Tableau Magazine Summer 2022

TABLEAU JU N E/ J ULY 2 0 2 2 I SSUE

F R O M K I TC H E N TA B L E M A R K E T I N G

HAUTE SHOPS + EATS THE BEST STAYCATIONS EMERGING ARTISTS + NEW BOOKS

YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER

DAY TRIPS, BEACH READS, NEW RESTAURANTS, GETTING OUTDOORS + GIVING BACK

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L E TTER FRO M T HE EDI TOR Welcome to the summer issue of Tableau Magazine!

Summer promises more unstructured, free-wheeling days with lots of sunshine — and, hopefully, some new adventures, new discoveries, and new memories made.

It’s in this spirit that we bring you stories and features to help you savor the season — all developed just for you by some of the region’s best writers.

Get ready to dive into: • The new restaurants and shops you’ll want to discover now, including a tour of L.A.’s hottest new upscale shopping, dining and wellness destination • A charity that will inspire you to support kids and their families who need your help • Your curated list of summer beach and vacation reads from our favorite independent bookstore • The ultimate guide to staycations and day trips And, of course, there’s much more to enjoy and discover in Tableau’s beautiful pages!

Please visit our website at TableauOfficial.com and follow us on social at @tableauofficial for updates all season long.

Wishing you all a splendid, safe and sunshine-filled summer!

Carrie Freitas carrie@kitchentablepr.com  @tableauofficial  @tableauoc

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[ CONTENTS ]

JUNE/JULY 2022

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Contributors

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By Design

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Take Note

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Of Interest

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What’s New

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Getaway

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Do Good

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Summer Reads

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Wellness

Photos courtesy of Vuori, Big Bear Mountain Resort, @curiousgabe, and Burger Monster

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OUR CONTRI BUTORS Sara Hall Sara has nearly 14 years of experience at several daily and weekly newspapers, including The Record Searchlight in Redding, The Daily Advocate in Greenville, Ohio, the Newport Beach Independent, and most recently at Stu News Newport and Stu News Laguna. Her work has included photography, writing, design and layout. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and pets.

Alyssa Swanson Hamilton Alyssa is a lifelong Southern California resident. She has been writing professionally for over 20 years, primarily for health websites and magazines. She is an MFA candidate at Sierra Nevada University and is currently working on a novel. She enjoys biohacking and preventative health practices, full soil immersion in her native garden, and spending time with her two teenage sons and their black Lab named Bear.

Allison Hata Allison Hata is a freelance writer and editor based in Southern California. She lives and breathes OC, covering food, style, design and culture around town for over a decade. A former editor for Newport Beach Magazine, Allison is passionate about telling stories that capture the fascinating people and places that shape her community. Her work has appeared locally in Modern Luxury, Pelican Hill Magazine, Design OC and more.

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Michelle Pierce Michelle Pierce is the owner of Lido Village Books in Newport Beach, California since 2020. Later this summer, she will be opening Malibu Village Books in Malibu. An avid reader, she loves hanging at the bookstore, meeting new people and hearing their stories. Stop by and let her know which was your favorite summer read.

Amy Senk Amy is a CDM resident and a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism. She has worked at the Kansas City Times, Kansas City Star, Contra Costa Times, Coast Kids and Coast Magazines, and is a regular contributor to StuNews Newport. A recent empty nester, she spends her free time with her husband and planning elaborate imaginary vacations.

TA BL E AU STA F F

AKA The Kitchen Table Marketing Team Carrie Freitas, Editor-in-Chief + Publisher Miki Akil Lauren Burgos

Natalie Nieto Ruby Trestik Kristen Cagatao

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TA K E N OT E

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By Natalie Nieto and Sara Hall

Artfully Curated For You A revolutionary industry leader for unique and innovative stone, luxury tile, and plumbing products, Ann Sacks creates a flawless conjunction of form and function allowing for vivid storytelling within the home.

Founded in 1981, Ann Sacks has built its reputation with experienced designers by focusing on the innate beauty of eco-friendly materials to create tranquility within each space. Ann Sacks is now open at SOCO and The OC Mix, the ultimate design and culinary experience. annsacks.com | IG: @annsacks

Photos courtesy of Ann Sacks, Ana Paz, and Burger Monster

Hair-apist As an experienced hair guru, Ana Paz has achieved milestones in the hair industry for over 15 years. She gradually climbed her way up from freelancing and renting stations to becoming a renowned beauty professional and owner of The Salon by Ana Paz Hair at SOCO and The OC Mix. She strives to individualize all services to cater and connect with each client, while providing premium hair care products, luxury hair tools, and handmade hair accessories. ​​Prospective clients can book appointments online for a full-service salon experience offering hair coloring, cuts, and styling services. anapazhair.com | IG: @anapazhair

Scary Bites A concept that started as a food truck committed to quality food and exceptional service, this new storefront at SteelCraft Bellflower is Burger Monster’s second brick and mortar location. The eccentric burger stand fearlessly focuses on serving handmade menu items made with top-of-the-line ingredients such as buttery brioche buns, which are baked each morning, and scratch-made sauces that complement the all-natural Angus chuck beef.

Burger Monster’s delicious array of classic horror film-themed burgers and sides conjure up spine-chilling flavor combinations bringing a fun twist to SteelCraft’s dining mix. burgermonster.net | IG: @ocburgermonster

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Mimosas, Eggs Benedict, and French Toast, Oh My! Paragon Café has launched a new classy, full-scale restaurant at SOCO and The OC Mix. Known as simply Paragon, this restaurant fulfills every Sunday brunch desire with luxurious dishes such as the cinnamon-crusted bananas Foster French toast. Chef Dean Isom brings true talent and passion to each mouthwatering dish and holds his flavors to the highest standard, as the fresh ingredients seen on each plate are sourced from local farmers markets and served at peak quality. The restaurant provides an exceptional dining experience with reimagined breakfast and brunch classics, a gorgeous craft cocktail array, and live music. paragoncafeoc.com | IG: @paragoncostamesa

Summer Kool Down The newly established Koolberry concept was created by Kat Vacharabul, owner of Hangry Belly, a fierce burger joint also located at SteelCraft Long Beach. Koolberry brings a selection of fresh acai bowls made with 100-percent fruit and all-natural, locally sourced ingredients, as well as well-dressed milkshakes and handmade treats. Instead of just focusing on acai, Kat wanted to expand the brand and offer homemade desserts made with real, quality ingredients. Koolberry is now open at SteelCraft, just in time for the upcoming summer season. koolberry.square.site | IG: @koolberryx

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Photos courtesy of Paragon Café, Koolberry, and Ron Yeo

Trash Reimagined Discarded brooms, bottlecaps, and beach toys. Others may call it trash, but Ron Yeo calls it art. The longtime Corona del Mar resident is a self-admitted “collector,” and his unique artwork started as he picked up plastic during his morning beach walks. He soon became a “mini recycling center” and converted his architectural office on Jasmine Avenue into an art studio. Others refer to his work as junk art or urban art, but he calls it fun. With so much hate and anger in the world, he tries to create something that has the power to astonish and delight. “My art gives everybody the chance to smile,” Ron says. By cleaning up the beaches, he’s had a positive impact on the environment and hopes his art inspires people to rethink plastic debris. “I think that every time someone looks at my art creations, it makes them aware of our throwaway society, our landfills, and the pandemic plastic ocean pollution problem,” Ron says. “We can do better. … No one can do everything, but everyone can do something to help ignite a global revolution to end plastic waste by creating art.” yeocapart.com | IG: @yogayeo42

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WH AT’S NEW THE SHOPS AT SPORTSMEN’S LODGE IN STUDIO CITY

By Natalie Nieto A daily oasis for shopping, dining and wellness, The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge is the new go-to destination in the Valley. Located in the heart of Studio City, this reimagined lifestyle center offers visitors a unique shopping and dining experience equipped with an A-list roster of retail, dining, and wellness tenants curated for sophisticated Angelenos. Visitors can enjoy bites from renowned eateries like Sugarfish, stock up on wellness goodies from Erewhon, browse the center’s high-end shops such as Vuori and Reformation, and indulge in premium services at wellness hubs like Next Health. This upscale yet casual center is a must-visit spot for your next trip to L.A. — here are a few favorites you can experience now at The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge!

Athleisure Laid-back, chill, and on-the-go describes California in a nutshell. Vuori wraps up the coastal lifestyle in each piece of its performance apparel, integrating its own perspective of fitness, surf, and general sports. Each item is designed to withstand intense activity, but also keeps in mind the effortless look everybody craves and ensures comfort for everyday wear. vuoriclothing.com | IG: @vuoriclothing

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Photos courtesy of Vuori, Myodetox, and HiHo

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger Feeling aches and pains daily? Like maintaining your car, the team of professional physical therapists and chiropractors at Myodetox believe our bodies need regular tune-ups to relieve the wear and tear we add to our muscles and joints every day. This Studio City wellness center is the ultimate place to recover and futureproof your body, offering full-body treatments that can align your posture and build your strength. After an initial one-hour assessment, myofascial treatment will help decrease tension and corrective exercises will help give you control over your new range of motion — ensuring the pain remains gone for good. myodetox.com IG: @myodetox

HiHo for Waygu When it comes to burgers, HiHo does not play around. So, what’s the secret to this new restaurant’s success? Wagyu. Using 100-percent grass-fed wagyu, sustainably raised at First Light Farms with no antibiotics, GMOs, or hormones, HiHo Cheeseburger takes pride in its beef. There’s a new name in the burger business, and you definitely want to stop here for an elevated old-fashioned classic served with from-scratch shakes and house-made desserts like banana cream pie. hiho.la | IG: @hihocheeseburger

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Modern Mexican Flavor For this modern Mexican restaurant, it all began in Venice, Calif. Today, Tocaya has locations across two states, serving a variety of Mexican traditions while spreading its mission for better eating. From tacos, burritos and melty quesadillas to fresh bowls and salads, each menu item is prepared with your health in mind. This eccentric and soulful place won’t deprive you of eating well and feeling great — plus, it’s great for vegans and meat eaters alike who aspire to fill their stomachs with nutritional food! tocaya.com | IG: @tocayaorganica

Certified Fresh Welcome to Erewhon: an upscale health food store selling you the nutritious and delicious whole foods. Its goal is to motivate members to eat and live a healthy and long-lasting lifestyle. While healthy habits are one factor at Erewhon, the mission can’t be executed without acquiring the finest goods on the market from places such as farms that grow only the best organic products available in Los Angeles. Start the next step to a better lifestyle here — you’re not only supporting yourself, but others as well. erewhonmarket.com | IG: @erewhonmarket

Get Moving!

This is where boho chic meets gym-ready style. Free People Movement creates top-of-the-line activewear with the latest trends in mind. Plus, serving looks isn’t the only trick up their sleeve. The clothing brand believes in achieving balance both inside and out, offering beauty and wellness products like skincare, self-care books, and supplements. freepeople.com | IG: @fpmovement

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Photos courtesy of Tocaya, Erewhon, Free People Movement, Sugarfish and Madison Reed

Sushi, Nozawa-Style People always debate where you can find the best sushi spot in town. No need to look any further than Chef Kazunori Nozawa’s Sugarfish, a restaurant dedicated to serving only the finest Japanese cuisine. This traditional restaurant provides a stellar experience with sushi prepped with care and detailed to perfection. From fresh sashimi to a la carte sushi and hand rolls, the simplicity makes the food so unique and exquisitely delicious. Don’t miss limited offers on menu items such as sweet shrimp, anago, and salmon eggs! To book a table at Sugarfish is a real treat if you’re a diehard sushi fan looking to experience traditional and classic Japanese delicacies. sugarfishsushi.com | IG: @​​sugarfishbynozawa

Love is in the Hair Named after her daughter, Madison Reed, Amy Errett created her superior hair color brand around authentic and innovative values with the sole purpose of helping every client build confidence. Under each foil comes a promise of quality, as each award-winning color is tailor-made in Italy with “Smart 8”-free ingredients (no ammonia, PPD, resorcinol, parabens, phthalates, gluten, SLS, or titanium dioxide). Madison Reed is committed to improving the community outside the salon by donating to highly acclaimed organizations and using Leaping Bunny-certified products that are cruelty-free and animal-friendly. madison-reed.com | IG: @madisonreed

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DO GOO D MAXLOVE PROJECT’S FOUNDER’S VOW: THIS IS GOING TO GET PAID FORWARD

By Amy Senk It began with a turtle nightlight that created magical green stars that seemed to have healing powers. Or maybe it began earlier, when a multitude of colleagues pooled their sick and vacation days to give Audra Wilford a year’s paid time to take care of her child with cancer.

But as Audra sat with her son during those weeks in 2011, when he was in and out of the ICU, the spark of the idea for the MaxLove Project took root. Today, the nonprofit serves about 1,200 families every year through live events like cooking classes and a free app that offers a safe community for families facing childhood cancer.

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Photos courtesy of MaxLove Project

Audra entered that labyrinth without warning. Max, then 4 years old, was having morning headaches and vomiting, but his doctor thought it was sinus infection. One day, his school called to say that he couldn’t walk and was falling over. When he later fell off his bunkbed ladder and couldn’t stand up, Audra asked her husband to intervene.

“You need to call the pediatrician because I think the pediatrician thinks I’m this crazy mom,” she told him.

His call worked. An MRI was scheduled for two days later. “I thought sure he had an inner ear infection or something really gnarly going on that was intense and persistent,” she says. “Maybe he needed ear surgery or something.”

At the hospital, a physician pulled her aside and asked her to sit down.

“I’d seen the sit-down on TV shows,” she says. “I know when they tell you [to] sit down, they have something to tell you. They said, ‘Your son has a lifethreatening condition.’”

Immediately, she and Max were in an emergency ambulance, headed to CHOC (Children’s Health of Orange County).

“I was thrown into the world,” she says. “We were surrounded by nurses and a chaplain and got in the ambulance and went up to CHOC for emergency surgery.”

Max had a brain tumor, and while the first surgery prevented what was sure to be a fatal brain hemorrhage, surgeons were unable to remove the entire tumor. Had they waited, she learned later, he would likely have died, with seizures and worse only days away.

There was no time for second opinions, no time for WebMD research. The fear was intense and overwhelming, and the situation was incomprehensible at first.

“It’s slow disclosure because your brain will only take in so much,” she says. “You’re coping to survive. It was two-and-a-half weeks into it and we’re in the ICU still, and I look at our case manager and I asked, ‘Is this … cancer?’ And she said, ‘Oh, mama, yes…’

But no one had used the word with me. It was quite a process of coming into acceptance of our situation.”

Max was in the hospital for nearly a month. An oncologist had come to talk to them about starting treatment right away, as well the need for physical and occupational therapy.

That’s when the human resources department called to tell Audra she had no more sick leave, no more vacation days. She could take unpaid leave, but her husband was in graduate school, and she was the main earner. She carried their insurance.

“It was devastating,” she says. “I was sitting there in the ICU and didn’t know how this was going to work.

It’s such a common story, unfortunately.”

At the time, Audra was the director of student life at Saddleback College, and her colleagues came to her rescue.

“They put together a crisis leave program,” she says.

“Within days, they had collected enough vacation and sick time to give me one year, fully paid, with insurance [and] benefits, to take care of Max. It was just incredible. People from the groundskeepers to the president and everyone in between gave to it.”

She remembers sitting there filled with awe and gratitude and thinking, “This is going to get paid forward. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I have to find a way to help other people going through this.”

It was, she says, her first inkling of a mission of giving back.

“I see the need everywhere, left and right now,” she says. “And I’m a doer. My coping through this was by doing and caring and investing. That’s how I coped with my own pain. I needed to do something about these problems I was seeing.”

But first, Max needed her.

“Our surgeon on day two said, ‘Treatment is not going to work for Max. … As soon as his quality of life suffers, … please agree to stop treatment. Let’s just focus on his quality of life.’ He was saying Max won’t survive.”

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Her husband thought he meant end-of-life care.

“I heard, ‘You’re giving me something to do — thank you!’” she says.

The doctor’s bleak news gave Audra a focus, a goal that was not a cure but rather something realistic and attainable — if she could figure it out. She quickly embraced integrated care, which she describes as a way of supplementing standard cancer treatments of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery with acupuncture, whole foods, stress management, physical activity, quality sleep, and more.

“That blending gives the patient and family the best chance of having good days, the best chance of thriving, the best chance of feeling good,” she says.

“That was our goal. It wasn’t a cure because we weren’t given that sense that a cure was for Max. But quality of life was the goal, and that seemed to be attainable if we could find it.”

With a 4-year-old, they decided to begin with focusing on the language they used to talk about his cancer, to find ways to use words to empower him.

Normal cells were the good guys. Cancer cells were the bad guys, and the bad guys wanted to get to his brain because his brain is awesome. And the good guy medicine and superpower medicine — chemo and broccoli — helped the good guys in the battle.

“We had him working with Play-Doh, where he would

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Photos courtesy of MaxLove Project

make the tumor with Play-Doh, and then he would obliterate it with other Play-Doh, kind of like play therapy,” she says. “What I found as a parent was I actually needed that narrative shift. I needed the good guys and bad guys at that point in time.”

The family changed their diets by eliminating added sugars and eating basic, whole foods. They hired a physical therapist to work with Max at local playgrounds. He joined a karate class for kids with special needs that got him standing and walking again, and he tried equine therapy. Bedtime, for the first time, became a thing. And acupuncture, the days before and after chemo, had amazing results.

His medical team seemed skeptical at first, warning that if his healthy diet resulted in weight loss they’d have to stop. But Max never had infections, never needed a blood transfusion. Eventually, the team started to ask for details of what they were doing.

Always, Audra says, they worked with the doctors as a team.

The shock had eased, but Max had struggles, including a new fear of the dark. Audra splurged on a $32 Twilight Turtle nightlight, which projected gentle green stars throughout his room.

“He said, ‘Look, Mommy, those are healing stars.’ I was holding back tears. He took the turtle and put it up to the back of his head, where his big scar

“For people in parts of the country who don’t have access to great care, a huge part of our mission is to bridge those gaps by providing this support,” she says.

These days, she said, Max is 15 and doing well. He has been on an oral targeted inhibitor for the last 2.5 years ($40,000 a month, delivered by mail on ice).

He’s discovered weightlifting, and the family’s move to Savannah, Georgia, last year has allowed him to leave behind his reputation as the “cancer kid who was once on Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

was, and he said, ‘Look, Mommy, I’m healing.’ At that point, I said every child in the hospital needs one. I was overwhelmed by how beautiful it was.

This was the first time I saw him do something for himself in his healing process. It was like his first moment of self-empowerment.”

She wrote to the company, Cloud b, to inquire about purchasing the lights wholesale. Instead, the company donated them. They later had a garage sale to pay for shipping to families they had met in online chat rooms, and they dropped the lights off at CHOC. When she realized the company might want a receipt for its donation, she created the MaxLove Project.

The MaxLove Project began with gifting nightlights, but soon it became a way for members of the childhood cancer world to connect and bond. They explained integrative care and whole foods nutrition.

Audra, a former line chef, shared recipes and hosted cooking classes and has a cookbook coming out later this year.

“He’s had the chance to define himself,” Audra says.

“He hasn’t introduced himself as a cancer survivor to any of his friends. He’s been able to, at 15, decide how he wants to do that and manage that. Cancer does not define his life.”

The move has allowed for the MaxLove Project to expand. Audra is opening an office in Georgia and replicating many of the Orange County events, like the recent MaxLove Project Farm Walk at Tanaka Farms. She is in California five times a year and annual events, like the Farm to Fork dinner scheduled for Sept. 17, will continue.

Ultimately, she says, it’s all about offering support and assistance to families who are navigating the roughest seas imaginable.

“There’s no guidebook, there’s no training,” she says.

“You are in shock, and you are surviving trauma. It’s what all parents face. They need support. A huge part of our mission is to provide that.”

For more information about MaxLove Project, please visit maxloveproject.org.

“In the first 10 years we were doing a lot of organic, research [and] development type of work, trying to figure out programs,” she says. “In our second 10 years, we’re getting to the place where we are focused on sustainability and scalability.”

The organization’s app, she says, is filled with e-learning opportunities and courses developed by experts. It also features mental health support, nurse coaches, and dieticians.

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W E LLNESS Mercado Laguna

By Alyssa Swanson Hamilton When you walk into Summer Tarango’s Mercado Laguna at 912 North Coast Highway, you know immediately that this shop was manifested by a longtime Laguna Beach local. There is an easy intimacy there, a clean, sunny white space with high ceilings and an ocean cross-breeze. Mercado Laguna is spelled out in vintage metal letters that originally adorned a Mexican liquor store, procured by lucky happenstance in an auction. Stacks of fresh, vibrant seasonal produce — Little Gem lettuce, Harry’s Berries, edible flowers — share space with her own brand of Summer’s Table meal kits, premade salads, sandwiches, bowls, pastured specialty meats, eggs, gourmet groceries, and fresh bread.

Other delectables include coffee from local purveyors Jedidiah Coffee, Meet the Source vegan and gluten-free raw treats, and De La Calle tepache sodas.

Always a person who keeps cultivating community first and foremost in her mind, Summer brought in a few close friends and business owners to join her in her newest endeavor. Sussanna Davidson, owner of French Buckets in Laguna Beach and Lido Isle, shares her famous fresh and dried flowers in a pop-up store.

Molly Rossettie, owner of Hi Sweetheart Gift Boutique in La Jolla, offers unique greeting cards, playful gifts, totes, and party supplies. Online boutique owner and curator Gayle Jarrett sells vintage tabletop items such

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Photos courtesy of @curiousgabe

as vases, dishes, and baskets. And Embry Munsey, coowner of Jedidiah Coffee, provides her popular local coffee and her seasoned business acumen.

“I want Mercado Laguna to embody a neighborhood market; it’s not just a brand extension for Summer’s Table,” Summer says.

She grew up in the bohemian enclave of Laguna Canyon, and the organic farm-to-table lifestyle was something she was immersed in practically from birth.

“In the ’70s, my mom, Vijaya, ran the Laguna food co-op in the canyon. I spent a lot of time with her there, watching her work,” she says. “There was also a health food store in north Laguna called Nirvana, whose name later became the inspiration for my sister Lindsay’s restaurant, Nirvana Grille.

“My mom was always very dedicated to our health,” Summer continues, recalling lovingly prepared vegetarian meals and hand-cranked homemade ice cream with honey and vanilla. “Because she ran the co-op, my mom would order natural frozen treats, and give them to the ice cream man when he came around in his truck so we could ‘buy’ the treats from him.”

Junk food was “not an option,” she says with a laugh.

In junior high, she began learning how to make her own meals. Raised vegetarian, she felt ready to branch out and was encouraged by her mother to always use high-quality ingredients, including pastured, hormone-free meat. She discovered early on that she had a knack for putting dishes together, taking great satisfaction in creating her own menus.

Summer put down roots in the food industry as the operations manager for Z Pizza, working for owner Sid Fanarof. She held that position for 14 years until she was blindsided by a breast cancer diagnosis in November 2017. Sid gave her time off from her job during her treatment and afterward, allowing her time to heal and process.

eating more vegetables and trying a wider variety of foods because of her creative offerings.

When COVID-19 hit, she was barely testing the waters and had just moved into a shared commercial kitchen space.

“I was in the right place at the right time for a lockdown,” she says. “We even did a brief grocery pop-up behind Sourced Collective in Laguna Beach, where people could drive right to it and pick up groceries.”

Business tripled in 2020, and Summer never looked back. The commercial kitchen in Laguna Canyon is now hers. After a year-long remodel, Summer’s Table is back to delivering meal kits all around Orange County. And Mercado Laguna opened on May 5.

What can we look forward to in the near future from Mercado Laguna?

“We plan on doing charcuterie and floral arranging classes, and lots of other workshops,” she says.

Additionally, her store will offer a farmers market popup on Thursday mornings.

“What’s unique about Mercado Laguna is that it’s a constantly evolving creative space,” she says. “It’s a specialty market, but it’s so much more than that. I’m really excited about what we’ve created.”

Mercado Laguna is open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Tuesdays). summerstable.com IG: @mercado_laguna

“It was a time of powerful reassessment,” Summer says. “I started to think deeply about where I wanted my life to go. While I was recovering, a lot of ideas were percolating.”

She and her partner, Ed Benrock, drummer for the popular Americana band Jamestown Revival, availed themselves of countless meal kits during her oftengrueling weeks of cancer treatments. “They were a lifesaver,” she says. And, as it turned out, an inspiration.

She sat down with Sid and told him she was ready to try a business on her own. He gave her his full support.

Summer’s Table was launched shortly thereafter.

“Once my treatment was done, I created a clunky post on Instagram advertising my own hand-delivered meal kits, starting with friends and family,” she says.

An early hit? Tomatillo mint salsa verde enchiladas.

“That was definitely a favorite,” she says, recalling how several of her friends reported their children were

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BY D ESI GN BITS AN D MASTERPIECES: A SUM M ER A RT S HOWCASE

By Allison Hata California is a cultural enclave. It’s where artists gather, dream, innovate, and create. It’s the birthplace of plein-air painting and where a group of creatives fashioned a new kind of minimalism, the Light and Space movement. No single style defines the West Coast — here, you’ll find thoughtprovoking works across all genres and styles.

This summer, discover four talented creatives whose work embodies the eclectic spirit of the Golden State. These colorful artists draw on emotion to create stunning pieces, from minimalist portraits to mesmerizing patterned canvases that tell stories through shape, form, depth and dimension.

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Photos courtesy of Whitney Castro and Courtney Seabrooks

Whitney Castro Raised in the Santa Cruz mountains, Whitney Castro enjoyed a childhood of artistic and playful freedom.

From a young age, she identified as an artist, exploring shapes and colors with a childlike curiosity that she continues to bring to her work today. As a painter of minimalist portraits, Whitney is now inspired by the female presence found in the abundant expressions of gender in our world.

“As I experience it, feminine energy is such a physical place of safety and strength and my pieces attempt to capture that through very simple shapes, forms and colors,” she says. Each piece in her original series, The Word Woman, is named “woman” in a different language, from Hawaiian to Polish, Portuguese, Danish, and more. “However, as my pieces have evolved (and I run out of languages) I find myself naming them after women I don't know but I know exist out there — fictional to me, real to someone,” Whitney explains.

She creates pieces that can exist calmly within a space, bringing a moment of serenity among the beautiful chaos of a well-lived life. Whitney’s paintings and prints (and commission request information) can be found online at whitneycastro. com, with select pieces available at Serena and Lily. whitneycastro.com | IG: @whitney___castro

Courtney Seabrooks By approaching each blank canvas the way a child would — totally free — Oceanside-based artist Courtney Seabrooks has developed a unique style that radiates raw, positive energy. Abstract shapes and neutral colors are abundant in her sustainable canvas paintings, created using clay, natural paints, and recycled materials to carry the message of care, intention, and connection.

“Right now, [my inspiration] is the warmth of the sun with summer just around the corner and the way the sunlight dances and glitters on the surface of the

ocean,” Courtney says. Her sources of inspiration change daily, from the earth’s natural lines to different textures and forms she sees around her. It’s a style resulting from years spent practicing the mechanical and technical aspects of painting, and studying the philosophies of artists like Ruth Asawa, Helen Frankenthaler, and Frida Kahlo.

“Nowadays, I try to go into a painting completely free from the influence of everything I’ve seen before and try to create a new experience for myself and the collector. “...I’m working on a large, 48-by-48-inch abstract piece right now that is beginning to look like so many things. I’m enjoying it because my daughter keeps telling me what she sees in it and I keep getting inspired by what she points out.”

Find Courtney’s work at Strange House, her online home for original paintings and stock lists. She also accepts commission requests here, collaborating closely with clients to create everything from canvas and paper works to large-scale abstract pieces, indoor murals and sculptures. strangehouse.shop | IG: @the.strange.house

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Michael Callas Though Los Angeles-based artist Michael Callas left architectural school to pursue a career in the visual arts, he brought with him a sharp eye for detail and

unrivaled precision. Using spray paint and hand-cut individual stencils, Michael creates vivid paintings rooted in pop art, street art and graphic design — many inspired by his architectural studies, from elaborate interiors to electric-hued exteriors that feel as though you can walk through the front door.

Drafting, mapping and individually cutting templates is methodical work, yet the result is wildly creative.

Like with most art, the devil is in the details: dozens of individual origami cranes as the leaves of a bonsai tree; small clocks in his color-changing “Case Study” series that reference the before, during and after of a nuclear bomb test in New Mexico; or glow-inthe-dark effects that change the entire composition of a painting. Every work is deeply thoughtful and invites audiences to view the world through his lens, including appropriations of iconic works like “American Gothic” and Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.”

Michael Callas, “Untitled, 2021,” Spray Paint and Stencil on Canvas, 80 x 80 in

Michael’s work is on display this summer at JoAnne Artman Gallery in Laguna Beach as part of the Summer Lovin’ group exhibition, open through Aug. 15. | IG: @michaelacallas

Mary Finlayson Mary Finlayson paints as though she has a window into our everyday lives. There’s a little something that speaks to all of us, from the doting plant parent to the book collector who may or may not get around to tidying the ever-growing piles on the living room floor.

In her vibrantly colored paintings of interiors, Mary transforms the mundane — stacks of books, blooming plants, cluttered credenzas — into something magical through her dynamic use of color, repetitive patterns and distorted form.

With a signature flattened perspective and crowded composition, every scene implores viewers to cast reality aside and embrace the feeling of the curated space. Each interior is inherently personal, filled with important objects (some imagined) that tell the story of the people who inhabit the room. Originally from Canada and now based in San Francisco, Mary is also showing her work at JoAnne Artman Gallery in the Summer Lovin’ exhibition. If you’re looking for a commission, she paints from both photos and still lives. paintedmary.squarespace.com IG: @painted_mary

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Mary Finlayson, “This is Not My Book and Flowers,” Silk on Cotton (Tapestry), 60 x 48 in

OF I NTEREST P R OT E C T I N G THE GREAT OU TDOORS

By Sara Hall As more people head outdoors for recreation, nature lovers can better appreciate the environment if they understand the native habitat. Take the golden hills of wild mustard, for example: While it creates a pretty landscape, this invasive plant can wreak havoc on the natural ecosystem in Southern California.

Native plants are the foundation of ecosystems, and it’s important to conserve them in their respective habitats, says Liv O’Keeffe, California Native Plant Society’s (CNPS) senior director of public affairs “When we remove those plants, we impact not just the plants but the wildlife and watersheds they support,” Liv explains. “When we save plants, we save everything else.”

Most experts agree that invasive organisms — primarily plants — are the second largest threat to biodiversity, second only to habitat loss from development and urbanization, notes Ron Vanderhoff, a CNPS Orange County chapter board member.

Invasive plants threaten endangered and sensitive species, interfere with recreation, and cause significant impacts to hydrology and water use, such as clogging waterways or sucking up the limited supply of water.

Photos courtesy of Laura Camp

They are a nuisance in other ways too, including on taxpayers’ wallets. According to the California Invasive Plant Council, it costs California an estimated $82 million annually for control, monitoring, and outreach, although the total expenditure of actual ecosystem impacts is difficult to quantify. This figure also doesn’t include efforts on federal, county, city, private, or other non-state-owned lands.

It’s also a distressingly ironic circumstance that fuel breaks and “fire suppression” zones adjacent to housing are hot spots for invasive plants. These

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annual grasses, black mustard, et cetera) are rarely, if ever, eradicated from the site,” Matthew adds.

“Instead, the focus is cover reduction.”

While focusing on the overall CNPS mission of conserving California native plants and their natural habitats, the local OC chapter also aims to protect local wildlands, build nature gardens, and have fun.

On its website, a dynamic list of local invasive plants — from yellow star thistle to the aromatic stinkwort — can be viewed at any time for identification and reporting purposes.

fire-managed areas create an invitation for invasive plants to colonize them, which in turn increases the potential for fire ignition. It’s a challenging and complicated scenario, Ron says.

Here in Southern California, outdoor enthusiasts have likely passed by some intrusive vegetation and not even known it. Ron explains they can be found at trailheads or adjacent parking areas, along roadway and railroad sidings adjacent to open space, near green waste facilities, and in and adjacent to freshwater waterways and flood control channels.

“The reason for these locations is obvious: People, pets, vehicles, and equipment often are the vehicles for moving invasives plants into new areas and spreading them,” Ron says. “Seeds adhere to pant legs, socks and boots, as well as to animals, vehicles, and equipment. Seeds also are easily moved to new areas through soil that is moved.”

Restoration Across O.C.

For nature lovers who want to see the restoration work in action, a handful of accessible project locations include: Crystal Cove State Park; Bolsa Chica bluffs adjacent to Harriett M. Wieder Park in Huntington Beach; Aliso Creek and Pectin Reef in Aliso Viejo; the Big Bend area in Laguna Beach; and Shady Canyon, Bommer Canyon, and Turtle Rock in Irvine. Ongoing projects also take place in Big Canyon along the Back Bay and Buck Gully in Newport Beach, Talbert Park in Costa Mesa, and Irvine Ranch Open Space.

Where Native Plants Thrive From backcountry wilderness areas to the shores of south county, there are myriad spots across O.C. that CNPS board members recommend visiting if you want to see California native plants thriving.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park has quite a broad appeal for plant lovers, suggests Dan Songster. “Not quite as wild as some spots (it is almost right up against civilization), it does hold many species of wildflowers, some rare, some common, but all a delight in season,” he says. “Besides the lovely flowers, butterflies, and wildlife, one finds the only natural lake in our county and a hub of learning about Orange County’s plants and wildlife at the Nix Nature Center.”

There are several Orange County locations where invasive plants took over, but the natural habitat has since been restored or is in the process of restoration, says CNPS Orange County chapter board member Matthew Garrambone. He says that projects across the county are in various stages of implementation, from the planning phase to complete.

“It’s worth noting that widespread weeds (non-native

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Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Wallace, David Pryor, and Dan Songster

Down the coast a bit, Elizabeth Wallace suggests the Dana Point Headlands. “I first visited about three years ago and was delighted to see a pristine native wild land,” she says.

which are native and which are invasive, will make a huge impact,” he says. “It’s nice to just go for a walk and enjoy all the plants, but the real value is to learn a little bit about them at the same time.”

Brad Jenkins, CNPS Orange County’s chapter president, notes San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary as a surprising place that most people might be unaware of (although bird photographers know this place well). Meandering trails, tall vegetation, and a couple of ponds help visitors feel far away from the surrounding city.

CNPS Orange County is a great place to look when seeking out this knowledge. The group offers more than a dozen field trips every year led by experts, often bringing visitors to the most interesting and beautiful native plant locations in the county.

“Native plants grow high and dense, completely obscuring apartment complexes to the west and north,” Brad says. “For immersion and relaxation in flourishing native greenery, walk the trails in the north section.”

Other nearby spots worth checking out include Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park in San Juan Capistrano, Santiago Oaks Regional Park in Orange, and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Trabuco Canyon.

Ron also suggested occasionally visiting these areas with an expert interpreter.

“Having a native plant expert along to identify the various plants, talk about their interactions with other wildlife, their special features, and other details, and

It’s also a great resource for gardeners. At home, Brad recommends California buckwheat as a great starter plant. It’s an evergreen shrub and features the perfect balance of garden-friendly aesthetics and high nature value. Its frilly clusters of small, white flowers are also a popular pollen choice for dozens of butterflies in the state.

“Our region has many more plants that fit just about every garden situation,” Brad says, and pointed budding gardeners to the CNPS website calscape. org for simple ways to search for plants and learn more.

Whether you’re a home gardener or a nature enthusiast, remember: The more you know about your natural environment, the more you can appreciate it.

For more information, visit occnps.org.

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GETAWAY

BEST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA STAYCATION IDEAS FOR LOCALS

By Sara Hall Visitors flock to Southern California all year long for beach vacations, desert escapes, and Hollywood glamour.

During the right time of year, someone can travel from sand to snow within a few hours.

But what about SoCal residents? When you live in a destination location, you might dream of taking a holiday elsewhere. But if high gas costs, inflation, and COVID-19 are keeping you from traveling too far, you can enjoy a classic California vacation and still feel like you’re getting away from it all.

We’ve rounded up the best staycations near Los Angeles and Orange County. There’s something for everyone: families, romantic couples, and even solo travelers. If you’re looking for a private stretch of sand, mountain hiking trails, some poolside lounging, or a place to sip wine and shop, there’s no need to travel far for a fun getaway.

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Photos courtesy of Visit Ventura

Ventura: The Beach Town for Locals Southern California has no shortage of coastal cities, each excelling in its own specific way. Head to Laguna Beach for an artists’ colony, check out San Diego if you want wild animals and big city benefits, or drive to the start of Route 66 in Santa Monica for classic carnival fun on the pier.

But these destinations also have something in common: They’re packed with tourists. It’s for good reason, as they offer visitor-focused services, beautiful beaches, and a variety of activities. It can also be a positive advantage for the city, with tourismdriven dollars stimulating the local economy.

“I think we’re a lot quieter than a lot of Southern California beach towns,” Ken says. “In a world that is often a lot of noise and rush, we’re sort of an antidote. We specialize in quiet moments; those are the moments that matter. Life is short and there can never be enough of those special moments.”

But for Southern California residents who want their own seaside vacation, Ventura is the beach town for locals. It offers similar benefits, but the crowds are noticeably absent. And there’s lots of free parking.

Ken suggests Mother’s Beach, also known as Harbor Cove, as a great spot to swim or bring the kids to play in the water. It’s tucked into the Ventura Harbor and offers a safe beach experience.

That’s not to say there aren’t lines or that parking is always plentiful, particularly on hot summer weekends or busy holidays, said Ken McAlpine, communications coordinator for Visit Ventura and a 40-year resident. But compared to most other SoCal beach towns, Ventura feels secluded.

Across the street is the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center, which features a touch tank, aquatic life displays, and exhibits. Visitors can watch a 25-minute film, “A Treasure in the Sea,” that covers the cultural, historical, and natural wonders of the islands and will inspire viewers to explore the secluded national park just off the mainland.

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“Even without the boat trip, you can learn a lot about the islands,” Ken says.

For adventurers who want to take the ferry ride, the Channel Islands have a lot to offer: a wide range of hiking trails with breathtaking seascapes, remote or more established camping opportunities, and interesting geological formations. You can explore the coastline and sea caves in a kayak, snorkel, or scuba dive. Each island has a unique draw.

Wildlife and nature viewing are also spectacular. On the way over, visitors might spot a pod of dolphins or some migrating whales (depending on the season).

The Channel Islands are also the only place on earth where the adorable island fox lives, and one of the very few places to see the endangered Torrey pine, one of the rarest trees in the world. It’s also where an ancient, fossilized caliche forest is found.

“It’s an outdoor person’s dream,” Ken says.

Back on the mainland, beer lovers will be happy to know that Ventura has become somewhat of a

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Photos courtesy of Visit Ventura, and Visit Big Bear

craft beer epicenter with more than a dozen craft breweries. Many are young, innovative brewers — and some have won awards. Visitors can get their hops in the walkable downtown area or from other breweries dotted along Highway 101. There’s even a brewery by the historic wooden Ventura Pier.

The beach town also has a small, working commercial harbor. Diners at oceanfront restaurants can taste fresh-off-the-boat fish that come off the boat, onto the dock, and then to a restaurant 50 yards away, Ken says. He recommends Andria's Seafood or the Brophy Bros. for a good dinner with a view of the harbor.

If you’re a local returning to Ventura, you’ll learn that a change in ownership has opened the 2,123-acre Harmon Canyon Preserve to the public. Located up in the foothills northeast of Ventura, the space is the city’s first large-scale nature preserve.

For more information, go to visitventuraca.com.

Big Bear: Local Mountain Escape For locals looking for a Southern California staycation, Big Bear is the best choice for a mountain weekend getaway. This mountain resort has year-round fun. Bundle up in the winter to visit the popular ski resorts or take advantage of moderate weather during the summer to explore miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking adventurers of all experience levels.

“As a longtime Big Bear resident, summer is by far my favorite season here,” said Visit Big Bear CEO Michael Perry. “From the scenic mountain beauty, cool alpine temperatures, and endless activities, the Big Bear area is the perfect destination for Southern California residents looking to escape and enjoy the outdoors.”

including farm-to-table cuisine at Stella Luna and a combo of healthy salads, wraps, and gyros alongside deep-fried desserts, fair favorites, and street snacks at Wrap It Up | Stick ’Em Up. To try a local favorite, Michael suggests enjoying a glass of wine alfresco and soaking up the fresh alpine air at Barrel 33 Wine Shoppe.

In addition to the outdoor fun, Big Bear has a small downtown area and a variety of boutique shops and dining spots. There are also numerous music venues and summer, as well as activities at Big Bear Mountain Resort’s base camp.

There are a lot of new adventures awaiting SoCal residents returning to Big Bear Lake. Hikers searching for new trails should check out the freshly created Maple Hills Trails Complex. Route options in the San Bernardino Mountains include three short and easy trails and one more coming this fall. The trail system was designed and built through a partnership with Big Bear Trails, part of the Southern California Mountains Foundation.

Michael highlights the town’s new free Sunset Concert Series at the lake as a fun new event visitors should check out on Friday nights. Veteran’s Park will be the venue for three shows (June 17, June 24, and July 1), which include some of the music industry’s brightest stars, including X Ambassadors, Debbie Gibson, and Drake White. Also, signature summer events such as the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular and Fishin’ for $50K are back.

“It's going to be a memorable summer here in Big Bear,” Michael says.

Although not a new trail, a locally loved route is the fully paved Alpine Pedal Path, which extends 2.5 miles one way on the north shore from Stanfield Cutoff to the Solar Observatory (or vice versa). This route is a popular spot for dog walkers, cyclists, and picnickers, as it offers some of Big Bear’s most scenic views of the lake and ski resorts.

There are also some new retail and dining options,

For more information, visit bigbear.com.

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Solvang: Scandinavian Holiday Without a Passport Locals looking for a SoCal staycation that feels like a European holiday, look no further than Solvang. Southern California residents may know this Denmark- and Scandinavian-themed town, but it’s not what it’s used to be, notes Anna Ferguson-Sparks, a spokesperson for Solvang USA. “It’s definitely worth a re-visit,” she says While it still has Scandinavian shops, food (five Danish bakeries), and architecture (four windmills), the town has revamped itself with several new offerings and recent updates.

“In the past handful of years, Solvang has evolved into a SoCal getaway spot which truly offers something for everyone,” Anna says. “Solvang still retains its ‘quaint’ charm due mainly to its Danish-settled roots and history, but now also features restaurant kitchens with Michelin-level chefs; unique shopping opportunities; five museums — and a California mission — with living history, art, and culture on display; and proximity to open air, outdoor activities, and experiences.”

peasants FEAST and the peasants DELI & MARKET just across the lane, and Coast Range and Vaquero Bar from a well-known SoCal chef/sommelier/ winemaker team.

A new “downtown” retail re-development project, PARc Place, opened in 2021. It’s home to some new winery tasting rooms, boutique shops, and other unique stores all surrounding an outdoor courtyard with lots of seating and fire pits.

There are a few new choices for accommodations in town, including The Winston, ideal for guests who want luxury and privacy with the hotel’s invisible service and hands-off approach, and Vinland Hotel & Lounge, a centrally located option that’s budgetfriendly, yet refined.

Returning visitors will also want to check out several new dining options including the family-owned

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Photos courtesy of Solvang USA, Jeremy Ball for Solvang USA, Vinland Hotel, and Visit Palm Springs

“Solvang’s little museums are also often-overlooked activities,” Anna says.

The Copenhagen House features ancient Viking artifacts and information on Viking culture and, earlier this year, its space dedicated to ancient amber relics was revamped and the newest Nordic exhibition was unveiled. To get some good background information

on the town before exploring, visit Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, a quiet gem in the heart of Solvang.

Another hidden treasure in town is the Hans Christian Andersen Museum above the Book Loft. It’s a great place to learn more about the author’s life and fairy tales.

For visitors wanting some authentic architecture, it’s a little-known fact, but most of Solvang’s “thatched” roofs are “faux,” Anna explains. However, one of the only actually thatched roofs in town is located at the northwest corner of Copenhagen Drive and First Street, above the storefronts for Lions Peak Vineyards and the Dowdle Gallery.

For a favorite experience among locals, grab a pastry and wander over to the Old Mission Santa Inés grounds. It’s peaceful on the property and the unique view looks out over vineyards and farmland, and towards the Santa Ynez Mountains.

For more information, visit solvangusa.com.

Palm Springs: A Desert Oasis For SoCal residents looking for a desert oasis staycation idea, head to Palm Springs. The city can be enjoyed year-round as a weekend getaway destination and there are number of things to do to stay cool in summer and make the most out of your desert adventure.

The desert resort town has long been a favored retreat by movie stars and Hollywood legends, presidents and political leaders, hikers and adventurers, wellness seekers, and sun-worshippers alike, notes Visit Palm Springs senior marketing manager Randy Garner.

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a new 48,000-square-foot Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, education center and garden; a luxurious 45,000-square-foot spa, The Spa at Séc-he fed by the ancient healing waters of the hot mineral springs that are estimated to be 12,000 years old.; and an interpretive gathering plaza and oasis trail connecting the two.

“Palm Springs is excited to be expanding our education and experiences celebrating our cultural heritage through the Agua Caliente [Band] of Cahuilla Indians,” Randy says.

“Because of this, Palm Springs is unique and like no place else,” Randy says.

Since it regularly reaches over 100 degrees in the summer, save the hiking and other strenuous outdoor activities for the winter or shoulder seasons. The cooler months are the best time to see the nearby Joshua Tree National Park, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state park.

In summer, cool down with a day trip to dip your toes in the water at the nearby Whitewater Preserve. Or, relax at a luxurious spa in town. If it’s a family vacation, take the kids for a splash at a local water park.

For a day of shopping, head to Palm Canyon Drive to browse vintage boutiques, interior design shops, and unique apparel. It is also lined with locally owned restaurants, many with beautiful outdoor dining patios.

The city also has a large collection of clothingoptional gay resorts and about a dozen gay-owned businesses along Arenas Road, the hub of LGBTQ+ unity in Palm Springs. “Here, you can let your hair down and be yourself under the desert sun,” Randy says. “It’s a hip oasis for the LGBTQ traveler.”

The Indian Canyons are also a favorite recreational spot for nature lovers. When the weather allows, explore trails in Andreas Canyon, Murray Canyon, and the popular Palm Canyon. Head out early to avoid the afternoon heat and don’t forget to bring water.

“A great way to both explore and learn about the region is through a guided tour,” Randy says. “What better way to do this through on an open-air Jeep tour?”

Capture the true essence of a desert experience in a Red Jeep Tour, he suggests. Unique ride-along options include several tours featuring the San Andreas Fault zone, Indian Canyons, or Joshua Tree National Park.

Locals who have driven along I-10 can’t miss the huge wind turbines that dot the landscape near Palm Springs. Visitors on a SoCal staycation can book an excursion with Palm Springs Windmill Tours and learn more about the giant energy-creating devices. The company also now has new guided golf cart tours.

For more information, go to visitpalmsprings.com.

Offering a shady oasis for residents and visitors, the new and beautiful Palm Springs Downtown Park is a 1.5-acre public open space in the heart of downtown.

Located at the intersection of Belardo Road and Museum Way, it’s adjacent to the 26-foot-tall “Forever Marilyn” statue.

This fall, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians will introduce the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, which will sit on 5.8 acres downtown. It will include:

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Photos courtesy of Visit Palm Springs and Catalina Island Company

Catalina Island: An Island Getaway Just 26 miles off the coast, reachable by ferry, private boat, or even a helicopter, Catalina Island offers locals the perfect tropical getaway without a passport.

Formerly a private island, Catalina is now home to boutique hotels and charming bed-and-breakfasts, art galleries, shops, and restaurants. There’s also a variety of activities like scuba diving and snorkeling in lush kelp forests, bison tours, and charter boat fishing. It’s no wonder locals love this island as one of the best staycations in SoCal. Hikers and backpackers can have fun on the TransCatalina Trail, which offers one of the best places to camp in California at Little Harbor. The 38.5-mile thru-hike traverses the rugged coastline of the island, starting at the trailhead in Avalon and winding through Parsons Landing on the west end, before looping back to Two Harbors.

coordinator, Corey Schuchardt, recommends the majestic Mt. Ada Bed and Breakfast. Perched on a bluff overlooking the bay, Mt. Ada is a one-of-akind experience that makes guests feels as though they’re staying in someone’s home, Corey explains.

An overnight stay includes breakfast and lunch on the patio with iconic Avalon Bay, Catalina Casino, and Pacific Ocean views.

Since camping isn’t for everyone, Catalina Island also has a variety of accommodations.

Catalina Island Co.’s marketing and social media

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“It’s fairly intimate, as there are only six rooms, and the views are magnificent,” Corey says. “Service is impeccable, and the staff treats you like royalty.”

For visitors who truly want to feel like they’re on a weekend getaway to an island destination, check out Descanso Beach Club. Rent a beach cabana or chaise lounges to soak up the sun while being

served delicious cocktails and beach bites that can delivered directly to your chair. Island-style music plays, while a great mix of people enjoy the vibes and scenery. According to Corey, it’s an absolute must-do while on Catalina Island.

Something you likely won’t find on any other island vacation: bison. Book a bison expedition for a unique two-hour journey in an open-air Hummer along the interior of the island. This fun-for-all-ages activity will be your best chance at spotting some of the members of the large bison herd that lives on Catalina. While guests watch for the approximately 150 bison, the tour guide will share interesting facts about Catalina's history, flora, and fauna.

“I don’t think a lot of local visitors know about it or think to do the tour,” Corey says. “When you get outside of Avalon, the interior landscape is so pretty (especially this time of year, after we’ve had some rain) and majestic. When you get up high, along some of the roads, the ocean views are breathtaking.”

For more information, go to visitcatalinaisland.com.

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Photos courtesy of Catalina Island Company

S UM MER READ S 10 MUST-READ BOOKS FOR THE SEASON

By Michelle Pierce When you pack your beach bag this summer, a good book is as essential as sunblock and a towel.

What makes a great beach read is up to you, but Michelle Pierce of Lido Village Books has a recommendation for everyone. From the season’s most buzz-worthy new releases to spine-chilling thrillers and nonfiction tales of true crime, her list spans genres and subject matter to help readers of all stripes get lost in the pages of a good book. lidovillagebooks.com | IG: @lvbabookstore

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“Book Lovers”

“The Summer Place”

Emily Henry is back at it again with the enemies-tolovers trope, and she does it so well. The writing is funny and sarcastic, witty and hot — I couldn’t put it down! Literary agent Nora is not a person everyone loves; in fact, most people hate her. She is brutal and cutthroat, but she gets her job done, and she gets it done well. When her path continues to collide with an editor named Charlie Lastra, there’s raw energy and great banter that will put a permanent smile on your face and have your heart doing flip flops for more, more, more! (Hardback $27, Paperback $17)

Jennifer Weiner is synonymous with summer beach reads, and she doesn't fall short with “The Summer Place.” Set in Cape Cod, the story is told from revolving points of view as Ruby prepares to get married at her grandmother's beach house. Jumping back and forth from the characters’ past to the present, you learn all the secrets everyone withholds from each other (including those that they want to "share," but only after the wedding). It’s a big-hearted read that draws on the power of home and how surprising love can be. (Hardback $28.99)

“The It Girl”

“Carrie Soto is Back”

Ruth Ware never fails to deliver a thrilling, suspenseful book that grabs hold of you on page one and keeps you guessing until the end. Spinning a dark tale in the confines of Oxford University, she uses Hannah to tell the story of her roommate April from "before" and "after" a chilling, life-changing event. (Available July 12, Hardback $28.99)

It's Taylor Jenkins Reid! What's not to love about this book? Returning to her themes of fame and the costs that surround such notoriety, this time she takes a journey into the sports world. It’s a timely commentary that comes at a time when our young elite athletes have experienced the real-world of fame over the last few Olympic games. In this new novel, Carrie is a tennis star six years in retirement, but at 37 she wants back in the game. The world thinks she is washed up, but is she? Does she have what it takes to compete with women much younger and in their athletic prime? This is a page-turning story about the cost of greatness and what it takes to make a comeback.

(Available Aug. 30, Hardback $28)

by Emily Henry

by Ruth Ware

“Horse”

by Geraldine Brooks Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks brings a new sweeping historical fiction to life in "Horse.”

Set in 1850, 1954, and 2019, she weaves together art history and the story of the greatest racehorse in American history. The result is an emotional and beautiful narrative about humans and animals, men and women, and black and white. (Available June 14, Hardback $28)

“Lapvona”

by Ottessa Moshfegh Otessa Moshfegh is at it again with a dark and challenging summer read. This book isn't for the faint of heart and even comes with some content warnings: cannibalism, incest, and rape, to name a few. But if you love dark, fairytale-esque stories with a crisis of faith, where the book revolves around characters over plot, then you will enjoy this addictive, disgusting, and filthy pick — everything you could want from a Moshfegh novel. (Available June 21, Hardback $27)

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Photos courtesy of Lido Village Books

by Jennifer Weiner

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“Ghost Lover”

by Lisa Taddeo

After gathering so much acclaim for her nonfiction “Three Women,” then moving to fiction with “Animal,” Lisa Taddeo is now back with a short story collection.

There is no end in sight for this unpredictable author, and I am excited to see what genre she tackles next!

In Lisa, I see the rawness and truth of Joan Didion with the vulgarity and angst of Charles Bukowski (but for women). “Ghost Lover” continues this feeling with nine unpredictable stories of the modern woman's everyday life, tackling friendships, lust, self-image, desire and more from every stage she moves through. (Available June 14, Hardback, $27)

“The Latecomer”

by Jean Hanff Korelitz

“The Latecomer” is a summer read for those who love family drama sagas and languid literary writing structures. An emotional exploration that gives you every single family member's perspective, it takes you back to the New York society in the early days of IVF. Three siblings are born, a fourth embryo is saved, and a family of strangers is created.

With beautiful storylines and plot twists, this book deliberately touches on societal topics we are still working through today: generational trauma, grief, guilt, privilege, race, and family dynamics, to name a few. (Hardback $28)

“Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks”

by Patrick Radden Keefe

After bringing us hypnotically engaging journalism with “Empire of Pain” and “Say Nothing,” Patrick Radden Keefe delivers another meticulously reported series of short articles about his "abiding preoccupations.”

Who doesn't love books about crime and corruption, secrets and lies, and that tenuous line between illicit and licit worlds? “Rogues” is a nonfiction book that

takes several of his most celebrated articles from The New Yorker and compiles them all in a single edition. Do you wonder if a whistleblower is a hero or a fabulist? Or what it’s like to travel Vietnam with Anthony Bourdain? Or how to forge vintage wine? Keefe is an intriguing writer and will have you engrossed with every story. (Available June 28, Hardback $30)

“Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow”

by Gabrielle Zevin

A literary agent back in November told me to keep an eye out for this book, saying it will be the must-read of the summer. With all the tenderness, sweetness, and emotional depth of her New York Times bestselling “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry,” Gabrielle Zevin brings us another story of friendship and love, but this time through the world of gaming. Spanning three decades and the evolution of video games as art form, “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” is a modern-day love story for those who grew up in the ’90s. You don't have to be a gamer to love or appreciate this book — you just have to be human.

(Available July 5, Hardback $28)

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LAST LOO K

Michael Callas Untitled, 2021 Spray Paint and Stencil on Canvas 80 x 80 in.

Available at JoAnne Artman Gallery, Laguna Beach, 949.510.5481 Make an appointment to view the Summer Lovin’ exhibition at JoAnne Artman Gallery at 346 N. Coast Hwy. in Laguna, running through August 15, 2022, and featuring works from Michael Callas, Greg Miller, Anja Van Herle, Anna Kincaide, and Mary Finlayson. joanneartmangallery.com