Beach magazine Aug 2017

August 10, 2017 

Volume 48, Issue 1

Foodies! 

We will be hosting a 

Visiting Chef Event 

5 Sauces You Need to Know! 

Tuesday, August 29th @ 6:30 pm 

RSVP TODAY 

@ VisitCustomDesign.com 

Or 310.815.4815 

THURSDAY 

AUGUST 10 TH AT 6:00 PM 

SATURDAY 

AUGUST 19 TH AT 10:00 AM

August 10, 2017 • Easy Reader / Beach magazine 5

6 Easy Reader / Beach magazine • August 10, 2017


August 10, 2017 

20 “Summer of ‘71” by Chris Lawler 

A lonely high school students finds solace and then 

disappointment in a love not meant to be. 

24 “Going Home Again” by Dave Siemienski 

Home isn’t where it was, but where it is now. 

28 “A Long Overdue Confession” by Pete Whalon 

A Vietnam send-off party leads to a four-decades-old 

secret, kept to protect a job. 

Volume 48, Issue 1 

47th Anniversary thank you 

Each year, as a reminder that Easy Reader was founded in 1970 with a staff of 

community volunteers, we invite readers to submit their stories and photos. We 

wish to thank all who took the time to send in submissions and regret we lack 

the space to print more of them. 

– Kevin Cody, publisher 

GRAND PRIZE WRITING 

GRAND PRIZE 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

On the cover 

“Malaga Cove Kelp” 

by Joel Gitelson 

16 “Patamon, Prince of El Porto” by J.E. Marshall HONORABLE MENTION 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Inherent vice in El Porto leaves a trail of victims, some deserving of 

punishment, some not. 

HONORABLE MENTION WRITING 

BEACH PEOPLE 

38 Volleyball player Presley Forbes by Randy Angel 

Undersized Mira Costa graduate Presley Forbes lands a college 

volleyball scholarship, as do other members of a beach training program 

founded just three years ago by her mother Daron. 

42 Basque food reimagined by Richard Foss 

Veteran chef Bernard Ibarra gives rising young chef Michael Mazzotta 

the run of A Basq Kitchen, with creative results. 

16 Manhattan Beach Pier 

by Don Adkins 

18 Super Moon over El Porto 

by Mark Towle 

20 Lifeguard tower 

by Jaime Brown 

24 Tall Ladder 

by Mike McKinney 

26 Hummingbird Moth 

by Mike Barbee 

27 Dahlia 


28 City lights 

by Dylan Marin 

44 Redondo Breakwall 

by Gus McConnell 

Surf’s up, Hermosa and Manhattan 

by John Post 

46 Downtown to Beach Town 

by Cathi Lundy 

47 Reflections 

by Homer Hernandez 

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 Amy Berg, Shelley Crawford and Tamar Gillotti, CLASSIFIEDS Teri Marin, DIRECTOR OF 

DIGITAL MEDIA Daniel Sofer / Hermosawave.net, GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tim Teebken, FRONT DESK Judy Rae 

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, $175.00 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 2017 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 Website www.easyreadernews.com Email news@easyreadernews.com n Mailing Address P.O. Box 427, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 n Phone (310) 372-4611 

n Fax (424) 212-6780 n Classified Advertising see the Classified Ad Section. Phone 310.372.4611 x102 n 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. 

BEACH FEATURES 

10 Beach Calendar by Judy Rae 

17 Lifeguard Medal of Valor dinner 

30 49th Annual Seawright Volleyball Tournament 

34 White Light White Night Walk with Sally 

49 Home Services 


B E A C H 

CAL ENDAR 

Thursday, August 10 

Lunch and learn 

Cancer Support Community Redondo 

Beach (CSCRB) hosts David Hart 

PhD. Hart will present a cognitive fitness 

regimen including novel activities 

that stimulate neurogenesis and synaptic 

connections in the brain. Attendees 

will exercise multiple regions of the 

cerebral cortex for a full brain workout. 

A nutritious lunch will be provided by 

The Spot Restaurant, Hermosa Beach. 

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 109 West Torrance 

Blvd., Redondo Beach. Call (310) 

376-3550 or visit the website at cancersupportredondobeach.org. 

A Historical happy hour 

Hermosa Beach Historical Society 

presents Happy Hour with History. 

Learn the history of surf photography 

with John Grannis. 6 - 8 p.m. Hermosa 

Beach Museum, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa 

Beach. RSVP by calling or leave 

a message at (310) 318-9421 or email: 

hermosabeachmuseumRSVP@gmail.co 

m. Hermosabeachhistoricalsociety.org. 

Summer of music 

Come down to the Redondo Beach 

Pier and listen to classic rock group 

1969. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on. 

6 - 8 p.m. 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo 

Beach. Free, For a complete list 

of future events go to redondopier.com. 

Friday, August 11 

Community Ed Series 

Join the MemorialCare Todd Cancer 

Institute at Long Beach Memorial to 

learn about cognition, aphasia, shortterm 

memory strategies and brain 

training. Anita Robin, speech therapist, 

will lead a presentation on the effects 

of chemotherapy on the brain. She’ll 

explain how to use cognitive-linguistic 

rehab to help with memory. 12:15 – 

12:50 p.m. Todd Cancer Pavilion Treatment 

Planning Room, 3rd Floor, 2810 

Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach. RSVP 

by calling (562) 933-7815. Free event 

open to the public. 

Hermosa 5-0! 

Beginning Ping Pong is offered at the 

Hermosa Senior Center, 2:30-3:30 p.m. 

Come learn to play! Free for members; 

annual membership is only $10. 710 

Pier Ave. (310) 318-0280. 

Where’s that spot? 

For audiences seeking quality, family 

entertainment, Shakespeare by the 

Sea’s free performances can’t be beat. 

Pack low beach chairs, gather loved 

ones, and settle in under the stars for a 

night of classic entertainment. The 

tales are timeless, the admission ticketless, 

and the experience priceless. 

Shakespeare by the Sea presents Macbeth 

at Polliwog Park, 7-9 p.m. (Tomorrow 

it’s Taming of the Shrew.) Free but 

donations always welcome. 1601 Manhattan 

Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach. 

Shakespearebythesea.org for more info. 

Beach movie nights 

Enjoy a free family-friendly movie 

screening on the sand, by the waves, 

and under the stars at the Dockweiler 

Youth Center. Movie starts at 8 p.m. 

Storks. Bring chairs and blankets to sit 

on. Gourmet food truck on-site starting 

at 6 p.m. 12505 Vista Del Mar, Playa 

del Rey. For questions call the Dept. of 

Beach and Harbors at (310) 726-4128. 

Saturday, August 12 

Bite at the beach 

Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce 

hosts the annual Bite at the 

Beach, food and beer event, featuring 

decadent food and craft beer pairings. 

MB Studios Campus, 1600 Rosecrans 

Ave., Manhattan Beach. 2 - 6 p.m. General 

Admission $55; day of event $65. 

For tickets go to 

eventbrite and 

search Bite at 

the Beach 2017. 

For information 

call (310) 545- 

5313. 

A trophy 

wife 

Shakespeare 

by the Sea presents 

Taming of 

the Shrew at 

Polliwog Park, 

7-9 p.m. Free 

but donations 

always welcome. 

1601 

M a n h a t t a n 

Beach Blvd., 

M a n h a t t a n 

Beach. Shakespearebythe- 

sea.org 

for 

more info. 

Friends of 

movie 

P o p c o r n , 

beach setting, 

families, blankets 

and a great 

classic movie 

on the big 

screen when 

Friday and Saturday, August 11 and 12 are among the 

last chances to catch the 2017 season of Shakepeare 

by the Sea’s summer performances. Beginning at 7 

p.m. at Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach enjoy Macbeth 

on Friday and Taming of the Shrew on Saturday. August 

17 Macbeth will be performed at Terranea. Season ends 

August 18 and 19 at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro. For 

a complete schedule or more information, ShakespearebytheSea.org. 

the sun goes down. Friends of the Parks 

presents Movies on the Beach, in Hermosa. 

Meet at the south side of the 

Hermosa Beach Pier, fun begins at twilight. 

The featured movie, Moana, begins 

at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Bring blankets, 

picnics and beach chairs. Popcorn and 

water available for purchase. Free, but 

donation is greatly appreciated. For future 

movies on the beach visit 

hbfop.org. 

Art of coloring books 


Beach (CSCRB) presents a stress 

reduction workshop on adult coloring 

led by cancer survivor Lynde Hartman. 

Participants will relate back to a childhood 

pastime and discover the many 

benefits of coloring books. Health advantages 

include exercising fine motor 

skills and training the brain to focus 

and center the mind. 10:30 a.m. - noon. 

109 West Torrance Blvd., Redondo 

Beach. All supplies provided. Advance 

Calendar cont. on page 12 

Nothing Feels Better 

Than Creating Something 

@ Destination: Art 

CLASSES BEING OFFERED 

Paint-In Tuesdays-Paint Your Heart Out 

with others instead alone 

• Oil Painting - basics or pros 

• Painting on Silk - make your 

own scarf 

• Watercolors - take a chance 

• Botanical Art - every little 

detail 

• Studio Landscape Painting 

• Pastel, Collage + Acrylics 

classes on demand 

Plan a Wine & Canvas Party 

Info on any of the above 

www.destination-art.net 

1815 W. 213th St., #135 

Torrance CA 90501 

310-742-3192 


B E A C H 

CAL ENDAR 

Everclear rocks the Hermosa Beach Pier Sunday, August 13. Presented 

by Subaru Pacific, the Hermosa Beach Summer Concerts are held on the 

sand next to the beautiful ocean. 5 p.m. Free. South side of the Hermosa 

Beach Pier. Bring a picnic dinner, lawn chairs and a blanket. Come to wind 

down the weekend with a free concert at the beach. NO glass containers or 

alcohol on the beach. Hbsummerconcerts.com. 

registration required. Call (310) 376- 

3550 or visit cancersupportredondobeach.org. 

Family fun 

Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy 

presents “Stories, Songs and 

More for All”. All ages are welcome and 

the program is free. Reservations appreciated 

but not required. 10 a.m. 

White Point Nature Preserve,1600 W. 

Paseo del Mar, San Pedro. To sign up 

for the outdoor volunteer day, please 

call Jill Wittman at (310) 541-7613 or 

pvplc.volunteerhub.com. Wear comfortable 

shoes and bring sun protection. 

For more information, please visit: 

pvplc.org. 

Sunday, August 13 

That’s tasty! 

The Succulent Society hosts Woody 

Minnich who relates his adventures 

photographing some of the world’s 

weirdest plants in a truly out-of-theway 

place, Socotra, an island just south 

of Yemen. 1 p.m., South Coast Botanic 

Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos 

Verdes Peninsula. For more information 

visit southcoastcss.org. 

Monday, August 14 

Kids’ stories 

Enjoy a free storytime geared towards 

kids ages 3-8, at pages a bookstore. 

Mondays 10:30 a.m. 904 

Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. 

310-318-0900. 

Welcome meeting 

Every Monday at 6 p.m. drop-in to 

the welcome meeting and learn about 

the philosophy and free programs from 

cancer patients who have participated 

at the Cancer Support Community Redondo 

Beach. No appointment necessary. 

109 W. Torrance Blvd., Redondo 

Beach. For questions call (310) 376- 

3550 or visit CancerSupportRedond- 

Beach.org. 

Free Fitness 

Get moving and de-stress with Beach 

Cities Health District’s Free Fitness Series, 

a free community-wide event that 

brings together Beach Cities residents, 

fitness and fun. Zumba. All ages and 

ability levels are welcome to participate. 

Invite your friends and family to 

join. 6:30 p.m. Lincoln Elementary 

School, 2223 Plant Ave., Redondo 

Beach. Visit bchd.org/freefitness for a 

full schedule of events and to register. 

Print photo critique 

Mark Comon of Paul’s Photo will critique 

print images submitted by SBCC 

members. Free and open to anyone 

who is interested in photography. All 

are welcome. 7 p.m. Torrance Airport 

Admin. Building meeting room, 3301 

Airport Drive, Torrance. For more information 

call Harry Korn at (805) 340- 

3197 or visit sbccphoto.org. 

Dem ‘crats 

State Senator Ben Allen will be the 

featured speaker at the Torrance Democrats 

monthly meeting. There will 

be a moderated Q&A session. 7 p.m. 

Toyota USA Automobile Museum, 

19600 Van Ness Ave., Torrance. facebook.com/benallencalifornia. 

Tuesday, August 15 

Melt Method 


Beach (CSCRB) hosts Nancy 

Starr, massage therapist and Melt Instructor. 

The Melt Method is a self-help 

technique that uses small balls on the 

hands and feet to balance the nervous 

system and rehydrate connective tissue. 

11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 109 West 

Torrance Blvd., Redondo Beach. All 

equipment will be provided. Advance 

registration required. Call (310) 376- 

3550 or visit cancersupportredondobeach.org. 

Wednesday, August 16 

Library playtime 

Play is essential to your child’s development. 

Enjoy quality playtime with 

your child while meeting other parents 

and children. Free. 10:30 a.m.- noon. 

Manhattan Beach Library, 1320 Highland 

Ave., Manhattan Beach. For questions 

call (310) 545-8595 or visit 

colapublib.org. 

Bird walk 

Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy 

presents Wild Birds Unlimited 

special guided bird walk. Explore the 

birds now making a home in the restored 

habitat at the preserve. Free and 

open to the public. All ages are welcome. 

Binoculars are available. Reservations 

are not required. 8:30 a.m. 

White Point Nature Preserve, 1600 W. 

Paseo del Mar, San Pedro. For more information 

call (310) 541-7613 or visit 

pvplc.org. 

Get to the Point 

Summer music series with Rice and 

Beans (4 piece, country) at The Point, 

850 S. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo. 

Free. Bring your blanket or chair and 

enjoy. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. For questions 

call (310) 414-5280 or visit 

thepointsb.com. 

Thursday, August 17 

Volunteer Day 

Businesses, organizations and residents 

of the Beach Cities are invited to 

come together to volunteer in school 

gardens in Hermosa Beach and Redondo 

Beach to help prep them for the 

upcoming school year. Activities include 

planting, harvesting and removing 

weeds in the gardens. Efforts 

support Beach Cities Health District’s 

LiveWell Kids obesity prevention program. 

Check in at 8 a.m. Alta Vista 

Park, 801 Camino Real, Redondo 

Beach. Register online at bchd.org/volunteerday. 

Mommy, me & daddies too 

Get ready to sparkle, sing and dance 

with Twinkle Time and friends. Plus, 

enjoy the Funky Divas of Fashion and 

Calendar cont. on page 36 


OPEN NOON 

PEDAL YOUR CRUISER 

Redondo Beach Pier and Boardwalk 



G R A N D P R I Z E W I N N E R 

Patamon, Prince of El Porto 

by J.E. Marshall 

“That’s him?” Flint grimaced. 

“I thought you knew him.” Harry looked at his 

friend Edison. 

“I’m a reporter. I took photos 20 years ago in 

Hawaii.” Lester was old and tired. 

Patamon was sleeping on the floor, wearing 

boxer shorts and his deceased wife’s bathrobe. 

He was emaciated. His hip length hair and matted 

beard went off in all directions. The smell 

was unbearable. The art studio portion of the 

house was dusty and obviously not in use. 

The men went to the rooftop patio to talk. 

“Shouldn’t you put him to bed?” Lester suggested. 

“He’ll tear your head off,” Edison nodded. 

“He speaks from experience,” Harry agreed. 

“This is how you live?” Lester’s head tilted. 

“This is how it’s been since his daughter died 

three months ago,” Edison said. 

“It took more than three months to grow that 

hair,” Lester exclaimed. 

“Patamon stopped cutting his hair when his 

wife Birdie died. He wore it in a man bun and 

was going to cut it off on his daughter’s wedding 

day,” Harry explained. 

“Is that a millennial thing?” Lester wet his pencil 

tip with his tongue. 

“You could get lead poisoning.” Harry had 

only seen old people in movies do that. 

“Birdie isn’t dead,” Lester leaned in. 

“You don’t know what you’re talking about!” 

Edison declared. 

“I know things you don’t know. You tell me 

what Patamon was running from. I’ll tell you 

about Birdie.” Lester bargained. 

“You’ve been looking for Patamon for 20 

years!?” Harry’s jaw dropped. 

“I’ve been looking for Patamon for 42 years!” 

Lester got up to stretch his legs. The FBI’s SUV 

was parked across the street. 

“Back in the day we were THE DOORS of El 

Porto. Patamon’s sculptures sold for outrageous 

amounts. We paid off the mortgage. We never 

wanted for anything. One day this character 

named Freddie Boult pulls up in a limo and 

drags Patamon off to this gazillionaire’s mansion 

in Manhattan Beach. That day our lives blew 

up.….” Edison drifted. 

“Patamon comes back screaming that we have 

to leave. We closed our bank accounts, cut up 

our credit cards, sold our cars and smashed our 

phones. We took a bus. We hitchhiked. At a 

truck stop in the middle of nowhere we met 

Leon and Dee Dee Pine. They offered us a home 

cooked meal and when we saw their circumstances 

we knew we found a hideout. It used to 

be a rustic resort but from the look of it, the heyday 

must have been in the 1920s. The sauna, 

steam rooms and pools were repulsive. We 

worked day and night in exchange for a safe 

place to sleep. Leon and Dee Dee had no money 

so we paid for the materials. We did a lot of trout 

fishing in the stream that ran through the property. 

One morning Patamon said we better move 

on. Leon and Dee Dee thanked us. We thanked 

them,” Harry sighed. “They seemed like nice 

people.” 

“Where did you go next?” Lester asked. 

“Hawaii. We hid in plain sight on a beach 

crammed with tourists. I did some bartending. 

Harry took up lounge singing. Patamon became 

a lifeguard. That’s where he met Birdie. Met her 

on the beach. She was having a birthday party. 

Birdie was a rich kid but she wasn’t spoiled. It 

killed Patamon that he couldn’t be an artist any-

more, that Birdie’s father could think 

he was after her money. He tried not 

to fall in love but couldn’t help himself. 

They got married in the courthouse. 

Patamon told Birdie’s parents 

that they would have another wedding 

once he got his finances in 

order. Birdie got pregnant on the 

honeymoon in Fiji. A week after 

Maribelle was born the news about 

the gazillionaire was in all the papers. 

It was gruesome but it meant 

we could finally go back to El Porto 

and resume our lives,” Edison looked 

sad. 

Lester tapped the patio table with 

one finger like he was sending a telegraph. 

He pulled the photos out of 

his jacket and put them on the table. 

In the SUV Agent Gower explained 

to his young partner how 

Bargus, his daughter and henchman 

Freddie Boult died in a freak accident, 

struck by lightning while having 

an orgy in a hot tub. 

“Shut the door! Who has an orgy 

with their children present!” Agent 

Curtis was disgusted. 

“Technically, the coroner called it 

an ‘August sandwich’.” 

“Lordy!” 

“Nothing explains Patamon’s actions. 

We don’t know if Patamon 

knew about the incest. We know he 

wasn’t blackmailing Bargus. We do 

know Patamon’s biggest patron, 

Oliver Mowbray completely disappeared 

from the face of the earth 

shortly before Patamon disappeared. 

This time tomorrow we’ll know if 

Patamon’s real name is Dovico, if 

he’s Senator Thaliard’s grandson. 

The world agreed that the Dovico 

child met the same fate as the Lindberg 

baby. 

“When King Tomas Dovico and his 

Hollywood bride Margaret died in 

the avalanche that derailed their 

train car, the kidnappers probably 

figured they were in over their 

heads. Along comes Lester Flint. The 

old geezer flew all the way from Vermont 

to Hawaii on his own dime just 

because a drunk war buddy called 

and said there was a lifeguard on the 

beach who was the spitting image of 

His Majesty Dovico. Flint trots up 

and down that beach wearing a ratty 

tweed suit. He follows Patamon 

everywhere. Patamon is head over 

heels for the heiress Birdie Ratcliff. 

Patamon wouldn’t have noticed if 

Barney the purple dinosaur was tailing 

him,” Gower handed Curtis an 

iPad loaded with Flint’s photos. 

“Flint also stole a vial of blood 

when he followed the happy couple 

to their prenuptial blood tests and 

kept the blood in his freezer in Vermont 

all this time. Flint lost track of 

Patamon and now he thinks he’s 

found him again,” Gower was suddenly 

distracted. 

“What?” Agent Curtis looked up. 

“Listen. Flint’s not talking to them. 

He’s talking to us,” Gower turned 

the sound up. 

“I think we should finish this conversation 

later,” Flint told the men. 

“You didn’t tell us about Birdie!” 

Edison protested. 

“Your friend needs medical attention,” 

Flint asserted. 

“We told you he won’t listen. We 

don’t want him locked up in some 

mental ward!” Harry cried out. 

“Yeah. What are you, from Social 

Services? Did one of those tight ass 

Manhattan Beach bitches call you 

because Pat bought a carton of milk 

wearing his wife’s bathrobe? The 

manager of the grocery store knows 

Pat. Who do you think made the 

sculpture in the parking lot? He’ll be 

ok. He just needs time,” Edison’s 

face was beet red with anger. 

“I’m no doctor but Patamon looks 

dehydrated. You say he fights anyone 

who tries to help. He doesn’t have a 

Manhattan Beach Pier 

by Don Adkins 

Adkins wanted to do something 

different with the 

Manhattan Beach pier, which 

has been a magnet for 

photographers for decades. 

He photographed the pier in 

color, converted it to black 

and white, made a 14” by 30” 

inch print, cut the print into 

sections, then reassembled 

the image with spacers 

between the sections. The 

print is part of the Artists 

Groups exhibit at the PV Art 

Center, through August 19.

Super Moon over El Porto 

by Mark Towle 

Monday, November 14, 2016 when the full moon 

was closest to earth. Canon EOS Rebel T6 

gun. He’s weak from not eating. A medic 

could be advised to give him an injection 

before trying to move him. Your friend is 

dying of a broken heart. He might not 

make it to tomorrow,” Flint said. 

Flint met the FBI at the door and showed 

them where Patamon was curled up on the 

cold floor. Patamon was given an injection 

of Haldol and transported to the ER. 

Flint, Harry, Edison, and Agents Gower 

and Curtis waited for hours in a private 

waiting room. 

“Maribella almost died. Leon and Dee 

Dee Pine took out a huge life insurance 

policy and began slowly poisoning her. We 

got a tip and let them think they succeeded 

while we continued to collect evidence. We 

had no idea Patamon would show up,” 

Gower told Harry and Edison. 

“Patamon lost his mind the day he came 

to pick up Maribelle and was directed to 

the graveyard. Who killed Dee Dee and 

Leon and their daughter Evelyn?” Edison 

was confused. 

“The Russian hitman, Freddie Boult. He 

thought he was killing Patamon, Birdie and 

Mirabelle. The same insurance flag that 

alerted us of a suspicious policy was accessed 

by Russians hackers and they accessed 

Mirabelle’s birth certificate. Then 

Patamon’s name on that certificate triggered 

another Russian flag and the hitman 

was dispatched,” Gower explained. 

“You saved Mirabelle twice. Then a 

Russian hitman named ‘Boult’ goes home 

and gets hit by a bolt of lightning! Patamon 

learns that Boult and Bargus are dead so 

he comes back to pick up his daughter before 

you have time to correct the tombstone!” 

Harry marveled at the mess. 

“What the hell are the Russians doing 

monitoring our medical and insurance 

transactions?” Edison asked. 

“Information is power. They almost got 

Maribelle,” Curtis replied. 

“Birdie’s parents died when the tidal 

wave hit the island resort. The whole family 

had gathered there to celebrate their 

first wedding anniversary and the birth of 

their daughter,” Harry said. 

“Birdie survived but was rescued by pirates 

who planned to sell her. She tried to 

kill herself by jumping overboard but was 

rescued again, this time by kind fishermen 

who took her to the priory on an impoverished 

island far from the ravaged resort. 

The nuns nursed Birdie’s cuts and broken 

bones. Birdie decided to live out the rest of 

her days there, which she did until a photo 

taken by a tourist put her back on the 

grid,” Agent Curtis filled in the blanks. 

Birdie had no hope that the baby the 

water ripped from her arms could survive. 

She couldn’t know that Patamon’s lifeguard 

training kicked in and combined 

with a father’s love, empowered him to 

snatch his daughter back from the sea. 

“Edison and I were still in Hawaii. We 

flew to Fiji to help Pat find Birdie. It was 

too brutal for an infant, so we flew to California 

and asked Dee Dee and Leon to 

look after Maribelle. Dee Dee had just 

given birth to Evelyn and promised to treat 

Maribelle as Evelyn’s twin while we 

searched for Birdie,” Harry shared his 

piece of the puzzle. 

The waiting room door creaked and 

there stood Birdie and her daughter Maribelle. 

An hour later a stern, elderly man in 

a black suit and overcoat entered the room. 

“Maribelle, meet your great grandfather, 

Senator Gunther Thaliard,” Gower introduced 

them. 

A nurse appeared and informed Gower 

he could speak to Patamon. Gower went 

in alone. They had a very interesting conversation. 

“Curtis, don’t react,” Gower said into his 

communication device. 

Curtis kept his poker face and pushed 

his earpiece in deeper. 

“Look at your watch, calmly tell the Senator 

it’s time to meet his grandson. When 

he is clear of the waiting room, cuff the 

bastard. I’m right outside. I got your back.” 

On the night in question when Freddie 

Boult whisked Patamon from his studio in 

El Porto to the Bargus mansion in Manhattan 

Beach, Patamon did indeed witness 

acts of incest. August Bargus was having 

sex with his daughter while Senator Gunther 

Thaliard sodomized her. Freddie Boult 

was watching it on his laptop while commissioning 

a work of art from Patamon. 

“Our country needs your country to 

change some outdated policies. Everybody 

is happy.” Boult laughed at Patamon’s 

naivete. 

The obscene amount of money Patamon 

was offered shocked him. What turned his 

bones to rubber was the sight of a skull on 

a spike in the tropical themed pool area. 

Most people would shrug it off as tacky 

décor but anyone who knew Oliver Mowbray 

would recognize that skull. Patamon 

walked past the pool to the beach. Once he 

reached the moonlit shore he ran like the 

wind to El Porto to protect his business 

partners Edison and Harry. 

Senator Thaliard was taken out of the 

hospital in handcuffs. 

“I guess this explains the senator’s voting 

history. God, I wouldn’t want to be Patamon,” 

Curtis mused. 

“I think the Prince of El Porto is feeling 

better now than he has in years,” Gower 

patted his partner on the back. 

Indeed, Patamon was hugging his wife 

and daughter, shedding tears of relief and 

joy. B

H O N O R A B L E M E N T I O N 

Summer of '71 

by Chris Lawler 

The last South Bay house I lived as a 

teenager was on Blossom Lane in North 

Redondo Beach, just east of Aviation and 

south of Aviation High School. Compared to my 

previous home on Fourth Street in Manhattan, 

it felt like Siberia. I was a freshman at Mira 

Costa and this was Aviation High School turf 

and none of my few friends lived anywhere near 

me. I had the feeling this was where people 

lived if they couldn't live at the beach but 

wouldn't give up the dream. Of course, now, I 

would kiss the ass of my lucky stars to live that 

close to the beach.. Alas, I have become a 

refugee. 

My dad was out of the picture by this time 

and my Mom a waitress trying to support four 

kids and our bi-polar Grandma. She was burning 

out and becoming an addict from the stress. 

I had no idea how common this Gulag was for 

women during the 'swinger' era of the early 

seventies. 

I was self absorbed with teenage angst and 

had little perspective. Man, I needed my dad 

back then! He was off, starting a new life married 

to a rich banker's daughter. Again, this was 

Lifeguard tower 

by Jaime Brown 

Torrance Beach. Nikon d70, 1/60, f8 

a pretty common situation back then. There 

were no video games to soak up all the alone 

time. Instead, I had a dog, and a front yard. I 

was outside a lot. There was a pack of younger 

boys who hung on my street. I got them organized 

enough to play baseball in front of my 

house. Home plate was in front of my garage 

door. I chalked out a 'strike zone' on the door 

and would pitch tennis balls to them. It was fun. 

The boys really looked up to me and, I was able 

to suppress my feelings of desperation. 

Another single mom ( no names, to protect 

privacy) from across the street noticed my rapport 

with her two sons and offered me a babysitting 

job while she worked her waitress gig at 

night. I took the job to help out my mom and to 

get away from her alcoholism. This lady left for 

work about 6 p.m. and I had these knuckleheads 

until 11 p.m. 

Her boys were 8 and 10 and wild as raccoons 

but I had a lot of fun with them. We would 

make crank calls, wrestle around and have epic 

pillow fights. I would chase them around with a 

broomstick singing the Rotor Rooter song threatening 

to impale them. We just clowned all night 

until they fell asleep on the sofa watching TV 

Then I would go in the kitchen and wash her 

dishes. There were maggots that can only be explained 

by a single mom too exhausted to care. 

Washing dishes wasn't part of the job, but I 

couldn't leave her kitchen that way. This started 

a little trouble. 

She was a very attractive lady in her cocktail 

waitress outfit. At 15 years old, I was already an 

inch or two taller than her. She fit me. I started 

to have a 'Summer of '42' crush on her. She was 

always so very grateful for me and made me feel 

important. She called me 'My man, CJ' and sent 

me home every night with a kiss on the forehead 

and an unrestrained hug. That, and a 

pocket full of her tips. She was especially moved 

by my cleaning her filthy kitchen. I know she 

was embarrassed by how she left them for me. 

This babysitting gig lasted about a half the 

summer. Then she got a new boyfriend and 

moved away. Saved by the bell. I was falling in 

love with her. It never went any further but the 

trouble this made for me lasted a long time, until 

the memory of her was a tattered thing in my 

mind. 

I came away from that experience with a gold 

doubloon; Attraction is powerful, but love drops 

the Heavy Hammer when you humble yourself 

and serve. B

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each awards 

MEDAL OF VALOR DINNER 

County lifeguards honor their own 

The 56th annual International Surf Festival kicked off Aug. 2 with the Los Angeles County 

Lifeguard Medal of Valor Dinner at Seaside Lagoon in King Harbor. Now in its 37th year, the 

dinner recognizes heroism and bravery in the line of duty in the past year by L.A. County Lifeguards. 

The county lifeguards are the largest beach lifesaving organization in the world, with 

over 800 full time and lifetime lifeguards. Civic officials from surf festival host cities Manhattan 

Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance mingled with lifeguards and county officials, 

including County Supervisor Janice Hahn. 

Nine guards were honored. Captain John Greger and Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Jeff Martinez 

received the Distinguished Service Award for helping save the life of an unconscious cyclist 

near Dockweiler Beach. Ocean Lifeguard John Newton received the Distinguished Service 

Award for pulling an unconscious man from the surf at Silver Strand Beach in Oxnard during 

an outing with his family; the victim made a full recovery. Captain Chris Staffiled and Ocean 

Lifeguard Specialist Chris Maloney received the Medal of Valor for rescuing multiple victims 

from drowning amidst rocks and high surf on the south side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Rescue 

boat captains Rob Pelkey, Lance Dempsey and Matt Rhodes, and Ocean Lifeguard Specialist 

Brian Kari received the Medal of Valor for a harrowing rescue of multiple victims who had 

been tossed from a power-boat that capsized and ran aground on the south side of Catalina Island 

during high surf. Randy DeGregori, a former Chief Lifeguard, received the LIfetime 

Achievement Award for his decades of service and work to modernize the department’s fleet 

of Baywatch boats. 

1. Los Angeles 

County Fire Department 

Chief Daryl 

Osby. 

2. Event emcee and 

retired lifeguard Dick 

Douglass. 

3. Councilmember 

Nancy Hersman, 

Mayor David Lesser, 

Councilmember 

Steve Napolitano, 

Mayor pro tem Amy 

Howorth and Councilmember 

Richard 

Montgomery, all of 

Manhattan Beach, 

the host city for the 

2017 Surf Festival. 

PHOTOS BY RYAN MCDONALD 

4. Ocean lifeguard 

John Newton, winner 

of the Distinguished 

Service 

Award. 

5. Ocean Lifeguard 

Specialist Jeff Martinez 

and Captain 

John Greger, winners 

of the Distinguished 

Service 

Award. 

6. Osby and interim 

Chief Lifeguard Fernando 

Boiteux. 

7. Ocean Lifeguard 

Specialist Chris Maloney 

and Captain 

Chris Staffield, winners 

of the Medal of 

Valor, with L.A. 

County Supervisor 

Janice Hahn. 

8. Former Chief 

Lifeguard Randy De- 

Gregori received the 

Lifetime Achievement 

Award. 

9. Rescue boat captains 

Rob Pelkey, 

Lance Dempsey and 

Matt Rhodes, and 

Ocean Lifeguard 

Specialist Brian Kari, 

winners of the Medal 

of Valor, with Supervisor 

Hahn. 

1 

2 3 

4 5 

6 

7 8 

9 




Going home again 

by Dave Siemienski 

You Can’t Go Home Again” was a novel 

published in 1940 by Thomas Wolfe. The 

expression has since transformed into a 

common cultural idiom. It is most commonly associated 

with wistful yearning for the past and 

the times, events, and childhood experiences 

that evoke the warmest of feelings. It is a brand 

of sentimentality that seldom matches up to biases 

in memory when taken to its most literal 

application. 

This emotional longing is also generally interpreted 

as nostalgia. That word derives from a 

Greek compound, consisting of “nostos,” or a 

Homeric word for “homecoming” and “algos” for 

pain or ache. These kinds of recollections of the 

past can represent important events with people 

and places that were the most pleasant in memory. 

As a lifetime unfolds it often leads to desires 

to literally “go home” once again. 

I was passing through the South Bay recently 

with some time to kill when I decided to drive 

to Inglewood to see the places of my youth. As I 

approached the city, I began thinking of an old 

“Twilight Zone” episode called “Walking Distance,” 

written by Rod Serling and starring Gig 

Young. It was about a world-weary advertising 

executive who leaves his car at a gas station 

(when you could do that sort of thing) and sets 

off on foot to his hometown, which coincidentally 

is just down the road. He finds things exactly 

the same as when he was a child, and 

quickly senses he has gone back in time. He 

finds his old home, and attempts to explain to 

his parents parents that he is their son, now 

grown up. They think he’s crazy. 

When his father eventually believes the impossible, 

that this man is his son from the future, 

-- the son asks why he can’t fit back into his past 

life? His father pointedly replies, “I guess because 

we only get one chance.” 

I decided to get off the 405 at the Florence / 

Manchester off-ramp. Quickly that neighborhood 

of the freeway brought memories rushing 

back to me. I was driving right over the spot 

where my Uncle Leo used to live. This represented 

progress in the 1950s -- where blocks of 

families became lanes of traffic. I miss those visits 

to my Uncle’s house. 

I noticed that the “Big Donut” has now become 

“Randy’s Donut.” At least the donut was 

still there. I continued my slow journey into the 

past by driving south on Aviation until I reached 

Century. Carolina Lanes should be right here on 

the corner. This was where I bowled my first 

200 game. It’s not there anymore. Only sleazy 

strip-joints occupy those once wonderful bowling 

lanes where I had so much fun with my 

friends. I found out later the Inglewood Bowl 

and Jola Bowl are also ancient history. 

I drove down Century towards the Hollywood 

Park Race Track. That parking lot is where my 

dad first took me to practice driving a car. That 

was so special when Pops first let me take the 

Tall Ladder 

by Mike McKinney 

April 29, 2017 during the Torrance Airport "Wings of Freedom" tour of WWII airplanes. Nikon D-600 with infrared conversion. 


wheel. That was also where Bill 

Shoemaker pulled up on Swaps at 

the quarter-pole, and cost my Uncle 

a lot of money. How could they take 

away that beautiful landmark and 

so many of my memories? 

I stood on some graded dirt and 

looked around for the Inglewood 

Golf Course, which should have 

been just yards away. All I could see 

was that old “Forum” sitting where 

the ninth green used to be. It was 

like somebody took a big eraser to 

the chalkboard of my childhood. All 

that was left was dusty chalk and 

smeared images. 

I got back into my car, and tried 

to picture myself in one of the vintage 

autos from the film American 

Graffiti. Maybe this little “detour” 

could magically transition into a 

cruise from the old days instead of 

a jolt of modern reality. Maybe if I 

blare the radio with rock ‘n’ roll 

music I could bring back the past. 

I turned the wheel west again. I 

knew Sears was just down the 

street on Manchester at Hillcrest. I 

wanted to check out their sporting 

goods department where I bought 

my first Converse basketball shoes. 

I also wanted to see if that traffic 

controller still sat atop the tower in 

the parking lot. Wait a minute! I 

didn’t expect old Dr Tanton would 

still have his offices across the 

street, but I never dreamed Sears 

would cease to exist. 

Oh well, maybe I would head 

downtown and see what’s playing 

at the Fox Theater or the United 

Artists. On no! The Fox is boarded 

up. No UA either. Has the “Invasion 

of the Body Snatchers” come true? 

Have Aliens taken over Inglewood? 

I saw “The Hustler” at the Fox in 

1961. Now Market Street looks like 

a bad movie set. Where is Mike & 

Bob’s Records? I bought my first 

Beatles album there. 

I thought I would seek some 

peace and quiet at the Inglewood 

Public Library. It should be just 

around the corner. I turned down 

Queen Street, but couldn’t understand 

why it now dead-ended at La 

Brea. Where is that beautiful standalone 

building that took up a whole 

block? The impressive structure I 

remember had an elegant stairway 

out front leading to the front doors, 

and the rich old wood of the lobby 

and book shelves. It smelled like an 

old-fashioned museum. Alas, this 

cherished landmark has also disappeared. 

The whole city block is 

now the Inglewood City Hall. If 

those people only knew what books 

I enjoyed and how that little piece 

of lost history inspired a lifetime of 

reading. 

As I pulled away from the curb 

looking for something of the past I 

could hang onto, I noticed that at 

least Inglewood High School looks 

basically the same. But 

Scarpellino's Pizza is gone, the 

DMV has moved, and most of the 

area looked nothing like I remembered 

it. I was getting desperate to 

find something historical that I 

could cling to. Just one thing that 

would make this new town seem 

like my old home. 

I finally thought of a place where 

changes would be unlikely. Centinela 

Park is 55 acres of grass, trees, 

and ball diamonds that will never 

get replaced. I spent huge parts of 

my life there, playing ball, watching 

fireworks, hiking the Indian trails, 

and playing fast-pitch softball as an 

adult. Sure enough, it was still 

down the street from where I grew 

up, but it is now called “Edward 

Vincent Jr. Park.” Who the hell is 

he? Why did they have to change 

the most iconic name of all of Inglewood’s 

parks? 

I was now just a few blocks from 

where I grew up at 329 E Hazel 

Street. I drove slowly up my old 

street, and approached the address 

with cautious anticipation. I was 

looking for the two banks of ivy and 

elm trees that marked the front of 

our property. When the address I 

saw indicated that I had gone too 

far, I was shocked. I stopped and 

backed up a few yards. Where was 

329? Unbelievable! It is a vacant lot. 

This cannot be! Something is dreadfully 

wrong here. Where is my 

house? Our driveway? Where is my 

basketball setup and the wiffle ball 

field? Who bulldozed my adolescence? 

What is that dirt doing 

where my life sprouted in our backyard 

garden? What did they do with 

the apricot and peach trees? My 

mind started spinning like a dream 

sequence from a bad movie. 

I thought back to the Twilight 

Zone closing by Rod Serling from 

“Walking Distance.” “Martin Sloan, 

age 36, vice-president in charge of 

media. Successful in most things, 

but not in the one effort that all 

men try at some time in their lives 

— trying to go home again….” 

That line from Martin’s dad 

echoed in my ears: “We only get 

one chance.” 

Even though most everything has 

changed, I would not change anything 

about how or where I grew 

up. I no longer feel a need to go 

home. “Home is where the heart 

is.” Mine now has moved on. B 


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A Long Overdue Confession from 1968 

by Pete Whalon 

On August 15, 1968, the day of my Bon 

Voyage Private Whalon celebration, I 

was 18 days away from becoming an extremely 

reluctant soldier in the United States 

Army. I had joined the Army in hopes of avoiding 

the draft and being sent to Vietnam as an infantry 

soldier. The prevailing wisdom at that 

time was that joining the military for three years 

would reduce your chances of being sent to Vietnam. 

Getting drafted for two years usually 

meant being sent to infantry training after basic 

training and then shipped off to the jungles of 

Nam. Vietnam was the absolute last place on 

earth I wanted to be. (For the record, in 1969, I 

did end up in Vietnam). 

A few days earlier, while planning my “goodbye 

cruel world” party, a group of friends and I 

mulled over the perfect place where a sizable 

group of raucous, under aged teens could chug 

alcohol undetected. Lenny had lived in El Segundo 

for a few years growing up and recalled a 

secluded public park in the city with an isolated 

picnic area concealed by trees and bushes and 

conveniently tucked away from busy streets. He 

City Lights 

by Dylan Marin 

Canon Rebel t5i 

also described a quiet, bucolic town where they 

rolled up the sidewalks at 7 p.m. Although I had 

lived in Redondo Beach since six, I had only 

been to El Segundo one time in my life. Growing 

up in Redondo, with the quintessential beach 

cities of Hermosa and Manhattan nearby, taking 

a road trip to sleepy El Segundo never appealed 

to me. So, with a unanimous vote, on Saturday 

night 15 of my closest friends would join me to 

bid a fond, alcohol fueled, farewell. The thought 

thrilled and depressed me at the same time. 

As the caravan of four cars, carrying our spirited 

pack, pulled into the empty parking lot, I 

thought this place is perfect for my “last hurrah.” 

It appeared to be a remote location, with dense, 

foliage everywhere. There were roughly 20 picnic 

tables spread out over a considerable grass 

area, complete with dim lighting. We bolted 

from the cars, grabbed our Styrofoam coolers 

packed with Boone’s Farm-Strawberry Hill and 

Bali Hai wine, Colt 45 Malt Liquor and a bottle 

of Jack Daniel’s (for the serious drinkers). Let 

the party rage! 

During the first 30 minutes our congregation 

had separated into three groups, each occupying 

a different picnic table. I had just finished my 

first beer when a blinding light hit me right between 

my eyes. Out of nowhere seven or eight 

police officers appeared, shining high powered 

flashlights in our faces and barking out orders. 

“Put your hands on your heads and do not 

move!” While obeying the order I glanced to my 

left and noticed that five of my buddies had disappeared. 

My first thought was, crap, it’s my 

party and they get away…unbelievable! The 

cops ordered us to stand and put our hands behind 

our backs. They then handcuffed us, led us 

to the parking lot and told us to sit along the 

fence. I leaned over to Larry sitting next to me 

and optimistically whispered, “Maybe this bust 

will keep me out of the Army.” He didn’t respond. 

Eleven (one short of a Dirty Dozen) of us 

had been apprehended and five had vanished 

into the night (years afterward we would refer 

to their daring getaway as The Great Escape). 

We Were herded into police cars and taken to 

the El Segundo Police Station on Main Street. We 

were fingerprinted, then placed in three separate 


cells. Soon after the doors clanked shut a police officer informed us that 

our parents had been notified and we would be released to them when they 

arrived. It was the first time any of us had been in the clink. When Lenny’s 

mom appeared in front of our cell she glared in my eyes and curtly demanded 

“Whose idea was this Pete?” I shrugged my shoulders. I couldn’t 

blame her for being furious. Of her four kids, three of them shared a cell 

with me. 

I was the last suspect picked up, by my mom the next morning. She had 

been working a 12-hour shift at the Royalwood Convalescent Hospital and 

wasn’t about to take off work early to pick up her wayward son until. Consequently, 

I had to endure the arrival and wrath of everyone’s disapproving 

mother. 

The next phase of my embarrassing ordeal would be the court date. I still 

held out a glimmer of hope that this youthful indiscretion would keep me 

out of the Army, however, I definitely did not want to do jail time. Several 

of my co-conspirators were under 18 years of age and would appear in juvenile 

court with their parents. 

And since the consensus of the concerned parents involved appeared to 

be that I acted as the “ringleader”, it proved a plus to be heading to court 

alone. 

Eight days after my arrest I appeared in a Torrance court room, prepared 

to plead guilty to the charge of “minor in the possession of alcohol.” I had 

begged my parents and threatened my friends to stay away from court and 

let me deal with this situation alone. When the judge barked out my name 

I almost threw up. “Please come forward Mr. Whalon. Have you been 

drinking today sir?” He flashed a wry smile. “No sir.” I blurted out. He continued, 

“So, you and your idiot underlings were getting drunk in a public 

park…please explain.” Sweat poured from my forehead and dripped onto 

my neatly pressed shirt. “Sir, your honor, we were having a going away 

party for me. I am going into the Army in 10 days” The judge interrupted, 

“So, Pete, you thought it would be ‘groovy’ to get drunk and create havoc 

before your military induction, interesting? Since you are going into the 

Army are you also looking forward to going to Vietnam?” No, don’t say that 

word, please! He continued. “Very honorable, even though you and your 

ignorant friends wasted lots of time for lots of people. What do you have to 

say in your defense, before I sentence you.” Thank God my mom wasn’t 

here. She’d be bawling her eyes out right now, thinking, my dear Catholic 

boy Peter, a criminal? “Your honor, I am truly sorry and will never do anything 

like this again. It was supposed to be just a going away party.” The 

judge cleared his throat, “Good for you Pete, I think you might be headed 

in the right direction. after all. I am suspending your probation and your 

record will be expunged. Good luck in the Army and keep your head down 

in Vietnam.” Geez, enough with the Vietnam taunting already, judge. I 

turned and hustled out of the courtroom. 

In March of 1973, while looking at the job placement board at El Camino 

College, I noticed a part-time position with a local city. Since I was a Physical 

Education major it seemed like the perfect job to get my career kick 

started. I called the phone number and set up an interview for the following 

week. 

While driving to my interview I tried to calm myself. I really wanted this 

job. It seemed a perfect fit for my plans. I made the turn onto Sheldon Street, 

parked my car, got out, stepped onto the sidewalk and froze in place. In an 

instant, my mind raced back to that fateful night in 1968. There, just in 

front of me, on the other side of the short, wire fence sat the very picnic 

table from my big bust. Unbeknownst to me, I was applying for a job at 

the very scene of my crime. I hadn’t thought about that night in a long time. 

I jumped back in my car to clear my head. After calming down, I decided 

to go ahead with the interview and keep quiet about that chaotic night and 

hope for the best. 

I did get that part-time job, and in 1978 was promoted to the full-time 

position of Sports Supervisor. I ended up working for the El Segundo Recreation 

Department for twenty-eight years. On many occasions over that span 

I would stroll through the area and sit on picnic table #5, the center of that 

1968, police raid. I would often wonder, if I had been honest during my interview, 

would I have still been hired that day. During my entire career 

with the city I kept my mouth shut about that memorable night I spent in 

jail. Now I am coming clean, after forty-nine years. I understand that confession 

is good for the soul. B 


each sports 

THREE GENERATIONS COMPETE 

in 49th Annual Seawright Tourney 

The 49th Annual Seawright Volleyball Tournament, held at 28th Street, in front 

of the former Strand home of Hermosa pioneers Bunny and Roy Seawright, drew 

32 four-player teams. Many of the players were second and third generation Seawright 

veterans. The Seawright Memorial Award was presented to Dave Lucero, 

who began playing in the tournament in 1977. 

1. Dave Lucero accepts the Seawright 

Memorial trophy from Annie Seawright. 

2. Annie Seawright-Newton with 2017 

Seawright tourney champions Mike Doll, 

Clint Coe, Jay Gleason, and Nick Palmer. 

3. Many of the Seawright tourney players 

were third generation tournament 

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILLER 

veterans. 

4. The Schneider family competed in 

memory of Doug Schneider, who died in 

a motorcycle accident two years ago. 

5. Over 100 players competed in the 

49th Annual Seawright Volleyball Tournament. 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 


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each charity 

WALK WITH SALLY HONORS 

Volunteers, mentor/mentee 

The Beacon of Light Award, honoring individuals who work throughout the year 

for Walk with Sally, was presented to Suzanne Sharer and Bob McDaniels at the charity’s 

annual White Light White Night fundraiser on June 22, at the Top of the Plaza 

at Continental Park. McDaniels mother was diagnosed with cancer when he was 11. 

The couple owns South Bay Automation in Manhattan Beach. The Lifetime Friendship 

Award was presented to mentor Chris Martinez and his mentee Patrick. Martinez lost 

his father to pancreatic cancer. Chris and Patrick were matched in 2012 when 13- 

year old Patrick and his sister were in the throes of their mother’s 4-year battle with 

cancer, a battle she unfortunately lost. The 11th Annual White Light White Night 

raised nearly $400,000. Over 1,000 guests, dressed in white, attended the event, which 

supports the organization’s work with children whose parents or siblings suffer from 

cancer. The white theme was selected by founder Nick Arquette because his mother, 

the program’s namesake, believed in the healing power of white light. 

For more information visit WalkWithSally.org. 

1 

PHOTOS BY SHELLEY CRAWFORD, ADRIENNE SLAUGHTER 

AND WALK WITH SALLY 

1. White Light auctioneer. 

2. TMZ executive producer Charles Latibeaudiere and friend. 

3. Cutting loose. 

4. Sugar Ray Mark McGrath and Walk with Sally founder Nick Arquette. 

5. Bibi and Mark Goldstein, of Redondo Beach. 

6. Baran 2239’s Alex Schwartzman, partner/executive chef Tyler Gugliotta and 

Adam Stone. 

7. Shade Hotel’s Mike Zislis and friends. 

8. Variations on the White Light White Night dress code. 

9. Sugar Ray singer Mark McGrath ramps up the energy. 

2 

3 

4 5 6 

7 8 9 


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3 1 0 . 5 4 3 . 2 0 0 1 

fun too. 10 a.m. - noon. Mommy & 

Me Kid’s Club at The Point. 850 S. 

Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo. For 

questions call (310) 414-5280 or visit 

thepointsb.com. 

Sunset Beach party 

Businesses of Downtown Manhattan 

Beach present Sunset Beach Party 

on the AVP Skydeck of the Manhattan 

Beach Open Volleyball Tournament. 

Hangout with players from the tour, 

last year’s champs as they are 

crowned at the Pier Ceremony, while 

sampling food from MB’s finest 

restaurants. 5 - 8 p.m. South side of 

the Manhattan Beach Pier. $55. general 

admission. For tickets go to 

Eventbrite and search Sunset Beach 

Party. 

Macbeth 

Almost the last chance to catch 

Shakespeare by the Sea’s performance. 

$10 parking; no outside food or 

beverages. Picnic fare and cash bar 

available. 7 p.m. Terranea Resort, 100 

Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes. 

For questions call (310) 217-7596 or 

visit shakespearebythesea.org. 

Friday, August 18 

Vintage car show 

Cruise at the Beach 4 - 8 p.m. 

Ruby’s Diner Parking Lot, 245 N. Harbor 

Dr., Redondo Beach. Contact 

Larry Neville at (310) 962-7438 Join 

the facebook page: Ruby’s Diner Redondo 

Beach. 

Saturday, August 19 

Book sale 

Hermosa Beach Friends of the Library 

used book sale. Hardcover 

Thank You 

For Your 

Vote! 

2013 

ON CALL 

24 HOURS 

7 DAYS 

books, paperbacks and children’s 

books. 9 a.m. - noon. 1309 Bard 

Street, Hermosa Beach. Book donations 

for the sales may be left at the library 

any time it is open, at the Bard 

Street facility most Monday mornings, 

9 a.m. - noon (Closed on Holidays). 

For help with picking up large book 

donations, contact: Folhb16@gmail. 

com or C.Gazin@verizon.net or leave 

a message at the Hermosa Library: 

(310) 379-8475. Hbfol.org. 

Eclipse Prep 

Have fun and protect your eyes by 

creating a pinhole camera out of 

household materials at the library. 

Take the camera home, so you can 

watch the 50% solar eclipse as it 

passes over Hermosa Beach at 10:20 

a.m. on Monday, August 21. For children 

and families. 3 - 4 p.m. Hermosa 

Beach Library, 550 Pier Ave., Hermosa 

Beach. For questions email Kay 

Wantuch: kwantuch@library.lacounty.gov 

or call (310) 379-8475. colapublib.org. 

Bonedaddys 

The Bonedaddys play upbeat, fun 

and danceable hits driven by topnotch 

vocals, rocking guitars, horns 

and percussion. From Latin to rock, 

from reggae to Louisiana zydeco, their 

live shows are exciting, entertaining 

and unpredictable, leaving the audience 

cheering for more. Free. 4 - 6 

p.m. The Amphitheatre at Wilson 

Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. 

Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic 

and enjoy the music. For information 

call (310) 328-5310. 

La La Land 

Popcorn, a beach setting, families, 

blankets and a great classic movie on 

the big screen when the sun goes 

down. Friends of the Parks Hermosa 

Beach presents La La Land. Free but 

donations are appreciated. All profits 

will fund the organization’s efforts to 

preserve, improve and promote the 

use of Hermosa Beach parks and 

recreation programs for the benefit of 

the entire community. Bring blankets, 

picnics and beach chairs. Popcorn and 

water will be available for purchase. 

6 p.m. South side of the Hermosa 

Beach Pier. hbfop.org. 

Sunday, August 20 

Vintage Car rides 

Every Sunday the Automobile Driving 

Museum (ADM) takes guests for a 

ride in three of their magnificent automobiles. 

This may be the only automotive 

museum in the world that 

offers such an opportunity. No more 

admiring from a distance. This is your 

chance to experience the thrill of riding 

in a piece of history. A donation of 

$5 per adult is suggested and children 

are admitted free. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 610 

Lairport Street, El Segundo. For addi- 


tional information, visit the website at 

automobiledrivingmuseum.org or call 

(310) 909-0950. 

Train training 

Mini-train rides at Charles H Wilson 

Park. noon - 3 p.m. 2290 Washington 

Ave, Torrance. The trains are 

located at the eastern end of the park 

near the picnic tables. The rides are 

free but donations are appreciated to 

keep the trains running so they can 

share their love of trains with the public. 

For information on events and a 

schedule of run days visit southerncalifornialivesteamers.org. 

Free to be you 

The Hermosa Beach Drum Circle 

takes place on the south side of the 

Hermosa Beach Pier from noon - 3 

p.m. Local rock star drummer Sabina 

Sandoval facilitates the drum circle 

which draws crowds of onlookers and 

participants. Drums and percussion 

instruments are provided so that no 

one is left out. Any donations received 

are used for the purchase, maintenance 

and repair of instruments and 

to keep the circle alive. Everyone is invited 

to take part. For additional information, 

visit the website at 

freetobemedrumcircle.com. 

Trump’s beer wine fest 

The 9th Annual Wine and Beer Festival 

presented by Joe Giacomin’s 

Martin Chevrolet and benefitting the 

Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of 

Commerce. World class wineries and 

breweries, gourmet food trucks, live 

entertainment and raffle. Gates open 

for check-in at 11:30 p.m., Festival 

starts at 12 - 4 p.m. Trump National 

Golf Club, 1 Trump National Drive, 

Rancho Palos Verdes. Tickets are 

available through eventbrite.com only. 

Taste at the Beach 

Sample delicious foods from local 

restaurants, sip on fine wines and 

hand-crafted beers. Silent Auctions 

and live music. The Hermosa Beach 

Kiwanis Taste at the Beach is a great 

way to spend the Sunday afternoon. 2 

- 5 p.m. Hermosa Beach Community 

Center, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa 

Beach. $55 per person gets your ticket 

inside, a commemorative wine glass 

and all the food and drink you can 

sample. Purchased online at 

tasteatthebeach.org/purchasetickets.html. 

Summer Depot Fest at 

the Depot 

There will be dancing in the street 

at the 2017 Summer Fest in Torrance. 

Live Band, great BBQ by Chef Shafer 

and silent auction. 4 - 9 p.m. The 

Depot, 1250 Cabrillo Ave., Torrance. 

Tickets are $125 and can be purchased 

online at 

TorranceChamber.com/Summerfest or 

by calling (310) 540-5858. B 

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Honored by our peers for our professional excellence, 

Moore, Bryan, Schroff & Inoue LLP 

2016 Super Lawyers 

Certified Family Law and Trusts & Estates Specialists 

Complex Property • Custody • Support Issues 

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Cost Effective • Timely Resolutions 

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each sports 

38 Easy Reader / Beach magazine • August 10, 2017 

Their Endless Summer 

Members of the Endless Summer Volleyball Club’s 14U National Championship team include (left to right) Club Director Daron Forbes, Eden McCoy, 

Colby Bennett, Tatiana Rusich, MayMay Brown, Kevyn Clark, Ella Dreibholz, Ava Guerra, Lauren Bays, Madeline Bonanni and Coach Rob McClean. 

Missing: Serena Ramirez, Ava Kirunchyk and Natalie Myszkowski. Photo courtesy of Daron Forbes 

Hermosa Beach-based Endless Summer Volleyball Club allows girls to train 

and compete year round while showcasing their talents to college coaches 

by Randy Angel 

When recent Mira Costa High School graduate Presley Forbes began 

playing for an indoor volleyball club in 2010, she didn’t foresee it 

becoming a life changing decision. With her father, James, gravely 

ill, her mother Daron had stepped up to pave the way for Presley to receive 

an athletic scholarship from the University of Hawaii, where she will begin 

her career in beach volleyball this fall. 

“My impression was that I should do more for Presley and her twin 

brother Niko,” Daron said. “The year my husband passed away, I created 

the We Are Volleyball Elite indoor volleyball club in his honor. The club 

soon picked up the nickname “Team WAVE.” 

Team WAVE began offering beach volleyball training in 2014, when it 

evolved into a club and took the name Endless Summer Volleyball Club 

(ESVC). 

With women’s beach volleyball now an NCAA-sanctioned sport offering 

athletic scholarships, the growth of the sport for young girls continued to 

rise. 

Endless Summer trains only twice a week on the north side of the Hermosa 

Beach Pier. There are no tryouts and players are grouped together by 

their level of ability with no more than six to eight athletes on a court. 

“ESVC has a different vibe, with fewer girls on a court,” Presley Forbes 

said. “It's very nice to get special attention from the coaches. Getting more 

touches on the ball is key to improvement.” 

The training has paid dividends for Forbes, who is the first ESVC player 

to attend college on an athletic scholarship. She began playing beach volleyball 

at the age of 8, competing in the Great American Volleyball Tournaments 

in her hometown of Manhattan Beach. She is currently among the 

top five AAA players in the California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA). 

Daron believes her daughter is the youngest player ever to earn an A rating,which 

she received when she was 11. Presley’s journey through the 

sand has not come easily. She has not grown since she was 12 and is just 5- 

foot-3. 

“Presley serves as a role model for undersized players,” Daron said. “She 

was first noticed by a collegiate coach at a Get Noticed Beach Volleyball 

college recruiting showcase where athletes and coaches come together for 

high level play and recruiting.” 

“Height isn't everything. You just have to work harder and make those 

special plays that other girls don't make,” Presley explained. “Sometimes it 

makes me better because people underestimate me. My style of play is 

short, fast ball. I'm not quite sure why I like faster sets and like to pass 

low.” 

Before she leaves the mainland, Forbes will compete in the AVP Manhattan 

Beach Open (August 17-20) with Alyssa Slagerman, who will be attending 

UCLA in the fall. 

Along with the ESVC, Daron Forbes co-founded the Get Noticed Beach 

Volleyball (GNBV.net) recruiting showcase in 2014. The event brings players 

and college coaches together for players to display their talents and for 

coaches to start relationships. 

GNBV events have included coaches from Pepperdine, UCLA, University

of Arizona, Stetson, South Carolina, Tulane, LB State, Pepperdine, Northridge, 

Cal Poly, and TCU. 

The next event will be Sunday, Oct. 22 at Ocean Park in Santa Monica. 

Earlier this year, Forbes and Team WAVE co-founded the Junior Beach 

Volleyball League (jbvl.org). It’s operated similarly to indoor and runs the 

same season, from January through June. Players participate through their 

clubs in five divisions. The championship tournament is in June. 

At the Beach Volleyball Clubs of America (BVCA) National Championships 

held in Hermosa Beach July 10-13, ESVC finished second to Elite 

in team points, led by a strong 14U team that won the national title. Six 

ESVC teams finished in the top 10 out of 125 teams. 

ESVC 14U teams also won the JBVL and captured the top four spots at 

the AAU Best of the Beach tournament in Hermosa Beach July 26-27. 

Local players Ava Kirunchyk (Hermosa Beach, Redondo Union) and Natalie 

Myszkowski (Manhattan Beach, Mira Costa) paired to place fifth at 

the BVCA and second at the AVPFirst National Championships, where 

ESVC players medaled in the 12U, 14U 18U divisions. 

Both events were held in Hermosa Beach. 

“Playing in the championship match was was so exciting because I got 

to experience what it was like to play in front of many people,” said 

Kirunchyk, who began training with ESVC in the spring. “So many of my 

former partners were playing with ESVC and the group of players I train 

with are not only talented, but they are also very competitive and supportive 

of each other.” 

Kirunchyk, who will be trying out for the indoor team at Redondo Union 

High School, said she hopes to earn a college scholarship and play in the 

Olympics. 

“My older sister,Karina trained at Endless Summer and they taught me 

at age 13 the same skills the high school girls were learning,” Myszkowski 

said. “I’m getting the technical training I need as well as experience playing 

‘big girl’ volleyball. It’s a chess match, not ping pong.” 

She feels dedication is her strong point in beach volleyball. She has 

dropped club soccer and club indoor volleyball. 

“I’m focused on all aspects of the game,” Myszkowski said. “The coaches 

at Endless Summer are always pushing us to be our best and to advance 

to the next level.” 

The ESVC 14 team also includes Mira Costa students Madeline Bonanni 

and Kevyn Clark and San Pedro’s Serena Ramirez. 

“Our most memorable time as a club was the AVP Hermosa this year.The 

coaches and players were all competing at the same time and the players 

and families had an opportunity to watch and cheer on our coaches and 

see them in action,” Daron Forbes said. “Coach Ozz Borges won entry into 

the AVP Hermosa main draw.” 

Other ESVC coaches include Andrew Dentler, Miles Evans, Jason C Dibelius, 

Nate Yang and Rob McClean. 

ESVC coaches are current players at the professional open level, with 

AVP, FIVB, and Norceca. 

ESVC is more than a local club, attracting players from throughout Southern 

California and beyond. 

Players on the 14U team include Colby Bennett (Tustin, Mater Dei High 

School), Santa Monica’s Ella Dreibholz and Ava Guerra, Lauren Bays 

(Irvine, Santa Margarita Catholic High School), Eden McCoy (Los Angeles, 

Marlborough) and Tatiana Rusich (Tustin, Beckman). 

The team also includes MayMay Brown of Wichita, Kansas. 

“MayMay travels out several times a year to train with ESVC,” Forbes 

said. “When she's at home she does mobile beach coaching. She records 

practices and sends the video to Andrew Dentler, who provides corrections 

and suggestions.” 

McCoy and Rusich teamed to win bronze in the 14U division at the AVP- 

First tournament. The year-round training has made it more convenient 

for the teenagers, particularly McCoy who has played the role of Josslyn 

Jacks on the ABC soap opera General Hospital since 2015. 

“My schedule is not easy, but I am really lucky to have support from my 

fellow players, friends, coaches and family,” McCoy said. “There are definitely 

sacrifices that I make in my social life so that I can keep my grades 

up and still work on my show and train, but I am usually happy to make 

them because I'm getting an opportunity to do what I love.” 

McCoy feels she has become a stronger defender and passer this year 

while improving court awareness and gaining confidence with her cut 

shots and specialty shots. She continues to work on her defense and plans 

to compete in women’s tournaments in the fall when the youth season 

ends. 

“When I first came to Endless Summer I had a really good feeling,” 

McCoy said. “Daron and the coaches seemed very focused on working on 

each player's strengths and what skills we needed to focus on to improve. 

No one got any more attention than anyone else just because they had 

played longer or had more tournament experience or wins. 

“It was unbelievably exciting to win the BVCA national championship 

because we did it as an entire team. Daron treats us like daughters, but 

she also spends time encouraging sportsmanship, bonding with each other 

and respect for each other as athletes and people.” 

Dreibholz, who travels from Santa Monica, captured first place at the 

AAU Best of the Beach tournament. She believes playing the outside hitter 

University of Hawaii-bound Presley Forbes is the first Endless Summer player 

to attend college on an athletic scholarship. Photo by Roland Villapando 

position as an indoor player has translated to offensive strength on the sand 

court. 

“I started training with ESVC at the beginning of 2017.” Dreibholz said. 

“I chose ESVC for two reasons: we train in small groups and we only train 

with girls at our level, which pushes all of us to improve.” 

Several ESVC players who will be high school seniors in the fall have 

been recruited this year, including Manhattan Beach’s Georgia Kobel (Arizona 

State) and Karina Myszkowski (USC), Lauren Lanesey (Woodland 

Hills, Long Beach State) and recent Redondo Union graduate Madi Relaz 

(Grand Canyon University), who joined ESVC in June. 

Two other senior prospects are Katherine Hofmann and Selene Ramirez. 

ESVC trains Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. on the north side of 

the Hermosa Beach Pier. The next season starts Tuesday, Sept. 5. For more 

information, visit endlessvb.com. B 


Our Lady of Guadalupe School 

Celebrating 55 years of growing in faith, 

academic excellence, and service to others. 

340 Massey Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 • 310-372-7486 

www.ourladyofguadalupeschool.org 

High Holy Day Tickets Available Now! 



each dining 

A Basq Kitchen chef Michael Mazzotta with partner Jessica Lo Ibarra. Photos by JP Cordero 

Basq on the Boardwalk 

Veteran chef Bernard Ibarra expands his vision through rising young chef Michael Mazzotta 

by Richard Foss 

Basque cuisine might not seem like the obvious springboard for creative 

fantasies. There are delicious dishes based mainly on seafood 

and the excellent local cheeses and breads, but there isn’t a wide variety 

of seasonings or vegetables to work with. It’s hearty and based on natural 

goodness rather than innovative combinations. Nevertheless chef 

Michael Mazzotta, who previously worked at the Ace Hotel, Hot’s Kitchen, 

and R10 Social House among other venues, has been bringing unconventional 

ideas to A Basq Kitchen on the Redondo Boardwalk. 

The restaurant was opened as a passion project by Chef Bernard Ibarra, 

who spends most days as executive chef at the Terranea Resort. He established 

the original menu and a succession of assistants executed it with precision 

but without variation. Then Chef Ibarra met Chef Mazzotta, who 

impressed him so much that Ibarra invited him to join the business as a 

partner. Since then Mazzotta has brought careful reevaluations of the cuisine 

to the foreground with a menu that changes on a weekly basis. 

Those who have been enjoying traditional tapas like the pintxos (open 

faced sandwiches on sourdough rounds), seafood, and shellfish in fragrant 

broths don’t have to worry – they’re all still there. There does seem to be a 

new energy and an influx of seasonal items to complement those standard 

offerings. 

On a recent evening a friend and I tried three specials – cashew-mushroom 

soup, a “Gilda pintxo” topped with anchovy, spicy pickled pepper, 

and green olive, and an order of fried sunchokes with caramelized garlic, 

parsley, and espelette pepper. The soup was a mix of roasted wild mushrooms 

in pureed cashew broth, and though it was based on a Brazilian nut 

it fit the Basque aesthetic of simple natural flavors. Cashews don’t have a 

strong flavor but lend the broth a sweet, nutty richness that went very well 

with smoky, earthy mushrooms. It wasn’t a combination I had experienced 

before, and I’m glad I ordered it. 

The Gilda pintxo took advantage of seasonal fresh anchovy and arrived 

looking like an avant garde sculpture, with the little fish filets sharing a 

wooden skewer with olives and a pungent pickled pepper. It made a pretty 

presentation atop sourdough toast with a dash of green salad and pickled 

red bell pepper on the side, but the elaborate construction had to be dismantled 

in order to actually eat it. My companion found the spicy peppers 

with olives and fish to be a little overwhelming, but I was happy to eat the 

part of his that he didn’t finish. He was happily chowing down on the sunchokes 

and on an order of patatas bravas, the spicy fried potatoes that are 

the Iberian equivalent of French fries. Though both were fried root vegetables 

there was quite a difference in flavor. Sunchokes are the edible root of 

the sunflower and taste somewhat like artichoke hearts. If you like those 

edible thistles but can’t be bothered with stripping off the leaves, this is the 

dish for you. The crème fraiche dipping sauce had a hint of peppery and 

herbal flavors and didn’t overwhelm the sunchoke, and added creamy 

smoothness as much as anything else. 

The patatas bravas were a classic done well, crisp-fried potatoes drizzled 

with a tomato-garlic mayonnaise with a dash of the mild espelette pepper. 

This is offered with extra garlic and cheese for an additional 50 cents. It’s 

half a buck well spent, because really, the only thing better than potatoes 

with garlic is potatoes with more garlic and some cheese. The portion was 

substantial, and if you order this with a few of the small tapas you have a 


meal right there. 

We had decided on a main 

course, the beef cheek stew, and 

another pintxo to fill in the corners. 

Whatever other small plates you 

get, that shrimp pintxo is a must. 

The plump prawns marinated in 

garlic and sautéed with herbs and 

white wine were superb. It’s a 

small plate that packs a big punch 

when it comes to flavor. I’m glad 

it’s on the regular menu because I 

intend to order it again. 

Some people won’t order the 

beef cheek stew because they’re 

not used to the idea of eating part 

of a cow’s head. The rest of the 

world finds it weird that Americans 

only consider eating either big 

steaks or ground meats, and therefore 

waste meat with superb flavor 

and texture. Cheek meat is very 

lean but does have some marbling, 

so when it’s slow-cooked every 

morsel is incredibly tender and 

richly flavored. The stew here is 

slow-cooked for five hours and the 

silky broth of tomato and spices 

has to be tasted to be believed. This 

is your best opportunity in the 

South Bay to taste this delicacy. I 

predict that when you do, you will 

be converted to eating cheeks. 

The Basques have been making 

A Basq Kitchen’s brunch features ABK Ceviche and (background) Breakfast 

Pipperada. 

wine at least since the days of the 

Roman Empire, and they’re particularly 

good at whites involving a 

grape called Txakolina (pronounced 

chocko-lena, but don’t worry, 

they’re used to people fumbling 

with this). We sampled a crisp 

white and a rosé made with this native 

varietal. For comparison, we 

tried them alongside a glass of True 

Myth, a California Chardonnay. We 

both liked True Myth but the pickled 

flavors and seafood in some of 

the tapas were better paired with 

the Txakolinas. The Garnacha was 

a better pairing with the beef cheek 

stew, though if we had really been 

drinking like Basques we might 

have opted for Kalimotxo, the rustic 

drink of strong red wine mixed 

with Coca Cola. This sounds horrible, 

but it’s weirdly enjoyable. 

For dessert I’d recommend the 

housemade chocolate mousse and 

a shot of the Basque vermouth, either 

straight or with a little soda. 

Most Americans aren’t used to vermouth 

as a drink by itself, but the 

aromatic herbed wine can be a 

great pairing with lightly sweet, 

rich chocolate. 

The atmosphere at A Basq 

Kitchen is casual, the bill modest – 

our food ran about $60 for a meal 

of many small plates, with the 

wine just about doubling that. For 

an experience of a rarely encountered 

cuisine both in its traditional 

form and modified by a fine chef, 

it’s a bargain, and you get a view 

of the marina for free. 

A Basq Kitchen is at 136 North 

International Boardwalk in Redondo. 

Wednesday - Thursday 4 p.m., Friday 

3 p.m., Saturday, Sunday noon. Close 

9 p.m. Parking in Redondo Beach 

pier lots. Wine, beer, and cider 

served. Menu at abasqkitchen.com. 

(310) 376-9215. B 

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 three 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 40 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 47 years while upstairs bartender Manny Jimenez 

just hit his 38 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 


Surf’s up, Hermosa and Manhattan 

by John Post 

November 2016. Nikon P510 

Redondo Breakwall 

by Gus McConnell

South Bay Multi-Family Investment Properties For Sale 

3711 Artesia Blvd. Torrance 

$4,750,000 (only $339,285 per unit) 

14 Units 

13-2BR/1BA & 1-1BR/1BA 

• No rent control 

• 16 GRM and high 3% CAP on current rents 

• 14 GRM and almost 5% CAP at market rents 

• Excellent North Torrance location with 

easy access to 405 freeway 

• Less than 1 mile to Redondo Beach 

• Tons of parking including 15 garages and 

17 open spaces 

• Tenants pay for all utilities = low operating costs 

for owner 

• Onsite laundry facility 

• 8 of the 14 units have been renovated 

• Select new dual pane windows 

• Excellent opportunity for investor to acquire a 

well maintained and great cash flow 

Torrance apartment building 

1251 Prospect Avenue. Hermosa Beach 

$2,499,999 

4 Units 

1-3BR/2BA & 3-1BR/1BA 

• Short stroll to the beach and world famous 

Hermosa Beach Pier 

• Ample garage parking which is a premium 

for the area 

• Rear landscaped courtyard for the tenants to enjoy 

• Onsite laundry facility 

• Updated flooring and bathrooms, 

very good condition inside and out 

• Perfect opportunity for owner/user to live in the 

3BR/2BA and offset carrying costs with the 

3-1BR/1BA 

LOWEST PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT IN HERMOSA BEACH! 

Brian Estes 

Vice President of Investments 

Multifamily Specialist 

www.sbapts.com 

DRE#013394559 

Direct: 310 802 2525 I bestes@remaxcir.com 

23001 Hawthorne Bl., Suite 205, Torrance, CA 90505

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. 

Downtown to Beach Town 

by Cathi Lundy 

Sunday May 7, 2017, from Palos Verdes Estates during a storm that 

raced through the South Bay. Nikon D5300 

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 Asset Protection 

l Veterans Benefits 

l Pet Trusts 

l Advance Health 

Care Directives 

l Insurance 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 

• Serving the South 

Bay for over 35 years 

• Full Service Contractor 

• Complete Installation 

• New Construction 

• Remodeling 

• Second Floors 

• Additions 

• Cabinets 

4203 Spencer St., Torrance, CA 90503 

(310)214-5049 • www.pevelers.com 

Appointment Recommended 

Showroom Hours: Monday Thru Friday 10-5 

Closed Saturday and Sunday 

License #381992 

Visit Our 

Kitchen & 

Bath 

Showroom 


V ilicich 

Watch & Clock 

Established 1947 

Celebrating 

Our 

70 th 

Anniversary! 

(310) 833-6891 

714 S. Weymouth Avenue 

San Pedro, CA 90732 

Not affiliated with Rolex USA 

Reflections 

by Homer Hernandez 

November 9, 2016, from the Manhattan Beach Pier. Nikon 

D810 camera with a 300mm lens and a 1.4 teleconverter at 

1/1600, f9, ISO 800 

Looking to Buy Property? 

Listings all over the South Bay in 

El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, 

Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and more! 

Bill Ruane is the 

#1 RE/MAX Agent in California and 

#2 RE/MAX Agent Worldwide 

BILL RUANE 

www.billruane.net | bill@billruane.net 



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Beach magazine Aug 2017

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