYC by Agora Gallery. To see more of this series: www.art-mine.com/artistpage/megan_mickael
12 | PVMagazine | Summer 2022
MEGANMICKAEL Photographed b y A l i ce S h i p p i e
Palos Verdes Estates resident Megan Mickael is an artist and photographer whose work has hung in galleries as far as Connecticut and St. Louis, and as close as Santa Monica and Denver with many more in between. A graduate of Southern Methodist University’s acclaimed Meadow School of the Arts, Mickael graduated with a degree in Fine Art Photography and Painting. In 2021, Mickael opened Studio 347 in the Waterfront Arts District of San Pedro. She lives in the Montemalaga area of Palos Verdes Estates with her husband, Tim and two sons, Keegan (16) and Owen (13).
What brought you to Palos Verdes and California? Life threw me a curve ball. California was never part of my plan. I was living and working in Dallas, but I felt the pull of the water. I grew up on the coast in Connecticut but with my friends from college all either migrating to the other coast or going back home to it, I knew I could not be landlocked. I’ve moved from Santa Monica to Manhattan Beach, to Redondo Beach and now to PV! How has your art evolved during the pandemic? The pandemic brought incredible clarity and momentum to my work. Life slowing down allowed me the space to speed up artistically. What’s it like to balance career and family? I’m not sure anyone has balance. I love family and I love work. There’s no natural balance; it all just works out. Both my husband and I believe our kids will benefit from being surrounded by parents who love what they do as much as they love the family. Do you take ‘me-time’? If so, what do you do for yourself? I have not yet mastered the art of personal time. Ultimately, I would define “me-time” as going to the beach, my studio, running, date nights and binging on podcasts. Do you think art in our schools is important for our children? 10,000%! If we can’t keep it in our schools, we must be committed to exposing future generations to it. I have invested the last 12 to 13 years as an art docent to our schools. It’s personal to me, my sons and my mom. It’s essential for the mind, body and soul. What is the most important lesson either of your parents taught you? I learned compassion and strength from my mom. She was a mother to five children while being an artist herself (and still is). From my father, I learned to not take life for granted and to cherish every moment. I lost him far too early. If you weren’t an artist, what would you like to be? Nothing. I could only ever be an artist.
Megan with her two sons Keegan (16) and Owen (13)
Megan with husband, Tim
Summer 2022 | PVMagazine | 13
pv arts
Q&A with Local Artist, Studio and Gallery Owner
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to PV Magazine’s 2022 High School Student Photography Winners P hotos by Kathryn B r ya n t
On Thursday June 2, 2022, PV Magazine along with Megan Mickael images and Studio 347 hosted an informal reception for the winners of this year’s contest. The photos were judged through a blind judging process by Megan Mickael, Photographer and Owner of Studio 347 Gallery in San Pedro, meganmickaelimages.com, Erik Jay, Featured photographer of the book, Palos Verdes, The Great Peninsula, erikjay.com and Amber Beccera, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Mammal Care Center, marinemammalcare.org The theme was the Wild Side of the Peninsula and the students were encouraged to send in no more than two entries of an undomesticated animal and the photo must have been taken on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Thank you to all the amazing junior photographers who submitted photos. To see the all of the photos: https://palosverdesmagazine.com/winners-photo-contest-2022 First Place, Morning Snack by Sydney Iravanchy, Peninsula High School, 10th Grade
Kouzmanoff Family at reception
Sean Rizzo Palos Verdes High School, 9th Grade Best Peacock, Honorable Mention
Nicholas Kouzmanoff Palos Verdes High School, 9th Grade Best Landscape
Third Place: Curiosity by Lauren Eades Palos Verdes High School, 10th Grade
Erik Jay, Kristin Borden, Amber Becerra, Megan Mickael and Renee Jaco
Braden Coli Palos Verdes High School, 10th Grade Honorable Mention
Summer 2022 | PVMagazine | 15
pv youth
Congratulations
“I believe in preparing this community for the next generation. We formed the Palos Verdes Estates Foundation, not for the oldtimers like me, but for the younger families. We want them to experience the same spirit of community that we have enjoyed,.”
—Dave McGowan
MEET
David McGowan
Focusing on the Future of the Peninsula by Preserving the Past Written by Mela 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 ed b y B re n d a C a s h
With a stalwart commitment to give back to the community from which he has received, Palos Verdes resident David McGowan is focused on the future of the Peninsula. Philanthropist and community contributor McGowan calls Palos Verdes an oasis within Los Angeles. With an unrivaled beauty and peaceful environment, he is dedicated to preserving the unique heritage of Palos Verdes Estates. “I believe in preparing this community for the next generation. We formed the Palos Verdes Estates Foundation, not for the old-timers like me, but for the younger families. We want them to experience the same spirit of community that we have enjoyed,” says McGowan, the former Mayor of Palos Verdes Estates and a current City Councilman. McGowan and other civic leaders and volunteers formed the nonprofit Palos Verdes Estates Foundation in late 2019, just before the Pandemic started, intending to beautify and enhance the cultural offerings of PVE. “When I was asked to run for office, I looked around and thought, isn’t there a foundation that can provide incremental funds to this community that the city cannot otherwise 16 | PVMagazine | Summer 2022
provide? And the answer was no. So, we formed the Palos Verdes Estates Foundation to strengthen our community by encouraging philanthropy through public-private partnerships augmenting cultural, recreational, lifestyle and safety programs. Given our short history we have made unbelievable progress,” says a happy McGowan. Part of the mission of the Palos Verdes Estates Foundation is to create a sense of community. McGowan says there are plans to hold movie nights, social gatherings and concerts appropriate for all ages. The Foundation is recording legacy interviews with long-time residents to preserve these legacies for future generations;providing beautification in front of city hall and many other places in Malaga Cove and Lunada Bay in addition to funding a “Needs Assignment” for the City Hall Complex. As to the future, the Foundation has a growing list of potential projects which the city cannot otherwise afford, and residents are coming forward with additional suggestions. The Foundation desires to provide a leadership role in the upcoming centennial milestone of PVE. “We have raised over a mil-
pv profile
Making the big presentation, thanks to many generous donors. Left to right: PVE PD Officers wearing body cams, Chief Best. Foundation Team: David McGowan, Julia Parton, Barton Gurewitz, Tim Good. Not Pictured: Virginia Butler, Jan Teague, Chad MacAllister, Karen Logan.
lion dollars so far, and good news, we were granted 501(c)(3) status, making donations tax-deductible.” This is immense for residents, McGowan explains. He goes on to state that given the list of opportunities for the Foundation they welcome community volunteers. It will take a village of volunteers to achieve these goals while at the same time creating that “sense of community” embraced in our mission statement. The Palos Verdes Estates Foundation proudly celebrated the restoration, and repair of the Farnham Martin Fountain outside the Malaga Cove Library recently. The care and keeping of this historical PV landmark would have been impossible without McGowan’s enormous efforts. The Foundation’s leadership,coupled with the volunteer effort and financial support of the community made this a success! “We restored the fountain, and we illuminated it for the first time in history,” he says. “It’s very special.” The Foundation has provided body cams and drones to the PVE police, and McGowan is enthusiastic about what he calls a long list of things they want to do. David and Lynn McGowan, who have four grown sons and five grandchildren, certainly appreciate, and enjoy the exceptional Palos Verdes lifestyle. “When we were first transferred to Los Angeles in 1995 by my company PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP (PwC) we were taken to Malibu and that side of the bay. We had friends who told us to try the other side of the bay. We did, and we loved it here! We are still in the same house we bought 27 years ago. It was a spec in Lunada Bay and under construction. The uniqueness of the PV Peninsula is what we wanted. The climate is perfect, and there is no congestion,” McGowan says. It was a faster-paced life when the couple arrived in LA from Minnesota. He worked full-time before formally retiring from PwC in 2008 but has never stopped volunteering. He says growing up with his family in Minneapolis provided him with deep philanthropic roots, and he believes service to the community is a calling. Although he still maintains a consulting practice in Lunada Bay, McGowan gives most of his time serving others. He has been actively involved in dozens of civic and professional organizations over the years. Notably, McGowan was a Board Member and
Chief Financial Officer for the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games and a Founding Member and Treasurer for the Los Angeles Parks Foundation. McGowan generously gave his time to many HOA’s over the years as well. “When we were first in LA, Lynn connected to the Palos Verdes community. She might not have realized she was laying the groundwork, but she developed many friendships on the hill, so after I retired, we reinvested ourselves in this community.” In their spare time they are both gourmet cooks, love to entertain and travel around the world. McGowan shares some small world stories that show his connectedness. “I had a fraternity brother from college who just happened to live on the hill. He was from Illinois, and I was from Minnesota, we attended college in Colorado and we both ended up in Palos Verdes,” he laughs. When he discovered an old grade school and high school classmate also lived on the hill, they reconnected in one of those special Palos Verdes moments that local compadres understand well. The last few years have been difficult on many levels, but McGowan is hopeful for the future. “Residents want to get out; they have a love for our community and have a love and belief in our small-town attributes. With all the troubles going on in the world, that’s what’s at risk, and this Foundation is a way to preserve what we have and help and provide. We want the younger residents to enjoy the same things.” McGowan says that the way families of young children are coming out and supporting the Foundation is apparent; they want the same things.
David and his wife Lynn at the home they have lived in together for 27 years.Photo
Summer 2022 | PVMagazine | 17
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philanthropy
Gathering for the Grand Gala to Honor Pat and James Brown & Support the Grand Vision Foundation Written by Cindy D o n n e l l y
Pat Brown and her son James Brown
On July 24, Grand Vision Foundation will hold its 14th Annual Gathering for the Grand Gala at the Palos Verdes Golf Course. Pat Brown of Rolling Hills Estates and her son James Brown, along with his restaurant the San Pedro Brewing Company, are this year’s honorees. The event supports both the ongoing restoration of the Warner Grand Theatre and the Meet The Music Program. I asked Liz Schindler Johnson, the executive director of Grand Vision Foundation, to share a little about this year’s honorees. She explained that Pat Brown, as well as her late husband Frank, has been a bridge between the Peninsula and San Pedro since as far back as the early 2000s when Grand Vision Foundation began a campaign to raise money to restore the historic Warner Grand Theatre. As San Pedro’s art district has grown, Pat has been at the forefront of encouraging people to come to San Pedro to enjoy the arts. Pat has also been instrumental in building new supporters of Grand Vision Foundation and new audiences at the Warner Grand Theatre and the Grand Annex Music Hall. Liz said, “Pat is the glue, bringing people together. For me personally, she has been a friend, mentor and guide.” Her son James has followed in his parents’ footsteps. Liz shared that James has the same outgoing, warm and positive nature as his parents and that he brings people together. He has played an important part in building an audience base and generously supported Grand Vision’s special events. To learn more about the Meet The Music Program, I spoke with Tony Rasmussen, the director of educa-
tion for Grand Vision. He explained that most musical education is held after school and is not available to all students, only students that show promise. What sets Meet The Music apart is that it is dedicated to being all-inclusive. Every Meet The Music student will get an opportunity to participate because it takes place during school hours. While some students will continue their musical journeys, others will continue to benefit from learning to collaborate with other students, set and achieve goals and gain social and emotional skills. The program’s Recorders in Schools offers fifth graders weekly musical skill building and culminates in a school recital. The Roots of Music Program (RoMP) provides fourth graders a program with three interactive world music concerts at the Grand Annex along with in-school lessons on history, culture and music fundamentals. Most participants would have no other access to arts education or performing arts exposure without this program. Each year, the Gathering for the Grand Gala chooses a classic movie to tie in with their annual event theme. The theme of this year’s Gala, “An American in ParisThe Black & White Ball,” was chosen as a fun nod to Pat and Frank Brown’s early years together when Frank was stationed in France. The Black and White Ball is inspired from the art student’s ball scene in the “An American In Paris” movie, which adds a vintage inspiration for attire this year. If you are interested in attending this year’s July 24 Gathering for the Grand Gala or supporting Grand Vision Foundation, visit grandvision.org.
Students playing the Recorder with Grand Vision Meet The Music Program
Summer 2022 | PVMagazine | 21
PV calendar
July 2022
Ca l enda r Hig h l ig h ts Looking for something to do this weekend? Our community calendar has it all. Scan QR code to find out what’s happening around Palos Verdes and the South Bay!
July 3 • 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
LBHOA Hosts Concert In The Park with Hawaiian Music 3 and Performers 5 Pack a picnic and bring your family, friends and neighbors to the Lunada Bay Park for an afternoon of music and dancing. www.lbhoa.org/events
July 4 • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
City of RPV Presents Anuual Fourth of July Celebration Enjoy a day of live music, carnival rides, pony rides, activities and games for the family along with food trucks, and a beer and wine booth. rpvca.gov
July 6, 13 and 20 • 2 to 4 p.m.
Summer Teen Movie Festival at Peninsula Center Library Join us for our Summer Read-A-Palooza Film Festival! Each day we’ll screen a different camp-related movie and snacks and drinks will be provided! Meet in the Purcell Meeting Room. Grades 6-12 only, no registration required. All movies rated PG to PG-13. For more info and questions contact: Megan Durazo email mdurazo@pvld.org
July 7 • 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m
Drum For Your Life-Mindful Therapy with Drumming at Peninsula Center Library As part of Summer Read-A-Palooza, Steven Angel, president and founder of the Drumming For Your Life Institute, hosts a workshop of mindfulness therapy with hand-drums—where the power of rhythm creates relaxation, trust, focus and insight. Drums will be provided. Meet in Peninsula Center Library Community Room. For questions. email rbroadstone@pvld.org
July 10 • 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Shakespeare by the Sea presents Romeo and Julie This free summer festival is for everyone — regardless of age, race, economic stability or address and our audience is a melting pot of Americana. It is the only annual admission-free theatrical event that serves the entire South Bay. Join us for a presentation of Romeo and Juliet at Fred Hesse Jr. Community Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.
July 12 • 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Native Plant & Butterfly Talk at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center Join us at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center for this exciting Summer Read-A-Palooza activity for kids. Learn about native plants, test your senses and enjoy stories and a craft too! Maybe you will even spot an endangered Blue Butterfly! Recommended for ages 4 and up. Meets offsite at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center Native Plant Garden. For questions, email lhenry@pvld.org
22 | PVMagazine | Summer 2022
July 16 • 9 a.m.
Los Serenos De Point Vicente Public Nature Walk on the McBride Trail Enjoy this easy walk along the McBride Trail, featuring spectacular panoramic views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Catalina Island. Learn about the native coastal sage scrub habitat along with a lesson on the rich history of the Palos Verdes area. Meet at the end of Ocean Terrace Drive in RPV. www.losserenos.org
July 16 and 17 • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
Malaga Cove Art on the Lawn Palos Verdes Art Center presents the Malaga Cove Art on the Lawn Show on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Malaga Cove. The event features paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photography, wearable art and prints from artists from the eight art groups affiliated with Palos Verdes Art Center. pvartcenter.org
July 16 • Activities Begin at 7 p.m.
The City of RPV Presents Movie in the Park Movie begins at 8:30 p.m. /Dusk. Come join us for a fun evening! Our FREE Movie in the Park will take place at the RPV Civic Center. We will be showing Luca! Bring a blanket or low slung beach chair. Food truck and goodies for the family. For more information visit www.rpvca.gov/parks
July 17 • 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m
Docent Tour of The Neighborhood Church Join us for our monthly 45-minute docent-led tour of the Neighborhood Church and grounds. Following the 10 a.m. service, members and visitors are invited to grab a cup of coffee on the terrace and gather by the “Welcome” banner to meet one of our well informed tour guides for the walk and talk. Whether you are new to the church or a long time member, we are confident you will enjoy this special new activity. No reservations needed. www.ncpve.org
July 30
Free Harbor Boat Tours of the Port of Los Angeles The Port of Los Angeles is ready to welcome you back on the water with free public boat tours of Los Angeles Harbor, showcasing the sights and sounds of the busiest port in North America. San Pedro & Banning’s Landing Wilmington. lawaterfront.org/events/calendar
July 31 • 4 p.m. to 6 p.m
LBHOA Hosts Concert In The Park with Wall of Sound Join us at Lunada Bay Park. Pack a picnic, and bring your family, friends and neighbors for an afternoon of music and dancing. For more information, visit www.lbhoa.org/events
Photographed by Ed Mcc l u re
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce hosted the 34th Annual Palos Verdes Street Fair and Music Festival on June 10-12. In addition to rides and petting zoo, the fair included artisans, crafters, retailers, nonprofits, and food vendors. #pvstreetfair
Summer 2022 | PVMagazine | 23
community
2022 PV FAIR AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Officially Kicked off the Summer Season
coMMuNITy
AROUND TOWN PV Juniors Reward Local Charities & Award Scholarships
PV juniors recognized six South Bay charities with grants, and three Palos Verdes Students with scholarships at their Disbursement ceremony on june 8th at los Verdes Golf club. The three students: campbell howard, Piken Art Scholarship; Kylee Schwartz, PV junior Education Scholarship; Zoe Shafiezadeh, PV junior Education Scholarship and Sipes Scholarship. The 2022 Philanthropies: The Boys and Girls club; lA harbor–community’s child; family Promise of the South Bay; Providence Trinity care hospice foundation and harbor Interfaith.
Dora De La Rosa, Rosa Pesenti, Julie Hadley and Jane Lau
Scholarship Recipients Zoe Shafiezadeh and Kylee Schwartz
Ivette Marin, Andrew Nishimoto- Executive Director of Family Promise, Julia Parton, and Andrea Lastimosa
Tony Trip, Chief Development Officer for Boys & Girls Club LA Harbor
Seahorse Classic Poster Contest Winners
2nd Place, Debbie Giese
2022 Portuguese Bend National Horse Show Chair Meredith Edwards, Poster Contest Chair Janice Latimer (holding the 1st place poster) and PCCH President Carey Romer. 3rd Place, Laura Millman 1st Place, Joy Gonzalez
26 | PVMagazine | Summer 2022
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
The Educator of the year program, presented by the Palos Verdes Peninsula rotary club, returned to an in-person event on April 13th at the Palos Verdes Golf club – the first time since November of 2019! This is the 41st year of this annual event, and the 13th year of sponsorship by the PVP rotary. “All the participants and guests were so pleased to once again gather in person to honor these outstanding educators,” observed joan E. Behrens, co-chair of the event with fellow rotarian David rowe. The nine honored educators are selected by their schools/colleges on the Peninsula and represent four public schools from the Palos Verdes Peninsula unified School District, three independent schools, and two colleges.
The 2021-2022 Educators of the Year are, front row, left to right: Dr. Virginia Wade (Marymount California University), Heather Sorenson (Mira Catalina Elementary School), Lorraine Loh-Norris (Palos Verdes High School), Jacquie Starodub (Palos Verdes Intermediate School), and Michelle Tabor (Chadwick School). Second row, left to right: Major Nancy Helms (College for Officer Training, Crestmont), Alyssa Matuchniak (Rolling Hills Preparatory & Renaissance Schools), Christine Watson (Lunada Bay Elementary School), and Dr. Mary Wilson (Peninsula Heritage School).
Switzer Learning Center Summer Social Event
on Sunday, june 14th, Switzer learning center’s Board of Trustees hosted their 1st Annual Summer Social at the home of Dr. john Sealy and sponsored by Tim Goodrich of Knauf Maxwell Insurance. The in-person garden event was held to introduce Executive Director, jeremy Deming, to the community and to honor outgoing Board chair, Barbara Graham, for her efforts in leading the organization over the past two years. “We were so pleased to get together to introduce jeremy to our stakeholders and hear about his vision for Switzer learning center and the students they serve,” stated Barbara Graham, Board chair and host, Dr. john Sealy. Attendees of the social event included donors, Board members, community leaders and key staff members who are all steadfast in supporting the therapeutic education of students with special needs in the South Bay. The event ended with a surprise $10,000 donation from Torrance refining company to kickstart the center’s arts enrichment programs scheduled to begin this fall. To learn more about Switzer learning center’s school, clinical services, and upcoming enrichment programs, please visit us at www.switzercenter.org.
Board Committee Member, Lynn Lord and Michele Nelson
Switzer Learning Center’s Board Chair, Barbara Graham; event host, Dr. John Sealy; Board member, Barb Ailor; and Switzer Learning Center’s school principal, Colm Coffey.
Event sponsor, Time Goodrich, chats with Josh Bedgood, Richard Smisek, and Hannah Lam.
Summer 2022 | PVMagazine | 27
coMMuNITy
AROUND TOWN
coMMuNITy
AROUND TOWN Young Kids Raise Money to Make a Difference In response to the recent uvalde school shooting, three nine-year-olds took it up upon themselves to help raise money. In just under two hours, and with a triple match from Moms Demand Action partner, Bloomberg, they raised $1200 on Memorial Day stationing themselves at the entrance to fleet Week in harbor city. And in under an hour, at Mira catalina’s elementary school in rPV the girls raised $450 selling a mix of lemonade, coffee, donuts, muffins and treats. This was on national gun violence awareness day also known as wear orange day. 100% of all proceeds were donated and this is a great example of local kids doing what they can in their own community to make a difference.
NLCYM Annual Dinner Celebrates Achievment
Class of 2024 Young Men and their mothers
Presidential Volunteer Service Award Recipients
The Palos Verdes chapter of National league of young Men held it’s second annual compass Dinner on friday, May 20th at los Verdes Golf club. founded in Palos Verdes in 2020, the National league of young Men is a national organization that promotes mothers helping to guide their sons to become positive, influential, and gracious young men in their communities. The four pillars of NlyM reflect this purpose: leadership, Service, culture and Protocol. 2022 anchor award Winner: camden friedman (class of 2024) was the recipient of this award as he volunteered 200.5 hours this past year within the community.
Racing So Everyone Wins on Thursday june 16, Philip frengs along with the organization that he founded, racing to End Alzheimers, hosted a fun filled evening at the Porsche Experience center in carson. “This season, we’ve been racing a Porsche. And, as a result, we’ve been fortunate to have developed a supportive relationship with the center. In celebration of the success of racing to End Alzheimer’s we were able to create an exciting evening for invited guests that included demo laps on the track in a blazing fast all-electric Porsche Taycan, drinks and dinner.” The purpose of the event was to continue to raise awareness about dementia and offer an opportunity to add your own loved one’s name who has suffered with Alzheimer’s or dementia to the tribute car. for more information or to add your loved one’s name to the race car for a donation of $250.00 https://www.r2endalz.org
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Philip Frengs and Mark Phile
John and Kelly Barry
The annual NlyM PV chapter compass Dinner is an event that recognizes and awards the annual philanthropic and leadership efforts of the young men within the chapter. Together this past year, the Palos Verdes chapter young men collectively invested 3,738 hours of their time volunteering within the Southbay and los Angeles communities!
class of 2024 Helmsman award Winner: William corry class of 2025 Helmsman award Winner: charlie Werts
MMCC Celebrates Seal Day & 30th Anniversary Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC)held it’s annual Seal Day Event and 30th Anniversary Celebration, June 18th from 10am – 4pm at MMCC. “Seal Day is a celebration for our community and a fundraiser to support the critical work we do for marine animals and ocean conservation.” said Amber Becerra, President Marine Mammal Care Center. The day included live music, food trucks, patient viewing, and more. www.marinemammalcare.org
Summer 2022 | PVMagazine | 29
community
AROUND TOWN
pv youth
Palos Verdes Chapter Celebrates Class of 2022 Seniors Photographed b y D i p a n D e s a i
National Charity League, Inc., Palos Verdes Chapter honored the Ticktocker Class of 2022 at its annual Senior Recognition at Terranea Resort. Each year this event recognizes the cumulative efforts and accomplishments of graduating Ticktockers as chapter and community leaders. “The 2022 Ticktocker class has spent considerable time volunteering in our community–collectively contributing thousands of philanthropy hours over the past six years,” notes 2021-22 NCL President Susan Rule Sandler. Remarkably, these young women have accomplished all this in the most difficult of circumstances. In the face of the pandemic and all of the disruption it brought to their lives, these Ticktockers did not retreat. Rather they showed tremendous resilience and reached out into their community to find ways to help. In doing so, they played a major role in our chapter being recognized by the National NCL organization with its Philanthropy Impact Award.
Susan and Sasha Theder were awarded the Mother/Daughter Award for completing a total of 772 philanthropy hours together over 6 years. Sasha Theder was also awarded the Senior Service Award for an astounding 1,230 volunteer hours during her 6 years in PVNCL! Other award recipients included Sophia Kim and Kellie Au, who each earned the Hourglass Award and Courtney Sugano, who received the Yellow Rosebud Award. The Palos Verdes Chapter of the National Charity League, Inc. was established in May 2004 and chartered in January 2006. Since our chapter began, mothers and daughters have donated tens of thousands of volunteer hours to over thirty-one philanthropies throughout the South Bay and Los Angeles area. This past year, our Chapter has volunteered more than 13,070 hours of service.
The seniors as they danced together to Taylor Swift’s “22”
The theme of the evening was Celeste
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pv history
Bringing Stories in the Local History Center to Life
Black Karakul Sheep Once Grazed the Palos Verdes Hills By Monique Sugimoto and Dennis Piotrowski Originally published in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News May 31, 2018
Photo of Boyd on horseback
Photographs tell a visual story on their own. When paired with the recorded experiences, memories and reflections of community members from days gone by, the story becomes even richer and more vivid. A small photograph collection of a Peninsula shepherd and the oral history interview of former Rolling Hills resident Gordon Shultz, recorded in 1976, tell the untold story of Bob Boyd, a little known Montana cowboy turned sheepherder, who grazed his sheep in the Palos Verdes hills for over 10 years. Boyd came to the Peninsula in the late 1930s and managed one of the largest flocks of “Karakul” sheep in Southern California. The Karakul, a hardy breed of sheep with distinctive black fur and fat tails, is native to the desert regions of modern day Uzbekistan. Boyd had three camps on the Peninsula: one near San Pedro, another on the west side of the Peninsula, and his winter camp, roughly near Silver Spur and Crenshaw. Shultz recalls how Boyd worked expertly with his border collies to keep the sheep together. Even though the dogs were far away, with a “shrill whistle” and a finger pointed to a few stray sheep, Boyd could get them to bring the sheep back into the flock. Shultz describes the sheep coming over the hills into the undeveloped Peninsula Center area “almost like a flow of water.” With his partner Addis Kelley, said to be the first to introduce the unusual sheep to California, Boyd started the California Karakul Breeders Association. They hoped to build the Karakul industry in California, keeping registers of breeders and sheep, and promoting mutton and other Karakul products. Ad campaigns for the Association included famous actresses, Peggy Lee and Peggy Dow, modeling clothing made of “kara” fabrics (kara-tweed, kara-flannel and kara-plaid). Peggy Dow was named “Ms. Bo-Peep of 1949.”
In just over a year, the Association had a membership of over 600 and changed its name to the American Karakul Breeders Association, reflecting the growing interest in the industry across the country. However, the industry had its share of problems. Unethical ranchers with get rich quick sheep raising schemes were partially to blame. One such rancher was H.K. Hemingway. Hemingway was charged and pleaded no contest to mail fraud by using the Postal Service to get customers to buy into his business. For Boyd, who was serious about developing the Karakul industry, these ranchers raised his ire. In a letter to noted cowboy, ranchman, author and friend, Frank M. King, Boyd wrote, ”I am still on the warpath with those damn Sheep Herders, the worst of the lot is the people who have entered the Karakul industry. I have seen cattlemen, hogmen, horsemen, sheep men but never in my whole [life] put together did I ever [see] such monkey business. It is no wonder the Karakul industry is where it is today.” In 1951, the bad press and loss of grazing land due to the boom in residential development on the Peninsula led Boyd to give up sheep and return to cattle raising. He moved to Upland, California only to die unexpectedly of a heart attack just three years later. A recorded interview of a long time Rolling Hills resident, a set of unique photographs of a shepherd and his flock grazing on the Peninsula hills, plus some good old gumshoe sleuthing, all come together to bring to life the story of a man, an industry and a unique slice of Peninsula history. Monique Sugimoto and Dennis Piotrowski are Adult Services Librarians at the PalosVerdes Library District. Image courtesy UCLA Library Special Collection, Los Angeles Times Photographic Archive. Article brought to you from the Palos Verdes Library District, Local History Center. For more information visit pvld.org/localhistory and/or the digital repository palosverdeshistory.org. If you have questions about local history email localhistory@pvld.org.
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community
Thr e e E v e n t s, One Hospital
Torrance Memorial Celebrates A Grand Opening, Golf Tournament & Women’s Heart Health It was another proud moment for Torrance Memorial Medical Center and our joint effort with Cedars-Sinai as we celebrated the opening of our new multi-specialty medical complex in El Segundo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony (June 2) and community open house (June 4). The complex offers Urgent Care, Endoscopy Center, blood draw station, imaging (July opening) and various physician offices including primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, gastroenterology and other specialties. The complex is located at the new Nash Street Exchange, 2110 E. El Segundo Blvd.
Community Open House outside the new building
Left to Right: EVP Torrance Memorial Health System, Keith Hobbs, CEO Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Tom Priselac, Chief of Staff, Zachary Gray, MD, CEO Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Craig Leach, Mayor of El Segundo, Drew Boyles, VP Torrance Memorial Physicians Network, Heidi Assigal
Rick Higgins, Mike Emenhiser, Craig Leach, Brandon Hovard Don Douthwright
Tim Rogers, Twana Rogers, John Rogers
Aaron McGinnis, Jim Scriba, Daniel Scriba, Jerry Soldner
Sal Gonzalez, Mike Ninnis, Steve Lopes, Dave Klein
In early May 110 women of the Ambassadors Program, a fundraising arm of the Torrance Memorial Foundation, gathered for a luncheon at Shade Redondo Hotel’s Horizon Ballroom. The women were there to hear about the Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute new Women’s Heart Health Clinic from director, Nadia Jafar Curran, MD. She spoke about the inequities and gap in cardiovascular care for women, emphasizing they are often undertreated, and that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. Dr. Curran stressed the importance of preventing heart disease by knowing risk factors and symptoms and having noninvasive testing to evaluate heart disease risks. Nadia Jafar Curran, MD is a cardiologist and director of the LLCVI. 2841 Lomita Blvd, Suite 100.
Front: Elizabeth Paul, MD, Charlotte Lesser, Sherry Kramer, Pam Crane Back: Nadia Antii, Elaine Gee, Barbara Bentley, Joanne Chang
Nadia Jafar Curran, MD, Judith Gassner
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It was another proud moment for Torrance Memorial Medical Center and our joint effort with Cedars-Sinai as we celebrated the opening of our new multi-specialty medical complex in El Segundo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony (June 2) and community open house (June 4). The complex offers Urgent Care, Endoscopy Center, blood draw station, imaging (July opening) and various physician offices including primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, gastroenterology and other specialties. The complex is located at the new Nash Street Exchange, 2110 E. El Segundo Blvd.
Front: Cynthia Williams, MD, Christy Abraham, Nadine Bobit, Kak McKinnie Back: Patricia Sacks, MD, Pat Lucy, Kathleen Krauthamer, Angela Furkioti, Judith Gassner, Ann Zimmerman
pv youth
The girls celebrated and danced to Taylor Swifts “22”
Peninsula Chapter Medallion Senior Recognition Reception P h o t o s b y D av i d N i c h o l s o n P h o t ography
The Peninsula Chapter of the National Charity League, Inc. celebrated its graduating high school seniors on March 5, 2022 at its Medallion Senior Recognition Reception. The reception took place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. Each senior Ticktocker was presented in a white dress ceremony that included a tribute to the girls and their six years of outstanding service and leadership. 2022 NCL Peninsula President, Wendy Turnbull, noted the significant contributions of the Class of 2022. Together, the 24 young women of the Class of 2022 Ticktockers volunteered over 14,461 hours over the course of six years with philanthropies serving our South Bay community. Grace Bonvechio was awarded the annual Brava Award, which is given to the senior Ticktocker with the most hours over the six years of membership. She had a total of 816 total hours. The National Charity League, Inc., offers mothers and daughters opportunities to strengthen their special bond while focusing on serving the community and developing future women leaders. The Peninsula Chapter owns and operates its own thrift shop in San Pedro. Completely volunteer-run by its mothers and daughters, the Ticktocker Thrift Shop raises revenue year-round to support college scholarships for local students and numerous philanthropies in the South Bay.
Brianna Kunich
Father-Daughter dance
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pv history
RPV 50th:
Spotlight on the City’s Hidden Jewels Wr i t t e n b y M e 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 E r i k Jay
Wayfarers CHAPEL Nestled in a grove of redwood trees on the bluffs overlooking Abalone Cove and the Pacific Ocean sits a grand 71 year old Rancho Palos Verdes treasure. As the city prepares to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, one of its crown jewels, the magnificent Wayfarers Chapel, may soon become a national historic landmark. The nomination by a unanimous vote of the National Park System Advisory Board’s National Historic Landmarks Committee, is the first in a three step process in gaining this important designation which would make the chapel eligible for federal investment tax credits and preservation grants. Conceived by Palos Verdes founding family member Narcissa Cox Vanderlip and members of a forward thinking Christian denomination that aims to facilitate spiritual connection for all people, the chapel was meant as a place wayfarers could stop, rest, meditate and give thanks to God. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Jr, the son of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1951, the Wayfarers Chapel is meant to be in harmony with nature and to blend in perfectly with the redwood trees. Prior to the pandemic the chapel hosted upwards of Photo by Erik Jay 200,000 visitors from around the world annually. It landed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places 2005 and has hosted hundreds of weddings, baptisms and memorials, all of which help pay for the upkeep. The chapel was in the midst of a $7.5 million dollar restoration when fundraising was cut short due the pandemic. Designation as a National Historic Landmark will significantly help with fundraising and preservation efforts in the future. The nomination now goes to the full National Park System Advisory Board, which would then recommend landmark designation to the Secretary of the Department of the Interior who has final approval.
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PV High Drama Students Win Seven JRAY Awards Including Including the Top Honor, The Broadway Artist Alliance Award and a Trip to New York City to Study Drama The JRAY (John Raitt Awards for Youth) mission is to promote and support high school education by recognizing musical theater excellence in performance and technical production, and to provide outstanding students with unique opportunities and professional exposure through the granting of awards and educational scholarships. Palos Verdes High School Drama just came off of a twoyear hiatus from performance competitions. “The last time that we were able to participate in the JRAY’s was in 2019 with our production of ‘Chicago,’ which was nominated for 16 awards.” says the highly successful PV High Drama Director, Nicole Thompson. PV High came home with seven JRAY Awards, including Musical Comedy of the Year (“Matilda”), Director of the Year (Nicole Thompson), Lead Actor in a Male Comedic Role (Sagan Barbour), Comedian of the Year (Caiden Falstrup-Finney), Featured Actor of the Year (Reese Lynch) and Stage Manager of the Year (Scarlet Bailey). Caiden Falstrup-Finney also took home JRAY’s top honor as a Broadway Artists Alliance of New York recipient. Broadway Artists Alliance hosts a summer intensive in New York City where students attend master classes taught by Tony Award winners and current Broadway performers and perform in a showcase for NYC’s top casting directors, agents, and managers. This is the 4th time that a PV High Drama student has received this top honor. Previous winners include Kyra Johnson (2014) for her role as Fiona in “Shrek”, Abby Mohaddes (2018) for her role as Hattie in “Kiss Me, Kate”, Hayden Kharrazi (2020) for his role as Billy Flynn in “Chicago.”“The opportunities that programs such as these give our students is incredible,” Nicole Thompson said. PV Drama alum Kyra Johnson booked the role of Sophie in the National Tour of Mamma Mia as a result of her JRAY win and participation in the Broadway Artists Alliance showcase. 2022 production of Matilda received 18 Nominations including: Musical Comedy of the Year Outstanding Ensemble, Stage Crew/Technical Execution, Director of the Year–Nicole Thompson, Choreographer of the Year–Niko Montelibano, Musical Director of the Year–Sue Secrist, Student Orchestra of the Year –Shellie Parkinson, Student Stage Manager of the Year–Scarlet Bailey, Lead Actor in a Male Comedic Role–Sagan Barbour, Lead Actor in a Female Dramatic Role–Mischa Kharrazi, Supporting Actress of the Year–Chloe Blue, Comedian of the Year–Caiden Falstrup-Finney and Joshua Jun, Comedienne of the Year–Charlotte Cicero, Featured Actor of the Year–Reese Lynch and Jake Weyrick, Outstanding Ensemble Member–Cami Klein and Jenny Grenna.
pv youth
All The World’s A Stage...
Matilda Cast with a few Crew & Pit members at the JRAYs
Nicole Thompson Drama Director, Palos Verdes High School, and Scarlet Bailey
A South Bay native, Nicole grew up in Hermosa Beach and attended Redondo Union High School. This year marks her 14th year as head of the Palos Verdes High School Drama Department. Named 2017 Educator of the Year, Nicole holds a BA in Dramatic Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a teaching credential in Drama/English from San Diego State University and has trained at New York University’s CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory. Prior to teaching at PVHS, she taught in San Diego at the Coronado School of the Arts, the La Jolla Playhouse and the Old Globe Theater.Nicole is a recipient of the Jerry Herman Award for Best Director (“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”) and JRAY Director of the Year (“Matilda”).
“ Going onstage to receive my JRAY and looking back at my peers gave me an overwhelming feeling of joy because we had all worked so hard for this. I’m just so happy to be back on stage with all of my friends doing what I love. To be given the opportunity to work with Broadway performers in New York is something I never imagined I would be doing.”
— Caiden Falstrup-Finney
Caiden Falstrup-Finney as Mr. Wormwood in Matilda
Summer 2022 | PVMagazine | 35
Thank you to our school families, alumni, business partners, corporate sponsors and community supporters for your generosity and dedication to our Palos Verdes Peninsula students in the 2021-2022 school year.
Your donation funds essential teachers and programs including counselors, elementary music, PE teachers, librarians, STEM programs, additional teachers and much more. Thank you!
And The Palos Verdes/South Bay/Beach Cities King Charles Cavalier Club Ali Beck is also known by many for her love for King Charles Cavalier Spaniels including her own darling fur baby, Cashmere. A California native, Ali and Cashmere have been seen on ABC’s “The Proposal” TV show, as well as riding on the strand in Manhattan Beach in their infamous pink beach cruiser with the license plate that reads “Cute and Cavalier.” Cashmere steals the show in her pink sunglasses riding in her dog bike basket, while Ali socializes with other dog lovers. Ali began the Palos Verdes Beach Cities Cavalier Club upon moving to the area from San Diego and Orange County, where she belonged to other similar organizations for “dog parents.” Ali said that starting a club for Cavalier owners has been one of the highlights of her year since moving to PV. The breed, which is known for its sweet and affectionate nature. Cavaliers are happy to be with people no matter the activity, love to snuggle and are equally enthusiastic about keeping you company on a great beach walk. Ali’s first meet up included a picnic with music and food at Trump National Golf Course. Join her and Cashmere for their next one titled “CAVS & COFFEE” on the Esplanade in Redondo on July 25 at 9:00 a.m. Enjoy a fabulous walk and a latte or smoothie
with your fur baby! Can’t make it to the beach fun? Attend Ali’s annual “Cavalier Halloween Costume Party” this coming October. “Socializing with fellow cavalier parents has proven network worthy, fun, and rewarding,” Ali said. Ali is a realtor at Coldwell Banker’s Malaga Cove office and says she hopes to one day write a children’s book about Cashmere!
Cashmere and Ali
Summer 2022 | PVMagazine | 37
pv pets
MEET CASHMERE
philanthropy
WABT Races To Help Those In Need
We Are Brave Together (WABT) serves and supports moms of children with all types of disabilities, diagnoses or unique needs. Jessica Patay founded We Are Brave Together when she was inspired by her own story and experience as a mom to a child with a disability. It began in 2003 when her second son, Ryan, was born and diagnosed with a rare, genetic disorder, called Prader-Willi syndrome. Within two days of receiving this diagnosis, she received a phone call from a mentor mom from the PraderWilli California Foundation. Immediately she felt relief and comfort knowing she was not alone. Today, WABT is part of an international community of over 1700 moms. She has helped launch dozens of support groups all over the United States, and in New Zealand and Australia, in the last five years. She is the host of the podcast, “Brave Together with Jessica Patay” found on Apple, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and Stitcher. Brave Together is in its 3rd season and has offered a library of inspirational stories and resources for moms in the trenches of caregiving. On Saturday, October 15, WABT is hosting its 3rd annual race to raise funds for the We Are Brave Together’s community of caregiving moms. Join in person or virtually from anywhere in the world. Racing virtually is a fabulous way friends and family can join the race fundraiser.
WABT founder Jessica Patay, and members Billie Short, Jessica Baer, Angela Gulliver, and Susanna Peace Lovell
The Patay family: Luke, Kate, Jessica, Chris, and Ryan
Last year’s event was a resounding success and racers were able to raise over $20K for WABT. This year, WABT hopes to meet a new goal of $30K. This money goes directly to supporting the programs, retreats, scholarships and Brave Together Podcast. The more they raise, the more moms they can help! Team member registration is open now through August. Register at this link: www.wearebravetogether. org/annual-race-2022. For questions or to be a corporate sponsor, reach out to Executive Director Jessica Patay at jpatay@wearebravetogether.org.
Race day, 2021
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DANA GRAHAM — TOP 1% IN THE NATION
Dana Graham finished 2021 among the Top 1% of all Berkshire Hathaway agents in the US. Some recent sales:
3101 Paseo Del Campo, PVE
2901 Via Victoria, PVE
20 Narcissa, RPV
6939 Beechfield, RPV
1557 Granvia Altamira, PVE
204 Via Alcance, PVE
6424 Via Canada, RPV
2545 Via Carrillo, PVE
3829 Via Palomino, PVE
Give me a call and we can discus why I am the best agent to sell your Palos Verdes home • 310 613-1076 Dana Graham
Palos Verdes Resident Since 1947 Top 10 PV agents (Listings Sold) Berkshire Hathaway Chairman’s Circle Platinum
(310) 265-2141 Direct (310)613-1076 Cell danagraham.com DRE #00877973
California Properties
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Questions to Ask Your Accountant and Financial Advisor
Contributed by Gre go r y B ec ke r
Planning for college tuition is on the minds of many parents. The graduation season is filling our rear-view mirror while the next term of classes obstructs the view of oncoming traffic. For those parents with young children, the answer to what college has in store for their family is uncertain. It could be Ivy League coupled with a Masters or it could be a two-year junior collegewith the student living at home before dropping out to pursue a career in wine making. In either event, President Eisenhower’s quote stays true: “ In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” Every advisor would agree that the earlier the planning begins, the more indispensable the planning is. For some, the issue is: how to start planning? As my family is preparing for my eldest son’s enrollment in Cal Poly Pomona, I thought it would be helpful to set forth three tax smart strategies to pay for college. My goal is to help motivate parents and grandparents to begin a dialogue with their advisors who will help determine what is prudent based on their situation. The three strategies to follow: 529 College Savings Plan: In general, distributions for qualified education expenses are federal income tax-free, but there is no deduction for funding the plan. Qualified education expenses can loosely be defined as tuition, books, equipment and supplies, room and board and computer expenses. 529 plans are flexible. The funds can move to other children, stepchildren and even nieces and nephews who are in the same generation as the beneficiary or a higher one. Each state has its own plan. The rules differ from state to state with some allowing non resident investment. Recently, the plan has expanded to K-12 and apprenticeships with certain limitations. A common way of funding a plan is through annual tax-free gifting. Under the annual gift exclusion, one can give to another $16,000 tax-free every year. (IRC 2503(b)) For those who want to fund a larger amount, there are two main strategies: First, the plan allows one to contribute five-years (5) of the annual exclusion up front without penalty. (IRC 529(c)(2)(B)). That is $80,000 up front for each donor/spouse. This may also be a smart way to maximize federal estate tax savings without using the life-
time exclusion from federal estate taxation. The second strategy requires the use of the lifetime gift tax exclusion to fund large gifts. The amount of the gift exceeding the annual gifting amount will lead to a corresponding reduction in the amount one can exclude from federal estate taxation. This strategy helps remove the gift’s future appreciation from the donor’s estate. Imagine a scenario where a grandparent makes a large gift at a grandchild’s birth. The gift appreciates $350,000 by the time the grandparent dies. Using 40% as the applicable federal estate tax rate, this strategy would save $140,000 from estate taxation. Contribute to a Roth-IRA: This is a choice for those who prioritize retirement growth. One can take early distributions without penalty if they are for education purposes and adhere to the five year rule. Withdraws are tax-free after 59 ½. Contributions to Roth-IRAs are not deductible. Money in a Roth-IRA may not count against college financial aid; however, money in a 529 plan may reduce the financial aid for which one can qualify. Hire Your Child: Hiring one’s child may have beneficial tax impacts depending on their age and whether your business reports on Schedule C or is a corporation. Hiring a child under eighteen years of age through a Schedule C may exempt the child and business from payroll taxes. If operating as a corporation or if a child is over eighteen years, the strategy is to provide the child a one-time-job instead of employing the child. Example: 40% bracket and the corporation will pay the child $24,000. The $24,000 is deducted from taxes which saves over $9,000. Child pays only $1,000 or so and is not subject to self-employment taxes. (Rev. Proc. 2021-45) As a bonus, the child may be able to contribute to an IRA and obtain a tax deduction against the child’s earnings. Again, in setting forth these three strategies it is my hope that I help others to begin the dialogue with their advisors. Before employing any of these strategies consultations with one’s CPA and Financial Advisor must occur as every family’s situation is different and the federal & state rules and regulations are ever-changing.
Gregory I. Becker, Esq. State Bar License 183059 The Law Office of Gregory I. Becker 1711 Via El Prado, Suite 103 Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Summer 2022 | PVMagazine | 43
PV professional
College Tuition Planning:
Integrity, Experience, Enthusiasm CL
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IDEAL “TOP OF THE HILL” LOCATION
26603 Nokomis Road, Rancho Palos Verdes Welcome to the ever-popular Blackhorse neighborhood and this fantastic four-bedroom, two-story home on a corner lot with vaulted ceilings, open floor plan, upgraded kitchen with center island, formal living and dining rooms, spacious family room, and even a first-floor bedroom. |
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1700 Espinosa Circle, PVE
CL
The upper floor offers three bedrooms, with one being a spacious master suite with a fireplace and walk-in closet. | With a park-like backyard with trees and a large patio, in-ground spa, and wonderfully fenced and landscaped, this property promises years of enjoyment. | $2,149,000
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Remodeled throughout. | Walls of glass and vaulted ceilings. Spacious 4 beds, office, and huge bonus room with bath. | Some view and an oversized lot in the heart of Lunada Bay.
Sales price: $600,000 OVER asking!
“Your care and attention in staging our home meant that when we prepared the house for the market, we had three offers within a day. The competition increased the sales price.” —J.A., Rancho Palos Verdes
COMING SOON! We have several properties that will be on the market in the next few weeks. Give us a call for information about them.
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Malaga Cove Plaza Palos Verdes Estates
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Creativity matters. Our commitment to Creative Living drives life-long learning, growth, and social and cultural connections. Here, you will find the settings, services, and amenities that support fun, fresh opportunities for self-expression and discovery. The Canterbury provides the choices you deserve, the freedoms you desire, and the flexibility you can count on. Make your next move your best move.
Schedule a personal tour: (310) 982-4025 thecanterbury.org
Celebrating 100 Years. Proudly nonprofit. 5801 Crestridge Rd. Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 | RCFE 191-603774, SNF 910000128, COA 257
Extraordinary properties, extraordinary representation. GERARD BISIGNANO is leading the way in coastal luxury properties. Visit coastalluxuryliving.com for information on the best homes on the Pacific Coast. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated
ONE-OF-A-KIND VINEYARD COMPOUND | 30 PORTUGUESE BEND RD, ROLLING HILLS “House of Dreams” is a 5 acre world class vineyard growing both award-willing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Originally designed by renowned architect / builder Ernie Hahn as his personal residence. 6 beds | 6 baths | 6,200 Sq Ft Home (approx.) on 5 acres (btv) | Offered at $16,500,000
JUST SOLD
PRIVACY, SERENITY AND LUXURY | 3401 VÍA LA SELVA, PALOS VERDES ESTATES This inviting family home sits on an oversized corner lot in the best section of the highly-desired Valmonte area of Palos Verdes Estates. Co-listed with Meghan Harris of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty | 310.854.9667 5 Beds | 5 Baths | 3,810 Sq Ft Home | 9,667 Sq Ft Lot | Call Gerard for Details
MORE COASTAL LUXURY LISTINGS COMING SOON!
THE BISIGNANO GROUP DOREEN WRIGHT | GERARD BISIGNANO | TIANA CAPPER | GIANNI CANTU
310.990.4727 | gerard@vistasir.com 16 Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates + 3300 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach
@gerard_bisignano_coastal_lux coastalluxuryliving.com Broker, DRE #01116110
SOARING MODERN LUXURY | 5905 CLINT PLACE, RANCHO PALOS VERDES Some of the most amazing views in Palos Verdes. Co-listed with Alicia Greene and Robyn Biener of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty. 4 beds | 4.5 baths | 4,799 Sq Ft Home (approx.) | 14,775 Sq Ft Lot (btv) | Offered at $5,488,000
JUST SOLD SOLD JUST
SPACIOUS MOUNTAIN GETAWAY | 24848 MATTERHORN COURT, CRESTLINE Take in the light of this home from the oversized living room, where the beauty of the lake and surrounding forest are visible from the ample oversized glass doors and windows. Ideal for entertaining, the home features a chef’s kitchen with top of the line appliances. 3 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,473 Sq Ft Home | 16,170 Sq Ft Lot | Call Gerard for Details
CALL US AT 310.990.4727 FOR FULL DETAILS.
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