May 2016 • Peninsula People 3
Volume XX, Issue 11
May 2016
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
Steve Cooley
Photo by Brad Jacobson
PROFILES
DA Cooley
by David Mendez
Steve Cooley looks back on four decades as a prosecutor
and looks forward to a new career in law.
Post film photographer
by Bondo Wyszpolski
Jerry Kotler merges film and digital technologies in his art.
HIGHLIGHTS
DEPARTMENTS
CONTRIBUTORS
Randy Angel is sports editor of Easy Reader.
Stephanie Cartozian is Associate Publisher of Peninsula People.
Richard Foss is Easy Reader’s food editor. His latest book is Food
in the Air and Space: The Surprising History of Food and Drink in
the Skies.
Brad Jacobson of CivicCouch.com is a freelance photographer
and videographer.
David Mendez is a reporter for Easy Reader
Bondo Wyszpolski, a Peninsula native son, is arts editor of Easy
Reader.
6 Peninsula People • May 2016
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Casa Felicia
by Stephanie Cartozian
America’s preeminent landscape architect Frederick Law
Olmsted retained influential Prairie School architect Myron
Hunt to design his cliffside Peninsula home. Nearly a century
later the home is largely unchanged.
Best ball
by Randy Angel
PV Hi senior Steffi Best sets two school records while leading
her team to the CIF Southern Section Division III playoffs.
Grill on the Hill
by Richard Foss
Chef Rafael Solorzano’s PV Grill in Lunada Bay reinforces his
reputation with stellar steak and seafood dishes.
Rotary Clubs’ Beer and Wine Fest
PVAC 85th Anniversary Gala
LA Philharmonic Grand Salon
PEF’s Main Event
LA BioMed Spirit of Excellence Awards
Charity League celebration
Rolling Hills Country Day music fundraiser
St. Francis Designs for Dining
Kids Camp Directory
Community Calendar
Around & About
Home Services
STAFF
EDITOR
Kevin Cody
PUBLISHER
Mary Jane Schoenheider
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS
Richard Budman
Stephanie Cartozian
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
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Hermosa Beach, CA
90254
PHONE
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Reader, 2200 Pacific Cst. Hwy.
#101., PO Box 745, Hermosa Beach,
CA. 90254-0427.
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May 2016 • Peninsula People 7
#1 Real Estate Team
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RANCHO PALOS VERDES
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PALOS VERDES estates
5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 5,241 sq ft Home, 15,307 sq ft Lot
Gated 1990 Custom Built Manor in sought after Lower Lunada Bay
Luxury Interiors, Great Curb Appeal, Walk to Schools
CREST ROAD
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5 Bedrooms, 6.5 Bathrooms, 8,533 sq ft Home, Guest House
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#1 Real Estate Team 2010 - 2015, RE/MAX Estate Properties
Local Experts with International Connections to get YOUR Properties SOLD
Stephen Haw/Team Leader
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
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310.619.4989
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Natsuko Fujii
藤 井 奈 都 子
310.941.2468
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Alicia Sialana
Real Estate Specialist
310.720.4852
aliciahomes1@gmail.com
Dede Hsu
郝 蒂 蒂
310.722.9222
dedehsu@gmail.com
Rod Yoon
롸드 윤
213.663.8888
RodYoon@gmail.com
S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Rotary South Bay
Beer and Wine Festival
Over 35 breweries and 15 wineries participated
in the 3rd Annual South Bay
Beer and Wine Festival at Ernie Howlett
Park on Sunday, May 15. Breweries not
often seen on the hill were present, including
Anchor Brewing and Firestone, along
with many local breweries, such as Absolution
Brewing and Phantom Carriage. The
band Detour took center stage with a state
of the art concert sound system amidst a sea
of generous vendor booths. Over 25 restaurants
were also present including Mama Terano,
Bettolino’s Kitchen and Petros
Restaurant. Guests in the popular VIP tent
were treated to specialty and reserve wines
and spirits along with mahi mahi ceviche
and other Fish Shop specialties.
The afternoon was a benefit for charities
supported by the Rotary Clubs of El Segundo,
Palos Verdes Peninsula and South
Bay Sunrise.
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PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE CARTOZIAN
1. Pizza Port Brewing
staff Fraser Cosh and
Janae Broussard.
2. HopSaint Brewing
co-owner Steve
Roberts, Helm Ochner
and HopSaint Brewing
brewer Brian Brewer.
3. Rebel Coast Winery
owners and brothers
Chip Forsythe, Austin
Forsythe and Doug
Forsythe.
4. King Shabu
Shabu’s Emily Pham,
Sunny Loo.
6. Detour.
7. Nicole Zalazar, Amy
Theilig and husband
Chris Winkler.
8. Fish Shop Restaurant
purveyors Brandon
Van Dam, Vera
Jimenez and Brian
Herlihy.
9. Guest Steve Lord,
Three Weavers director
of sales Omar Douglas
and Lynn Lord.
10. Volunteers Kelly
and Tom Intagliata.
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5. Guest Dan Scala,
Alpine Village event coordinator
Jon Weir and
guest Helm Ochner.
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10 Peninsula People • May 2016
12 Peninsula People • May 2016
S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Palos Verdes Art
Center
Celebrates 85th Anniversary
Trustees, staff and volunteers of Palos
Verdes Art Center / Beverly G. Alpay
Center for Arts Education celebrating the
center’s 85th anniversary last month. Bruce
Bibby, aka Ted Casablanca, entertainment
journalist and E! Online gossip-columnistturned-art-gallerist
emceed the evening.
Cocktails and a silent auction, which included
a Don Crocker painting, were followed
by dinner prepared by TGIS (Thank
Goodness It’s Sofia). Guests enjoyed performances
by ROMP Ensemble soprano
Marja Liisa Kay and mezzo-soprano
Stephanie Aston, accompanied by April
Guthrie on violoncello. Guests were also entertained
by Jesika von Rabbit. Guests included
66th District Assemblyman David
Hadley, Los Angeles County Supervisorial
Candidate and former Manhattan Beach
mayor Steve Napolitano and Rebekah Kim
of Supervisor Don Knabe’s office and Rancho
Palos Verdes Mayor Ken Dyda.
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1. Allen and Charlotte
Ginsburg.
2. Anthony Richardson
and Marta
Jevenois-Richardson
3. Don and Mary
Louise Crocker.
4. Eva and Brian
Sweeney.
5. Marylyn and Chuck
Klaus.
6. Stan and Judith
Solomon.
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South Bay’s Largest Retailer
of Stationery Products
Wedding Invitations ● Personal Notes ● Business Letterhead
Envelopes ● Boxed Notes ● Holiday Cards
● Graphic Services
“GREAT GIFTS FOR GREAT PEOPLE”
● Root and Trapp Candles
● Huge Selection of Olukai Footwear
● Graduation Gifts
Nantucket Crossing
867 Silver Spur Road (next to Bristol Farms), Rolling Hills Estates
310.377.7201
www.nantucketcrossing.com
14 Peninsula People • May 2016
Architectural Design &
Remodeling Seminar
This seminar will include:
• Functioning Design
• Choosing a contractor
• Exploration of materials
Join us on
Saturday
June 11 th
at 10:00 am
Join us on
Thursday
June 16 th
at 6:00 pm
Living Through
Your Remodel
This seminar will include:
• ‘Livable Remodeling’ tips
•The latest trends in the South Bay
• The advantage of true design / build
S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Grand Salon benefits
Los Angeles Philharmonic
The Grand Salon fundraiser was a lush affair,
hosted by Carolyn and Julian Elliott at
their Palos Verdes estate overlooking Lunada
Bay. An AMUSE guitar quartet greeted guests
outside and a Palos Verdes High string trio
greeted guests inside. Gourmet food was
served by local restaurants including Chez
Melange, Mar’sel, Ortega 120 and Rock’N
Brews. The featured program included piano
concertos performed by Joanne Pierce Martin
accompanied by Catherine Ransom Karoly on
flute. The Peninsula Committee was founded
in 1952 and supports the L.A. Philharmonic
through fundraising and audience development
and promotes youth music education
and fosters appreciation of music in the community.
1. Co-chair Claudia
Grzywacz, hostess Carolyn
Elliott and co-chair
Marian Hall.
2. Violinist Marcus
Chang, violist Laura
Gong, cellist Jamie
Chung.
3. Trudy Park and Alicia
Maniatakis.
4. Grand Salon Committee
Members Claudia
Grzywacz, Marian Hall,
Sue Frew, Debby Mc-
Donald, Jean Strickland,
Jo Ann Deflon, Val
Noguchi, Ann Marinovich,
Lu Takeuchi, Pat
Zelt, Deborah Deutsch,
Virginia Butler, Jann
Feldman, Paula Del Vicario
and Judy Sannes.
5. Mar’sel restaurant’s
Jacqueline Delcarson,
Chris Scotti, Sheri King
and Andrew Vaughan.
6. Co-chair Claudia
Grzywacz, Peninsula
Committee for LA Philharmonic
president
Paula Del Vicario and
Co-Chair Marian Hall.
7. Benefactors Lois and
Jim Moore and Grand
Salon committee member
Val Noguchi.
8. Auction Committee
Linda Whitson, Lu
Takeuchi, Ann Marinovich,
Joann Deflon,
Sara Jane
Bettge, Margaret Shimada,
Nancy Ceja and
Marilyn Hoffman.
9. Benefactors Ron and
Elaine Florance.
10. Grand Salon Committee
Member Debby
McDonald, Bristol Farms
Catering Traci B., and
guest Beth Howell.
11. Grand Salon Committee
Members Virginia
Butler, Jann Feldman
and Debby McDonald.
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May 2016 • Peninsula People 19
6040 Via Sonoma, Rancho Palos Verdes
3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 2706 Sq.ft.
OFFERED
$1,759,000
JERRYANDLAURA.COM
Over 600 Homes Sold and Counting
Your Home Deserves the Best EXPOSURE
(310) 480-3601
6501 PV Drive East, Rancho Palos Verdes
3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1910 Sq.ft.
OFFERED
$1,299,000
May 2016 • Peninsula People 21
S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Peninsula Education Foundation
Main Event takes guests for a ride
Anew, red Ferrari (for a weekend) donated by the newly opened Ferrari
South Bay in Torrance and a new Lexus RX 350 (to keep) from
Toyota were among the auction and raffle highlights at the Peninsula Education
Foundation Main Event held May 7 at Terranea Resort’s Grand
Ballroom. Over 500 guests attended, many in costumes keeping with the
Saturday Night Live theme and was orchestrated by a committee headed
by foundation president Roma Mistry. The gala helps the organization
reach its $3.4 million goal for this school year. This funding maintains
teachers, counselors, college advisors, music, library aides and STEM
programs. The event was a great success due to the generous sponsorships
of Toyota Motor Sales, Terranea Resort, Del Amo Fashion Center,
American Airlines and Micato Safaris.
1. Peninsula Education Foundation
president Roma Mistry, chairperson
Cheryl West and executive director
Christine Byrne.
2. Trustees Jill Surace and Mike
Surace.
3. Trustees Jeri Delatorre, Sandra
Field and Jody Pastell.
4. Ferrari of South Bay general
manager Eddie Brodsky president,
Peninsula Education.Foundation
president Roma Mistry and executive
director Christine Byrne.
PHOTOS BY TONY LABRUNO
5. Braden Turnbull and Chris Wendel.
6. Trisha Barrios and Wendy Turnbull.
7. Diana Heffernan-Schrader and
Steve Schrader.
8. Peninsula Education Foundation
president Roma Mistry, Toyota Motor
Sales’ Tracy Underwood and executive
director Christine Byrne.
9. Les Fishman and Virginia Butler.
RESORT LIVING IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD
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• 4 Bedrooms
• 2.5 Baths
• 2,372 square feet (tax)
• 19,594 square foot lot (tax)
• Family eat-in kitchen
• Formal Dining Area
• Hardwood / Tile /
Carpet Flooring
• Remodeled Baths
Features:
• Crown Molding
• Recessed Lighting
• Dual Pane Windows
and Doors
• Kenmore Double
Drawer Dishwasher
• GE Stove and
Microwave
• Fireplace
30470 GANADO DRIVE
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
You’ve reached the end of your search when you arrive at this beauty in Mira Catalina. The major living areas of the home
provide easy access to the resort style backyard where you will spend time enjoying the amenities of a salt water pool,
built in BBQ, and expansive yard with patio to enjoy those warm summer nights. The executive style split level floorplan
boast a light, bright and spacious interior ideally suited for family life and formal entertaining. The amply proportioned
kitchen boasts top of the line appliances, Granite counters and cabinets that will satisfy all your spatial requirements. With
peek of Catalina / Ocean views this will be a place you will proudly call home. www.30470ganado.com
OFFERED AT $1,249,500
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May 2016 • Peninsula People 23
S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Nissen, Mihlsten
receive
Spirit of Excellence Awards
LA BioMed held its most successful gala
ever at the Millennium Biltmore on May
5, raising more than $1.1 million for the
nonprofit research institute. Over 500 people
attended the Spirit of Excellence Awards,
honoring the outstanding work of its scientists
in the growing field of personalized
medicine.
The 2016 Spirit of Excellence Awards recipients
were Steve Nissen, senior vice president
of legal and government affairs at
NBCUniversal and emeritus chairman of the
LA BioMed Board of Directors; and George
J. Mihlsten, a partner with Latham &
Watkins LLP law firm who has played a
leading role in securing the future of LA Bio-
Med. The California Community Foundation
and its president and CEO, Antonia
Hernández were also recognized
“The Spirit of Excellence Award winners
have provided critical support to LA BioMed
and helped inspire all of us who work in the
field of research to strive every day to improve
the lives of patients across the world,”
said David I. Meyer, PhD, LA BioMed president
and CEO.
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1. Philanthropists
Bethany Hudek, Allen
and Charlotte
Ginsburg.
2. LA BioMed Legend
Grace and husband
Kouichi Tanaka, M.D.
3. LA BioMed President
and CEO David
Meyer Ph.D and Honoree
Steven Nissen.
4. Philanthropist Judy
Leach and husband
TMMC President and
CEO Craig Leach.
5. Guest Marty Zohn
and event sponsors
Diana and Van
Honeycutt.
7. Friends of LA Bio-
Med Nancy and Larry
Bolton.
8. Chairman and CEO
of Metropolitan
Theatres Corp. Bruce
Corwin and LA BioMed
President and CEO
David Meyer Ph.D.
9. Chairman of Psychiatry
at Harbor UCLA
Dr. Ira and wife Dr.
Bobbie Lesser, daughter
Sara Lesser, Former
President and CEO of
LA BioMed Carole
Wagner Vallianos and
husband Peter
Vallianos.
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6. Friend of LA BioMed Marion
Paulson, philanthropists Webb
Castor, Ph.D, Donna Lee and
Harlyne Norris.
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May 2016 • Peninsula People 27
LILY LIANG PRESENTS:
PALOS VERDES’ FINEST HOMES & ESTATES FOR OVER 30 YEARS!
PRICE
REDUCTION
IN
ESCROW
3300 Palos Verdes Dr. West, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
$9,800,000 | www.3300PalosVerdesDrWest.com
525 Palos Verdes Dr. W., Palos Verdes Estates
$3,199,000 | www.525PalosVerdesDriveWest.com
1413 Via Coronel, Palos Verdes Estates
$2,699,000 | www.1413ViaCoronel.com
IN
ESCROW
NEW
LISITNG
2990 Twin Harbors View Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
$4,988,000 | www.2990TwinHarborsView.com
717 Via Bandini, Palos Verdes Estates
$2,199,000 | www.717ViaBandini.com
30178 Cartier Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes
$1,968,000 | 4 BD | 5 BA | 3,562 sq ft | Lot Size 15,534 sq ft
S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
National Charity League
Peninsula Chapter
Seniors Celebrate Medallion 2016
On Saturday, March 12th 2016, the Peninsula Chapter of
National Charity League, Inc. presented its graduating
seniors in a Medallion ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
This year’s theme was “Carpe Diem”. In addition to the presentation
of each senior Ticktocker , the class hosted a fashion
show featuring designers such Lily Pulitzer, Veda, The Stylist
LA and Show Me Your MuMu. The graduating class “seized
the day” with an elegant white dress presentation that highlighted
each Ticktocker’s accomplishments during their six
years as a member of NCL.National Charity League, Inc. is a
mother-daughter philanthropic organization committed to community
service, leadership development, and cultural experiences.
The organization gives mothers and daughters unique
opportunities to strengthen their bond while growing together,
sharing of themselves, and improving their community. These
graduating seniors have contributed more than 17, 000 volunteer
hours over six years to 30 various South Bay philanthropies.
PHOTO BY DAVID NICHOLSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Front row, Rachel Oda, Jacquelyn Smith, Anna Bergland, Kathryn
Jenness; Second row, Natalie Peters, Bella Townsend, Hallie Duvall;
Third Row , Emily Fogle, Samantha Whitlock, Danielle Keshtkar, Jihana
Mendu, Emily Chao, Hannah Rener; Fourth Row, Megan Moore, Abby
Pluimer, Julia Stain,Whitney Pieper, Fifth Row, Lauren Otera, Cassidy
Najarian, Eavan Burke, Erin McCann, Ellie Gruen, Sixth row, Hanna
Allman, Lizzie Rich, Allie Durnell, Emily Ericson and top row, Alexandra
Forsey, Hope Schmalzried and Kimberly Sklow.
Chris Adlam
310.493.7216
www.chrisadlam.com
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
Tennis Estate in Palos Verdes Estates. Gated and private, this gorgeous 5 bedroom home was
built in 2005. Pool, spa, wine cellar, tennis court, and more. $4,999,000
30 Peninsula People • May 2016
Chris Adlam
310.493.7216
www.chrisadlam.com
Casa Felicia. Once in a lifetime opportunity. 65,000 square foot, bluff top property
in Palos Verdes Estates. If privacy is the ultimate luxury.... $12,500,000
Prime Lower Malaga Cove location with stunning coastline, ocean
and Queen's Necklace views. $1,999,000
One level, 5100 square foot home with tennis court, pool and spa on a
huge street-to-street lot in Lower Lunada Bay. $3,999,000
Chris Adlam
310.493.7216
www.chrisadlam.com
Chris Adlam
310.493.7216
www.chrisadlam.com
Wonderful family home in PVE. Ocean views, 4 bedrooms, pool,
pool house and great location! $2,250,000
34 Peninsula People • May 2016
Charming 3 bedroom home in Lower Malaga Cove. Sweeping Queen's
Necklace and ocean views! $2,399,000
May 2016 • Peninsula People 35
P E N I N S U L A P E O P L E | P O L I T I C S
by David Mendez
Years ago, a meeting of the Redondo Beach
Harbor Commission was veering off the
rails when then-Assistant City Attorney
Brian Hickey issued a warning to the commissioners:
If they kept on their current path, they’d soon
be in violation of the Brown Act.
City Attorney Michael Webb, who was waiting
in the wings behind the commission chambers,
heard the director of the City’s Harbor Department
respond, “Who’s going to arrest us, the
Brown Act police?”
Webb quickly stepped in front of the commission.
“I made it very clear that, if they took that action,
my very next act would be to go to my office and
call the District Attorney’s office,” Webb recalled.
“I think I held up a picture of Steve Cooley, and
said ‘Here’s the Brown Act police, and yes, he will
have you arrested.”
Cooley was the Los Angeles County District Attorney.
Webb had become acquainted with Cooley
Cooley’s law
Photo by Brad Jacobson (CivicCouch.com)
Once elected, Steve Cooley kept politicians honest
with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
through the Los Angeles County City Prosecutors’
Association, an organization Cooley established to
coordinate efforts among municipal prosecuting attorneys.
“He followed through on things that don’t get
public attention or public gratitude, taking on other
elected officials,” Webb said.
“There were things that hadn’t been done before
in terms of how aggressively he prosecuted political
corruption, including state officials who didn’t
even live in the districts they had supposedly been
representing,” Michael Webb said.
In 2000, after nearly two decades as a Los Angeles
County Deputy District Attorney, Cooley challenged
his politically popular and well connected
boss Gil Garcetti in the countywide election for
head District Attorney.
He vigorously attacked Garcetti for corruption
within the LAPD, in particular, the Rampart Station
case, where a rogue cop had established his
own criminal gang. Cooley also accused his boss,
who was seeking a rare third term, of rewarding
political supporters with special treatment.
“Suffice it to say, I was unhappy with the incum-
bent; I thought he was missing the mark. I
thought there was room for improvement in a
lot of arenas and I felt that I, and the people I
would assemble, could do a better job,” Cooley
said. “All of which proved to be true.”
Among Cooley’s calling cards was the fight
against corruption, a struggle he said he went
after “hammer and tong.”
Cooley toppled Garcetti 63 to 36 percent.
Cooley joined the Los Angeles County District
Attorney’s office shortly after passing the
state bar exam in 1973 and quickly moved up
through the ranks. He became a head deputy
within 10 years and would win three terms as
the county’s District Attorney. Only two other
head DA’s in the office’s 166 year history
served three terms and they were elected
prior to 1940.
Accidental warrior
Cooley’s choice of law for a career came
through a process of elimination.
“My parents always said that we were to
have some kind of career – become a C.P.A.,
or a doctor, something with a craft and a skill.
But working as an accountant, or a doctor, or
selling insurance? No, not for me,” Cooley
said.
Cooley was the second of five children in a
solidly middle-class family in the Silver Lake
neighborhood of Los Angeles. His mother was
a homemaker and part-time Realtor. His father
was an FBI agent. In 1954, Cooley’s father left
the FBI to become an accountant so he could
earn enough to put his children through college.
Cooley completed his undergraduate studies
at California State University, Los Angeles, and
earned his law degree at the University of
Southern California.
His views on law enforcement were shaped
between 1972 and 1979, when he served as a
Los Angeles Police Department Reserve.
“If I didn’t pass the bar or go into the DA’s
office, I would have joined LAPD or the FBI,”
he said.
He had the highest grades in his criminal
law class (“and not the highest in anything
else,” he joked). Within a week of passing the
bar in 1973, he joined the District Attorney’s
office, where he would work for 27 years as a
deputy district attorney until his election to
DA.
He was assigned to branches across the
county, from Antelope Valley to San
Bernardino, and headed divisions ranging
from the juvenile office to welfare fraud.
“I had 13 different assignments in the DA’s
office, all of them good, all different and all interesting,”
Cooley said.
Non partisan politician
“The DA’s office isn’t partisan politics, it’s
about seeking justice,” said Peninsula resident
and Superior Court Judge George Bird. “Justice
is blind to politics, or at least it should be, and
it was under Steve Cooley.”
Bird praised Cooley’s “measured and proportionate”
approach to the prosecution of
36 Peninsula People • May 2016
three-strikes cases, noting Cooley respected the intent of the law, which
wasn’t to put someone away for 25-years-to-life for a misdemeanor.
“His views on third-strike violations, to make sure that the strikes were
significant or violent felonies, later became law,” Webb said. “But at the
time, it didn’t sit well for some people higher up, or DA’s in Northern California.
They tried to punish him by taking away his leadership position in
the California District Attorney’s Association. All the prosecutors in our
office quit the C.D.A.A. [in protest] and only went back after Steve retired.”
Bird’s recollections of Cooley’s accomplishments as DA included the establishment
of a forensic investigation unit, improved training of deputy
DA’s and the promotion of women and minorities to leadership roles. His
second in command Chief Deputy District Attorney Jackie Lacey, with
Cooley’s backing, was elected to succeed him, making her the first woman
and first African American to serve as the county’s top prosecutor.
Cooley’s most important achievement as DA, Bird believes, was the communication
network he established. “He actually sought out and worked
collaboratively with justice partners to make the system work properly,”
Bird said. “Prosecutors from across the county would meet monthly to coordinate
and communicate in prosecution of offenses…Gone under Steve’s
leadership was any issue of territoriality and resentment between agencies.”
Looking back, Cooley said he is particularly proud of the drop in the
county’s crime rate, which was at its lowest in 60 years while he held office.
He doesn’t take exclusive credit. He said the drop in crime was a result
of the system putting the right people in prison.
“He did exactly what you teach young prosecutors to do: pursue justice
no matter what the obstacles are,” Redondo City Attorney Webb said.
Cooley believes the current county crime rate is unacceptable. In 2015,
violent crime in Los Angeles County increased 5.5 percent and property
crime increased 8.2 percent, the Los Angeles Times reported.
“The crime rate, since I left office, has been increasing steadily because
of changes to reduce the prison population,” Cooley said. He was referring
to Proposition 47 passed by voters in 2014 and Assembly Bill 109, passed
in 2011. Prop. 47 reduced the maximum sentencing for many crimes from
felonies to misdemeanors. AB 109 reassigned “non-serious” criminals from
state prisons to county jails.
“The system should work, should identify criminals, appropriately incarcerate
them and punish them for their wrongdoing,” Cooley said. “The
system is working against the law-abiding public, led by Governor Jerry
Brown, then aided and abetted by a weak Attorney General.”
Cooley left the DA’s office in 2012 to campaign for the State Attorney
General’s office. He was defeated by then San Francisco DA Kamala Harris,
who is currently running for the U.S Senate seat being vacated by Barbara
Boxer.
“Cooley’s loss was a situation where the weakness of Republicans across
the ticket hurt his campaign effort,” Webb said. “Not because of who he is
or his qualifications… Kamala Harris’s heart wasn’t in being a career prosecutor.
She’s using it as a political stepping stone, while he wanted to bring
his no-nonsense attitude to the state.”
Cooley is philosophical about the 2012 election.
“I don’t regret it at all,” he said. “I’m probably in a better place now.”
Where he is now, at age 69, is operating his own private consultancy
firm – what he calls a “problem solving” business, in which he brings attorneys
and investigators to work on clients’ cases.
“At a normal firm, you go in there and they’ll send you to a department,
give you an expert, put this clerk and that paralegal with you...but they do
it with people in house,” Cooley said. “My thinking is clients come to me
with their issues and I bring the right people to them.”
It’s a matching game built on the deep network of professional ties Cooley
made throughout his career. An added personal benefit is it gives him
time to spend with his family.
Cooley and wife Jana married in 1975. In 2012, the couple rented a home
in Rancho Palos Verdes to be closer to their kids and grandkids. They now
live in Rolling Hills.
“If I were Attorney General or District Attorney, I guarantee you I’d not
have an entire Sunday off – those would be 11, 12, 13-hour days with a lot
of travel,” he said. “This is a much more flexible lifestyle. I pick the times
I work and pick who I’m hanging around with. It gives me more time with
the grandkids and my family and that’s the highlight of my time.” PEN
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May 2016 • Peninsula People 41
P E N I N S U L A P E O P L E | A R T
Seen
in a
different
light
Photographer
Jerry Kotler
sets the tone
by Bondo Wyszpolski
Photography can seem like the most impersonal
of artistic mediums, and I suppose in
most hands this is true. All one needs to do
is point the lens at someone or something and
then press the shutter. And anybody can do that,
right?
Isabella Rossellini makes a comment in her
book, “Looking at Me,” which says otherwise:
“Photography is just like handwriting; it is personal
and unique to each photographer.”
Jerry Kotler is one of those photographers
whose “handwriting” stands out. He has a style,
Hermosa Beach
strand 3.25.16
E. Anaheim St. Bridge. All images by Jerry Kotler
a technique, a vision, call it what you will, that
enhances each image. What draws this writer to
his work is the rich tonality, an often subtle glow
as if the pictures have been infused with a visual,
atmospheric spice.
Kotler, who lives in Palos Verdes near Hesse
Park, downplays the intended compliment.
“A friend of mine would always laugh at that;
he called it rainbowization. But I try to keep it
under control. You can’t do too much oversaturation
and stuff like that because then you bring
a lot of noise into the picture.”
Kotler spends hours tweaking his images, activating
them one could say, by laying the subjective
over the objective. That is, putting his
impression over that of the camera’s. I’m reminded
of these words by Abelardo Morell: “It’s
important to me to have what I photograph undergo
a certain transformation — to become a
thing different from what we are used to, to be
another version of itself.”
A family influence?
“I was into photography since I was a kid,” says
Kotler, who was born in Brooklyn, New York.
“My dad designed cameras, and worked for an
old company called Bolsey.”
Furthermore, “My dad’s uncle had a photography
studio. My mom used to drag me there once
a week when I was a kid, make me hold my sister
on my lap, and (my uncle) would take a bunch of
8x10s. So I guess it’s somehow in my blood.”
In high school, Kotler began to paint (“I used to
sketch a lot and doodle all over my books”), but
he preferred photography. “I used to do b&w and
42 Peninsula People • May 2016
Hesse Park
darkroom stuff; I just loved it, seeing it all come
out.”
That was still the case a few years later, working
for IBM and living in Poughkeepsie, New
York. “The problem was that I didn’t have a darkroom.
I had a kitchen in my apartment, and in
the summer it wasn’t dark enough to do anything
until after 10 p.m. I’d be lucky if I got two prints
done before it was time to clean up and dry
everything, and I’d get to bed at 3 a.m. It took a
lot of work.”
On the other hand, in the darkroom, is one interested
in quantity or in quality?
“If you can go into the darkroom to print (and)
if you can come out and have one good picture
printed, that’s an evening,” as W. Eugene Smith
once said. “You’ve done something. You know,
that’s a lot: to actually come out and make one
good print.”
At the time, Kotler’s idea of a masterful photographer
was Ansel Adams, who of course is
best known for his nature and landscape imagery,
especially those related to Yosemite National
Park.
But when it came to making a living, painting
and photography took a backseat.
When digital doors opened
“I had no idea what I was going to do when I
got out of college,” Kotler says. “I majored in psychology,
(which) didn’t help me figure out what
I wanted to do, or what I was good for.”
Somehow, he thought computers might be interesting,
although he knew very little about
them, and so he applied to various companies.
“The only one that didn’t care that I had no engineering
or math background was IBM. They just
gave us all an aptitude test and hired us.”
That was what got Kotler to Poughkeepsie.
“I thought I had found the perfect thing, the
thing I was meant to do — write programs.” Not
only writing programs but optimizing them for
speed. “I loved making programs run as fast as
they could.”
And it turned out to be a long-lasting career as
well, first IBM for 25 years, and then Farmers Insurance,
in the computer department, for 15
Redondo Pier 2
more.
Somewhere in here, 1986 to be exact, Kotler
moved to Southern California. He’s been in Palos
Verdes since 1997, having lived before that in various
cities from Santa Monica to Torrance.
But what really changed during all those years
was the very nature of how we take and process
our photographs. Those who still print in a darkroom
are akin to those who still use typewriters,
Jerry Kotler cont. on page 44
May 2016 • Peninsula People 43
Venice Beach Manhattan Beach alley 3.10.16
Jerry Kotler cont. from page 43
not that technological progress means artistic
progress.
For Kotler, the digital world opened up new
doors, and has led him to where he is today.
“Being able to work on the stuff in photoshop
and the computer totally freed me up from timeof-day
constraints, light and darkness,” he says.
“And the other thing, something I couldn’t do
with oil painting, was if you made a mistake you
saved a copy so you could always just start over.”
Traditionally, a painter had to labor, while a
photographer merely had to be on his or her toes,
anticipating the “perfect” moment. These days,
an artist can merge the two mediums with results
that 50 years ago would have amazed everyone,
painters and photographers alike.
Even so, there is still the question of subject
matter. And in Kotler’s case?
“I tend to switch back and forth between landscape
and buildings and architectural stuff,” he
says. “I realize it’s kind of a duality, the pure creative
stuff and kind of my engineering background,
straight lines, right angles.”
What about contemporary photographers
whom he admires or finds interesting?
“Well, my favorite amongst the people I know,”
Kotler replies, “is my friend Jim McKinniss. He’s
got such a variety of styles. We both do textures
and things like that.
“We bought all this expensive equipment,” he
adds, “lenses and cameras, to make sure we take
perfect clean shots. And then we grunge them up
with textures. That’s kind of ironic.”
Ironic, yes, perhaps, but Jerry Kotler, like Mc-
Kinniss, has a way of presenting his subject in a
different light, as if from a slightly new angle. It
may be an object, a particular landscape or building
we thought we knew well, and yet from this
point forward we might not ever look at it the
same way again. That’s quite an achievement, if
someone can pull that off, and I believe Jerry
Kotler has done just that. PEN
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P E N
A R C H I T E C T U R E
on high
Tiled theater style seating is situated above a fire pit
overlooking the coastline. Photo by Stephanie Cartozian
Casa Felecia’s dining room features an altar and sculptures.
Photo by Stephanie Cartozian
Ornate doors imported
from Mexico feature hand
carved religious figures.
Photo by
Stephanie Cartozian
An aerial view of Casa Felecia.
Photo by Peter McMenamin
Casa Felecia, the former home of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.
designed by Myron Hunt, is one of the Peninsula’s enduring
architectural treasures
by Stephanie Cartozian
Casa Felecia is steeped in Palos Verdes tradition and romanticism. In
1925, Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., the preeminent landscape architect
in American history, selected this exquisite bluff lot to be the
site of his future home on the Peninsula.
Still in its infancy, the City of Palos Verdes Estates gifted the parcel to
Olmsted in exchange for his visionary work in the planning of the community.
Famed architect Myron Hunt, an early member of the influential
Prairie School of architects that included Frank Lloyd Wright, was then selected
to design the spectacular, Spanish style hacienda that, when built,
took center stage above the Redondo and Torrance beach coastline. Horse
drawn carriages still roamed the dirt roads and the Peninsula was an expansive
tapestry of possibility.
The estate is currently owned by Debra and Kent Attridge and formerly
belonged to her parents, Mary Ann Struble and Arthur Dewey Struble, Jr.
The Strubles met at a US Navy officers dance party in Annapolis, Maryland,
and were married 62 years. He was a former Naval commander who
served in both WWII and the Korean War and later founded Sea Space
Systems. He turned his attention to restoring and remodeling his beloved
Casa Felecia in retirement.
The home underwent many architectural transformations over the years.
Built in 1925, the sprawling home presently has four bedrooms, five bathrooms,
four wood burning fireplaces and sits on an acre and a half with
spectacular views north of the Santa Monica Bay and its Pacific coastline.
The 90-year-old hacienda-style compound exudes Old World rusticity. A
brick pathway meanders through Koi ponds and fountains, with benches,
patios, and pueblas tucked throughout the bluffside property’s grounds.
The Strubles incorporated and installed distinctive elements of Mexican
influence into their home. Debra Attridge has fond memories of the numerous
trips her father made to Mexico in search of materials. He transported
much of what he acquired himself.
“The driveway bricks were all hauled up from Mexico in the back of a
trailer,” Kent Attridge said.
In the 1980s the Strubles completed a major remodel, converting garages
The family room is adorned with arched windows and
hand carved columns. Photo by Peter McMenamin
A skylight gives a natural glow to the dining room.
Photo by Peter McMenamin
Casa Felecia cont. on page 48
A hammock on the upper patio provides expansive
ocean views. Photo by Stephanie Cartozian
Owner Debra Attridge with four generations of her
beloved dogs. Photo by Stephanie Cartozian
A coliseum surrounds expansive gardens, grapevines
and monuments. Photo by Stephanie Cartozian
The upper patio overlooks Redondo and Torrance
beaches. Photo by Stephanie Cartozian
A serpentine driveway was built with old bricks the
Struble family brought back from one of their many
Mexican journeys. Photo by Peter McMenamin
Casa Felecia cont. from page 47
and maids’ quarters to main living areas. Arthur
Struble Jr. designed the fireplace with louvers between
the mantel and the hearth so that the heat
from the fireplace would radiate efficiently
throughout the room.
“All interior doors and many other design
pieces were hand-carved with Mexican motifs
having religious qualities, such as the Fatima over
the mantelpiece,” said Debra Attridge.
“These are church doors,” she added, pointing
to a set of ornately carved, thick wooden doors
off the living room.
Though the family was never particularly religious,
all of the added detail was in keeping with
the history of the Peninsula and with the Spanish
style architecture of the home, with its thick plaster
arches, wood-carved columns, and adobe
walls.
The floors throughout the hacienda are of traditional
Mexican terracotta. Attridge is herself an
artist, and her father had an artistic, hands-on
bent — in addition to possessing a broad array of
home-building skills, he was a welder and an did
wrought-iron art. Attridge recalled that she and
her parents grouted, polished, and applied muriatic
acid to the floors themselves.
“It was the three of us who did this,” she said.
The grouting between the terracotta tiles is
wide and handpainted black. This effect exudes
a warm and enchanting feel to the home, exemplifying
how in even its smallest details the family’s
artistry is perceptible and tactile.
Wrought iron window boxes adorn the exterior,
an architectural element that is deeply rooted in
style but also fable and legend.
“The steel window boxes, that’s very Spanish
— that’s to keep the young virgins from being violated
by young men trying to get into their window,”
said Kent Attridge.
On the north end of the house is a striking coliseum
structure, a charming stone wall replete
with arches. It borders a sweeping grassy area
where grape vines, Coral and fig trees grow. The
family has made wine from the grapes grown on
the property. Debra and Kent Attridge were married
here.
The name Casa Felecia means happy home. Attridge
said the half century her family enjoyed on
their bluffside perch attests to the name’s aptness.
“This is the most fantastic place to be on the
Fourth of July,” she said. PEN
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May 2016 • Peninsula People 49
P E N I N S U L A P E O P L E | S P O R T S
a
striking
success
Palos Verdes High School senior
Steffi Best had an All-CIF quality
season while setting two school
pitching records.
Photo by Ray Vidal
After a disappointing junior
season, Steffi Best has
enjoyed a record-setting season
for Palos Verdes High School’s
softball program
by Randy Angel
Standing in the middle of the circle on the infield
of Mira Costa’s softball field, Palos Verdes pitcher
Steffi Best knew all eyes were on her.
It had only been three games since the senior had set
the school career record for strikeouts but claiming the
single-season record was the one she had set her sights
on.
“Halfway through the preseason my dad thought I
should try to set the strikeout record,” Best said. “I’m
always up for a challenge. It helps keep me keep focused.”
The record came in the sixth inning of a 2-1 victory
over Bay League rival Mira Costa on April 29, in a game
where Best finished with 14 strikeouts, eclipsing the
mark of 207 set by Arianna Erceg in 2010.
In a 3-1 home victory against Redondo, Best topped
Erceg’s four-season career mark of 455, also set in 2010.
Best is proud to have accomplished the feat in only
three seasons and considers the wins against Redondo
and Mira Costa as the most memorable games of her
prep career.
“Beating Redondo and setting the career record in the
same game was extra special,” Best said. “It was a total
team effort and a game I’ll always remember.”
Best is the first to admit that her record-setting performance
was in doubt entering her senior season.
Facing as many ups and downs as her pitching repertoire,
Best had to overcome adversity before becoming
one of the most accomplished softball players in Palos
Verdes High School history.
Best missed her entire freshman year because of a
torn ACL and wondered if she would be able to play
again.
“I worked hard in rehab four to five times a week and
kept telling myself that something good would come of
the situation,” Best recalled. “But it was hard sitting on
the bench and watching my teammates have fun on the
field.”
Best then suffered through a disappointing junior season
after being named to the All-CIF Southern Section
Division 3 team as a sophomore when she posted a 15-
4 record with a 2.24 ERA while striking out 153 batters
in 140.2 innings. She also batted .390 that season with
28 RBI.
“I worked hard on different pitches, particularly my
rise ball,” Best said. “That’s why I think the single season
record means more to me coming off my junior
year. My confidence had dropped so I wanted to start
this season on a high note.”
Although she batted .362 with 19 RBI in 2015, Best’s
record plummeted to 7-14 and her ERA jumped to 3.31.
She finished with 132 strikeouts in 118.1 innings.
“During my sophomore year juniors Johniann
Wahl and Kasey Halleen provided much-needed
mental support and we became great friends,”
Best said. “They really helped me through a difficult
junior year and did their best to keep my
confidence level up.”
This season Best has led Palos Verdes to a share
of the Bay League title, shared with Redondo,
finishing the regular season with a 14-7 record,
an impressive 0.31 ERA, and 245 strikeouts with
only 33 walks in 136.1 innings while holding opponents
to a .179 batting average.
She also leads her team in batting average
(.487), RBI (22) and doubles (9), along with two
triples and two home runs.
“I only have one month left in high school so I
want to go all out,” Best said as the Sea Kings entered
the postseason. “I spoke with the team
about each game possibly being the last and for
some players, maybe the last of their softball careers
If we piece everything together and play one
inning at a time, I think we’ll do well in the playoffs.
I’m very proud of this team because we surprised
a lot of people and really came out of
nowhere.”
Best credits her turnaround season to the support
of her father, pitching coaches and reading
Throw Like a Girl: How to Dream Big & Believe in
Yourself, a book written by former Olympian and
University of Arizona standout pitcher Jennie
Finch.
“I feel I took two steps forward from last season,”
Best said. “After my sophomore season, I
didn’t think I had to work as hard and it showed.
It was all mental. I still had the same physical
abilities but I began to question myself. Jennie
Finch’s book helped me get back on track.
“My dad never stopped believing in me. He has
always been there for me and he told me that I
have to ‘control the controllables.’ He taught me
how to approach each pitch and know what to
throw.”
Best said she relishes the pressure and attention
that comes with the pitching position, which
has made her work harder.
“During my high school years I have molded
myself into becoming a leader,” Best said. “If I
can be a leader on the team, my teammates feel
more confident in having my back and I theirs.”
Best is not an overpowering pitcher throwing
in the high 50 to low 60 mph range and feels the
curveball is her most dominant pitch but the
changeup is her favorite to throw.
“Hitters struggle to hit it (changeup) and it
comes natural to me,” Best explained. “I have
good command of the pitch and feel comfortable
using it in almost every situation no matter what
the count on the batter.”
Best hopes the Sea Kings will have a playoff run
comparable to 2014 when the team reached the
CIF-SS Division 3 semifinals. She said her team’s
24-7 performance that season is among the highlights
of her athletic career.
“I have been coaching for 23 years in several
sports and Steffi has been one of the best I have
had the opportunity to coach,” Palos Verdes head
coach Patrick Fresch commented. “She brings a
great attitude and work ethic every day, is a natural
leader, and she brings everyone up around
her. She’s been a huge part of the program and
will be sorely missed next year.”
Fresch believes Best’s ability to mix up her
pitches and keep hitters off balance is the key to
her success.
“She can get an out with several different
pitches, and she hits her spots,” Fresch added.
“She also has a great competitive instinct and
drive. She competes on every pitch, something
that is very hard to teach and it comes to her naturally.”
Best has a strong athletic background, which
she feels she gets from her parents. Her father
Tom played college football at Cornell and her
mother, Callie Kourtis is an avid cyclist and paddleboarder.
“I’ve been totally amazed at how Steffi has responded
this season,” said her father who has
kept stats for GameChanger during her club ball
career. “There will be a void when she goes off
Known for her domination in the circle, Steffi Best has had a stellar season
at the plate, leading Palos Verdes in batting average and RBI.
Photo by Ray Vidal
to college. I tease her about my retiring, buying a
ratty old RV and parking it near her new home
field.”
Softball has played a major role in Best’s life.
Along with softball, which she began playing
when she was five years old, Best has played soccer,
basketball, volleyball and ran cross country.
She narrowed down the field to softball and soccer
while in middle school,.
“I really like soccer and played on the Exile
club soccer team but did not have time for soccer
and softball,” Best said. “Every weekend and
most weeknights was softball and I was missing
a lot of soccer games, only attending the practices.”
Best joined her first travel ball team when she
was 10 years old and enjoyed a season she will
never forget playing for Garden Grove-based Victory
USA. The team won the Amateur Softball
Association (ASA) Class A 10U championship in
Johnson City, Tenn., with Best earning a complete
game victory in the championship game.
All but one of the 11 players on that team are
still playing with eight of them being committed
to Division I college programs.
It was the first of three national championships
for Best, who won two Premier Girls Fastpitch
(PGF) titles with the Orange County Batbusters
(18U in 2015 and 14U in 2013). Best also was on
the ASA 12U runner-up team in 2011.
Best now plays for the San Fernando Valleybased
So Cal Choppers 18U Gold team.
“Victory USA was the best team I ever played
on,” Best said. “Many of the players remain my
best friends to this day. I loved the environment
of club ball and relationships we
built. My teammates from that team
will probably be at my wedding one
day. Playing with players from different
communities was exciting and a
new experience for me.”
Best said she can remember everything
about her experience traveling
to and playing in Tennessee.
“I remember the rain delays, eating
at restaurants and traveling with the
team,” Best recalled. ”Our head
coach also coached an older team
and was in a different state at the
time. The assistant coach had a
daughter on our team who was a
pitcher. I didn’t expect to pitch so I
wasn’t nervous and even took a nap
before the game. I was so surprised
when he called on me to start. We
won 7-1 and I’ll never forget getting
back to the hotel and we all jumped
in the pool with our uniforms on.”
Best considers her father and Victory
USA coach Mark Campbell as
having the biggest influences on her
softball career, along with pitching
coaches Sherell Vance and former
All-American University of Arizona
pitcher Susie Parra.
“Steffi has come a long way,” said
Vance who coached her since Best
was five years old. “She once was a
shy quiet little girl with glasses who
would barely speak to me. Now she
has developed into a beautiful young woman
who can call me whenever she needs anything.
“Prior to this high school season I suggested
she set some goals to attain. Steffi met those goals
and went above and beyond. Steffi can do anything
she puts her mind to. I would consider Steff
as a finesse pitcher. She is great at hitting locations
and has tremendous spin and control.”
“Their (pitching coaches) mindsets formed me
as a pitcher,” Best said. “I’m not the fastest
pitcher but they taught me how to work on spins.
A batter can always catch up to a fastball.
Steffi Best cont. on page 52
50 Peninsula People • May 2016
May 2016 • Peninsula People 51
Steffi Best cont. from page 51
“My dad has always been so supportive and I played for Coach Campbell
for a few years,” Best said. “Coach Campbell was a retired cop, had the
big mustache and was very intimidating. He made us practice until we got
it right. I remember his talks after the games and I learned so many lessons
about day-to-day life. He drove me to be better and taught me that there is
always room for improvement.”
Best discovered that she preferred having a tougher coach that would
help her become a better player.
“I remember being so nervous before my first tryout for club ball,” Best
said. “Coach Campbell was so nice to me but I didn’t think I made the
team. I was standing by myself while the other girls were waiting in line
to get fitted for their uniforms. He told me to get in line and I was so excited.
But from that point on, beginning with our first practice, he became
a hard-nosed coach.”
Best began being noticed by college scouts prior to entering high school,
but after her knee injury in her freshman year, she lost contact with schools
like Washington and Florida.
During her sophomore year, Best attended softball camps and eventually
committed to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo after a trip to the school on the
Central Coast.
“To put my mind in position to realize I’d be away for four years was
difficult,” Best said.”I went on a trip to Boston University but they had a
completely different field and no stadium and softball-wise, I couldn’t see
myself there and not being able to play year round.”
Best called Cal Poly from the Boston airport and told them she wanted
to sign with them.
“On the flight home, I was so happy I couldn’t sleep,” Best said. “All of
the hard worked had paid off, plus the campus is beautiful with the mountains
nearby and the beach only 15 miles away.”
Best is excited with the prospect of playing alongside Sierra Hyland, Cal
Poly’s pitching ace who will be a senior next season.
“I’ve watched her career and how she has shaped the team,” Best explained.
“She’s the definition of a leader and I want to follow in her footsteps.
I’ll also get to work with former UCLA pitcher Ally Carda (2015
Pac-12 Player of the Year now an assistant coach at Cal Poly). It’s the best
opportunity anyone can ask for.”
Best’s decision to attend Cal Poly comes as no surprise, allowing her to
enjoy nature throughout the year and providing the opportunity for her
parents to watch her play games in person.
“I love the outdoors including hiking, camping and traveling,” Best said.
“I’m at the beach a lot. I enjoy doing anything beach related like biking,
volleyball and swimming.”
Best is also a bit of a shutterbug, having served an internship last summer
with Redondo Beach resident and photographer Randy Ruby who specializes
in beach photography.
“My grandpa gave me his old Minolta film camera,” Best said. “My
friends and I went to Big Sur during Spring Break and I took a lot of photos
there. It’s a great hobby.”
Best hopes to maintain her weighted 4.0 GPA heading into college but
considers older sister Vasi, a 20-year-old student at USC, the smarter of the
two siblings.
“I tell her she got the brains, but I got the athleticism in the family,” Best
joked.
Best credits her parents for her success on and off the field and shares
special relationships with both despite their being divorced.
“They have always been there for me and it has been great to be able to
come home to them,” Best said. “I consider them both my best friends.
When my sister went to off to college, my bond with my parents really
grew. I can tell them anything.”
Tom Best was ecstatic with his daughter’s decision to attend Cal Poly.
“It’s close enough for road trips,“ Tom said. “Plus, being in the Big West
they will play Southern California schools like Long Beach State, Fullerton,
Riverside and Northridge.”
Best is planning to study Communications at Cal Poly which will give
her as many options as her pitch selection.
“I could go into graphics, journalism or public relations,’ Best said. “But
my mom feels I’d do well as a broadcaster.” PEN
52 Peninsula People • May 2016
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May 2016 • Peninsula People 53
2013
summercamps
uCAMPS & SCHOOLS FOR SUMMER FUN
BeachSports
June 13 through Sept. 2
BeachSports Surf & Beach Camps is celebrating it's 21st year. BeachSports was
created by LA County Lifeguards to provide beach and ocean safety education to
local and visiting boys and girls. BeachSports programs start at age 4 and include
instruction in surfing, boogie boarding, beach volleyball and Junior Lifeguard skills.
Participants will leave camp with the ability to safely and confidently enjoy the
beach and ocean. With safety in mind, camps are located at these Lifeguard
Tower locations: Manhattan Beach, 14th St.; Hermosa Beach, 15th St.; Redondo
Beach, Ave. I; and Redondo Beach, Vista del Mar.
Online registration is available at BeachSports.org.
CampSurf
June through August
Campsurf is "Los Angeles' Premier Surf School," according the LA Business Journal,
offering surf instruction in Manhattan Beach for all ages and abilities. Private and
group lessons and summer surf camps, after school programs, birthday parties,
corporate events and much more are offered. Instruction is available year round
with a 1:4 instructor to surfer ratio. Surfboards and wetsuits are provided. Youth
and adult volleyball classes and camps through CampVolley programs are also
offered.
Visit Campsurf.com to schedule your lesson, class or camp.
Rolling Hills Estates Summer Recreation Programs
Begins June 20
The City of Rolling Hills Estates has several summer programs available for all ages
from sports such as cheer, soccer, flag football, golf and swimming camps to
equestrian activities. Locations include Ernie Howlett Park, RHE; Peter Weber
Equestrian Center, RHE; Peninsula High School, RHE; and Los Verdes Golf Course,
RPV.
For more information visit RollingHillsEstatesCA.gov click “Living”
then “Recreation Programs and Classes.”
excite kids about science and build great
life skills. The STEM-focused camps combine
science, engineering, unique projects,
teamwork, problem solving, outdoor
games and many great take homes that
keep kids engaged. This summer’s
themes: Roller Coaster Science, Robot
Challenge Science, Space Quest Science,
and Super Hero Physics Science.
Early Bird savings, multi-week and sibling
discounts.
(888) 909-2822.
destinationscience.org
Robotics & STEM Summer
Camps at Rolling Robots
June 13 through Aug. 19
Join robotics and STEM camps at the home
of VEX Robotics World Champions. A fun
and interactive curriculum has been developed
by Palos Verdes resident Dr. Kirkman,
a parent, teacher and scientist and his staff.
It will introduce your children to science,
technology, engineering and math through
robot building and coding. And prepare
them to join award winning competition
Rolling Hills Country Day summer
classes include Experium Science
Academy and academic enrichment
programs. For more information,
contact Melissa Wilton. (310) 377-
4848, ext. 7051 or mwilton@rhcds.
com. Or visit rhcds.com
teams. Week long camps can be half day or full day. Perfect for kids ages 5 to
14 who love robots and technology. Serving 3 locations: Palos Verdes, Glendale,
West LA. Camp Signup: RollingRobots.com/summercamp
(888) 762-6808. 700 Silver Spur Rd. #101. Rolling Hills Estates
Destination Science
June 13 through Aug. 26
This is a fun science day camp for curious kids ages 5 to 11. It’s designed to
Ages 5-14
At the Home of the
2015 VEX Robotics World Champions
54 Peninsula People • May 2016
May 2016 • Peninsula People 55
summercamps
uCAMPS & SCHOOLS FOR SUMMER FUN
Peninsula Montessori
June 20 through Aug. 12
Many families seek out a Montessori education for its well-known benefits in the
skills development of young children. With that in mind, Peninsula Montessori has
prepared a unique and rewarding summer program experience open to children
18 months to five years old (up to 12 years at the RPV campus). The summer program
broadens the Montessori curriculum to include water play, cooking and food
prep, themed art projects, science and sports. Programs are designed to further
stimulate the development of the students while having fun -- both indoors and out.
Please contact the Redondo Beach or Rancho Palos Verdes schools for more information
or check the website.
Peninsulamontessori.com.
(310) 540-9742. 907 Knob Hill, Redondo Beach.
(310) 544-3099. 31100 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes
Rolling Hills Country Day School
June 27 through Aug.19
Join Rolling Hills Country Day School for summer fun with our academic and camp
programs for grades K-8. We offer a traditional 6-week summer school, science
classes through Experium Science Academy and fun academic enrichment programs.
Camp programs are filled with fun activities that include swimming, sports,
arts and crafts, cooking, dance, imagination and creation and themes and shows.
Art Camp, Swim Camp, private swim lessons and extended day care are available
until 6 p.m. Request a brochure online or call for information. Contact Melissa
Wilton.
(310) 377-4848, ext. 7051. mwilton@rhcds.com. rhcds.com
School District offers summer programs
Kids’ Corner and Teen Scene Programs welcome families to a memorable summer
of friends and fun Children entering grades TK through 5 have a choice of the
Kids’ Corner Summer Day Camp at Rancho del Mar High School, or Before/After
Summer School Care at select Elementary Schools. Intermediate students entering
grades 6-8 are welcome at the Teen Scene After Summer School Program at Ridgecrest
Intermediate School. There are no residency requirements for participation,
and various enrollment options are available. For more information on a fun and
enriching summer experience, visit our website or contact the business office.
(310) 541-7626. pvpusd.net/pvkids. h
CampSurf surf camps offer 1:4 instructor to surfer ratio and provide surfboards
and wetsuits. For more information visit Campsurf.com. Photo by Pat
Komick (KomickKaptures.com)
56 Peninsula People • May 2016
eventcalendar
eventcalendar
310.539.6685 310.884.1870
310.326.9528
866.BEYOND.5
310.534.9560
310.539.2993
310.997.1900
www.cflu.org
CUT * COLOR * STYLE
310.539.2191
©
310.530.5443
310.326.3354
310.530.4888 310.534.0220
CALENDAR OF COMMUNITY EVENTS
Compiled by Mary Jane Schoenheider
You can email your event to our address: penpeople@easyreadernews.com
All submissions must be sent by the 10th of each month prior to event taking place.
Thursday, June 2
48th Annual Palos Verdes Antiques Show & Sale
n St. Francis Episcopal Church hosts the 48th Annual Palos Verdes Antiques
Show and Sale, its annual fundraiser, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday;
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The Opening Preview Party and Sale will be
held on Wednesday, June 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. Pre-sale tickets $25 in advance
or $40 at the door. This 3-day event features exhibitors from Northern and
Southern California and Arizona with furniture, artwork, silver, china and
crystal, designer, couture and vintage clothing, jewelry and collectibles. In
addition to the antiques, the show presents the Harvest Cupboard with tasty
homemade offerings; Garden Gazebo with plants and garden ornaments;
Silent Auction table, Patio Luncheons, English Afternoon Tea and Evening
Wine and Cheese. Admission to the Harvest Cupboard is $10 with return
privileges and parking is free. All proceeds support the Mission and Outreach
of St. Francis Church. For more information, call (310) 375-4617, or visit
StFrancispv.org to print out a $2 discount coupon.
South Bay Film Fest at the Garden
n A special screening of “Stand by Me,” on the 30th anniversary of the
popular classic, based on Stephen King’s short story “The Body,” will be
shown under the stars at the South Coast Botanical Garden, in partnership
with The South Bay Film & Music Festival. Bring blankets and chairs and arrive
early to hear live music and dine with wine at the gathering of food trucks.
The movie is Rated R. Doors open 6 p.m, live music 6-8:15 p.m., movie begins
at 8:30 p.m. $14 General Admission. 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard,
Palos Verdes Peninsula. Visit SouthBayFest.com for details.
Friday, June 10
Seaside Beaders
n The Seaside Beaders, a special interest group of the Embroiderers' Guild
of America meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church. Members will
be working on a patriotic beaded Eagle. Visitors are welcome. Bring your
own project to work on. 2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates. For more information
call (310) 540-6104 or visit azureverdeega.com/bead_projects.com.
H.E.L.P. Gala
n Join in the “Roaring 20’s Great Gatsby 20th Anniversary Ball,” celebrating
the 20th Anniversary of H.E.L.P., 6 - 10 p.m. at the Palos Verdes Golf Club,
3301 Via Campesina. H.E.L.P. (Healthcare and Elder Law Programs Corporation)
is dedicated to assisting older adults and their families in making proper
decisions with powers of attorney for health care and financial matters; probate
court avoiders; government entitlement programs; and protections from
elder fraud and abuse. For tickets or more information, call (310) 533-1996
or visit help4srs.org.
Saturday, June 11
Guided Nature Walk
n Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park.
9 a.m. Visit the beautifully landscaped trails with interpretive signage. Explore
the tide pools and pillow lava formations. This is a moderate walk. Park in the
lot at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, 5970 Palos Verdes Dr. South. The parking
fee will be waived. Free and open to the public. For more information, call
(310) 541-7613 ext. 201 or sign up at pvplc.org/_events/Nature-
WalkRSVP.asp.
4203 Spencer St., Torrance, CA 90503
(310)214-5049 • www.pevelers.com
Appointment Recommended
Showroom Hours: Monday Thru Friday 10-5
Closed Saturday and Sunday
License #381992
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• Cabinets
Visit Our
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310.530.3079
310.530.0566
310.530.3268
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310.326.4477
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310.539.3526
310.539.1808
310.517.0324
310.326.8530
TORRANCE
TOWNE BEAUTY
CENTER
310.325.2960
WineShoppe
310.539.1055
Northwest Corner of
Crenshaw Blvd. & Pacific Coast Hwy. in Torrance
~ For Information, Call 310.534.0411
Friday, June 3
Synagogue Celebrates with a Grand Homecoming
n As Temple Beth El, the oldest synagogue in the South Bay, enters its 60th
year at its current location on 7th Street in San Pedro, a significant renovation
is nearly complete. All are invited to celebrate the reopening of Temple Beth
El with a ribbon-cutting at 6:30 p.m., preceding Sabbath worship service.
The following evening, on June 4, a homecoming gala will be held in the
beautifully enhanced social hall. In the coming months, the Temple will host
several Open Houses where all are welcome to visit and schmooze. 1435
W. 7th St., in San Pedro. For more information (310) 833-2467.
Saturday, June 4
White Point Nature Center Docents Training
n Onsite training 9 a.m. to noon at the White Point Nature Center. Volunteers
must be 18 years or older. The Center is open Wednesday, Saturday,
Sunday 10 a.m. -4 p.m. For more information, please contact Volunteer Program
Manager Brittany Goldsmith at bgoldsmith@pvplc.org or RSVP:
pvplc.volunteerhub.com/Events.
Wednesday June 8
Palos Verdes Woman's Club
n The Palos Verdes Woman's Club meets at noon at Trump National Golf
Club. Students receiving the annual scholarship awards will be introduced
and the philanthropic recipients will be announced. $32. For reservations call
Beverly Teresinski at (310) 378-1349.
A LA CAZE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY PROJECT
58 Peninsula People • May 2016
May 2016 • Peninsula People 59
Timeless
eventcalendar
PVPLC Docent Training
n At the George F Canyon from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers must be 18 years
or older. The Nature Center is open Friday 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please contact Volunteer Program
Manager Brittany Goldsmith at bgoldsmith@pvplc.org or RSVP: pvplc.volunteerhub.com/Events.
eventcalendar
Guide to the Magnificent Fossils found in Palos Verdes and San Pedro.” Meet
and greet at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m., Community Room of Palos Verdes
Main Library. Park on roof because program goes past the closing hours of
the library. Everyone is welcome. Free. For more information call (310) 373-
2696. 701 Deep Valley Dr., Rolling Hills Estates.
Michel Medawar at his store in 1956.
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 with hundreds of interworking
parts designed to keep perfect time. 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.
Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Tuesday - Saturday
810C Silver Spur Road • Rolling Hills Estates • CA 90274
Call 310.544.0052
Sunday, June 12
Piano Concert
n Presents Pianist Robert Thies at Rolling Hills Methodist Church, 26438
Crenshaw Blvd, Rolling Hills Estates (NE corner of Crenshaw and PV Dr. North)
2 p.m. Free admission. Donations appreciated..100% for the artist.
Los Cancioneros Master Chorale “Gospel & More”
n Featuring Robert Ray’s Gospel Mass under the direction of Allan Petker at
Torrance Armstrong Theater, 7 p.m. There are some outstanding new
arrangers of spirituals and new gospel songs on the scene these days: Stacey
Gibbs, Keith Hampton and Byron Smith, to name a few. Moses Hogan,
Brazeal Dennard and Jack Halloran remain popular as well. $25 for the concerts.
Student tickets $15 per ticket. Purchase tickets in advance from a Los
Cancioneros members or by contacting De Giebler, at (310) 779-3072. Or
email djgiebler@specialletters.net.
Monday, June 13
Paleontologist speaks to Gem and Mineral Society
n Joe Cocke, a local paleontologist who is retired from the Los Angeles Natural
History Museum, will lecture on his new book “Fossils of Palos Verdes, a
We reimburse UBER & LYFT up to $10
HAPPY HOUR TUES-FRI 4-7PM
HAPPY
FATHER’S DAY!
Join Us June 19th 11am-3pm
Make this Day SPECIAL
For Your Father!
APPETIZERS &
FRENCH WINE
TASTING
SUN MAY 29TH 2 - 4PM
$20/ PERSON
Com plimentary D in ner
Buy 1 Dinner and 2 Drinks, Receive Free Dinner
($17 Max Value. Dine in only. One per table. Not Valid with other offers or holidays. Expires 6/30/16)
$17 $17
(310) 378-0267
320 Tejon Place Palos Verdes Estates (310) 378-0267
www.LaRiveGauchePV.com
SPECIAL MENU 4-COURSE DINNER $25.95
Dine & Enjoy Our Lunch & Dinner Specials!
Saturday, June 18
Promenade Ice Chalet hosts Olympic Day Celebration
n Ice skating contests with 4- to 10-year-old Olympic hopefuls from the Promenade’s
Learn to Skate programs. Guests include two-time US figure skating
Olympian Russ Witherby and World figures Skater and actress Alisa Allpach.
Program 1 p.m. Open skating 2 to 4 p.m. Free for all ages. 550 Deep Valley
Dr., Palos Verdes Estates.
Full Moon Hike
n At George F Canyon with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy.
Explore nocturnal sights with an expert naturalist under a full moon. Ages 9
and up. $12. Reservations required at pvplc.org.
Sunday, June 19
Beauty of Nature Film Series
n “Tracks” is presented by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. 5
p.m., Peninsula High School Theater. Adventurer Robyn Davidson crossed
the Australian desert on foot alone in 1977. Drawn from her memoir. Following
the film, Conservancy’s board member Susan McKenna will lead a Q&A
about the film and book, drawing from her life in Australia. $10 per person.
Free for 18 years and under. Tickets and RSVP at pvplc.org/_events/filmseries.asp.
27118 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates.
South Coast Cactus & Succulent Society
n "Landscaping and Micro-Climates for Small Yards" will be discussed by
Gary Duke. Come at 1 p.m. to buy plants, meet other cactophiles and have
refreshments. Lecture is at 1:30 p.m., South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300
Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. For more information visit southcoastcss.org.
Monday June 20
Adult Education begins
n The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District-Adult Education, Summer
2016 Session begins today. Most classes are held at Rancho Del Mar
High/Adult Education Campus: 38 Crest Road West. Rolling Hills. Registration
is underway for the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District-Adult Edu-
Irene Freitas
310.780.8012
irene@fengshuiwithirene.com
Fengshuiwithirene.com
Contact me today for your complimentary
20 minute energy alignment session
Free Consultation
60 Peninsula People • May 2016
May 2016 • Peninsula People 61
Saturday, June 25
Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
n Singin’ the Blues and other PV Butterflies at the Palos Verdes Peninsula
Land Conservancy at the White Point Nature Education Center. 11 a.m. Meet
local butterfly expert Jess Morton, PV/South Bay Audubon Society. Free. Followed
by a Native Plant Sale to make your own butterfly-friendly plants into
your home garden, 12 to 2 p.m. 1600 W Paseo Del Mar in San Pedro,
90731. For more information and to RSVP, visitpvplc.org.
PV Symphony Concert
n The Summer Concert of the Palos Verdes Regional Symphony Orchestra
will feature solo violinist Robert Ho, 15, who has performed at Carnegie
Hall and recipient of the grand prize in the Young Violinist competition.
He will perform the Bruch Violin Concerto. 7:30 p.m. Other selections will ineventcalendar
cation, Summer Session. Classes include Oil Painting, One Stroke Painting,
Mah Jong, Learn To Speak English, Italian-All Levels, Spanish-All Levels, a wide
range of exercise classes, computer classes plus much more.
For information or to request a summer flyer call: (310) 541-7626 x289 or
visit www.pvpusd.net/adulted.
Thursday, June 23
Azure Verde Chapter
n The Azure Verde Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America meets at
9:30 a.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates.
This month they will be having a Stitch In. Bring any projects you need
to work on. Visitors are welcome. For more information call (310) 675-2745
or visit azureverdeega.com.
eventcalendar
clude Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, and Saint-Saens' Bachannale. The concert
is open to the public and is free. Palos Verdes Stake Center of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5845 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos
Verdes.
‘90s Rock Band Dishwalla
n The Palos Verdes Performing Arts’ “South Bay Live” will kick off its first concert
at the Norris Theatre with Dishwalla, the platinum-selling rock band with
hit songs "Counting Blue Cars" and "Somewhere in the Middle.” With a career
spanning nearly two decades and five albums, the award winning band’s
timeless music helped define the sound of a generation. Lights in the Dark featuring
Brian Blickle, formerly of Baroness, will appear as a special guest. 7:30
p.m. Tickets start at $32. For more information or to purchase tickets call the
box office at (310) 544-0403, ext. 221, or go to
palosverdesperformingarts.com. 27570 Norris Center Drive in Rolling Hills
Estates.
Sunday, June 26
Celebrate Wellness in The Garden
n Join Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach for the 20th annual Celebrate
Wellness food and wine tasting at the South Coast Botanic Garden,
from 3 to 7 p.m. Reserve your seat at this extraordinary garden party celebration
that will amaze and delight food and wine enthusiasts. Proceeds will
benefit the more than 160 free programs per month offered by Cancer Support
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62 Peninsula People • May 2016
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eventcalendar
Community Redondo Beach. Tickets are $150 per person. Guests must be 21
and older. Tickets can be purchased online at visitingwww.cancersupportredondobeach.org
or by calling (310) 376-3550. 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard,
Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Monday, June 27
Artifice Journeys at Artists’ Studio Gallery
n Featuring assemblage/steampunk art, photography and monoprints by
artists Beverly Holman, James Kao and Mary Tarango. At the Artists' Studio
Gallery at the Promenade on the Peninsula through August 7. Opening reception
for the artists on Saturday, July 9 from 3 to 7 p.m. Gallery hours are 11
a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
The Artists' Studio Gallery is affiliated with the Palos Verdes Art Center/Beverly
G. Alpay Center for Art Education, a community art organization that has
been serving the South Bay for over 80 years. For further information call the
gallery at (310) 265-2592 or visit artists-studio-pvac.com. At the Promenade
on the Peninsula, #159, 550 Deep Valley Drive, Rolling Hills Estates.
Wednesday June 29
Mac Users Meeting
n Meets at Lomita VFW Hall, 1865 Lomita Blvd. 6:30 p.m. Beginners Q &
A; 8 p.m. Presentation on a topic of interest to Mac users. (310) 644-3315
email: info@sbamug.com. Free. All Mac/iPad/iPhone users and potential
users are welcome. PEN
64 Peninsula People • May 2016
Graduating NOVAS
around&about
Kriss Light, M.F.T
Psychotherapy
Jungian Depth Work
Individuals, Family, Children
Working With The Creative
Torrance Memorial Medical Center NOVA volunteers (front row) Darissa
Pham, Sarah Baxter, Shannon Chen, Vivian Lim and Kelly Kanemitsu. (Second
row) Shirin Asgari, Taylor Woo, Monice Wong, Alyssa Ishimoto,
Kayla Chung, Francesca Lauro, Katelyn Morimoto, Amanda Coors, Leah
Whang and Megan Saunders. (Back row) Zachary Ishimoto, Davis Quan,
Michael Oh, Adam Reece and Christian Au.NOVA is a volunteer program
for high school students offered through Torrance Memorial Medical Center.
The high school seniors contributed more than 3,000 hours of service
to the medical center. Beginning in the ninth grade, the students volunteered
to the Healthcare Foundation, Auxiliary, and Home Health and Hospice
departments.
kdlmft@aol.com
Offices in El Segundo
(310) 880-8514
MFT#78311
J. QUINN CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Custom Concrete & Masonry
Girl Scouts earn Silver Award
McKinley Pieper,
Maddie Cole,
Claire Jenness, and
Eden Houske of
Troop 365 recently
received their Girl
Scout Silver Award.
The scouts sewed
over 100 chair
pockets, which will
hold books in elementary
classrooms.
• Pools, Spas, Fountains
and Waterfeatures
• Firepits and Fireplaces
• Outdoor Cook Centers
• Stone and Tile Patios
Suzy Zimmerman, Agent
Insurance Lic#: OF71296
4010 Palos Verdes Dr N, Suite
103
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Bus: 310-377-9531
www.zimziminsurance.com
That’s when you can count on
State Farm®.
I know life doesn’t come with a schedule.
That’s why at State Farm you can always
count on me for whatever you need –
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• Interlocking Pavers
• Retaining Walls
• Driveways
(310) 325-6790
www.quinnpools.com
License B, C-8, C-53 #775677
May 2016 • Peninsula People 65
P E N I N S U L A P E O P L E | F O O D
of those items that do nothing but get better after long, slow cooking. These
were fork-tender and enhanced by a wine and mushroom sauce that had
hints of spice that kept us guessing – might have been some cinnamon or
nutmeg, possibly a bit of coriander in the blend, but whatever it was, it
accented the meat nicely.
The menu described the pork tenderloin’s preparation as medallions
served with sautéed apples, which led us to expect the meat to be cooked
in the sauce. Instead the pork had been roasted, sliced and served on a bed
of what seemed to be saffron cream sauce with the apples on the side. Pork
with apples is a traditional winter dish in Northern France and New England,
and though there was just a wisp of chill in the Southern California
air it still felt like the right thing to order.
The pork and beef came with an arrangement of asparagus, green beans,
cauliflower, and mashed potatoes, enough to complement the dish but not
so much that we didn’t have room for dessert. On this particular evening
two housemade items were available – a raspberry white chocolate cheesecake
and a dark chocolate mousse cake. I’m not a big fan of white chocolate
or cheesecake and found this a bit too sweet, but the person at our table
who has a sweet tooth found it delectable. The layered chocolate mousse
cake was more my speed, rich and complex with enough bitterness to stand
up to a savory red wine. We had some of that handy because we had ordered
a bottle of Cigarzin Zinfandel to go with the meat dishes and hadn’t
finished it all. If this cake is still offered when you’re there I’d recommend
you do the same.
Dinner at the PV Grill is not an extravagance, with most entrees below
$20 – remarkable for this area and quality of food. The restaurant’s secluded
location probably works against it, as casual passersby don’t even
know anything is here, but it’s a bargain for very assured cooking and personal
service in peaceful surroundings.
The PV Grill is at 2325 Palos Verdes Drive West in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Open 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday. Parking in
small, front lot or beneath building, wheelchair access good, some
vegetarian/vegan options. Wine and beer served. Website under construction.
(310) 750-6877. PEN
Chef Rafael reincarnate
PV Grill chef and co-owner Rafael Solorzano. Photo by Brad Jacobson (CivicCouch.com)
PV Grill is a hidden gem for assured cooking and personal service in peaceful surroundings
by Richard Foss
You probably remember someone from school who was a show off
or class clown. They were smart and wanted to make sure everyone
knew it, and they were not the person you wanted to be teamed up
with on a project because while they might have brilliance, that sort of person
tends to be short on discipline. The person you wanted for a lab partner
was the one a few desks away who talked half as often and got twice as
much done.
Flashy and gimmicky ideas have their place in the culinary world, but
most people don’t want all novelty all the time. It is then that they return
to restaurants like PV Grill, a classic steak and seafood place in the historic
Lunada Plaza building. This restaurant was previously the Lunada Bay-
House, and those who visited that restaurant may notice some similarities
in the menu offerings. This is no accident, as chef Rafael Solorzano was a
partner at both places and is still at the helm. Solorzano has cooked for rock
stars like Bono and Bruce Springsteen but has never sought much publicity
himself. He’s not shy, and regularly comes out of the kitchen to talk with
diners, but he’s not inclined to brag.
When my family stopped in for dinner recently Rafael happened to be in
the dining room and he stopped by our table to chat. When we asked his
recommendation between a few starters he offered to set up a sampler, and
we gleefully accepted. He sent out a wooden board with crab cakes, shrimp
pesto bruschetta, calamari, caramelized brussels sprouts, and green salad
with blue cheese crumbles. The bruschetta was a daily special that really
should be on the regular menu, because they were a great way to start a
meal. We liked the flavors enough that we mopped up stray drops of the
tangy, garlicky pesto with the crab cakes. A garlic aioli had been provided
for those, and we used it on the remaining crab cakes and as a dip for the
calamari.
Just about every restaurant has brussels sprouts on the menu these days
(and think for a moment how odd that sentence would have seemed a few
years ago, when they were a seasonal novelty). But the dish here is somewhat
unusual. At PV Grill they are sautéed and served with a honey-balsamic
reduction, basil, bacon bits, and parmesan cheese. The honey and
balsamic vinegar give a slight sweet-and-sour flavor, the basil and cheese a
more Mediterranean aspect. The vinegar sweetness mutes a bit of the cabbage-like
flavor, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your
tastes. I happen to like that aspect of sprouts and prefer it accented with
more peppery seasonings, but this was a thought-provoking alternative.
The wine list at PV Grill is relatively short but doesn’t tell the whole story.
Our server Nadia (who we later learned is the co-owner) offered a 2014
Hartford Court Chardonnay that was on special at $45 a bottle. We had
never heard of this little Russian River family owned winery but it’s on our
radar now. It was an excellent and aromatic wine that developed as it aired.
For main courses we selected short ribs braised in wine with wild mushrooms,
pork tenderloin with apples, and seafood fettuccine. The pasta had
been tossed with scallops, shrimp, clams, and fish in a robust tomato-basil
sauce and was a reminder of the joys of simple flavors. It’s far from simple
to make, since it involves several different types of fish and shellfish to be
cooked just to doneness and then combined moments before serving. It’s
all about timing, and Rafael nailed it so that nothing was overdone.
There was no such worry about overdoing the short ribs, since this is one
66 Peninsula People • May 2016
DEL AMO
www.fridadelamo.com
SUNDAY MARIACHI BRUNCH
10 am - 3 pm • Adults $ 29.95 • Kids (5-12) $18.95
Mimosas, House Margaritas, Sangria and Draft Beer only $5
Del Amo Fashion Center • 21438 Hawthorne Blvd. • Torrance • (310) 371-0666
May 2016 • Peninsula People 67
PV Assembly ball presents class of 2016
n Seniors from the class of 2016 Palos Verdes Assembly,
a non-profit co-ed social, dance and philanthropic
organization, celebrated their
Presentation Ball at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel
on Saturday May 7. Each senior was awarded a
medallion representing their 80-plus hours of volunteer
service during their four year participation in
the Palos Verdes Assembly. After the medallion presentation
members danced the traditional
mother/son and father/daughter waltz, followed
by dinner and dancing with family and friends.
This year’s ball was chaired by Rebecca Doub and
Christine Becker. Assembly Coordinators Julie
Arico, Helen Hong and Mary Deley directed a
team of 38 Patronesses who worked behind the
scenes to organize the year’s activities . Membership
in Assembly is a four year commitment during
high school. It is preceded by three years of participation
in Cotillion during middle school. Assembly
activities include a formal tea, six theme dances
where members are instructed in ballroom dance
and etiquette. Dance instruction in both Assembly
and cotillion is led by dance master Bobby Burgess
and manners and etiquette by Carol Thomas.
Membership has closed for the 2016-2017 season,
but applications will be accepted in April,
2017 for the 2017-2018 season. To learn more
about the Palos Verdes Assembly, visit
www.pvassembly.com.
Salsa Verdes
Authentic Fine Mexican Cuisine
Ask About
Our Fresh
Daily Specials!
Let Us Bring
Mexican Flavors
To Your Home &
Office!
Open
Tues-Sun at 4pm
2325 Palos Verdes Drive West
Palos Verdes Estates
(424) 206-9456
Salsa Verdes and PV Grill CREW invite
YOU to dine in Lunada Bay Plaza!
Enjoy delicious food in your OWN BACKYARD!
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Holiday Parties Catering
Lunada Bay Plaza
around&about
Palos Verdes Assembly Ball Class of 2016 (front row) Kunika Poulsen, Ashley Ludwick, Emma Fischer,
Caitlyn Barresi, Nicole Fujimoto, Alice Walker-Dupler, Lindsey Follis, Valeria Park, Patricia Hori, Kylie
Murdock and Elizabeth Van Gieson. (Second row) James Hall, Madelynn Maloney, Davis Quan,
Jennifer Capeloto, Tyler Kim, Dorie Weller, Kevin Lee, Sophia Gragg, Julius Lagmay, Olivia Johnson,
David Young, Nicole Beaupré, and Brian Le. (Third row) Cameron Fox, Hanna Jensen, Matthew
Miyamoto, Megan Fitzpatrick, Austin Doke, Rachel Lore, Philip Smart, Emily Ellis, Christopher Crump,
Madison McAuley, Charles Gill and, Matthew Mizuguchi. (Fourth row) Brock Pennington, Joseph
Rich, Austin Rule, Nolan Collins, Wesley Kasman, Arman Ramezani, Jared Lebental, Tyler Panfil, Russell
Fong, Michael Arico, Donald Morton.
Huge Selection of
Fresh Fish, Handmade
Pastas & Prime Cut Steaks
Private Room for
Holiday, Corporate Parties!
Open Tues-Sun at 4pm
2325 Palos Verdes Drive West
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
(310) 750-6877
www.PVGrill.com
Senior Ticktocker Class of 2016 recognized
n The National Charity League’s 2016 senior class celebrated their six years of
philanthropic work at the Terranea Resort ballroom, which was transformed into a
whimsical, Through the Looking Glass, woodlands. The Senior Ticktocker Class
of 2016 contributed 7,680 hours to charitable services, including Peace4Kids,
Toberman Neighborhood Center, Heal the Bay, L.A. Food Bank, Boys & Girls
Club of LA and Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy.
Ticktocker Class of 2016 (left to right) Christina Eldredge, Cameron Coffey,
McKenzie Will, Annie Graziano, Eva Enriquez, Cameron Leach, Elena
Ueda, Sydney Pascal, Gabrielle Allen, Annaliese Wargin, Jennifer
Capeloto, Madison Denver, Kara Yasunaga, Kristen DiBernardo, Celine
Horner, Abigail Watson, Madelynn Maloney, Emily Ellis, Leslie Vilicich,
Jordan Karpin, Alissa Beall, Caillie Horner, Lauren Bourgeois, Elizabeth
Berry and McKenna Goldstein. Photo by Sara Jordan Photography
Earth Day a work day at Palos Verdes Peninsula
Land Conservancy
Skin Atelier
First Wax on Me !!!
Jennifer Jackson
Walk with Confidence !!
Take advantage of my complimentary wax for
first time clients*. Book your appointment today!
I look forward to pampering you.
Women:
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or underarm.* Upgrade to Brazilian for half off
(First time clients only)
Men:
Free eyebrow, Ear or Nose
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(310) 200-1606
n Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor Pro Tem Brian Campbell joined the Palos Verdes
Peninsula Land Conservancy in thanking over 200 volunteers who came to the
White Point Nature Preserve Earth Day, April 23. The volunteers helped beautify
the native plant garden and trails. Volunteers also hiked with an LA City Ranger
and listened to presentation on Backyard Birding by Bob Shanman of Wild Birds
Unlimited Torrance. Whole Foods Torrance and Starbucks (25th and Western)
donated food and coffee and Toyota contributed gloves and swag bag gifts. Volunteers
help planted toyon, saltbush, sunflower and sagebrush; removed wheel
barrows full of cheese weed, bristly ox tongue, and other invasives; laid mulch
around native plants to reduce weeds and keep the soil moist; removed four truckloads
of irrigation line; closed two spur trails to protect wildlife habitat; and
weeded, raked, and picked up trash along the trails.
Six Peninsula students earn Eagle Scout rank
Troop 277 Eagle Scouts (front row) Christopher Behenna, Luke Waldo and Corey
Tong and (back row) Sean Olsen, Ethan Gold and Spencer Dalton.
n Wheelchair accessibility, landscape improvements and kindergarten repairs
were among the projects that earned five Troop 277 Boy Scouts the rank of Eagle
Scout. The Scouts were recognized during a ceremony at Hess Community Center
on October 24.
Around & About cont. on page 71
V ilicich
Watch & Clock
around&about
Established 1947
(310) 833-6891
714 South Weymouth Avenue, San Pedro, CA 90732
We Buy Watches!
Not affiliated with Rolex USA
Conservancy Conservation
director
Adrienne Mohan,
RPV Mayor Pro Tem
Brian Campbell,
Conservancy executive
director Andrea
Vona and Volunteer
Program manager
Brittany Goldsmith.
68 Peninsula People • May 2016
May 2016 • Peninsula People 69
S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
Rolling Hills Country Day
School Fundraiser
Guests dressed for the ‘70s and ‘80s and local band One Digit
Down played classic ‘70s and ‘80s rock for Rolling Hills
Country Day School’s annual fundraiser. The evening was
hosted by Lisa and Nick Hawkins at their Rolling Hills Estate
home on May 15. The “Back to the Future” theme was highlighted
by an auction (for the day) of a retrofitted DeLorean and
a Toyota hybrid Mirai (“future” in Japanese). For more about the
school visit rhcds.com.
1
4 5
7
8
1. Christy Phillips and
hostess Lisa Hawkins.
2. Barry Gore and Carol
Royea.
3. Hostess Lisa
Hawkins and Todd
Gordon.
4. Allison Cohen and
hostess Lisa Hawkins.
2 3
PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE CARTOZIAN
5. James Pappas and
Tia Kanavos.
6. Adam Kontras, of
RentTheDelorean.com,
with the DeLorean he
auctioned for the day.
7. One Digit Down’s
Arthur Garrison, Josh
Cohen, John Hendrick,
6
9
Ben Lichtman, Devon
Elder and Jeff White.
8. Stacie Kim and Host
Nick Hawkins.
9. Mona Ono and Shara
Parkton.
Christopher Behenna, 18, of
Palos Verdes Estates is a member of
Chadwick School’s varsity soccer team
and plays bass in the school orchestra
and jazz band. For his Eagle project,
Behena designed, built and installed
a wheelchair accessible bench for visitors
to the George F. Canyon Nature
Preserve Demonstrations gardens.
Spencer Dalton, 18, of Rancho
Palos Verdes, is a captain of the varsity
tennis team, captain of the Technology
Student Association National Competition
team and a member of the Principal
Advisory Committee at Palos
Verdes High. For his Eagle project, he
removed 16 rotted trees, installed new
borders and planted trees in the parking
divider strip at Ernie Howlett Park.
Ethan Gold, 18, of Rancho Palos
Verdes, attended Peninsula High
School and is a freshman at Cal Poly
San Luis Obispo. For his Eagle project,
he expanded the seating area at the
George F. Canyon Nature Center by
50 percent and added 24 feet of retaining
wall out of recycled railroad
ties.
Sean Olsen, 17, of Rancho Palos
Verdes is a member of the water polo
and swim teams and participates in
Model United Nations at Palos Verdes
High. For his Eagle project, he designed,
built, stained and installed 10
wooden benches in shady areas on
the grounds of Montemalaga Elementary
School.
Corey Tong, 17, of Palos Verdes Estates
is a member of the Peninsula
High track and field team and a member
of the National Honor Society. For
his Eagle project, he restored and
painted the kindergarten yard playhouse,
repaired the storage shed and
installed a new shed roof at Cornerstone
Elementary School.
Luke Waldo, 18, of Rancho Palos
Verdes is is a member of Palos Verdes
High football team, played the guitar
and trumpet in the jazz band and was
on the speech and debate team. He
is also a Petty Officer in the U.S. Sea
Cadets Lane Victory Division.He will
be attending the United States Naval
Academy. For his Eagle project, he
renovated and refurbished portions of
the museum and memorial section on
the S.S. Lane Victory WWII Merchant
Marine Ship, docked in San Pedro.
He also created and set up a slide
show honoring those who served on
the ship.
In January 2016, the Scouts of
Troop 277 re-associated with Boy
Scout Troop 276, The Mountain Men.
Troop 276 is based in Palos Verdes Estates
and serves the youth of the Palos
Verdes Peninsula and neighboring communities.
It is a backpacking troop, hiking
in the local mountain ranges, Joshua
DAVID FAIRCHILD PHOTOGRAPHY
"Its Like You’re There All Over Again"
around&about
Tree National Park and the Sierra Nevada.
Troop 276 meets Saturday mornings
at Palos Verdes Intermediate
School. For additional information contact:
David Behenna, at
chair@troop276.com or Scoutmaster
David Emde at
scoutmaster@troop276.com. PEN
310-316-5547 WWW.DAVIDFAIRCHILDSTUDIO.COM
70 Peninsula People • May 2016
May 2016 • Peninsula People 71
S P O T L I G H T O N T H E H I L L
2016 Designs For
Dining Fundraiser
at St. Francis Church
S
t. Francis Episcopal Church hosted its annual
"Designs For Dining" fundraiser
benefiting the St. Francis Outreach Scholarship
Program in March. This popular 2-day
event featured entertaining trends and 20
themed table designs. Other highlights included
guest speakers, boutiques, tastings,
opportunity drawings and silent auction, including
two African safaris. Opportunity
drawings included a catered dinner with
wine for 12 prepared in your home or at
Chez Melange by Chef Robert Bell and staff.
1
2
3 4
1. 2016 Designs For Dining Themed Table
Designs in St. Francis Parish Hall, Palos Verdes
Estates.
2. Designs For Dining planning committee
members from left, Cheryl Gutierrez, Wendy Pratt,
Janet Laudeman, Suzanne Gatlin, Mary Deley,
Karin Petersen, Marcia Schoettle and Anne
Pearson.
3. From left, speaker Vanessa Kogevinas, owner
of Vanessa K. Productions, event co-chair Cheryl
Gutierrez and Mala Coatar.
4. Vanessa Kogevinas gave a talk on "Sharing
the Dish: Lessons Learned on the Road of an
Event Planner and Producer's Evolution.”
5. Chef Robert Bell, of Chez Melange, Riviera
Village.
6. Speaker Beth Lester, interior decorator and
home stager and owner of Home Staging Designs
of California, presented a talk in the Tea Room on
Saturday: "Redecorating or Selling? Selection
Colors – Making Life Beautiful, One Home at a
Time."
7. "Dinner at Downton Abbey,” from the private
collection of Judith Holman.
8. Lorrane Kasse and friend at Springtime
Romance table.
9. Opening Day Prayer at 2016 Designs For
Dining fundraiser with SFEC's rector, the Very
Reverend Paula Vukmanic presiding.
5
8
6
7
9
72 Peninsula People • May 2016
Classifieds Your Local Expert Community 424-269-2830
CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION ELECTRICAL GARDENING PAINTING ROOFING
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310-534-9970
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G
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Local Owner/General Contractor
Ph: (310) 791-4150
Cell: (310) 293-9796
Fax (310) 791-0452
“Since 1990” Lic. No. 810499
LYNCH
ELECTRIC &
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Building
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• Residential
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Scott K. Lynch
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Cell
310-930-9421
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310-325-1292
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Lic 701001
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310-748-8249
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Vocal Technician
Piano Teacher
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310-544-0879
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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
May 2016 • Peninsula People 73
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