Peninsula People Magazine Dec 2015

Photo by DavidFairchildStudio.com

Volume XX, Issue 6
December 2015
PENINSULA PEOPLE
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
Photo by David Farichild
(DavidFairchildStudio.com)
Paul and Devon Barrett and
family – St Peter’s by the Sea
new ministers
PROFILES
36
40
46
Rev. Paul and Devon Barrett
by Robb Fulcher
Serving St. Peter’s by the Sea Presbyterian Church
Ben Swanson
by Jennifer Passaro
23 year old inventor of the MicroJib, a portable camera
jib for the adventurous everyday cinematographer.
Herbrandson family
by Esther Kang
Manufacturer of drones for the military.
HIGHLIGHTS
8 PV Woman’s Club Books and Authors
12 Cancer Support Girls Night Out
16 Las Madrecitas
20 Palos Verdes Pastoral
24 Asia America Symphony
28 PV Ballet Nutcracker Fundraiser
32 PVAC Signatures Fashion Show
34 Ticktocker Class of 2016
38 PEF Autumn Harvest
56 Volunteer Center Hicks dedication
60 Special Children's League
62 Celebrate Wellness
DEPARTMENTS
48 Calendar
54 Gift Guide
57 In Remembrance
58 Around & About
65 Service Directory
CONTRIBUTORS
David Fairchild’s photography is frequently seen in Peninsula People
and Beach magazines.
Robb Fulcher is a former Easy Reader news editor
Esther Kang is a freelance writer based in Long Beach
Jennifer Passaro is a freelance writer for Easy Reader publications
STAFF
EDITOR
Kevin Cody
PUBLISHER
Mary Jane Schoenheider
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Richard Budman
DISPLAY SALES
Adrienne Slaughter,
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
Jared Thompson
CONTACT
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 745
Hermosa Beach, CA
90254
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 People is a supplemental
publication of Easy
Reader, 2200 Pacific Cst. Hwy.
#101., PO Box 745, Hermosa Beach,
CA. 90254-0427.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Yearly domestic mail subscriptions
to Peninsula People are $30,
foreign $60 payable in advance.
The entire contents of Peninsula
People are copyrighted 2015 by
Peninsula People, Inc.
4 Peninsula People • December 2015

S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Palos Verdes
Woman’s Club
Books and Authors Luncheon
The fifty-eighth annual Books and
Authors Luncheon was held on
November 11 at Trump National Golf
Club. Six authors presented new publications
of their books during lunch. Guests
were able to meet the authors and purchase
their books and have them autographed.
Proceeds from the event support
local charities.
1
2
PHOTOS BY
MARY JANE SCHOENHEIDER
1. Judith Peters, guest, Judy Willis and Regina
Taylor.
2. Terry Bowen, Beverly Teresinski and Susan
Raymond.
3. Sue Tyre and author Larry Andrews, A
Space Oddity.
4. Mary Sobal.
5. Lindy Miller, Delia Gaseo and Jan Thomas.
6. Jan Philbin and Jan Warner.
7. Eve Boggess and Shirley Denenny Giltzow,
Souls of the Australian Woman.
8. Author Lynn Schubert, The Silence and
Beyond with Mary Beth Muir.
9. Author Debbie Matenopoulos, It’s All Greek
to Me (cookbook).
10. Bernadette Shih and Jim and Sue Prock,
Gnorman the Gnorwegian Gnome (children’s
book).
11. Audrey Dahlgren and Inez Foy.
12. Christopher Lynch, One Eyed Jack, with
Annett King.
3 4 5
6 7
8
13. Nancy Guenther and Nadra Dahdah. 9 10
11
12 13
8 Peninsula People • December 2015

2015’S SUCCESSFUL TRANSACTIONS
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
3300 Palos Verdes Dr. W
$10,800,000
www.3300palosverdesdrwest.com
Wonderful 6 Bedroom
Home in Monte Malaga
$3,248,000
www.1504viamarguritaPVE.com
8 Ringbit Rd. E
$2,999,000
www.8ringbitRoad.com
717 Via Bandini
$2,299,000
www.717Viabandini.com
“Pocket Listing”
$3,299,000
Call for details

PALOS VERDES’ FINEST HOMES & ESTATES FOR OVER 30 YEARS!
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR TRUST
AND SUPPORT.
WISHING YOU A
PEACEFUL AND
JOYFUL HOLIDAY
SEASON!

S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Girls Night Out
Raises more than
$150,000 for Cancer
Support
Cancer Support Community-
Redondo Beach (CSC-RB)
held the 13th annual Girls Night
Out “fun-raiser” at The Comedy
& Magic Club on October 6-8 to
increase awareness of women’s
cancers and celebrate survivorship
with an evening of laughter
and fun. The three night event –
just for ladies – was a rousing
success resulting in net proceeds
of more than $150,000
which will be directed to free
support programs for cancer
patients and their loved ones.
Six hundred ladies attended the
sold-out event over the three
nights. The event featured a festive
“Rock Your Pink” theme,
and attendees donned their fanciest
pink attire to commemorate
the women in their lives
who have been touched by cancer.
Included in the program,
were inspirational speakers who
shared their stories of cancer
survivorship each evening.
Guest speaker Deb Patrick lost
her husband to esophageal cancer
while simultaneously dealing
with the breast cancer diagnosis
of both her stepmother
and sister. Shortly after, she
faced her own battle with breast
cancer. Other speakers included
breast cancer survivor Lynde
Hartman and cervical cancer
survivor Sara Krish who was
diagnosed at age 29. The event
also included updates on hospital
breast cancer programs from
Dr. Patricia Sacks, CSC-RB
board member and Director of
the Breast Diagnostic Center at
Torrance Memorial Medical
Center and Mary Ann Green,
Director of Specialty Services at
Providence Little Company of
Mary Medical Center in
Torrance. The evening boasted
an impressive lineup of comedians
and kicked off with a silent
auction followed by dinner and
an exciting live auction.For
more information about Cancer
Support Community’s freeeducational
and support programs
for cancer patients and their
loved ones call 310- 376-3550 or
visit www.cancersupportredondobeach.org.
1. Virginia Bleier,
Mary Graff and
Paula Moore,
CSCRB Director of
Development.
2. Nancy Franklin,
Chief Marketing
and
Communications
Officer, Southern
CA Region-
Providence Little
Company of Mary,
Suzi Gulcher, Mary
Ann Green,
Director of
Specialty Services-
Providence Little
Company of Mary
Medical Center-
Torrance.
3. Paula Moore
(CSCRB Director
of Development),
Charlotte
Ginsburg, event
sponsor and Vicki
Mack.
4. Christine
Winkler PhD,
CSCRB Group
Facilitator, L.J.
Stogsdill, CSCRB
board member and
Adrian Short.
5. Nancy Forman,
Judith Opdahl,
CSCRB Executive
Director/CEO,
Theresa Plakos,
CSCRB
PR/Outreach
Manager and Pearl
Kaperl,
6. Ruth
Schriebma,CSCRB
Group Facilitator,
Gerry Belleville,
Alice Graham, in
front, Carolyn
Kammerer and
Virginia Renfro.
7. Jeralyn Glass,
Jamie Born, Jacky
Glass, event sponsor,
Maureen
Takahashi and
Joanna James.
8. Jasna
Penich,Executive
Vice President,
CFO Malaga Bank
presents Judith
Opdahl CSCRB
Executive
Director/CEO with
a check from a
Malaga Bank
fundraiser.
9. Meagan
Westergaard, Carol
McFarland, Janet
Westergaard and
Sophie Rietdyk.
1
2 3
4 5
6
7 8
9
12 Peninsula People • December 2015

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December 2015 • Peninsula People 13

S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Las Madrecitas
Annual Fall Fundraiser
The Las Madrecitas Fall Fundraiser was
held on Friday, November 13 at the
Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos
Verdes and raised funds for the
Orthopaedic Institute for Children to provide
outstanding care to children in need
with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
Among the event’s honored guests
was OIC patient Bibiana Mashamba, a
young girl from Tanzania who was treated
from a traumatic attack in her home country
in which she lost her leg and several
fingers, but now is on the road to recovery
thanks to her treatment by top surgeons
and professionals at OIC. Las Madrecitas
promotes the welfare of children like
Bibiana through its support of the
Charitable Children’s Guild of
Orthopaedic Institute for Children with
fundraising and volunteer work at OIC.
1
3 4
2
1. Lilo Babros, Tom Vanek and Diane Vanek.
2. Katie Cromer, Mary Beth Perrine and Dr.
Jennifer Beck.
3. Traci Mihm, Kerbanu Pudumjee, Alex Davis
and Anette Aguirre.
4. Dodgers Alumni Dennis Powell, Jean Zwarg,
Dr. Anthony Scaduto, Michael Sullivan and Mary
Beth Perrine.
5. Emily Levin, Addie Brannan, Mia Gioiello
and Catie Mihm.
6. Teresa Ryan, Becca Davis and Juliet Babros.
7. Mariah Watts and Ceci Watts.
8. Timothy Lekavich and Wendy Surfas-
Lekavich.
9. Nancy Gerich and Sophia Suhr, Fall
Fundraiser Event Chairs.
10. Dr. Jeff Bogosian, Claire Bogosian, Audrey
Bogosian and Joan Yazejian.
5
7
6
8
9 10
16 Peninsula People • December 2015

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S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Palos Verdes
Peninsula Land
Conservancy
Pastoral Garden-to-Table
Dining Event
Two-hundred lucky guests enjoyed a
beautiful autumn evening featuring an
exclusive local and sustainable four course
menu, wine, and signature natural cocktail
served outside, surrounded by nature to
benefit the Land Conservancy. Terri A.
Haack, President of Terranea Resort and a
member of the Conservancy’s President’s
Advisory Council was delighted for
Terranea to host this special evening. The
event highlighted the Conservancy’s
native habitat restoration to preserve the
Peninsula’s natural landscape. Major partners
of the annual benefit event are
Terranea Resort and Whole Foods Market
Torrance.
1. From left, PVPLC
President Bill Swank,
Pastoral Co-Chair
Diana Heffernan-
Schrader, Sponsor
William Hadley,
Jacqueline Glass and
Diane and Jim Staes,
Janet Grothe, Artist
Dan Dempster and
Alice Wong.
2. Sponsor Harlyne
Norris and guest
Webb Caster.
1
3. Terranea’s
Executive Chef
Bernard Ibarra and
Gaye Vancans,
Community Relations
4. Guests Anne and
Jack Boyt, Trudy Park
and John Boyt.
5. Guests Michele
and Kelvin Vanderlip.
6. Benefactor Becky
Cool (second from
left) with guests from
left, Denise and Will
Appell, Kathy Wilson,
Donita Smith, Phillis
and Richard Benner,
and Kathy Wilson.
7. Wine sponsors
from left, Dimitri and
Leah Bizoumis and
Shahpar and Darioush
Khaledi.
8. PVPLC Founder
and Board member
Bill Ailor and Barbara
Ailor.
9. William Hadley and
2
RPV City Councilman
Jerry Duhovic.
10. Sponsor Twila
Miller, Lisa Pollinger,
Deborah Price, Mike
and Becky Alfassa.
11. Pastoral Co-
Chairs and sponsors
Diana Heffernan-
Schrader and Sharon
Ryan
12. Sponsors Greg
Gawlik and Patty
Woods Gawlik.
3
4 5
6
7 8
9
10 11
12
20 Peninsula People • December 2015

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December 2015 • Peninsula People 21

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3662 Greve Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes
5 Bedrooms । 3 Bathrooms । 2500 Sq.ft.
SOLD BY JERRY & LAURA $1,195,000
16 Silver Saddle Lane, Rolling Hills Estates
3 Bedrooms । 2 Bathrooms । 2200 Sq.ft.
SOLD BY JERRY & LAURA $1,570,000
JERRYANDLAURA.COM
Over 600 Homes Sold and Counting
Who You Work With MATTERS
(310) 480-3601
2073 Trudie Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes
3 Bedrooms । 2 Bathrooms । 1500 Sq.ft.
SOLD BY JERRY & LAURA $788,000
2612 Colt Road, Rancho Palos Verdes
4 Bedrooms । 3 Bathrooms । 2275 Sq.ft.
SOLD BY JERRY & LAURA $1,200,000

17-24_Layout 1 12/15/15 4:09 PM Page 23
2445 Rue Le Charlene, Rancho Palos Verdes
5 Bedrooms । 3 Bathrooms । 2792 Sq.ft.
OFFERED BY JERRY & LAURA $1,399,000
3512 Newridge Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes
4 Bedrooms । 4 Bathrooms । 2912 Sq.ft.
OFFERED BY JERRY & LAURA $1,599,00
JERRYANDLAURA.COM
Over 600 Homes Sold and Counting
Who You Work With MATTERS
(310) 480-3601
7212 Berry Hill Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes
4 Bedrooms । 3 Bathrooms । 3095 Sq.ft.
OFFERED BY JERRY & LAURA $1,899,000
1518 W. 15th St., San Pedro
5 Bedrooms । 5 Bathrooms । 4000 sq.ft.
OFFERED BY JERRY & LAURA $1,699,000

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S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Benoit performance benefits
Asia America Symphony
Aperformance by jazz pianist and Asia America Symphony director
David Benoit, backed by an all-star jazz band was held at the Palos
Verdes Golf Club last month. The performance was preceded by an
awards dinner for the 6th Annual Asia America Symphony Tennis
Tournament. Performing with Benoit was drummer Clayton Cameron,
who has played with Sammy Davis Jr. and Tony Bennett and was also
Benoit’s doubles tennis partner in the tournament. The two won the doubles
division. They were joined by guitarist and USC Thornton School of
Music professor Pat Kelley and singer Courtney Fortune, whose performances
have included shows with “A Prairie Home Companion’s”
Garrison Keillor. Also sitting in were Asia America Youth Symphony bass
player Colton Russell and drummer Connie Aquas. Proceeds from the
evening benefited the symphony’s youth symphony. For more information,
call (310) 377-8977, or visit aasymphony.org
1. Jennifer Siegal, Merlin
David, Karla Boisvert, David
Benoit, Roselle Paskus, Tess
Puglies and Shari Sunada.
2. Los Angeles County
Supervisorial candidate Steve
Napolitano with David Benoit
and Ted Tokio Tanaka
3. Asia America Symphony
president Randall Tamura
4. Brian and Kathy Huben.
5. Mary Jane Schoenheider,
Rebekah Kim and Carolyn Elliott.
6. David Benoit performs with
singer Courtney Fortune.
7. AAYS bass player Colton
Russell, David Benoit, Pat Kelley
AAYS drummer Connie Aquas,
Courtney Forntune and Clayton
Cameron.
1
2
3 4 5
6
7
24 Peninsula People • December 2015

Palos Verdes Estates
DRAMATIC..... RUSTIC CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
• Located in the Trees just across from the 15th green of
Palos Verdes golf Club
• A Spacious, Open & Airy 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bath with Family Room
• 3,200+ Square Feet of Private & Comfortable living
OFFERED AT $1,987,000
3025 PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH, PALOS VERDES ESTATES
KYLE DANIELS
310.483.3998
BRE# 01843670
www.KyleDanielsRealEstate.com
DAN ERICSON
310.374.2100
BRE# 00426156
www.EricsonBeach.com
Happy
Holidays!
December 2015 • Peninsula People 25

WALLACE
OCEANFRONT RANCH
ESTATE
paseo de la luz
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
5 Grand Bedrooms Suites, 8 Bathrooms, 7,925 sq ft Home,
27,119 sq ft Lot
This Magnificent Ocean Front Estate offers Luxury Living with
Stunning Ocean & Sunset Views
Custom Designed with Elevator, Home Theater, Gym,
Entertainer’s Backyard & Many Superb Building Features
OFFERED AT $6,300,000
www.55PaseoDeLaLuz.com
IN ESCROW
$200,000
Price Reduction
BEAUTIFULLY
REMODELED
COUNTRY LANE
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, 4,173 sq ft Home, 16,090 sq ft Lot
Great Ocean & Sunset Views. Large Master Suite. 4 Fireplaces
Sparkling Pool & Spa. Gated Community with Great Amenities.
OFFERED AT $2,288,000
www.39CountryLane.com
Via Somonte
PALOS VERDES ESTATES
Spectacular Coastline and Queen’s Necklace View in Malaga Cove
Bring your Architect/Contractor for Major Remodeling or Rebuild
3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 2,365 sq ft Home on 8,102 sq ft Lot
OFFERED AT $1,980,000
www.797ViaSomonte.com
Crestridge Road
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 4,300+ sq ft Home, 1/2+ acre Lot
Panoramic Los Angeles Basin City Light and Mountain Views
Entertainers’ Delight both Inside and Out in a Lovely Secluded Setting.
OFFERED AT $1,899,000
www.28951Crestridge.com
#1 Real Estate Team, RE/MAX Estate Properties YTD September 2015
Stephen Haw
何 精 益
310.503.9886
Skh8828@gmail.com
Kim Hall
Serving the South Bay
310.721.7526
KimHallHomes@gmail.com
Cristina Go
Short Sale Specialist
310.971.0404
gocristinago@gmail.com
Lauren Yoon
로렌 윤
310.619.4989
laurenyoon17@gmail.com

SHOWCASE
HOUSE
EXCEPTIONAL
DESIGN
crest roaD
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
5 Bedrooms, 6.5 Bathrooms, 8,533 sq ft Home, Guest House
PANORAMIC VIEW of Queen's Necklace & Downtown LA
Architectural Masterpiece, Luxury Features, Beautiful Landscape
OFFERED AT upon request
www.LuxuryPVhome.com
Via Valdez
PALOS VERDES ESTATES
4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 3,684 sq ft Home, 8,229 sq ft Lot
Exceptionally Designed Home, View from Catalina to Santa Monica
Gourmet Kitchen, Dry Sauna, Steam Room, Elegant Living Space
OFFERED AT $3,980,000
PRICE
REDUCTION
LAST LOT
IN AREA
NEWER
BUILT IN 2004
Covered wagon Lane
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
Gated Estate with 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms
4,048 sq ft Home, 15,719 sq ft Lot
Large Entertainment Room, Cul-de-Sac
OFFERED AT $1,899,000
www.30CoveredWagon.com
alta vista
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
19,907 sq ft Mostly Flat Lot with 112 feet Frontage
Catalina & Ocean View. Prestigious Neighborhood
Near Los Verdes Golf Course, Park, Shops & Ocean
OFFERED AT $1,599,000
17th street
san pedro
5 Bdrm, 3 Bath, 2 Powder Rm, 3,200 sq ft Home, 5,010 sq ft Lot
Vista Del Oro Neighborhood, Huge In-Law Suite Downstairs
Balcony with Lovely Ocean & Harbor Views
OFFERED AT $699,900
Local Experts with International Connections to get YOUR Properties SOLD
Natsuko Fujii
藤 井 奈 都 子
310.941.2468
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Alicia Sialana
Real Estate Specialist
310.720.4852
aliciasialana@gmail.com
Dede Hsu
郝 蒂 蒂
310.722.9222
dedehsu@gmail.com
Rod Yoon
롸드 윤
213.663.8888
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S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Palos Verdes Ballet
35th anniversary Nutcracker
Fundraiser Dinner
Palos Verdes Ballet celebrated its 35th
anniversary of the Nutcracker
Fundraiser at Ports O’ Call restaurant. The
dinner was festive and so were all the elegant
dancers. The hors d’oeuvres, dinner
and dessert were very tasty and the guests
certainly enjoyed the highlight of the
event, the Palos Verdes Ballet students performing
excerpts from ‘The Nutcracker’
under the direction of the Director, Ms.
Uta Graf-Apostpol. This season’s performances
take place at the Norris Theatre on
Dec 19 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 1 and 5
p.m.
1
1. In the center, Karen Nakagawa as Sugar
Plum Fairy and on the bottom Kate Inoue
reprising her role as Sugar Plum Fairy and
beautiful cast of Waltz of the Flowers.
1. Samantha Liu as role of Maid in the Party
Scene and younger students happily playing the
roles of Marie, Fritz, Party Girls and Boys.
3. From the left, Rebecca Halpern, Mariana
Martinez, Rena Koyama and Samantha Liu.
Talented students of Palos Verdes Ballet enjoying
the quality time with each other at the
Fundraiser Dinner.
4. Dr. Linda Govel who decorated beautiful
center pieces for the tables and raffles at the
Fundraiser Dinner and Mrs. Sachi Koyama, the
Chairperson of the Fundraiser Dinner.
5. Saerom Lee ballet instructor of Palos Verdes
Ballet, William Steinleitner, Mr. & Mrs. Frank
Brown and the Board members John P. Apostol
and Mrs. Erica H. Ferro.
2
3
4 5
28 Peninsula People • December 2015

Tennis Estate in PVE. Built in 2005, this gated home features stunning views, over
6250 square feet, 5 bedrooms + office, wine cellar, pool, spa and more. $5,250,000
Chris Adlam
310.493.7216
www.chrisadlam.com
Five acre estate in Rolling Hills. This 6 bedroom, 7260 square foot home has
panoramic city lights and coastline views and features the quintessential
indoor/outdoor lifestyle. $6,500,000

Palos Verdes Estates 5 bedroom home. Over 3,000 square feet of large, open living spaces and beautiful
ocean views. Great backyard with pool and patios. $1,899,000
Chris Adlam
310.493.7216
www.chrisadlam.com
Lower Lunada Bay 4 bedroom home with almost 4,000 square feet, pool, pool house and
ocean views. Flexible floor plan in great Palos Verdes Estates location. $2,499,000

Lower Lunada Bay 5 bedroom home with over 4100 square feet, gorgeous ocean views, large
flat, grassy backyard, and a charming courtyard entrance. $2,795,000
Chris Adlam
310.493.7216
www.chrisadlam.com
Built in 1928, this old Spanish has over 2400 square feet, 3 bedrooms, large outdoor/al fresco
entertaining spaces and loads of old world charm inside and out. $2,350,000

S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Signatures Fashion Show
This year’s Winter Wonderland runway show,
champagne luncheon and boutique at the Atrium
of the Palos Verdes Art Center showcased original
designer fashions by the members commented by
Gabrielle, the mentor for the women who created and
modeled their designs. “Works of art are usually
signed - thus, we call our shows Signatures. Some
artists integrate their signature in the design, others
sign the garment itself and others use a label. This was
our 49th runway show which I call an ‘in-action’ exhibition
of wearable art! Just as paintings are displayed
on a wall, sculpture on a pedestal, wearable art is displayed
on a model. It’s like a walking canvas.”
32 Peninsula People • December 2015

December 2015 • Peninsula People 33

S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Back row, standing, left to right: Jordan Karpin, Kristen DiBernardo, Kara Yasunaga, Elena Ueda, Madelynn Maloney, Jennifer Capeloto, Gabrielle Allen, Emily
Ellis, Alissa Beall, Elizabeth Berry, Christina Eldredge, Lauren Bourgeois. Kneeling, left to right: Cameron Leach, Abigail Watson, Annie Graziano, Eva Enriquez,
McKenzie Will, McKenzie Haworth, Annaliese Wargin. Seated, left to right: Madison Denver, McKenna Goldstein, Caillie Horner, Celine Horner, Leonora
Meroth, Leslie Vilicich, Sydney Pascal. Not pictured: Cameron Coffe
Ticktocker Class of 2016
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHY
National Charity League, Inc., Palos Verdes Chapter is proud to introduce the Senior Class of 2016 pictured in front of the Point
Vicente Lighthouse. This group will be graduating in the Spring from Palos Verdes High School and Palos Verdes Peninsula High
School. Together, this group of young women has worked 7,350 hours for local philanthropies, including Peace4Kids, Toberman
Neighborhood Center, Heal the Bay, L.A. Food Bank, Boys & Girls Club of LA and Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. They will
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34 Peninsula People • December 2015

December 2015 • Peninsula People 35

P E N I N S U L A P E O P L E | M I N I S T R I E S
Dr. Devon Singh-Barrett and Pastor Paul Barrett.
Photo by David Fairchild (DavidFarichildStudio.com)
Out into the world
St. Peter’s is the right fit
for a community-minded
pastor and his family
by Robb Fulcher
Pastor Paul Barrett and his wife Dr.
Devon Singh-Barrett have found a
“wonderful” church and community –
and steady doses of sunshine – in their move
from the Pacific Northwest to Palos Verdes.
The couple and their two children came
south so that Paul could serve as senior pastor
of St. Peter’s by the Sea Presbyterian
Church, while Devon will continue her private
practice as a clinical psychologist.
Barrett was happily serving as co-pastor of
a Presbyterian church in the Seattle area
when he felt led to make a characteristically
unconventional move, announcing that it
was time to leave his ministry.
“I felt a profound sense – and my wife did
too – that God wanted something new for us,
that if we kept doing something comfortable
we would miss the chance to do what God
really wanted us to do, and the church would
miss the chance for something new as well,”
he said.
“I sensed that it was time to leave, and I
announced that I was leaving before I had
anywhere to go. It was good, and hard, and
sad, and wonderful, and complex,” he said.
St. Peter’s did not initially appear to be an
option, although Barrett had reached out to
the Rancho Palos Verdes church some time
before.
“I ended up talking to the search committee,
but I hadn’t heard anything, and I just
forgot about them. Within a day or two [of
his announcement] the phone rang, and they
said hey, can we have a preliminary conversation?”
What followed was five months of Paul
checking out St. Peter’s, and St. Peter’s
checking out Paul, through Skype interviews,
non-Skype phone calls and in-person interviews
with search committee members in
Seattle and Palos Verdes.
Meanwhile, Singh-Barrett had her doubts
about the Southern California she knew only
from a distance.
“I had never heard of Palos Verdes. I grew
up in the Central [San Joaquin] Valley, and
36 Peninsula People • December 2015

when I heard he wanted to check out a church in the LA area I said,
‘No way, I don’t want to raise my kids there,’” she recalled.
“We were in Southern California, and he said well, let’s just do a
drive-through. When we got to the top of Hawthorne, coming down
toward Palos Verdes Drive West – and you can see the ocean and that
whole side – I said, ‘Paul, this is amazing.’”
There were other candidates for the pastoral position as well, but
at the end of the process, Barrett and the church realized they had a
match.
“We fell upon each other, and found this great fit,” Barrett said.
That was 20 months ago, and Barrett – a community-minded pastor
whose sermons are known for their passion, authenticity, and
connections from Biblical truths to current life situations – has settled
in well.
“This is a dynamic community at St. Peter’s, and they’ve generously
welcomed us and our family,” he said.
“We’ve set some solid ground, established deep bonds of trust,
established a sense of knowing and being known, and are making
intentional efforts to build relationships with our community,”
Barrett said. “Moving into this next season there’s lots of excitement.
We are in the same boat, ready to move in same direction together.”
Normal in Vegas
Barrett grew up in Nevada, the son of a firefighter and registered
nurse.
“I had a normal childhood in Las Vegas, if people can believe that,”
he said with a laugh.
“I didn’t come from a family with pastors. My family wasn’t necessarily
very churched,” Barrett said.
He was exposed to the Presbyterian Church when he was in fourth
grade, and a friend invited him to a weeklong summer camp.
Barrett was taken with the church’s offerings for young kids and
teenagers, including abundant opportunities for education, service,
worship and community.
Singh-Barrett was raised by a schoolteacher mother, and a father
who became a Presbyterian pastor, and later a psychologist. Her
father died in a car accident when Devon was 8 years old, and the
family moved from Camarillo to Visalia.
“I was raised in the Reformed Protestant tradition. It’s part of what
I live and breathe,” she said. “When I was in high school I prayed,
God please let me meet a nice guy, and please make sure he’s
Presbyterian.”
Into the woods
The two met when they were working summers at a youth-andfamily
oriented camping ministry in Yosemite, where 400 to 600 people
would flock from around California and Nevada each week of
the camping season.
Barrett began doing housecleaning and the like, and wound up
running the youth and family camping programs, relishing a calling
to work with teens and their families.
He began hearing from other pastors, “‘When are you going to
seminary, Paul?’
“A sense of a calling kind of arose from people around me assuming,
or saying I should be, going to seminary,” he recalled.
Along the way, Paul and Devon became friends, then started dating.
Singh-Barrett went north to pursue a master’s degree at Seattle
University in Seattle, and Barrett followed, to run a youth ministry
and live near Devon, and continue dating.
“We had never lived in the same city,” he said. “We were engaged,
and married later that year.”
When Singh finished her master’s program, the couple moved to
New Jersey so that Barrett could attend Princeton Theological
Seminary and Singh, now Singh-Barrett, could become an academic
Considering A Major Remodeling Project?
Barretts cont. on page 64
December 2015 • Peninsula People 37

S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Peninsula Education
Foundation
Autumn Harvest
Peninsula Education Foundation’s annual
Autumn Harvest donor appreciation
event on November 19 was a food and
wine tasting enjoyed by all. Most importantly,
it was a chance to honor 29
PVPUSD teachers awarded Chuck Miller
grants totaling $35,000 for projects and
supplies that will invigorate classroom
learning. Trump National Golf Club generously
hosted restaurants and vendors
that provided delicious samplings of their
cuisine and libations. Thank you to
Avenue Italy, Bettolino Kitchen, Boisset
Collection Wines, Café Pacific at Trump,
The Depot, Doma Kitchen, Good Stuff,
H.T. Grill, Hey 19 Public House, Inka
Wasi, Locale 90, Misto Caffe, Ortega 120,
Red Car Brewery, Riviera Mexican Grill,
Sumo Salad, Sweet Creations Bakery and
Yellow Vase for their participation.
Chuck Miller Teacher Grants are made
possible by a generous annual donation
from Chuck and Betsy Miller. Additional
support is provided by AXA Advisors and
PEF annual campaign donors.
1
3 4
2
1. Tory Todaro, Betsy
Miller, PEF President
Roma Mistry, Chuck
Miller, and Sameer
Mistry.
2. PVPUSD Board of
Education Vice-
President Malcolm
Sharp, his wife Wayne
Sharp, and PVPUSD
Board of Education
President Larry
Vanden Bos.
3. Rancho del Mar
principal Rosemary
Humphrey, Jacqueline
Glass, and Palos
Verdes High School
principal Charles Park.
4. Peninsula High
School principal Mitzi
Cress, Bruce
Megowan, Maureen
Megowan, PVPUSD
Board of Education
member-elect
Suzanne Seymour,
and Sandra Frasso.
5. Scott Leonard,
PEF Trustee Michele
Feller, Alyson Rener,
PEF Trustee Matthew
Rener, PEF Trustee
Shari Shigenaga,
Robert Feller, Mandy
Leonard, and Silver
Spur Elementary principal
Marta Jevenois-
Richardson.
6. Teachers were
presented Chuck
Miller Grants at the
reception. A total of
33 grants were
awarded to 29 teachers
for classroom
projects and supplies.
7. PEF Trustee Tara
Shao, Andrew Shao,
and Janet Louie.
8. Dian Kang, Lydia
Ho, teacher grant
awardee Paul
Woodward, Susan
Campbell, and PEF
trustee Jill Surace.
5
6
7
8
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December 2015 • Peninsula People 39

P E N I N S U L A P E O P L E | I N N O V A T I O N
Ben Swanson visits Rene Vela's video production class at
Palos Verdes High School in November. Photo by Rene
Vela
MicroJib man gave GoPro a cinematic lift
How local inventor Ben Swanson
by Jennifer Passaro
In the mechanics of an old-fashioned eggbeater
Ben Swanson found what he needed
to gear his videography. At 23,
Swanson, a Rancho Palos Verdes native, is
the creator of MicroJib, a portable camera jib
for the adventurous everyday cinematographer.
The MicroJib is, as its website touts, a
GoPro Pole, reinvented. It can film 360
degree pan and tilt with a single adjustment.
A rotating handle at the base of the pole controls
the camera’s angle.
“The internal mechanism – what makes
the magic work – is a bevel gear. It is not a
common gear to come upon. An old fashioned
eggbeater was a starting place,”
Swanson said in an interview this week.
The initial inspiration for the MicroJib
came from the more traditional professional
camera jib that can angle down or up at a
subject.
“I thought it would be cool to make a smaller,
more portable jib and make it available to
GoPro users,” Swanson said. “I went to a
thrift store, for inspiration, to see what kind
of devices are out there. I found an old fashioned
eggbeater. I didn’t even know what a
bevel gear was at the time. I just knew what
I needed it to do. I went to Home Depot and
got some PVC pipe, a metal dowel, a lot of
glue and tape, and PVC pipe fittings. I kept
prototyping at my house for another year. I
filed a patent. I contacted China.”
Growing up beneath the cool sweep of the
Palos Verdes hills and within a steep scramble
to the beach, Swanson knew cinematic
beauty in his bones. Growing up with RPVtv
news anchor mom Liz Swanson, he knew
cinematic practicality and editing as well.
“I wanted him to hire an engineer,” Liz
Swanson remembered. “But [Ben] is a young
entrepreneur…he figured it out himself. I
wanted him to hire an attorney to write the
patent. But that costs $6,000. [Ben] was like,
‘Nope.’ He bought a book for $100 and figured
it out…to me that’s pretty cool.”
Swanson took four years of video classes at
40 Peninsula People • December 2015

Palos Verdes High School with teacher Rene Vela. He used that
knowledge to shoot weddings, edit videos, and work for a snowboard
magazine while studying business management at University
of Colorado, Denver.
“Students start with learning the basics: wide, medium, tight.
Then, we move to storytelling,” Vela said. “This is the hard part.
Shooting and editing isn’t that difficult. It’s creating a story that most
students find challenging.”
In late November Swanson returned to Vela’s classroom to speak
with the students and donate three MicroJibs to the video classes.
“Ben came in, spoke to my students, and left them inspired,” Vela
said. “He mentioned, over and over, he didn’t take video production
classes in college. His video production experience came from Palos
Verdes High School and my classes. And, obviously, way after high
school, he’s still doing video. That’s wonderful. I’m very proud to
think I might have had a small part in his success.”
“Ben Swanson has been making videos since he filmed his brother’s
first bath, in like ’98,” Liz Swanson said. “[Ben] was six. I have
Alex in the sink in my bathroom. [Ben] is shooting it at like two feet
tall. He was always picking up the camera.”
When Ben was in junior high Liz got a phone call from a teacher
one afternoon.
“The teacher said, ‘I don’t know if you know this, but your son is
selling DVDs on campus. He’s made like $200 dollars. He can’t do
that, it’s against the rules, but I want one.’ The video was called
skaterpalooza. I think the teacher did by one,” Liz said.
Swanson’s dad, Don, remembers Ben inventing, even as a kid.
“He definitely tinkered with lots of things. He tried to take apart a
Nintendo 64 and put it inside its own special case…a whole portable
system. It took a long time and he failed in the end but he tried,”
Don said.
As a high school student Swanson shot LA Kings hockey games,
interned at RPVtv, and, like most kids, filmed his friends outdoors.
“When I was living in Palos Verdes we always made mountain biking
videos, boogie boarding videos, we went up to the mountain on
the weekends and made snowboarding videos,” Swanson said.
But something was missing in that filming process. The scope, the
angle, the human-like eye of the camera. Swanson wanted to change
the shape of the gap between an artist and their lens. He wanted a
tool that was more apt at sweeping into and out of the human story.
In his junior year of college, in the advent of GoPro popularity in
the snowboarding and mountain culture of Colorado, Swanson came
up with the idea of the MicroJib.
The MicroJib combines a tripod, camera jib, and selfie pole, but it
is made for people who want to explore.
“A real camera jib has to have a tripod and a counter weight. I
wanted a small convenient package that can deliver big results. [The
MicroJib] is a multifunctional tool – all in this really easy to transport
package,” Swanson said.
The differentials for the gears, the concept that came to Swanson
in the form of an eggbeater, allows for the smoothness of the pan and
tilt.
Swanson, by the way, didn’t use the eggbeater to make scrambled
eggs. He doesn’t even use a frying pan.
“I microwave my eggs. That’s the only way to eat them…so fluffy,”
Swanson said. “A minute and 45 seconds on an old rickety
microwave. Salt and pepper after, no add-ons.
Simple, to the point. Much like the MicorJib itself.
“There are two types of users: people like me who want to make a
more professional video, who want to change the angle of their camera
quickly, rather than having it straight mounted on a stick. Then
there are people who are traveling or exploring… They can adjust the
camera in such a way to capture exactly what they want to see,”
Swanson said.
One tutorial opens afoot a skateboard, leaves licking the wheels.
MicroJib cont. on page 64
December 2015 • Peninsula People 41

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December 2015 • Peninsula People 43

P E N
D I N I N G
The Arthur J owner Mike Simms with a portrait
of his grandfather Arthur J. Simms.
Photo by Brad Jacobson
A steak in the
by Richard Foss
Eating steaks has been a symbol of affluence
for hundreds of years and not just
on this side of the Atlantic. Beefsteak
clubs were established in London as early as
1705. Wealthy members dined on steaks,
baked potatoes, wine and beer, a menu that
would delight their counterparts today. It was
such a national trait that the guards at the
Tower of London were nicknamed beefeaters
and a French slang word for Englishmen was
“rosbif.”
Still, the place we associate with big steaks
is the USA and the era is not the 1750s but
the 1950s. It was an era of cool music, strong
cocktails, big steaks, and big dreams. Even
people who weren’t born yet can get nostalgic
for the era of optimism and opulence.
The place to do that today is The Arthur J.
It’s mid-century visually and the kitchen
serves up dishes in that spirit, but made
attractive to a contemporary palate.
The restaurant is an homage by the Simms
brothers to their late grandfather Arthur J.
Simms, who was a restaurateur and whose
portrait hangs by the front podium. The
grandfather is also oddly but touchingly
remembered with a pair of battered golf
shoes by the front door.
Executive chef David LeFevre taps into
nostalgic and historic veins both with what is
served and how it’s presented. Some very
modern items are served in the blue-flowered
Corningware baking dishes that were in
every kitchen when Eisenhower was president.
These and other touches show a genuine
affection for what’s going on here.
The menu is heavy on steaks, naturally, but
Executive chef David LeFevre brings 1950s era of
steaks and cocktails to downtown Manhattan Beach
there is much more here. I have visited The
Arthur J twice — once with someone who is
a connoisseur of cow, the second time with
someone who hadn’t eaten beef for decades
and both visits were successful. Both times
we were served by a cheerful pro named
Rachel who was an excellent guide to the
subtleties of the menu.
The starters are mostly classics. We tried
an emmental popover, split pea soup,
Hamachi tartare and a grilled Treviso salad.
The popover and soup were on different visits,
but I wish I had ordered them together
because they would complement each other
well. The very light, savory roll with funky
cheese filling would have been great with the
soup, which had a slight peppery tang and
extra flavor from rye croutons and the
chunks of Virginia ham. A note to those who
haven’t had it before: Virginia ham is saltier
and chewier than most other hams, so adjust
your expectations when you bite into one of
those nuggets of meat in the soup. Including
it in this soup adds a rare flavor of Colonial
America in a California beach town. The
only modern element was the garnish of
smoked chicharrones, which added a rich
crunch to the mix.
The flavor of the Hamachi was another
coast and another century; marinated
chopped yellowtail with micro-greens, tomato,
radish slices, cucumber, Thai chili, peaches,
and peanuts. A puffed rice chip with
sesame on the side adds an additional texture,
if one is needed. Those items don’t
sound like they should work together but
they do. There’s a slightly different balance
in every bite.
We wavered between a classic Caesar and
Mid-Century spirit
the Treviso salad, but decided on the latter
because we were intrigued by the combination
of bitter lettuce with ricotta cheese, mission
figs and pine nuts with a sherry vinaigrette.
It was interesting but not entirely successful.
Our server had mentioned that the
Treviso had been marinated and seared, both
of which usually diminish the bitterness of
this heirloom lettuce variety, but it still had a
rather sharp flavor in bites that didn’t
include the cheese. Using the velvety, aged
ricotta rather than the usual parmesan was
an inspired move, but I would have preferred
more of it, and that it be cut in smaller pieces
so it was spread through the dish more evenly.
The idea of bitter radicchio with figs and
cheese was excellent, but at least that day the
balance was a bit off.
Unusual variations on classic cocktails are
offered, under inexplicable names. A sidecar
is renamed “Gromit’s whip,” a blood and
sand “Ultimate Degradation.” The fact that
they have any variation of blood and sand is
near miraculous — it’s a mix of scotch
whisky, vermouth, cherry liqueur and
orange juice that was invented in the 1920s
and is unjustly obscure. If you have ever
enjoyed good cocktails, you must try them
here. The booze is top shelf and the people
behind the bar are masters of their craft.
Wine is better with dinner, of course, so we
asked the sommelier to suggest something.
He suggested Champagne with the split pea
soup and a white Montrachet with the salad.
The pairings were spot on. I’m going to want
sparkling wine with pea soup from now on.
The main courses here are served on an a
la carte basis, though you wouldn’t know
that from the menu. The vegetables and
44 Peninsula People • December 2015

starches that are mentioned on the same line
as the chops and seafood are mere garnishes.
On the visit with the carnivore we ordered a
ribeye and the sea bream, on the second visit
rack of lamb and a pork chop. (I had been
attracted by an artichoke and cheese dish
that someone at an adjacent table was eating
with gusto, but couldn’t resist the pork.) The
meats followed a simple formula: top quality
product minimally seasoned and expertly
cooked. The pork is from a rare crossbreed
of Hungarian and English breeds, the meat
darker, sweeter and more richly flavored
than even most heritage breeds and the
Colorado lamb will make you forget that
bland stuff from the antipodes.
The sea bream was less exotic, but used an
interesting, modern preparation. It had been
dusted with fennel pollen, which lends a
delightfully sweet, spicy scent. Bream is similar
to bass but is more sustainable. The
moist, rich fish came away from the bone
easily. Scottish salmon and lobster are also
offered and based on this meal I’d like to
explore their other seafood options.
As for the steaks, the item that is the centerpiece
for most meals here, both prime
dry-aged beef and wet-aged Angus beef are
available. Supermarket beef is wet-aged and
not for very long. It has an agreeable, mild
flavor. Dry aging intensifies the flavor and
adds a funky richness that is generally associated
with lamb and game meats. Dry-aged
steaks are also more expensive because they
lose volume in the process. We decided on
the dry-aged ribeye and after dithering over
the 13 sauces and eight toppings to choose
from, decided to have none. We wanted to
experience the meat by itself. It was a
superlative steak, and as we ate it we mused
that The Arthur J is missing a bet. They
should offer small portions of both wet and
dry aged steak so that customers could learn
the difference. Offhand, I think that they’d
sell more of the dry-aged to repeat customers
because they will have a basis for comparison.
A variety of sides was offered and these
change with the seasons. A terrific fava bean
dish that I enjoyed on the first visit was gone
on the second, replaced by acorn squash
with candied pecans. The mustard spaetzle
was gone too, though I know of no reason
German handmade noodles would be seasonal.
Perhaps they weren’t popular because
The Arthur J is at 903 Manhattan Avenue
in downtown Manhattan Beach. Open daily at 5 p.m.,
close 10:30 p.m.. Sun-Wed., 11 p.m. Thu-Sat. Street
parking, wheelchair access good, full bar. Some vegetarian
items. Reservations suggested at
thearthurj.com, phone 310-878-9620.
nobody knew what they were.
A steakhouse favorite that seems to have
a perennial place on the menu is creamed
spinach. The version here is the classic –
cooked down with real cream and topped
with crisp fried onions.
Desserts were offered, but here the menu
is out of balance. With the exception of
some sherbets, everything was heavy and
rich. Had something light like a fruit tart or
other, similar pastry been offered we would
have ordered it, but on both visits we didn’t
see anything that called to us.
Dinner at The Arthur J is on the high side
by local standards. The less expensive of the
two meals ran just over $250 for two, with
two cocktails and four glasses of wine. That
could have been much less if we had
watched the wine budget. One the sommelier
suggested was almost $25 for a threeounce
pour. It was a splendid pairing, but
there were other good ones at more modest
prices.
The Arthur J is a temple to a certain kind
of dining, the mid-century modern décor
in harmony with the ideas on the menu. At
their best both are about simple ideas elegantly
executed. In one case it’s wood polished
and sculpted to show its beauty, in
the other dishes crafted to show off minimally
enhanced, excellent ingredients. One
could only wish that the patriarch of the
family could have lived to see it. PEN
December 2015 • Peninsula People 45

P E N I N S U L A P E O P L E | B U S I N E S S
Dean and Dale Herbrandson at their Lawndale factory. Photos by Esther Kang
Drone on
Herbrandson drone engines
rotate 100 times a second
by Esther Kang
No signage offers clues about the business inside the
beige brick building across the street from
Lawndale High School. For the Herbrandsons, who
have occupied the space since 1974, discretion is key.
Every now and then a concerned Los Angeles County
Sheriff’s Deputy knocks on the door.
“I tell them we do three things: duty, honor and country,” said Dale
Herbrandson, 77. “Then they understand. They come in and are relieved we’re
not doing narcotics."
Inside the 1,500 sq. ft. building are assembly lines for engines — both new
and used — for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), or drones. And not just any
drones, but combat drones. Over the last 10 years, Herbrandson Engines Inc.’s
sole client has been the U.S. military, which uses the engines for its TigerShark
aircrafts.
“Not even our neighbors know what we do,” said Dean Herbrandson, Dale’s
50-year-old son, who has taken over the helm of the business. Dale’s wife
Charlotte also played an integral role in the family business before she passed
away from cancer two years ago.
A Herbrandson engine takes, on average, nine months for the three person
team — Dale and sons Dean and Richard — to build. They cost, on average, 10
times what a similar size, commercial engine costs.
“Maybe even more,” Dean said. “It’s
because the materials are very high
quality. This little engine rotates 100
times a second and has a lifespan of
1,500 to 3,000 hours.”
A four-cylinder, Herbrandson
UAVC engine was included in
the Smithsonian Institute
“Form Follows Function”
exhibit.
Dale was born in
Minnesota during the Great
Depression. His family moved
to Los Angeles when he was

still a toddler. In his teenage years, he earned money rebuilding broken
Whizzer motorbikes that his neighbors had neglected and
reselling them.
“I was trying to make some money any way other than by pushing
a lawn mower,” he recalled.
Driven by his attraction to drag racing, the shy teenager also fixed
up cars, installing hydraulic brakes in his friends’ old Fords as well
as his own. He owned two cars in those days. One was a ’32 Ford he
purchased for $50. He still has it.
“I wasn’t really confident about myself when I was young,” Dale
said, “but when I’m with an engine, I’m in charge. That’s what I
liked. When you like something, you pursue it until you’ve conquered
it. I didn’t swim, I didn’t travel, I raced cars."
It was love at first sight when Dale met his future wife Charlotte
at a ballroom dance in Lennox. He was a recent Leuzinger High
School graduate and she was a recent Hawthorne High graduate. He
was 19, and she was 18. Just a few weeks after their wedding, he was
drafted to the army and stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. He
worked on classified rocket systems, thanks to his security clearance
from an after high school job at Douglas Aircraft Missile Systems.
After the military, Dale earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering
from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and then a master’s degree
from USC. The family, with their newborn son Dean in tow, settled
in Manhattan Beach, where they turned their home’s two-car garage
into a machine shop.
In the early ‘70s Dale invented the Reed Valve Intake System for
two-stroke engines. It provides a power boost and is now standard in
motocross bikes. Their backyard was always lined with dirt bikes
from manufacturers who wanted him to test his invention on their
bikes.
“Motorcycle companies would call and say, ‘Tell me about your
invention,’” Dale remembers. “… We should have put a US patent on
it. I’m just an engineer.”
Dean was just 5 years old when he rode his first mini-motorized
bike. After graduating from Mira Costa High School, he studied
mathematics at El Camino College while simultaneously working for
his parents as the “low man on the totem pole.”
“Here I am a high school graduate wanting to do engineering and
I get to go to all these manufacturing shops and laboratories,"
recalled Dean, who proceeded to earn a B.S. in mechanical engineering
at his father’s alma mater Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
An article for Sports Aviation by Dale and Charlotte, detailing the
new engine Dale had invented caught the attention of the U.S. Army.
The Army awarded a contract to Herbrandson Engine Co. to build
engines for its pioneering Aquila aircraft. Business boomed from the
1980s through the early 2000s. At its height, the company employed
14 people. Herbrandson’s first international client was the Israeli
Defense Forces.
“Everything is the best of the best because when you’re working
on a weapon system, there’s infinite money,” Dale said. “What we
don’t have is time. There’s a funny expression – You get threatened
with money. But that’s really how it was."
Then, with the national, 2011 sequestration (across the board)
budget cuts, business slowed across the defense industry.
“Everything just went quiet,” Dean said.
Over the last decade, they’ve brought the workforce down to just
the family members and are serving just the U.S. military. They are
constantly developing new engine designs.
There are two more up and coming engineers in the family. Dean,
whose wife Kara is a longtime teacher at Hermosa Valley
Intermediate School, has two sons, Brett, 19, and Erik, 15, from a
previous marriage. Brett is studying mechanical engineering at
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, the country’s
first university dedicated to mechanical engineering. Erik, a
sophomore at Palos Verdes High School, fixes up old mountain bikes
and sells them.
“He makes more money doing that than he could working for me
at Herbrandson,” Dean said. PEN
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December 2015 • Peninsula People 47

eventcalendar
CALENDAR OF COMMUNITY EVENTS
Compiled by Mary Jane Schoenheider
You can email your event to our new address: penpeople@easyreadernews.com
All submissions must be sent by the 10th of each month prior to
event taking place.
Wednesday, December 23
Birding with Wild Birds
At George F Canyon, 8:30 a.m. Explore the birds now making a home in
the restored habitat at the preserve. The program is free and open to the
public. All ages welcome. 27305 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rolling Hills
Estates. For more information, contact 310- 547-0862.
Friday, December 25
Merry Christmas
Saturday, December 26
Don’t just imagine....
Registration begins for the South Coast Botanic Gardens’ “Imagine the
Future” LEFO building contest. Forms and more information will be available
online beginning today or at the Guest Services desk at the Garden.
Entry fee is $5. Deadline for entry is Feb. 27, 2016. Entries will be on display
Feb. 27 through March 5, with winning entries on display thourgh
April 2. See website for rules, prizes and more information: southcoastbotanicgarden.org/event/imagine-the-future-lego-build-contest/2015-12-
48 Peninsula People • December 2015

eventcalendar
26/.
Explore Nocturnal Sights
With an expert naturalist under a full moon with the Palos Verdes Peninsula
Land Conservancy at the George F Canyon Nature Preserve. Must be age
9 and up. $12 per person. Reservations required. Call 310-547-0862 for
reservations and time.
Sunday, January 3
South Coast Rose Society
The annual rose pruning demonstration is from 1 to 4 p.m. at the South
Coast Botanic Garden’s auditorium. The society’s consulting rosarian members
will show how to prune roses properly so come watch and learn! The
public is welcome. For more information, visit Facebook. 26300 Crenshaw
Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Monday, January 4
Adult Education Class
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District-Adult Education, Winter
2016 Session begins today. Classes include: Simple Sewing, Oil Painting,
Handmade Greeting Cards, One Stroke Painting, Mosaic-Pique Assiette,
Beginning & Intermediate Bridge, Mah Jong, Wine Tasting, Astronomy,
ESL- (English As A Second Language), Italian-All Levels, Spanish-All
Levels. Exercise classes included are: ZUMBA FITNESS, NIA, Pilates, Yoga-
Beginning-Level I-Intermediate, Mind, Body & Spirit workout, Gentle Yoga,
Yogilates, Yoga Stretch & Meditation, Group Golf Lessons, Computer classes
include: Basics Computer, Ipad Basics and Internet Basics, Beginning &
Intermediate Computer, Beginning & Intermediate Excel 2010, Power Point
2010, and Email Savvy, For more information call: (310) 541-7626 x289
or visit pvpusd.net/adulted. Most classes are held at the Rancho Del Mar
High/Adult campus at 38 Crest Road West. Or at the Rolling Hills or
Malaga Cove campuses at 375 Via Almar, Palos Verdes Estates.
Saturday, January 9
Local History series
You are invited to the Palos Verdes Library District’s fourth i nstallment of
the seven-part lecture series on idfferent eras of Peninsula history. The next
presentation, Save Our Coastline with Rancho palos Verdes Councilman
ken Dyda, will chronicle the history of the incofpofation of the Penisula’s
fourhth city. 2 p.m. at the Peninsula Center Library Community Room, 701
Silver Spur Road, RHE. This program is free andopen to the public. For
more information please call 310-377-9584 x601.
Sunday, January 10
Chunk Cholla
Hiding in Plain Sight: a New Cactus Species from the California Desert will
be discussed by Michelle Cloud-Hughes. The "chunky cholla," found in
nearby San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial Counties, is a distinct
newly discovered species. Lecture at 1:30 p.m. South Coast Botanic
Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula 90274. For more
information visit southcoastcss.org.
Monday, January 11
Palos Verdes Gem and Mineral Society
Meet and Greet at 6:30 p.m., Program at 7 p.m., Community Room of
Palos Verdes Main Library, 701 Deep Valley Dr., RHE. Please park on roof
Latisse
Buy One Get One Free*
www.celibre.com/pp
*Buy one 5mL Latisse, get one 3mL Free. While supplies last.
MODEL SHOWN
December 2015 • Peninsula People 49

St. John Fisher Catholic Church
Christmas Eve, December 24
Masses in Church and
Parish Activity Center
4:00 pm Church
4:00 pm Parish Activity Center
6:00 pm Church
8:00 pm Church
Midnight Mass Church
Carols begin at 11:30 pm
Christmas Day, December 25
All Masses in Church
7:30 am
9:00 am
10:45 am
12:30 pm
No evening Mass
Please join us as we celebrate the
Birth of Our Lord
Corner of Crest and Crenshaw
Rancho Palos Verdes 310-377-5571 www.sjf.org
calendar
as program goes past the closing
hours of the library. At the first
meeting of the new year, the
Program VP will show a DVD presentation
by the History Channel
called "How the Earth Was Made".
Everyone is welcome. There is no
charge to the public. Call 310-373-
2696 for more information.
Tues., January 12
What to expect
from prayer
“What Should One Expect From
Prayer?” will be the topic of the
Dawn Unity Group’s second
Interfaith Discovery Series of Year
15 at St. Francis Episcopal Church.
This is religion at the very personal
level. Does God hear our prayers
and what are we entitled to expect?
When are our requests proper and
when are they selfish? The panelists
are Rev. Michael Bell, Episcopal
Chaplain of The Canterbury; Rev.
Jon Gathje, St. Paul Lutheran
Church; Rev. April Herron, Rolling
Hills United Methodist Church; and
Rev. Reinhard Krauss, Presbyterian
Minister and Prof. at UCLA. Bob
Rothman will be the moderator.
7:30 p.m. The free, 90 minute program
will be followed by refreshments
and a chance for further dialog
with the panelists. For more
information call (310) 833-7008.
2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes
Estates.
Wed., January 13
Peninsula Symphony
president to speak
The Palos Verdes Woman's Club
meets at noon at Trump National
Golf Club. John Williams, President
of the Peninsula Symphony, will be
the guest speaker. $32. For reservations
call Beverly Teresinski at
310-378-1349. For further information
visit pvwomansclub.org.
Palos Verdes Buddhism
Club Meeting
Don't worry about when the seeds
will sprout. Just plant them. The
world is full of people who spend
all their time thinking about the
crop they'll reap, without even
planting anything. 2:30 - 4 p.m.
Palos Verdes Library 701 Silver
Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates,
50 Peninsula People • December 2015

eventcalendar
Conference Room next to the Gift Shop. Contact: 818- 571-3573 Call Bita
Asakura for more information.
Friday, January 15
Economist addresses PV Chamber
Celebrity economist Christopher Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon
Economics, will present his 2016 Forecast at the Palos Verdes Peninsula
Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast, 7:30-9:30
a.m. at Terranea Resort. In addition to the keynote speaker, the Chamber
will install its 2016 Board of Directors, chaired by Terri Haack, president
of Terranea Resort. The Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year Award will be
presented to Allen Bond in honor of his volunteer services. $45 per person.
For reservations call (310) 377-8111 or visit
palosverdeschamber.com.
Saturday, January 16
Oh What A Night!
Back by popular demand at the Norris Theatre, “Oh What a Night!” is an
exciting, fast-paced musical tribute to the legendary Frankie Valli and the
Four Seasons. The exhilarating revue is charged with boundless energy,
nostalgic choreography, humor, and of course, classic pop hits like
“Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Working My Way
Back to You,” and many more from the dynamic songbook of those boys
from Jersey. The concert-like experience, which has thrilled audiences
world-wide, is written by Motown producer George Soloman and directed
by award-winning Broadway producer/director Michael Chapman.
Tickets for the 8 p.m. performance are $48-$58, with a $10 discount for
children ages 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets
call the box office at (310) 544-0403, ext. 221, or go to
www.palosverdesperformingarts.com. The Norris Theatre is located at
27570 Norris Center Drive in Rolling Hills Estates.
Sunday, January 17
Organ concert, from Ives to Bach
The Neighborhood Church presents Tom Trenney in the latest in its series
of annual Organ Concerts, 4 p.m. Trenney will perform music by Ives,
Sweenlick, Durufle, Bach and others, as well as his original compositions.
For more information go to neighborhoodchurchpve.org.
Wednesday, January 20
4-H Club Meeting
The 4H Club offer a wide range of projects for youth members 9 to 19
years old. Projects include Pets & Small Animals, Horses, Dog Care,
Beekeeping, Poultry, Sewing, Marine Biology, Wildlife, Surfing,
Leadership, Photography, Archery, Shooting Sports, Computers, Rocketry
and more. 6:45 to 8 p.m. For more information visit pvp4hclub.org or call
Dee Keese at (310) 377-9773 or Peter Michel at (310) 493-5559. You
can also send an email to pvp4hclub@gmail.com or swimdude64@earthlink.net.
Meetings are at the City of Rolling Hills Estates City Hall, 4045
Palos Verdes Drive North.
Friday, January 22
Laugh Out Loud With The Nerd
Palos Verdes Performing Arts will present the Broadway comedy, “The
Nerd” January 22-31 at the Norris Theatre. Critics have called Larry
Shue’s inventive, side-splitting farce one of the funniest plays ever written.
Simply Tiles Design Center
Fine Ceramics, Natural Stone, Hardwoods, Cabinetry, Faucetry.
Kitchen & Bathrooms Specialist.
3968 Pacific Coast Hwy., Torrance • (310) 373-7781 • www.simplytiles.com
License #904876
December 2015 • Peninsula People 51

eventcalendar
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
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The story centers on the hilarious dilemma of a young architect whose life
is suddenly upended by an unexpected visit from a man he has never met,
but who saved his life in the army. Unfortunately, the hero turns out to be
a hopelessly inept “nerd” who quickly wears out his welcome. From the
moment the bumbling, tactless visitor appears, everything falls apart, nearly
destroying the architect’s relationships and career. With lovable characters
and unexpected twists at every turn, this laugh-out-loud comedy also
delivers an inspiring moral message. Performance times are Fridays and
Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $48-$58. For more
information or to purchase tickets call the box office at (310) 544-0403,
ext. 221, or go to www.palosverdesperformingarts.com. The Norris
Theatre is located at 27570 Norris Center Drive in Rolling Hills Estates.
Sunday, January 24
Film Festival
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy's second annual Wild &
Scenic Film Festival presents an exciting selection of adventurous and inspirational
films about nature, with beautiful cinematography and some
remarkable individuals whose passion is contagious. Tickets and more
information at pvplc.org or call (310) 541-7613. 4 p.m. at the Warner
Grand Theatre, 478 West 6th Street, San Pedro.
Wednesday, January 27
Mac Users Group Meeting
Beginners Q & A at 8 p.m., followed by a presentation on a topic of interest
to all Mac users. Free. All Mac/iPad/iPhone users and potential users
are welcome. For more information, call (310) 644-3315 or email:
info@sbamug.com. Lomita VFW Hall, 1865 Lomita Blvd.
310-325-6500
Thursday, January 28
Designer Suzi Click at Associates
Artisan apparel and accessories designer Suzi Click, whose work is on
exhibit at The Artists’ Studio of the Palos Verdes Art Center, will address
the monthly meeting of the Palos Verdes Art Center/Beverly G. Alpay
Center for Arts Education. The PVAC Associates meet monthly on the 4th
Thursday at 6 o’clock. Reservations are not necessary. Appetizers and
refreshments are served at 6 o’clock and the lecture begins at 7. Guests
and prospective new members are welcome at this or future monthly meetings.
For more information, call Membership Chairman, Janet Earl at 310-
378-0625 or email Janetearl@cox.net. 5504 West Crestridge Road,
Rancho Palos Verdes.
Saturday, January 30
Impressions Nature Walk & Art Workshop
Explore the Coastal Colors theme during a naturalist-guided walk, then
paint in the outdoor art studio with Art to Grow On. All ages welcome.
$25 per family. RSVP to info@pvplc.org or 310-541-7613. Pelican Cove
Park, Terranea Resort.
Sunday, January 31
Volunteer Trail Watch Training
If you like to ride your bike or horse or simply hike and want to help protect
the Preserve, its habitat and wildlife, then become a Trail Watch
Volunteer and make a difference on the trails on your own schedule.
Please sign up for all three, 3 hour training sessions. To sign up, visit
pvplc.volunteerhub.com. At the Ladera Linda Community Center. PEN
52 Peninsula People • December 2015

December 2015 • Peninsula People 53

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Urban Feet & Skate
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320 Tejon Place
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
(310) 378-0267
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54 Peninsula People • December 2015

Southern California’s Newest Marina
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Preserve your timeless treasure
We live in an age where just about everything is disposable.
Yet centuries ago when the world’s finest
clockmakers were hard at work, their aim was to
create a mechanical marvel that operates continuously and
last forever. Imagine a hand made complex mechanism of
inter-working parts designed to keep time accurately. Your
clock is a work of art and your job is to keep this timeless
treasure healthy for the next generation.
Your clock reminds you of its presence every time you wind
it and if its accuracy is not what it used to be, or its chimes are
not as strong rythmic, or maybe it just stops. That means it’s
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 fifty years as his father did fifty 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 Wiesbaden, Germany, and the
Howard Miller Clock Co. in Zeeland, Michigan. Call him so
that he may come to your home and offer you a free estimate
for servicing your clock. Or bring your wall or mantel clock to
our 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.
Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Tuesday - Saturday
810C Silver Spur Road • Rolling Hills Estates • CA 90274
Call 310.544.0052
December 2015 • Peninsula People 55

S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Volunteer Center
Building Renaming Ceremony
De De Hicks knew that her
Volunteer Center Board had
decided to name the headquarters
for her, but they were able to surprise
her at the donor recognition
party with an oil portrait of her
taken from her favorite photo portrait.
Hicks retires Dec. 31 after
almost 30 years as CEO and president
of the Volunteer Center, South
Bay/Harbor/Long Beach. More than
60 donors gathered on Dec. 3 to
honor her with the naming and
with their support of the De De
Hicks Legacy Funds, which has
raised more than $300,000 to continue
the programs she initiated:
Operation Teddy Bear, Food For
Kids, teen volunteer development
and the Durfee Scholarships.
1
1. Donors gathered outside
the building and on the second
floor as the spotlight shone on
the newly named De De Hicks
Building. Hicks was responsible
for the $1.2 million campaign
that rehabilitated a historic,
derelict building under
the direction of Edward Carson
Beall.
2. De De was caught by surprise
when her portrait was
unveiled and she learned that it
would hang in the lobby with
the list of donors to the De De
Hicks Legacy Funds.
3. Lea Ann King (right) and
Jean Adelsman, the co-chairs
of the De De Hicks Legacy
Funds campaign, flank Sharon
2
Ryan, who chaired the
evening's festivities.
4. De De Hicks greets her
former protege Sara Myers,
who will succeed her on Jan. 1
after nine years as executive
director of the Long Beach
Library Foundation.
5. Donors gather in the lobby
during the reception.
3 4 5
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56 Peninsula People • December 2015

Janet L. Dion
1928-2015
The family and many good friends of Janet mourn her passing
from complications of cardiac arrest. Janet was born in Seattle.
The family moved to Southern California when she was three.
She graduated from Long Beach Wilson High, Long Beach City College
and then from UCLA where she earned a BA in business. In 1951 she
met her lifelong partner Mitchell O. Dion, Jr. of Long Beach and were
married In November of 1951. They moved to the Palos Verdes
Peninsula in its early days when $21,000 could buy a new tract home.
Jan managed a successful career in real estate while raising two children.
Eventually she focused her many organizational talents on community
and charity work. She was one of the founders and later a president
of the Palos Verdes Junior Woman's Club. Her affiliation with
National Charity League began in 1966 and from 1971-72 she was
Peninsula chapter president. A great honor was bestowed on her in
1980 when she became president of the National Charity League
Council which governs all chapters. Her other great interests were gardening
and traveling. She is survived by her husband of 64 years and
their children Lindsay Dion and Mitchell Dion lll (Sydney), 3 grand
children and 2 great grandchildren.
Rita Marie Bayer
Rita passed away peacefully at home on November 6, 2015. She
leaves her loving family and a multitude of friends who will
greatly miss her. Rita cut a
wide swath in whatever she did
throughout her life. She was a
native New Yorker, and graduated
with honors from the College
of Saint Rose in Albany with a
degree in Nursing. She delivered
quite a few babies in her nursing
career, as doctors were in short
supply due to World War II.
Rita worked as a nurse until
she met her husband, Al. They
met because both of their mothers
were “Rosie the Riveters” during
WW II. The women got to
talking about their children while
twisting wires as part of the war effort, and as Rita put it – the rest is
history. Al commenced upon a successful career which brought them
to California in 1949. Times were booming and after a number of
moves, they landed in Palos Verdes Estates where Rita resided for 60+
years. Upon moving to PVE, Rita became a volunteer with many
organizations including the Palos Verdes Community Arts Association,
which is now the Palos Verdes Art Center. While with the Art Center,
she served as Development Director, Vice President, President, and
finally Chairman of the Board. Of the many recognitions Rita received
for leadership and service, the 2005 Palos Verdes Art Center Medici
Award was her most cherished. Rita was an avid golfer and served as
Chairman of the Palos Verdes Women’s Club, where she used her love
of golf to organize and oversee a number of golf tournaments. As a
long-time member of PV Golf Club, Rita was the first woman ever
elected to its Board of Directors and served on various committees during
her tenure.
Rita’s love of classic cars from childhood extended to her involvement
in the Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance where she served as Co-
Chair, Board member and in a number of other positions over the
years. Rita and Al traveled around the globe, but one of her favorite
in remembrance
spots was a small, rugged family cabin on Great Sacandaga Lake in the
Adirondack Park in upstate New York. She loved the beauty and quietness
of this special place, and spent many summers at “the lake”.
Rita is lovingly survived by her son Chris, daughter Kathy, grandchildren
Andrea, Danita and Jonathan, great grandchildren Maeva and
Avelyn, son-in-law Robin, grandson-in-law Jeff, and her most cherished
companion - her cat Ditz. Nothing made her happier than to be
surrounded by her family. Rita was a loving, intelligent, witty, energetic
and gifted person who was an example to many. Though she will
be greatly missed, she lived a full and long life for which we are all
grateful.
A celebration of her life will be held on January 30, 2016 at noon at
the Palos Verdes Golf Club.
Ree R. Ryan
1962-2015
Ree R. Ryan, 53, of Rolling Hills Estates, died unexpectedly at
home on November 21. Ree was the loving and devoted husband
of Jennifer Hill Ryan whom he married 27 years ago, and
the proud and adoring father of Cole and Connor Ryan.
Born October 19, in San Pedro to Richard Edward Ryan and Joan
Parker Ryan, Ree was raised in Lomita. Ree graduated from Narbonne
High, and received a BA in Business Administration with an emphasis
in Real Estate from USC in 1985, and also held his Real Estate Broker’s
license.
Ree and Jennifer were married December 10, 1988 and lived their
married life in Rolling Hills Estates where they raised their two sons.
Ree had a 28 year career as a Real Estate Asset Manager beginning at
Fluor Daniel where he worked for 11 years. He made his start with
Fluor managing sites for Cell Towers which was a great fit since he
understood the construction end of the business and was the perfect
person to visit the sites and talk to the crew. He also worked for Carl
Karcher and was most recently a Global Asset Manager at CBRE.
Ree was very active in the community, volunteering in Youth Sports,
Indian Guides and serving in Boy Scouts as a Cub Master and then
Scout Master for a total for 6 years. Ree was an avid outdoorsman; he
loved hunting with his dad, skiing and backpacking with his sons and
was a long time surfer. He passed this love of the outdoors to many
young people through his work in Scouting. He loved motorcycle riding
especially his beloved Harley Davidsons.
He was a talented craftsman and handyman. He helped his family
and friends with home improvement projects and worked on countless
Eagle Scout projects always knowing how to solve problems and get
things fixed. Ree was a humble and generous man who truly lived his
life for others. He was always available to help anyone in need, never
too busy to lend a hand.
He remained young at heart, loving simple fun things and in all that
he did, he always had a great spirit of fun about him, smiling, joking,
goofing off, lightening the mood, calming worries and encouraging others.
He loved life, but Ree loved his wife and sons most of all. He was
the ultimate family man. Ree’s huge heart, his smile and larger than
life personality will never be forgotten and he leaves a huge void in the
lives of his family and many friends.
Ree is survived by his wife and sons, his mother Joan Ryan, sister
Erin Ryan Israel (Ron) and five nieces and nephews. Ree was predeceased
by his father.
A private Committal ceremony was held at Green Hills Memorial
Park.
Donations may be made in Ree’s name to Boy Scouts of America.
(Donate through BoyScoutsLA.org using the “Donate” button, designate
a Memorial Fund, and include Ree Ryan’s name in your note.) PEN
December 2015 • Peninsula People 57

Palos Verdes Performing Arts
n Palos Verdes Performing Arts has announced
the appointment of Lisette Herrera to the newly
created position of Director of School Programs
and Grant/Donor Development for the organization’s
highly acclaimed performing arts education
program. Herrera earned a Bachelor of
Arts degree in elementary education with a
minor in theatre at University of New Mexico,
and was employed as an elementary school
teacher in Albuquerque for the last 11 years.
Prior to teaching she was involved in musical
Lisette Herrera
theatre as a performer and worked in Disney’s College Program in Florida.
Located in Rolling Hills Estates, the Palos Verdes Performing Arts
Conservatory offers a wide array of acting, vocal and dance classes at all
levels, as well as four full-scale professional-caliber student productions each
year, summer camps, workshops, master classes, and four song and dance
troupes. Since 2013, the program has partnered with Palos Verdes Unified
School District elementary schools to bring performing arts education into the
classrooms. For more information visitwww.palosverdesperforming
arts.com/education or call 310-544-0403, ext. 304.
Whale of the World Grant Award
around&about
Robert Dumas presents
check to Herb
Stark, Los Serenos
de Point Vicente
Interpretive Center
Chairman of the
Grants Oversite
Committee.
Las Amigas de Las Lomas
n Las Amigas has been around since 1957 and are a primary fundraising
arm for the Orthopaedic Institute for Children downtown Los Angeles.
For over 50 years their primary fundraiser was the 3 day horse show at
Ernie Howlett Park.
They have reorganized and in June created and opened their doors to a
youth group, Los Amigos, accepting boys in Middle and High School. They
have now just started accepting girls into the group as well and have a roster
of approx. 40 youth already. They are now a unique coed group with
the opportunity to volunteer at a local hospital as well as in the community.
They have a few members that clocked over 150 hours at the hospital
already this past summer.
Students at the tidepools.
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National Charity League
n The Philanthropy Committee of the National Charity League’s Peninsula
Chapter met to begin the process of researching philanthropies for the
Chapter's annual grant awards . The
committee consists of Carol
McFarland, Sharon Oda, Christine
Pearson, Chair-Valerie Real, Cathy
Stain and Jennifer Townsend,
Chapter President MaryBeth Kane,
President-elect Janet Westergaard
(not pictured), Immediate Past
President Julie Long (not pictured)
and Community Philanthropy Chair-
Mary Schaefer. Once research of
the philanthropies is complete, the
committee will meet in February to
make grant recommendations.
Money for grants comes from proceeds
from the National Charity
League Ticktocker Thrift Shop in San
Pedro. In the 2014-2015 fiscal
year, the NCL Peninsula Chapter
awarded over $167,000 in scholarships
and philanthropic grants to members of our South Bay Community.
58 Peninsula People • December 2015

Admiral Risty Anniversary
n Restaurant proprietors, Wayne and Jan Judah, share a toast to The
Admiral Risty’s milestone 50th Anniversary, which the restaurant will commemorate
with a 50-week celebration beginning Sunday, January 17
through Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016 and everyone is invited to join in the fun!
Highlights will include a weekly drawing for a $50 Admiral Risty Gift
Certificate, free
desserts for dining
guests celebrating
a 50th
anniversary or
50th birthday in
2016, free
recipe cards,
and live entertainment
in the
Seaside Lounge
Tuesday through
Sunday nights.
For reservations
or more information,
call (310)
377-0050 or
www.admiralristy.com.
Palos Verdes High School
student Jeremy Adler.
around&about
7th annual SKECHERS
Friendship Walk
The Skechers Friendship Walk had
its biggest year yet, raising over
$1.4 million for children with special
needs and education. Over 12,000
people joined together in Manhattan
Beach to show their support including
families, friends, celebrities, and
corporate sponsors. Local PV High
student, Jeremy Adler, did an incredible
job singing the National Anthem.
All in all, it was a fun and eventful
day for a great cause. PEN
SIMICH
CONSTRUCTION
Performing Quality Work on the Peninsula Since 1976
Gift Will Enlarge Rose Garden Renovation
n An all new Rose Garden will bloom at the South Coast Botanic Garden,
enhanced with a memorial fountain, thanks to a generous gift of $75,000
from the founding family of the Kellogg Garden Products Company in
Carson. This gift will help ensure that the Rose Garden continues to be as
beautiful in 10 years as it will be the day it reopens to the public. The fountain,
a showcase piece located at the entrance of the new Rose Garden,
will be named in memory of H. Clay and Janice Kellogg. “These gifts create
a ripple effect inspiring others to give, allowing us to enrich and improve
upon the healing, educational and purposeful resources the Garden provides
for our community every day,” said Adrienne Nakashima, CEO,
South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation. “The South Coast Botanic
Garden is sincerely grateful to the Kellogg Family for their vision and generosity.
We are humbled to receive Hap Kellogg and Kathy Kellogg
Johnson’s gift in honor of their mother and father.” The Kellogg family has
been a long-standing supporter of the Garden and served in various volunteer
leadership roles at the South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation. Their
involvement over the years helped to establish and improve South Coast
Botanic Garden for the community.
“My mother Janice saw the value in having a full-grown garden experience
in our community,” said Kathy Kellogg Johnson. “She consistently pointed out
blooming plants by naming the flowers along the roads we travelled. The
opportunity for the whole community to share the botanical experience was
special to her.” The South Coast Botanic Garden is in the process of renovating
the Rose Garden where the fountain will be placed. The Rose
Garden contains approximately 1,600 roses, including hybrids, tea, floribunda,
grandiflora, and old fashioned roses. The garden has been selected
as an All-American Rose Selections (AARS) Public Garden meaning top
AARS winners are added to the garden every year. A pruning demonstration
class is held annually in early January. South Coast Botanic Garden is
also building a new Children’s Garden. Both projects are emblematic of the
efforts by the Foundation to improve experiences for families and the greater
community.
For more information, please visit www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org.
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December 2015 • Peninsula People 59

S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Special Children’s
League
An Affair to Remember
Members of the Special Children’s
League welcomed guests to their
annual Affair to Remember at the Palos
Verdes Country Club this past November.
The members and guests celebrated the
58th year supporting programs and services
with United Cerebral Palsy Los Angeles.
The day featured a boutique that brought
back many favorite and some new vendors.
Following lunch, this year’s
Educational Grant recipients were awarded
scholarship funds. Guest Ronald
Cohen, President and CEO, United
Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles, Ventura and
Santa Barbara Counties was introduced.
The day’s guest speaker was Mary-Ellen
Lykken, a mother of two boys, one of
whom has cerebral palsy. Her words
touched the hearts of all the guests.
1
3 4 5
2
PHOTOS BY
MARY JANE SCHOENHEIDER
1. Benefit Chairs Michele Dahlerbruch, Lori
Delgado and Barb Dancy.
2. United Cerebral Palsy Los Angeles
Development Director Margaret Preusser and
Special Children’s League President Janice
Robinson.
3. Tracy Lazarus and Kristina Mermelstein
show off some of the boutique items.
4. Guests Julie Moe Reynolds, Susie Campbell
and Abby Douglass.
5. Long time SCL member and Patroness
Helen Schuchert and guest Pat Brown.
6. Lori Delgado and Laura Millman.
7. Jennifer King and Phyllis Thomas.
8. Vickey Debrowski and Mary Lou Platte.
9. Judy Krbhliel, Susan Welch, Lena Muller-
Hori and Patty Bevias.
10. Grant Recipients Hasmine Belmonte, Palos
Verdes High School, Jill O’Connor, Point Vicente
Elementary, Nancy Lemargie, Valmonte School
and Tara Swall, Transition to Independence.
11. Patti Bevis.
12. Amy Snyder, special guest Ronald Cohen,
PHD, President and CEO United Cerebral Palsy
of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara
Counties and Special Children’s League member
Lynn Webster.
13. Speaker Mary-Ellen Lykken.
6 7
8
9 10
11
12 13
60 Peninsula People • December 2015

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S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
CELEBRATE WELLNESS
T
his 19th Annual Food & Wine Tasting event
benefiting the Cancer Support Community
was held at the South Coast Botanic Garden
on the Palos Verdes Peninsula on Sunday, June 28th.
Photos by Adrienne Slaughter
1
2
1. Event sponsor Mike and Eileen Fiore
2. Torrance Memorial Medical Center event
sponsors Allyn and Nancy Lean, Barry and Barb
Le Quire, Russ and Debby Kelley, Gerhard and
Heidi Assigal with Sr. Vice President Sally
Eberhard
3. Will-call desk volunteers Teresa Brodkin and
Rochelle Katz join Cancer Support Community’s Jill
Gray with 2-time Survivor Joan Mizubayashi
4. Colette Koines and Arlene Sims sell raffle tickets
5. Mike and Kelly Grogan receive Pasta
Sonoma from Bettolino Kitchen’s CJ Senados and
Jamie Cyphers
6. Bottle Inn’s Silvio Petoletti with wife Darlene
7. Kristi Naff, Easy Reader’s David Mendez and
Adrienne Slaughter with Board President Kyle
Kazan and Theresa Plakos of the Cancer Support
Community
8. Jus’ Poke’s owner Stefanie Honda-Snow with
Manager Hulysses Mendoza
9. Barsha’s owners Lenora and Adnen Marouani
10. Kelley Mathews, Mickey Marraffino, Senior
Deputy to LA County Supervisor Knabe Steve
Napolitano, Joanne Galin and CSC’s Theresa
Plakos
3 4
5
6
7 8
9 10
62 Peninsula People • December 2015

MicroJib cont. from page 41
Another in a corn maze, the film running along the tall stalks fanned
in all directions.
“Because you can control what you are filming, [the film] embodies
your emotion, what you are feeling. [MicroJib] is helping people be
more creative,” Swanson said.
“We don’t like to think of ourselves as a selfie stick at all – this is
a filming tool.”
Late one evening this week we talked again, as Ben was going
through his first order from China and adding a rivet to each MicroJib
where the glue had become detached.
Roommates Jackson Wagner and Drew Smith (also an old friend
from PV High) were helping.
“He needed an extra set of hands,” Wagner said. “[Ben’s] a good guy,
so creative. He is always looking for ways to improve.”
Swanson wrote his own patent and contacted a manufacturer in the
Guangdong province in China, where most of the world’s video
equipment is made. He does all his own advertising. An old friend
from Palos Verdes High, Zane Abraham, does the website.
“It took four years. It was really time consuming,” Swanson said.
“[Ben’s] committed to things through hard work,” Don Swanson
said. “He has a certain stick-to-it-ness…he keeps at it. He just has
determination.”
The company was officially funded January 2015, backed by a successful
Kickstarter campaign.
“We are burning through our first order of 1200 MicroJibs,”
Swanson said.
With National Geographic photographer Jeff Mauritzen using the
MicroJib to angle in on penguins, seals, and the vast landscape of
Antarctica, the MicroJib will now be on all seven continents.
“The thing that I think is amazing about it are [the] reviews, ‘the
best pole on the market’– there are a lot of poles on the market, to get
that sort of accolade is really something,” Don Swanson said.
MicroJib made the “must have” gadgets list in CNET Magazine. It
has been featured on Fox News in San Diego.
“[The MicroJib] is very versatile, it helps a lot with on the go filming.
It’s all in a quick hand motion. It is fun to play with the amount
of shots you can get just by twisting your hand around,” said Smith,
Swanson’s roomate and high school friend.
Swanson carries MicroJib with him wherever he goes.
“I always find that the best stuff to film is the stuff you least
expect,” he said. “I ran into break dancers the other day on the street.
You never know what you may want to capture.”
For more information, see MicroJib.com. PEN
Barretts cont. from page 37
counselor at Rider University, working with
first-generation college students.
“I loved that work, but during that time I
realized that what I loved most was working
in a one-on-one connection with students,”
she said. “Helping them with their personal
and psychological problems seemed more
urgent than helping them pick what class to
get in.”
After seminary Barrett was called to a ministry
position on Mercer Island, just east of
Seattle.
Singh-Barrett earned a Ph.D. in clinical
psychology from Seattle Pacific University,
served as clinical director of the Olive Crest
Treatment Centers in Seattle, working with
high-behavioral-risk young people. Then she
opened a private practice on Mercer Island,
with a focus on young people and families.
Unconventional moves
Meanwhile, her husband began serving as
the church’s pastor to youth and their families.
“I loved it, loved it, loved it,” he said. “I
thought, I’ll grow old doing this.”
Then he was asked to bring the vibrancy of
his youth ministry to the larger church, and
after some hesitancy, became intrigued.
“I said, ‘Why don’t you guys come up with
a job description, and see what you want?
Maybe I won’t be that person.’”
It turned out he was that person, and he
took the unconventional path of eventually
becoming co-pastor of the same church.
“I honestly didn’t know if we could do that,
but we found out there was a way.”
The church was open to new ways of doing
things, and Barrett drew upon his experience
with young people to thrive in the larger role
as well.
“I love youth ministry because we get to
meet people where they are,” going “out in
the world” to gathering places such as
schools and sports fields.
“Our offerings for adults are mostly in
church, on the campus, and I spent several
years creating new opportunities for adults. I
call it doing youth ministry in the adult
world.”
The congregation offered lunches for professionals,
and went to places like the local
parks and recreation, asking what sort of
service was needed.
“What is there not enough manpower to
do? Do you want us to paint these walls, or
turn over these flowerbeds?”
“Sometimes people were nervous we
would come and proselytize,” Barrett said.
“They’d ask, ‘Are you going to paint a Bible
verse on one of those walls?’ No, we just
want to serve, and bless this community that
we are blessed to be part of.”
The couple spent 14 years in the
Northwest, and welcomed their children,
Mayah and Miles, who are now 6 and 3.
Then they made the move to Palos Verdes.
supposed to use both for the glory of God.”
Barrett said the couple is “over the moon”
grateful for their new environs, the community,
the church and the kids’ schools.
“We love the beach, and I’d be lying if I
said we don’t smile every time we wake up
and the sun is shining. For 14 winters in
Seattle we didn’t have that,” he said.
“We feel like we’re the luckiest people in
the world to be here. We found a wonderful
church, a beautiful place – not just the ocean
and the sun, but the people,” Singh-Barrett
said. “It just feels magical.”
Into the future
“St. Peter’s has been a great place for people
to come, and it will continue to be. One
of our growing edges and stretching points is
to figure out what it really means to be part
of the community, Palos Verdes, stretching
out to San Pedro, the South Bay,” Barrett said.
“How do we grow our younger membership
generously, to be a place for young families,
young people, that’s something I’ve
been thinking about.”
“How can people grow older graciously? A
lot of people are growing older. That’s our
world, how do we embrace that?”
“How do we live out our Christian faith in
ways that are faithful to who we are,” reaching
out to everyone from “faith-based organizations
and school districts to Terranea
[resort] to Trader Joe’s to Parks and
Recreation?”
“This is an amazing community with a rich
history, and I believe our best seasons are
ahead of us. With God’s leading, we hope to
grow St. Peter’s into a community that will
exist as much or more for the community
and world around us, as ourselves.”
For more about St. Peter’s by the Sea go to
stpeterspres.org, find the church on Facebook or
follow them on twitter @StPetersPV. PEN
Over the moon
After spending the last 20 months taking
the lead in the relocation of the family, Singh-
Barrett will soon resume private practice in
clinical psychology.
She said Christians sometimes “steer away”
from the services of mental health professionals,
“thinking if they pray harder and
have more faith, their problems will go
away."
“I don’t think that’s true,” she said. “We all
have areas in life we struggle with, and I
think God calls us to care for each other. In
the Reformed Tradition we say God gave us
these amazing minds, and hearts, and we’re
64 Peninsula People • December 2015

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December 2015 • Peninsula People 65
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APPAREL & ACCESSORIES
Friar Tux Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-4700
Styles of Hawaii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 326-2151
Tilly’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-1642
BEAUTY
European Wax Center . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 325-2929
Fancy Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 326-7980
Pia Hair Salon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 326-0815
Rolling Hills Beauty Bar . . . . . . . . . . (310) 530-3844
Strands Design Lab, LLC . . . . . . . . . (310) 539-8434
Victor Anthony’s Hair Studio . . . . . . (310) 326-2338
Vogue Beauty Studio. . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 530-5900
Waterside Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-4242
BOOKS/CARDS/GIFTS/
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
The Gift Korner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 539-5011
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
GROCERY/SPECIALTY FOODS
Baskin Robbins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 530-6812
BevMo! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 257-0034
Cups’s Frozen Yogurt . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-2625
Nijiya Japanese Market . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-3000
Omaha Steaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 539-3831
Peet’s Coffee & Tea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 626-8008
Starbucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-4835
Trader Joe’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 326-9520
Treat Tea & Ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 326 9888
Whole Foods Market . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 257-8700
Yogurt Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 230-5505
HEALTH & FITNESS
Arthur Murray Dance Studio . . . . . . (310) 977-0987
Great Earth Vitamins . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-8494
My Fit Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 257-9175
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
Budding Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 326-9764
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
Olive Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 539-2285
South Bay Pain Docs . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 626-8037
Torrance Family Urgent
Care Center of South Bay . . . . . . . . . (310) 997-1796
PET & GROOMING
Grooming Wonders . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-1130
Pet’s Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 539-5700
Wild Birds Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 326-2473
REAL ESTATE
J A Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 539-2430
Person Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 325-8700
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
Hakata Yamaya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 257-1800
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
Mrs. A Vietnamese Pho . . . . . . . . . . (310) 541-1227
Nice Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 539-0323
Rubio’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 891-1811
Ryo Zan Paku. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 530-8720
Sushi Boy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 534-4013
Veggie Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 325-6689
Northeast Corner of Crenshaw & Pacific Coast Highway in Torrance
For Information Call (310) 534-0411
A LA CAZE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY PROJECT