Palisades News - February 2024

How an Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis Led to the Founding of One of West L.A.’s Best Bakeries

Laurel Gallucci Changed Her Own Diet Before Doing the Same For Many Angelinos

By Zach Armstrong

It’s horrifying to have a chronic disease, especially when your whole life’s ahead of you. Laurel Gallucci’s career, interests and ambitions were put in jeopardy by her mid-20s with a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease; an autoimmune disorder attacking the thyroid gland. She took a year off her school teaching job. She couldn’t continue as a pilates instructor. Her plans to become a mother were questioned as she wasn’t ovulating properly. Even walking upstairs was hard.

The disease robbed her of energy and

nearly everything else.

However, one disruption was easy to address: a change in diet. Gallucci needed to cut off inflammatory foods such as refined sugar, gluten, grains and dairy. No problem. Raised by a cardiologist father who always encouraged substituting ingredients, she knew she could find a way to still enjoy her favorite delicacies.

Soon, she was known in her social circle as the friend that always brought the healthy version of a dessert to any occasion. One day, after bringing her gluten-free chocolate caramel cake to a party, her cooking got a momentous stamp of approval. Future cofounder Claire Thomas, an avid foodie, loved the dessert and insisted Gallucci take things next level.

This is how Palisades Village’s own Sweet Laurel bakery came to be. After merely a few years of launching an online business for delivery and hosting local workshops, Gallucci and Thomas opened her own flagship store in 2018 which now stands as one of the preeminent bakeries

of West L.A. Using ingredients absent of gluten, grain, dairy and refined sugar, Sweet Laurel offers an array of delectable baked goods such as its Pretty Pink Cake, Vanilla Maple Cake, Keto Blueberry Muffins, Apple Pop Tarts and Chocolate Caramel Cake (the one Laurel served Claire; now its best-selling item).

Sweet Laurel has found itself in households nationwide in more ways than one. Its chocolate cake mix is available for purchase at Erewhon, Bristol Farms and Gelson’s. And for those who have an appetite for homemade cooking, two cookbooks authored by the founders offer provisions on its top items.

A wide range of food publications and critics have sung their praises for the eatery. Meggen Harris of Forbes introduced her feature article on the business by stating “I am a sucker for healthier-for-you desserts that actually taste good. They aren’t easy to find. So, when I do find them, my inclination is to share the discovery with others.”

Indulging in healthy alternatives has perked up the life, not only of Sweet Laurel’s customers, but of Gallucci as well. Her autoimmune disease saw a full remission after her dietary change. She has energy. She digests food normally. And she has two beautiful children. None of which could be accomplished during the peak of her illness’ ravages.

But while Sweet Laurel maintains its nutritious appeal, Gallucci says only around 40% of her clientele make orders due to dietary restriction. The other 60% are those who simply have a sweet tooth, but are trying to avoid the subsequent guilt.

Palisadian Bike Trail Collapses After Atmospheric River Storm

Images showed a large portion of the trail, in fact nearly spanning its entire width, had collapsed

By Zach Armstrong

The historic storm that passed over Los Angeles this week took its toll on Pacific Palisades with the destruction of a bike trail.

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail was temporarily closed between Chautauqua Blvd. and Entrada Dr. after suffering severe

storm damage, Los Angeles County Public Works posted on X. Images showed a large portion of the trail, in fact nearly spanning its entire width, had collapsed.

“Please steer clear of this stretch and stay tuned for future updates.” stated the department on its Feb. 7 post.

The trail, sometimes referred to as the Beach Bike Path or the Coastal Bike Trail, is a 22-mile paved path that runs along

the shoreline of Santa Monica Bay from Will Rogers State Beach down to Torrance County Beach. The damaged portion is near the Roosevelt Pedestrian Tunnel.

The incident comes as Southern California experienced a downpour caused by an atmospheric river resulting in over seven inches of rain around Santa Monica, according to the National Weather Service.

“Les Misérables” Comes to Pierson Playhouse

Engaging a cast of 54 students, aged 7 to 17, from various schools spanning Pacific Palisades to Pasadena

The youth and teen divisions of Theatre Palisades present “Les Misérables School Edition,” a Tony Award–winning French musical adaptation, at the Pierson Playhouse from February 23 to March 3.

Engaging a cast of 54 students, aged 7 to 17, from various schools spanning Pacific Palisades to Pasadena, the production presents a rendition of one of the most beloved and timeless musicals.

Directed by Lara Ganz, the show delves into themes of love, redemption, and sacrifice in the face of adversity, delivering a message that resonates particularly in today’s context. The narrative unfolds in 19th-century France, where Jean Valjean’s journey from petty thief to an honest man becomes a testament to faith and hope amid dire circumstances. The relentless pursuit

by Inspector Javert and the backdrop of a student uprising contribute to the emotional depth of the story.

Ganz, inspired by her own impactful encounter with “Les Misérables” on Broadway during her youth, expressed a calling to stage the production, emphasizing its enduring relevance to contemporary global issues. The musical, known for its memorable score, has garnered over 100 international awards and holds the distinction of being the world’s longestrunning musical.

In addition to the captivating performances, the production boasts innovative costumes designed by Gillian Calof, TPY Costume Designer and sustainability advocate. Incorporating elements from past, present, and future with an eco-conscious approach, Calof repurposed materials, contributing to the overall theme of social justice embedded in “Les Misérables.” Collaborating with David Montgomery, Vanessa Schachter, and multimedia artist Zoë Poledouris-Roché, the costume team presents a dystopian vision, merging Steam Punk aesthetics with the Paris Uprising of 1832.

For more information, go to https:// theatrepalisades.org/youth/

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Home Invasion Leads to Police Pursuit

Following a home invasion, the suspect navigated through city streets

As reported by CBS news, a suspect involved in an armed home invasion in Pacific Palisades led the Los Angeles Police Department on a pursuit across multiple cities.

Following the home invasion, the suspect navigated through city streets

before entering the I-405 Freeway, exiting in Inglewood. The pursuit continued to Torrance, where the suspect abandoned the vehicle. Despite law enforcement closely tailing him, they were unable to apprehend the suspect immediately, as he sought refuge in a nearby apartment, initiating a standoff.

The incident unfolded around 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 2.

Approximately an hour later, the suspect voluntarily surrendered to authorities, bringing the pursuit and standoff to a conclusion.

Rotary Club Names Businessman of the Year

His Firm Stands as One of L.A.’s Top Independent Real Estate Businesses

By Zach Armstrong

The Palisades Rotary Club honored Anthony Marguleas, founder and owner of Amalfi Estates, as Rotary Businessman of the Year.

Marguleas, who says his residential brokerage has assisted approximately 1,400 families with real estate services, founded Amalfi Estates in 1995. According to LinkedIn, the firm stands as one of L.A.’s top independent real estate businesses, recently ranked by the Wall Street Journal as a top 10 U.S. team out of more than 2 million agents and teams. Included in his $2 billion property sales record is the recent $63.1 million transaction for the Hearst Estate. Marguleas obtained degrees from UC Riverside, USC and Harvard Business

School.

Through Amalfi Estates’ charitable giving initiative, Marguleas says he takes honor in helping more than 50,000 families. The initiative’s charity partners include Make-a-Wish, The American Cancer Society, The People Concern, Homeboy Industries and Heal the Bay, according to LinkedIn. According to an article by Leverage, Amalfi Estates’ giving efforts have resulted in achievements including 92 cancer patients and caregivers receiving one week of lodging and 7,795 meals being provided to the homelessness.

“I am honored to receive the Rotary Businessman of the Year Award from the Palisades Rotary Club.” said Marguleas in an email. “They do fantastic work in the community and have recognized some amazing individuals and companies with this award.”

Downtown L.A. and the Pacific Ocean

By Zach Armstrong

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Downtown Wellness Center Bridges Gap Between Psychedelics

By Zach Armstrong

The solution isn’t OUT there. It’s IN there… Somewhere deep within yourself.

In the field of alternative therapies, there is an emerging interest in psychedelics and deep meditation. However, those practices have their own limitations. Even the most fundamental forms of meditation require patience on top of long-term periods of practice in order to hone the skill. And while LSD, psilocybin, DMT and other psychoactive drugs offer an eye-opening journey (your third eye that is), users may be vulnerable to negative episodes and loss of control to exit the trip when they want.

Reality Center, a Santa Monica-based startup bridges these gaps with what the founders term, “digital psychedelics.” Located at 1428 2nd Street, Reality Center has the calming feel of a therapist’s office, quietly removed from the bustle of the Promenade, just outside.

At one end of the treatment chamber, a relaxing space reminiscent of a massage area within a recording studio, enhanced with lysergic decor, clients meet the one who synchronizes all of the elements of a treatment, a ’Reality Manager’ who directs the session from behind a set up of controls. This person takes on the dual role of therapist and DJ. Based on co-founder Don Estes’ theory of ‘Sensory Resonance,’ which posits that the autonomic nervous system can be reset by harmonizing its various senses, the reality manager mixes the sound and visuals of the technology just right for the client to enter a nearmeditative state.

During 30 minute to hour-long sessions, a client lies on a wave table, which is basically a massage table-size waterbed filled with minerals which regulate the vibrating impedance of two 15-inch transducers (akin to subwoofers) embedded

at the base. A pair of noise-canceling headphones are placed over the client’s ears, an additional small transducer (in the form of a stuffed animal dolphin) is placed over the heart and two LED visor lights are placed over the eyes. All of these elements are synchronized to the same frequency, manifesting a psychedelic-style journey for the client, while he or she closes their eyes, exuding no effort for the experience to come.

I underwent a one-hour session. I can’t recount every single emotion or interpretation I felt. But what I envisioned was a non-stop exhibition of ornate patterns featuring every shape with every shade of every color; rapidly morphing and spiraling before my eyes. At one point, it appeared as though I was propelled down a tunnel walled in colorful symmetries. At another, I hovered above what seemed like a planet surrounded by a billion specks of dust. For whatever reason, I interpreted these specks as the individual souls of every breathing organism of the universe. That we are all

one, together, connected in complex ways.

But no two clients have the same experience. Often, their emotional reactions, and resulting shifts in mentality, correspond to their particular trauma or stress. For example, if a client has difficulty connecting with others, they may no longer feel that struggle after a session. These experiences often trigger tears of relief, said Reality Center Co-Founder Jonathan Chia.

A combat infantry veteran of the Iraq War, Chia founded Reality Center two years ago alongside partners Tarun Raj, Don Estes and Benji Tucker. After obtaining a degree in digital photography, he enjoyed a career photographing and directing multimedia content for some of the world’s biggest brands, celebrities, thought leaders and politicians. Like many veterans, he initially turned to drugs and alcohol as a path to self-medication. His business partner, Raj, introduced him to a better way of alleviating pain: Reiki; an energy healing technique using soft hand motions. Concurrently, he was documenting and working with nonprofits that provide experiences like - hiking with psychedelics, golf with meditation and various equestrian programs. He saw how those organizations integrated mindfulness practices that fast tracked his own well-being and did the same for entire communities. Eight years later, he made the entrepreneurial move to foster more of that healing with Reality Center.

While the center is available to the general public for a fee, it has played somewhat of a charitable role within the community. Since undergoing her own session, Dr. Gina Gallivan, Lead Clinical Psychologist for over 60 local agencies, has partnered with the center to refer clients (police, first responders, firemen, etc). According to Chia, 500 veterans in the last two years have been provided free sessions through partnerships with organizations like Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and Veteran Care Group.

One segment of clientele which Reality Center has seen results from are those suffering the loss of a loved one, hoping to connect with them on the other side, but never feeling their presence or energy.

Chia says one client, the widow of a police officer, couldn’t sleep since her partner was killed in the line of duty. When her session finished, she felt rejuvenated but didn’t feel she could connect with her husband. The next morning, however, she texted Chia ebullient news: Not only had she slept through the entire night, she dreamt. Not only did she dream, she dreamt of her husband. In her dream, she explained, he looked happy and told her, “I love you.”

“All of the work we have done in the Veteran community has enabled us to reach the front door of other communities like police, firefighters, first responders, doctors and clinicians,” said Chia.

Future plans include selling individual devices for customers to replicate the experience within the comfort of their home. An annual subscription for an App, along with purchases of goggles and transducers (controlled by the App), may be offered as soon as Winter of 2025. An expansion of Reality Centers is also anticipated soon across major U.S. cities.

Find Harmony at IntoMeSea: Unveiling

Santa Monica’s Quantum Wellness Hub

A Look Into the Healing Studio and Interview with Owner Jen Williams

IntoMeSea, a healing wellness studio located at 1812 Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica, radiates peacefulness and calm in a turbulent world. Owner and creator Jen Williams opened the studio in November of 2021 and is having a bit of a pop culture moment since the studio and its services were featured in the February 20 episode of Vanderpump Rules.

The building was designed by environmental architect David Hertz, a leader in sustainable architecture and regenerative design. He has decades of experience in the practice and innovation of green building; the building itself is steeped in beautiful and environmentally conscious design. If it can be said that a building has an aura, IntoMeSea’s studio has one, which is noticeable as you approach it.

I spoke with owner Jen Williams about the studio and all it offers to residents of Santa Monica and beyond.

Dolores Quintana: Tell me a little about IntoMeSea

Jen Williams: We call it Quantum Wellness Studio because we tap into wellness aspects that aren’t typically common in most other places. We have floatation therapy and energetic soaking in crystal tubs, gigantic quartz crystal tubs. We have infrared saunas. We have a halotherapy salt chamber, which is great for the microbiome of our lungs, which is on everyone’s minds since so many people are getting sick. It’s great for that and the immune system and so forth.

We also have fire and ice, which is contrast therapy with the cold plunge and the infrared sauna. We also have a cool light called a Lucia number three; it’s technically a hypnagogic light, which will put a person into the state of hypnagogia, which is the state between wakefulness and sleep, which actually stimulates alpha and theta brainwaves. It activates the pineal gland. It’s great for insomnia, anxiety and depression. It boosts serotonin levels and increases melatonin output. It’s not to be mistaken with what people think of light therapy as red light therapy; we do have red light in the infrared saunas. If needed, that’s where someone can get the red light, their boost of red light.

Dolores Quintana: So IntoMeSea has a lot of therapies that are centered on wellness, as well as events, correct? Please tell me more about the wellness events.

Jen Williams: We have an event space, and we call it the labyrinth room. There’s a gigantic labyrinth that’s been hand-painted

on the floor. The events range from a Full Moon monthly Tarot ceremony with a local tarot reader, Fabio, who is amazing, to past life regression and tea ceremonies to sound baths and breathwork.

We do a weekly breath church on Sundays. There are embodiment and movement classes inspired by movement and dance, breath work, and cacao ceremonies. It really ranges the gamut of energetic work and spirituality work. We don’t prescribe to any one type of spirituality; we like to include everything. It’s a great complement to the services because the services help integrate the work that’s done in a lot of the events.

Dolores Quintana: So you find that the events and services work together harmoniously.

Jen Williams: Very harmonious, and many times, somebody could come and have this fantastic breathwork event and experience these breakthroughs. Then, they can try a float tank and integrate that or in the crystal tub, and many of the services also work well together.

Say somebody wants to work on manifestation. They can do the Lucia Light followed by a session in a crystal tub so that whatever comes up for a person in a Lucia Light service, they can then integrate into the crystal tub service, which is about manifestation and intention setting.

Dolores Quintana: Some of the services might be useful in dealing with issues that

someone has in their lives from past events.

Jen Williams: I mean, yeah. If somebody wants to work through clearing blockages or feels stuck somewhere, the Lucia lights are great for that, as well as the crystal tub. We are not therapists; we’re not doctors. We can’t diagnose or treat any particular thing; we want to create a space to allow a person to move through their own experiences.

Dolores Quintana: Could it be used for people who may be at a place where they feel like they want to make some kind of breakthrough? Maybe they want to get through a stagnant period, say they’re low energy, or there may be a specific issue they can’t resolve. If they have repetitive thoughts about something that happened and it is bothering them, but they want just to get away, not get away from it, but help themselves process it because our brains are part of our bodies, so they affect how our body feels and functions.

Jen Williams: Absolutely. The space helps people break through old patterns or old belief systems. We also have an intimacies co-creator. Her name is Martha Lockie, and she does Akashic Records readings. You can book a reading with Martha, especially if they have repetitive patterns or something keeps showing up in their life—a type of relationship or job or, specific thought patterns, and so forth. Martha can do an Akashic Records reading, and Martha has been trained in Akashic Records readings and has been

accessing it for many years. She provides a mantra that’s practiced and so forth, and she can guide the person to pinpoint those specific things they might need assistance with. Then, they can integrate it either in a float tank in the crystal tub, with the Lucia light, or a combination of them. Some of the services have physical health aspects, but we also have energetic health aspects as well.

Dolores Quintana: Is there anything else that you might like our readers to know?

Jen Williams: We’re a green business. Everything we do is green-certified with the City of Santa Monica. We really care about the planet, and so forth, sustainability and all our, you know, as much of our packaging as we can do possibly is, you know, either biodegradable plastics or you know, like even when it comes to like our little cellophane wrappers for our Q tips and cotton, cotton pads and so forth, you know, we try to keep everything as green as possible. And if anybody wants to book, they can book directly on the website.

When I originally came up with the concept of IntoMeSea, it was really important for me to create a space where people could come and find their authenticity and connect to their authentic selves. Those people could then collectively take that sense of authenticity into the world.

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Become Fit ‘N’ Fab Forever With At Home Personal Training

By Susan Payne

“Age is a number, fitness is a lifestyle.”

Santa Monica personal trainer Betsy Mendel truly believes this. Over the last 20 years, Mendel has enjoyed seeing the natural progression of her clients become happier and healthier as they commit to moving their bodies.

This year, Mendel has rebranded her business to encompass a broader spectrum of clients, ages 50 or above, that want to be “Fit n Fab Forever.”

Empowering individuals to unlock their full potential is Mendel’s mission.

By providing personalized, results-driven fitness programs, she prioritizes your health and wellness. Through her expert guidance, motivational support and her commitment to a positive and supportive environment, Mendel wants to inspire and guide clients on their journey to achieve fitness goals,

Fit and Fab Forever

Move a muscle, change a mood. As you start moving your body, you start feeling good, taking better care of yourself and making healthier food choices. It’s a natural progression,” Mendel said.

With personal at-home training, Mendel allows her clients the convenience and comfort of their own home, helping them become stronger and giving them the confidence to rebrand their own lifestyle. Whether that be moving more, making improved choices in their personal diets, or wanting to feel stronger, healthier, or more flexible, Mendel meets clients where they are, designs a plan to reach and exceed their goals, and starts them on a journey to live their best life ever.

“During the initial consultation, we go over their goals, if they have injuries, what they’ve been doing, or want to do, and we get to know each other and see if it’s a good fit,” Mendel said. “I love this part because I can share my passion for fitness and ensure that we are on the path to achieving a happier and healthier lifestyle.”

After a thorough review of health histories, Mendel integrates cardio, weights, flexibility and stretching, into a plan customized for each client, depending on their history and capabilities. With a flexible schedule, Mendel sets aside time with each client and is often an accountability partner for them.

“Most people just want to get in better shape and stay active. They want to be able to play pickleball, or get on the floor with their grandchildren, they just want to feel better. I’ve seen clients go from lacking confidence, not thinking they can do it, to looking forward to the workout and seeing that lifestyle change and how far they’ve come. It’s a beautiful transformation,” she said.

Although she specializes in ages 50 and

above, Mendel welcomes clients of all ages, and even couples who wish to get stronger together.

“I have couples that train together and they really enjoy the togetherness and bonding experience,” Mendel said.

“It’s important to stay in shape as you get older. A lot of people want to work out, but don’t feel comfortable in a gym. Some are lacking accountability, but they have it coming now with Fit n Fab Forever. Being able to work out from home, I strive to make them feel at ease.”

With 20 years of experience, Mendel has culminated a wealth of success stories and testimonials from her clients:

“All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you! You’ve made such a difference in my life!”

To get in touch with Betsy Mendel and get a custom workout schedule in place, visit fitnfabforever.com, or email westsidebetsy@gmail.com. Better yet, call or text 310-980-1477.

One Whole Life: Health Starts in Your Gut

Los Angeles-based broth company, OWL Venice, is on a mission to heal the world. OWL stands for One Whole Life and they believe that to heal the world, you must first heal yourself, which is where their Reset cleanse comes in.

The OWL Reset combines the wisdom of Chinese medicine, ayurveda and chronobiology. On the Reset, their broth elixirs and plant-based shakes work synergistically to provide a simple, powerful way to maintain your gastrointestinal health and digestion.

Broth is an effective way to treat intestinal permeability, but OWL Venice bone broth elixirs aren’t like other traditional stock. They are free of inflammatory foods like onion and garlic, and simmered with healing herbs that reduce inflammation, heal the gut and aid in digestion. They are formulated to be sipped like tea and provide healing benefits from both the plants and bones.

While other cleanse programs deplete the body of essential nutrients, the OWL Reset is formulated to nourish the body, heal the gut and promote holistic wellness. Packed with healing herbs, minerals, collagen, protein and key superfoods, this is a modern day cleanse that helps people curb cravings and manage weight while restoring and repairing the gastrointestinal system, commonly known as the gut.

But, why reset?

OWL founder Lindsey Wilson says the word cleanse implies that you may not already be clean to begin with, but your body is actually healing itself all the time.

“Our body uses about 60% of its energy on digesting food. So, the idea of switching to an all-liquid reset is that the body is able to spend less energy digesting food and more energy doing what it does best, which is repairing and healing the body,” Wilson says.

Currently, OWL offers chicken, turkey, beef, bison and vegan mineral broth elixirs in a four-, six- and eight-day reset cleanse program to heal and seal the gut. Each day of the Reset comprises three broth elixirs and three organic mylkshakes, a nourishing blend of hemp hearts, veggies,

roots and functional herbs designed to improve digestive performance and reduce inflammation.

“Resetting helps you re-establish healthier habits and reconnect you with those hunger cues so you realize when you’re eating because you’re hungry versus when you’re eating because you’re tired, lonely, stressed or sad,” Wilson said.

“Spring and summer are the best times to have a lower caloric intake. A traditional reset I would recommend only in summer because it is hotter and the body is better able to digest raw foods,” Wilson said. “However, the OWL Reset is designed to be done year-round because of its warm broths and whole fruit and vegetable shakes.”

OWL products are void of common food

A beneficial time to detoxify the body and tap into increased energy and confidence, clearer skin, reduced stress, stable adrenals and a healthier lifestyle, is spring, right around the corner.

allergens such as gluten, dairy, garlic, nuts, onion, added sugar and inflammatory ingredients. Using chronobiology, the idea of eating foods at a specific time of day based on a living organism’s utilization of

light as indirect energy, each ingredient in the reset intentionally considers alignment with circadian rhythm. This supports prime digestion and absorption of nutrients morning, afternoon and evening.

If you feel hungry during the reset, OWL includes a list of cleanse-approved foods that won’t negate the benefits of the Reset. Because there’s no one-size-fitsall approach to health and nutrition, OWL encourages listening to your body and finding routines, practices and preferences that work for you.

“The OWL Reset is designed for bioindividuality, taking into account those who have to follow various restrictive diets or protocols to heal digestive issues, those with autoimmune conditions, or anyone that has a compromised gut. We work with a specific list of ingredients to make the reset as approachable as possible,” Wilson said.

OWL Venice products are sold throughout Los Angeles county and OWL’s brick and mortar location in Venice at 1613 Abbot Kinney Boulevard. To explore bone broth elixirs, mylkshakes, supplements and skincare products and learn more about the OWL Reset, visit owlvenice.com.

Rec Center Volleyball Gets a Boost Thanks to Generous Donation

The center kicked off its volleyball program last year and is eager to see it blossom

By Zach Armstrong

As the Palisades Recreation Center seeks to grow its volleyball programs, a generous donation is giving it the boost it needs.

Haldis Topple, along with her family, presented a $10,000 check for volleyball activities to expand at the rec. Topple, who’s son has experienced an impressive

The center kicked off its volleyball program last year and is eager to see it blossom in popularity. This Spring, it seeks to hold its girls program with four teams in each division. Sign ups will be held Feb. 7 while a date for evaluations has yet to be determined. The rec aims to eventually see its leagues play in citywide championships and offer clinics.

Two volleyball systems have been set up at the center’s big gym. The programs are operated by staff and led by Palisadian local Jimmy Taylor.

volleyball career playing at the professional level, wanted local kids to be able to take on the sport themselves, according to a staff member at the center.

Bruce Lurie Gallery Unveils “Give Us Our Flowers” Exhibition

Philoche’s painting style incorporates vintage subjects to convey a tribute to the resilience of human spirit.

Bruce Lurie Gallery presents an exhibition featuring the latest creations from artist Guy Stanley Philoche. Titled “Give Us Our Flowers,” the showcase reflects Philoche’s color field painting style, incorporating vintage subjects to convey a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.

The exhibit runs February 24th to March 18. Through a lens influenced by the black experience, Philoche crafts a universal message emphasizing the transformative power of compassion and joy, transcending societal boundaries.

According to a post from Patch.com, Philoche’s pieces grace public and private collections, including those of George Clooney, Uma Thurman, Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, Barclay Investments, and Google.

Female-Owned Whiskey Brand by Santa Monica Locals Finds Its Way in L.A. Restaurants

Cassia, Lunetta, Gold-Diggers and Esters Wine Shop Are Among Those Carrying the Brand

By Zach Armstrong

Whiskey is traditionally viewed as a male-oriented drink and, consequently, usually presented with a male aesthetic. This made an idea start brewing for Santa Monica locals Anna Axster and Wendelin Von Schroder (also cousins) to break the mold.

Lodestar Whiskey, launched by the female duo in 2023, blends straight highrye bourbon and American single malt whiskey to include notes of caramel, citrus and warm baking spice. While the liquor can be purchased online for $45, Angelinos can find Lodestar in restaurants, bars and shops including SurfRider Hotel MaliBU, Cassia, Lunetta, Gold-Diggers, Esters Wine Shop, Local Kitchen & Wine Bar and Roadrunner Spirits.

Anna and Wendelin’s journey to become whiskey entrepreneurs originated during their career in the entertainment, music and film industry. As they traveled around the world, they indulged in various high quality whiskey brands. However, the predominantly male-appeal given off from

them was unquestionable. Once Covid-19 brought the entertainment business to a halt, the pair seized the opportunity to pivot to their passions and began creating their own blend of the classic drink.

“We wanted to create something that fits our lifestyle,” said Axster. “Something to consume in versatile ways. Something with different syrup strategies. Something that can be consumed neat or on the rocks. Something that works as a shot and is not too heavy or syrupy. Something that works as a cocktail. Something that steers away from the idea that whiskey has to be high proof.”

Several obstacles and cumbersome experiences were endured by the founders while launching the brand. For example, the licensing process can be more tedious than one might expect. And because whiskey includes an aging process, it’s difficult for entrepreneurs to secure funding to navigate the supply chain. Luckily for Anna and Wendelin, these troubles were untangled with the help of Distill Ventures; an accelerator backed by multinational alcoholic beverage company Diageo whose brands include Guinness, Smirnoff, Baileys liqueur and Captain Morgan rum.

Another barrier to growing a liquor brand is how crowded the space can feel. For Anna and Wendelin, the key is focusing on their own story while staying true to a mission of building and connecting a solid community.

Photo by Ed Gandara