Beach Magazine July 2016

July 14, 2016 

Volume 46, Issue 50

2 Easy Reader / Beach magazine • July 14, 2016

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THANK YOU! 

30th Annual Torrance Memorial Golf Tournament 

Jerry Soldner, Jim Scriba, Ralph Scriba, Daniel Scriba (back row) 

Jeff Higgins, Spencer Higgins, Rick Higgins, Erik Higgins 

Forrest Riopelle, Brandon Hovard, James Zupanovich, Jim Haney 

Joe & Terry Hohm, Carole Hoffman, Stuart Dolan 

Tracy Bracken, Chris Wilson, Dave Klein, David Clinton, 

Song Cho Klein, Steve & Helaine Lopes 

T O U R N A M E N T S P O N S O R S 

Stevan Calvillo, Louis Graziadio, Jon Lund, Bill Lang 

Tournament Sponsor 

City National Bank 

Dinner Sponsors 

Graziadio Family Foundation 

Payden & Rygel 

The Scriba Family 

Golden Putter Sponsor 

Torrance Memorial Medical Staff 

Silver Putter Sponsor 

Sodexo 

Pacific National Group 

Bronze Putter Sponsor 

McCarthy Building Companies 

Golf Cart Sponsor 

Keenan Healthcare Services 

Reception Sponsor 

Torrance Memorial Medical Staff 

Lunch Sponsor 

HUB International 

Eagle Sponsor 

Cerner Corporation 

Tournament Award Sponsors 

ExecutivePerils 

Program Book Sponsor 

Newport Printing Solutions 

Hole-in-One Sponsors 

Martin Chevrolet 

Pacific Audi 

Pacific Porsche 

Scott Robinson Honda 

South Bay Lexus 

Tournament Chair 

Don Douthwright 

Don Douthwright has served on the Golf 

Committee since 1987. His dedicated efforts 

on behalf of Torrance Memorial Medical Center 

and its Foundation are 

greatly appreciated! 

Special Thanks to the Members of the 2016 Tournament Committee 

Don Douthwright, Chair 

Chris Adlam 

Carlos Botana 

Tracy Bracken 

Stanley Chang, M.D. 

Erik Chessmore 

Harv Daniels 

David Klein 

Rick Higgins 

John Moody 

Dan Mueller 

Mike Philbin 

Rosemary Pudlik 

Gary Randazzo 

Forrest Riopelle 

Scott Rouse 

Marc Schenasi 

Marianne Sfreddo 

Neal Verga 

3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA • 310-325-9110 • www.TorranceMemorial.org 

For information about the 31st Annual Golf Tournament, please call 310-517-4703

July 14, 2016 

Volume 46, Issue 50 

ON THE COVER 

Photographer Brent Broza 

Photo by Kelly Fajack 

(KellyFajack.com) 

Photo assistant Logan Broza 

BEACH PEOPLE 

20 Bro Hymn 

by Mark McDermott 

Brent Broza took a camera given to him by his dying father and 

found a new life for himself. 

26 Space for inspiration 

by John Post 

Photographer John Post finds inspiration in the flights and the 

grounding of the U.S.A. Space Shuttle Program 

34 Sports bar, set high 

by Richard Foss 

The food at King’s Cove in the Toyota Sports Center is very good. 

But it’s hard not to be distracted by the NHL Kings and professional 

figure skaters training on the rinks below. 

48 Piper’s block party 

by Randy Angel 

Mira Costa High School junior Piper Monk-Heidrich credits her 

mom with letting her find her passion and her coaches for helping 

her to fulfill her passions. 

BEACH LIFE 

8 Manhattan Beach Wine Auction 

12 Utility Box Art 

16 Beach calendar 

18 RB Chamber Man, Woman of the Year 

47 Service Directory 

27 TMMC Golf Tourney 

28 JMMF’s Benefiesta 

34 Wellness in the Garden 

35 Beach Family Business Guide 

STAFF 

PUBLISHER Kevin Cody, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Richard Budman, EDITORS Mark McDermott, Randy Angel, David Mendez and Ryan 

McDonald, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Bondo Wyszpolski, DINING EDITOR Richard Foss, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Ray Vidal and 

Brad Jacobson, CALENDAR Judy Rae, DISPLAY SALES Adrienne Slaughter, Tamar Gillotti, Amy Berg and Shelley Crawford, 

CLASSIFIEDS Teri Marin, DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA Jared Thompson, GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tim Teebken, DESIGN CONSULTANT Bob 

Staake, BobStaake.com, FRONT DESK Judy Rae, INTERNS Sean Carroll 

EASY READER (ISSN 0194-6412) is published weekly by EASY READER, 2200 Pacific Cst. Hwy., #101, P.O. Box 427, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254-0427. Yearly domestic 

mail subscription $100.00; foreign, $200.00 payable in advance. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to EASY READER, P.O. Box 427, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. The 

entire contents of the EASY READER newspaper is Copyright 2016 by EASY READER, Inc. www.easyreadernews.com. The Easy Reader/Redondo Beach Hometown News 

is a legally adjudicated newspaper and the official newspaper for the cities of Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. Easy Reader / Redondo Beach Hometown News is also 

distributed to homes and on newsstands in Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, and Palos Verdes. 

CONTACT 

n Mailing Address P.O. Box 427, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 Phone (310) 372-4611 Fax (424) 212-6780 

n Website www.easyreadernews.com Email news@easyreadernews.com 

n Classified Advertising see the Classified Ad Section. Phone 310.372.4611 x102. Email displayads@easyreadernews.com 

n Fictitious Name Statements (DBA's) can be filed at the office during regular business hours. Phone 310.372.4611 x101. 


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education 

22ND MB ED FOUNDATION 

Wine Auction sells out 

L 

ast month’s 22nd annual Manhattan Wine 

Auction at the Manhattan Country Club raised 

$1.1 million for the Manhattan Beach Education 

Foundation. More than 2,000 guests attended 

the sold out event, featuring food from 40 local 

restaurants and 80 regional wineries. To learn all the 

foundation does, visit MBEF.org. 

1 

2 

PHOTOS BY CAROLINE ANDERSON 

1. Chef David LeFevre served up food from 

his restaurants Fishing with Dynamite and MB 

Post. 

2. Ferrari South Bay donated a red Ferrari to 

the auction. 

3. Tina Wu (left), Pennekamp mom, and Debbie 

Tran (right), Meadows mom. 

4. Manhattan Beach Councilmember Wayne 

Powell and Senior Deputy to Supervisor Don 

Knabe, Steve Napolitano. 

5. Mary Kelley, the owner of 23rd Street Jewelers 

in Manhattan Beach, shows off a 

necklace from her store. Kelley donated a pair 

of gold and diamond earrings worth 

$21,000 for the auction. 

6. Tables were well provisioned. 

7. Over 2,000 school supporters attended 

the sold out event. 

8. Manhattan Beach Councilmember David 

Lesser, State Senator Ben Allen, Councilmembers 

Wayne Powell and Amy Howorth. 

9. State Assemblyman David Hadley and 

friends. 

3 4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

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July 14, 2016 • Easy Reader / Beach magazine 9

each art 

HUB ART INSTALLATION 

Hermosa a beacon to punk art world 

unveiling will make Hermosa Beach a 

beacon to the punk world,” Leadership Hermosa 

Beach board member and Hermosa 

“This 

parks and rec chairperson Jani Lange declared last 

month at the unveiling of Daniel Inez’s mural on a 

utility box at the southeast corner of Hermosa and Pier 

avenues in downtown Hermosa. 

The utility box’s four corners bore street signs with the 

names of seminal Black Flag, Descendents, Circle Jerks and 

Pennywise. Seven other HUB (Hermosa Utility Box) murals 

were also unveiled last month. The project was organized by 

Leadership Hermosa Beach, which prepares residents for civic 

leadership roles. For more information about Leadership Hermosa 

Beach LeadershipHermosa.org. 

1 

Photos by Kevin Cody 

2 

1. Leadership Hermosa 2016 members with artist Daniel 

Inez (in black) and his tribute to Hermosa punk bands. 

2. Rob Dob covered a utility box with four, troubled 

looking, adolescent surfers. 

3. Two tall, narrow utility boxes designed by Jeff Fieger 

and Lisa Arnett celebrate Hermosa’s surf culture. 

4. Jake Tedesco covered an elevated utility box with a 

sparrow guarding her eggs opposite a garden scene with a 

lizard, a bee and flowering vines. 

5. Camilla Serrano with Uncle Manny and cousin 

Sebastian. 

6. Hermosa Beach council members Jason Massey and 

Carolyn Petty, city manager Tom Bakaly, Jani Lange and 

councilwoman Stacey Armato. 

7. Carissa Catalina drew an art deco-inspired Hermosa 

sun logo hovering over a breaking wave. 

8. Chris Miller celebrated early Hermosa, when the town 

was divided into tracts named after poets. Her mural 

includes early surfing and beach photos and quotes from 

Shakespeare, Tennyson, Keats and Longfellow. 

3 

5 

4 

6 7 

8 



S O U T H B AY 

CAL ENDAR 

AVP Manhattan Open 

THURSDAY, JULY 14 

The “Wimbledon of Beach Volleyball” is second only 

to the Olympics in prestige among volleyball players. 

Open winners are memorialized with bronze plaques 

on the Manhattan Pier Volleyball Walk of Fame. Qualifications 

Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Main Draw Friday 

through Sunday. Finals Sunday noon, live on NBC. 

South Side of the Manhattan Beach Pier. For more information 

visit avp.com/events/. 

Casey Jennings, 

winner of the 2013 

Manhattan Open, 

will be among the 

competitors at the 

Manhattan Beach 

Open. Photo by 

Frank Goroszko 

Retsina, baklava and dancing 

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 15-17 

The South Bay Greek Festival is to area Greeks what 

St. Patrick’s Day is to everyone else. Music, games, 

dancing and Greek food. Friday 5 - 10 p.m., Saturday 

12 - 10 p.m. and 

Sunday 12 - 9 p.m. St. Katherine Greek Orthodox 

Church, 722 Knob Hill Avenue, Redondo Beach. Sbgreekfestival.com. 

Zumba-ya 

MONDAYS, JULY 18- AUG 15 

Through Aug. 15. The Beach Cities Health District 

hosts a free, Zumba class with heart-pumping hip-hop 

music and Latin inspired dance moves. Wear comfortable 

shoes, bring a towel and water. 

Lincoln Elementary School, 2223 Plant Ave, Redondo 

Beach. For more information, visit 

beachcitiesgym.org/ffw. 

FRIDAY, JULY 22 

Vintage rides 

Ruby's Diner in King Harbor becomes a showcase of 

cherished cars, from modern speed machines to pedal 

cars. To display your own car, contact Larry Neville at 

(310) 962-7438. Ruby’s Diner, 245 North Harbor 

Drive, Redondo Beach. 

White Light White Night 

FRIDAY, JULY 23 

The 10th Anniversary of the South Bay’s glitziest charity 

evening features live music, tastings, cocktails and 

auctions overlooking the LA basin. Celebrate the triumphant 

spirit of families impacted by cancer. 5 - 11 

p.m. The Top of the Plaza at Continental Park, 870 S. 

Nash Street, 6th Floor, El Segundo. Question call (310) 

322-3900. For tickets visit 

e.gesture.com/events/4Sz/Whitelightwhitenight.org. 

International Surf Festival 

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, AUGUST 4-7 

Greek dancers 

are among the 

highlights at 

the South Bay 

Greek Festival. 

Photo by 

Patrick Fallon 

Friday nights at Ruby’s is a South Bay tradition. 

Photo by Ciley Carrington 

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and volleyball players converge 

on the three beach cities for four 

days of spirited competition in the water 

and on the sand. The festival starts with 

the Charlie Saikley six man volleyball 

(and costume) tournament at the Manhattan 

Pier on Thursday and Friday. 

Thursday is the LA County Lifeguard 

Medal of Valor dinner. Friday night lifeguards 

compete in swim, dory, surf ski 

and paddleboard races, preceded by 

the Jr. Lifeguard competition. 

Saturday events for the public include 

R-10 paddleboard race, CBVA volleyball, 

surfing, bodysurfing and a twomile 

beach run. Saturday night, 

Southern California lifeguards compete 

in relay races for the prestigious Taplin 

Bell Award. 

Sunday morning begins with the 

Velzy-Stevens Pier to Pier Paddleboard 

race followed by the Dwight Crum Pier 

to Pier swim, sand castle contest, Junior 

6-man volleyball, lifeguard dory races 

and youth swims. 

Hermosa Beach and Manhattan 

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complete schedule visit www.surffestival.org.B 

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OLYMPIC EQUESTRIAN, PINBALL WIZ 

Named Woman, Man of the Year 

A 

1968 Mexico Olympics equestrian and a two-time pinball league 

champion were named the 2016-17 Redondo Beach Woman and 

Man of the Year at the Redondo Chamber of Commerce’s annual 

installation banquet last Friday at the Crowne Plaza. 

Woman of the Year and former Olympian Vicki Callahan Porter is a 

South Bay native and Redondo Harbor commissioner with a 40 year history 

of community service. 

Man of the Year and pinball champion Mike Gin served on the Redondo 

preservation and planning commissions before serving eight years 

on the city council and in 2005 being elected mayor. Also recognized at 

the award dinner were Redondo Beach Employee of the Year Mike Klein 

and Chamber Ambassador of the Year Mark Applegate. 

PHOTOS BY KEVIN CODY 

1. State Assembly David 

Hadley apologizes for being 

overdressed, but redeems 

himself by noting he is one 

of the few elected officials 

who was a chamber member 

and business owner before 

becoming a politician. 

2. The newly installed 

2016 Redondo Beach 

Chamber of Commerce 

Board of Directors. 

3. Chamber chair Ann 

Garten presents a gift to 

retiring Beach Cities Health 

District CEO Susan Burton, 

on the condition that Burdon 

continues to serve on the 

Chamber Board. 

4. Chamber chair Ann 

Garten thanks Chamber 

CEO Marna Smeltzer for 

her three decades of service 

to the chamber. 

5. Redondo Beach Employee 

of the Year Mike 

Klein. 

6. Redondo Chamber Ambassador 

of the Year Mark 

Applegate. 

7. Redondo Beach Woman 

of the Year Vicki Callahan 

Porter. 

8. Redondo Beach Man of 

the Year Mike Gin is congratulated 

by last year’s 

Man of the Year Steven 

Keller. 

9. Dancing Chamber 

board members Mickey 

Marraffino and Heide 

Butzine. 

1 

2 3 

4 5 

6 

7 8 9 



20 Easy Reader / Beach magazine • July 14, 2016 

Photographer Brent Broza, whose first 

solo exhibit, "Then & Now", will take 

place July 16 at Hermosa Design. 

Photo by Kelly Fajack Photography

Green Store. 

Photo Brent Broza 

(brozaphoto.com) 

Photos by 

Broza 

by Mark McDermott 

How Brent Broza became one of the South Bay’s most vital photographers 

Brent Broza was living a good dream on the day the phone call came. 

The South Bay native and lifelong surfer had moved to Maui in 2005. 

He was 36 years old, and he’d built a successful career selling wine. 

He spent his days driving around tasting and talking about wine, surfing, 

and immersing himself in the beauty of South Pacific island life. 

But on that day in July 2008, life suddenly stood still. Broza stood silently 

for a moment, phone in hand, looking out across the ocean, taking in what 

he’d just heard. His father Claude was dying. He had terminal cancer and 

only a short time to live. 

He and Claude had an unusually tight bond. His mother Michelle had 

died of breast cancer at the age of 50, nearly two decades earlier, when 

Brent was still at San Diego State. He’d studied communications and while 

working in restaurants had discovered wine. He possessed a “good palate” 

and a natural affability that he’d inherited from his big-hearted, convivial 

father — a big, strapping man who’d operated a home inspection company 

in the South Bay who was legendary locally for his fun-loving ways. Broza 

was hired by a division of Kendall Jackson straight out of college as a wine 

rep. They asked him to return to the South Bay to cover nearby territories, 

and eventually the Beach Cities. 

He was only too happy to return to his native stomping grounds, and he 

and his father — to whom Brent bears a striking resemblance — shared a 

great decade together, a son getting to know his dad as an adult, and a 

friend. Brent and Claude cooked together, drank wine together, and at one 

point, in 2004, took a photo class at Paul’s Photos in Torrance together. 

Brent found the class too technical for his liking, but afterwards his father 

gave him his first real camera, a Nikon N80, which he took on a surf trip 

to the Mentawais later that year. 

A few years later, after he’d moved to Hawaii, his father would give him 

his first digital camera, a 4 megapixel Kodak. 

“I'd go around and shoot stuff, just what I thought was cool,” Broza said. 

“Of course waves. Seascapes, Monkeypod trees, Kiawe trees, just whatever – 

the ocean, the water, the reefs.” 

He gave little thought to it; taking shots was a meditative practice. He tiptoed 

into the dawning era of social media. “You are invited to join Facebook? 

What it that?” he remembers thinking. “But yeah, I posted a few shots on 

Facebook, and MySpace.” 

The day he found out his father was dying, Broza quit his job in Hawaii. 

He packed up, shipped his car, and arrived back in Manhattan Beach two 

weeks later. 

“I had no job, basically nothing,” Broza said. “I came back to spend time 

with my dad and to care for him as much as I could. He had a Canon Rebel 

there, a new one – I don't think he had a chance to use it. He was just kind 

of tinkering around with it.” 

Claude was dying quickly. The heaviness of his father’s impending passing 

weighed on Brent. 

“You appreciate moments. Everything else in life is trivial,” he recalled. 

“It's real. You are witnessing death happening. You are witnessing pain and 

suffering. You are watching your parent die. It's hard.” 

Encounters with death change perception. Time slows down. Moments 

become precious. Transience is made real. Light upon the earth, upon the 

water, seems to shimmer. Broza saw the South Bay with different eyes. 

Brent Broza cont. on page 23 



Brent Broza cont. from page 21 

“I was pretty much tripping,” he said. “I’d take that camera, during my 

breaks from watching him, and shoot sunsets, the waves, the piers, Palos 

Verdes, the Avenues…. It was a therapeutic thing for me to kind of release 

some creativity during that time.” 

His father only lasted a month. After he died, Broza decided he’d stay in 

the South Bay. He started posting his photos more regularly on social 

media. He was surprised at the positive response he received. 

“This is kind of how, with all these nice comments, I started to get a little 

more confident,” Broza said. “And then shooting just kind of clicked. I was 

self-taught, and just started to figure things out.” 

A month after his dad died, a friend, Paul Hatter, helped him obtain 

photo credentials to a Jack Johnson concert in Santa Barbara. He gave the 

photos to Johnson. Later, Johnson’s wife reached out to him. The concert 

had been recorded and was going to be released as an album, “En Concert,” 

and they wanted to use one of Broza’s photos for the CD booklet. 

“I was like, ‘Hell yeah,’” Broza said. “What an opportunity.” 

Broza is one of those guys who is almost a social media network unto 

himself. He knows people, and through those many circles, more opportunities 

arose, such as an offer to shoot the premiere of Kelly Slater’s surf 

movie, “The Ultimate Wave Tahiti.” Those photos appeared in Surfer magazine. 

Broza’s photography career was up and running. 

He’d taken another job in corporate wine sales, but his focus was increasingly 

turning to photography. Soon, he had surfing shots in Surfer. 

Over the next few years, his shots appeared on Surfline.com, in American 

Art Collector magazine and on the covers of Easy Reader and Beach. His 

photography wasn’t any one niche — he photographed artists Shepard 

Fairey and Craig “Craola” Simkins in their studios, South Bay landscapes, 

seascapes, musicians, landmarks and personalities. 

“I don’t have any one focus,” Broza said. “I just shoot what I think is 

cool.” 

Even in its variety, his work developed a distinct identity. An example is 

a shot that his lifelong friend, singer Jim Lindberg, used as the cover art 

for “The Black Pacific,” the band he led in his period away from Pennywise. 

The photo looks north at perhaps the most commonly photographed subject 

locally, the Manhattan Beach pier. But it’s a vision of the pier unlike 

anything that had appeared before. Rather than the sunny, happy beach 

vibe the pier so often represents, Broza’s shot is in dramatic black and 

white. Its backdrop are the stacks from the NRG El Segundo power plant, 

smoke billowing above the entire scene. 

Lindberg said that shot, like much of Broza’s work, documents a side of 

the South Bay only a native would have the eyes to capture. 

“An outsider couldn’t really come here and get the essence of the place, 

or understand the different facets of South Bay life,” he said. “That album 

cover is a perfect example. It shows the stacks down in El Segundo, and 

kind of a windy day — it shows the stormy nature of the coast, not the 

typical sunny beach day. Anyone who grew up in the South Bay knows 

those kinds of days well. There is a big brightness here, but there are some 

dark corners, as well.” 

Broza also very consciously, and respectfully, comes from a local tradition. 

He admired the work of pioneering surf photographer LeRoy Grannis 

all his life, as well as the comprehensive photographic documentation of 

his friend Robi Hutas, who has spent six decades photographing everything 

from the disappearing Old Redondo waterfront to every major volleyball 

tournament in Hermosa and Manhattan Beach. 

“I don’t think anyone has documented the South Bay better than Robi 

Hutas,” Broza said. “And for me, after growing up here – I try to document 

things that mean something to me, and try to shoot them before they are 

gone. I mean, I didn’t really start until I was 38, so I’m trying to make up 

for lost time.” 

Daniel Inez, the founder of the local design company M1SK, and a 

staunch defender of South Bay culture, said that Broza’s photographs speak 

a uniquely local language. 

“This is Brent's backyard so his point of view is not one of an outsider’s...whether 

it's taking photos at a punk show or at the Breakwall, 

Brent Broza cont. on page 26 


Brent Broza’s photo of Aaron Gold at Jaws, January 15, off the Hawaiian island of Maui. The photo earned Gold the World Surf League award for biggest 

wave paddled into in 2016. Broza was also honored at the April awards ceremony. 

Bluff’s Cove, Palos Verdes. 


“Fire on the water.” Photo by Brent (brozaphoto.com) 

“Skaters.” Photo by Brent Broza (brozaphoto.com) 


Brent Broza cont. from page 23 

he's shooting things that he's had 

lifelong relationships with,” Inez 

said. “This makes his work not only 

genuine, but easy to get behind and 

support...If there's a story about the 

South Bay it makes sense that people 

from here tell it. I think that's a 

big part of why people dig his 

stuff – he's one of us, not just some 

random person with an expensive 

camera.” 

Broza now makes his living primarily 

as a photographer, running 

his own wine distribution company 

as a sideline. On July 16, he will 

have his first solo exhibition, “Then 

& Now,” at Hermosa Design. 

“Photography has been amazing 

for me,” he said. “It's given me a lot 

of freedom. I can go out and do it 

whenever I want. If I want to be out 

at 2 o'clock in the morning, I can do 

it. It's created a life for me.” 

Though his work is rooted locally, 

Broza’s reputation has spread globally. 

Kim Riley, whose Manhattan 

Beach gallery was the first to show 

his work, said that Broza has become 

a brand name, and done so in 

large part because he has given the 

world a new perspective on iconic 

South Bay themes. 

“His stuff is just amazing, and just 

keeps evolving,” Riley said. “The 

work people buy now is so much 

different from the standard shot of 

the Manhattan Beach pier that has 

been photographed the same way a 

million times. His art has great 

value, and we ship it around the 

world...Brent’s work has a new feel 

to it.” 

Probably the biggest star in the 

South Bay photo scene today is Bo 

Bridges. He remembers Broza coming 

into his first studio, in Hermosa 

Beach, about six years ago, peppering 

him with practical questions. 

He’s watched with admiration as 

Broza’s work has expanded. He 

praised how Broza’s work is embedded 

its own singular style, 

standing out in an increasingly 

crowded field. 

“The market is so saturated with 

photographers these days,” Bridges 

said. “And the technology has made 

it almost so you can just push a button 

and get a good shot but doing 

that isn’t enough to make a name 

for yourself. That’s the hard part, 

and he’s done a great job at 

it....What he has done is just brilliant.” 

Both Bridges and Lindberg said 

the secret to this success isn’t some 

mysterious alchemy, or even its 

Brent Broza with his father, Claude, in Maui, Hawaii, circa 2005. 

local roots — it’s the thousands of 

hours Broza has devoted to his craft. 

“That really comes from dedication 

and putting the work in,” Lindberg 

said. “Pretty much every day 

he’s up at dawn, taking photos...It’s 

like in music — very rarely does 

anyone just take up songwriting and 

start writing great songs. He had 

that drive. He put in the time.” 

“He was hurting because of the 

loss of his parents, and like any 

great artist, he channelled that emotion 

into something positive…and in 

so doing captured the beauty of nature 

around the South Bay and 

other parts of California. It’s really 

cool to make that your work of art. 

And really, he’s just begun.” 

Broza is now living another 

dream, one that his father helped 

hatch in the final days of his life. 

“Basically, it went like this: my 

dad gave me this gift on his way 

out,” Broza said. “If that camera 

hadn’t come into my hands the way 

it did, I don’t believe I’d be shooting 

photographs today. It’s weird. But 

he’d be so stoked.” 

Brent Broza’s “Then & Now” runs 

from July 16 through August 14 at 

Hermosa Design, 618 Cypress Avenue, 

Hermosa Beach, with an opening reception 

July 16 from 7 to 10 p.m. B 


each charity 

TORRANCE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 

Raises Funds for the North Patient Tower 

T 

he 30th annual Torrance Memorial Golf Tournament proved to be another great success. 

Funds raised from the June 6 tournament will help to fulfill the overall fundraising goal 

toward renovation of the North Patient Tower to benefit women’s and pediatric services. 

After a full day of golf at the Palos Verdes Golf Club, participants enjoyed a cocktail reception, 

dinner, silent auction and awards banquet. City National Bank once again served as the tournament 

sponsor this year. Don Douthwright served as the tournament chair. The honorary chair is 

late George L. Graziadio, Jr. 

PHOTOS BY DEIDRE DAVIDSON 

back row: Brett Dillenberg. 

4. Christina Ochoa, Deverie 

Fernandez, Lyn Kornoelje, 

Khryste Langlais 

5. Tracy Bracken, Chris Wilson, 

Dave Klein, David Clinton, Song 

Cho, Steve Lopes, Helaine 

Lopes. 

1. Don Douthwright, Carole 

Hoffman and Stuart Dogan. 

2. Front row: Craig Leach, Larry 

Rausch, Mark Rouse; back row: 

Steve Thompson, Laura 

Schenasi, Scott Rouse. 

3. Front row: James Sanders, 

Michael Bolcher, Scott Davis; 

2 

1 

4 

3 

5 


each charity 

BENEFIESTA BENEFITS 

Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation 

The 2016 BeneFiesta, benefiting the Jimmy Miller 

Memorial Foundation, was held in the imaginatively 

reconfigured lobby of the Manhattan 

Country Club last month. Cocktails from Wicked 

Tango, Deep Eddy and Manhattan Margarita and food 

from Silvio’s Brazilian BBQ and other local restaurants 

were offered prior to a live auction by AVP and Time 

Warner Sportsnet announcer Chris “Geeter” McGee. 

The Jimmy Miller Foundation provides ocean therapy 

for the physically and mentally ill, including military 

veterans. Jimmy Miller volunteers offer surf lessons to 

wounded veterans from the Veterans Hospital in West 

Los Angeles and at Camp Pendleton. For more information 

visit Dig4Kids.org or 

JimmyMillerFoundation.org. 

1 

2 

PHOTOS BY KEVIN CODY 

3 4 

1. Debi Lamotte and Jay Gleason. 

2. Dorothy Courtney with Jennifer and Greg McNally. 

3. Nancy Miller with David and RL Peters. 

4. Dennis and Crystal Jarvis. 

5. Zen and Diana Del Rio. 

6. Aleta and Gary McPeak and Chris Brown. 

7. Jeff Miller tells the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation 

story. 

8. Mark and Diane Silva. 

9. Jim Miller, center, with Barsha Wine’s Adnen and 

Lenora Marouani. 

10. Jason and Leslie Kelso. 

11. Carly Rogers and Chyo Baldocchi. 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 11 


Michael Burstein is a probate and estate planning 

attorney. A graduate of the University of California, 

Hastings College of the Law in 1987, he is admitted 

to the California, Kansas and Oklahoma Bars and 

is a member of the Order of Distinguished Attorneys 

of the Beverly Hills Bar Association. 

As an estate and probate lawyer, Michael has prepared 

approximately 3,000 living trusts and more 

than 4,000 wills. 

An Estate Planning, 

Estate Administration, 

and Probate Attorney 

l Living Trusts 

l Wills 

l Powers of Attorney 

l Advance Health 

Care Directives 

l Insurance Trusts 

l Asset Protection 

l Veterans Benefits 

l Pet Trusts 

l Probate 

l Conservatorships 

l And Much More! 

Call us to schedule an appointment or for our 

FREE Guide: 

Selecting the Best Estate Planning Strategies 

111 North Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 250 

Manhattan Beach, California 90266 

310-545-7878 


Down the street, 

into the history books 

ET-94 is reunited with Space Shuttle Endeavor 

ET-94 rounds a tight bend on Manchester Boulevard, at Hillcrest Drive. 

ET-94 moved through the streets at four miles per hours. 

Story and photos by John Post 

An era in space exploration passed through the 

streets of Los Angeles and into the history books on 

Saturday, May 21. That day, the last flight-qualified 

Space Shuttle external fuel tank was driven east down 

Manchester Boulevard to Vermont Avenue and then north 

to the California Science Center. There ET-94, as it is 

known, was reunited with the Space Shuttle Endeavor, 

which had followed a similar route to the Science Center 

in October 2012. 

The 154-foot long, 66,000 pound tank was brought by 

barge through the Panama Canal to Marina del Rey, where 

it was unloaded. The 11.5 mile journey to the California 

Science Center took 18 hours. 

Spectators who lined the streets could see where sections 

of orange insulation foam had been removed for investigation 

after the Shuttle Columbia was lost during reentry 

in 2003. 

I have witness U.S. Space Shuttle walk outs, lift offs and 

landings and have been convinced that the U.S. space program 

represents the best of what humanity can achieve. 

Parents looking to give their kids an experience that may 

change their lives for the better should visit Space Shuttle 

Endeavor and ET-94. The California Science Center is at 

700 Exposition Park Dr, in Los Angeles, just south of the 

University of Southern California. For more information, 

visit CaliforniaScienceCenter.org. B 


STS-135 Atlantis lifts off at the 

Kennedy Space Center for the 

Space Shuttle program’s final 

flight on July 8, 2011. 

Space Shuttle Endeavour winds down Crenshaw Boulevard on October 13, 2012 on its way to the California 

Science Center. 

ET-94 draws a crowd along Arbor Vitae in Playa Vista. 


• Serving the South 

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Closed Saturday and Sunday 


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321 Pier Ave. 

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Summer Hours 10:30-6:30 

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each charity 

CELEBRATE WELLNESS 

At the Botanic Garden 

T 

he 20th Annual Celebrate Wellness Food & 

Wine Tasting, held June 26 at the South Coast 

Botanic Garden, was again a success! More 

than 600 guests helped raise a record $175,000. 

Hosted by the Cancer Support Community Redondo 

Beach, this special outdoor fundraiser benefited its 

programs for cancer patients and their loved ones. 

1 

2 

PHOTOS BY 

ADRIENNE SLAUGHTER 

1. Volunteers Jill Gray, Claudia Welch, daughter 

Kim Marinkovich with mother/survivor Yvonne 

Marinkovich. 

2. Barsha Wines & Spirits owners Adnen and 

Lenora Marouani. 

3. Entertaining Friends Catering’s Anthony Eulloqui, 

Brandon and Grace Tombyle, owner Jean 

Cordero with their large selection of fruits, 

cheeses, vegetables and more. 

4. Kincaid’s Tyler and Reggie Thomas serve 

jambalaya to Scott and Kelli Trantina with Kathy 

and Mike Grogan. 

5. Redondo Beach locals Brittany Veneris and 

Happy Hour Beverages co-founder Kristin Jolley. 

6. CSCRB co-founder Anne Clary, guest survivor 

speaker Deb Patrick and CSCRB’s Theresa 

Plakos. 

7. Misto Caffe’s Luis Alvarez and Opi Lepe with 

Ahi Tuna Tartar for Castle Rock Winery’s Honey 

Faith. 

8. Ian Ryan and Michael Amalfitano of San 

Pedro’s Lattes On Location. 

9. Jus’ Poke’s Christian Hernandez, Rachel Loo 

and owner Stefanie Honda. 

10. CSCRB CEO Judith Opdahl with 

co-founders Anne Clary, Dr. Tom Simko and Jean 

McMillan. 

3 4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 


For the three Chong brothers, Fernando, Roberto and Marcelino, 

the journey to success in the restaurant business began in their 

mother’s very own kitchen. 

“She had a passion for cooking, not only Chinese, but also Cuban 

and Peruvian cuisine. I picked up a lot of things from her,” recalled 

Roberto, who would grow up to become the executive chef of the 

family’s restaurants.It may be noted from Roberto’s quote above, 

that the three brothers were born in Cuba and raised in Peru before 

settling in California. Once here, Roberto furthered his culinary education 

while working for California Cuisine pioneers Robert Bell and 

Michael Frank at Courtney’s, in downtown Manhattan Beach. 

In the early 1990s the three brothers opened the family’s second 

Chong’s at the corner of PCH and Artesia. Subsequently, other 

Chong’s would open in Long Beach and Costa Mesa. Roberto, however, 

wanted to stretch his culinary legs. When the opportunity presented 

itself to open a formal, 80-seat restaurant in Manhattan 

Beach, they seized it. 

Ws China Bistro 

China Grill, like the family’s other restaurants, enjoyed immediate 

success. With its western influenced menu and upscale décor, the 

restaurant is often compared to PF Chang’s. But Fernando noted a 

critical difference. Unlike corporately owned restaurants, “because 

we are family owned, we are quality driven, instead of bottom line 

driven”. The western influences, Robert noted, allow him to use 

flavors that are bolder than traditionally mild Cantonese food. Ginger, 

garlic, peppers and other exotic spices are used to enhance the 

natural flavors. Over time, influences from the countries of their 

upbringing have worked their way into the menu, such is the case 

of the Asian Paella and the Peruvian Saltado. 

Continuing in this tradition of entrepreneurship, their sisters, 

Meiyen and Meiling, are opening their own restaurant in Hermosa 

Beach this summer, named Rabano. 

No doubt, a new dynasty in Chinese/Asian cooking was started 

right here in the South Bay. 

China Grill 

Ws China Bistro 1410 S. PCH, Redondo Beach (310) 792-1600 • www.wschinabistro.com 

China Grill 3282 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach (310) 546-7284 • www.chinagrillbistro.com 


If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Sergio should feel 

very flattered indeed. Sergio’s Continental Gourmet Market 

has risen to prominence most notably on the strength of its 

empanadas, which are Argentine dumplings filled with meat, 

poultry, cheese, spinach and the like. For the past decade or 

so, competitors have been trying to duplicate those flaky pastries, 

but without the same success. The 36-year-old store in 

Hawthorne specializes in hard-to-find foods and wines from 

Argentina, Peru, Guatemala and other Latin American countries, 

working hand-in-hand with its sister business, Continental 

Gourmet Restaurant in Lomita. 

But the development of the perfect empanada gave the 

Continental brand a signature product that has drawn flocks 

of customers – and the Food Network’s cameras – to the 

store. That development involved tireless rounds of studying, 

testing, tasting, refining, and starting all over again. “I started 

reading books about how different flours react with different 

shortenings and butters. We finally arrived at a recipe that 

works for us, and it took off. We got the dough to that certain 

flakiness, and people responded to that,” Sergio said. “In the 

last five to ten years, a lot of empanada specialty places have 

come around, and we see competitors try to do some of the 

same things,” he said. They have even copied Sergio’s practice 

of stamping letters into the dough of each empanada so the 

customer can tell which flavor he’s about to bite into. 

Sergio worked on the empanada recipe with Continental’s 

patriarch, his father Roberto. “He always said, if you’re going 

to make something, make the best,” Sergio said. He learned 

the business from his father, who used to bring him in on Saturdays 

when he was just a toddler. “He would bring me in, in 

the morning, and we’d make dough together. He’d teach me 

how to make sausages, fillings for stuffing,” Sergio said. “I’d 

wake up at 4 or 4:30 in the morning. If I was not able to go in 

I would throw a fit, I’d cry.” As the years passed, Sergio learned 

the business “from the register in front, to receiving merchandise 

in the back,” and all the meat, bakery and deli matters in 

between. “I worked other places too. When it was time to take 

over [Continental] it was second nature. I felt I could do it with 

my eyes closed.” 

At age 84, his father now puts in fewer hours, while Sergio 

runs the business, with wife Sandy taking care of payroll and 

other matters. They visit the Lomita bakery very early every 

Sunday morning with their two kids, 5-year-old Robbie and 3- 

year-old Abbie. These young children “actually help pull and 

push the ice chests, holding freshly baked empanadas for the 

farmers markets.” That’s a family business! Both Robbie and 

Abbie will eventually learn the ropes of the business as their 

father Sergio did from his father. And the new Continental 

Gourmet Gardena is coming soon! 

Continental Gourmet Market 

25600 Narbonne Ave., Lomita (310) 530-3213 

12921 S. Prairie Ave., Hawthorne (310) 310-676-5444 • www.continentalgourmetmarket.com 


Today, with ten restaurants from Santa Barbara to Newport 

Beach, co-owners Ron and Greg Newman must be doing 

something right. Growing up in Inglewood, Ron Newman 

was originally in the camera business, following in the footsteps 

of his father Ike, who owned Newman’s Photo and Sound, in Hermosa 

Beach. But Ron kept in touch with his Morningside high 

school buddies, who were working in the restaurant industry. 

Seeing their ventures’ productivity, Ron Newman joined one of 

them to open the Red Onion Restaurant in Westchester in 1966. 

With its success, Ron, with a few more Morningside friends, 

opened the Red Onion in Redondo Beach in 1973. As a “workaholic”, 

he recognized opportunities and good timing, and by 

1981, had 10 restaurants, eventually 17. Located in areas including 

Palm Desert, Woodland Hills and San Diego, these locations 

thrived as they offered delicious food and the then-popular party 

scene. 

Then, times changed. And Ron realized he needed to make 

some changes, too. Diners and drinkers were no longer going to 

the big clubs. And his son Greg, who had helped him since he 

was 15 years old, was about to graduate from USC. Baja Sharkeez 

was about to be born. 

With the young energy and connections of Greg and the selftaught 

restaurant expertise of Ron, they together opened the 

Manhattan Beach Baja Sharkeez in 1993. As the recession was 

hurting most businesses, Baja Sharkeez was attracting more. It 

“clicked” with the young, smart college crowd and locals, offering 

cheap drinks and tacos. This casual, “no frills Baja-style restaurant/bar 

with sawdust on the floor” was an immediate hit. But it 

took the leadership and long hours of the father-son team to 

make it happen. Employing no managers, Ron and Greg did it 

on their own together, working days and nights, countless hours 

to assure it operated just right. 

And it did - so well, that the Newmans opened Newport Beach 

Baja Sharkeez in ‘96 and the Hermosa Beach Baja Sharkeez on Pier 

Avenue in ‘97. As Pier Plaza was just opening with its clean, nocar-traffic 

appeal, the timing for Hermosa’s was perfect. It attracted 

major numbers, with its no frills, sawdust on floor, cheap 

prices, like Manhattan Beach. From there, Ron and Greg opened 

Baja Sharkeez in Santa Barbara and Huntington Beach, Panama 

Joe’s in Long Beach, Killarney’s in Huntington Beach, Sandbar in 

Santa Barbara and the first upscale restaurant on Pier Plaza in 

Hermosa Beach, Palmilla. 

Today, some exciting moves are being made. Hermosa Beach’s 

Palmilla is expanding its outdoor patio space, which is key for the 

outdoor dining preferences of locals and tourists near the beach. 

And the most exciting opening of Tower 12, formerly Fat Face 

Fenner’s Fishack, is scheduled for mid-September. This new 

Tower 12 will enhance the South Bay with an upstairs, ocean view, 

indoor-outdoor restaurant/bar with a “retrospective” look and 

feel. Sporting a surfboard table made by Spyder Surf Shop’s 

founder Dennis Jarvis, this classy, but “familiar” casual venue will 

also display vintage couches, shelves with old, beachy collectibles 

and ‘70’s skateboard and punk rock memorabilia. Its menu of 

food and drinks will include California-style eats with the newest 

syrups and bitters used in cocktails, the “what’s happening now” 

in the food/beverage industry. 

The challenging goals of this “family business” team, father Ron 

and son Greg Newman, would not have been achieved without 

the help of managing and corporate partners, the “fiber of the 

company.” Their success will continue, due to the support of the 

communities surrounding their venues, their 600 employees and, 

most importantly, the strong bond of a strong family. 

Baja Sharkeez 

52 Pier Avenue Hermosa Beach • (310) 318-0004 • 3600 Highland Avenue Manhattan Beach • (310) 545-8811 • www.sharkeez.net 

Palmilla 39 Pier Avenue Hermosa Beach • (310) 374-4440 • www.palmillarestaurant.com 

Tower 12 57 Pier Avenue Hermosa Beach • www.tower12hb.com 


F 

or more than fifty years, Paul’s Photo has been part of the South Bay 

community providing superior customer experiences. Founded in 1961 

by Paul Comon, this family business has grown to incorporate three generations 

of Comons. While Paul still comes into work, Mark Comon, his son, 

working with his wife Sheryl, are now in charge of all operations. Wyatt is the 

resident computer wiz-kid of the business. But don’t think that the family is 

defined so narrowly; as Mark says, “I consider our family business to include 

our clients and students, volunteers, employees, and vendors.” No wonder 

that for 18 years running they have been voted the Easy Reader Best of the 

Beach Camera Store! 

Paul’s Photo is so much more than a camera store. Encompassing today’s 

entire photography ecosystem, the personal touch of their customer service 

ensures each individual achieves his or her photographic goals. 

Their camera staff will understand your photography desires and lifestyle. 

This ensures you are equipped with the right tools and knowledge that fit 

your needs and budget to unleash your creativity. Knowledgeable staff can 

discuss all the models and brands on the market today. “When I went in several 

months ago to upgrade my camera,” said Kathleen Bullard who now works 

there, “I was sure I knew exactly what model I wanted due to the features and 

price. But Mark pointed out that I would be disappointed since the features 

I was familiar with would be hard to access. So instead I got a higher level camera, 

but with generous trade-ins on my existing equipment I got it at the price 

I could afford.” 

Started by Mark Comon to address the need for photography education in 

the South Bay, the Creative Photo Academy doubled the size of the business. 

They offer a wide array of educational experiences for photography students 

of all ages, skill or interest level, covering every aspect of the photographic 

process. One way students can choose to learn is through hands-on education 

in the classroom. Their extremely popular 6-week Boot Camp is for photographers 

who want to master all the settings in their camera applied through 

targeted assignments. Intermediate and Advanced Classes meet all year 

slanted toward a particular theme or skill. 

The Creative Photo Academy also hosts professional photographers to lecture 

and/or provide workshops. Many with years of specialized experience, 

they share their knowledge to provide insight and inspiration. Specialized 

short workshops such as Macro Photography or Lightroom Modules allow 

photographers to hone in a special skill. 

For those who want to put their photography skills into action, the Creative 

Photo Academy Photo Adventures provides such opportunities! Photographers 

can go “in the field” to learn, create and shoot. One can travel around 

the globe or just down the street for hands-on training on location. One example, 

“Night Hawks” is a monthly Adventure that meets at various locations 

around LA to capture dramatic night shots. Excursions include shooting the 

Vincent Thomas Bridge, the Disney Concert Hall downtown, and of course, 

every year includes Christmas Lights. Photo Walks provide similar opportunities 

during daylight hours on the weekends. 

For the more adventurous, more extensive trips include the Eastern Sierras, 

Yosemite, Bryce and Zion, and Alaska. Still not enough? One can sign up with 

like-minded photographers and take an international tour to Kenya, Cuba, or 

Japan, to name a few locations. 

The Creative Photo Academy Gallery features the work of their family of 

photographers. The gallery displays work by the student of the month, various 

classes, and from the Adventure trip series. Exhibit space changes with the 

First Tuesday Event which includes the evening gallery opening, open critique, 

and pro talk. Always an exciting evening, check in with the Creative Photo 

Academy website (www.creativephotoacademy.com) to view the current 

month’s opening featured photographers and speaker. 

Paul’s Photo is home to one of the best photo labs in Southern California. 

The Lab at Paul’s Photo does more than just print. The staff understands how 

important it is to preserve and share your favorite memories. They are expert 

in all aspects of printing and preservation, and love helping customers select 

and produce their images. Want to turn your photo into outdoor art or create 

an album of baby’s first year? They can do that in addition to offering printing 

of all sorts, from bound books to wedding invitations, metal prints to canvas 

wraps, and do so with the utmost professionalism. They are happy to help 

customers who are unfamiliar with the production process and guarantee 

that they will love the results! 

Located conveniently just north of PCH on Hawthorne Blvd. in Torrance, 

Paul’s is the photographic hub of the South Bay with the tools and knowledge 

required for today’s photography. Whether you’re a regular or a new 

face, Paul’s Photo welcomes you to their family of photographers. 

Paul’s Photo 

23845 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA. 90505 

310-375-7014 • Paulsphoto.com • Creativephotoacademy.com 


irtually every pie that you buy from a grocery 

Vstore chain, fast food chain, national pie chain 

or various corporation contains a host of toxic 

chemicals that are used to make the pie attractive, 

give it shelf life and make it taste edible. We 

at Hermosa Pie & Cake are driven by this very fact 

which is why we produce wholesome, 100% nat- 

Hermosa Pie & Cake Company 

ural, all fruit pies with fruit 

solely grown in the Pacific 

Northwest. Our fruit is 

gmo, wax, gas (xenon), radiation 

and preservative 

free. We strongly believe 

that there is a direct correlation 

between food 

preservatives in store 

bought pies and birth defects. 

Our pies have no 

more than 5 ingredients, 

and are as follows... Pacific 

Northwest fruit, non 

gmo flour, organic butter, 

organic cane sugar and 

ice water. We challenge 

you, our friends and customers 

to show us a pie 

that YOU have bought at 

a grocery store or national 

pie chain, which 

contains no more than 5 

ingredients. The last time 

Chef checked, a pie from 

the grocery store had 57 

ingredients - 45 of which 

came from a chemical 

laboratory. Come down 

to our pie shop for the 

real thing. We love you, 

be well, Chef David and 

Son. 

133 Hermosa Ave. Hermosa Beach • (310) 374-2323 • www.hermosapieandcake.com 

Valentino’s Pizza 

975 Aviation Blvd, Manhattan Beach (310) 318-5959 

150 N. Sepulveda Blvd. El Segundo (310) 426-9494 • www.valentinospizza.net 

or the past two and a half decades, 

FValentino, along with his wife Connie 

and two sons, Joseph and Anthony, 

have been serving and delivering 

Brooklyn Style Pizza, Pasta, Subs, and 

more. Keeping to their Italian traditions 

- using only the finest and freshest 

ingredients, their pizzas are hand 

tossed, made with 100% real mozzarella 

cheese and prepared with fresh 

toppings. They offer homemade 

lasagna and meatballs while their bread 

is also homemade and baked on the 

premises - for that perfect sandwich 

and garlic bread. The family 

also offers mouth-watering 

Calzones/Strombolis. 

Valentino’s opened its doors in Manhattan 

Beach in 1990, and their second 

location in El Segundo opened in 2004. 

Since then Valentino’s has won many 

awards for their pizzas, Italian food and 

delivery service. While both locations 

deliver, providing fast and pleasant 

service, Valentino’s also offers catering 

for large parties. Or you can bring your 

party to them; their El Segundo location 

has a large dining room that seats up 

to 50. You can see their online menu at 

www.Valentinospizza.net Bon Appetite! 

Attending the World Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Steve Hodges 

didn’t anticipate it would change his life. But it did. That’s where he met his wife, 

Lisa in 2010. Originally from and living in Vancouver, Lisa moved down to the South 

Bay, where they were married in 2011. Now with two daughters, 3-year-old Shiloh 

and 1-year-old Shelby, the Hodges have brought a bit of “Cajun Country” charm to 

Redondo Beach. 

Growing up in Torrance and working at the Lamppost Pizza for 25 years, Steve had 

always wanted to open his own restaurant. After Ragin Cajun moved from its original 

location in Hermosa Beach to Redondo Beach, its founder Steve Domingue and the 

Hodges started working together. In 2014, with its founder’s help, Steve and Lisa 

were able to get the newer location “off the ground.” 

Today, the Hodges offer the same delicious traditional “Weeziana” choices as the 

original Ragin Cajun did. But they’ve added lots more to the menu, like Fried Chicken 

and Alligator - one of its most popular appetizers. If you’re not a spicy food lover, 

don’t fret, as Steve and Lisa have many “mild” choices, too. With its signature Gumbolaya, 

Ragin Cajun also offers a full bar, with over 50 Bourbon choices, Moonshine 

flights and signature drinks like the Hurricane and Skull cocktails. Plus, they’ve colorfully 

decorated this restaurant so well that you feel you’re actually in Louisiana! 

Ragin Cajun Cafe is the perfect place for private parties, any special occasion and 

is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. The best part is that you’re bound 

to meet either Lisa or Steve. After a smiling employee greets you at the door, one, 

if not both of them, will most likely be there, with bright smiles, treating you with 

that genuine southern hospitality and charm. Laissez le bon temps roulez! 

RAGIN CAJUN CAFE 

525 Pacific Coast Highway • Redondo Beach • (310) 540-8441 • www.ragincajuncafe.com 


hen LA Weekly refers to Baran’s 

W2239 as the “best new restaurant 

that (almost) no one is talking 

about,” that’s saying something. 

Opening in mid-March of this year, 

Baran’s 2239 is owned and operated 

by two brothers, Jason and Jon 

Baran, and the executive chef Tyler 

Gugliotta, and all three are natives 

of the South Bay. With the Baran 

brothers’ sister Jenna waiting tables, 

her boyfriend Chris as head 

server and Jason’s wife Greyci working 

once a week, this is assuredly a 

family business - and one doing 

quite well. 

Baran’s 2239 

With freshly baked Focaccia and specialties 

like Gnocchi Nero - king crab, calabria 

chile and herbs - and the most 

popular Smoked & Fried Chicken, Chef 

Tyler also offers Hamachi Crudo and a 

Bistro Filet. His unique, progressive and 

“unexpected” choices originate from his 

and the brothers’ experienced culinary 

background. With a father who was chef 

at Chez Melange, Tyler has worked in 

many successful restaurants, including 

the Tasting Room in Venice. Jon, who majored 

in Hospitality and Restaurant Management, 

experienced his first cooking 

position under Tyler at a local restaurant 

in Hermosa Beach. And Jason has also 

worked in several South Bay cooking establishments. 

So when the timing was 

just right for these three, Baran’s 2239 

was born. 

Interestingly, Its name, Baran’s 2239, 

has 100% to do with the family and cooking. 

Jason and Jon’s grandparents ran 

Brotherton’s Farmhouse from 1937 to 

1987 in Pasadena. This restaurant’s address 

was 2239 E. Colorado Boulevard: 

therein came Baran’s 2239. And the 

brothers owe much of its early success to 

the “encouragement” of their grandparents, 

parents, aunts, uncles and brother 

Jeff, all USC alumni. This family support 

has enabled the three partners to offer 

the South Bay one of the most "family 

friendly and delicious" restaurants 

around! 

502 Pacific Coast Highway Hermosa Beach (424) 247-8468 www.barans2239.com 

Handyman Schatan 

Matt • (310) 540- 4444 

Matt Schatan helped several 

of his friends on their 

home -based projects, and he 

often listened to their suggestions 

that he start his own 

company. Schatan did just that 

in July 1998, using his talents 

to make a better living. Handyman 

Schatan prospered from 

the start. It has meant a lot of 

work, but also a lot of satisfaction. 

” I am overwhelmed 

sometimes with the amount 

of work I have,” says Schatan, 

noting that he is often answering 

the telephone as late 

as 10 p.m. Work has been 

“busier than expected” and 

the rewards have been gratifying. 

He is on call from sunup 

to sundown. His goal to create 

a thriving enterprise has been 

quickly realized. 

Hennessey’s Tavern 

The Neighborhood Meeting Place” is not just a slogan, but states the truth about 

Hennessey’s Tavern - all 10 of them! Now it their 40TH YEAR serving Irish Hospitality, 

owner and founder Paul Hennessey says he’s looking forward to the next 40 

years! 

It all started on Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, September of 1976 when the first 

Hennessey’s Tavern opened for business. At half the size then, this flagship location 

has grown westward and up to offer diners spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean 

while enjoying great food and drinks. Each Hennessey’s offers a full bar & menu, 

serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 

Paul Hennessey couldn’t stop with just the one concept. Apart from 10 Hennessey’s 

Tavern locations throughout Southern California and Las Vegas, Paul also 

proudly owns H.T. Grill, The Lighthouse Café, The Wine Bistro & Whiskey Bar in Dana 

Point, and three additional concepts in Las Vegas; LVCS, a live music venue, Brass The 

Lounge, a hipster hangout, and Mickie Finnz Fish House & Bar. Most recently Paul 

has partnered with 3 of his senior management team, to create Rebel Republic Social 

House in the Riviera Village which he’s hoping to take to other City’s in the near future. 

Paul Hennessey, married with 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren actively participates 

in the daily operations of all 17 of his locations. No matter what, the respected business 

& family man promises, when referring to his locations “You always run into 

someone you know there”. And that’s what has kept the Irish Hospitality going for 

40 years! 

8 Pier Ave. Hermosa Beach (310) 372-5759 • 1712 S. Catalina Ave. Redondo Beach (310) 540-8443 • 313 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Manhattan Beach (310) 546-4813 

H.T. Grill 1701 S. Catalina Ave. Redondo Beach (310) 791-4849 • The Lighthouse Café 30 Pier Ave. Hermosa Beach (310) 376-9833 

Rebel Republic Social House 1710 S. Catalina Ave. Redondo Beach (424) 352-2600 

www.Hennesseystavern.com 


Quality Seafood 

100 S. International Boardwalk Redondo Beach • (310) 372-6408 • www.qualityseafood.net 

uality Seafood was founded in kets on the West Coast. The market 

Q1953 by Nick Dragich and his son continues to be family run, with Pete 

Peter Dragich Sr. After years of fishing 

from Alaska to South America, 

Dragich Jr. and Ann Belson at the 

they decided to open a market and helms. And recently the 4th generation 

of Dragich family members 

bring the freshest possible seafood 

from the boats directly into Redondo 

Beach. Prior to the redevel- 

came aboard to help keep things 

running smoothly for years to come. 

opment of the pier, the Dragich 

family owned four separate seafood As Cassie (Dragich) and her husband 

markets in Redondo. In 1968 the Jeff Jones recently relocated back to 

family combined those markets into the South Bay, together, they foresee 

continuing the family legacy of 

Quality Seafood Inc., and opened its 

current location on the International 

Boardwalk, where it remains one of providing a truly unique experience 

the largest and finest seafood mar- 

and fresh seafood to all. 

Hermosa Mexican Restaurant 

824 Hermosa Ave. Hermosa Beach (310) 937-5606 

riginally from Jalisco, Mex- 

the Orozco family specialties, the Orozco family 

Borracho Soup, one of their 

Oico, 

moved to Los Angeles in the also serves big Breakfast Burritos 

all day! They are “happy to 

early 80’s. For over 20 years, 

Matias and his family have 

been in the restaurant business 

– in Hermosa Beach for 11 nity” and hope to continue sat- 

be of service to the commu- 

years. Daughter Myra says “If isfying their customers for 

you haven’t seen us, we’re not many years. Open Sun-Mon 

surprised!” as their Hermosa 

9am-2pm, Tues-Sat 9am-9pm. 

Mexican Restaurant is a small, 

almost hidden gem. For a Dine in or Take Out. Serving the 

small venue, they sure do offer BEST Mexican Cuisine to your 

a lot of choices! From Tortas to community for 11 years! 

ony’s On The Pier today is known for its fresh seafood, ocean 

Tview sunsets and best customer service. Back in 1952, when 

Tony Trutanich opened its doors, it had that same positive reputation. 

Growing up in San Pedro, Tony was a successful tuna fisherman, 

and as the boat Captain, would be out to sea for months 

at a time. Just plain “tired of the long hours and extra hard work,” 

Tony decided to bring that tuna to the tables of his own restaurant 

- Tony’s On The Pier. 

With only 20 tables at first, Tony’s On The PIer grew quickly and 

was soon frequented by movie stars, as hundreds of photos on 

the walls depict. In 1964, Tony added the famous “Top of Tony’s” 

where guests, still today, walk up stairs to enjoy the most beautiful 

sunsets, full bar, food and live entertainment. His son, 

Michael, started working there when he was just 15, as a busboy 

and dishwasher, doing anything he could to help his father’s business. 

Moving up the ladder to become General Manager, Michael 

continued working with his father until he passed away in 2006. 

“Dad stayed active all the way to the end,” Michael recalls. “He 

taught me everything. I worked for him all my life.” 

Retiring two years ago, Michael still works for Tony’s, ordering 

all of the seafood, even living in Idaho. He communicates daily 

with now GM Regina Fong, who’s been at Tony’s for 39 years. And 

that’s not uncommon. In fact, the average employee has worked 

there for over 20 years. Downstairs bartender Billy Morgan has 

been there for 46 years while upstairs bartender Manny Jimenez 

just hit his 37 year anniversary. Tony’s son Michael says his father 

was such a “role model” and treated everyone at his restaurant 

like family. Today, Tony would be proud as everyone at Tony’s On 

The Pier is still his family. 

Tony’s On The Pier 

210 Fishermans Wharf Redondo Beach • (310) 374-1442 • www.oldtonys.com 


Seymour’s 97th Birthday with Scott 

and his sister Gail 

F 

ather and son team, Scott and Seymour 

Bilowit, have been owners of 

Seymour Jewelers, located in Hermosa 

Beach since 1950. Here they are 

in a photo above, with sister Gail, on 

Seymour’s 97th birthday - this year! 

Scott took over from his father with 

pride to maintain the long-established 

SEYMOUR JEWELERS 

1212 Hermosa Avenue Hermosa Beach 

(310) 379-5401 • www.seymourjewelers.com 

fine jewelry house thirty years ago. 

Both Scott and Seymour have been 

long-standing Honorary members of 

the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce, 

the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis 

Club and members of the California 

Jewelers Association. 

Known locally as “the gem of the 

South Bay”, Seymour Jewelers provides 

a high level of fine jewelry excellence 

with professional friendly 

on-site staff, complimentary giftwrapping. 

They specialize in custom 

creations for unique and personal designs 

of heirloom quality. Seymour 

Jewelers are purveyors of gold, Tahitian 

pearls, and fine diamonds. Also 

featuring vintage and estate jewelry, 

Seymour’s specializes and caters to 

the discerning and avid watch collector. 

They buy, sell, trade and consign diamonds, 

gold, silver, colored gems and 

Rolexes. Offering fine jewelry cleaning, 

watch repair and insurance replacement/appraisal 

by appointment. Seymour 

Jewelers offers full-service 

for all your jewelry needs. Seymour 

Jeweler’s staff pride themselves on their 

outstanding level of quality and distinctive 

craftsmanship for their discerning 

clientele and the longevity of Seymour’s 

fine jewelry business. 

ell-known, well-liked and well-re- 

in the South Bay restaurant 

Wspected 

community, brothers Scotty and Shane 

McColgan actually began their South Bay 

professions in a different industry. Moving 

from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 

1983, these two brothers began work in 

the fitness industry. While Shane was a 

tip-top body-builder, owned Pulse Fitness 

and Ironworks, Scotty operated 

Boxing Works and trained WBO champion 

Sammy Fuentes, the “Hermosa Hurricane.” 

Their entrance into the 

Shark’s Cove 

restaurant industry began in 1989 

when Shane opened Shark’s Cove in 

Hermosa Beach, and then, together, 

they opened Club Sushi in ‘96 and 

Point 705 in ‘98. 

Point 705 was a phenomenal success 

story, offering fine dining, a sushi 

bar, a jazzy nightclub and live bands - 

all in one place. The brothers then 

opened another successful venture, 

Shark’s Cove in Manhattan Beach, 

bringing a sports bar with flatscreens, 

full menu and live entertainment to 

downtown Manhattan Beach. Since 

then, the brothers found opportunities 

outside of the beach cities: Shane 

partnered with Jason Rath to purchase 

The Crest in Torrance while 

Scotty, with his wife Melinda, run Kings 

Cove at El Segundo’s Toyota Sports 

Center. 

After their father Mickey passed 

away in 2012, Shane built and opened 

Mickey McColgan’s in honor of their 

father, “to carry on his legacy.” Brothers 

Scotty and Shane owe much of 

their success to their father. “Such a 

hard worker, MIckey would do anything 

for us.” Seeing the McColgan 

brothers’ success today, their father 

surely did a great job. 

309 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Manhattan Beach (310) 545-2683 www.sharkscovemb.com 

Mickey McColgan’s 934 Hermosa Ave. Hermosa Beach (310) 372-9700 www.mickeymccolgans.com 

The Crest 1625 Cabrillo Ave. Torrance (310) 320-9347 www.thecrestsportsbarandgrill.com 

King’s Cove 555 N Nash St. El Segundo (310) 414-4022 www.kingscovebar.com 

riginally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Rafael 

OSolorzano has been in the food industry for 

over 30 years. As Executive Chef of PV Grill and 

Salsa Verdes, Chef Solorzano specializes in catering 

to groups from 30 to over 300. He serves a 

variety of international cuisine, including Italian, 

French, Asian, American and his native, Mexican. 

Currently catering at weekly meetings for the Kiwanis 

Club of Hermosa Beach, he also prepares 

food for worthwhile fundraising events throughout 

the year, such as Cancer Support Community’s 

Celebrate Wellness Food & Wine Tasting 

Event and Adrienne’s Search for Children’s Cancer 

Cure hosted by the Woman’s Club of Hermosa 

Beach. 

At his PV Grill restaurant in the Lunada Bay area, 

Chef Solorzano delights diners with specialties like 

Prime Steaks, Fresh Fish & Homemade Pastas. 

Salsa Verdes offers a festive selection of traditional 

Mexican choices. With free parking and a 

great selection of Beer and Wine, this location is 

also the perfect place for private parties! 

PV Grill 

Salsa Verdes 

2325 Palos Verdes Drive West Palos Verdes Estates • (310) 750-6877 • (310) 460-6995 • www.pvgrill.com 

2325 Palos Verdes Drive West Palos Verdes Estates • (424) 206-9456 • www.salsaverdes.com 


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Beach Equipment 

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food 

Ice 

The sports viewing at King’s Cove only seems like virtual reality. Photo by Brad Jacobson (CivicCouch.com) 

KING 

by Richard Foss 

The food at King’s Cove rivals the best sports bars, but its sports viewing is unrivaled 

We were halfway through lunch when I 

was transfixed by an astonishing display 

of grace and athleticism. An ice 

dancer glided across the rink in a wide arc and 

then performed a dazzling series of leaps and 

spins. Some of the people watching gasped, while 

others who were used to the spectacle murmured 

or nodded in appreciation. 

We weren’t in a sports bar, and we weren’t 

watching TV. We were at at King’s Cove, a restaurant 

inside the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, 

where professional skaters, including the 

NHL Kings train. 

The place has different character at different 

times. It’s a walk-up counter by day, a restaurant 

after 4 p.m. when the bar area opens. By day the 

food counter is hard to find. There’s no sign visible 

and you find it down a corridor by the closed 

bar. In the evening there is table service, but by 

day you stand in line to order and take your food 

to one of the tables overlooking the ice rinks. 

The counter opens at 8 a.m. On our first visit 

we tried two breakfasts – the Hawaiian sweet 

bread French toast and a cheese and vegetable 

44 Easy Reader / Beach magazine • July 14, 2016 

omelet. The presentation was unimpressive because 

everything is packed in to-go containers, 

but both were good. I’m not generally a fan of 

Hawaiian sweet bread, but it makes good French 

toast and this had a little cinnamon in the batter 

to add another layer of flavor. The omelet was 

well made, generously stuffed, and came with 

crisp potatoes. It covered all the bases, too. 

The other selections on that visit were a Santa 

Fe chicken sandwich, a Greek salad, and a cup 

of chicken tortilla soup. There’s not much room 

for creativity in a Greek salad and this one was 

just what it was supposed to be. But the other two 

items exceeded our expectations. The tortilla soup 

was warmly spicy, a chicken broth with just 

enough chile and cumin to be interesting right to 

the bottom of the cup. It was topped with cheese 

and tortilla strips, but not the cilantro that is traditional. 

This is the kind of thing that is a great 

winter warmer, and since it’s always winter out 

on the ice I’d imagine they sell a lot of it. 

The Santa Fe sandwich put similar flavors between 

slices of bread, though the spicing was 

more emphatic. There was real heat and smoky 

flavor in the sauce that bound together the 

chicken, caramelized onions, and roasted peppers. 

The cheese and avocado that were also on 

board put plenty of variety in every bite. I’d have 

happily had one of these even without the show 

on the ice, and with the continuous show factored 

in, King’s Cove became a destination to 

bring friends. 

A few days later we took a visitor and her 

teenage daughter who were in town for the holiday 

weekend. This time one of the rinks by the 

dining area was occupied by figure skating students, 

while at the other end hockey players practiced 

shooting goals from unlikely distances. We 

chose the view of the figure skaters and watched 

raptly, sometimes delighted by their grace and 

sometimes wincing as a difficult move resulted 

in a fall to the ice. 

This time we ordered a turkey burger, cheesesteak 

sandwich, and a Los Angeles Lakers pizza. 

(Since we were at the home base for the LA Kings 

I considered the pizza named after that team, but 

it involves Canadian bacon, pineapple, and 

jalapenos, and I just don’t think pineapple be-

longs on pizza.) The Lakers pizza was topped with chicken, spicy barbecue 

sauce, mozzarella, red onions, and cilantro. Mine was a bit over-sauced so 

it was a tasty mess. The sauce had a nice blend of sweetness and spice, 

and the medium-thick crust was firm and had a bit of crispness so that it 

held together. Pizzas take a bit longer than other items, but this was worth 

the wait. 

The cheesesteaks were surprisingly good, the seasoned meat tossed with 

bell peppers that were sautéed just long enough to bring out the sweetness 

but preserve some texture. It was made with white cheddar rather than 

the traditional provolone or American, and the slightly more assertive flavor 

was an asset. It was slightly under-stuffed but delicious. 

There was no question of the turkey burger being undersized. It was a 

full half-pound of meat with all the usual fixings. The person who ordered 

it chose a side salad rather than fries. It was a varied mix of lettuces, 

tomato, and cucumber. If you are health conscious this combination could 

be the way to go, because it was filling without being heavy. 

The kale salad was slightly out of balance, with a huge amount of 

chopped kale topped with fresh strawberry slices, but not enough of the 

almonds and cheese. The 0lemon-poppy dressing was a smart choice to 

complement the rest of the ingredients, but if I order this again I’d ask for 

extra cheese and a few more almonds. 

Wine and a selection of beers are offered, but on both visits we had soft 

drinks and their house-brewed ice tea. Had the coffee offered free refills 

we might have nursed them and stayed even longer to watch the show. 

Was we only left as soon as we did because we had another appointment. 

I plan to return to King’s Cove when the bar is open and there is table 

service, but it’s a destination for the whole family no matter what time 

you go. If you have ever enjoyed watching the grace of humans on ice, or 

the speed and power of a hockey game, turn off your television and go 

watch it in real time. You can ditch the chips and dip you’d have at home 

and dine in style. 

King’s Cove is at 555 North Nash Street in El Segundo. Open 8 a.m. to 1 

a.m. daily, table service after 5 p.m. Wheelchair access good, elevator from 

parking lot. Menu at kingscovebar.com, phone 310-414-4022. B 

TORRANCE 

www.fridarestaurant.com 

SUNDAY MARIACHI BRUNCH 

10 am - 3 pm • Adults $ 29.95 • Kids (5-12) $18.95 

Mimosas, House Margaritas, Sangria and Draft Beer only $5 

Del Amo Fashion Center • 21438 Hawthorne Blvd. • Torrance • (310) 371-0666 


sports 

Net gain 

Mira Costa High School junior 

Piper Monk-Heidrich 

focuses on beach volleyball and 

a future at UCLA 

by Randy Angel 

Racing down the slopes on her 

snowboard, 10-year-old Piper 

Monk-Heidrich was doing her 

best to keep up with older sister Indigo, 

an Olympic hopeful training for a berth 

on the U.S. Snowboarding 2014 Winter 

Olympics team. 

But when the aches and pains suffered 

by falling on the hard-packed snow began 

to take their toll, coupled with a growth 

spurt, Piper decided to change sports. 

Although Monk-Heidrich swam and 

played soccer and volleyball as a young 

girl, she had been picked up by Burton 

Smallz as a snowboarder when she was 

only seven years old, riding for the Burton 

team. 

By the time she was nine years old, 

Monk-Heidrich was so tall that she outgrew 

the Burton youth clothing, forcing 

her to have Burton’s outerwear specially 

tailored for her so that she could model 

in their photo shoots on the mountain. 

She had also been playing beach and 

club volleyball, but just for fun. 

Athletic genes run in her family. Older 

brother Julian, 24, was a standout water 

polo player at Mira Costa. Indigo, 21, was 

a professional snowboarder before an 

ankle injury cut short her career and 

younger brother Slater, 13 played soccer 

and swam for the Dolphins Swim Team 

in Manhattan Beach although his true 

passion is playing bass in a rock band. 

“When I was 12, I began to take volleyball 

seriously,” Monk-Heidrich said. “It 

became a great passion of mine.” 

She played indoor volleyball for acclaimed 

coach Joy McKienzie-Fuerbringer 

at Mizuno Long Beach and during 

her first two years of high school for Mira 

Costa’s storied indoor program. 

“Playing indoor helped me with the basics 

like serving, passing and the proper 

form in setting, which translated to my 

beach game,” Monk-Heidrich said. “I 

learned a lot last year even though I was 

playing middle blocker, which was a new 

position for me. I pulled a ligament in my 

right elbow at the end of the season, 

which took me out of beach training for 

a few months.” 

As she prepares to enter her junior year 

(she turns 17 on July 27), Monk-Heidrich 

has opted to forego the indoor game to 

focus on her beach volleyball career in 

preparation for college. She has committed 

to play beach volleyball at UCLA. 

“Beach is not as specialized as indoor 

volleyball,” Monk-Heidrich explained. 

“You have to learn every aspect of the 

game in beach volleyball, plus the atmosphere 

is much freer and more laid back. 

You get to choose your own partner and 

the tournaments you want to play in.” 

Standing 6-foot tall with a reach of 7- 

foot-11, Monk-Heidrich played a key role for 

Mira Costa’s girls beach volleyball team. It 

captured its fourth consecutive Interscholastic 

Beach Volleyball League (IBVL) championship 

in May. 

Monk-Heidrich and partner senior Emma 

Smith were the Mustang’s No. 1 team for head 

coach and 2000 Olympic gold medalist Eric 

Fonoimoana. The duo also won the IBVL Pairs 

Championship. 

“Winning the IBVL was so exciting for me,” 

Monk-Heidrich said. “Mira Costa has such a 

great tradition in beach volleyball so to continue 

the winning streak was a fantastic feeling. 

Also, winning the Pairs Championship 

with Emma Smith was so much fun. It was 

great to have the opportunity to play with such 

a talented partner.” 

On April 14, Monk-Heidrich won the Mira 

Costa Queen of the Beach tournament besting 

Mustang teammates Maddie Micheletti and 

Lea Ungar who placed second and third, respectively. 

Monk-Heidrich became the first 

Mira Costa players to have her name inscribed 

twice on the Mira Costa Beach Legacy Trophy. 

Monk-Heidrich also trains with Elite Beach 

Volleyball, a program run by Fonoimoana. It 

includes beach volleyball Olympians Holly 

McPeak and Barbra Fontana, who serve as 

coaches and mentors. 

“It’s been a great experience and I feel very 

fortunate to work with three Olympians who 

all have different views, so I gain something 

from each one of them,” Monk-Heidrich said. 

“Every aspect of my game has improved. The 

coaches are very inspirational and continue to 

help me prepare for the next level of competition. 

Having Eric as a coach on the Mira Costa 

team and at Elite, has been a big plus for me, 

providing the opportunity to play with and 

against the top young players in the game.” 

Fonoimoana is excited to see Monk-Heidrich’s 

development on the sand, noting her 

strengths of siding-out and blocking. 

“Piper is a good teammate and easy to play 

with,” Fonoimoana said. “She has a great demeanor 

for the game, not getting too emotional 

when she is winning or losing. She is a well 

rounded player. I tell Stein (Metzger), the 

coach at UCLA, that he is going to be very 

happy with her. She has a bright future and I 

get two more years to teach her what I know.” 

Monk-Heidrich, who feels her strong hitting 

and play at the net are her biggest assets, 

began to make a name for herself on the sand 

in 2013 when she won 11 California Beach 

Volleyball Association (CBVA) tournaments in 

the girls U14 and U16 divisions. 

In 2014, she won two USAV tournaments 

and had nine second-place finishes in the U16 

division. She also won a silver medal at the 

AAU Junior National Championships. 

Moving up to the U18 division in 2015, 

Monk-Heidrich won two USAV tournaments 

and was runner-up twice. She also captured 

three AAU championships. 

She finished second in the U18 division at 

Piper Monk-Heidrich feels she is strongest at the net, both hitting and, pictured here, blocking. 

Photo by Kat Monk 


the AAU Southern Pacific District Championships on June 5 while partnering 

with Huntington Beach’s Cami Sanchez. Last weekend, she competed 

in the AAU Junior National Championship in Hermosa Beach. 

Monk-Heidrich and Sanchez will team-up again when they attempt to 

qualify for the Main Draw at the prestigious Manhattan Beach Open July 

14-17. Ranked No. 14 and No. 15, respectively, the girls are the second- and 

third-ranked players from California in the USAV Girls U18 national rankings. 

“Cami and I have played against each other since we were young girls,” 

Monk-Heidrich said. “We’re on the USA Beach Volleyball High Performance 

team together and will both be playing at UCLA. Qualifying for the Main 

Draw is really difficult, so our hopes of making the Main Draw aren’t too 

high. All of the teams are amazing so the experience of playing against such 

high competition is what matters most.” 

Along with winning the USAV High Performance Championships, Monk- 

Heidrich has the goal of winning the CBVA Cal Cup, to be held in Manhattan 

Beach Aug. 20-21. She will have four local tournaments including 

Dockweiler (July 24) and Hermosa Beach (Aug. 20-21) to earn an automatic 

berth with a championship. 

“Winning the Cal Cup is a goal of every player,” Monk-Heidrich said. 

“You’re playing against the best in California, which always produces top 

beach volleyball players. I just want to keep improving, getting to that level 

where I can step right in and help the Bruins my freshman year.” 

Monk-Heidrich said the highlight of her beach volleyball career has been 

making the USAN High Performance team the last five years, joining 

Sanchez as a member of this year’s Girls U19 Youth Beach National Team. 

Her mother Kat Monk has her own favorite memory. 

“Pip has just finished seventh grade and she was playing in a CBVA AA 

tournament just for practice with a new partner (Mima Mirkovic),” Monk 

said. “It was a very hot day and every top-ranked youth team was there, as 

well as many adult teams. After they lost in pool play, it wasn’t looking very 

good. However, once playoffs started they played out of their minds and 

won the tourney, earning their AAA ranking. The tourney started at 8:30 

a.m. and we left the beach at 8 p.m. I was so proud of her.” 

Choosing UCLA was a no-brainer for someone who also wants to attend 

film school. 

“Ever since I was six years old I have wanted to go to UCLA, so there 

were no other colleges I even considered,” Monk-Heidrich said. “The campus 

is beautiful and I really like the Westwood area. They have great academic 

and athletic programs and Stein Metzger is a great coach.” 

Her mom completely supported her decision. 

”I couldn’t be happier for her,” Monk said. “Not only will she be going to 

UCLA but her coach, Stein Metzger, is one of her favorite coaches. Playing 

indoor for many years she learned through that process exactly what type 

of coach she would like to play for in college and Stein embodies what she 

is looking for in a coach.” 

Monk-Heidrich hopes to contribute immediately to the Bruin’s beach volleyball 

program, eventually playing professionally and possibly having the 

opportunity to represent the U.S. in the Olympics. 

Meanwhile, she will be focused on her other passion of filmmaking. 

“I love directing and film editing,” Monk-Heidrich said. “I directed a fiveminute 

film for my final film class project at Mira Costa, I wrote the script, 

cast the actors and picked the settings. It was so much fun but a lot of work. 

It took about two weeks just to edit the film.” 

Maintaining a 3.5 GPA, Monk-Heidrich enjoys reading, particularly history 

and, of course watching films. She credits her mother, an accomplished 

photographer and owner of Kat Monk Studio, as being the major influence 

in her life. 

“She is such a strong, confident and independent woman,” Monk-Heidrich 

said. “She has been so supportive of me and my siblings allowing us 

to choose our passions in life.” 

Monk attributes her children’s abilities to having had the opportunity to 

discover at a young age what they preferred to do after being exposed to a 

variety of activities. 

“When I was growing up my mom, a single mom, was not able to help 

me discover that photography was my passion, so it wasn’t until I finished 

my master’s degree in political science that I decided to give up everything 

and follow my passion,” Monk said. “I always just wanted to allow my children 

to discover their passion early – whether it be volleyball, water polo, 

snowboarding or music. I allowed their individual personalities to rise to 

the surface.” B 

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Beach Magazine July 2016

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