Peninsula People Oct 2017

2 Peninsula • October 2017

October 2017 • Peninsula 3

PENINSULA 

Volume XXII, Issue 3 

October 2017 

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

ON THE COVER 

Photograph by Stephan Cooper/ 

Stephan Cooper Productions 

Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance 

chairperson Ray Johnson 

1944 North American P-51 Mustang D 

owned by Darren Moore 

1958 Porsche Speedster 

owned by Adam Guggenheim 

1937 V12 Packard Convertible 

Sedan owned by the 

Automotive Driving Museum 

PROFILES 

18 

26 

32 

42 

66 

Concours lifts off 

by Esther Kang The Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance 

finds a new home at Zamperini Field to accommodate the addition 

of vintage aircraft to the show. 

Friendly skies 

by David Mendez Vintage airplane and vintage car car 

Guido Rietdyk insists his enthusiasm for flying and racing cars 

comes from the camaraderie, not the adrenaline rush. 

Sea Change at Chez Melange 

by Richard Foss The storied Chez Melange puts itself back 

at the forefront of the culinary wars with a new name and a new 

menu for a new generation of dinners. 

Flat out beautiful view 

by Stephanie Cartozian Rolling Hills Mayor Jim Black and 

wife Karen insist their favorite part of the French Provincial 

style ranch home they built on 5.5 acres is the view. 

Girl in the High Castle 

by Bondo Wyszpolski Geanna Culbertson completes her 

4th novel in the young adult Crisanta Knight fairy tale series. 

70 Mar’sel without the view 

by Richard Foss Despite its celebrated view Mar’sel at 

Terranea might best be appreciated in the bar, where the food 

can be enjoyed without the distraction of the Pacific Ocean. 

HIGHLIGHTS 

8 PTN Camp Escapades 

12 Plein air Vanderlip 

14 Under the Stars with Kenny G 

24 Celebrating a giving heritage 

36 Encore Circle 

40 Freedom4You Freedom Breeze 

74 MCHA meeting 

DEPARTMENTS 

49 Peninsula calendar 

74 Around and about 

76 Home and Garden 

81 Home services 

STAFF 

EDITOR 

Kevin Cody 

PUBLISHER 

Stephanie Cartozian 

PUBLISHER EMERITUS 

Mary Jane Schoenheider 

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER 

Richard Budman 

DISPLAY SALES 

Tamar Gillotti, 

Amy Berg, 

Shelley Crawford 

CLASSIFIEDS 

Teri Marin 

ADVERTISING 

DIRECTOR 

Richard Budman 

ADVERTISING 

COORDINATOR 

Teri Marin 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

Tim Teebken 

FRONT DESK 

Judy Rae 

DIRECTOR OF 

DIGITAL MEDIA 

Daniel Sofer (Hermosawave.net) 

CONTACT 

MAILING ADDRESS 

P.O. Box 745 

Hermosa Beach, CA 

90254-0745 

PHONE 

(310) 372-4611 

FAX 

(424) 212-6780 

WEBSITE 

www.easyreadernews.com 

EDITORIAL 

PenPeople@ 

easyreadernews.com 

ADVERTISING 

(310) 372-4611 

displayads@ 

easyreadernews.com 

Please see the Classified Ad 

Section for info. 

FICTITIOUS NAME 

STATEMENTS (DBA’S) 

can be filed at the 

office during regular 

business hours. 

(310) 372-4611 

Peninsula is a supplemental 

publication of Easy Reader, 2200 

Pacific Cst. Hwy. #101, PO Box 427, 

Hermosa Beach, CA. 90254-0427. 

SUBSCRIPTIONS 

Yearly domestic mail subscriptions 

to Peninsula are $80, foreign $100 

payable in advance. The entire 

contents of Peninsula are copyrighted 

2017 by Peninsula People, 

Inc. 


Nathan Darling

S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L 

Coach Luke at Camp Esplanade 

Support Pediatric Therapy Network 

PTN spokesperson and Lakers coach Luke Walton organized a game 

of basketball for kids at Camp Escapades, an innovative summer day 

camp for children with developmental concerns and their siblings. The 

camp is hosted by Rolling Hills Country Day School every August. 

Campers enjoy a traditional summer camp experience with crafts, music, 

dance and sports. The camp is staffed by pediatric occupational, physical 

and speech therapists, educators and one-on-one teen volunteers who are 

the campers’ buddies for the week. Torrance Mayor Pat Furey, Assemblymember 

Al Muratsuchi and Martin Serna, Fire Chief of Torrance were 

among the volunteers. 

1 

PHOTOS BY TONY LABRUNO 

1. Torrance Police Department. 

2. Los Angeles Laker Girls. 

3. Camp Escapades Purple Penguins. 

4. Redondo Beach Police Chief Keith 

Kaufman with the Camp Escapades 

Yellow Ducks. 

5. Founder and CEO of Pediatric Therapy 

Network Terri Nishimura, LA Laker 

coach Luke Walton, PTN staffer and 

scorekeeper Paul Valenzuela, PTN Junior 

Ambassador and referee Daniel 

Lowe and Torrance Mayor and referee 

Pat Furey. 

6. Los Angeles Laker Girls. 

7. Campers from Camp Escapades 

and Country Day Camp line up for the 

start of the game. 

8. Camp Escapades Orange Octopus 

Isaac receives high fives as he runs 

onto the court. 

9. Stephanie Walton of The TJX Companies 

goes up for the jump ball 

against Luke Walton and a Camp Escapades 

Orange Octopus. 

10. Los Angeles Kings mascot Bailey. 

11. Redondo Beach Police Officer 

Michael Vantrimpont helps a Camp Escapades 

Yellow Duck to the basket. 

12. Camp Escapes staff and volunteers 

(left to right) Paul Valenzuela 

(PTN staff member), Torrance Mayor 

Pat Furey, Teri Nelson Carpenter (Vistas 

for Children), Assemblymember Al 

Muratsuchi, Torrance Fire Chief Martin 

Serna, PTN CEO Terri Nishimura, 

Rolling Hills United Pastor Jonathan 

Chute, Tracey Peffer (Las Candalistas), 

Ellery Sanders (Fire Protection Specialist 

for Torrance Fire Dept.), Karin 

Baker (American Honda), Stephanie 

Walton (TJX Companies), Brittany Barden 

(Barden Electric), guest from TJX 

Companies and Brent Geppert (Educational 

Insights). 

13. Luke Walton and Michael 

Vantrimpont help a Camp Escapades 

Red Robin make a basket. 

14. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, 

Camp Escapades Yellow Duck and 

Jonathan Chute. 

15. Game photo with players from 

the Campers and Community Champions 

teams, coaches, referees, spirit 

leaders and scorekeeper. 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 


7 

8 9 

10 

11 12 

13 

14 15 


FINE HOMES AND LUXURY PROPERTIES 

UNOBSTRUCTED 

270 ° VIEW 

GUARD 

GATED 

COMMUNITY 

CROWNVIEW 

RANCHO PALOS VERDES 

7 Bedroom Suites, 8.5 Bathrooms, 7,587 sq ft Home, 34,950 sq ft Lot, 

Breathtaking Unobstructed View from Ocean to Harbor, Custom Built Contemporary 

Mansion on Top of Hill with $600,000 of Remodeling 

OFFERED AT $4,250,000 

www.3323Crownview.com 

CHUCKWAGON ROAD 

ROLLING HILLS 

5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Bathrooms, 5,571 sq ft Home, 108,225 sq ft Lot 

Single Level French Country Custom Home in Prestigious Rolling Hills 

Sparkling City Lights View, Huge Master Suite with Office & Retreat 


www.5ChuckwagonRd.com 

QUIET 

CUL-DE-SAC 

S. REDONDO 

BEACH 

JEWEL 

VIA LEON 

PALOS VERDES ESTATES 

4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Recently Updated 3,884 sq ft Home, 16,012 sq ft Land 

Luxurious Custom Home with Panoramic Ocean & Catalina Views 

High Vaulted Ceilings, Wood Floors, Top Quality Kitchen & Bathrooms 

OFFERED AT $$2,599,000 

www.1560ViaLeon.com 

SOUTH IRENA AVE 

REDONDO BEACH 

5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 5,317 sq ft Home, 9,476 sq ft Lot 

Lofty Mansion on a Large Corner Lot, Built in 2003, Huge Master Suite, Main Floor Bedroom 

Center of Activities in S. Redondo Beach 


www.425SouthIrena.com

BRING YOUR CONTRACTOR OR BUILDER 

PALOS VERDES REALTY 

LARGE FLAT 

LOT 

BRING 

YOUR 

CONTRACTOR 

LAUREL DRIVE 


1.21 Acre Gated Vacant Lot has Large, Flat Building Pad 

Panoramic Catalina, Ocean & Endless Sunset Views! 

Private & Secluded Location in Lunada Pointe, Rare Find Opportunity 


CHUCKWAGON ROAD 

ROLLING HILLS 

5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 2,877 sq ft Home, 100,583 sq ft Lot 

Panoramic City Lights View Home with Private Driveway 

One of the Lowest Price Houses in Prestigious Rolling Hills 


www.6Chuckwagon.com 

CUSTOM 

LOT 

AFFORDABLE 

LAND COST 

CHAPPARAL LANE 


85,180 sq ft Lot, Permit Ready for a 5,959 sq ft Home 

Rare Opportunity to Build Your Dream Home with 

Sparkling City Views at the End of a Private Road 

OFFERED AT $995,000 - $1,150,000 

COLT ROAD 


41,997 sq ft Mostly Flat Lot with Gated Driveway 

Plans Approved for a 4,470 sq ft Contemporary Home with 5 Bedroom Suites 

City Lights, Harbor & Mountain Views, Located in a Quiet Cul-De-Sac 

OFFERED AT $675,000


Plein Air Master Workshop 

At Villa Narcissa 

Katrina Vanderlip and Daniel Pinkham, longtime friends from Palos Verdes High 

School, hosted an advanced painting week in August that coincided with the solar 

eclipse. Vanderlip led tours of her family’s historic estate, home of the late “Father of 

Palos Verdes” and now of his descendents. The artists came from all over the world to 

participate in this special event to paint and socialize at the magical villa. Lunch in the 

garden and evening cocktails broke up the painting. Guests viewed the partial eclipse 

from the “temple” located on the highest point on the property. 

PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE CARTOZIAN 

1 

1. Visiting artists. 

2. Katrina Vanderlip with one of her watercolors. 

3. Dan Pinkham with guests. 

4. Soup du jour served in abalone shells. 

5. Katrina Vanderlip hosts lunch prepared by 

Chef Catherine Carlson. 

2 

3 

4 5 

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 


Stocking Dealer 

South Bay’s oldest lumber yard 

• Trim 

• Doors 

• Siding 

• Decking 

• Lumber 

• Windows 

• Hardware 

• Referrals 

Free parking in our 6th Street lot 

635 Pacific Coast Highway - Hermosa Beach 

310-374-3406 

Call Our Dexperts



Kenny G under the stars 

For Torrance Memorial and Vistas 

Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G performed for the 

sold-out Honda Evening Under the Stars Gourmet Food and Wine 

Festival. Over 1,000 guests, including foodies, oenophiles, philanthropists, 

doctors, Vistas for Children staff and Honda executives came together 

to benefit Torrance Memorial Medical Center and Vistas for 

Children. Honda hosted the evening in partnership with the Torrance 

Area Chamber of Commerce. Guests enjoyed offerings from over 25 

premier, local restaurants and more than 80 varietals of wine. 

1. Steve Morikawa, Richard 

Lundquist and Craig Leach (photo by 

Deidre Davidson). 

2. Anthony Chen MD, Craig and Judy 

Leach, Jennifer Chen, Vimal Murthy 

MD and Shalini Singh. 

3. Anthony Chen MD, Jennifer Chen 

and George So MD. 

4. Steve Morikawa, Kenny G, Donna 

Duperron and Pat Furey. 

5. Cindy Percz and Laura Schenasi. 

6. Renuka Rasiah, Virginia Arqueta, 

Priscilla Hunt, Cora Ortez and Trinity 

Foliente. 

7. Ann Buxton and daughter Leslie 

Dunnigan. 

8. P.J. Merced, Philo and Raju 

Chhabria. 

9. Jerry Schwartz MD and Carina 

Lapins. 

10. Michael Shafer and son Spencer 

Shafer. 

11. Barbara Lurie and Mark Lurie 

MD. 

12. Ron and Kimberly Compton. 

1 

2 3 

4 5 6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 12 


Introducing 417 Paseo de la Playa, Redondo Beach 

For full video visit chrisadlam.com 

Chris Adlam 

310.493.7216 

www.chrisadlam.com

417 Paseo de la Playa, Redondo Beach $25,000,000 

One-of-a-kind compound. Two exquisite homes on 

2 parcels totaling over 60,000 square feet of beachfront property. 

For full video, please visit chrisadlam.com

Chris Adlam 

310.493.7216 

www.chrisadlam.com

y Esther Kang 

For the first time in its 

two-decade history, the 

Palos Verdes 

Concours d’Elegance 

will showcase vintage 

aircraft alongside over 

200 classic cars 

Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance chairperson Ray Johnson. 

Photo by Stephan Cooper/Stephan Cooper Productions

“Luxury and Speed,” the theme for this year’s Palos Verdes Concours 

d’Elegance, describes not just the Packards and Porsches 

that are this year’s marque automobiles. It describes the show’s 

inclusion, for the first time, rare, vintage aircraft, including a WWII P51D 

Mustang Single-Seat Fighter, a 1930s Stearman PT-17 Kaydet Bi-Plane and 

a Grumman F-14 Tomcat Fighter Aircraft. 

To accommodate the aircraft, the concours will be held on the Robinson 

Helicopters runway at Louis Zamperini Field, previously known as Torrance 

Airport. In recent years, the concours has been held at Los Verdes 

Golf Course and Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes. 

“So you’ll see what airplanes were doing and what the cars were doing 

in the same timeframe,” Palos Verdes Concours Chairman Ray Johnson 

said. “It’s going to be way more interesting, and we think it will broaden 

the appeal. It will be a different kind of crowd than what we’ve had in the 

past.” 

Johnson became involved with the Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance 

about 20 years ago through the Palos Verdes Rotary Club, which founded 

the annual event but is no longer involved. He has served in nearly every 

capacity, from volunteering on the field to serving on the exhibition committee. 

The San Luis Obispo native and longtime Palos Verdes Estates resident 

became the chairperson three years ago after retiring as Vice President of 

Space Launch Operations for the Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo. 

Johnson still owns the 1958 Triumph TR3A sports car he purchased for 

$500 when he was 16. 

The addition of aircraft resulted indirectly from last year’s hiatus. In 

2015, after eight years at Trump National Golf Club, the concours was 

moved to the nearby Los Verdes Golf Club. 

“Contrary to what a lot of people think, the move to Los Verdes had nothing 

to do with politics,” Johnson said. “The Trump club had landed a big 

PGA tournament, and there was no way the PGA would accept cars being 

on the fairways a month before the PGA tournament. Trump National told 

us we couldn’t hold it there — basically we were disembodied.” 

The Los Verdes location in a dense residential area severely limited parking. 

So visitors were bussed in from the Peninsula Center. However, there 

were an insufficient number of county-provided buses, resulting in long 

queues and a long commute to and from the event. Attendance dropped 

by over 1,000. 

"So we decided we would take a year off,” Johnson said. "There was an 

architect on the board, and he kept using the expression, 'We need to 

reimagine ourselves into a new kind of event, a new venue.’” 

The reimagining exercise led the board to approach Peninsula resident 

Kurt Robinson about hosting the event at his Robinson Helicopters facility 

at Zamperini Field. Though not as scenic as a golf course, the new venue 

will be much more accommodating for both exhibitors and spectators. The 

flat, paved ground will make it easy to stage automobiles and airplanes 

and the site has 1,500 parking spaces. 

Because of its international reputation, there are no plans to change the 

concours’ name. The Classic Car Club of America includes the Palos Verdes 

Concours d’Elegance on its very short list of national concours events. Still, 

Johnson said, he and his staff are excited to expand the event to include all 

of the South Bay, not just those on the Peninsula. 

“Almost all local events now are broadening their scope to include the 

greater South Bay area,” he said. 

This years’ proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of the 

Los Angeles Harbor and the Western Museum of Flight, at Zamperini Field. 

The museum will be open to concours visitors. 

Johnson and his 10 fellow board members and 20 exhibition committee 

members have not stopped “reimagining” their show. Johnson said the rising 

demand for classic cars among affluent collectors in Asia and the Middle 

East threatens to make the cars unaffordable for the younger generation 

of auto enthusiasts. 

“To generate new interest may require rethinking how we do the show. 

But I think cars will always be a hobby. It’s just a question of whether interest 

grows or stays fairly status quo.” 

The Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance takes place Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. 

to 4 p.m. at the Louis Zamperini Field (Robinson Helicopters) in Torrance. Tickets 

are available at pvconcours.org for $40 before Sept. 30 and $50 at the door. 

The VIP Package, which includes parking, a catered luncheon, premier seating 

and drinks, is $150. PEN 

310.539.6685 310.884.1870 

310.326.9528 

866.BEYOND.5 

310.534.9560 

310.539.2993 

310.530.3079 

310.517.0324 

310.326.8530 

TORRANCE 

TOWNE BEAUTY 

CENTER 

310.539.3526 

310.997.1900 

www.cflu.org 

CUT * COLOR * STYLE 

310.539.2191 

310.326.3354 

310.530.4888 310.534.0220 

310.326.4477 

310.530.0566 

424.347.7188 

310.325.2960 310.891.2237 

310.530.8411 

310.530.5443 

310.517.9366 

310.530.3268 

310.539.1808 

WineShoppe 

310.539.1055 

Northwest Corner of 

Crenshaw Blvd. & Pacific Coast Hwy. in Torrance 

~ For Information, Call 310.534.0411 

A LA CAZE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY PROJECT 

© 

New Smiles Dentistry 

Stephen P. Tassone, DDS 

310.791.2041 



The Heritage Society 

Celebrates giving 

The Heritage Society, individuals who have 

included Torrance Memorial with a future 

gift in their estate plan or made a contribution 

annually for 10 or more consecutive years, 

were acknowledged at a luncheon at Palos 

Verdes Golf Club. Infectious disease specialist 

Jamie McKinnell, MD described Torrance 

Memorial’s cutting edge fight against antibiotic 

resistance. President and CEO Craig 

Leach thanked members for their generous 

support and also shared news of Torrance 

Memorial’s recent Cedars-Sinai affiliation and 

Melanie and Richard Lundquist’s recent $32 

million gift. For more information about the 

Heritage Society please contact Sandy VandenBerge, 

director of Planned Giving: 

Sandy.Vandenberge@tmmc.com. Or visit torrancememorial.org/plannedgiving. 

1 

2 

PHOTOS BY DEIDRE DAVIDSON 

3 4 

1. Sandy VandenBerge, John Vanhara and Marcela 

Vanhara. 

1. Sandy VandenBerge and Larry Maizlish and Judith 

Maizlish. 

3. Donna and John Prysi. 

4. (Seated) Bill and Andrea Gargaro and (standing) 

Sam Josephson, Sally Eberhard and Sallie Josephson. 

5. Craig Leach, Phyllis Scribe, Pamela Crane, Lois 

and Dick Winters. 

6. Maureen Dearden, Stephanie Bezner and Maude 

Infantino. 

7. Ralph Scriba, Sigrid and Ralph Allman. 

8. Song Klein, Judith Gassner and Stephanie 

Bezner. 

9. Laura Schenasi, Chris and Valerie Adlam and 

Nadine Bobit. 

10. (Seated) Jamie McKinnell MD, Larry Maizlish 

and John Sealy MD and (Standing) Daniel Hovenstine 

MD and Judith Maizlish. 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 



Guido Rietdyk with his Russian-built 

Yak-50 aerobatic plane and his 

1959 Jaguar XK150 S. 

He hopes to exhibit both at the 

Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance 

at Zamparini Field on Oct. 1. 

Photo by David Fairchild

Sky 

rider 

Rugby, motocross, race cars and flying in formation -- it’s all 

about camaraderie, claims Peninsula’s Guido Rietdyk 

by David Mendez 

It’s almost 9 p.m. mid-week and Guido Rietdyk’s Rolling Hills home is 

buzzing. He grabs a pair of beers from the fridge while his wife Sophie 

entertains a friend from down the street. 

“We’re Europeans,” he said, referring to his penchant for late nights and 

friendly pours. “We’re very much an open door family. We’ll sit at home, 

and have neighbors around for a drink.” 

It’s one of the things he loves about the Peninsula. Friendships with his 

neighbors are what led to his latest passion: flying classic airplanes. 

The 20-year Peninsula resident is a member of Torrance’s Tiger Squadron, 

which flies vintage war planes in formation at events across Southern California. 

“The freedom [from flying] is very addictive, and it’s elevated when you 

get to do it with your best friends,” Rietdyk said. 

Rietdyk moved to the United States from his native Netherlands to study 

international business at San Jose State University. He returned home to 

complete his compulsory military service, then returned to the U.S. for his 

graduate degree in marketing and branding at the University of Southern 

California. 

“For a tiny country, both in surface and population, the only way to survive 

is to trade,” Rietdyk said. 

What made him want to work in the States was the American ideal. 

“Americans think big and unbridled, they think outside the box, and never 

think something is too big to attempt,” Rietdyk said. 

That attitude perfectly fit his philosophy. Though hesitant to call himself 

an adrenaline junkie, Rietdyk loves to get his blood pumping. Growing up, 

he played soccer, and rode motocross. But rugby made his heart sing. 

“Everyone is part of that chain – if you don’t do well, if you become the 

weakest link, the chain breaks,” Rietdyk said. “You better be on your game 

and look out for your buddy…it’s the ultimate in camaraderie.” 

After the games, he and his teammates would join their opponents for 

what they called the “third half.” All the competitors would get together to 

cheer, drink and congratulate each other on a game well played. “If I had 

to do it over again, I’d play rugby again...that camaraderie doesn’t happen 

in soccer, sadly.” 


After finishing school, Rietdyk sold life insurance (“not so glamorous”) 

and then exported telecom equipment with a partner. 

In the mid-1990s, Rietdyk’s brother-in-law was selling “the remnants of 

a small French knee brace company.” 

“I had severe knee surgery from playing soccer at USC, so I knew more 

than the average person about knee braces,” Rietdyk said. From his motocross 

racing days, he realized there was a broad market for the braces. 

Rietdyk and a partner purchased the company, EVS Sports, and their timing 

couldn’t have been better. The ‘90s saw a spike in motocross popularity. 

The business moved from his living room to a small office at Santa Monica 

Airport, and then to a Torrance warehouse. EVS expanded its market to industrial 

workers, bull riders, and – very recently – pilots. 

Rietdyk was introduced to flying by his neighbor Craig Ekberg, founder 

of Tiger Squadron. That was after Rietdyk retired from racing motocross at 

the age of 40, and became involved with the Porsche Owners Club and 

started racing on the GT3 Cup Series. 

Racing led him into the world of vintage cars. He began traveling with 

Ekberg to car shows across the U.S. 

“One day, I was flying in the backseat while Craig was flying low over 

the water and the big rocks of Lake Powell, and I said ‘this is the coolest 

thing that you could possibly do.’” 

He wondered, though, is this something he could learn to do later in life? 

“Absolutely,” Ekberg told him. 

Rietdyk began flying in January 2013. The learning curve was beyond 

steep, he said. 

“You need to know everything: Landing, taking off, understanding what 

can go wrong, emergency procedures — and be able to fly within 10 feet of 

another plane,” Rietdyk said. 

Formation pilots aren’t able to keep an eye on their instruments because 

they’re looking at the planes next to them. 

“You have to be able to feel your plane along your spine — you use that 

feeling to be one with it, like with a bike or a car,” Rietdyk said. 

As part of Tiger Squadron, Rietdyk has flown in formation over fundraisers 

for the LA Philharmonic, over the USS Iowa and, last month, over the 

USC football season opener. 

Two things drive his newest passion. First, he’s chasing the rush he found 

racing motorcycles and cars. “You’re seeking the thing that gets your heart 

pumping…the more adrenaline the activity has the more fun it is,” Rietdyk 

said. “Flying less so, because I don’t do anything too crazy anymore. This 

is less dangerous than racing motocross or cars.” 

But more than that, it’s the feeling of camaraderie that he’s sought since 

his rugby days. 

“Whether it’s racing or doing a rally, you’ve got everyone getting together, 

sitting around, and it’s just fun,” Rietdyk said. “It’s a warm feeling, an inclusiveness 

that’s just…addictive.” 

That addiction also explains his community volunteer work. He was recently 

voted president-elect of the Cancer Support Community Redondo 

Beach Board of Directors. CSCRB provides support for cancer patients and 

their families and friends. 

“It’s completely pro-bono, all volunteers, and it’s amazing — such a powerful 

group,” Rietdyk said. “There’s a lot more we can do for people, too — 

we still think we have a long ways to go.” 

This year, Rietdyk is also supporting The Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance. 

For the first time, the Concours is including vintage planes and is 

taking place at Zamperini Field. He’s submitted two entries for the event, 

a Yakovlev Yak-50 Russian aerobatic plane, and a 1959 Jaguar XK150 S, 

which he owns with neighbor Tony Powell. 

“We’re the Jaguar’s third owners. It had 17,000 miles on it when we got 

it. It’s restored with new paint, a new interior and it’s mechanically meticulous,” 

Rietdyk said. 

Rietdyk hopes the Tiger Squadron will perform a flyover for the Oct. 1 

show, adding excitement to what he believes is already going to be a spectacular 

event. 

“The Palos Verdes community and the Beach Cities have an inventory of 

vintage cars that rivals almost anywhere in the world,” Rietdyk said. “If a 

great venue and organization can put them in a place where they can be 

seen with the excitement of airplanes, we have a total win. No doubt it’s 

going to be the coolest thing to see anywhere near Los Angeles — I guarantee 

it.” PEN 


$23,450,000

PRICE 

REDUCTION 

QUEEN'S 

NECKLACE 

VIEWS 

GREAT 

VIEW & 

IMMACULATE 

550 Silver Spur Rd. Suite 240, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90275

Chez Melange chef Robert Bell and partner Michael Franks will reflect on Chez Melange’s storied history during a retrospective dinner on Nov. 6. 

Photo by Brad Jacobson (CivicCouch.com) 

by Richard Foss 

During a meeting between two restaurateurs 

who had been business partners for 

35 years, Robert Bell uttered a fateful 

sentence. 

“I said to Michael, ‘The good news is that 

everyone knows Chez Melange. The bad news is 

that everyone knows Chez Melange.’” 

Michael Franks agreed with his partner’s assessment. 

They needed to change the name and 

concept of the South Bay’s longest running, contemporary 

restaurant. Chez Melange was groundbreaking 

when it opened in 1982. In an era when 

it was rare for restaurants to change their menus 

every year, they did so every day. In an era when 

restaurants were rigidly defined by style of service, 

there you could dress casually or formally, as 

you preferred. In an era when categories were 

rigid, they put traditional American, Asian fusion, 

and European dishes on the menu next to items 

that defied categorization. 

Chez Melange attracted a following immediately 

and kept exploring new ideas. They pioneered 

winemaker dinners, patronized local 

growers, and experimented continuously. For a 

long time, they had no competition because no 

other local chefs were capable of the variety of 

styles and techniques. As time went on and eclectic 

dining mainstreamed, the local scene shifted 

and they found themselves competing with their 

followers. Those newcomers often branded their 

operations as lounges or gastropubs, but for the 

Chez team, innovation was just what they did. 

As Franks put it, “Because of Robert we have 

always been a chef-driven restaurant rather than 

a concept-driven restaurant, and we have been 

able to be flexible and interesting throughout our 

existence. We have made our decisions based on 

the joy of cooking and eating, on our experiences 

and creativity. Our format of constantly changing 

menus and eclectic items was unique when we 

opened – now you can get mixed cuisines almost 

everywhere.” 

Franks and Bell decided that a change was 

needed, but not a complete one. Chez Melange 

has been three restaurants in one for some time: 

a casual bar and grill called Bouzy at the front, a 

larger, more formal restaurant in back, and a side 

room called Bar 150. Bouzy will remain the same, 

but the other two will become a new restaurant 

called Sea Change at Chez Melange. It’s an idea 

that first appears in a song in Shakespeare’s The 

Tempest – the original quote reads, 

Nothing of him doth fade, 

But doth suffer a sea-change 

Into something rich and strange. 

Franks doesn’t go into classical allusions, but 

explained, “The phrase has different meanings, 

and one of them is metamorphosis. It seems like 

a way of indicating that we’re going from where 

we are to where we want to be.” 

Franks mentioned two compelling reasons to 

shift to this focus: there isn’t another seafood 

place in the area, and the fish dishes are among 

the best selling items at Chez Melange. Then he 

offhandedly offered a third: people like eating all 

things oceanic, but are often intimidated about 

making it themselves. 

“People cook steaks at home, but they go out 

for fish because it’s delicate and easy to overcook. 

That and the interest in healthy dining come together, 

and they want fish for both everyday and 

special occasion meals. We can still be eclectic 

and original, just as we have been since 1982, but 

we’re going to have a focus on seafood.” 

Bell is emphatic that while there will be options 

for simple dishes, there is no retreat from the 

duo’s creativity. 

“The plan is to have two sections to the menu: 

one where you pick the fish, the cooking method, 

the sauce, and the sides. Then you’ll have the 

catch of the day specials, my specials, that you 

can’t change. I’m not thinking of classic East 

Coast boardwalk – it’s going to be eclectic. You 

may see cioppino and zarzuela here, you may see 

pork and clam dishes, kung pao lobster. I have 

experience and confidence in producing an eclectic 

menu, and that’s what I do. If I do put a lobster 

roll on the menu, I’m not going to screw with 

it and turn it into something Chinese. And if I do 

a Rhode Island style crabcake, that will be what 

it is.” 

“We’re going to keep a Chez Classics menu 

with some of the items that people come in for, 

like the fried chicken salad, steak frites, duck 

schnitzel… we’ll always have a good steak on the 

menu.” 

On Nov. 6 Franks and Bell will host a food and 

wine evening at which they’ll share stories about 

their history and reminisce about what it was like 

to change our dining habits. TBoth men seem to 

relish a chance to reflect on old times even as 

they go forward with a new idea. Their success 

has always been driven by an open minded curiosity 

about flavors, and unlike most veterans 

they haven’t become complacent and fallen into 

a rut. As Franks observed wryly, “Most creative 

restaurants have young chefs, and I have an old 

man working here, but we’re still innovating.” PEN 


JoAnn DeFlon 

SRES, Palos Verdes Specialist 

310.508.3581 call/text 

joann.deflon@VistaSIR.com 

CalBre #01943409 

Every resource that is available to me and 

Vista Sotheby’s International Realty 

will be utilized to present your home in an Extraordinary 

and Targeted Manner. 

Call me about your current home or 

to find your next one. 

Each office is independently 

Owned and operated 


“Home is everything.” 

It’s where you come back to after a long day and 

can finally relax and be with your family. 

Your home is that place you’ve dreamed of ever 

since you were a child. 

It’s not easy to find that perfect home. 

We are here to help make that dream a reality. 

Mike Levine 

Mike@levine-homes.com 

BRE License # 01928630 

CSLB License # B985034 

Anita Kapilla 

Anita@levine-homes.com 

BRE License # 02007684 

Real Estate & Construction 

310.796.9088 

Rolling Hills Estates 

• Built in 2016 

• 3,700 Square Feet 

• 4 Bedrooms & 4-1/2 Baths 

• Stunning Pastoral Views 

• Water Filtration System 

LEVINE-HOMES.COM

Shopping, dining and entertainment, we’ve got it all! 

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES 

Friar Tux Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-4700 

Nike Factory Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 326-6131 

Styles of Hawaii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 326-2151 

Tilly’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-1642 

BEAUTY 

Colours Of Joy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (562) 794-6821 

European Wax Center . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 325-2929 

Fancy Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 326-7980 

Pia Hair Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 326-0815 

Rolling Hills Beauty Bar. . . . . . . . . . (310) 530-3844 

Victor Anthony’s Hair Studio . . . . . . (310) 326-2338 

Waterside Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-4242 

BOOKS/CARDS/GIFTS/ 

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS 

The Tutoring Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 530-5377 

DRY CLEANING 

Beltone Cleaners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 325-2511 

ENTERTAINMENT 

AMC Theater Rolling Hills 20 . . . . . (888) 262-4386 

FINANCIAL/BUSINESS SERVICES 

Chase Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 257-1997 

The Postal Mart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 325-6777 

South Bay Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . (310) 374-3436 

T-Mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 257-6855 

GROCERY/SPECIALTY FOODS 

Baskin Robbins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 530-6812 

BevMo! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 257-0034 

Blue Cove Olive Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 257-4931 

Friza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (424) 226-7782 

Nijiya Japanese Market . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-3000 

Peet’s Coffee & Tea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 626-8008 

Starbucks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-4835 

Trader Joe’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 326-9520 

Whole Foods Market . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 257-8700 

HEALTH & FITNESS 

Arthur Murray Dance Studio . . . . . . (310) 977-0987 

Great Earth Vitamins. . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-8494 

PV Massage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 530-9093 

24 Hour Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-5100 

Weight Watchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 651-6000 

HOME FURNISHINGS 

Bed, Bath & Beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 325-0432 

Hitachiya. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-3136 

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES 

Color Me Mine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 325-9968 

JEWELRY 

Modern Jewelry Mart . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 517-0308 

MEDICAL/DENTAL SERVICES 

Dr. Mylena Jl, D.D.S, Inc.. . . . . . . . . (310) 326-4691 

Dr. M.G. Monzon, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . (310) 891-3303 

Dr. Nolan Ng, Optometrist . . . . . . . (310) 326-2881 

South Bay Pain Docs . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 626-8037 

PET & GROOMING 

Grooming Wonders . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-1130 

Wild Birds Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 326-2473 

REAL ESTATE 

J A Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 539-2430 

RESTAURANTS 

Blaze Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 325-9500 

California Pizza Kitchen. . . . . . . . . . (310) 539-5410 

Daphne’s Greek Café. . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 257-1861 

Fanoos Persian Restaurant . . . . . . . . (310) 530-4316 

Fish Bonz Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 325-2669 

IcCho Japanese Restaurant. . . . . . . . (310) 325-7273 

Ichimi An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 784-0551 

Islands Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 530-5383 

Joey’s Smokin’ B.B.Q . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 257-1324 

Kabab Curry of India . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 539-0171 

Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot . . . . (310) 517-9605 

Mashawi Lebanese Grill . . . . . . . . . . (310) 325-3545 

Nice Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 539-0323 

Pinwheel Café Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 325-5055 

Rubio’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 891-1811 

Ryo Zan Paku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 530-8720 

Sushi Boy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-4013 

Veggie Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 325-6689 

Yamaya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 257-1800 

Northeast Corner of Crenshaw & Pacific Coast Highway in Torrance 

For Information Call (310) 534-0411 

A LA CAZE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY PROJECT 



Encore Circle’s Opening Night 

Celebrating Ricky Nelson 

For 35 years, The Encore Circle has provided vital support for the 

Norris Theatre and the Palos Verdes Performing Arts. On September 

8 at the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, The Encore Circle enjoyed an elegant 

opening night dinner catered by Bites and Bashes. During dessert guests 

enjoyed a surprise performance of scenes from the upcoming “The 25th 

Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a Tony winning musical comedy. 

The evening concluded with twin brothers Matthew and Gunnar Nelson 

rocking the Norris with a multi-media performance, playing their 

legendary father Ricky Nelson’s most popular songs, including “Hello 

Mary Lou” and “Travelin’ Man.” 

1 


1. Abby Douglass. 

2. Dr. Allen Ginsburg and Charlotte Ginsburg. 

3. Ray Martin, James Hill, Steve Soldoff and Pam Barrett-Hill. 

4. Sandra Sanders and Maude Landon. 

5. Irwin and Betty Helford, Linda and Mel Rowen. 

6. Steve Moe and sister Julie Moe, Abby Douglass and Carol Mell. 

7. “Ricky Nelson Remembered” starring sons Matthew and Gunnar Nelson. 

2 

3 4 

5 

6 7 


DERMATOLOGY & SKIN SURGERY 

BEACH CITIES DERMATOLOGY 

M E D I C A L C E N T E R 

Say Goodbye to Stubborn Fat.... 

Buy One, Get One 

FREE 

William J. Wickwire, M.D. 

Certified, American 

Board of Dermatology 

Neal M. Ammar, M.D. 

Certified, American 

Board of Dermatology 

Two Coolscuplting Devices to Treat Two Areas at Once! 

Specialists in Skin Cancer Detection 

• Skin Cancer • Mole Removal & Mohs Surgery 

• Reconstructive Facial Surgery and Scar Revision 

• Acne & Accutane Treatment 

• Warts, Rashes and Cysts • Leg Vein Sclerotherapy 

• Hair Loss & Propecia • Restylane, Radiesse, Perlane, 

Juvederm & Sculptra • Botox and Dysport Injections 

• Age Spots & Sun Damage • Laser Surgery 

• Microdermabrasion • Glycolic and Chemical Peels 

• Ultraviolet B & PUVA • Pediatric Dermatology 

310-798-1515 

www.beachcitiesderm.com 

South Bay’s 

best equipped 

Dermatology 

Center! 

Redondo Beach — 

520 N. Prospect Ave., Suite 302 

Palos Verdes — 

827 Deep Valley Drive, Suite 101 

All PPOs Accepted 

Evening & Sat. 

Appts. Available 

Open House Sat & Sun 1-4pm 

Resort Living in your own home 

27339 Eastvale Road, Palos Verdes Peninsula 

• Built in 2003 

• 5 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 3200 SQ FT 

• Master suite with Beverly Hills Housewives Closet 

featuring a full wall of retractable windows and doors 

• Almost half acre, private grassy yard, waterfall, 2 spas, 

saltwater pool 

• Impressive panoramic views 

• Spacious living room with fireplace, views, dining, 

billiards 

• Hardwood floors in all of the family rooms 

• Built-in BBQ, with fridge, ice maker, wine fridge, 

cooking station with sink 

• Gated private entry with large 2-car garage with 

driveway for 5 more cars 


2 8 4 5 V I A D E L A G U E R R A 

PALOS VERDES ESTATES 

WWW.2845VIADELAGUERRA.COM 

4 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1860 SQ FT | +6480 SQ FT LOT 

Perfectly situated on a great Lunada Bay quiet street, this charming home boasts 

4 bedrooms, including the master, 2 remodeled baths, spacious living room with 

two sided fireplace and sliders to the outdoor space, dining area off the kitchen 

with large bay window also enjoying the fireplace, and open and bright center island 

kitchen with walk-in pantry and beautiful glass front display cabinets. There 

are hardwood floors, crown moldings, recessed lighting, smooth ceilings, and great 

grassy yard – perfect for family enjoyment and entertaining! You will love it! 

Asking $1,450,000 

1 9 6 6 U P L A N D S T R E E T 


WWW.1966UPLAND.COM 

4 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 2500 SQ FT | 7177 SQ FT LOT 

Wonderful opportunity to own in the Palos Verdes school district. This great home 

has 4 bedrooms plus formal living and dining and a HUGE family room addition 

with fabulous harbor and water views! Enjoy the enclosed porch for casual entertaining 

and the formal areas plus unbelievable storage. (AND there are hardwood 

floors under the carpet - a huge plus!) Newer tile roof and lovely front grassy yard. 

You cannot beat the square footage at this price! 

Asking: $1,049,000 

GAYLEPROBST 

Re/Max Estate Properties 

310-977-9711 

CalBRE# 01137236 

www.pvrealestate.com 

A TRUSTED ADVISOR. 

CLOSE AT HAND 

“Preparation, turn-key real estate advice, 

and the personal touch you expect.”

1328 VIA MARGARITA | PALOS VERDES ESTATES 

4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2700 SQFT | LOT SIZE: 15,224 | WWW.1328VIAMARGARITA.COM 

The DeLeeuw Residence, by architects Young and Remington (1965.) Designed originally for a WWII veteran/pilot and 

his family, the architects employed their modernist sensibility in creating a home that is as progressive today as the day 

it was built. Perfectly situated on a 15,224 square foot view lot in the heart of Montemalaga, it is the property that you 

have been waiting for. Soaring walls of glass and beamed ceilings point to views all the way from the Hollywood sign to 

the ocean, Malibu, and Point Dume. A massive double sided fireplace and original wall of built-ins divides the otherwise 

open plan. The now second owners took great care in their renovations, updating systems and finishes while leaving the 

soul of the original design intact. Offered for the first time on the open market, and sure not to last. 

ASKING $1,825,000 

GAYLEPROBST 

Re/Max Estate Properties 

310-977-9711 

CalBRE# 01137236 

www.pvrealestate.com 

NATECOLE 

Coldwell Banker 

562-673-3550 

CalBRE# 0140724 

www.uniquecaliforniaproperty.com


PHOTOS BY TOM UNDERHILL 

Freedom4U raises 100K Plus! 

Helping kids 

Freedom4U’s annual 'Freedom Breeze' was held at the beautiful Palos 

Verdes Estates home of Ashton Smith. Freedom4U offers programs 

in creative arts, life skills, leadership and service learning across the 

South Bay and Harbor Area. Over $100,000 was raised to support programs 

for at-risk kids and for the teen leadership service group. 

1. Toa Fonoimoana and Jennifer 

Wildenberg. 

2. Dr. Greg Allen, Fritz Hitchcock 

(recipient of the George and Etty Allen 

Lifetime Achievement Award), Ashton 

Smith, and teen leader Morgan Pisano. 

3. Dr. Greg Allen and Freedom4U 

therapists Courtney Lawsing, Kryss 

Castle, Chelsea Kuehl and Lizzette 

Garcia. 

4. Freedom4U Band of Pros. 

5. Teen Leadership students Morgan 

Pisano, Ani Stein and Ophelia Winslett. 

6. Linda and Bill Lama. 

7. Ridgecrest Intermediate Principal 

Kellie Keller and Redondo Beach 

Unified Superintendent Stephen Keller. 

8. Freedom4U Videographer Rae 

Wang and Teen Reporter Gabby Ruby. 

9. Teen Leadership’s Noelle 

Kirkpatrick, peer mentor Katie 

Walker and Freedom4U therapist 

Courtney Lawsing. 

1 

2 3 

4 5 

6 

7 

8 

9 


A home with a view 

The French Farmhouse style residence sits on unusually flat, five-and-a-half acres in Rolling Hills. Photos by David Fairchild 

Rolling Hills Mayor Jim Black and wife Karen built a French Provincial home with a 21st Century view 

by Stephanie Cartozian 

The 360 degree view is what convinced Jim and Karen Black to purchase 

the small home on 5.5 acres in Rolling Hills that they looked at in 1999. 

“You can see the Santa Monica Bay and the city skyline from our pool,” 

Karen Black said. 

But the couple had five children – two of them twins – and the house on the 

property wasn’t going to meet their needs. So they collaborated with J.C.C. 

Homes in Torrance to build their dream home. 

Karen is an internist and Jim is a plastic surgeon, specializing in oncologic and 

micro reconstructive surgery. In March, Jim was elected mayor of Rolling Hills, 

where he grew up. He had previously served as a city councilman for 15 years. 

Karen grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and always admired residences with copper 

gutters. They symbolized having arrived, professionally and personally. The 

copper gutters are just one of her contributions to the sprawling, 8,500 square 

foot French Farmhouse-style estate. Karen enjoys cooking, which led her to retain 

from the original residence, the large chopping block that is now well worn from 

use during years of family gatherings. It sits next to an acid washed, green marble 

topped kitchen island. The kitchen’s other countertops are white marble. The 

couple originally had concerns about whether the white marble would hold up 

as well as granite in the high-use kitchen. But one of the owners of Ruggeri Marble 

& Granite admitted to having marble in his own kitchen and told the couple 

it would wear well. He was correct. The white marble also gives the kitchen a 

soft, more French Provincial look. 

Karen and Jim Black standing outside 

their home on one of their covered 

patios. 


The kitchen has wide, plank walnut 

flooring and stone walls, giving the 

kitchen an Old World look. 

In January 2010, when the family decided to move forward with Torrance-based 

architects Timothy Racisz and Richard Gould of Racisz & 

Gould, Jim’s mother had recently passed away, leaving his father alone in 

the family home on Saddleback Road in Rolling Hills, where Jim grew up. 

So Jim’s dad welcomed Jim and his family into his home, giving granddad 

time to enjoy his grandkids and their parents a convenient base from which 

to oversee construction of their new home. 

Their goal was to add an Old World, French Farmhouse sensibility to 

the ranch style dictated by the city. Most importantly, they wanted the outdoor 

areas to take advantage of the 360 degree view The result was over 

1,800 square feet of covered patio and 2,000 square feet of trellised 

porches. The 5.5 acres afforded big grassy knolls for the kids to play soccer 

on, an outdoor fireplace and television, a pool and pergolas throughout. 

The many outdoor pavers, as well as the foundation were by Simich Concrete 

Construction in San Pedro. The Blacks replastered the large, original 

pool and added fiberglass over the plaster to create a white, shimmering 

effect when sunlight reflects off the water. “It also adds a layer of insulation, 

keeping the pool from losing its temperature to the ground beneath 

it,” Jim said. 

The city view and the sparkling glimmer in the pool give the sense of 

old Hollywood. One can imagine Esther Williams taking a swim here and 

emerging from the pool to sip a lemonade in a chaise lounge, under one of 

the pergolas. The outdoor areas were drafted by Ric Dykzeul of Landscape

The French Farmhouse style ranch home has covered porches with flagstone flooring, providing panoramic views of both 

the city and Santa Monica Bay. 

Design, in Torrance. They include 

an orchard featuring citrus, stone 

fruit, avocado and persimmons on 

the property. 

The grand entry leads to wide 

planked, walnut flooring installed 

by Sinbad Flooring of Torrance. 

“The magic here is the precision 

design work,” Jim said. The master 

bedroom has diagonally placed 

plank flooring, the landings have 

rectangular and square designs. 

Hafit Arafat, owner of Sinbad 

Flooring, took a personal interest 

in the project and added many of 

the accents. Wood is emphasized 

throughout the house, from the 

hardwood floors, the wood 

trimmed arches, wood pocket 

doors and coffered ceilings, to the 

wood paneling in the library. The 

wood tones cast a warmth throughout 

the home. 

Another homey accent is the extensive 

use of manufactured stone. 

Fabricated stone has come a long 

way and is indistinguishable from 

real stone. It’s also smooth on the 

backside making masonry work 

more precise. There is variation in 

color, as there is in natural stone. 

Off the kitchen is a glassed-in office 

where the children used to 

keep their computers and do 


The extensive use of wood extends to the arches and the design work in the 

flooring. 

homework. The Blacks believed in keeping their children's computers in 

an open area. The room’s location, off the kitchen and family room, provided 

for functionality with oversight. 

In the formal living room, beneath 17-foot high ceilings, are two grand 

pianos. One was passed down from Karen’s family. The original, framed 

receipt shows it was purchased in 1941 for $1,060 in Omaha, Nebraska. A 

drum set sits beside the two pianos. 

The six fireplaces are all done in a French traditional style and are both 

wood and gas burning. They are ornate on the outside, with herring bone 

style brick work on the interior. Jim readily explained that they are prefabricated. 

The price of six cost about the same as two custom made fireplaces. 

There are no stairs in this 7 bedroom, 6 bathroom home, with 2 home 

offices and a detached guest house (used as a construction trailer during 

building). Consistent with the French Farmhouse architecture is a stately 

green slate roof. 

The original plans were for a smaller home and simpler landscaping. But 

though the project “grew and grew,” Jim said, they were able to keep to 

their original budget, primarily because they had the good fortune of employing 

the right professionals. 

The Blacks recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Noosa, 

and Whitsundays (Great Barrier Reef), Australia, where they went on their 

honeymoon. All five children – Katy, Sherry, Jamie, Joey and Jonny, ages 

16 to 21 – went with them 

Now, there is just one Peninsula High schooler at home. Karen admits it 

feels a little eerie. 

“I watched a really silly, slapstick movie starring Dan Ackroyd the other 

night with Jim and can’t remember the last time we had that kind of time 

to spare, laughing at something so frivolous.” PEN 


eventcalendar 

CALENDAR OF COMMUNITY EVENTS 

Compiled by Teri Marin 

You can email your event to our address: penpeople@easyreadernews.com 

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

Ongoing 

Native Plant Nursery Volunteer Days 

Nurture seedlings and help shrubs grow for habitat restoration projects. RSVP 

48 hours in advance. Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. - noon. Sign up at 

pvplc.volunteerhub.com 

Rapid Response Team 

Work alongside Conservancy staff protecting wildlife habitat by closing unauthorized 

trails. Task include trail maintenance, building fences and installing 

signage. Work at various locations around the Preserve. Directions to sites 

emailed upon sign up. No experience needed. 15 and up. Visit volunteerhub.com 

Saturday, September 23 

60 Years of Rolling Hills Estates 

Residents, friends, family, and neighbors are invited to join the daylong festivities, 

including equestrian events, pony rides, a petting zoo, three-legged 

races, a hay jumping pit, horseshoe matches and more as part of the city’s 

celebration. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Music Festival will be held as part of the 

City Celebration event from 1:30 – 7:30 p.m. $15 for access throughout the 

venue. Food and beverage vendors, a beer & wine booth, pony rides, a petting 

zoo, face painting, community and commercial booths, and more will 

be available during the music festival. Free parking and shuttle bus services. 

Ernie Howlett Park, 25851 Hawthorne Blvd., Rolling Hills Estates. For tickets 

and information visit RememberTheMusic.org. 

Sunday, September 24 

Music On the Meadow 

Join the Corelli Ensemble on the Upper Meadow for an afternoon of Baroque 

music. 3 - 4:30 p.m. The concert will feature music of Corelli, Bach, Handel, 

Vivaldi, and Telemann. Free with Garden admission. South Coast Botanic 

Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. southcoastbotanicgarden.org/ 

or (310) 544-1948. 

Tuesday, September 26 

Chez Melange Wine Dinner 

Janet Trefethen of Trefethen Vineyards. Call Chez for more details (310) 540- 

1222. 

Taizé Service of Healing & Wholeness 

St. Francis Episcopal Church hosts a meditative, multi-faith Taizé service of 

Healing and Wholeness that includes candlelight, periods of silence, chants 

and intercessory prayer with a Prayer Team leader, at 7 p.m. in the chapel, 

followed by a reception with light refreshments. Director of Music, Youth & 

Arts, Dr. Jeannie Cobb, will lead the congregation in chanting, accompanied 

by USC graduate Robert Backes (a protégé of Christopher Parkening) on classical 

guitar and Dr. Clayton Cobb on mandolin. Taizé services are offered 

monthly throughout the year on the fourth Tuesday. Donations are welcome. 

For more information, call (310) 375-4617 or visit stfrancispalosverdes.org. 

October 31, 2017 

Wednesday, September 27 

Birding Unlimited 

Wild Birds Unlimited and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy explore 

the birds in nesting season at George F Canyon. 8:30. Free, all ages 


eventcalendar 

welcome. 27305 Palos Verdes Drive 

East, Rolling Hills Estates. RSVP at 

pvplc.org, Events & Activities. 

Hip to be Square 

Learn to Square Dance. Good for 

mind & body. And fun! Introductory 

classes at 6:30 p.m. Torrance 

Woman’s Club, 1422 Engracia, Torrance. 

424-262-7782. 

DAVID FAIRCHILD PHOTOGRAPHY 

"Its Like You’re There All Over Again" 

310-316-5547 WWW.DAVIDFAIRCHILDSTUDIO.COM 

Thursday, Sept. 28 

Beaders 

Azure Verde Chapter, a special interest 

group of the Embroiderers' 

Guild of America. Meeting focuses 

on two perforated paper projects: a 

Halloween and a Christmas ornament. 

Visitors welcome. 9:30 a.m. 

St. Francis Episcopal Church, 2200 

Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates. For 

more information, please call Idele 

(310) 540-6104 or visit 

azureverdeega.com/calendar. 

A Fungus Among Us 

LA Biomed’s - Lunch and Learn Series 

presents Scott Filler, MD., discussing 

New Approaches to Prevent Fungal 

Infection. Although the fungus Candida 

albicans grows harmlessly in 

most people, it causes a serious infection 

in hospitalized patients. 

About 40 percent of patients with invasive 

Candida infections die, even 

with treatment. Dr. Filler will discuss 

the research at LA Biomed that has 

led to a vaccine to prevent Candida 

infections. Noon to 1:30 p.m. 

CDCRC 1st Floor Conference Room. 

Reservations required by Friday, 

September 23 to Development at 

(310) 974-9569 or 

development@labiomed.org. Lunch 

provided. Attendance is limited to 

Friends members and one-time 

guests. 

Friday, Sept. 29 

Healing weekend retreat 

Retreat focuses on reclaiming the lost 

treasures of our lives. It will be a time 

of prayer, personal ministry and reconciliation. 

Led by Patrick J. Crowley, 

SSCC. From 7 p.m. Friday, 

September 29 to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, 

October 1. Call Marlene Velazquez 

at (310) 377-4867 x234 for reservations 

or information. Online registration 

is available at 

maryjoseph.org. Mary and Joseph 

Retreat Center, 5300 Crest Road, 

Rancho Palos Verdes. 


WENDY SUN 

BROKER ASSOCIATE 

310.544.7301 

WWW.WENDYSUN.COM 

BRE# 01729186 

RE/MAX ESTATE PROPERTIES 

SMASHING QUEEN’S NECKLACE VIEW IN PALOS VERDES ESTATES 

LET THE VIEW SPEAK FOR ITSELF! Panoramic queen’s necklace view from Santa Monica, downtown LA, 

PV Golf Course to Long Beach. GATED PROPERTY, 6BR, 6.5baths, 9884 SF living area, 48,353 lot size. 

North-South facing TENNIS COURT. An aesthetic balance of comfort and design is found in every room of this house. 

PV lifestyle at its best! 

$9,450,000

WENDY SUN 

BROKER ASSOCIATE 

310.544.7301 

WWW.WENDYSUN.COM 

BRE# 01729186 

RE/MAX ESTATE PROPERTIES 

PALOS VERDES ESTATES LIFESTYLE AT ITS BEST! 

Spectacular lot in PVE with resort-like grounds. Custom Colonial architecture design exudes elegance and charm. 5BR + Library, 7 

Baths, 6,039 square feet, 29,653 SF lot size. Ocean and coastline view. Lush landscaped backyard features a brick patio with open-beam 

portico eating area, copper-roofed gazebo, fountains, tranquil walking path, pool, spa, and BBQ area with gas and wood-burning grills. 

Absolute Privacy and Truly Estate-Like Grounds. 

$4,995,000

Spell it like it is 

The multiple Tony Award-winning musical comedy 

continues through October 1 at the Norris Theatre. 

A quirky group of adolescent overachievers (played 

by adult actors) go head to head with each other 

in a spelling bee championship, while coping with 

overzealous parents, teen crushes, sabotage attempts, 

and the trials and tribulations of puberty. 

Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 

2 p.m. Sunday. $30 to $70 and student rush tickets 

are $15 (plus $5 facility fee).To purchase tickets, 

call the box office at (310) 544-0403 or go to 

palosverdesperformingarts.com. The Norris Theatre 

is located at 27570 Norris Center Drive in Rolling 

Hills Estates. 

Saturday, September 30 

Native Plant Sale 

Annual Fall native plant sale fundraiser for the South 

Coast Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. 

Featuring a huge selection of natives suitable 

for the garden landscapes of the Palos Verdes 

Peninsula and the South Bay. Madrona Marsh Nature 

Center, 3201 Plaza del Amo,Torrance, 9 a.m 

- 2 p.m.sccnps.org 

National Public Lands Day 

Join Toyota in helping the PV Land Conservancy at 

the White Point Native Plant Demonstration Garden 

by removing invasive weeds, watering native plants 

and grooming trails.Lunch, raffle and fun, 9 a.m. – 

noon. 1600 W. Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro. Sign 

up at pvplc.volunteerhub.com. 

Outdoor Volunteer Day 

At White Point Nature Preserve, 1600 W. Paseo 

Del Mar, San Pedro, 9 a.m. – noon. Help beautify 

the native demonstration garden and surrounding 

habitat. Sign up at pvplc.volunteerhub.com. 

Grand Annex Fall Concert 

Tahoe-based Everyday Outlaws kick up the country 

classics with the best of Waylon Jennings, Merle 

Haggard and George Jones and more. 8 p.m. The 

Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th St. San Pedro, $20 to 

$42. grandannex.org or (310) 833-4813. grandvision.org. 

Sunday, October 1 

Great Pumpkin Hunt 

Take a walk through hiking trails and search for hidden 

jack-o-lanterns along the way. Solve a riddle 

and mark your finds and you will receive a special 

prize in the Gift Shop. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 

31. Free with Garden admission. South Coast 

Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, 

Palos Verdes Peninsula. 

eventcalendar 

southcoastbotanicgarden.org or (310) 544-1948. 

PV Concours d’Elegance 

In addition to an impressive display of classic automobiles, 

this charity event will include historic aircraft 

in side-by-side displays. This year’s show will 

feature the marques of Packard and Porsche. 19 

classes of automobiles representing the finest in 

craftsmanship from all over the world will be on display. 

Ticket holders will be able to tour the Western 

Museum of Flight, located at Zamperini Field, at no 

This 1932 Packard is among the over 200 

classic cars that will be exhibited at the Palos 

Verdes Concours d’Elegance at Zamperini 

Field. See related stories pages 18 and 26. 



RPV Residents 

Do you change your automobile oil and filter? If you 

do, call EDCO your trash/recycling hauler and 

arrange for a free pickup. Then, place your used oil 

in a tightly sealed container and your filter in a sealed 

ziplock bag. EDCO will pick them up and drop off a 

free oil recycling kit that contains a 15-quart drip pan, 

empty 1-gallon container, funnel, shop rag, cardboard 

floor mat and information on used oil and filter 

recycling. Call EDCO at 310-540-2977 or go to 

www.rpvrecycles.com. 

EDCO’S Brush Clearing Event 

Starts Saturday Oct 7th 

Document Shredding Event and 

Electronic Waste Roundup and 

Free Mulch Giveaway 

Sat. October 14th from 8 am to 11 am 

RPV Civic Center, 30940 Hawthorne Bl. 

(RPV Residents Only) 

For More information on Used Oil Recycling, go to: 

1-800-CLEANUP 

For Weekly Household Hazardous Waste Disposal 

(including Sharps, Used Oil and 

Electronic Waste Disposal) go to: 

Gaffey SAFE Center 

Address: 1400 N Gaffey St, San Pedro, 90731 

Phone: 800.988.6942 

Open Every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3pm 

Saturday, October 7 

Kenny Loggins Concert 

Grammy winning singer and songwriter of such hits as “Footloose” and “This 

Is It” returns for another performance in the intimate setting of the Norris Theatre. 

Ticket prices for the 8 p.m. show are $275 to $300. To purchase tickets, 

call the box office at (310) 544-0403 or go to 

palosverdesperformingarts.com. 27570 Norris Center Drive in Rolling Hills 

Estates. 

Breast Cancer and the Asian Woman 

Free community talk by Dr. Erin H. Lin, DO on breast cancer prevention and 

screening, maintaining breast health, advanced treatment options and diet 

and nutrition. Dr. Lin is an assistant clinical professor at the University of Calieventcalendar 

charge. $40 when purchased in advance by Sept. 30, $50 the day of the 

show. Children 13 and younger free. Parking $10, cash only. VIP package 

featuring tent seating, a Mediterranean-style catered luncheon including craft 

beer and premium wine; and general parking $150 per ticket. 10 a.m. to 4 

p.m. Louis Zamperini Field, 3301 Airport Drive, Torrance. pvconcours.org and 

on Facebook. 

Sustainable Seafood Expo 

Seafood samples, chef demonstration, full bar. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 

3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, noon - 5 p.m. Tickets at the CMA 

gift shop or at sustainableseafoodexpo.org. For more visit cabrillomarineaquarium.org 

or (310) 548-7562. 

Blessing of the Animals 

Treats for pets and owners, 4 p.m. St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Palos Verdes 

31290 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes. Next to Golden Cove 

Shopping Center. 

Tuesday-Thursday, October 3-5 

Girls Night Out 

Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach (CSCRB) celebrates its 30th anniversary 

of providing free support to cancer patients and their families with 

the 15th annual Girls Night Out “Fun”- raiser. This event “Just for Ladies” celebrates 

the women in our lives who have been touched by cancer with an 

evening of fun and humor. Festivities begin each night at 5:30 p.m. with the 

opening of the bar and silent auction—followed by dinner, live auction, a fabulous 

show, a world class line-up of top comedians, a fun raffle and lots of 

laughs. Don your festive attire and get ready to party in pink! Proceeds from 

this event will help to fund free cancer support programs at CSCRB. Reservations 

are $100 per person. Call (310) 376-3550 to reserve your seat, or visit 

www.GirlsNightOutCSCRB.org to purchase tickets online. The Comedy & 

Magic Club 1018 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach. 

Wednesday, October 4 

Pen Senior Lecture series 

Back by popular demand is Jean Alden and the Reader's Theater Repertory 

of San Pedro with riveting performances of three small plays: Small Claims, 

Larry’s Latest Plan To Get Out Of Yard Work, and Einstein’s Brain. 10:30 a.m. 

at Hesse Park, 29301 Hawthorne Blvd. 

Friday, October 6 

Story Road 

Story Road is four premier Irish traditional musicians: vocalist Colleen Raney 

fresh off a tour with Solas; multi-instrumentalist Ryan Davidson; and Stuart 

Mason and John Weed of Molly’s Revenge. 8 p.m. The Grand Annex, 434 

W. 6th St. San Pedro, $20 to $42, available at www.grandannex.org or 

(310) 833-4813 Mon-Fri 9 to5. More info at: www.grandvision.org. 



eventcalendar 

fornia Irvine School of Medicine and 

a Board-Certified Breast Surgeon. 

Her talk will be followed by a question 

and answer session. Refreshments 

will be served. 2 to 4 p.m. 

Bread of Life Church, 2780 Lomita 

Blvd., Torrance. For further information, 

visit breadoflifechurch.org. 

Movie Night 

St.John Fisher Women's Council 

presents its annual Movie Night in 

Barrett Hall. The movie will be “A 

Good Year" a fun, delightful and romantic 

movie. Reservations and prepaid 

admission of $15 can be made 

in the Parish Office until Wednesday 

October 4. Admission includes hot 

dogs, popcorn, candy, sodas and 

chips. Bring your own wine or beer. 

Proceeds help support charities. Dinner 

at 6 p.m., movie at 7 p.m. St. 

John Fisher Church is located at 

5448 Crest Road Rancho Palos 

Verdes. For additional information, 

call Nancy McDonough (310) 377- 

1305 or Bernie Maynard (310) 

541-1826. 



Second Sundays At Two 

Filipe Pinto-Ribeiro, one of Portugal’s foremost artists, trained at the Tchaikovsky 

Conservatory in Moscow, plays Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition 

in its original version for solo piano. Free; donations appreciated. 2 p.m. 

Rolling Hills United Methodist Church, 26438 Crenshaw Blvd., Rolling Hills 

Estates. www.RHUMC.org. 

Wed., October 11 

PV Woman’s Club 

The Palos Verdes Woman's Club meets at noon at the Rolling Hills Country 

Club.The program will be The Magic of Don Frank. $32. For reservations and 

information call Beverly Teresinski at (310) 378-1349. 27000 Palos Verdes 

Drive East. 


El Twanguero 

Grammy and Goya award-winning guitarist Diego Garcia puts a Spanish 

twist on American rock-n-roll stylings of Chet Atkins, Carl Perkins, and Les 

Paul.8 p.m. $20 to $42, available at www.grandannex.org or (310) 833- 

4813. The Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th St. San Pedro. www.grandvision.org. 


RPV resident clean up 

Document Shredding, E-waste collection and mulch giveaway from 8 to 11 

a.m. RPV City Hall, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. For RPV residents only. 


Jester's OktoberFest 

Celebrate OctoberPhest PhunDay at the Races. 11:30 a.m - 5 p.m. Lunch 

noon to 2 p.m., First Race: 1 p.m. $75 donation includes: Admission & Parking, 

Racing 

Program and 

B a r b e c u e 

Lunch. Proceeds 

support 

The Jester & 

P h a r l e y 

Phund’s Smiles 

for Kids with 

Cancer Program. 

RSVP by 

Sept. 28 by 

mail or e-mail 

to 

eventcalendar 

amy@thejester.org. 

For 

more information, 

please call (310) 544-4733 by Oct. 4. Santa Anita Park Infield, 285 

WQ. Huntington Drive Arcadia. 

Halloween Ball 

Chef Michael Shafer of The Depot Restaurant hosts the Halloween Ball under 

a "ghostly" white tent in Torrance for over 800 costumed guests. This annual 

fundraiser benefits the 2,500 children of Pediatric Therapy Network. Dinner, 

hosted martini, wine & beer bar, live music, costume contests, live & silent auctions, 

raffle prizes, infamous wine wall in front of The Depot Restaurant, 1250 

Cabrillo Ave., Torrance, 4 to 9 p.m. Ticket Price: $150 per person (310) 

328.0276. PediatricTherapyNetwork.org. 


TRUSTS, WILLS, PROBATE 

After practicing law in the 

Manhattan and Hermosa Beach area for 

over 28 years I'm pleased to announce the 

relocation of my offices to Palos Verdes. 

Please call for a free consultation. 

Experience Handcrafted 

Fine Mexican Cuisine 

And Enjoy! 

MARGARET A. JONES 

Attorney At Law 

655 Deep Valley Drive, Suite 125 

Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 

(310) 544-2255 

Majoneslaw.com 

Fresh Daily Specials Private Parties Catering 

Great Selection of Beer and Wine 

Open Tue-Sun at 4PM 

eventcalendar 

Wednesday, October 18 

Confessions of a Costume Junkie 

Diane Yoshitomi has created photos of gowns and accessories from the past 

15 years of historical costume creations along with stories for which they were 

made. She will discuss what it is like to be dressed from head to toe in 19th 

Century garb. Diane has been sewing for more than 50 years and is a lifelong 

student of the history of fashion. This is a Peninsula Seniors lecture series 

held Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. at Hesse Park, 29301 Hawthorne Blvd. 

Optimist fundraiser 

Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services holds its annual fundraiser from 6- 

8:30 p.m. at the South Park Center’s penthouse tower, 1149 Hill St. H300, 

Los Angeles. The event features 8 food stations, wineries, and a signature 

cocktail made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Silent and live auctions. Hosted 

by HLN’s Michaela Pereira. For tickets and info call 323-443-3022 or visit 

www.oyhfs.org. 

Thursday, October 19 

South Coast Rose Society 

South Coast Botanic Garden rose society meeting begins at 7 p.m.The 

speaker is the renowned “King of the Roses” Tom Carruth, who has created 

more All-America roses than any other living hybridizer, among them “Betty 

Boop”, “Fourth of July” and so many others.Meetings are free to the public. 

For further information, please see us on Facebook. 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, 

Palos Verdes Peninsula. 

Country Star Travis Tritt 

The CMA and Grammy Award winning country music star performs a rare, 

intimate acoustic concert at the Norris Theatre, featuring multi-platinum hits, 

including "It's a Great Day to Be Alive" and "Best of Intentions." The up- close 

event will be punctuated with personal stories and anecdotes about Tritt’s storied 

life and musical influences. 8 p.m. $95-$98. To purchase tickets, call the 

box office at (310) 544-0403 or go to palosverdesperformingarts.com. The 

Norris Theatre is located at 27570 Norris Center Drive in Rolling Hills Estates. 


Nickel Creek’s Watkins 

Sean Watkins, cofounder of the Grammy Award-winning Americana trio 

Nickel Creek, has collaborated with Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovett and other 

groundbreaking roots-rock artists. 8 p.m. Tickets $20 to $42, available at 

www.grandannex.org or (310) 833-4813. The Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th 

St. San Pedro. www.grandvision.org. 

Salsa Verdes 

Authentic Fine Mexican Cuisine 

2325 Palos Verdes Drive West 

Palos Verdes Estates 

(424) 206-9456 



VoicePlay Concert 

VoicePlay soared to fame on NBC’s “The Sing-Off.” The five-piece a cappella 

group promises an enthralling theatrical experience not to be missed. 8 p.m. 

$63-$75, with a $10 discount for youths. To purchase tickets, call the box office 

at (310) 544-0403 or go to palosverdesperformingarts.com. 27570 Norris 

Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates. 


Peninsula Symphonic Winds Fall Concert 

Guest conductor Dr. Berkeley Price will perform the Clarinet Concerto by 

swing-era legend Artie Shaw. The concert will also feature music by leading 

composers Frank Ticheli and Samuel Hazo, a suite of English folk songs by 

Vaughan Williams, a selection from Symphony No. 1 “The Lord of the Rings” 

by doMeij, and a new arrangement of Haydn’s Surprise Symphony by Ted 

eventcalendar 

Marcus. 3 p.m. at the LOTH RHCC Community Center, 735 Silver Spur Road, 

Rolling Hills Estates. $10 for adults Children 12 and under free with an adult. 

pswinds.org for more information. 

Catalina Island Conservancy art show 

The works of 10 nationally recognized plein air artists will be featured at the 

Catalina Island Conservancy's 7th annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show. 

The artists each spent time on Catalina creating new works that feature the Island's 

rugged wildlands, Avalon and Two Harbors in the plein air style. Exhibiting 

artists include Cindy Baron, Brian Blood, Don Demers, Kathleen 

Dunphy, Debra Huse, Laurie Kersey, Kim Lordier, Michael Obermeyer, Ron 

Rencher and Brian Stewart. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Balboa Yacht Club, 1801 Bayside 

Dr. Corona del Mar. 

Registration:catalinaconservancy.org (562) 437-8555 ext. 1239. 

Thursday, October 26 

Table this fundraiser 

Las Candalistas fall fundraiser "Creative Entertaining, A Showcase of Tabletop 

Designs and Lifestyle Speakers" at the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion 10am - 3pm. 

This year featuring Aida Mollenkamp, Food Network and Cooking Channel 

Chef, Author, and food and travel expert. Let us inspire you. Tickets available 

at the door or www.lascandalistas.org. 


Water music 

Peninsula Symphony opens its 51st season with the exuberance in Felix 

Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, Op 27. Aleksandr 

Glazunov’s majestic Das Meer (The Sea), Opus 28, follows. After intermission, 

the concert hall is transformed into a fairy tale lake in Anatole Liadov The Enchanted 

Lake, Op 62. The concert ends with Leonard Bernstein’s haunting On 

the Waterfront. 6:15 p.m. for the pre-concert lecture by Maestro Berkson (members 

only). 7 p.m. concert. Doors open at 6 p.m. Free. Redondo Union High 

School Auditorium, 631 Vincent Street in Redondo Beach (PCH at Diamond). 

For further information, please call the Symphony Office at (310) 544-0320 

or visit Pensym.org. 

Pier to Pier Friendship Walk 

Peninsula Education Foundation, 8 a.m. check-in, 9 a.m. walk. Registration: 

Skechersfriendshipwalk.com. 

Harvest Fair 

Peninsula Heritage School, 26944 Rolling Hills Rd., RHE., 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

(310) 541-4795. 

Prepared Peninsula Expo 

Learn how to prepare for the next disaster. Prepared Peninsula Expo where 

life-saving information, demonstrations and emergency survival gear will be 

available to the public. Step-by-step preparedness plans for your family and 

pets, survival essentials, trick or treating for the kids (wear your costumes) and 

free food. Norris Pavilion, 501 Indian Peak Road, Rolling Hills Estates, 12-3 

p.m. pvestates.org, rpvca.gov, rolling-hills.org. 

Sunday, November 5 

Journey of the Endeavour and David Benoit 

“Journey of the Endeavour,” by Grammy nominated, Peninsula composer 

David Benoit, will be performed at the Peninsula Committee Los Angeles Philharmonic 

(PCLAP) fall fundraiser at the California Science Center Samuel 

Oschin Pavilion. Benoit will conduct the Asia America Youth Symphony. “Journey 

of the Endeavour” will be accompanied by NASA footage of the space 

shuttle’s journey to its permanent home in Los Angeles. 7-10 p.m. $150 at 

pclaphil.org. 700 Exposition Park Dr. Los Angeles. PEN 



FEE ONLY FINANCIAL PLANNER 

• Are you in or approaching retirement? 

• Do you want to stop worrying about your 

investment portfolio? 

• Do you lose sleep wondering if you may 

outlive your nest egg? 

• Do you want to know if you are on the 

right path financially? 

• Do you want to take control of your 

finances? 

• Do you feel you need a second opinion on 

your portfolio? 

If you answered “yes” to any or all of the 

above questions, you may need to contact 

me, to provide you with a personal financial 

plan designed to help you take control 

of your finances, reduce anxiety and ultimately 

achieve your financial goals. There 

is no cost or obligation for the initial meeting, 

as it is an opportunity for you to learn 

more about me, and for me to determine 

if I can help you achieve your financial 

goals and objectives. 

As a fee-only financial planner I will be 

compensated solely by my clients, I do not 

accept commissions, referral fees, or 

compensation from other sources, and I am committed to acting in 

your best interest. 

Abbas A. Heydari, CFP® 

Certified Financial Planner 

and Registered Investment Advisor. 

Providing Financial Services 

in Torrance since 1986 

21515 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 1020 

Torrance, CA 90503 

E-mail: aahfp@Yahoo.com 

Web: www.aaheydari.com 

Phone: (310)792-2090 



THE GIRL IN THE 

HIGH CASTLE 

With Book Four, Geanna Culbertson 

is halfway through her 

Crisanta Knight young adult series 

Geanna Culbertson. Photo by Bondo Wyszpolski 

by Bondo Wyszpolski 

Six years ago, prior to her Sophomore year at USC, Geanna Culbertson 

had a sudden thought that would change the course of her young 

life. “I was literally just sitting somewhere and the exact words, 

‘Lady Agnue’s School for Princesses and Other Female Protagonists’ just 

popped into my head.” 

A few months passed, during which time the Rancho Palos Verdes resident 

took a course taught by Aimee Bender called Classic and Contemporary 

Fairy Tales. Now, ideas were buzzing around in Culbertson’s head 

for a fairy tale of her own, or rather an entire series of them. However, 

her plate was already full. She not only triple-minored while at USC, she 

was the vice-president of her sorority and was interning at Nickelodeon 

and Disney. She later worked at Paramount. 

Are you, my reader, perchance a budding novelist, but can’t seem to 

find the time to write? Well, listen up; this next paragraph’s for you. 

“My roommate thought I was nuts,” Culbertson says, “but every Friday, 

without fail for the years I was in school, no matter how tired I was or 

how late I went to bed the night before, every Friday morning I got up 

around 4 a.m., got ready in the dark, put my hair in a ponytail, packed 

up my bag, and I walked to campus. I was there before dawn, and I 

worked at that Coffee Bean for about four or five hours before classes 

started.” 

Nothing if not ambitious 

That was 2011, and here we are, half a dozen productive years later. 

Culbertson’s third volume of her Crisanta Knight series has just been 

published, and she’s just wrapping up the writing of Book Four. The 

books, although categorized as Juvenile/Young Adult fiction, are several 

hundred pages each. “A lot of words,” the author says, laughing. “A lot of 

thoughts.” 

“The series is told mainly from the perspective of Crisanta Knight, my 

title character,” Culbertson explains, “and she is the daughter of Cinderella.” 

And where does the story take place? 

“This world exists in a place called Book, where the children and 

younger siblings of former fairy tale characters all live. If they’re selected 

as protagonists they all go to this school for protagonists (Lady Agnue’s 

School for Princesses and Other Female Protagonists, of course; and the 

nearby Lord Channing’s School for Princes and Other Young Heroes), 

where they train to be main characters.” 

Crisanta Knight pals around with S.J., “which is short for Snow Junior, 

because she’s the daughter of Snow White,” as well as Blue, “the younger 

sister of Little Red Riding Hood.” I think we can guess the color of Blue’s 

cloak. 

“I would say I have five main characters who are in every single book, 

without fail.” 

Children and younger siblings of well-known fairy tale characters may 

be plentiful, but there are or will be many new faces, as well. Says Culbertson, 

“I was very careful not to put too much of an emphasis on the 

past. That’s one thing that was very important to me. An overarching 

theme in this series is change, and the importance of it.” 

In other words, Culbertson isn’t simply putting a new spin on classic 

fairy tales, she’s moving her characters forward and making them relevant 

and relatable to young people today. 

Even though the stories are told from Crisanta Knight’s point of view, 

Culbertson says, “It’s my voice, too, and so it’s told with sass and with 

snark, and (through) the lens of a modern girl. I always like to say that 

she’s a very normal girl, just in extraordinary circumstances with fantastical 

things happening around her.” 

That is, a girl both valiant and vulnerable. 

If Crisanta Knight is a strong and determined character, so is her creator. 

“I’m very driven,” she says. “I get up most days before the sun does. 

If you love something you commit to it a hundred percent.” 

Her own biggest fan 

The first book in the series (“Crisanta Knight: Protagonist Bound”) was 

published in April 2016 and the second (“Crisanta Knight: The Severance 


Game”) in December of 2016. After 

the second volume was published 

Culbertson was contacted by a publicist, 

“who really, really believes in 

me,” the author says. She arranged 

a book tour, which began a couple 

of weeks back to coincide with the 

publication of the third volume 

(“Crisanta Knight: Inherent Fate”). 

Culbertson’s stops were in Florida, 

Alabama, and Louisiana; her itinerary 

being schools, libraries, and 

bookstores. 

The fourth installment of 

Crisanta Knight’s adventures (“The 

Liar, The Witch, & The Wormhole”) 

is undergoing final edits and is 

scheduled for release on June 1, 

2018. 

“I was really excited to finish this 

one because Book Four is larger 

than the others by a significant degree,” 

Culbertson says. “Even after 

reading it so many times, I still 

smile and laugh at the jokes and I’m 

still into it. To me that’s a good sign. 

Not that I toot my own horn, but 

you can take this book to the bank, 

it’s that good. I’m very confident 

about Four; it’s going to be awesome.” 

Maybe. In Book Four, Crisanta 

Knight and her sidekicks find themselves 

in different lands, and not 

just in the world of Book. Culbertson 

says she never wanted to go the 

usual route, where writers take a 

classic fairy tale and then merely 

extend or add a sequel to it. 

Instead, she says, “I wanted to 

create a world where every version 

of every fairy tale makes sense and 

can co-exist. In order to do that, I 

had to create a lot of very elaborate 

timelines.” Culbertson mentions 

spreadsheets, equations, calendars 

and maps. The result is 14 or 15 

total worlds, she says, where famous 

literary characters interact 

with one another and cross back 

and forth into various realms. It certainly 

seems ambitious, regardless 

of whether or not she can pull it off. 

And then there’s Book Five, 

which Culbertson is on the verge of 

completing. Then six, seven, and 

eight, the last in the series scheduled 

for the spring of 2021. 

“I know where I want my characters 

to end up, I know how I want 

the series to end, and I know how I 

want each book to end.” Which 

doesn’t mean she won’t improvise 

now and again. 

“It’s like being Dorothy in Oz,” 

Culbertson says, “but without the 

Yellow Brick Road. You know you 

want to get to the Emerald City and 

you just don’t have the exact path, 

but you have the direction you want 

to go in.” She pauses. “Half the fun 

is going into the woods, isn’t it?” 

A girl in the driver’s seat 

Culbertson was born and raised 

in Palos Verdes. She attended Palos 

Verdes High School and today lives 

near Portuguese Bend. Not yet a full 

time writer (though you’d never 

know it), she has a 9 to 5 job in digital 

marketing and on weekends 

teaches and trains in martial arts. 

Culbertson has also allied herself 

with Girls on the Run, Los Angeles, 

a non-profit organization with a 

focus on empowering young girls to 

grow up and be strong and confident 

about who they are and what 

they can achieve. The Crisanta 

Knight series is a kind of corporate 

sponsor for them and their twiceyearly 

5K runs. “The reason I paired 

with it in the first place,” Culbertson 

says, “is because it really aligns 

with the values that I’m trying to instill 

with my series. Not only just 

girl power but also reaching your 

potential.” 

Even when she was just writing 

for herself, Culbertson says, “I had 

always hoped and prayed that 

someday the books I would create 

would give people the joy and the 

fun that my favorite series have 

brought to me, where you like the 

characters and you immerse yourself 

in that world.” She mentions 

the Percy Jackson (2005-2009) and 

Artemis Fowl (2001-2012) series. 

This brings us to the books that 

Culbertson read growing up. Most 

of them, she points out, “have been 

told from a male protagonist perspective 

– boy heroes, as it were. I 

love them, they’re great, but I have 

really struggled to find a book with 

a female lead that I like. They don’t 

put the focus as much on that person’s 

internal journey as the male 

hero’s. 

“Girl books tend to focus very 

heavily on the romantic interest,” 

Culbertson continues. “My series 

will definitely have romance; it’s 

going to have great stuff like that 

because it’s fun, but I wanted a female 

heroine you could pick off the 

shelf and you’re like, ‘I don’t just 

like her, I want to be like her.’ That 

is what I’m going for: ‘I like her, 

and I want to be like her.’ I will 

close with that sentence.” 

The Crisanta Knight series, volumes 

one through three, are available 

through Amazon, BQB Publishing, 

and other venues, brick-and-mortar as 

well as cyberspace. Also, visit Geanna 

Culbertson’s website at Crisantaknight.com. 

PEN 




More than a 

pretty view 

Photos by Brad Jacobson (CivicCouch.Com) 

Mar’sel chef Andrew Vaughan’s explorations continue a reliance on hyper-local ingredients 

by Richard Foss 

This week, I went to a restaurant with a spectacular view of the ocean, 

but sat where I couldn’t see it. Instead, on our most recent trip to 

Mar’sel my wife and I dined at the bar. 

That’s not what we planned to do, though in retrospect it’s hard to apply 

any words that involve thinking in advance to that particular afternoon. We 

were in the area, it was a lovely day, so we decided to drop in and see if we 

could get a table. In the past I have been able to do this because many locals 

forget that Mar’sel is there, a natural effect of its hidden location inside the 

Terranea resort. 

On this visit we could tell we might have a problem as soon as we arrived 

because the entire terrace was beautifully decorated for a wedding reception. 

The hostess informed us that the dining room was booked too, and 

apologetically offered seats for dinner at the bar. 

I can understand that, because it’s a very different environment from the 

dining room or terrace. Those are full of light by day and have a moonlit 

sea vista by night, while the bar is in perpetual twilight and only offers 

views of some dark wood paneling. As much as we enjoy the views and visuals 

of the elegant dining room, we decided that we’d see what the experience 

was like at the bar. 

We were greeted by Julie the bartender, who doubled as our server for 

the evening, and were given a paper menu for the food and a tablet with 

the wines and other beverages. We discovered one of the advantages of this 

seating as we discussed the first order of business, which was, of course, 

cocktails. Julie knew them all, chapter and verse. After we told her our preferences 

(alcohol-forward, not overly sweet), she counseled us wisely. We 

had a “Dreamer’s Tonic” (Lillet Rose, Botanist gin, St. Germain, orange bitters, 

and Prosecco) and “Sole Fashioned” (Amontillado, genever, Demerara 

syrup, and bitters). The current theme in their cocktail program is to experiment 

with wine in cocktails, and in both cases it was successful. Adding 

sherry to the old fashioned gave it an extra dimension of wood and nuttiness, 

and if you like that classic you’ll appreciate this riff on it. As for the 

tonic, I’ve had other cocktails with gin and elderflower, but this was one of 

the best, the layers of gentle floral and herbal notes with sparkling wine a 

great summery splash. 

Julie proved to be a fine guide to the food selections, too, which is not 

surprising. Good mixologists construct drinks with the same mindset as 

chefs creating entrees. We needed that guide because so many things on 

this menu involve unusual and intriguing combinations. Chef Andrew 

Vaughan took over from Michael Fiorelli about a year ago and has taken 

the restaurant in a slightly different direction. The emphasis on hyper-local 

and fresh items is still there, but the menu is a little more eclectic, a little 

less Mediterranean. 

Chef Vaughan obviously likes to experiment with combinations of meat 

with fruit and nuts, an aesthetic popular in Renaissance Italy that has been 


coming back into favor. The fig and 

burrata salad with green zebra 

tomatoes, arugula, toasted pistachios, 

carrot essence, and pork 

cracklings intrigued us as a modern 

take on that idea. To go with it 

we considered a crab salad with 

apples, pecans, and grilled avocado. 

But after a conversation with 

Julie we were swayed to Spanish 

octopus with squid ink naan, 

chickpea puree, mustard greens, 

and smoked paprika aioli. 

I’m a big fan of fig and cheese 

salads and order them often during 

the short season when the fruit can 

be obtained fresh, but the carrot 

essence, pistachios, and cracklings 

were a novel take. The only thing 

about this that didn’t entirely work 

was the cracklings, (called grattons 

on the menu, as they are in 

Vaughan’s native Louisiana). The 

idea of including them was fine, 

but they were served in giant 

chunks when they would have 

been better crumbled so the flavor 

could be mixed in more evenly. As 

it was, you got a mouthful of 

crunchy richness or none at all. 

The grilled octopus had a finer 

balance. Though the squid ink 

naan was something of a novelty, 

the dark purple bread added to the 

presentation, picking up the color 

in the greens, and the caramel-colored 

smoky sauce on the tender 

octopus added more visual interest. 

The flavors all harmonized: 

slightly bitter greens with rich 

seafood and smoky, slightly spicy 

sauce. There were more grattons 

on the side as a garnish, but we 

found this item fine without them. 

We asked Julie for wine suggestions 

and she called over the sommelier, 

who recommended a 

Glatzer Gruner Veltliner with the 

salad and a Qupe Syrah with the 

octopus. Both were sound choices 

– Gruner is becoming known as a 

spicy, fruity, lightly acidic alternative 

to Sauvignon Blanc, and it’s 

superb with seafood. 

By this time we trusted Julie 

enough to let her talk me out of the 

lobster, uni, and squash pasta that 

had interested me and into ordering 

Atlantic salmon with bok choy, 

trumpet mushrooms, tomatoes, 

eggplant, brown butter, and 

macadamia nuts. I hadn’t considered 

it because I can get salmon in 

plenty of places, but she was emphatic 

about how good this was. 

She was right. This was a marvelous 

piece of fish, a slight herbal 

crust crisp over meat that was so 

rich it was almost liquid. It was a 

simple item perfectly cooked, 

Chef Andrew Vaughan’s signature Lobster Burrata, made with Maine lobster burrata 

cheese, uni, handmade pappardelle pasta, butternut squash puree and 

golden raisins. Finished with cape gooseberries and basil from Terranea Resort’s 

herb garden. 

alongside a very interesting vegetable 

mix that put together fruity, 

funky, and slightly bitter flavors 

and made it all work. I wouldn’t 

have picked brown butter with lime 

as a sauce for these vegetables, but 

I’m glad Chef Vaughan did. 

My wife ordered a pork tomahawk, 

a pork chop so large that it 

looked like it could be used as a 

deadly weapon, over Napa coleslaw 

with what was described as pretzelcheddar 

spoon bread. This wasn’t 

like any spoon bread I have ever 

seen, as they’re usually moist and 

puffy within – this was a bread 

pudding in all but name, crunchy 

on the outside, chewy pretzel textured 

with veins of cheese within. 

As for the chop, pork this thick can 

be tricky to cook, but this was moist 

through and through, and the mild 

slaw was a nice companion to the 

richness of both meat and bready 

cheese goodness. 

The sommelier came through 

again with selections from the bythe-glass 

list. We were both bewitched 

by the Catalonian 

Embruix, a red blend with rich 

spicy and berryish notes. (And I 

had to write that sentence after I 

found that the name of the blend, 

embruix, means bewitched. It’s 

well named because we really did 

find it enchanting.) We were similarly 

impressed by a Westerly 

“Happy Canyon” red blend from 

Santa Barbara, which had a little 

more cherry and dried fruit and a 

little less spice. We very happily 

shared tastes to sample each with 

both main courses. 

We had planned to order a chiboust, 

a pastry crème based 

dessert that I hadn’t tried before, 

but the full house had decimated 

the selection and they were out of 

the items we most wanted to try. 

We will certainly return and hope 

that they have it next time, because 

after seeing what they do with savories 

I must try the sweets. 

Dinner for two was pricey at 

about $230, but worth it. As we left 

I noticed some diners taking pictures 

of each other with the last 

bits of sunset in the background. 

Mar’sel has a superb setting and 

has used it artfully, but as we 

found, you can have a great time 

here even if you never glimpse the 

ocean. 

Mar’sel is at the Terranea Resort, 

10 0 Te r r a n e a Wa y, Ra n c h o 

Palos Verdes. Sun – Thu 5 – 9:30 

p.m., Fri.-Sat. 5 – 10 p.m., Sun. 

brunch 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Full bar, 

corkage $40. Wheelchair access 

good. Menu at terranea.com/marsel. 

(310) 265-2836. PEN 

Best of The Beach 2017 Winner 

Best Eclectic, American Contemporary 

Daily Breeze “2015 South Bay’s Favorite” 

American Restaurant & Bar 

“ Best New Restaurant”- Richard Foss of Easy Reader 

Favorite Soul Food of 2015- Daily Breeze( yeah, we were surprised 

too) 

Hey! We like to party, especially with YOU! Call us for your next 

Occasion. We’ve got a Banquet Room perfect for any celebration 

Call 310-378-8119 for details 



30 Year Anniversary 

The Palos Verdes Flower Talking Clock donated by 

Michel Medawar and his family, celebrated its 30th 

Year on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. 


Malaga Cove Homeowners 

Hold Annual Meeting 

The Malaga Cove Homeowners Association (MCHA) held its annual 

membership meeting at the Malaga Cove Library Gallery room. The 

evening began with a wine and cheese reception for Palos Verdes Estates's 

new Mayor Jim Vandever, City Manager Tony Dahlerbruch and 

newly elected Council Members Sandy Davidson and Kenny Kao. 

Mayor Vandever discussed the City's current financial challenges. The 

newly elected Directors of the MCHA are president Tricia Rapaport, 

vice president Valerie Beranek, treasurer Art Fine, financial secretary 

Alex Davis and recording secretary Cheryl Kohr. Susan Chang was honored 

for her 17 years of MCHA service. 

PHOTOS BY CHERYL KOHR 

Your clock reminds you of its presence every 

time you wind it. If the accuracy of the clock is 

not what it used to be, or the chimes are not as 

strong or rhythmic, or maybe it just stops; that means 

your clock is talking to you and telling you that its endless 

life is in jeopardy. 

It is imperative to maintain and service your clock 

regularly. Oil gets old and dry forcing the train of gears 

to work twice as hard to accomplish their goal. This results 

in damage that drastically shortens the life of a 

fine timepiece. 

Michel Medawar has been extending the lives of 

timepieces for over sixty years as his father did sixty 

years before. He is the inventor of the first talking clock 

in the world. He is a graduate from Patek Philippe in 

Geneva, Switzerland, The Theod Wagner Clock CO. in 

Zeeland, Michigan. Call him so that he may come to 

your and offer you a free estimate for servicing your 

clock. Or bring your wall or mantel clock to out store 

to see our showroom and receive the same complementary 

diagnosis. 

We are located at 810C Silver Spur Rd., in Rolling Hills Estates, Ca. 

90274. Or call us at (310) 544-0052 

1. Tricia Rapaport, Betsy Treynor, 

Ela Jhaveri and Valerie Beranek. 

2. Ron and Shirley Paolucci. 

3. Sharon and Bob Parke. 

1 

2 

4. Kenny Kao PVE Councilman and 

Mayor James Vandever. 

5. Mary and Tom Malone. 

3 

Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Tuesday - Saturday 

810C Silver Spur Road • Rolling Hills Estates • CA 90274 

Call 310.544.0052 

4 5 


Concerts in the Park 

The country honky tonk sounds of the Cody Bryant Show closed out the Malaga 

Cove Summer concert series on Wednesday, Aug. 30. The concert was presented 

by the Malaga Cove Business and Professional Association in cooperation with 

the Palos Verdes Police Officer’s Association. Virginia Butler and husband Les Fishman 

of Coldwell Banker produce the Library Concert Series every year and have 

committed to continuing the series in 2018. Malaga Bank designed and printed 

the posters, flyers and programs. 

Concerts in the Park has become a family tradition where patrons can put their 

blankets out and reserve a space on the grassy knoll, picnic and then listen to a 

wide range of different bands. To learn more visit www.malagacoveconcerts.com. 

Cody Bryant 

Band with Les 

Fishman and 

Virginia Butler. 

around&about 

PVP Council PTA Honorary Service Awards 

Three high school graduating 

seniors received 

scholarship awards from 

the PVP Council of PTAs: 

Palos Verdes High’s Perrie 

Kaminskas, Rancho Del 

Mar’s Christopher 

Somkhit-Perez, Peninsula 

High’s Nadia Magee 

with PVP Council of PTAs 

President Beth Meyerhoff. 

Photo by Shari Shigenaga 

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Council of PTAs celebrated its 61st year with an Honorary 

Service Awards event at Trump National Golf Course. The PVP Council of 

PTAs supports all sixteen school PTAs on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, representing 

almost 11,000 members, with the goal of positively impacting the lives of all children 

and families. One hundred and fifty people attended to recognize exemplary 

PTA volunteer service to the community. State PTA President-Elect (2017-2019) Dianna 

MacDonald’s keynote thanked PTA members for their volunteerism and encouraged 

continued commitment and leadership. 

The audience at the park waiting for the show to begin. Photos by 

Stephanie Cartozian 

Pro surfer throws a rock ‘n roll birthday for Dad 

Stef Corgel and 

pro surfer Alex 

Gray take a break 

during the rock ‘n 

roll birthday party 

Gray threw for his 

dad Dudley, who 

sat in with the 

band, playing 

cover tunes from 

the Allman Brothers 

and Neil Young. 

Guests signed a 

surfboard birthday 

card for the birthday 

boy. 

“Magically Mysterious”- New York Times 

On the second Sundays at 2 p.m., 

Rolling Hills United Methodist Church 

hosts acclaimed classical musicians in 

concert. On September 10, famed Australian 

flutist Catherine Gregory performed 

with David Kaplan on the piano. 

Catherine is a Core-Member of Decoda- 

Affiliate of Carnegie Hall and Resident 

Ensemble for Creative Performance at 

the Guildhall School of London. The 

New York Times boasts that “Ms. Gregory 

leaves a deep impression-her 

sound rich and fully present.” Admission 

New York based Catherine 

Gregory. Photo by Dario Acosta 

Admiral Risty’s Live Entertainment 

Songs such as “You’ve Got a Friend”, 

“Sweet Caroline” and “Country Roads 

Take Me Home” are being performed 

by Tom Bellizia 7-11 p.m. Friday 

evenings in the Seaside Lounge of Admiral 

Risty’s Restaurant. Bellizia’s playlist 

of old, familiar songs goes along with a 

restaurant deeply rooted in Palos Verdes 

history since 1966 . Bellizia is a composer, 

pianist, guitarist and vocalist. He 

owns and often plays a Felipe Conde 

classical guitar from one of the oldest 

guitar-making families in Madrid. The 

Admiral Risty offers live entertainment 

Tuesdays through Sundays in the lounge. 

Visit www.admiralristy.com for a schedule 

of upcoming performances. 

is free and donations are appreciated. 

Visit www.RHUMC.org to view show 

schedules. 

Tom Bellizia. Photo by Kathy 

Berg 


Suzy Zimmerman, Agent 

Insurance Lic#: OF71296 

4010 Palos Verdes Dr N, Suite 

103 

Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 

Bus: 310-377-9531 

www.zimziminsurance.com 

That’s when you can count on 

State Farm®. 

I know life doesn’t come with a schedule. 

That’s why at State Farm you can always 

count on me for whatever you need – 

24/7, 365. 

GET TO A BETTER STATE. 

CALL ME TODAY. 

1101198.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL 

YMCA’s Adventure Guide Program 

To grow and share adventurous experiences with a parent provides special memories 

for children and adults alike. The 

YMCA Adventure Guide program 

launches children on a journey of discovery 

alongside their parents to create a 

bonding experience while they are still 

young. Group activities include games, 

crafts, songs, outdoor pursuits such as 

camping, hiking, ice skating and swimming. 

The goal is to spend quality oneon-one 

time together to set a foundation 

for a positive, lifelong relationship between 

parent and child. The program 

runs from September through June for 

grades K-2 and parents. PEN 

around&about 

Matt and David Burt. Photo by 

David Burt 

NOW 

OPEN 

MATTUCCI 

Plumbing 

Since 1990 • License # 770059, C-36 C-34 C-42 

D E P E N D A B L E • P R O F E S S I O N A L • A F F O R D A B L E 

w w w . m a t t u c c i p l u m b i n g . c o m 

FALL SPECIALS 

$ 9 8 0 

Residential Water Heater 

40 gal. installed! ($1080 - 50 gal. also available) 

Includes hot & cold water supply lines 

Expires October 31, 2017 

FULL SERVICE PLUMBING 

SEWER VIDEO INSPECTION 

ROOTER SERVICE 

COPPER REPIPES 

$ 7 5 

Rooter Service - Main Line 

Must have clean-out access. Some restrictions may apply. 

Expires October 31, 2017 

F R E E 

E S T I M A T E S 

M e n t i o n t h i s a d w h e n 

s e t t i n g u p a p p o i n t m e n t . 

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

q 

HOME & 

GARDEN GUIDE 

Thank You 

For Your 

Vote! 

ON CALL 

24 HOURS 

7 DAYS 

76 Peninsula • October 2017 

2013 

r 

Catalina Paints offers top quality 

q Catalina Paints, formerly known as Supreme Paints, is a destination for top 

quality house paints as well as wallpaper and window coverings. The Manhattan 

Beach location recently started carrying Farrow and Ball paints, and both the Redondo 

Beach and Manhattan locations carry Benjamin Moore, Cabot Stains, 

Hunter Douglas and a whole lot more. Visit Catalinapaint.com for a complete list 

of products and locations 

1002 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach (310) 540-4456 

708 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach (310) 376-2444 

Catalinapaintstores.com 

Custom Design & Construction makes remodeling fun 

q Love your home again and love 

the process too. While making a 

major remodeling change to your 

home is exciting and rewarding, it can 

also seem overwhelming. That’s why 

Custom Design & Construction has created 

a unique process to guide each 

project from idea to reality. They begin 

with a Discovery phase where they explore 

all the options within your budget 

range. The award-winning design 

team works with you to select finish 

materials and fine-tune the design 

plans. Making all the decisions upfront, 

allows them to present an exact 

final price before work begins. That’s 

the benefit of working with a single 

company that provides both design 

and construction, all under one roof. 

Ask about easy, in-house financing. 

(310) 815-4815 

VisitCustomDesign.com 

License # 524561

q 

HOME & 

GARDEN GUIDE 

r 

Freighthouse a design showroom 

q Freighthouse is a design showroom conceived by South Bay designer Sara 

Balough as a resource for fellow designers to buy and sell goods that they need 

for the individual touch their clients require and for clients to trade beautiful things 

that may not work in their newly remodeled home. Freighthouse carries an everchanging 

inventory of gently used designer, high end or antique items. This is Los 

Angeles' go-to place for high quality art, furniture, and accessories at way below 

retail prices. 

2801 Pacific Coast Hwy.,Torrance 

(424) 347-7331 freighthouseconsign.com 

Beautiful pools, spas by Horusicky Construction 

q Beautiful swimming pools, creative spas and artistic masonry work of all sizes 

are offered by Horusicky Construction. Started by Michael Horusicky and now 

run by son Mike Jr. and daughter Andrea, the family has been in business for over 

45 years and is known for its quality work. Offering complete new pool and spa 

construction and remodels, to hardscape, decking, outdoor kitchens, brick and 

stone projects of all sizes as well as the landscaping. Horusicky Construction can 

take care of it all with the experience and expertise that you can trust. Log onto 

Horusicky.com to see their photo gallery and customer comments. Call or email 

to schedule a free estimate. 

(310) 544-9384 info@horusicky.com 

Home & Garden Guide cont. on page 78 

] u 

t 

Highest Quality at a Fair Price 

• Stamping 

• Driveways 

• Pool Decks 

• BBQ/Firepits 

• Patios 

• Stonework 

• Pavers 

• Foundations 

LIABILITY INSURED • WORKERS COMPENSATION 

Casey Lindahl - Founder & President of Lindahl Concrete Construction, Inc. 

310-326-6626 LindahlConcrete.com 

Lic.#531387 

Showroom Available 


q 

HOME & 

GARDEN GUIDE 

r 

Kitchen Collection team creates timeless results 

q Jackie Balint, CKD, has been a designer in the kitchen and bath industry 

since 1981 and is the owner of The Kitchen Collection in Riviera Village in Redondo 

Beach. She and her daughter Debra offer years of expertise in practical 

and personalized kitchens and baths. They work with clients and contractors to 

create timeless projects, utilizing quality products and providing personal attention 

from concept to completion. Jackie and Debra have worked on projects throughout 

the country and have had many of their projects featured in architectural publications. 

The Kitchen Collection is a member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association 

and the Bath & Kitchen Buying Group. Jackie has served on the boards of 

both organizations. 

241 Avenida del Norte, Redondo Beach 

(310) 540-4090 

TheKitchenCollection.com 

1st Windows low prices, high quality 

q Find 24/7 convenience at 1stwindows.com or visit the Signal Hill showroom. 

1st Windows promises the best prices in the South Bay. No games, no commissioned 

salespeople, no high-pressure sales. A volume, repeat-business dealer since 

1995, 1st Windows is known for its straightforward and efficient service as well 

as its quality products, lines and workmanship. 

1858 E. 20th Street, Signal Hill 

(562) 494-9069 

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 

• Serving the South 

Bay for over 35 years 

• Full Service Contractor 

• Complete Installation 

• New Construction 

• Remodeling 

• Second Floors 

• Additions 

• Cabinets 

Visit Our 

Kitchen & 

Bath 

Showroom 

Lindahl Concrete’s work is legendary 

q Lindahl Concrete is the leading concrete and masonry company in the South 

Bay. We value good relationships with our customers and producing high quality 

work. View our work of driveways, pool decks, patios, sidewalks, walkways, 

stairways, barbecues and more on our website. Visit their garden showroom to 

see samples of colors and finishes. Workman’s Comp & General Liability Insured. 

Lic. #531387. Call Casey Lindahl, Founder and President of Lindahl Concrete 

Construction. 

Vinyl Windows 

Replacement and New Construction 

BUY ONLINE 

AND SAVE BIG $$$ 

WWW.1STWINDOWS.COM 

VINYL, ALUMINUM, WOODCLAD 

(310) 326-6626 

lindahlconcrete@aol.com 

lindahlconcrete.com 

Mattucci Plumbing available 24/7 

q At Mattucci Plumbing, the level of service you receive is a guarantee. For 

plumbing repairs and installations in the South Bay and Greater Los Angeles, Mattucci’s 

professional technicians are all about making services and equipment work 

as great as possible. Customer satisfaction is their #1 priority. Call today or book 

an appointment online. Their professional team is available whenever you need 

Lowest Prices Up Front • No Games 

Show Room 562-494-9069 

CONTRACTOR REFERRAL • Fax 562-494-2069 


q 

HOME & 

GARDEN GUIDE 

r 

them and a live person will gladly assist you 24 hours a day. Call today for your 

free estimate. 

(310) 543-2001 mattucciplumbing.com 

Pete Fer Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning 

offers repairs, remodels 

q Pete Fer Plumbing is a complete mechanical contracting company, providing 

plumbing, heating and air conditioning for new construction, remodeling, service 

and repair to commercial and residential customers. They provide 24 hour service, 

seven days a week through an automated emergency dispatch paging system. 

Mention Peninsula People to one of their service technicians and receive $20 off 

your first service call. 

2020 S Mesa St, San Pedro 

(310) 831-0737 

Wholesale Woodfloor Warehouse 

helps you find perfect floor 

q Wholesale Woodfloor Warehouse, a family owned company, offers a huge 

selection of top name brands at the lowest prices anywhere. They help you find 

your perfect floors, deliver and provide installation with the quickest turnaround 

times. 

2217 1/2 Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach 

(424) 383-1260 Floorswww.com 

r 



REAL ESTATE LOANS LOW RATES - FAST CLOSING 

• Jumbo Loan To $10 Million 

• Conventional Loans with only 1% Down (WHY RENT?) 

• FHA up to $636,150 

• 5+ Unit Financing 

• Construction Loans 

• Good Credit/Bad Credit 

MILLENNIUM REAL ESTATE SERVICES 

(BRE: 01275204/MLO: 1153348) 

JACKIE COLLINS, Broker 

800-653-1022 

www.webmortgagefunder.com 

609 Deep Valley Drive, Suite 200, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 

“Mr. Australia” 

New Zealand and Fiji Too! 

Your So. Bay Expert for Amazing, Customized, 

Independent Travel Packages “Down-under.” 

For a conference or appointment: 

Rick Stone, “Mr. Australia” 

310-793-6013 

mraustralia@verizon.net 

www.MrAustralia.net 

Proudly Affiliated with 

Beach Travel, Hermosa Beach 

Classifieds 424-269-2830 

ELECTRICAL 

LYNCH 

ELECTRIC & 

General 

Building 

Contractors 

• Residential 

Troubleshooting 

• Remodel Specialist 

Scott K. Lynch 

P.V. Native 

Licensed & Insured 

Cell 

310-930-9421 

Office & Fax 

310-325-1292 

www.LynchElectric.us 

Lic 701001 

FLOORING 

MUSIC LESSONS 

Vocal Technician 

Piano Teacher 

Vocalist 

Jeannine McDaniel 

Rancho Palos Verdes 

20 year experience 

All Ages 

310-544-0879 

310-292-6341 

Jeannine_mcdaniel2001@yahoo.com 

PLASTERING 

Patch Master 

Plastering 

Patch Plastering 

Interior • Exterior 

• Venetian Plastering 

• Ceiling Removal 

• Drywall Work 

• Acoustic 

Ceiling Removal 

• Water & Fire Restoration 

310-370-5589 

Lic. # 687076 • C35-B1 

POOLS & SPAS 

POOLS • SPAS 

HARDSCAPES 

New Construction 

& Remodeling 

Excellent References 

Horusicky Construction 

310-544-9384 

www.Horusicky.com 

Credit cards accepted 

Lic #309844, Bonded, Insured 

ROOFING 

Classifieds 424-269-2830 

QUIXTAR 

Concrete & Masonry 

Residential & Commercial 

310-534-9970 

G 

CONCRETE 

Lic. #935981 C8 C29 

classifieds 

424-269-2830 

D 

Remodeling 

Design 

Kitchens 

Bathrooms 

Room Additions 

New Construction 

Reserve 

your space in the 

next 

CONSTRUCTION 

Pub Date: Oct 28 

Deadline: 

Oct 13 

Call direct 

s 

(424) 

269-2830 

Charles Clarke 

Local Owner/General Contractor 

Ph: (310) 791-4150 

Cell: (310) 293-9796 

Fax (310) 791-0452 

“Since 1990” Lic. No. 810499 

CONSTRUCTION 

Call us to Discuss the 

ENDLESS POSSIBILITES 

Extreme 

Hillside Specialist 

Foundation Repair Experts 

Grading & Drainage 

Retaining Walls, 

Fences & Decks 

310-212-1234 

www.LambConBuilds.com 

Lic. #906371 

GARAGE DOORS 

HANDYMAN 

Handyman 

Services… 

Fix It Right the 

First Time 

We like small jobs 

/ Free estimates 

What we do… 

Plumbing, 

Electrical, Drywall, 

Painting & more. 

Valente Marin 

310-748-8249 

Unlic. 

PLUMBING 

Thank You South Bay for 

50 Years of Patronage! 

Residential • Commercial • Industrial 

Plumbing 24/7 • Heating 

Air Conditioning 

pfplumbing.net 

800-354-2705 • 310-831-0737 

PLUMBING 

MATTUCCI 

PLUMBING • HEATING • COOLING 

DEPENDABLE • PROFESSIONAL • AFFORDABLE 

FULL SERVICE PLUMBING • COPPER REPIPES 

SEWER VIDEO INSPECTION • HEATING 

DRAIN & SEWER SERVICE • COOLING 

TRENCHLESS SEWER REPLACEMENT 

Tile Reroof and 

repair specialist 

310-847-7663 

Family owned 

business since 1978 

Lic 831351 

ON CALL 

24 HOURS 

7 DAYS 

FREE ESTIMATES 

310.543.2001 

CALIFORNIA 

Lic. #770059 

C-36 C-20 A 

2013

Peninsula People Oct 2017

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?