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Volume XX, Issue 7<br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

PENINSULA PEOPLE<br />

P A L O S V E R D E S P E N I N S U L A M O N T H L Y<br />

ON THE COVER<br />

Headline<br />

Photo by David Fairchild<br />

(DavidFairchildStudio.com)<br />

Wayne and Jan Jay Judah, owners<br />

of Admiral Risty’s<br />

PROFILES<br />

Wayne and Jan Judah<br />

by Robb Fulcher<br />

As The Admiral Risty celebrates its 50th year owners Wayne<br />

and Jan Jay Judah shared their up-by-the-bootstrap stories.<br />

HIGHLIGHTS<br />

DEPARTMENTS<br />

CONTRIBUTORS<br />

David Fairchild ‘s photography is frequently seen in <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong><br />

and Beach magazines.<br />

Richard Foss is the Dining Editor for Easy Reader publications.<br />

Robb Fulcher is a journalist, stand up comedian and author of<br />

the children’s book, The Snake Who Would Not Bend.<br />

Esther Kang is a freelance writer and musician.<br />

Ed Solt is LA’s definitive surf beat writer.<br />

Bondo Wyszpolski is the Arts & Entertainment Editor for Easy<br />

Reader publications.<br />

4 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

28<br />

32<br />

36<br />

58<br />

Kyra Belle Johnson<br />

by Bondo Wyszpolski<br />

In the blink of an eye, Kyra Belle Johnson went from high<br />

school to starring in the national tour of “Mamma Mia!”<br />

Allen Bond<br />

by Esther Kang<br />

Palos Verdes Chamber Volunteer of the Year<br />

Scott Bredesen<br />

by Ed Solt<br />

Former <strong>Peninsula</strong> High surfing all-star finds himself riding<br />

very big waves.<br />

8 TMMC Holiday Fashion Show<br />

10 TMMC Holiday Gala<br />

12 Malaga Cove Homeowners<br />

14 Encore Circle<br />

18 Rotary<br />

22 NCL Operation Homefront<br />

26 PVP Realtors holiday party<br />

62 PTN Halloween bash<br />

38 Restaurant review: Corazon Mexican Kitchen<br />

40 Health Care Providers Guide<br />

43 Calendar<br />

52 Around & About<br />

64 Service Directory<br />

STAFF<br />

EDITOR<br />

Kevin Cody<br />

PUBLISHER<br />

Mary Jane Schoenheider<br />

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER<br />

Richard Budman<br />

DISPLAY SALES<br />

Adrienne Slaughter,<br />

Tamar Gillotti, Amy Berg,<br />

Shelley Crawford<br />

CLASSIFIEDS<br />

Teri Marin<br />

ADVERTISING<br />

DIRECTOR<br />

Richard Budman<br />

ADVERTISING<br />

COORDINATOR<br />

Teri Marin<br />

GRAPHIC DESIGNER<br />

Tim Teebken<br />

FRONT DESK<br />

Judy Rae<br />

DIRECTOR OF<br />

DIGITAL MEDIA<br />

Jared Thompson<br />

CONTACT<br />

MAILING ADDRESS<br />

P.O. Box 745<br />

Hermosa Beach, CA<br />

90254<br />

PHONE<br />

(310) 372-4611<br />

FAX<br />

(424) 212-6780<br />

WEBSITE<br />

www.easyreadernews.com<br />

EDITORIAL<br />

Pen<strong>People</strong>@<br />

easyreadernews.com<br />

ADVERTISING<br />

(310) 372-4611<br />

displayads@<br />

easyreadernews.com<br />

Please see the Classified Ad<br />

Section for info.<br />

FICTITIOUS NAME<br />

STATEMENTS (DBA’S)<br />

can be filed at the<br />

office during regular<br />

business hours.<br />

(310) 372-4611<br />

<strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> is a supplemental<br />

publication of Easy<br />

Reader, 2200 Pacific Cst. Hwy.<br />

#101., PO Box 745, Hermosa Beach,<br />

CA. 90254-0427.<br />

SUBSCRIPTIONS<br />

Yearly domestic mail subscriptions<br />

to <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> are $30, foreign<br />

$60 payable in advance. The<br />

entire contents of <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong><br />

are copyrighted <strong>2016</strong> by<br />

<strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong>, Inc.<br />

Chris Adlam<br />

310.493.7216<br />

www.chrisadlam.com<br />

Spectacular views from this Palos Verdes Estates home. Approximately 3,000<br />

square feet with 5 bedrooms and a large, flat backyard. $2,799,000


Gated Tennis Estate in PVE with 6250 square feet. $5,250,000 Rolling Hills Estates one level, sprawling 4,000 square foot home with pool. $2,400,000<br />

Palos Verdes Estates 5 bedroom, ocean view and pool. $1,899,000 Over 4,400 square feet, ocean views, 4 bedrooms in PVE. $2,599,000<br />

CHRIS ADLAM<br />

310.493.7216<br />

WWW.CHRISADLAM.COM<br />

CHRIS ADLAM<br />

310.493.7216<br />

WWW.CHRISADLAM.COM<br />

VISTA SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY<br />

VISTA SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY<br />

Rancho Palos Verdes 3 bedroom plus den with spectacular views. $1,399,000<br />

Lunada Bay, 4 bedroom, ocean view, pool and pool house. $2,499,000<br />

Rolling Hills 5 acre estate with stunning views and amenities $6,500,000<br />

Coming Soon.....Rancho Palos Verdes home with huge panoramic views.<br />

4,100 square feet, 5 bedrooms, large backyard, ocean view in PVE $2,795,000 Classic Old Spanish with over 2,400 square feet. Built in 1924. $2,198,000


S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L<br />

Torrance Memorial<br />

Festival Fashion<br />

Show<br />

Parade of Sophisticated<br />

Fashion Designs<br />

1<br />

2<br />

A<br />

sold out high fashion runway show<br />

kicked off festivities at Torrance<br />

Memorial’s week-long 32nd annual Holiday<br />

Festival. The show featured creations<br />

by designer Mi Long Lee of the women’s<br />

luxury line “Emmelle.” The week of family<br />

activities is supported by hundreds of community<br />

volunteers who work throughout<br />

the year to make the event a success. Festivities<br />

included a Friday night Dinner<br />

Gala, which features a silent and live auction<br />

under the Holiday Festival tent.<br />

3 4<br />

1. Karly Rigg, Kim<br />

Rigg, Ruth Daniels,<br />

Kelly Rigg.<br />

8. Christine Gaudenti,<br />

Laura Schenasi and<br />

Chelsea Gaudenti.<br />

2. Terry Hohm,<br />

Phyllis Spierer, Peggy<br />

Winterrowd.<br />

3. Song Klein, Lori<br />

Baldwin, Tracy Livian.<br />

4. Lily Tan, Cathie<br />

Siegel, Debbie Uba.<br />

5. Courtney Zimmerman<br />

and Ann Zimmerman.<br />

6. David Buxton and<br />

Pat Brown.<br />

9. Jennifer Morgan,<br />

Allison Mayer, Ellen<br />

Smith, Kim Brothers<br />

and Randy Dauchot.<br />

10. Kelli Piken,<br />

Nadine Bobit, Linda<br />

Perry and Nina Tarnay.<br />

11. Nina Turpanjian,<br />

Bennett Turpanjian<br />

and Lori Muncherian.<br />

12. Judith Gassner,<br />

Patricia Sacks, MD<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

7. Sigrid Allman and<br />

Barbara Bartner.<br />

8<br />

9<br />

10<br />

11 12<br />

8 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


Miracle-Ear Opens New Office in Palos Verdes<br />

By FRED EISENHAMMER<br />

Miracle-Ear Correspondent<br />

Hawthorne<br />

Blvd<br />

Silver Spur Road<br />

Miracle-Ear ®<br />

P<br />

Red<br />

Onion<br />

Crenshaw Blvd<br />

SPONSORED CONTENT<br />

Miracle-Ear is reaching out to its neighbors again.<br />

A new Miracle-Ear office has recently opened in Palos<br />

Verdes to provide the surrounding community with the<br />

best-known hearing-aid brand in the U.S.<br />

The office is located at 734 Silver Spur Road, Suite 301,<br />

Rolling Hills Estates next to Red Onion Restaurant.<br />

This will be the third Miracle-Ear in the neighboring<br />

area, joining offices in Redondo Beach and Carson.<br />

Miracle-Ear offers free hearing tests and consultations<br />

and its hearing aids come with a 45-day trial period, plus<br />

service, warranty and lifetime after-care.<br />

“Patients can be assured that they will have no financial<br />

risk because of the risk-free trial that Miracle-Ear offers,”<br />

said Tod Frueh, audioprosthologist of the Palos Verdes office<br />

and 17-year Miracle-Ear veteran.<br />

Miracle-Ear opened the Palos Verdes office to better<br />

serve the community. The new office provides better access<br />

to Miracle-Ear facilities for area patients.<br />

Frueh often cites the importance of good hearing with<br />

a memorable quote from<br />

American educator Helen<br />

Keller, who overcame the adversity<br />

of being blind and<br />

deaf to emerge as a leading<br />

humanitarian:<br />

“Blindness separates people<br />

from things; deafness separates<br />

people from people.”<br />

More than 36 million Americans<br />

suffer from some degree<br />

of hearing loss. The<br />

loss of hearing often is<br />

accompanied by depression,<br />

anxiety, isolation<br />

and even dementia.<br />

Miracle-Ear personnel<br />

have the experience and<br />

know-how to make a difference<br />

in people’s lives.<br />

Nine out of 10 people<br />

with hearing loss can be<br />

helped with hearing<br />

aids.<br />

“We sincerely try to<br />

help people,” said Frueh,<br />

one of the top specialists<br />

in California. “We know<br />

that if we do the best we can to help, they’ll feel it and<br />

they’ll appreciate it.”<br />

Miracle-Ear’s commitment to the community is personified<br />

by its Miracle-Ear Foundation, which joins with<br />

local Miracle-Ear offices and donors to provide free hearing<br />

aids and services to eligible adults and children.<br />

The Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach and Carson offices<br />

are all involved in the Miracle-Ear Foundation.<br />

There are more than 1,600 Miracle-Ear hearing-aid centers<br />

in the U.S. Miracle-Ear’s headquarters is in Minneapolis.<br />

Miracle-Ear is a subsidiary of Amplifon, the<br />

largest hearing-aid company in the world, which is based<br />

in Italy.<br />

For free hearing evaluation call<br />

310-363-7767.<br />

Miracle Ear Hearing Aid Center<br />

Rolling Hills Estates<br />

734 Silver Spur Rd. #301<br />

310-363-7767<br />

FREE<br />

Miracle-Ear ® ME-3175<br />

Buy 1, Get 1<br />

With this coupon. One coupon per client. At Rolling Hills Estates location only.<br />

Offer expires 2/29/16<br />

FREE<br />

Hearing Aid Charger<br />

with purchase of ME-1, ME-2,<br />

ME-3 solution package<br />

With this coupon. These coupons may be combined. One coupon per client.<br />

At Rolling Hills Estates location only. Offer expires 2/29/16


S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L<br />

Torrance Memorial Gala<br />

Torrance Memorial announces<br />

$10 million gift at 32nd annual<br />

Holiday Festival Gala<br />

Torrance Memorial Medical Center announced<br />

a $10 million gift by O. Allen Alpay, a 45-year<br />

<strong>Peninsula</strong> resident and grateful former patient.<br />

The gift will name the O. Allen Alpay East Wing,<br />

which houses Torrance Memorial’s Emergency<br />

Department and Labor & Delivery Unit.<br />

The gift was formally announced during the<br />

hospital’s 32nd annual Holiday Festival Gala on<br />

Friday, December 4, 2015. In total, Holiday Festival<br />

2015 raised more than $11.2 million, which includes<br />

sponsorships and major gift<br />

announcements. More than 15,000 community<br />

members enjoyed the six-day event hosted under<br />

a 30,000 square-foot white tent on the Torrance<br />

Memorial campus. Festivities included a display<br />

of 32 themed decorated trees, a Fashion Show,<br />

Gala Dinner, Santa Lunch, two Seniors Days and<br />

the South Bay’s largest Holiday Shopping<br />

Boutique.<br />

1. Pat Theodora, Ellen<br />

Theodora, Gerald Marcil,<br />

Carol Marcil, Lee Minshull,<br />

and Sandii Minshull.<br />

2. Rich Lucy, Kak Mc<br />

Kinnie, Mark Lurie, MD,<br />

Pat Lucy and David Mc<br />

Kinnie.<br />

3. Ayne Baker, Jack<br />

Baker, Sigrid Allman.<br />

4. Kevin Theodora, Joy<br />

Theodora, Cami Evans,<br />

Don Evans, Dominic and<br />

Danica Iannitti.<br />

5. Drs. Oi-Lin and Tei-Fu<br />

Chen.<br />

6. Ofelia and Emmanuel<br />

David (third and fourth<br />

from left) and family.<br />

7. Phil Pavesi, Chris<br />

Pavesi, Song and Dave<br />

1<br />

3 4<br />

Klein.<br />

8. Jerry Unatin, MD, Judy<br />

Gassner, Mary Jo Unatin<br />

and Nick Silvino, MD.<br />

9. Front row: Richard and<br />

Melanie Lundquist; in<br />

back: Craig and Judy<br />

Leach.<br />

10. Ralph Scriba, Craig 5<br />

6<br />

Leach and Lorraine<br />

Scriba.<br />

11. Priscilla Hunt (front<br />

row, first from left) and<br />

family.<br />

12. Front row: Kirsten<br />

Chumley, Anna Mellor,<br />

MD, Sally Eberhard, Dell<br />

Fortune; Back row: Keith<br />

Chumley, MD, Eric Mellor,<br />

Mike Eberhard, Susan<br />

Haas, Steve Nash, David<br />

Haas, MD. 8<br />

9<br />

2<br />

7<br />

Russ Varon & Gina Doherty<br />

$10,000,000<br />

O. Allen Alpay<br />

$100,000+<br />

Billee and John Gogian<br />

Loraine and Ralph Scriba<br />

$50,000 - $99,999<br />

Sam and Rose Feng<br />

Russell Varon<br />

$20,000 - $49,999<br />

Ayne and Jack Baker<br />

Emmanuel and Ofelia David<br />

Sandii and Lee Minshull<br />

The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris<br />

Foundation<br />

Kirsten Wagner, DDS and<br />

Rick Rounsavelle, DDS<br />

Sunrider International, Drs. Oi-Lin and<br />

Tei-Fu Chen<br />

Ellen and Patrick Theodora<br />

Torrance Memorial Medical Staff<br />

TF Educational Foundation - Gerald and<br />

Patricia Turpanjian<br />

$10,000 - $19,999<br />

Sigrid and Ralph Allman<br />

COR HealthCare<br />

George and Reva Graziadio Foundation<br />

HealthCare Partners<br />

Priscilla and Donald Hunt<br />

Dominic and Danica Iannitti<br />

Keenan HealthCare<br />

Patti and Thomas LeGrelius, MD<br />

& Drs. Nicole and Ryan Lawrence<br />

Lenore and Irving Levine<br />

Lisa and Eric Nakkim, MD<br />

Nixon Peabody, LLP<br />

Owens & Minor<br />

Our Heartfelt Appreciation<br />

$5,000 - $9,999<br />

Association of South Bay Surgeons<br />

Jennifer and Brad Baker<br />

Philo and Raju Chhabria<br />

Emcor Services/Mesa Energy Systems<br />

Carole Hoffman<br />

Kak and David McKinnie<br />

Medline Industries, Inc.<br />

Eric and Anna Mellor, MD<br />

Roxanne and Ramin Mirhashemi, MD<br />

Murray Company<br />

John Rogers<br />

Sodexo<br />

Debra and Gerald Soldner<br />

Drs. Gelareh and Houman Solomon<br />

Jan and Ian Teague<br />

Torrance Emergency Physicians<br />

Torrance Radiology Medical Group<br />

Lucy Villanera<br />

$1,000 - $4,999<br />

2H Construction<br />

AD/S<br />

Valerie and Chris Adlam<br />

Morgan and Eric Aguirre<br />

Shaabini and Dave Alford<br />

Susan Arbour-Slay<br />

BCM Boehling Construction<br />

Tracy Bercu, MD and Peter Weinstein<br />

Peggy and Cliff Berwald<br />

Brigante, Cameron, Watters & Strong<br />

Betty Broughton<br />

Trudy Brown<br />

Ann and David Buxton<br />

Linda and Zan Calhoun<br />

The Cam Family, Vinh, Judy, Wilson and<br />

Melody<br />

Cancer Care Associates<br />

Cannon Building Services<br />

Joan and Chris W. Caras<br />

Cathy and Pat Carroll<br />

Bryan Chang, MD and Phung Huynh<br />

City National Bank<br />

Tracey and Ron Cloud<br />

Sandy and Tom Cobb<br />

Mei and Bill Collier<br />

Cross America Financials<br />

Lesley and Roy Dahlen<br />

Francesca and Doug Deaver<br />

Dept. of Radiation Oncology<br />

Digestive Care Consultants<br />

Suzann and Don Douthwright<br />

Betty Duong and John Abe, MD<br />

Sally and Mike Eberhard<br />

Carlin Edelstein<br />

Emcor<br />

Thyra Endicott, MD and Jonathan Chute<br />

Nancy and Len Fein<br />

Regina and Dan Finnegan<br />

Samantha Fox<br />

Jeannine and Dennis Frandsen<br />

Gelbart & Associates<br />

Jill Golden<br />

Kathy and Richard Goldstein<br />

Nora and Dan Graham<br />

Graystone Consulting<br />

Joseph Gregorio Family<br />

Nancy Griffith, MD<br />

Keiko and William Griswold<br />

Susan and David Haas, MD<br />

Laurie and Greg Halvorsen<br />

Steven L. Hansen<br />

Mary Hazzelrigg<br />

Renee and Doug Henry<br />

Heritage Rehabilitation Center<br />

Eve and Rick Higgins<br />

Terry and Joe Hohm<br />

Hub International<br />

Lisa Humphreys, MD and<br />

John McNamara, MD<br />

Internal Medicine Nephrology<br />

Medical Group<br />

Sandy and Karl Jackson<br />

Mary Rose and Tom Jeffry<br />

Judy and Parnelli Jones<br />

Keesal Young & Logan<br />

Vince Kelly<br />

Kay and William E. Kim, MD<br />

Song and David Klein<br />

Heather and Rick Kline<br />

kpff Consulting Engineers<br />

Judy and Craig Leach<br />

Jacqueline and Joe Leimbach<br />

Charlotte and Russ Lesser<br />

Lomita Post Acute<br />

Pat and Rich Lucy<br />

Barbara Demming Lurie and<br />

Mark Lurie, MD<br />

Ian and Marilyn MacLeod<br />

Kristy and Eric Maniachi<br />

Carol and Gerald Marcil<br />

Allison and Rick Mayer<br />

McCarthy Building Companies<br />

Catherine and Linwood Melton<br />

Sam and Fifi Menzelos<br />

Rolfe Metzger<br />

Ljepa and Vel Miletich<br />

Susan and Ralph Moore<br />

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney<br />

Morrow Meadows<br />

Navigant Cymetrix<br />

Oarsmen Foundation<br />

Payden & Rygel<br />

Kelli and Ed Piken, MD<br />

Carlene Ringer<br />

Twanna Rogers<br />

The Rouse Company<br />

Patricia Sacks, MD and Harvey Kushner<br />

Laura and Marc Schenasi<br />

Connie Senner<br />

Allyson and Alexander Shen, MD<br />

Laura and Thomas Simko, MD<br />

South Bay Gastroenterology<br />

South Bay Heart Clinic<br />

South Bay Orthopaedic Specialists<br />

Medical Center<br />

Ralph Scriba, Craig Leach, Loraine Scriba<br />

Torrance Memorial Medical Center wishes to thank the following sponsors for their generous support of the 32nd Annual Holiday Festival, which<br />

raised millions for the medical center’s North Patient Tower transformation.<br />

Pat & Ellen Theodora, Carol & Gerald Marcil, Lee &<br />

Sandii Minshull<br />

Emmanuel David Family Michael Zislis, Jeff Neu and friends Priscilla Hunt Family<br />

South Bay Pain Docs<br />

South Bay Plastic Surgeons<br />

Douglass Stewart<br />

Michele and Tim Stratton<br />

Rose Straub<br />

Amy Tan<br />

Stephanie Tang, MD<br />

Torrance Anesthesia Medical Group<br />

Torrance Memorial Neonatology<br />

Medical Group<br />

Torrance Orthopaedic Sports<br />

Medical Group<br />

Torrance Pathology Group<br />

Marshall Varon<br />

Voya Financial<br />

Wells Fargo Advisors<br />

Robyn and Scott Wilkes<br />

Alissa and Robert Wilson<br />

Kay Yamada<br />

Nancy and Roger Zapor<br />

Ann and Gary Zimmerman<br />

MAJOR IN-KIND<br />

BENEFACTORS<br />

Choura Events<br />

G.S. Gaudenti Brothers<br />

Melanie and Richard Lundquist<br />

Morgan's Jewelers, Russell &<br />

Marshall Varon<br />

Morrow Meadows<br />

Newport Printing<br />

Redondo Van & Storage<br />

Rolling Hills Flower Mart,<br />

Gaudenti Family<br />

Terranea Resort<br />

Toyota<br />

Mary Jo and Jerome Unatin, MD<br />

The Zislis Group, Andrea and<br />

Michael Zislis<br />

10<br />

11 12<br />

Thank you to all our donors.<br />

3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505<br />

310-517-4703 - www.TorranceMemorial.org<br />

10 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L<br />

Malaga Cove<br />

Homeowners<br />

Association<br />

Holiday Party<br />

T<br />

he Malaga Cove Homeowners Association<br />

members, neighbors of<br />

La Venta Inn, enjoyed the hospitality<br />

of LaVenta for its third Holiday Party.<br />

Shown are some of the 200 people<br />

who attended on a most blustery (and<br />

clear!) evening for superb savory and<br />

sweet fare provided by the New York<br />

Food Company and host Mike Halish.<br />

Name tags showed the date of the<br />

wearer's arrival in Malaga Cove so<br />

that neighbors could meet neighbors.<br />

A great time was had by all.<br />

1<br />

2<br />

SOLD<br />

1. Larry and Nancy Bolton.<br />

2. Andrew and Yvonne Meinzer and,<br />

George Shoemaker.<br />

3. Mike and Ruby Kumagai with Betsy<br />

Treynor.<br />

4. Susan and Vince Nelson, Jon and Sally<br />

Landerville and Lola Hagerty.<br />

5. Jon and Sally Landerville, Lola<br />

Hagerty, Debbie Dinsmore, Edith and Bill<br />

Andrew and Shauna Hagerty Regan.<br />

3 4<br />

5<br />

V ilicich<br />

Watch & Clock<br />

Established 1947<br />

Independent Rolex Service<br />

Buy • Sell • Repair<br />

Service of Antique and Grandfather Clocks<br />

714 South Weymouth Avenue, San Pedro, CA 90732<br />

(310) 833-6891<br />

We Buy<br />

Watches!<br />

Offered at $5,500,000<br />

SOLD!<br />

Kathleen had the privilege and honor of representing both the Buyer and the Seller in the sale of this home.<br />

Enjoy my Virtual Tour with Aerial photos of the location:<br />

www.2112PaseoDelMar.com<br />

12 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong> • <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> 13


S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L<br />

The Encore Circle<br />

Annual Holiday Party<br />

M<br />

embers of Encore Circle, one of<br />

the support groups for the Norris<br />

Center held their annual holiday<br />

luncheon in mid-December at Terranea<br />

Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes.<br />

The highlight of the afternoon was a<br />

dance performance by the students<br />

enrolled in the Education Department<br />

at the Norris Performing Arts<br />

Center.<br />

1<br />

2<br />

PHOTOS BY<br />

MARY JANE SCHOENHEIDER<br />

1. Sal and Melody Intaglita and Mary<br />

Kehrl and daughter.<br />

2. Hal and Anita Javitt.<br />

3. Sandra Sanders, Sophia Fitzmaurce,<br />

Myla Azer and Lotte Brasswell.<br />

4. Mr. & Mrs. Al Sheng.<br />

5. Maude Landon and Park and Lynn<br />

Densmore.<br />

6. John and Abby Douglas event co-chair<br />

with Maude Landon.<br />

7. Marylyn and Chuck Klauss.<br />

8. Bunny and Marty Rosenzweig.<br />

9. Jim Welch, Harlene Norris, Webb<br />

Castor and Allen and Dottie Lay.<br />

10. Dick Moe and Susan Hamilton.<br />

11. .Jim Hill and Pam Barrett-Hill.<br />

12. Dance Students from Palos Verdes<br />

Performing Arts.<br />

13. Norris Performing Art Centers Box<br />

Office Manager Jason Sluter performed a<br />

medley of popular show tunes.<br />

3 4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

10<br />

11 12 13<br />

14 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong> • <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> 15


Wishing You a Happy New Year!<br />

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OFFERED AT $1,599,000<br />

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5 Bedrms, 3 Baths, 2 Powder Rms, 3,200 sq ft Home, 5,010 sq ft Lot<br />

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S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L<br />

Rotary Club of<br />

Palos Verdes<br />

<strong>Peninsula</strong><br />

Annual Holiday Party<br />

The members, their spouses and<br />

guests enjoyed an evening of<br />

socializing and dinner this past<br />

December at the Palos Verdes<br />

Country Club.<br />

1<br />

2<br />

PHOTOS BY<br />

CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY<br />

1. PV Rotary President Les Fishman and<br />

Virginia Butler.<br />

2. In back row, Greg O’Brien, Sarah Ott,<br />

John Stillo, Henry Ott and in front Carolyn<br />

O’Brien, Santa and Bridget O’Brien.<br />

3. Kelly and Tom Intagliata.<br />

4. Donna and Don Duperon.<br />

5. Julia Parton Rosas, Stacey Dubowitch,<br />

Suzy Zimmerman.<br />

6. Lauren and Tom Spiglanin.<br />

7. Gail and Bob Johnson.<br />

8. Nancy Crawford with Santa.<br />

9. Suzi and Bob Gulcher.<br />

10. Wendy and Allen Bond.<br />

3 4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9 10<br />

18 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L<br />

National Charity League, INC.<br />

<strong>Peninsula</strong> Chapter<br />

Participate in Operation Homefront<br />

O<br />

n Sunday, November 8, the <strong>Peninsula</strong> Chapter of National<br />

Charity League, Inc. gathered moms and Ticktockers at Palos<br />

Verdes Intermediate School to help brighten the holidays for military<br />

families with Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront<br />

is an organization that provides assistance to military families.<br />

They offer relief during military family crisis and support<br />

wounded warriors when they return home. This was the third<br />

year NCL <strong>Peninsula</strong> participated in this event. Lesley Sklow, chair<br />

of the event, requested the membership to donate new toys and<br />

clothing for children ranging in ages from infants to teens. These<br />

gifts were wrapped at a wrapping party held in the multipurpose<br />

room at PVIS. Over 100 holiday cards and letters were also written<br />

to send to our soldiers serving overseas. The Army ROTC Color<br />

Guard from the University of Southern California opened the<br />

event along with Class of 2020 Ticktocker Gracey Thomas, who<br />

sang the National Anthem. On December 9, moms and Ticktockers<br />

delivered the wrapped gifts to the Naval Armory in Seal Beach<br />

for a Gift Giving Party where the members had the pleasure of<br />

meeting the families who were receiving the gifts. The Ticktockers<br />

helped children decorate cookies and Class of 2018 mom and professional<br />

photographer, Katrin Cooper, took family photos for their<br />

holiday cards. Santa also made an appearance.<br />

1. NCL <strong>Peninsula</strong> Chapter Senior Ticktockers<br />

& Patronesses with USC Honor<br />

Color Guard.<br />

2. NCL <strong>Peninsula</strong> Patronesses Michelle<br />

Spaulding and Jenny Litchfield.<br />

3. NCL Ticktockers wrapping gifts for Operation<br />

Homefront families from left,<br />

Amanda Kessaris, Caroline Armour,<br />

Rachel and Paige Freer.<br />

1<br />

4. NCL <strong>Peninsula</strong> Ticktockers at the<br />

Armory<br />

5. Gifts ready for military families at<br />

Operation Homefront from left, Liese<br />

Cooper, Colleen Thomas, Claire Litchfield,<br />

Kate Hoyne and Charlotte Litchfield.<br />

6. Face painting with the troops from left,<br />

Allyson Harder, Ally Wescott, Sydney Merchant,<br />

Caroline Turnbull and Caroline<br />

Decker.<br />

2 3 4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

22 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


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5 Bedrooms । 5 Bathrooms । 4000 sq.ft.<br />

OFFERED<br />

$1,699,000


S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L<br />

PVP Association of Realtors<br />

Classic Hollywood on the <strong>Peninsula</strong><br />

T<br />

he 22nd Installation of Officers and Directors of the Palos Verdes<br />

<strong>Peninsula</strong> Association of Realtors (PVPAR) honoring <strong>2016</strong> President<br />

Edward Barrios took place on Wednesday, December 9 at the<br />

Trump National Golf Club and was truly an evening of stars! The<br />

<strong>2016</strong> Board of Directors who were installed this evening were Officers:<br />

Edward Barrios, Jennifer Goorchenko, Sep Ebrahimi, and Mike Harper<br />

along with Board of Directors: Lynn Aglipay, Jason Buck, Virginia<br />

Butler, Jackie Crowley, Dalal Karama and Jolaine Merrill. Certificates<br />

of Appreciation and Distinguished Service Awards were presented to<br />

members who have demonstrated exceptional service throughout the<br />

year in support of PVPAR. Bill Ruth, Keller Williams–PV, was given<br />

the prestigious honor of being named 2015 Realtor of the Year and<br />

Andy Santonello, owner of Andy’s Pest and Termite Control was<br />

named 2015 Affiliate of the Year. A special tribute for a long time<br />

PVPAR member for his decades of service to the real estate industry<br />

which spanned from 1962-2015 at the local, state and national association<br />

level was given to Joe Barnett and his memory will continue at<br />

PVPAR with a Joe Barnett Scholarship to send selected PVPAR Realtor<br />

members to the State Legislative meetings held in Sacramento every<br />

year. Joe Barnett’s son, Tom Barnett and daughter, Nancy Barnett,<br />

were present to receive a Special Recognition Award. The evening was<br />

complemented with music by the incredibly talented jazz musicians<br />

fostered within the Freedom4U program.<br />

1<br />

3<br />

2<br />

1. Affiliate of the Year-<br />

Kara Wilkins (2014 Affiliate<br />

of the Year), Andy<br />

Santonello (2015 Affiliate<br />

of the Year) and Edward<br />

Barrios<br />

(2015/<strong>2016</strong> Board<br />

President).<br />

2. Joe Barnett Recognition<br />

Award-Tom Barnett(son),<br />

Nancy<br />

Barnett (daughter),<br />

Jackie Crowley, Edward<br />

Barrios.<br />

3. Dana Graham with<br />

1929 Packard Dietrich.<br />

4. Distinguished Service<br />

Award-Edward Barrios,<br />

Recipients: Allen<br />

Bond, Christi Carrillo<br />

and Moses Dennis.<br />

5. 2015/<strong>2016</strong> President<br />

Ed Barrios being<br />

sworn in by Steve Goddard.<br />

6. Certificate of Appreciate-Assemblyman<br />

Hadley presenting to<br />

Edward Barrios.<br />

7. Incoming <strong>2016</strong><br />

Board of Directors-<br />

Jason Buck, Dalal<br />

Karama, Jackie Crowley,<br />

Lynn Aglipay, Mike<br />

Harper, Virginia Butler,<br />

Sep Ebrahimi, Jennifer<br />

Goorchenko, Edward<br />

Barrios.<br />

8. Appreciation Award-<br />

Edward Barrios, Moses<br />

Dennis, Kim Hall, Jack<br />

McSweeney, Anthony<br />

Self.<br />

9. Realtor of the Year-<br />

Marion Ruth and Bill<br />

Ruth (recipient).<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

26 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


P E N I N S U L A P E O P L E | B U S I N E S S<br />

Jan and Wayne Judah. Photo by David Fairchild (DavidFairchildStudio.com)<br />

Two for the tiller<br />

by Robb Fulcher<br />

As The Admiral Risty celebrates its 50th year as a beloved, award-winning Palos Verdes eatery,<br />

owners Wayne Judah and Jan Jay Judah shared their up-by-the-bootstrap stories. Wayne, the<br />

longtime co-owner and general manager of The Admiral Risty, developed his love of hard<br />

work on the family farm. Jan, a longtime realty force in Palos Verdes and the South Bay, became a<br />

“worker bee” to rise above hard times early in her life.<br />

The two became full owners of The Admiral Risty last year.<br />

Tradition and change<br />

Wayne was raised on a farm in Florida, where the family grew cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers<br />

and citrus fruit, raised livestock and made their own butter. At age 12, he was driving a tractor.<br />

“It’s a bootstrap-type story,” he said.<br />

Wayne left the farm to attend the University of Florida, but as Jan related, he would soon return.<br />

“It’s like we’re throwing a party.<br />

...There’s entertainment, as well as<br />

meals and a view of the ocean.”<br />

– Wayne Judah<br />

“When his father passed away, when Wayne<br />

was in his late teens, he left college to go back<br />

to the farm and bring in the crops, to help his<br />

mother pay the bills,” Jan said. “That’s the kind<br />

of guy he is.”<br />

In the 1960s he was drafted into the U.S.<br />

army, served in Vietnam and was promoted to<br />

sergeant. He landed in San Pedro, where he was<br />

stationed at Fort MacArthur as a communications<br />

specialist. He also took on a weekend job<br />

that would give him his entry into The Admiral<br />

Risty.<br />

“I always felt I needed more income, and I had<br />

the time, so I went to the officers’ club, and they<br />

were willing to train me as a bartender,” he said.<br />

When his stint in the Army ended, Wayne<br />

took his bartending skills to the Risty.<br />

He also took flying lessons, and flirted with<br />

making his living in the air.<br />

“As a young kid I always wanted to be a pilot,<br />

so I got flying lessons on the GI Bill at the Torrance<br />

airport. I got my pilot’s license and I was<br />

working toward my commercial [license], but<br />

there weren’t a lot of jobs,” Wayne said.<br />

“A lot of people love to fly, but it’s not as exciting<br />

as I thought it would be. I liked dealing with<br />

people better. [The restaurant business] is a lot<br />

more fun, more entertaining. It’s a social thing.<br />

It’s a social business,” he said.<br />

His role in The Admiral Risty expanded as he<br />

began ordering its liquor, food and meat. In time<br />

he became co-owner and general manager, guiding<br />

the Risty through decades of carefully managed<br />

changes, within its traditions of quality and<br />

hospitality.<br />

“In the ‘60s when the restaurant opened, beef<br />

was king. We had one chicken dish and one fish<br />

dish, broiled sea bass. It was a much more limited<br />

menu than it is today,” Wayne said. “In the<br />

mid to late ‘70s people began to get into more<br />

healthy dieting,” which led to an expanding<br />

menu with a much greater emphasis on fish.<br />

But the mainstay signature dish, Risty’s flank<br />

steak, continues to be ordered as much as any<br />

other entrée.<br />

Other popular items include an award-winning<br />

cioppino, Belgian waffles with fresh compote<br />

for brunch, and salads with freshly-baked<br />

croutons and the restaurant’s blue cheese dressing.<br />

The Risty cold-cures its own gravlax, as well.<br />

Over the years the restaurant’s beverage list<br />

has been expanded to include more than 150<br />

California and imported wines.<br />

28 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

“We bake our own desserts and we bake our own breads,” Wayne said.<br />

“We have vegetarian dishes now. We’re always adjusting our menu.”<br />

The changes in Risty’s menu are made only with great care.<br />

“We worked with the bread for a year before we put it on the table. Some<br />

we would throw out, some we liked, some we needed to make adjustments<br />

to,” Wayne said. “We consulted with the best bakeries on the processes to<br />

use. We want to do it well if we are going to do it.”<br />

Five different entertainers work six nights a week in the restaurant’s<br />

lounge, where patrons can be served full meals as well as drinks.<br />

All the while, Wayne has been out front, greeting guests as they arrive.<br />

“It’s like we’re throwing a party, having a good time. It’s a very social<br />

environment. We have lots of fun, there’s entertainment, as well as meals<br />

and a view of the ocean,” Wayne said.<br />

“We enjoy people coming to see us. There are lots of rewards that are<br />

personal rather than financial.”<br />

He likened the cyclic nature of the restaurant to that of the old family<br />

farm.<br />

“It was a truck crop situation. You get the land prepared, you plant the<br />

crops, you fertilize the product, you till the soil, you spray the plants, you<br />

harvest the product, you start all over again.”<br />

At the Risty, “You get the raw materials, you process the materials, you<br />

take the product to the table, you service the product, and you clean up<br />

the plates.”<br />

“The restaurant business sounds glamorous, but it’s not all glamorous,”<br />

Wayne said. “A lot of investors think they want to go into the business, but<br />

they quickly find out what it involves. If the deep fryer breaks you have to<br />

get it fixed. If the dishwasher breaks, the hot water heater breaks, you have<br />

to fix that now, not later. There’s a lot of pressure on those things.”<br />

An ongoing 50th anniversary celebration at the restaurant includes a<br />

weekly drawing for a $50 Admiral Risty gift certificate.<br />

Of cats and milk crates<br />

Turning to the seemingly unrelated topic of cats, Jan revealed that Wayne<br />

can be “a real softie” when it comes to felines and other animals. She<br />

learned this as she watched him feed restaurant leftovers to a colony of<br />

feral cats in a then-undeveloped canyon next to the Risty.<br />

“I think I fell in love with Wayne the night I saw him sitting on a milk<br />

crate in the parking lot behind the restaurant with his favorite feline, Nigh<br />

Nigh, sitting in his lap basking in the affection that Wayne was supplying,”<br />

Jan said.<br />

“Nigh had been the toughest, most irascible member of the colony at<br />

one point but was now an older cat who would soon become stone deaf,”<br />

she said. “Eventually, he came to live with us after we were married, joining<br />

our other two cats Alli and Gator, and he enjoyed a stress free last few<br />

years with us at our then Malaga Cove home.”<br />

Working with veterinarian Cassie Jones, Wayne found homes for most<br />

of the rest of the cats.<br />

Real estate prowess<br />

Jan Jay Judah has been a force in Palos Verdes and South Bay real estate<br />

for more than three decades, specializing in corporate relocation in partnership<br />

with her son Evan Jay.<br />

Clients include TRW, Xerox, AIG, PepsiCo, MCI, Ernst & Young, Sony<br />

Corporation, Columbia Pictures, Boeing Corp., Herbalife, Activision and<br />

the FBI. The Jay-Judah Group is associated with REMax Palos Verdes and<br />

Execs.<br />

The partners have been recognized with awards including installation in<br />

the REMax Hall of Fame and the 100 Percent Club, which is reserved for<br />

agents closing more than $3 million in real estate transactions within a calendar<br />

year.<br />

Jan Jay Judah’s production places her within the top 5 percent of agents<br />

nationwide.<br />

Alaska gold<br />

“I was born in Seattle into a prominent, entrepreneurial up-from-thebootstraps,<br />

colorful cast of family characters,” Jan wrote in a thumbnail<br />

Risty cont. on page 54<br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong> • <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> 29


LILY LIANG PRESENTS:<br />

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717 Via Bandini, Palos Verdes Estates<br />

$2,299,000 l www.717ViaBandini.com


P E N I N S U L A P E O P L E | A R T S<br />

<strong>Peninsula</strong> resident Kyra Belle Johnson is starring in the national touring production of<br />

“Mamma Mia!” It comes to the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood on Jan. 26. Photo by Bondo<br />

Wyszpolski<br />

Top: Kat Borrelli, Kyra Belle Johnson and Christa Eskridge<br />

in the national tour of “Mamma Ma!”<br />

Bottom: Johnson on stage soaking up the limelight in Abilene,<br />

Texas. Photos by Joan Marcus, 2015<br />

An Overnight In the blink of an eye, Kyra Belle Johnson<br />

went from Palos Verdes High School to starring<br />

in the national tour of “Mamma Mia!”<br />

Sensation<br />

Kyra<br />

by Bondo Wyszpolski<br />

Afew months ago Kyra Belle Johnson graduated<br />

from Palos Verdes High School and,<br />

guess what? She’s already touring the country<br />

as one of the leads in the popular musical<br />

“Mamma Mia!” Better yet, we can see her onstage<br />

for ourselves when the company performs <strong>January</strong><br />

26-31 at the Pantages Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.<br />

Kyra Belle has lived in the same Rolling Hills<br />

home her entire life, except that at the moment<br />

she’s living out of a suitcase in Anchorage, Alaska,<br />

before jetting to Hawaii for a few days. But we’ll get<br />

to that later.<br />

So how did it all begin?<br />

This is how it began<br />

“The first show I remember seeing was ‘Oliver!’<br />

and it was at the Norris Theatre,” says Kyra Belle,<br />

sitting across from me in a pastry shop on a dreary<br />

afternoon. “I remember seeing it because there<br />

were kids onstage and they were my age and a little<br />

bit older.”<br />

So she turned to her mother and asked what those<br />

kids were doing up there. Her mother’s response<br />

was concise: They’re in the show. “And I’m thinking,<br />

well, I want to do that. Why can’t I be up there<br />

doing that?”<br />

Belle was about eight years old at the<br />

time and she was soon enrolled in dance<br />

classes. The next show that came up was “High<br />

School Musical,” and Kyra Belle auditioned for<br />

it. Well, no cigar, but her sister, Kendyl, who is<br />

two years older, also auditioned and got in.<br />

Next up was “Grease,” and Kyra Belle tried out<br />

for that one, too. Again, she wasn’t selected;<br />

again, her sister was.<br />

A few years later Kendyl went off to play<br />

water polo, leaving Kyra Belle as the only one<br />

in her family with an active passion for the performing<br />

arts.<br />

All right, she was 0 for 2, but so what?<br />

“You know,” she says, “it was a persistence<br />

thing. I’m a persistence kid, I don’t really stop;<br />

that’s just who I am.”<br />

And so Kyra Belle auditioned for “You’re a<br />

Good Man, Charlie Brown” and ended up with<br />

a small role. However, at the time it didn’t matter<br />

how little the part was because, she says, “I<br />

was so happy. I was like, ‘I’m in a show! Oh my<br />

gosh, I’m in a show!’”<br />

To this day, she remembers everything about<br />

it.<br />

“Stepping on stage, I had more fun doing that<br />

than I ever had doing anything else.”<br />

Kyra Belle’s been in a lot of shows since then,<br />

but up to now they’ve all been musicals such<br />

as “Annie,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Thoroughly<br />

Modern Millie.” Her knowledge of theater,<br />

straight drama in particular, has room for<br />

growth, but let’s give her a few more years,<br />

okay?<br />

From Fiona to Sophie<br />

When Kyra Belle Johnson was a junior in<br />

high school she was cast as Princess Fiona in<br />

“Shrek: The Musical.” It’s still one of her favorite<br />

roles: “Fiona is just hilarious and she’s<br />

strong, and that’s the type of character that I<br />

like to play.”<br />

PV High has been involved in a program, or<br />

competition, that might loosely be compared to<br />

the Tony Awards, but for high school theater.<br />

It’s called the JRAYs, the John Raitt Awards for<br />

Youth, and the Fullerton Civic Light Opera<br />

Music Theatre (FCLO) hosts it each year in the<br />

historic Plummer Auditorium, in Fullerton.<br />

About 20 high schools participate, including<br />

Mira Costa in Manhattan Beach. A panel of<br />

judges weighs in on everything from lighting<br />

and sound to acting and choreography. During<br />

the awards presentation on May 24, 2014, Kyra<br />

Belle was named Best Actress.<br />

Along with Eli Labinger, who was named<br />

Best Actor, Kyra Belle was flown to New York,<br />

32 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


to the Broadway Artists Alliance, where she participated in workshops<br />

with Broadway theater people. “At the end of the week,” she says, “they<br />

had a showcase in front of casting directors and agents.”<br />

That took place in July of 2014. And then? Nothing.<br />

Until <strong>January</strong> of last year, that is, when she received an email from someone<br />

at Joy Dewing Casting, the people finding actors for the “Mamma<br />

Mia!” tour. There was going to be an audition in March, and they wanted<br />

Kyra Belle to come and try out.<br />

Who wouldn’t jump at that opportunity? Well, Kyra Belle almost didn’t.<br />

When the day arrived she had second thoughts (“Nothing’s gonna happen”)<br />

but her mother pressed her: Just try. It’s your first professional audition<br />

for anything; just get out there and see what you can do.<br />

Or words to that effect.<br />

Kyra Belle cleared the first hurdle: The company (Work Light Productions)<br />

was definitely interested. But they had other concerns and questions:<br />

Would she be 18 by September? Yes. And was she mature enough to be on<br />

the road, away from home and parents?<br />

The concern for her well-being was reassuring, and so Kyra Belle knew<br />

what to expect before signing on with the company.<br />

The “Mamma Mia!” tour got underway in October, and Kyra Belle says<br />

they’ve done about 30 shows thus far, in maybe a dozen towns, most of<br />

them on the East Coast, but with a couple in Texas, one in Kansas, and a<br />

couple more in Florida. She might see a little of the town or city if the<br />

show is up for more than a day or two, and mentions a zoo in Abilene that<br />

had lions, giraffes, and a white Bengal tiger.<br />

Singing for her supper<br />

“Mamma Mia!” threads together numerous pop songs by the ‘70s<br />

Swedish group ABBA (“Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” “Fernando”), with a<br />

storyline that focuses on a young woman named Sophie (Kyra Belle) who’s<br />

about to be married. She’s the daughter of a single mom, Donna, and they<br />

live on a Greek island. Sophie has never known her father, but wouldn’t<br />

it be just super if he attended her wedding and walked her down the aisle?<br />

Yes, except that even her mother doesn’t know the identity of Sophie’s<br />

father because she slept with three different men during the months before<br />

Sophie was born. (In case you’re wondering, no one mentions DNA testing)<br />

Kyra Belle says she connects with the character of Sophie even though<br />

Sophie is 20 instead of Kyra’s 18.<br />

“I like to relate Sophie to Lucy from ‘I Love Lucy,’” she says, “because<br />

Sophie comes up with this plan where, You know what? I think it’d be a<br />

great idea to invite these three random men that I’ve never met before. I<br />

don’t even know if they’re real, but they’re in my mom’s diary so they<br />

must be. Let’s invite them for a weekend to my wedding, and let’s see how<br />

it goes. Then I’ll just know my dad when I see him.”<br />

Except that she doesn’t, and she finds she’s made a muddle of things.<br />

Sophie’s just a human being, Kyra Belle says, albeit with good intentions.<br />

“She’s not some perfect girl who’s getting married to this really hot guy<br />

and everything’s going her way. She’s just like, oh, I want my dad! She’s<br />

totally flawed, and she makes mistake after mistake in the show, but she’s<br />

also really sure about her choices.”<br />

What Kyra Belle also appreciates about her character is that Sophie doesn’t<br />

just sit back and sulk, but tries to get up and fix whatever’s wrong. And<br />

while she may not be the central figure in the show, that honor falls to her<br />

mother, Donna, “it’s Sophie’s charisma and her strength that pushes the<br />

show forward. I really admire that about her character, and I love tapping<br />

into that.”<br />

“Break a leg” is an old theater term that means go out there and do your<br />

darned best, and good luck to you while you’re at it. But sometimes actors<br />

break a leg in a more physical sense or, failing that, twist an ankle or come<br />

down with an exotic fever, and so that’s why there are two understudies<br />

for every role in this production of “Mamma Mia!”<br />

“If anything goes wrong,” Kyra Belle says, “someone’s ready to be there.”<br />

In her case, she’s appeared in every show thus far. She’s been asked if<br />

she gets along with her understudies or if she thinks they might try and<br />

do her in. Kyra Belle laughs “Those two girls are some of my best friends<br />

in the cast.”<br />

Johnson cont. on page 60<br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong> • <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> 33


34 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong> • <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> 35


P E N I N S U L A P E O P L E | V O L U N T E E R O F T H E Y E A R<br />

Rotary’s Bond<br />

“You don’t do it halfway.”<br />

by Esther Kang<br />

Allen Bond, a 58-year-old Rancho Palos Verdes resident,<br />

has witnessed countless ribbon-cutting ceremonies on<br />

the Hill over the last two decades.<br />

Recently named 2015 Volunteer of the Year by Palos Verdes<br />

<strong>Peninsula</strong> Chamber of Commerce and incoming president for<br />

<strong>Peninsula</strong> Rotary Club, the father of four is a dedicated servant<br />

of the community.<br />

“My attitude is, anything you do, you don’t do it halfway,”<br />

Bond said. “Not just showing up for the picture at the end, but<br />

you’ve got to do the work in between.”<br />

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Bond moved to California<br />

after graduating from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree<br />

in accounting and a minor in computer science. A serious<br />

tennis player since age 13, he attended the university on a tennis<br />

scholarship. After graduating from school, he played tennis<br />

on professional satellite tours and participated in many tournaments<br />

throughout the East Coast while teaching on the side.<br />

In 1981, at age 23, he made the big move to California after<br />

visiting an old friend in Santa Monica and feeling sold on the<br />

Pacific coast.<br />

“I just kind of landed here,” Bond said. “I came to California with no job<br />

and no place to live.”<br />

He had vowed to quit teaching tennis upon his fresh start on the West<br />

Coast and put his accounting degree to use. He had always been a “numbers<br />

guy,” he said. But his prowess on the court is what landed him his<br />

first job and introduced him to the Palos Verdes <strong>Peninsula</strong> community.<br />

At the <strong>Peninsula</strong> Racquet Club, which sits atop the cliffs of Rancho Palos<br />

Verdes and overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, he became a<br />

full-time instructor for adults and children alike. The young man settled<br />

in Redondo Beach and continued the teaching job for about seven years.<br />

By the end of the seven years, he moved into a small condo in Lunada Bay.<br />

“I still play tennis at the Racquet Club about once a week and teach a<br />

little bit,” Bond said. “I’ve only taught there, and played there, pretty much<br />

my whole time in California. I still have friends I met when I first got here<br />

in ’81, and we still play tennis. We’re a little bit older now."<br />

In 1988, when the opportunity presented itself to work for a small mortgage<br />

business in Lawndale, Bond left the full-time post at the club and<br />

jumped onboard.<br />

“It seemed to be a pretty good vocation,” he said. “I enjoyed numbers<br />

and I enjoyed people.”<br />

Through mutual friends, he met his wife Wendy, who was in a similar<br />

line of business. In 1991, she founded a mortgage banking company called<br />

Palos Verdes Funding Group, and in 1993, Bond joined his wife’s company,<br />

which was located in Malaga Cove Plaza for a number of years, then<br />

moved to Silver Spur Road. They raised their four children — Mellissa,<br />

Matthew and twins Alexander and Colin — through the Palos Verdes <strong>Peninsula</strong><br />

school system, where Bond coached their baseball, basketball and soccer<br />

teams in the true fashion of a Palos Verdes parent.<br />

In 2006, the business was sold to Countrywide Mortgage, which was<br />

later bought by Bank of America. At Countrywide, Bond worked as a retail<br />

sales manager for home loans.<br />

Today, he works for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage as a retail sales supervisor<br />

at the office on Deep Valley Drive in Rolling Hills Estates and in El<br />

Segundo. Wendy founded an independent escrow company, Guaranty Escrow,<br />

which has offices in Rolling Hills Estates, Redondo Beach and Manhattan<br />

Beach.<br />

“Even though mortgage is mortgages, you’re dealing with a different personal<br />

situation with every transaction, so it’s interesting in that light,” Bond<br />

said. “Hopefully I can help them or advise them on situations and how<br />

they can better their situation financially, and most importantly on the purchase<br />

side, to get someone in the home they want, their dream home. It’s<br />

extremely gratifying to do that."<br />

Bond is the quintessential Palos Verdes volunteer. In addition to being<br />

an active member of the <strong>Peninsula</strong> Rotary for over 20 years (he will take<br />

over as president this coming July), he has been involved in the <strong>Peninsula</strong><br />

Chamber for nearly the same length of time. This is his seventh year on<br />

the board. He has previously chaired the Chamber membership committee<br />

and special events committee.<br />

“Twenty years ago, it was a lot more casual — it was a lot more about<br />

getting together with your friends,” Bond said.<br />

As chairperson in 2014, he oversaw programs such as the Young Entrepreneur<br />

Academy, a yearlong Chamber-sponsored after school program for<br />

middle and high school students who generate business ideas, conduct<br />

market research, write business plans, make pitches and launch their own<br />

companies. His main focus was to continue the tradition of the <strong>Peninsula</strong>’s<br />

tight-knit business community by helping to forge relationships.<br />

“I really try to work within the Chamber to help people, especially new<br />

businesses, to meet other old businesses and whatever people they’re going<br />

to work well with that will create a good synergy and for them to be successful,”<br />

said Bond, who volunteers to emcee at most events.<br />

He said that over the last two decades, he has observed great changes<br />

for businesses on the Hill, namely the addition of Terranea, the new open<br />

shopping area of the Promenade on the <strong>Peninsula</strong> and renovations at <strong>Peninsula</strong><br />

Center. The Chamber will continue to encourage residents to shop<br />

local and bring regionally attractive businesses to the Hill, he said, but<br />

overall they’re headed in the right direction.<br />

“As far as people coming in, I think it’s real positive,” he said. “It’s a good<br />

influx of the kind of people that will continue to enjoy PV and keep moving<br />

forward the way it is.” PEN<br />

36 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong> • <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> 37


P E N I N S U L A P E O P L E | D I N I N G<br />

guacamole that arrived shortly afterward, and though it helped there was<br />

a subtle mélange of chili flavors here too. If you like the simple version that<br />

tastes mainly of mashed avocadoes with citrus you might find this a surprise,<br />

but we liked the overtones of onion, cumin, and spice.<br />

In a way it’s surprising that Mexican-style Caesars have taken so long to<br />

enter the mainstream — the salad was invented at an Italian restaurant in<br />

Tijuana, after all. Mexican versions have caught on recently, some of which<br />

involve spicy dressings or the addition of bell pepper. In my opinion those<br />

may be good salads but that aren’t really a Caesar any more. This version<br />

added shredded tortilla chips and some roasted pumpkin seeds, and was<br />

topped with queso fresco rather than parmesan. I found it slightly out of<br />

balance and a bit too mild; I like the traditional bold trio of garlic, pepper,<br />

and parmesan, and the Mexican cheese just didn’t have the depth of flavor<br />

to compete.<br />

The carnitas taco was a return to form with a bold and citrusy tomatillo<br />

sauce and a sprinkling of mango salsa. It wasn’t actually the style of meat<br />

that I prefer because the pork lacked a fried crust, but the sauces were so<br />

over-the-top good that I didn’t mind.<br />

On my two visits to Corazon I tried four main courses: chipotle-glazed<br />

salmon, chicken mole enchiladas, a carnitas burrito, and an unusual take<br />

on a chicken tamale. The traditional tamale is wrapped in either a cornhusk<br />

or banana leaf and steamed, and the wrapper keeps it moist and imparts<br />

some flavor. This looked more like lasagna, a square cornmeal cake topped<br />

with shredded chicken, “romero” sauce and topped with both jack and<br />

cotija cheese. Tamales aren’t usually topped with cheese or served sauced;<br />

this one seems to be a creation of the owner, Fernando Romero. There were<br />

so many unusual things about this that it took a moment to wrap my head<br />

around it and I briefly wondered if we had received the wrong order. Somehow<br />

it worked: the corn masa was silky and flavorful despite the lack of a<br />

wrapper, the chicken delicious despite being a topping rather than a filling.<br />

The other dishes I tried were conventional by comparison, but boldly flavored.<br />

Salmon isn’t a traditional Mexican fish but the rich and slightly oily<br />

meat stands up to a spicy, delicately sweet sauce very well, and the vegetable<br />

mix it was served with put it over the top. The squashes, corn, and<br />

onions had been sautéed with green herbs and put over seasoned rice, and<br />

there were enough different flavors to make every bite interesting. I was<br />

delighted with the sauce on the chicken enchiladas too — it was a black<br />

mole made with chocolate for a thick texture and richness and spiked with<br />

plenty of herbs and chillies. It’s rare to find a mole of this complexity outside<br />

places that specialize in Oaxacan regional dishes, and if there’s a better<br />

version ion the South Bay I haven’t had it.<br />

The burrito was the only main course we tried that was made in a purely<br />

traditional manner, and it was a solid rendition of a favorite item. The<br />

roasted lemon on the side was a nice touch, and gave a sweet and sour kick<br />

when squeezed over the mix of meat, rice, and beans. As a meal it had some<br />

extra zip thanks to the sides of corn on the cob with crema on a bed of<br />

lightly pickled purple cabbage.<br />

The drinks were slightly less reliable than the food — the “margaritas”<br />

were made with Korean soju rather than tequila, which is common in<br />

places with only a beer and wine license. I tried a cucumber-jalapeno margarita<br />

and without the tequila body and smokiness it was like drinking hot<br />

peppers with lime juice. Our server graciously replaced it with a sangria,<br />

which I liked a lot better. There are many wine-based drinks that complement<br />

Mexican food, and I think it would be better to do these well or experiment<br />

with agave wine drinks than serve an inferior margarita.<br />

To finish we shared freshly made churros with slightly bitter chocolate<br />

sauce and ice cream, which is the perfect end of any Mexican meal as far<br />

as I’m concerned. Meals at Corazon are reasonably priced for the quality<br />

and the elegance of the surroundings, with most entrees priced between<br />

$13 and $20. This Mexican restaurant is worth a drive, as they are certainly<br />

the best on the Hill and some distance beyond.<br />

CORAZON is at 767 Deep Valley Drive in RPV. Open daily at 11 a.m., close 9<br />

p.m. Sun-Thu, 10 p.m. Fri-Sat. Wheelchair access to some areas – mention when<br />

reserving. Beer and wine served, street parking, Sunday brunch, some vegetarian<br />

items. Partial menu at corazonmexicankitchen.com, phone 310-377-0580. PEN<br />

Palos Verdes Estates<br />

DRAMATIC..... RUSTIC CONTEMPORARY DESIGN<br />

Corazon’s Matt Briggs serves chipoltle-glazed salmon, one of the restaurant’s boldly flavored dishes. Photo by Brad Jacobson<br />

by Richard Foss<br />

From the heart of Mexico<br />

Corazon’s rich, bold flavors mark the arrival of<br />

one of the area’s finest Mexican restaurants<br />

It’s a sad fact that most Mexican restaurants<br />

around the South Bay serve food that is very<br />

much on the bland side. When I mention this<br />

fact, people have been known to ask, “Can’t you<br />

just add hot sauce?”<br />

Yes, I can, if heat is all I’m looking for, but a<br />

well-made Mexican sauce is richly savory and<br />

complex, and might include notes of dozens of<br />

spices and herbs. It may also use several kinds of<br />

peppers that may be fresh, dried, pickled, or<br />

smoked. You’re not going to replace that complexity<br />

with the typical hot sauce, which may contain<br />

nothing more than vinegar, salt, water, and red<br />

peppers.<br />

The local Mexican food scene has been gradually<br />

improving, and one place on the Hill has<br />

raised the standard: Corazon in Rolling Hills Estates.<br />

I’ll admit that I went in with low expectations,<br />

figuring that if I was going to find my spice level<br />

in some hole in the wall joint, not a location that<br />

has been many stylish high-end places. Corazon<br />

is still pretty sheik – there is a mix of modern and<br />

traditional Mexican art on the wall now, but the<br />

multilevel interior here is still quite attractive.<br />

At first glance the menu is a straightforward list<br />

of old favorites, but look closely and you’ll see differences.<br />

The cilantro Alfredo sauce on the<br />

shrimp enchiladas straddles Italian and Mexican<br />

ideas, and the calamari is marinated in buttermilk<br />

and served with cilantro aioli. A vegetable mix of<br />

zucchini, squash, onions, and corn is used as an<br />

accompaniment to several dishes; they’re all traditional<br />

Mexican ingredients, but rarely served<br />

this way.<br />

Before testing innovations we started with the<br />

basics: appetizers of guacamole, a Caesar salad,<br />

and a carnitas taco. Even before these arrived we<br />

had a clue: the salsa served with the chips. It’s<br />

thick and has greater depth of flavor than most<br />

served locally, with flavors of oregano, cilantro,<br />

and what I’d guess are both fresh and roasted<br />

chillies. We expected to cool the heat with the<br />

38 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

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<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong> • <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> 39


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310-325-6500<br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong> • <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> 41


Prompt Professional Discreet<br />

eventcalendar<br />

CALENDAR OF COMMUNITY EVENTS<br />

Compiled by Mary Jane Schoenheider<br />

You can email your event to our address: penpeople@easyreadernews.com<br />

All submissions must be sent by the 10th of each month prior to event taking place.<br />

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42<br />

CalBRE 01877303 / 00890714<br />

<strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

On Going<br />

"New Creations" Exhibition<br />

Featuring painters Don Crocker and Parrish Nelson Hirasaki and bronze<br />

sculptor Errol Gordon, at the Artists' Studio Gallery #159, Promenade on the<br />

<strong>Peninsula</strong>. Continues until February 21.<br />

Art Exhibition<br />

Palos Verdes Art Center / Beverly G. Alpay Center for Arts Education in partnership<br />

with Jonathan Art Foundation, California Art Club, and American<br />

Legacy Fine Arts to an exhibit will be approximately 28 oils and pastels by<br />

Theodore N. Lukits highlighting his atmospheric plein air landscapes and captivating<br />

Orientalist paintings.<br />

Accompanying the Lukits exhibition are pastels by Peter Adams and Tim Solliday,<br />

two of Lukits' notable students who continue his tradition.For further information<br />

call the Art Center at 310-541-2479.<br />

Saturday, <strong>January</strong> 30<br />

Jazz Pianist Hendelman in Concert<br />

St. Francis Jazz Series presents acclaimed jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman in<br />

an exclusive solo concert at 7 p.m. followed by a reception with light refreshments.<br />

The award-winning jazz pianist, composer and music educator has<br />

performed and recorded with Barbra Streisand, James Moody, Roberta Gambarini,<br />

Paul McCartney, Natalie Cole, Quincy Jones and others. Hosted by<br />

KJAZZ Radio personality Bubba Jackson. No admission charge. A free-will<br />

offering will be taken to support the St. Francis Jazz Vespers ministry. St. Francis<br />

Episcopal Church is located at 2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates. For<br />

more information, call 310-375-4617 or visit www.stfrancispalosverdes.org.<br />

Friday, February 5<br />

Joy of Law: LAW 101<br />

Dates and time are Feb. 5, 12, 26, March 4 and 11 at 11 a.m. to 12:30<br />

p.m. at <strong>Peninsula</strong> Center Library Community Room. The LAW 101 course will<br />

have lively discussions of a range of legal issues including Estate Planning<br />

and Federal Taxation with a focus on Trusts, Wills, Durable Powers of Attorney<br />

and Advanced Health Care Directives. It will explore the land of Tort liability<br />

(the reasonable person standard) to distinguish between civil and criminal<br />

laws. Topics will include intentional (e.g. assault, battery, invasion of privacy),<br />

negligent and strict liability (e.g. dog bites) torts. It will also examine the elements<br />

of a legally binding contract (OACLCS), including how contracts must<br />

be written, the three day rule, the validity of "not responsible clauses" and<br />

fine print paragraphs. The discussion will conclude with contract law by exploring<br />

guidelines for avoiding fraud. Readings may be assigned. Join retired<br />

USC Professor of Business Law, Dr. Dagmar Halamka, for this 5-week course.<br />

Sponsored by Palos Verdes Library District and the USC Emeriti Center College,<br />

these classes are free and open to the public. Registration is required.<br />

Contact Mary Cohen at mcohen@pvld.org or 310-921-7519 to register. The<br />

registration deadline is February 12. For further information, please contact<br />

the USC Emeriti Center College at 213-740-8841 or on the web at<br />

http://emeriticollege.usc.edu.<br />

Seaside Beaders Meet<br />

The Seaside Beaders, a special interest group of the Embroiderers' Guild of<br />

America is meeting at 9:30 a.m. They meet at St. Francis Episcopal Church,<br />

2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates. Idele Gilbert will teach the square stitch,<br />

which is good for lettering. You may also bring your own project to work on.<br />

Calendar cont. on page 44<br />

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eventcalendar<br />

Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 310-540-6104 or visit our<br />

web page at www.azureverdeega.com/bead_projects.com.<br />

Saturday, February 6<br />

Music & Memories Gala<br />

The stage is set for Palos Verdes Performing Arts’ 27th annual major fundraiser,<br />

the “Music & Memories” Gala, which will be held at the elegant Harlyne J.<br />

Norris Pavilion. The evening’s festivities will include stations with fine dining,<br />

prepared by Chef Michael Shafer; live and silent auctions; and a special performance<br />

at the Norris Theatre, filled with “Music and Memories” from the<br />

Center’s last 33 seasons. Celebrated jazz pianist/composer and five-time<br />

Grammy nominee David Benoit will be honored and perform, along with<br />

many surprise entertainers. For three decades David Benoit has reigned<br />

supreme as one of the founding fathers of contemporary jazz. His expansive<br />

career has included over 25 charting solo recordings, as well as several prominent<br />

Charlie Brown projects born from his lifelong passion for the music of<br />

original Peanuts composer, Vince Guaraldi. He played almost all of the piano<br />

solos for The Peanuts Movie, which was released in November. Tickets to the<br />

Gala are $200 per person, and VIP tables are also available. For more information<br />

about the Gala, or to purchase a ticket, please call 310-544-0403,<br />

ext. 224.<br />

Assistance League anniversary<br />

The Assistance League of San Pedro-South Bay will be returning to 1936 to<br />

celebrate its 80th anniversary. The evening will spotlight Mae West and many<br />

famous people of that era. The star studded evening will offer fabulous raffle<br />

prizes plus a silent auction. The celebration will be held from 5 - 10 p.m. at<br />

the chapter house at 1441 West 8th Street. Dinner and entertainment is $36<br />

per ticket. Tickets are limited. Contact Michele at 310 832-8355 ext.221 for<br />

further information.<br />

Saturday, February 13<br />

Guided Nature Walk<br />

By Palos Verdes <strong>Peninsula</strong> Land Conservancy at Deane Dana Friendship Park,<br />

9 a.m. Enjoy some of the best LA/Long Beach harbor and Catalina views on<br />

the east side of the <strong>Peninsula</strong>. See PV blue butterfly habitat restoration area.<br />

This is a moderate walk. Park in the Nature Center parking lot, 1805 W. 9th<br />

Street, San Pedro. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact<br />

310-541-7613 ext. 201 or visit the website at www.pvplc.org.<br />

Trail Crew Class<br />

Introductory Class at PVPLC Offices, 9 a.m. to noon. Join the Trail Crew for<br />

monthly field practice in trail assessment and repair techniques. This Introductory<br />

class will give an overview to the 50-hour certification training program.<br />

Snacks, refreshments and good company provided! Sign up at<br />

http://pvplc.volunteerhub.com.<br />

Valentine’s Tea & Tunes<br />

Friends of Banning Museum will hold its eleventh annual Valentine’s Tea &<br />

Tunes on 1 to 3 p.m. This popular event will take place at The Banning Mueventcalendar<br />

Marriage Workshop<br />

At St. Peter's by the Sea, “Fanning the Flames of Marital Passion and Intimacy.”<br />

When "Happily Ever After" needs some encouragement. In a world<br />

of distractions and disconnection treat yourself and your marriage to a singleday<br />

presentation focusing on physical, emotional, and spiritual connection.<br />

Guest presenters will be Dr. Scott and Dr. Melissa Symington, both licensed<br />

clinical psychologists. Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., $45, lunch included. 6410<br />

PV Drive South, 310-377-6882. StPetersPres.org.<br />

Tuesday, February 9<br />

Shrove Tuesday Luncheon<br />

Sponsored by the St. John Fisher Women's Council. The luncheon is their annual<br />

fundraiser for the local charities they support. Guest speaker will be Msgr.<br />

Kevin Kostelnik, the First Pastor of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles<br />

and former Associate Pastor at St. John Fisher Church from 1982-1987. Admission<br />

is $25. Reservations can be made in the Parish Office, 5448 Crest<br />

Rd. Rancho Palos Verdes, until Friday February 5. Call Elaine Sweers at 310-<br />

377-7704 for more information.<br />

PV High Project Runway<br />

The Palos Verdes High School Project Runway Fashion Show . Feb 9 and 10<br />

at 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation Greater Los Angeles.<br />

In the MPR (multipurpose room). 600 Cloyden Rd, PVE. Tickets are $15 regular<br />

and $30 VIP and tickets will be sold at the door. Instagram: PVHSPROJEC-<br />

TRUNWAY, questions email trevettm@pvpusd.net.<br />

Wednesday, February 10<br />

PV Woman’s Club Meet<br />

The Palos Verdes Woman's Club will meet at noon at Trump National Golf<br />

Club. Deborah Boland will entertain by singing Valentine's Songs. Husbands<br />

and significant others are invited. Cost of the luncheon is $32. For reservations<br />

call Beverly Teresinski at 310-378-1349.<br />

Palos Verdes Buddhism Club Meeting<br />

Once we achieve the true purpose of life, all suffering is repaid. Every tear<br />

shed comes back to us a pearl. What is the nature of the eternal happiness<br />

awaiting us? Listening to Buddhism is of utmost essence in finding that out.<br />

2:30 - 4 p.m. at Palos Verdes Library 701 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates,<br />

Conference Room next to the Gift Shop. Also meets February 24. 818-<br />

571-3573.<br />

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44 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

Calendar cont. on page 46<br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong> • <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> 45


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eventcalendar<br />

seum, 401 East “M” Street, Wilmington. Guests will enjoy celebrating Valentine’s<br />

Day inside the Banning Museum’s historic Stagecoach barn. Presented<br />

in a vintage setting you will enjoy an elegant light luncheon served on exquisite<br />

fine china with a special selection of teas chosen for the occasion. There will<br />

be live entertainment provided by renowned harpist Katrina Saroyan as well<br />

as complimentary tours of the Museum, Transportation Exhibition and Visitor<br />

Center. A special exhibit featuring popular vintage fashions and accessories<br />

from 1864 to the 1920s has been assembled especially for this event. Don’t<br />

forget to don your hats, gloves and finery.Tickets sell out quickly for Valentine’s<br />

Tea and Tunes and space is limited. The cost is $65 for Friends of Banning<br />

Museum members and $75 for non-members. Please call Friends of Banning<br />

Museum at 310-548-2005 for reservations or for further information. Friends<br />

of Banning Museum is a nonprofit corporation founded to develop the historic<br />

Banning Museum. Our mission is to “Preserve History, Promote Education,<br />

and Inspire Entrepreneurial Spirit.” The Banning Museum is a facility of the<br />

City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks and is operated in<br />

cooperation with Friends of Banning Museum.<br />

Sunday, February 14<br />

South Coast Cactus & Succulent Society<br />

Botanical Names Decoded by Marquita Ellias. Join Marquita on a delightful<br />

journey of discovery to learn why we use those Latin names, what they mean,<br />

and how really simple it is. Lecture is at 1:30 p.m., South Coast Botanic Garden,<br />

26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos<br />

Verdes <strong>Peninsula</strong>. For more information visit southcoastcss.org.<br />

Second Sundays at Two Concert<br />

Stars of Tomorrow from USC Thornton School of Music featuring Alin Melik-<br />

Adamyan, piano; Philip Marten, violin; Coleman Itzkoff, cello. 2 p.m. Rolling<br />

Hills United Methodist Church, 26438 Crenshaw Blvd. Rolling Hills Estates<br />

(NE corner of Crenshaw & PV Drive<br />

North). Free admission. Donations<br />

appreciated. 100% goes to the<br />

artists. For information 310-316-<br />

5574.<br />

<strong>Peninsula</strong> Symphony<br />

Concert<br />

Maestro Gary Berkson and the<br />

<strong>Peninsula</strong> Symphony Association are<br />

excited to present their second concert<br />

of the 2015-16 season with an<br />

array of eclectic music. The evening<br />

will open with Japanese composer<br />

Yasushi Akutagawa’s Music for Symphony<br />

Orchestra, and will be followed<br />

by the ever-popular and lush<br />

Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar<br />

and orchestra by Spanish composer<br />

Joaquin Rodrigo. For this performance,<br />

we are thrilled and privileged<br />

to welcome Grammy Award-winning<br />

guitarist, Scott Tennant. After intermission,<br />

the Symphony No. 2 in<br />

D Major by Johannes Brahms. Doors<br />

open at 6 p.m.; pre-concert lecture<br />

by Maestro Berkson (for members<br />

only) at 6:15 p.m., and 7 p.m. for<br />

the concert. Redondo Union High<br />

School Auditorium, 631 Vincent<br />

Street in Redondo Beach (PCH at Diamond).<br />

Concert and parking are<br />

free. For further information, call the<br />

Symphony Office at 310-544-0320,<br />

e-mail music.pensym@verizon.net, or visit their website at Pensym.org.<br />

Wednesday, Feb.17<br />

PVP 4-H CLUB<br />

Community Meeting 6:45 to 8 p.m. at City of Rolling Hills Estates City Hall,<br />

4045 Palos Verdes Drive North, RHE. For more information about the 4-H Club;<br />

please visit our local website at www.pvp4hclub.org or call Dee Keese at 310-<br />

377-9773 or Peter Michel at 310-493-5559. You can also send an email to<br />

pvp4hclub@gmail.com or swimdude64@earthlink.net.<br />

Thursday, February 18<br />

Beach Cities Republicans Meeting<br />

This month's speaker will be candidates for Hermosa Beach City Council. 6<br />

p.m. Dinner (No Host-Dinner is required by all attendees), 7 p.m. Speaker. Sizzler<br />

Torrance, 2880 Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance (Between Crenshaw &<br />

Hawthorne blvds.) For more information please call 310-793-8647 or email<br />

at info@lagopclubs.com. Visit the Beach Cities Republicans Club Website at<br />

www.LAGOPCLUBS.com or www.BeachCitiesRepublicans.com for the Speaker<br />

information.<br />

South Coast Rose Society<br />

February meeting at South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard,<br />

Palos Verdes <strong>Peninsula</strong>, at 7 p.m. when the Society will give a PowerPoint<br />

presentation on roses with Valentine themed names, i.e. Lasting Love, Careless<br />

Love, Truly Yours, etc. The public is welcome so please join us. For further information,<br />

please see us on Facebook.<br />

eventcalendar<br />

Friday, February 19<br />

Etienne Gara and his Sunset Club Trio<br />

RHUMC Main Concert Series is proud to announce a concert by internationally-heralded<br />

French-born violinist Etienne Gara, and his new group Sunset<br />

Club Trio, consisting of German virtuoso Ines Thome on electric guitar, and<br />

prize-winning Texan Michael Gratovich on flamenco guitar, These world-class<br />

musicians have joined together to produce a fresh approach to the classical violin<br />

and piano repertoire. They have carefully chosen a program where these<br />

instruments can shine--and the interesting combination enables them to revisit<br />

sound textures of the classical masterpieces, as well as newly commissioned<br />

ones to bring a whole new aspect and energy to the stage! The concert will be<br />

at 7:30 p.m. at the Rolling Hills United Methodist Church. Earlier in the day,<br />

Etienne Gara will also be conducting a Master Class of student violinists at the<br />

church from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The public is invited. Call 310-377-6771 for further<br />

information. This concert is free, donations are appreciated and all proceeds<br />

go to the artists.<br />

Pop Musical, 13<br />

The Palos Verdes Performing Arts Conservatory presents the musical comedy,<br />

“13” through February 28 at the Norris Theatre. With a blast of high voltage<br />

energy, the musical, which opened on Broadway in 2008, navigates the ups<br />

and downs of early adolescence, and features an explosive pop-rock score by<br />

famed composer Jason Robert Brown, with a five-piece on-stage band. The plot<br />

revolves around Evan Goldman, who has been uprooted from New York to a<br />

small town in Indiana, where he struggles to fit in, but soon discovers that cool<br />

is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it. Show times for<br />

Calendar cont. on page 48<br />

46 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong> • <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> 47


eventcalendar<br />

“13” are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., plus a<br />

2 p.m. matinee on Saturday February 27. Ticket prices are $15 for youth<br />

ages 17 and under and $22-$28 for adults. For more information or to purchase<br />

tickets call the box office at 310-544-0403 or go to www.palosverdesperformingarts.com.<br />

The Norris Theatre is located at 27570 Norris Center<br />

Drive in Rolling Hills Estates.<br />

Your New Year resolutions list just<br />

got bigger.<br />

The holidays are over and it’s time for a fresh start. But<br />

don’t forget your trusty clock, it deserves the same TLC<br />

you are about to partake in.<br />

A properly maintained clock not only extends its life indefinitely,<br />

it also insures its accuracy. Your clock has a complex<br />

mechanism of inter-working parts. Yet unfortunately this precious<br />

item does not warn you prior to any major malfunction,<br />

therefore it becomes imperative to maintain and service your<br />

clock regularly. Oil gets old and dry forcing the train of gears<br />

to work twice as hard to accomplish their goal. This results in<br />

damage that drastically shortens the life of a fine timepiece.<br />

Your clock reminds you of it’s presence every time you<br />

wind it, and if its accuracy is not what it used to be, or its<br />

chimes are not as healthy, or maybe it just stops. That means<br />

it’s talking to you, telling you that its endless life is in jeopardy.<br />

Michel Medawar has been extending the lives of timepieces<br />

for over fifty years as his father did fifty years before. He is<br />

the inventor of the first talking clock in the world. He is a<br />

graduate from Patek Philippe in Geneva, Switzerland, The<br />

Theod Wagner clock Co. in Wiesbaden, Germany, and the<br />

Howard Miller Clock Co. in Zeeland, Michigan. Call him so<br />

that he may come to your home the same day and offer you a<br />

free estimate for servicing your clock. Or bring your wall or<br />

mantel clock to our store to see our showroom and receive the<br />

same complimentary diagnosis.<br />

We are located at 810C Silver Spur Rd., in Rolling Hills Estates, Ca.<br />

90274. Or call us at (310) 544-0052.<br />

Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Tuesday - Saturday<br />

810C Silver Spur Road • Rolling Hills Estates • CA 90274<br />

Call 310.544.0052<br />

Saturday, February 20<br />

Your Story is the <strong>Peninsula</strong>’s Story<br />

Do you live, work or go to school on the <strong>Peninsula</strong>? The history of the <strong>Peninsula</strong><br />

is YOUR STORY! Bring a favorite photo or two of people, activities or events<br />

that represent your connection to the <strong>Peninsula</strong>. Photos can be old, new, formal<br />

or snapshots (originals preferred). We scan your photos, you keep them, and<br />

together we preserve our shared history! This event is free and open to the<br />

public. 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., <strong>Peninsula</strong> Center Library Community Room,<br />

701 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates. For more information call or email<br />

Monique Sugimoto at 310-377-9584 ext 213 or msugimoto@pvld.org.<br />

Star Viewing Party<br />

Enjoy a short lecture with an amateur astronomer at <strong>Peninsula</strong> Center Library<br />

roof and observe through a state-of-the-art telescope, the Milky Way, the moon<br />

and perhaps even a planet or two! No registration required. Admission is free<br />

and open to the public. For more Information call 310-377-9584 X601 or<br />

visit their website at www.pvld.org. All events subject to rain or heavy overcast<br />

conditions.<br />

Sunday, February 21<br />

Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival<br />

Palos Verdes <strong>Peninsula</strong> Land Conservancy's Second Annual Wild & Scenic<br />

Film Festival On Tour, 4 p.m. Redondo Beach Union High School, 631 Vincent<br />

Park, Redondo Beach. Join us for a special selection of environmental and adventure<br />

films that illustrate the earth’s beauty, challenges facing our planet and<br />

what work communities are doing to protect the environment. Advance Tickets<br />

$10 or $15 at the door. Tickets and more information: www.pvplc.org or 310-<br />

541-7613.<br />

Monday, February 22<br />

Art Opening<br />

"Life's Treasures", featuring mosaic artist Robin Bott, watercolorist Margaret<br />

Mohr, and painter Jody Wiggins will open at the Promenade Gallery. The<br />

show will continue until April 3.There will be an opening reception for the<br />

artists on Sunday, February 28 from 2 to 6 p.m. Jody Wiggins will do a painting<br />

demonstration on Saturday, March 5 at 3 p.m.Robin Bott will show how<br />

she does mosaics on Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m. Margaret Mohr will demonstrate<br />

her watercolor techniques on Saturday, March 12 at 3 p.m.<br />

The Artists Studio Gallery at the Promenade is located at #159, Promenade<br />

on the <strong>Peninsula</strong>, 550 Deep Valley Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, 90274. Gallery<br />

hours are from 11 to 8 Mondays thru Saturdays and 12 to 6 on Sundays. For<br />

further information please call 310 265-2592 or log onto their website at<br />

www.artists-studio-pvac.com.<br />

Wednesday, February 24<br />

Mac Users Group Meeting<br />

Meets at Lomita VFW Hall, 1865 Lomita Blvd. 6:30 p.m. Beginners Q & A,<br />

8 p.m. Presentation by Mike Cowan of Mcgyver Tech. Admission is free. All<br />

Mac/iPad/iPhone/Apple Watch users and potential users are welcome. 310-<br />

644-3315; email: info@sbamug.com.<br />

Calendar cont. on page 50<br />

48 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


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eventcalendar<br />

Thursday February 25<br />

Embroiderers' Guild Meets<br />

The Azure Verde Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America will be meeting<br />

at 9:30 a.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes<br />

Estates. The February program will be Idele Gilbert teaching an Assisi Cupid<br />

Heart which she designed. Or you may bring your own project to work on.<br />

Visitors are welcome. For more information, please call 310- 540-6104 or<br />

visit our web page at www.azureverdeega.com.<br />

Save up to $100<br />

on Radiesse Injections*<br />

Saturday, February 27<br />

Medicare 101<br />

Do you have questions about Part A, B, C, D, enrollment windows, cost sharing<br />

or “Extra Help”, the difference between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage<br />

Plans and Supplement Plans? Join a presentation, Understanding Your<br />

Medicare Plan Options, with Carol Clement (CA License 0H80524) and have<br />

all of your questions answered. Sponsored by Palos Verdes Library District,<br />

this informational seminar is free and open to the public. This event is for educational<br />

purposes only. Medicare has neither reviewed, nor endorses, this<br />

information. 10 a.m. at <strong>Peninsula</strong> Center Library Community Room.Questions?<br />

Please contact Mary Cohen at mcohen@pvld.org or 310-921-7519.<br />

Land Conservancy Workshop<br />

Palos Verdes <strong>Peninsula</strong> Land Conservancy 4th Saturday Workshop: Drought,<br />

El Nino and Water Reliability, 11a.m. Workshop on conservation, recycling<br />

and desalination with Ron Wildermuth, West Basin Metro Water District.<br />

White Point Nature Education Center, 1600 W Paseo Del Mar in San Pedro.<br />

RSVP recommended to info@pvplc.org or 310-541-7613.<br />

Daughters of American Revolution<br />

El Redondo Chapter is having its 51st Colonial Luncheon at Palos Verdes Golf<br />

Club - 3301 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates. Social hour and Silent Auction<br />

Bidding begin at 11 a.m. and Lunch begins at noon. This is a fun way to<br />

renew and initiate friendships with sister members. The entertainment is Karin<br />

Frasier. She has a beautiful voice and performs as a soloist or onstage in musical<br />

theater and with orchestras. The reservation deadline is February 16.<br />

For more information and/or reservations contact Pat Husain, 2nd Vice Regent<br />

and Luncheon Chairperson, (pkhusain@aol.com) or Mary Haag, Reservations<br />

Chairperson, (maryhaag29@gmail.com). PEN<br />

*Save $50 on 1. 5mL syringe of Radiesse.<br />

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50 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


around&about<br />

around&about<br />

National Charity League<br />

n The Philanthropy Committee of the National Charity League’s <strong>Peninsula</strong> Chapter<br />

met to begin the process of researching philanthropies for the Chapter's annual<br />

grant awards . The committee consists of: Sharon Oda, Christine Pearson, Immediate<br />

Past President-Julie Long, Community Philanthropy Chair-Mary Schaefer, Chapter<br />

President-MaryBeth Kane, Chair-Valerie Real, Jennifer Townsend, Lynn Whitlock,<br />

Cathy Stain, Carol McFarland and President Elect-Janet Westergaard. Members<br />

Marymount California University offers new degree<br />

n Marymount California University co-presidents Ariane Schauer, PhD, and James<br />

R. Reeves announce the offering of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice beginning<br />

in the fall semester of <strong>2016</strong>. This is the fifth bachelor’s degree offered by the<br />

university, which also offers bachelor’s degrees in business, liberal arts, media<br />

studies and psychology.For more information about the university visit www.MarymountCalifornia.edu.<br />

will research 21 philanthropies who have applied for grants. Once research is<br />

complete, the committee will meet in February to make recommendations to the<br />

NCL <strong>Peninsula</strong> Board of Directors. Money for grants comes from proceeds from<br />

the NCL Ticktocker Thrift Shop in San Pedro. In the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the<br />

NCL <strong>Peninsula</strong> Chapter awarded over $167,000 in scholarships and philanthropic<br />

grants to members of our South Bay Community.<br />

LA BioMed Researcher honored for<br />

distinguished teaching<br />

n John Michael Criley, MD, a Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA Bio-<br />

Med) researcher, will receive the <strong>2016</strong> Distinguished Teacher Award from the<br />

American College of Cardiology on April 4 at the organization’s 65th Annual Scientific<br />

Session in Chicago, IL.In notifying Dr. Criley of the award, the American<br />

College of Cardiology said he was being recognized for his “innovative, outstanding<br />

teaching characteristics and compassionate qualities. Because of these<br />

attributes, you have made major contributions to the field of cardiovascular medicine.”“Congratulations<br />

to Dr. Criley for this recognition of the training and education<br />

he’s provided to more than 200 cardiologists who are improving the lives of<br />

patients around the country,” said David I. Meyer, PhD, LA BioMed president and<br />

CEO. “Dr. Criley is an LA BioMed legend, a leader in the field of cardiology for<br />

more than 50 years and an example of the institute’s physician-researchers who<br />

translate science and transform lives.” In addition to the more than 200 cardiologists<br />

he has helped train, Dr. Criley has taught cardiology to over 6,000 medical<br />

students, residents and nurses throughout his career. He has developed interactive<br />

multimedia programs in three languages that are<br />

used for medical and nursing education programs<br />

around the world.<br />

Palos Verdes Village<br />

appoints new Director<br />

n The Board of Directors of Palos Verdes <strong>Peninsula</strong><br />

Village has appointed Colleen Cotter as Executive<br />

Director.Ms. Cotter has lived in Rancho<br />

Palos Verdes for 21 years, and has served in<br />

many volunteer positions on the <strong>Peninsula</strong>. She<br />

has managed grants for non-profits, assisted with<br />

many events, and worked with the PVP Chamber<br />

of Commerce.She will manage the day to<br />

day operations of the <strong>Peninsula</strong> Village office<br />

Colleen Cotter, Executive<br />

Director for<br />

Palos Verdes <strong>Peninsula</strong><br />

Village<br />

and coordinate volunteers and services to ensure that assistance and programs<br />

are readily available to allow seniors to remain healthy, active and in their homes.<br />

The PVP Village office is sharing space with <strong>Peninsula</strong> Seniors.For more information<br />

about The PVP Village visit www.<strong>Peninsula</strong>village.net<br />

National Charity League, <strong>Peninsula</strong> Chapter<br />

to participate in Operation Homefront<br />

n On Sunday, November 8th, 200 the <strong>Peninsula</strong> Chapter of National Charity<br />

League, Inc. gathered moms and Ticktockers at Palos Verdes Intermediate School<br />

to help brighten the holidays for military families with Operation Homefront. Operation<br />

Homefront is an organization that provides assistance to military families.<br />

They offer relief during military family crisis and support wounded warriors when<br />

they return home. This was the third year NCL <strong>Peninsula</strong> participated in this event.<br />

Lesley Sklow, chair of the event, requested from the membership to donate new<br />

toys and clothing for children ranging in ages from infants to teens. These gifts<br />

were wrapped at an exuberant wrapping party held in the multipurpose room at<br />

PVIS. Over 100 holiday cards and letters were also written to send to our soldiers<br />

serving overseas. The Army ROTC Color Guard from the University of Southern<br />

California opened the event along with Class of 2020 Ticktocker, Gracey Thomas,<br />

sang the National Anthem. On December 9th, moms and Ticktockers delivered<br />

the wrapped gifts to the Naval Armory in Seal Beach for a Gift Giving Party where<br />

the members had the pleasure of meeting the families who were receiving the<br />

gifts. The Ticktockers helped children decorate cookies and Class of 2018 mom<br />

and professional photographer, Katrin Cooper, took family photos for their holiday<br />

cards. Santa also made an appearance.<br />

Around & About cont. on page 54<br />

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52 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong> • <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> 53


St. Francis Episcopal announces organist<br />

appointment<br />

St. Francis Episcopal<br />

Church located at 2200<br />

Via Rosa in Palos Verdes<br />

Estates is proud to announce<br />

the appointment of<br />

Dr. Hyunju Hwang as organist<br />

effective <strong>January</strong> 1,<br />

<strong>2016</strong>. Dr. Hwang received<br />

her Doctorate of<br />

Musical Arts Degree from<br />

USC with an emphasis in<br />

Organ Performance and<br />

Sacred Music. She has<br />

additional degrees from<br />

Westminster Choir College,<br />

Cleveland Institute for<br />

Music, the International<br />

Organ Academy in Harrlem,<br />

the Netherlands, and<br />

Yonsie University in Seoul,<br />

Korea. Dr. Hwang also accompanies<br />

music performance<br />

classes at Redlands<br />

around&about<br />

Organist Dr. Hyunju Hwang<br />

University and the Idyllwild<br />

Arts Summer Choir Festival.<br />

For more information, contact<br />

Jeannie Cobb at St. Francis Church at 310- 375-4617, Ext. 228 or email:<br />

jeannie.cobb@stfrancispalosverdes. PEN<br />

Risty cont. from page 29<br />

memoir.<br />

Her maternal grandfather Fred McCoy was a gold miner in Alaska during<br />

the Klondike era. He and a partner “actually hit pay dirt” with a successful<br />

claim that they later sold to a mining syndicate.<br />

That “made his fortune, and ensured that my mother grew up in a privileged<br />

environment,” Jan recalled.<br />

McCoy and Jan’s two uncles traveled frequently to Seattle, and Jan grew<br />

up hearing stories about the adventurers’ raft capsizing in a river, and the<br />

group being charged by a grizzly bear.<br />

“The ring my sister wears today was my grandmother’s wedding ring,<br />

which my grandfather won in a poker game while on a steam ship en route<br />

to Alaska,” Jan recalled.<br />

“Apparently, the family fortunes ebbed and flowed during the depression,<br />

and in ensuing years my grandfather and his sons built homes in Seattle<br />

and owned a grocery store,” she wrote. “But most of the mining fortune<br />

was dissipated long before I was born.”<br />

Her father, Bill Golden, was a journalist. Chet Huntley was his best man<br />

when he married Jan’s mother, Marjorie “Midge” McCoy.<br />

Her father became press secretary for U.S. Sen. Warren Magnuson, and<br />

the family moved to Washington DC and later returned to Seattle.<br />

Hard times, hard work<br />

When Jan was 10, her father died suddenly and her 16-year-old brother<br />

was killed in an accident. Her mother took a job in Anchorage, Alaska,<br />

“but had trouble coping with her losses,” Jan recalled. “As a 12-year-old I<br />

was pretty much on my own in a very rough environment during the year<br />

we spent in Alaska.”<br />

Through the rough times, the family managed to avoid homelessness,<br />

and Jan found solace in reading voraciously.<br />

Risty cont. on page 56<br />

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54 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


We reimburse UBER & LYFT up to $10<br />

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Risty cont. from page 54<br />

“The library was my sanctuary,” she said.<br />

“Alaska was still a territory – not even a state – at the time we were there,<br />

and it was not unusual to see an occasional moose stroll through the main<br />

part of town,” she said.<br />

The family moved to the Los Angeles area, and at 17 Jan began supporting<br />

herself with administrative and accounting work, while studying a full<br />

academic load at Santa Monica College at night.<br />

“Marriage interrupted my education and I had two sons, Evan, now my<br />

partner in our real estate practice, and Brad, who works in the insurance<br />

industry in San Diego,” she said.<br />

Later, as a single mom, she moved to Palos Verdes and began her real<br />

estate career.<br />

“I found having two mouths to feed to be highly motivating,” she recalled.<br />

“My sales career evolved slowly but steadily and the cliché ‘the harder<br />

you work, the luckier you get’ proved true for me,” Jan wrote.<br />

At different times, both her sons worked for Wayne at The Admiral Risty.<br />

“I remember once calling Wayne to complain about the number of hours<br />

my then-high-school-aged son was working and Wayne informed me, politely<br />

but firmly, that while he was sympathetic to my concerns – I quote<br />

– ‘Ma’am, I have a business to run,’” she recalled.<br />

“Basically, he shut me down in no uncertain terms. The upside though<br />

was that Wayne proved to be an outstanding mentor, not just for my sons<br />

but for generations of young people on the <strong>Peninsula</strong>.”<br />

“Even I was influenced by Wayne – and although I always worked hard<br />

prior to meeting and later marrying him – I found myself redoubling my<br />

efforts becoming a real worker bee just by being in his presence. I later established<br />

a second business as a travel agent while still working successfully<br />

at real estate full time.”<br />

After all their work, and their successes, the Judahs are in a great position<br />

to enjoy the fruits of their labors – and probably put in some more hard<br />

work. PEN<br />

56 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


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P E N I N S U L A P E O P L E | S P O R T S<br />

Chasing purple blobs<br />

by Eddie Solt<br />

“Surfing big waves isn’t only about the actual act of catching big waves. It’s about making<br />

the decisions to drop everything and be there at the right time.” - Scotty Bredesen<br />

Former <strong>Peninsula</strong> High longboarder Scotty Bredesen at Puerto Escondido, Mexico, winter 2015. Photo by Mariana Marenalma<br />

The buoys were banging. It was the first big<br />

swell of the season. Ocean Beach, just<br />

south of San Francisco cradles swells. With<br />

no natural barriers the break welcomes any<br />

ocean action, from ripples to mountains.<br />

Surfline.com called December 16, 2013 “Macking<br />

Monday.”<br />

“That day was my first time surfing giant<br />

Ocean Beach. It’s a heavy paddle out, like six to<br />

eight football fields out,” Scotty Bredesen said.<br />

“There are different zones you have to paddle<br />

through to get to the outside. I just squeaked by<br />

and scored an epic session.”<br />

Now when the buoys are banging, Bredesen<br />

can often be found making a cannonball run up<br />

the 5 with his Joe Bark guns piled in his vintage<br />

Chevy Suburban, sans surf stickers for discreteness.<br />

“Surfing big waves isn’t only about the actual<br />

act of catching big waves. It’s about making the<br />

decisions to drop everything and be there at the<br />

right time,” he said.<br />

The Palos Verdes native comes from a South<br />

Bay surfing family. His dad Chris was a Los Angeles<br />

County Lifeguard and in the ‘60s a member<br />

of the Greg Noll Surf Team. Today he is a member<br />

the Haggerty’s Surf Club and the Hap Jacobs<br />

Surf Team. Scotty’s older brother, Chris Jr., was<br />

seen all through the pages of the now defunct<br />

Longboard Magazine during the zine’s heyday, 15<br />

years ago, performing his progressive longboarding<br />

style. Chris Jr. is also a lifeguard and member<br />

of the Jacob’s Surf team.<br />

Every summer growing up the Bredesens vacationed<br />

on Maui with the Meistrell family, owners<br />

of Body Glove and Dive N’ Surf.<br />

“I learned to surf at Ka’anapali Point when I<br />

was five, after doing the whole boogie board<br />

shorebreak thing,” Bredesen said.<br />

In high school, Bredesen was on the <strong>Peninsula</strong><br />

High Surf Team, which dominated the South Bay<br />

until 2005 when the hill’s top surfers migrated to<br />

the newly opened Palos Verdes High. Bredesen<br />

was an anchor for the longboard team for four<br />

years and in his senior year won the All Star title.<br />

“Scotty was a pudgy, little short kid,” recalled<br />

longboarder Shawn O’Brien, who was a judge<br />

during Bredesen’s high school years. “After he<br />

won the all star meet, the judges threw him upside<br />

down in a trashcan.”<br />

But he traces his big wave obsession back to<br />

when he was nine years old and became a Los<br />

Angeles County Junior Lifeguard. “JG’s laid the<br />

foundation for my life,” Bredesen said. “It’s the<br />

reason I became a LA County Lifeguard.”<br />

Bredesen, now 29, has been a recurrent lifeguard<br />

for 10 years.<br />

“Becoming a lifeguard shaped me into being a<br />

complete waterman,” he said. “I grew up looking<br />

up to my dad and Uncle Wally Millican. I see myself<br />

emulating Lifeguard Captain Tom Seth when<br />

I’m older, having a loving family and being in<br />

shape.”<br />

Four years ago Bredesen was visiting a friend<br />

up in Cen-Cal. The surf report forecasted an epic<br />

swell, perfect for lighting up the region’s secret<br />

reefs. Bredesen borrowed Joe Bark’s back-up gun<br />

and paddled out in hammering, triple overhead<br />

surf.<br />

“I got caught inside and was thrown into full<br />

survival mode,” he said. “I never had been so<br />

sketched out in my life. That’s when I was<br />

hooked, especially after talking about the waves<br />

afterwards, over a few beers.<br />

The quest for big waves became the focus Bredesen’s<br />

life: lifeguarding in the summer and<br />

“chasing the dream” of the heavies in winter.<br />

“I remember when Scotty came up to me very<br />

serious, and said ‘Jamie, I want to do this,’” Jamie<br />

Meistrell recalled. “I’ve known him since we<br />

we’re in diapers. It was from there I saw him<br />

transform.”<br />

Another person Bredesen talked to was fellow<br />

Palos Verdes surfer Joe Bark. Bredesen grew up<br />

with a family quiver of Bark surfboards and paddleboards.<br />

“Your surfboard is the last thing you want to<br />

worry about in big surf,” Bredesen said. “Joe’s<br />

one of the best glassers and shapers in the world.<br />

I always see his boards at the top big wave<br />

breaks.”<br />

“He’s always believed in me and had my back,”<br />

Bredesen added. “He’s showed me a new love for<br />

the ocean.”<br />

With Bark and other sponsors, including Body<br />

Glove, Zico coconut water, and Freestyle watches<br />

58 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

(he was in the Freestyle Watch ad in the “big”<br />

June 2014 issue of Surfer Magazine), he feels he<br />

has to put himself out there.<br />

“The easy part is catching waves. Performing<br />

comes natural,” he said. “The anxiety is going<br />

somewhere expected but unexpected at the sametime<br />

and putting yourself in the spot to make that<br />

decision to paddle out.”<br />

Over the last four years, Bredesen has been<br />

chasing bomboras up and down the California<br />

coast, as well as in Mexico.<br />

Bredesen took his worst thrashing two winters<br />

ago at Todos Santos, 13 miles off Ensenada. The<br />

big, right hand point break was maxing out at 30-<br />

plus feet.<br />

“I took a set wave on the head and was swallowed<br />

into deep water and feeling the pressure<br />

on my ears,” Bredesen said. “Then I was dragged<br />

inside, into the rocks that are the size of Volkswagens,<br />

while being held under almost the entire<br />

way. I was gasping for air in the foam.”<br />

When the rescue ski picked him up he had a<br />

bloody nose and a snapped gun.<br />

While recovering on the boat, he questioned<br />

what he was doing there.<br />

The answer, he decided was “Chasing big<br />

waves, big dreams, experiencing the adventure.<br />

It makes you grow, not just as a surfer, but as a<br />

person.”<br />

He waxed up his full-on, 10-foot-6 Bark rhino<br />

chaser, a board he had yet to even paddle and<br />

jumped off the boat. Then he made the same mistake<br />

that had gotten him in trouble earlier in the<br />

day. He went for a small wave, got caught inside<br />

and took the next set on the head.<br />

But this time, he was able to get back out to the<br />

lineup.<br />

“Here I was with a few of my idols and for a<br />

moment I reflected, ‘Wow.’ Then I looked up and<br />

saw a set on the horizon. I was in the right spot.”<br />

“Dropping in I could hear the hoots and hollers<br />

from my fellow surfers and the boat crews,” he<br />

said. “I felt redeemed. I didn’t give up and it paid<br />

off.”<br />

Puerto Escondido is another barreling Mexican<br />

break that Bredesen has established himself, at a<br />

price.<br />

“The wave pops up and peaks out of nowhere<br />

and you can’t track it. The wave has to choose<br />

you.” he said. “You have to be at the right spot at<br />

the right time and hope the wave you’re pulling<br />

into doesn’t gobble you up.”<br />

Last May, on his fifth trip to Puerto, Bredesen<br />

found himself in a lineup of international surf<br />

stars.<br />

“Sharing a line-up with surfers whom I respect<br />

is mind blowing,” he said. “The local Puerto community<br />

is especially deserving of respect. Oscar<br />

Moncada and Coco Nogales are two of the local<br />

surfers I look up to.”<br />

After charging through the shorebreak, Bredesen<br />

mistimed his paddle out and was thrashed<br />

by a double overhead, pitching lip.<br />

“It felt like a cement truck was pouring down<br />

on me while I was pinned to the ocean floor,” he<br />

said.<br />

On his second attempt to paddle out, he barely<br />

pushed through to the outside.<br />

“Once I got my bearings straight, a set wave<br />

came to me and I found my rhythm,” he said.<br />

“You have to catch that one right wave to get the<br />

rhythm going.”<br />

A freak left peaked 20 yards south and coming<br />

straight at him.<br />

“My eye lit up. I dropped into a Hail Mary,” he<br />

said.<br />

He was swallowed up by the 20 foot, closing<br />

tube, slide slipping at one point and grabbing a<br />

rail while going for broke.<br />

“When I was spit out, I realized I had just<br />

caught the barrel of my life,” he said.<br />

Bredesen’s current goal is to get a bomb at<br />

Mavericks, California’s most fabled big wave<br />

spot. Qualifying for the World Surf League Big<br />

Wave Tour is another fantasy that plays in his<br />

head, but it’s not what motivates him.<br />

“There are 1,000s of surfers better than me. I’m<br />

not even in the ballpark with some of the great<br />

South Bay, big wave surfers,” he said. “Chasing<br />

purple blobs is about growing. Besides the obvious<br />

growth as a surfer – trying to pull in deeper<br />

and catch bigger waves – you grow as a person.<br />

When you come back from a trip, you’re not the<br />

same person you were when you left.” PEN<br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong> • <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> 59


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Not only that, she’ll be going to Hawaii with them after the Anchorage<br />

performances so they can work on their real tans. Since “Mamma Mia!”<br />

takes place in the Mediterranean everyone is supposed to look like they’ve<br />

soaked in a few rays, intentionally or otherwise.<br />

Kyra Belle is thankful that her first experience of being out on the road,<br />

and doing show after show after show, is with a musical where her character<br />

doesn’t need to scream or cry hysterically several times a week. That<br />

could be quite draining.<br />

Indeed, she says, “Pretty much every time you walk off stage you’re smiling<br />

because that’s what your character’s just been doing, and especially<br />

after the finale (when) we hit three of the most (popular) ABBA songs and<br />

the crowd, every single night, is up on their feet and dancing. You see people<br />

singing the lyrics back to you and waving their arms in the air, and you<br />

just walk off so happy and proud of the show.”<br />

The “Mamma Mia!” national tour ends in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 12,<br />

after which Kyra will have time to catch her breath. And after that? “I really<br />

don’t know,” she replies, and then adds with a playful laugh: “I just<br />

know in general my river is streaming towards performing.” In the meantime,<br />

let’s not forget, she’ll be shining like the star she is from Jan. 26-31<br />

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60 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong> • <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> 61


S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L<br />

Photos by Adrienne Slaughter<br />

PTN HALLOWEEN BALL<br />

20th Anniversary at The Depot<br />

T<br />

he 20th Annual Halloween Ball benefiting the Children<br />

of Pediatric Therapy Network was held Oct. 11th by<br />

The Depot restaurant owner and chef Michael Shafer.<br />

The Torrance center was founded in 1996 by therapists and<br />

parents to provide research and education for special needs<br />

children. For more information visit PediatricTherapyNetwork.org<br />

1. Annual attendees<br />

Linda James, Malissa<br />

Tober, Michael and<br />

Melinda Limas.<br />

2. PTN’s CEO Terri<br />

Nishimura, Deanne Hanson,<br />

Fran Day, PTN’s<br />

Heather McGuire and Trisha<br />

Handel Lopez.<br />

3. South Bay locals and<br />

huge Halloween Ball<br />

supporters Rick Learned<br />

and Siva Zhang.<br />

4. Dressed as Gum Ball<br />

Machines are Sue Kent<br />

and Kathy Traeger of<br />

Manhattan Beach.<br />

5. Jellyfish Ernae Mothershed<br />

and Yae-lan Chiang.<br />

6. Sugar Mama and<br />

Sugar Daddy Cindy and<br />

David Berry with<br />

Scooby-Doo’s “Daphne”<br />

Charlotte Svolos of Torrance.<br />

7. Lori Tanioka, Takuma<br />

Kishimoto of Torrance<br />

with Mavis Bruder of<br />

Henderson, Nevada.<br />

8. Susan and David<br />

Weber with Pediatric<br />

Therapy Network’s client<br />

Brandon Tanioka.<br />

9. Steve Napolitano,<br />

Senior Deputy to Fourth<br />

District Supervisor Don<br />

Knabe, joins PTN’s Tanesha<br />

Sandoz, Judith Diamond<br />

and Alysia<br />

Medina.<br />

10. Leilani Kimmel-<br />

Dagostino, Officer Darryl<br />

Tatum, Adrienne and<br />

Brett Gross with The<br />

Depot’s owner/Chef<br />

Michael Shafer.<br />

1 2<br />

3 4<br />

5 6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9 10<br />

62 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


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64 <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> • <strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


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<strong>January</strong> <strong>2016</strong> • <strong>Peninsula</strong> <strong>People</strong> 65

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