Peninsula People Feb 2017

Volume XXI, Issue 7 February 2017

February 2017 • Peninsula 3

Timeless

PENINSULA

Volume XXI, Issue 7

February 2017

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

Centuries ago when the world’s finest clockmakers were

hard at work, their aim was to create a mechanical marvel

that operates continuously and last forever. Imagine

a hand made complex mechanism of inter-working parts designed

to keep time accurately. Your clock is a work of art and

your job is to keep this timeless treasure healthy for the next

generation.

Your clock reminds you of its presence every time you wind

it. If the accuracy of the clock is not what it used to be, or the

chimes are not as strong or rhythmic, or maybe it just stops;

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

endless life is in jeopardy.

It is imperative to maintain and service your clock regularly.

Oil gets old and dry forcing the train of gears to work twice as

hard to accomplish their goal. This results in damage that drastically

shortens the life of a fine timepiece.

Michel Medawar has been extending the lives of timepieces

for over Sixty years as his father did Sixty years before. He is

the inventor of the first talking clock in the world. He is a graduate

from Patek Philippe in Geneva, Switzerland, The Theod

Wagner Clock Co. in Wiesbaden, Germany, and the Howard

Miller Clock Co. in Zeeland, Michigan. Call him so that he may

come to your home and offer you a free estimate for servicing

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

see our showroom and receive the same complementary diagnosis.

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

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

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

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

Call 310.544.0052

ON THE COVER

Photo by Amy Theilig

(amyTphoto.com)

Terranea Resort President

Terri Haack.

PROFILES

24

28

34

38

44

58

Sweet deal

by Esther Kang “Queen Sugar” author Natalie Baszile

returns to the Peninsula to talk about how her novel was

chosen by Oprah Winfrey to be the basis of a new cable

television show.

Terranea mom

by Rachel Reeves Terri Haack grew up in a big family.

That experience helped her hold Terranea Resort together

when times were tough and to make it flourish in the good

times.

Heart and Seoul

by Bondo Wyszpolski Peninsula’s DK Kim brings

musicians from his native Korea to perform with the Asia

America Youth Symphony, conducted by fellow Peninsulan

David Benoit.

Peninsula craftsman

by Stephanie Cartozian An early 1970s craftsman home

is as timeless as the surrounding nature it was designed for

its residents to enjoy.

Mexican adventure

by Richard Foss Salsa Verdes Chef Rafael Solorzano

reworks his menu to meet halfway with diners’ expectations

and his interest in more exotic Mexican meals.

High on the Hill

by Stuart Chaussee Realtors Chris Adlam, Lily Liang and

Steve Watts share their thoughts about the local home market

for Peninsula Magazine’s annual Real Estate Roundtable.

HIGHLIGHTS

6 Breakfast Club anniversary dinner

14 Malaga Cove Homeowners gathering

18 Morgan’s Jewelers PV holiday party

DEPARTMENTS

8 Peninsula calendar

64 Around and about

65 Home services

STAFF

EDITOR

Mark McDermott

PUBLISHER

Stephanie Cartozian

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Mary Jane Schoenheider

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Richard Budman

DISPLAY SALES

Tamar Gillotti,

Amy Berg,

Shelley Crawford

CLASSIFIEDS

Teri Marin

ADVERTISING

DIRECTOR

Richard Budman

ADVERTISING

COORDINATOR

Teri Marin

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Tim Teebken

FRONT DESK

Judy Rae

DIRECTOR OF

DIGITAL MEDIA

Daniel Sofer (Hermosawave.net)

CONTACT

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 745

Hermosa Beach, CA

90254-0745

PHONE

(310) 372-4611

FAX

(424) 212-6780

WEBSITE

www.easyreadernews.com

EDITORIAL

PenPeople@

easyreadernews.com

ADVERTISING

(310) 372-4611

displayads@

easyreadernews.com

Please see the Classified Ad

Section for info.

FICTITIOUS NAME

STATEMENTS (DBA’S)

can be filed at the

office during regular

business hours.

(310) 372-4611

Peninsula is a supplemental

publication of Easy Reader, 2200

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

Hermosa Beach, CA. 90254-0427.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Yearly domestic mail subscriptions

to Peninsula are $80, foreign $100

payable in advance. The entire

contents of Peninsula are copyrighted

2017 by Peninsula People,

Inc.

6 Peninsula • February 2017

Russ Varon and Gina Doherty

Our Heartfelt Appreciation

Ralph Scriba, Craig Leach, Loraine Scriba

Torrance Memorial Medical Center wishes to thank the following sponsors for their generous support of the 33rd Annual Holiday Festival which

raised millions for the medical center's North Patient Tower transformation.

Kristina and Kevin Durkin, Jeff Neu, Tiffany Mesko,

Sandesha and Kapil Singh, Michael and Andrea Zislis

Torrance Mayor Pat Furey, Carolyn Snyder, Jean and

Ray O’Dell, Bob Habel and May Hoffman

Richard and Melanie Lundquist

Priscilla Hunt with family members

$100,000+

Billee and John Gogian

Melanie and Richard Lundquist

Oarsmen Foundation

Loraine and Ralph Scriba

Russell Varon

$25,000+

Ayne and Jack Baker

Oi-Lin and Tei-Fu Chen

Ofelia and Emmanuel David

Sam and Rose Feng

Donald and Priscilla Hunt

TF Educational Foundation

Ellen and Pat Theodora

Torrance Memorial Medical Staff

Julie and Jackson Yang

Andrea and Michael Zislis

$10,000+

Deborah and Russ Barto

COR Healthcare Medical Associates

Diana Cutler

Sally and Mike Eberhard

George and Reva Graziadio Foundation

Keenan Healthcare

Marilyn and Ian MacLeod

Brian Miura, M.D.

Norris Foundation

Owens and Minor Distribution Inc.

Kirsten Wagner, D.D.S.

and Richard Rounsavelle, D.D.S.

Beatrice and Alfredo Sheng

Janice and Timur Tecimer

Liz and Rich Umbrell

Marshall Varon

$5,000 - $9,999

Association of South Bay Surgeons

Jennifer and Brad Baker

Ann and David Buxton

Judy Nei and Vinh Cam, M.D.

Robin Camrin

Steven Davis, M.D.

EMCOR Service/Mesa Energy Systems

Elaine and Ron Florance

Angela and Dean Furkioti, D.D.S.

Jackie and Greg Geiger

Terry and Joe Hohm

Kalpana Hool, M.D. and Hugo Hool, M.D.

Charlotte and Russ Lesser

Eric and Anna B. Mellor, M.D.

Sandii and Lee Minshull

Jeff Neu

Borseen Oushana

Kelly and Chris Rogers

Marge Schugt

Jan and Ian Teague

Torrance Emergency Physicians

Torrance Memorial Radiology Group

$1,000 - $4,999

2H Construction

Christy and Jay Abraham

Jeanne and Fikret Atamdede, M.D.

Lori and David Baldwin

BCM Boehling Construction

Management. Inc.

Peggy and Clifford Berwald

Nadine and Ty Bobit

Marsha and Ken Boehling

Trudy Brown

Linda and Zan Calhoun

Cannon Building Services, Inc.

Joan and Chris Caras

Ann Carley

Rama Chandran, M.D.

Bryan Chang, M.D.

Philomina and Raju Chhabria

Jason J. Clark

Sandy and Thomas Cobb

Mei and William Collier

James Cook

Sharon Coors

COR Healthcare Medical Associates

Christian Cordoba

Stephanie Cartozian

Kathleen Crane and Hon. Milan Smith

Ruth and Jim DeFlavio

Susan Dilamarter

Debbie and Steve Dinsmore

Thyra J. Endicott, M.D.

and Rev. Jonathan Chute

Regina and Dan Finnegan

Roy Fu, M.D. and Denise Kwok, M.D.

Christina and Giovanni Funiciello

Christine and Bob Gaudenti

Gelbart and Associates

Steven and Khryste Griswold

Marne and Dan Gruen

Susan and David Haas, M.D.

Shanna and Jack Hall

Laurie and Greg G. Halvorsen

Lisa and Steven Hansen

Harbor Care Center

Mary G. Harris

Nancy and Keith Hauge

Mary and Peter Hazelrigg

Heritage Rehabilitation Center

Carole Hoffman

Gabriella and Ken Holt, M.D.

HUB International of California

Danica Krslovic and Dominic Iannitti

James and Gable Insurance Brokers

Mary Rose and Thomas Jeffry

Alexis and Peter Jensen

Judy and Parnelli Jones

Jackie and Vince Kelly

Brenda and Kraig Kilgore

Lucy and Byron Kimball

Song and David Klein

kpff Consulting Engineers

Erika and Robert Kraak

Donna and Louis LaMont

Judy and Craig Leach

Barbara and Barry LeQuire

Linda and David Lillington

Peter Lorman, M.D.

Pat and Rich Lucy

Barbara Demming Lurie

and Mark Lurie, M.D.

Marcil M. Mamita, M.D.

Kristy and Eric Maniaci

Carol and Gerry Marcil

Thomas Mathieu

McCarthy Building Companies

Kathryn and David McKinnie

Medline Industries Inc.

Fifi Menzelos

Melany and Paul Merryman

Roxanne and Ramin Mirhashemi, M.D.

Morrow-Meadows Corporation

Murray Company

Lisa and Eric Nakkim, M.D.

Serena and John Ngan

Corinne and Randolph C. O'Hara, M.D.

Pacific National Group

Christina and Phil Pavesi

Payden and Rygel

Kelli and Edward Piken, M.D.

Nancy Poirier

Adriana and Greg Popovich

Kathryn and Craig Poropat

Todd Powley

Rosemary and Gerald Pudlik

Colleen and Craig Quinn

Reproductive Partners Medical

Group, Inc.

Carlene Ringer

Azam Riyaz, M.D.

Laura and James Rosenwald

Nancy and Michael Rouse

James Ryan

Sandra Sanders

Laura and Marc Schenasi

Connie Senner

Allyson and Alexander Shen, M.D.

Laura and Tom Simko

Debra and Jerry Soldner

South Bay Pain Docs

South Bay Gastroenterology

Medical Group

South Bay Plastic Surgeons

Kathleen and John Spearman

Spierer, Woodward, Corbalis and

Goldberg

Gina Sulmeyer, M.D. and Michael Arriola

Aileen M. Takahashi, M.D. and

Charles Spenler, M.D.

Terranea Resort

The Luminaries

Mari Tokashiki

Torrance Anesthesia Medical Group, Inc.

Torrance Emergency Physicians

Torrance Memorial Neonatology

Torrance Orthopedic

and Sports Medicine Group

Torrance Pathology Group/Torrance

Memorial Medical Ctr.

Art and Cynthia Tuverson

Unified Care Services

Sandy VandenBerge

Voya Financial

Alissa and Mike Wilson

Mary and Steve Wright

Kay and Dwight Yamada

Sandy and Frank Yang

MAJOR IN-KIND

BENEFACTORS

American Solutions for Business

Choura Events

G.S. Gaudenti Brothers

Morrow Meadows

Redondo Van and Storage

Rolling Hills Flower Mart Studio

The Zislis Group

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Thank you to all our donors.

3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505

310-517-4703 - www.TorranceMemorial.org

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

PV Breakfast Club

Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Over 150 members and guests of the Palos Verdes

Breakfast Club came together for the club’s 75th Annual

Christmas Dinner Dance. The club was formed by

neighbors volunteering for Civil Defense during World

War II. Their motto is “No politics or causes, just neighborly

fun and frolic.” The Breakfast Club meets on the

first and third Saturdays of every month at the Palos

Verdes Golf Club.

For more information visit pvbcweb.com

PHOTOS BY TONY LABRUNO

1

2

1. Las Tres Virgiñas: Virginia

Butler, Virginia Burns and

Virginia Malone.

2. Marty and Don Tobias and

Georgeann Dorn.

3. Sandra and Craig Caryl.

4. Ram Nadella, Bob Bethel,

Karl Jackson and Dan Crane.

5. Bruce Dalrymple, Scott

Sharpe, Henry Bazak and Jens

Bechman.

6. Georgeann and Bill Dorn.

7. John and Alicia

Maniatakis, Allan and Sue

Frew.

8. Shawn and Lala Nejad.

9. Priscilla Clark and Jan

Sharpe.

10. Joanne and Charlie

Peterson.

11. Carol and David

Kleinman.

3 4

5

6

7

8

9 10 11


LILY LIANG PRESENTS:

COMING

SOON

One of the largest estates ever offered in the heart of Malaga Cove in Palos Verdes Estates with panoramic views of the

Queen’s Necklace. A royal wrought iron entrance leads you down a long driveway with massive, historic wooden gates

followed by a stone and wood bridge to an oversized circular carport replete with waterfalls and gorgeous landscaping.

Family-owned for over 40 years, on apx 4 sweeping acres and 3 parcels of land next to parkland with striking ocean, city and

golf course views. This home is apx 10,000 sqft with abundant character, quality, and detail including a sun-drenched pool

overlooking the Pacific Ocean, citrus and flower gardens, and large grassy areas for reception and entertaining. A truly

private compound that is beyond compare. Price available upon request. Coming to market soon.


PALOS VERDES’ FINEST HOMES & ESTATES FOR OVER 30 YEARS!

NEW

LISTING

12 San Miguel, Rolling Hills Estates

5bdrm + Library, 6ba, 4,500+ sq ft, Lot size approx. 20,000 sq ft

$3,599,000 www.12SanMiguel.com

HIGH-END LEASES:

2249 Via Guadalana, Palos Verdes Estates

4 bdrms + study, 5ba, 3,789 sq ft, Lot size 12,200+ sq ft

$2,298,000 www.2249ViaGuadalana.com

605 Paseo del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates

6 bdrms, 9 ba, 6,800+ sq ft, Lot size 33,000+ sq ft

Lease only. $28,000/mo. www.lilyliang.com

2 Buggy Whip Dr., Rolling Hills

4 bdrm, 4 ba, 8,000 sq ft, Lot size approx. 2.4 acres

$13,500/mo. www.lilyliang.com

1724 Esplanade #B, Redondo Beach

3 bdrm, 4 ba, 1,830 sq ft

$10,000/mo. www.lilyliang.com

24 Narcissa Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes

2bdrm, 2 ba, 1,825 sq ft, Lot size approx. 43,000 sq ft

$7,500 www.lilyliang.com

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

February 2017 •


PHOTOS BY BETSY TREYNOR

Malaga Cove Homeowners Association

Celebrates Camaraderie

The Malaga Cove Homeowners Association celebrated its 10th Annual Neighborhood

get-together Sunday, November 20. The historic La Venta Inn was the venue for this

cherished community gathering. Over 175 Malaga Cove residents braved the whispers

of rain and toasted to the holiday season while enjoying delicious appetizers, hors d’oeuvres

and decadent desserts catered by New York Foods. This year’s celebration was organized

by party co-chairs Valerie Beranek and Tricia Rapaport. Others who played a

role include Olympia Wyman, Steve Rapaport, Alex Davis, Cynthia Underberger, Dave

and Rita Evans, Art and Christine Fine, Betsy Treynor and La Venta's Mike Halish.

1. Valerie Gorsuch and

Cynthia Bartlett.

2. Tanya and Jeff Dows and

Vi Ballard.

3. Tim and Dominique

Charlton.

4. Lola Hagerty, Shawna

Regan, Edith Andrew, Patti

Elder and Debbie Dinsmore.

5. Christine Fine and Alyson

Shepard.

6. Kim Hall and Jim

Vandever.

7. Jim Flanagan, Denise

Jacobs and Joe Juge.

8. Alex Davis, Christine and

Art Fine and Valerie Beranek.

9. Steve and Tricia Rapaport.

1

2 3

4 5

6

7

8

9


Chris Adlam

310.493.7216

www.chrisadlam.com

Stunning, panoramic ocean, Queen's Necklace, city lights, DTLA views and beyond! This Palos Verdes Estates home

features over 3400 square feet of open living spaces with high, vaulted ceilings, and French doors that lead to a large

backyard....perfect for indoor/outdoor living and entertaining. $2,750,000

Chris Adlam

310.493.7216

www.chrisadlam.com

Beautiful, contemporary 6 bedroom home in Palos Verdes Estates. Over 5400 square feet, high ceilings, a

spacious and open floor plan with ocean views, pool and spa, 3 car, attached garage and more. $3,199,000

Chris Adlam

310.493.7216

www.chrisadlam.com

Gorgeous Palos Verdes Estates 5 bedroom home. Located in highly desired Valmonte with over 4.000 square feet of open

and large living spaces. French doors, decks, patios....incredible indoor/outdoor living at its best! $2,500,000


Morgan’s Jewelers

Celebrates 70th anniversary

PV

Morgan’s Jewelers PV celebrated its 70th

anniversary and the holidays with live

music, hors d’oeuvres and a Rolex watch

giveaway as a thank you to their loyal patrons.

The open bar’s top shelf libations included

Duval beers and Hendricks gin. Fine

jewelry purveyors came from all over the

country to share their expertise and to showcase

one-of-a-kind jewels. Carlos Chanu of

Assael Pearls talked to guests about oysters

pearls and also mother of pearl from Nautilus

shells. Morgan’s owner Marshall Varon

also shared his expertise.

1

2

PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE CARTOZIAN

1. Elie Massoud, Marshall Varon and Christian

Maeder.

2. Carlos Chanu.

3. Diane Augur and Abbe Karges.

4. Christian and Aivy Maeder, Shintia Lynch and

Marshall Varon.

5. Krish Shivara.

6. Sarkis Barsoumian and Paul Setian.

7. Colleen Conradt, Stephanie Chavez and Robert

Hall.

8. Juliet Rollins.

9. Anait Ovsepyan, Ray Fadel and Shintia Lynch.

10. Miroslav Dvorak, Yala and Dean Woo.

3 4

5

6

7

8

9 10


Experience a new level of excellence in luxury real estate.

• 700 Local Agents • Luxury Residential • Commercial Investment Division

Palos Verdes Estates | Rolling Hills Estates | Rancho Palos Verdes | Torrance

Redondo Beach | Manhattan Beach | Hermosa Beach | El Segundo | San Pedro

Marina Del Rey | Venice | Santa Monica | Beverly Hills | West LA/Westwood

310.378.9494 • RealEstateLosAngeles.com

Queen Sugar

meets

Oprah

Palos Verdes native

Natalie Baszile’s

story of a contemporary

African American family

reuniting in the South

captures millions of hearts,

including Oprah Winfrey’s

Author Natalie Baszile, center, with Queen Sugar cast

members Retina Westley (Nova) and Kofi Siriboe (Ralph

Angel) on the set in New Orleans.

Photo courtesy of Natalie Baszile

by Esther Kang

At the 2014 Los Angeles Times Festival

of Books, Palos Verdes High graduate

Natalie Baszile crossed paths with O

Magazine’s Leigh Haber. The magazine’s

book editor was a fan of Baszile’s debut novel

“Queen Sugar”, published that year by Penguin.

“Queen Sugar” is the contemporary story of

a troubled, African-American family called to

relocate in the South after their late father

leaves them 800 acres of prime sugarcane

land in Louisiana.

A few months after the book fair, Winfrey’s

media production company called Baszile’s

agent. Winfrey was interested in optioning

“Queen Sugar” for a series on the Oprah Winfrey

Network (OWN).

“I was pleasantly surprised,” recalled

Baszile on the phone from her San Francisco

home. “I, probably like many authors, when

we think about our books, think about it being

adapted as a feature film, not necessarily TV.

So it was a surprise to me that someone would

see a TV series in ‘Queen Sugar.’”

Winfrey, who is credited as executive producer

on the series, tapped young, up-andcoming

filmmaker Ava DuVernay to create

the show. DuVernay was fresh from directing

the Grammy-nominated “Selma”, a historical

drama based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery

voting rights marches led by James

Bevel, Hosea Williams, Martin Luther King,

Jr. and John Lewis.

It wasn’t long before Baszile was sitting in

Oprah’s Los Angeles home, flanked by the

two women. They had long discussions about

the heart of the story. They asked her if she

had any ideas for casting. Because she had

started writing the book more than a decade

earlier, she thought that the actors and actresses

she once had in mind were now too

old.

“When they asked me, I was honest,”

Baszile said. “I had to rely on them for their

vision.”

Though having minimal involvement in the

TV series, she was comforted by the fact that

another African American woman would

“continue this journey” in expanding the


Author Natalie Baszile with Queen Sugar director Ava DuVernay

at the New York premiere. Photo courtesy of Natalie Baszile

world of “Queen Sugar.” DuVernay cast “Selma” co-stars Rutina Wesley,

Omar Dorsey and Kofi Siriboe in leading roles, along with several

talented, lesser-known actors such as Dawn-Lyen Gardner. In addition,

DuVernay hired an all-female directorial team for the series.

“It made sense to give the project my blessing and really be a cheerleader,”

Baszile said. "Ava was trying to do in film and TV what I was

trying to do in the book, which was to offer the audience a more nuanced

and complicated picture of African-American life. And since I

felt that we both were working toward the same goal, it was easier

for me to say, ‘Okay, here’s this thing I’ve done. Take it and run with

it.’”

Season one of “Queen Sugar,” filmed primarily in New Orleans,

premiered on OWN this past fall season. A green light for the second

season was bestowed even before the first episode aired. With a 92

percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and several million viewers tuning

in throughout the 13 episodes, the drama series has been a hit.

It is currently one of the highest rated shows on the network and

earned five nominations for the NAACP Image Awards, including

Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Actor and Actress in Drama

Series and Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series.

“Every author hopes that their vision, the story they carry around

in their head, the world they’ve inhabited for a decade — every author

hopes that the world will resonate with as many people as possible,”

Baszile said. “The most important thing to me was that she

maintained the heart and the spirit of the book, and I felt that she

did that. What I’m enjoying now is viewers and readers moving between

these two worlds, which have echoes of each other.”

Though it’s a work of fiction, elements of the story are inspired by

the author’s own experiences in the South as a Peninsula-raised,

African-American woman. During Baszile’s many research trips back

to Louisiana — she visited three to four times annually for several

years to learn about sugarcane farming — she experienced firsthand

the micro-aggressions faced by people of color in the region.

Baszile was born in Carson. Her family moved to Palos Verdes

when she entered the first grade. Her father owned a business distributing

aluminum for the aerospace industry, Her mother was a

kindergarten teacher. After graduating from Palos Verdes High School

in 1984, Baszile majored in English at UC Berkeley.

Then she returned home to work for her father’s business, while

writing at night. She also enrolled, briefly, in Afro-American Studies

at UCLA, with the thought of becoming a professor. During this period,

she began penning the first drafts of “Queen Sugar.”

She is currently working on multiple projects that are in “various

states of creation.” Two are novels and one could be a screenplay.

Their focus is on nuanced stories with African Americans at the center

“revealing the topics of our time, such as womanhood as an

African American,” Baszile said.

Last summer she taught a writing workshop for the MFA program

at St. Mary’s College. Now, she is back to writing full-time.

“I’m back to the writing because I have more stories that I want to

tell than I have time to tell. My job is to write, whether it’s novels or

some other form of storytelling,” Baszile said.

Natalie Baszile will be holding book signings and presentations at Palos

Verdes High School and Marymount College on Friday, Feb. 3, and at the

South Coast Botanic Garden on Sat., Feb. 4. PEN

Author Natalie Baszile with cast members at the New

York premiere. Photo courtesy of Natalie Baszile

February 2017 • Peninsula People 25

SAVING THIS SPACE

FOR YOUR HOME

Contact us to hear about our comprehensive &

successful marketing program. Also, we offer a

Seniors Discount package.



Leadership

suite

by Rachel Reeves

How Terri Haack led Terranea

from the brink of collapse to the height of success

When Terri Haack left South Carolina in

2007, she was buoyant. She had agreed

to take a job as the managing director

of Terranea Resort, a proposed $480 million project

on the dazzling Palos Verdes coastline, and she

and her husband, Doug — her high school sweetheart

and a commercial pilot — would be moving

to Southern California, where their son had

moved eight months earlier to earn a bachelor’s

degree at USC.

“Life was grand,” Haack says now of the enthusiasm

she felt then. She was taking the helm of a

world-class resort in Southern California. The

drawings depicted a gorgeous 102-acre resort –

582 luxurious rooms, a golf course, stunning

views, eight restaurants.

For 20 years developers had failed to complete

projects on that particular stretch of shoreline,

but Haack knew Terranea would be different.

There was talk it would become a national icon.

She spoke glowingly of the resort within the Palos

Verdes community and with potential corporate

partners in the Los Angeles area. She recruited

hoteliers from all over the country, who quit highpaying

jobs because they believed in the vision

she was selling.

Then, less than a year into construction, the

real estate bubble burst and a national banking

crisis ensued. Terranea’s lending bank, the

Chicago-based Corus Bank, collapsed. Consumers

closed their wallets. The project’s construction

costs rose. All around California and the

country, developers in the same position as Destination

Hotels – Terranea’s parent company –

handed over the keys.

“When we started, there was this great enthusiasm

about what we were doing,” Haack recalls,

“and then suddenly we were watching it all unravel.”

Terri Haack grew up resolute. She was the

only girl in a brood of seven brothers; her

sister was born when she was 19. She was

influenced by strong female role models, including

a grandmother who raised 14 children and a

mother who raised nine, who taught her willingness

to serve and stamina — two traits that would

ultimately define her leadership style. She was

the first in her family to move away from home,

taking the job of general manager at a Seattle

hotel when she was 22 years old.

Over the course of her career she worked for a

series of critical, condescending bosses, all of

them male; the experiences didn’t make her

angry so much as push her to become a different

kind of leader.

“I watched what they did and how it made me

feel,” Haack reflects. “Even today, I remember

how my boss made me feel in the workplace on

my first job, when I was fifteen and a half. I think

the negative influence made me a positive

leader.”

When Terranea began to unravel, Haack

manufactured optimism. She had experience

with turning things around. Before

moving to L.A., she had overseen the

successful $200 million redevelopment of Wild

Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms and nurtured

Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia,

through a major repositioning. She had broken

through the glass ceiling in her industry.

But the odds of success at the Terranea site

were dwindling. More than once Haack came

home on a Friday night and confided to Doug

that she thought the project might collapse. He

remembers feeling powerless, like there was

nothing he could do to help her, but more vividly

he remembers his wife’s “inner drive” and “positive

and upbeat outlook” — buoys that undoubtedly

kept the Terranea team afloat.

“You have to stay so focused on the vision,” she

says. “You have to have an inner sense of belief

that you can get this done, especially when everybody

else is saying you can’t. There was so much

negative pressure. People had pretty much concluded

we were going to fail. That gave me this

kind of strength to say no, you’re not going to defeat

me.”

It was the same determination she had felt

every time a previous boss treated her with disrespect.

Instead of becoming angry or intimidated,

she became the boss.

At the Terranea project site Haack smiled, but

some nights she sobbed during the whole drive

home. She felt responsible for delivering on the

promises she’d made, both to recruits and the

community to which she’d sold a vision.

“And all the while we had to portray this façade

that we were this world-class resort gaining business,

so we couldn’t let the public know how difficult

it really was,” she says. “I think that fear

fueled my ability to think creatively, to do things

most hoteliers wouldn’t do.”

Some ideas worked, like forming relationships

with community organizations, going into partnership

with sympathetic suppliers (all of which

Terranea still uses today), and opening with a

skeletal staff. Others didn’t, like approaching the

Rancho Palos Verdes City Council to ask for a deferment

of transient occupancy taxes until they

could be repaid plus interest. The loan was denied,

but people still believe the taxpayers bailed

Terranea out.

Since the resort opened its doors in June of

2009, Terranea has generated more than $30 million

for city coffers. It has become an economic

engine for the Palos Verdes Peninsula, a site for

corporate conferences and a popular wedding

destination. It has also become an icon. Travel +

Leisure Magazine rated Terranea one of the 500

best hotels in the world; Conde Nast Traveler

called it “one of the best places on earth.”

Haack, who has since been promoted to

the resort’s president, doesn’t talk about

the publicity. She’s prouder of the Terranea

culture, marked by a commitment to sustainable

ethics and responsible corporate

citizenry. Among other environmentally friendly

practices, the resort recycles food waste, prioritizes

organic produce in menu design, and serves

only sustainable seafood. Its pools are filled with

saltwater, its bulbs low-voltage, its uniforms

made of organic materials (including hemp and

bamboo), and its amenity containers biodegradable.

When executive chef Bernard Ibarra said he

wanted to focus on buying seasonal and local,

Haack offered her support.

“She’s the culture of the resort,” Ibarra says.

“Without her, none of it exists.”

She has integrated Terranea into the community

and vice versa, supporting charities and nonprofits

working on a wide range of issues:

Children’s Hospital of L.A., Palos Verdes Peninsula

Land Conservancy, Peninsula Education

Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Art at Your

Fingertips, Vistas for Children, Children’s Miracle

Network, Peace for Kids, Walk with Sally, The

Rotary Club, Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce,

Harbor Interfaith Services, Rainbow Services,

Kiwanis, L.A. Biomed. Resort employees are

encouraged, and sometimes paid, to volunteer at

soup kitchens or homeless shelters.

“That was a commitment from the very beginning,

even when we could barely pay our bills,


Terri Haack at Terranea Resort.

Photos by Amy Theilig

that we would give back to the community in the way of

overnight stays or auction items,” Haack says. “It was really

hard in the beginning but I was so focused on being a good

community and corporate partner, on how it had to be bigger

than us.”

Haack is busy. She leads a major resort and a staff of

1,400 people. She speaks annually on Capitol Hill

on behalf of the national hotel industry. She sits on

scholarship committees, Marymount California University’s

strategic planning board, and on the board of directors for

both the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Habitat

for Humanity. She also chairs the Palos Verdes Chamber of

Commerce.

But still she writes, by hand, birthday cards to every member

of her staff. She has an open-door policy. She invites anyone

who works at Terranea to see or email her personally

with concerns, and she always makes time to respond. She

knows most associates’ names, looks them in the eye, says

hello, asks how they are. At meetings, she thanks everyone

for playing a part in Terranea’s success, and means it. Haack

recently instructed a busy member of her staff, whose absence

she knew would be keenly felt, to fly back to Florida

when her mother’s illness worsened.

“I strongly believe she feels that all of her staff and employees

are her family, and she treats them thus,” says Terri’s

husband Doug, who came from a small family and learned

through his wife what it’s like to care for lots of people.

“She’s not just a face behind a wall,” says Shelli Nicola,

Haack’s executive administrative assistant. “She is here, and

she cares about everyone.”

Haack encourages her employees to grow their skillsets;

more than 300 people have been promoted since Terranea

opened. At a recent holiday party, Haack named as one of


two employees of the year a single mother of four who immigrated

from Peru, began working as a temporary housekeeper at Terranea in

2009, and is now leading a team of 38 associates.

“It’s not just grow the business,” Ibarra says of Haack’s vision. “It’s

grow the team.”

And she has a standout team. Nicola says there is not a mean soul on

staff; she attributes this to Haack, who hired good people and modeled

for them “an attitude of servitude.”

This is intentional. Each morning, when she pulls into her allotted

parking space she asks herself, “How can I be of service today to someone?”

The question directs her interactions with both guests and staff.

More than once, an angry customer has ended up sending flowers and

a note of apology after dealing with Haack.

“She makes the weather at the resort,” Ibarra says, “and it’s always

sunny.”

She also makes the money. Her business savviness has grown Terranea

into a nationally recognized model, both as a workplace and resort

business. The awards she’s received confirm she’s good at both

being a people person and a businessperson, among them Best Boss

(Los Angeles News Group), General Manager of the Year (American

Hotel & Lodging Association, or AHLA), General Manager of the Year

for a Large Property (California Hotel & Lodging Association), Person

of Distinction for Business/Innovation (Daily Breeze), Award for Business

Excellence (Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce). She was also

the first woman to be named Resort Executive of the Year (AHLA).

Haack downplays the extent of her contribution to Terranea’s success

and corporate culture.

“I just feel blessed and grateful every day that I get to do something

that brings me this much joy, and that allows me to bring joy to other

people,” she says. Other members of the Terranea team say she’s being

humble.

“After all these years on the road and all the places I’ve worked, I can

honestly say she is the best person I’ve ever worked for,” Ibarra says.

“She’s unbelievable. The property is physically beautiful and the surroundings

are beautiful, but what makes Terranea what it is is really

Terri Haack.” PEN

Free Consultation

Call Today


Happy New Year!

BRAND

NEW

LISTING

COMING

SOON

MORO BAY

RANCHO PALOS VERDES

4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, 2,995 sq ft Home, 10,030 sq ft Lot

2nd Master Bedroom on Main Floor, Office, Bonus/Great Room

City Lights & Mountain Views, Located in a Quiet Cul-de-sac

OFFERED AT $1,425,000

www.28918MoroBay.com

SAN RAMON

RANCHO PALOS VERDES

3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 2,138 sq ft Home, 39,757 sq ft Lot

Singe Level Home with Rambling Yard and Canyon/Harbor Views

Flat Lot off Cul-de-sac for the Ultimate in Privacy

Please Call for Price

EXCEPTIONAL

PROPERTY

LUXURY

CUSTOM

MANSION

paseo la cresta

PALOS VERDES estates


Magnificent Gated Estate offering a Unique Combination of Luxury and Comfort

Sweeping Ocean, Bay and Treetop views. Exquisite Finishes and Fine Appointments Throughout

$8,450,000

www.1414PaseoLaCresta.com

PALO VISTA

RANCHO PALOS VERDES

6 Bedrooms Suites, 10 Bathrooms, 12,841 sq ft Home, 65,413 sq ft Lot

Gated Luxury Mansion with Ocean, Catalina & Trump Golf Course Views

2-Story Master Suite, Indoor Pool & Spa, Many Exquisite Features


www.3303PaloVista.com

#1 Real Estate Team 2010 - 2015, RE/MAX Estate Properties

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

AREAA SB Founding President

310.971.0404

gocristinago@gmail.com

Lauren Yoon

로렌 윤

310.619.4989

laurenyoon17@gmail.com

Fine Homes and Luxury Properties

COMING

SOON

GREAT

COASTLINE VIEW

IN ESCROW

BEAUTIFULLY

REMODELED

JUST SOLD

SAN RAMON

RANCHO PALOS VERDES


Well Maintained, Original Condition, Single Level Home

Close to Schools with Easy Access to Freeways

Offered at $1,025,000

via somonte

PALOS VERDES estates

Spectacular Coastline and Queen’s Necklace View in Malaga Cove

Bring your Architect/Contractor. Need Major Remodeling or Rebuild

Currently 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 2,365 sq ft Home on 8,102 sq ft Lot


www.797ViaSomonte.com

alta VISTA

RANCHO PALOS VERDES

5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, 3,500 sq ft Home, 21,584 sq ft Flat Lot

$500,000 spent in Remodeling. Single Level Estate. Private Location

Gourmet Kitchen with Top of the Line Appliances, Large Side & Backyard


www.6788AltaVista.com

BIG FLAT

LOT

SHOWCASE

PROPERTY

NEW

LISTING

LAUREL DRIVE

RANCHO PALOS VERDES

1.21 Acre Gated Vacant Lot has Large, Flat Building Pad

Panoramic Catalina, Ocean & Endless Sunset Views!

Private & Secluded Location in Lunada Pointe. Rare Find Opportunity


CREST ROAD

RANCHO PALOS VERDES

5 Bedrooms, 6.5 Bathrooms, 8,533 sq ft Home, Guest House

PANORAMIC VIEW of Queen’s Necklace & Downtown LA

Architectural Masterpiece, Luxury Features, Beautiful Landscape


www.LuxuryPVhome.com

HAWTHORNE BLVD

TORRANCE

2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 55+ Village Court Condo

Resort-like Amenities including Pool, Spa & Gym

Walk to Excellent Shopping & Restaurants

OFFERED AT $469,000

Local Experts with International Connections to get YOUR Properties SOLD

Natsuko Fujii

藤井奈都子

310.941.2468

nfujii10@gmail.com

Alicia Enrique

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

Heart

& Seoul

by Bondo Wyszpolski

AASA president Robert Pacifici, DK Kim of the DK Kim Foundation and musical director David Benoit worked to bring the Korean Dream Orchestra to California.

Photo courtesy of AASA

The Asia America Symphony prepares to welcome the Korean Dream Orchestra

In a matter of days, 32 young musicians from Seoul, South Korea will

embark on an adventure of a lifetime. The highlight of their trip to

Southern California (apart from a planned visit to Disneyland, of course)

is liable to be the concert they are scheduled to perform on Feb. 16 at the

Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles.

It’s shaping up to be a milestone collaboration with the Asia America

Symphony Association, under the musical direction of David Benoit, and

one made possible in large part through the generosity of Dong Koo Kim,

founder of the D.K. Kim Foundation and a major benefactor of the AASA.

The Korean Dream Orchestra is sustained and promoted by Child Fund

Korea, an organization that assists and encourages underprivileged children,

helping them to better their lives and their prospects as they become adults.

Similarly, D.K. Kim believes that education is the key to success for our

young people. His foundation is committed to establishing a global presence

that not only fights poverty, but promotes innovation through entrepreneurship,

scholarship, and service. In other words, given the right tools, the children

of today become the informed, self-reliant adults of tomorrow.

Which brings us back to those 32 young Korean musicians, their Maestro,

Seung Seok Oh, plus Je-Hoon Lee, the President of Child Fund Korea, and

about six chaperones who will ensure that the youngsters won’t run off and

join any rock ‘n’ roll bands. At least not on this occasion.

The entourage will be in town from Feb. 11 to 17, with lodgings in the

Torrance Marriott due to to the kindness of the D.K. Kim Foundation.

They’ll have a couple of rehearsals, one on their own, one with members

of the Asia America Youth Symphony, and later a dress rehearsal on the afternoon

of the evening of the performance. The program will consist of

some jazz tunes, some classical compositions, and a few Korean folk songs.

Kelly Che will perform as a guest vocalist, accompanied by Maestro Benoit

on piano.

“Many, if not all, of the Korean musicians have never been on a plane or

outside of the country,” says Robert Pacifici, President-elect of the the

AASA. “This will be an eye-opening adventure!”

Next summer, to reciprocate, 30 Asia America Symphony musicians will

travel to Seoul.

“The three organizations have one thing in common,” says Child Fund

Korea’s Lee; “to invest in our youth through mentorship, education, and

opportunity. By pooling their resources together, each foundation will benefit

in participating in the welfare of our young children in the U.S. and

abroad.”

Benoit is also looking forward to the upcoming opportunity to bring together

East and West:

“It is dear to me to be able to give such an experience to these young musicians

from both orchestras. It’s going to be an unforgettable ‘Seoul Meets

Soul’ concert.”

It won’t only be music that the visiting musicians will be thinking of.

They’ve already petitioned for a burger-and-fries stop at In-n-Out on their

way to Torrance from the airport.

To learn more about the Thursday, Feb. 16 concert, call (310) 377-8977 or go

to aasymphony.org. PEN



Ansel Adams

L i v e s H e r e

The master bedroom retreat has floor to ceiling glass and minimalist modern lines that are conducive with mid-century modern design.

A mid-century craftsman revels in the wide-open beauty of its surroundings

by Stephanie Cartozian

The terms “craftsman” and “handcrafted” are loosely used these days,

but the hard-won work of wood craftsman Robert Halderman and the

home he constructed in Palos Verdes Estates in 1973 show the depth

and meaning of authentic craft.

First purchased by Ed and Shirley Retzler when originally completed,

later sold to Drew and Kathy Kim in 2011, this home is a blend of modern

and California coastal architectural style, reminiscent of the famed Sea

Ranch enclave in Sonoma. Bohemian and ecologically aware, these homes

are unpainted and unadorned wood dwellings that boast simplicity. But

their design is deliberate, taking in the ocean, mountain, sky and city views

from every vantage point yet melding with sloping outside topography, uninterrupted.

The Sea Ranch enclave was the catalyst for California coastal

protection; the California Coastal Commission emerged in 1972 from the

quagmire of dissenting opinion regarding ocean access as it related to the

Sea Ranch Development. Forty five years later, the ranch’s design is increasingly

relevant as living with simplicity and conscience have become

an antidote to excess.

Kathy Ito Kim, the current owner, toured the home six years ago as a

Realtor hoping to show it to prospective buyers. Instead, she and her family

bought the home for themselves and updated it while preserving its initial

aesthetic. Originally designed by William Abbott of Tozier and Abbott,

A.I.A., this home has a plentitude of floor-to-ceiling glass, yet it is situated

in such a way as to ensure complete privacy. It’s an architectural feat. Sanctuary

here imparts sanctity. “For me it’s mostly a retreat,” Kim said. “We

Photos by Tony LaBruno

Built with Western Cedar, the architecture blends modern and California

coastal designs reminiscent of Sea Ranch in Sonoma County.


Floating sphere lighting fixtures and seamless Corian countertops

give this modern kitchen an ethereal and contemporary feel.

Bea and Walter Kim on their handcrafted butcher block stairs replete with an

exposed hardware railing and Kevin Ito’s fiery snow falling photograph in

the background.

The newly expanded breakfast nook, where the “sunset show”

plays most evenings.

are really outdoorsy people so it feels really comfortable and organic to

us.”

The home is almost entirely made from Western Cedar and Douglas Fir

Pine, all hand-cut and crafted in various linear designs, some horizontally

placed others diagonally or vertically. The interior’s second level is

arranged around a central outdoor atrium. Its pitched ceilings and clerestories

open the interior to the outdoors, creating a warm, light-infused space.

The pot belly gas fireplace is situated warmly in the living room and one

can see the vast Los Angeles cityscape, the oceanic shimmer of the Channel

Islands and the sparkling “Queen’s Necklace” view of the Santa Monica

Bay from various viewpoints throughout the home, melding interior with

exterior elements.

“Here it’s all about the sunsets. It’s like a show,” Kim said, looking out

of a breakfast nook picture window facing the ocean.

There used to be a television cabinet and closet here, Kim noted, but

both have been removed to make the breakfast area larger; combined with

the adjoining kitchen space, it’s become a “great room” conducive to in-

The outside atrium with slatted wood overhang is centrally located

upstairs providing an outside/inside element in the main living

quarters.


trospection as well as family time.

The kitchen was modernized and

remodeled by the Kims in keeping

with the original aesthetic of the

home.

“The wood for the new kitchen

came from the same mill where

the original wood came to build

the actual house,” Kim said.

Craftman Robert Halderman, revisiting

his original work, sourced

the new wood, as well. Miller

Woodworking of Harbor City,

whose owners are Palos Verdes residents,

hand-scratched the kitchen

wood to create the linear, floating

cabinetry replete with invisible

touch latches. The refrigerator and

pantry are disguised behind custom

millwork hand stained in a

deep onyx color. “Our main thing

was preserving the aesthetic and

the feel of the house but pulling

out more of the modern and updating

the house,” Kim said. “...That

was the trickiest part.”

They also added larger windows

to the second level and a guest

bathroom.

“The windows used to be much

smaller,” Kim said.

In the new kitchen are Corian

countertops, flowing and virtually

seamless with bold effects of white

color coupled with translucency.

Kim said she had yet to see something

her children could spill that

could stain them.

The upstairs is further comprised

of the master bedroom and

bathroom, situated adjacent to the

atrium, with windows that act like

skylights opening to the stars and

moon as well as a large picture

window to view the city lights. The

master bathroom is also newly remodeled

and has both Corian walls

and countertops. Outside the room

is a wall piece which appears to be

a decorated skateboard. The family

enjoys board sports and Kim explained

this was an iconic design

made by the international fashion

The master bathroom has Dorn Bracht contemporary fixtures, frameless

mirror and glass shower enclosure and Corian walls, all in line with a

minimalist modern design.

The children's room has permanent wood bunk beds built into the wall and

a rustic linear wood design throughout.

designer Celine, one of a limited

number that a fashion blogger

friend of hers had printed on skateboard

decks.

Perhaps one of the most vivid art

pieces in the home, hanging in the

stairwell, is a dynamic, large scale,

and close-up photograph of snow

falling. Kathy’s brother, Kevin Ito,

was the photographer who captured

this ethereal show of light

within falling snow, making the

event consonant with a meteor

shower or some other extraordinary

extraterrestrial event. The

piece literally lights up the stairwell

and breaks homogeneity. The

passion the family has for the outdoors

is tactile, expressed vividly

throughout the home’s core.

The wide dovetailed butcher

block stairs lead you to the downstairs

and showcase what a wood

craftsman can achieve given the

right skillset and gift of patience.

Down these same stairs are two

bedrooms and an additional bedroom

being used as an office. The

family added an expansive recreation

room off the garage for the

kids, which has a couch, piano,

pinball machine and other amusements.

Kim acquired the hip midcentury

modern furniture and

accessories here by visiting a myriad

of vintage shops. With just over

2,600 square feet of living space on

just over 7,400 square feet of land,

this house doesn’t leave its residents

wanting for much.

“You don’t make a photograph

just with a camera,” said legendary

photographer Ansel Adams. “You

bring to the act of photography all

the pictures you have seen, the

books you have read, the music

you have heard, the people you

have loved.”

This home is a paragon of this

sentiment. If Ansel Adams were

among us now, he would have

found in this residence his ideal.

PEN

Owner Kathy Ito Kim reading to her children Bea and Walter in the master

bedroom.


edlerderenzis.com

1700 PERCH ST. SAN PEDRO $1,195,000

3609 NAVAJO PLACE

PALOS VERDES ESTATES

$2,895,000

VIA SOLANO


$1,499,000

986 PASEO LA CRESTA


$8,249,000

63 COTTONWOOD CIRCLE

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES

$899,000

129 ROCKY POINT RD


$2,649,000

6961 KINGS HARBOR

RANCHO PALOS VERDES

$1,397,000

RICK EDLER

RICK@VISTASIR.COM

310.872.4333

CALBRE#01113145

DARIN DERENZIS

DARIN@VISTASIR.COM

310.418.62610

CALBRE#01760239

KITTY EDLER

KITTY@VISTASIR.COM

310.283.8790

CALBRE#00800837



Chef and owner Rafael Solorzano at Salsa Verdes. Photo by Brad Jacobson (CivicCouch.com)

Rafael’s second act

by Richard Foss

Upscale Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles

often serve a curiously distorted cuisine.

We have talented chefs who know

Mexican traditions because they grew up with

them, and they have better produce and meat

than is generally available south of the border.

Unfortunately their audience is used to a bland,

homogenized version of the cooking of only one

part of the country, comprising the northwestern

states and Baja peninsula.

A leading local chef discovered this problem

the hard way and relaunched his restaurant as a

consequence. Rafael Solorzano was ambitious

when he opened Alfredo Garcia’s in Palos Verdes,

serving a menu with numerous items from Yucatan

and the southern regions. The restaurant

was a critical success, but confused locals who

didn’t recognize most of the items on the menu.

Reached by phone for an interview Solorzano

said that he now recognizes that he might have

tried to do too much too soon.

“People like things that are familiar to them. I

introduced so many things people here didn’t

know, like tamalitos, chiles nogada, and cochinita

pibil, all at once. People seemed to like that there

was a choice, but that was not what they actually

ordered. They really liked the mole and we sold

that a lot, but not the birria (a spicy stew made

with goat meat). When I talked to people they

said they wanted things that were more fresh and

healthy. They want a very good version of things

they already know.”

Solorzano knew what they liked, and how to

present it with style. He had previously cooked

at the LA Country Club and other prestigious

venues. He developed a new menu centered on

Northern Mexican specialties and rebranded the

place as Salsa Verdes (not, he explained, because

they specialize in green sauces, but because he

makes salsa and they’re in Palos Verdes).

There has been a fallback to old favorites,

though they’re made with uncommon skill and

an emphasis on light, gently sharp flavors. In the

tortilla soup this was expressed with a dash of

lime juice while in a daily special of prawn ceviche

tostadas, the same effect was achieved with

mango and watermelon. Those tostadas were the

hit of our meal and deserve a place on the menu.

The mix of marinated seafood, onion, and

cilantro with fruit was refreshing and delicious.

Tomatillos have a different kind of fruity tartness,

and lent some zing to a moderately spicy

green sauce that we enjoyed over crab enchiladas.

Crab is a sufficiently delicate meat that is

often overwhelmed by spicy sauces, but this one

was a partner in the flavors and enhanced without

dominating.

The other mains I have tried are chicken enchiladas

in mole sauce and sea bass Veracruz style,

topped with a vegetable medley of sautéed bell

peppers, zucchini, capers, onion, and green

olives. The rich sauce reminded me of a French

ratatouille, and it goes just as well with grilled

fish with just a little char on the exterior. Cilantro

rice and black beans completed the plate for a

Salsa Verdes’ chef is passionate

about bringing the best of his

native cuisine to the Peninsula

substantial meal.

The chicken enchiladas in thick, rich mole

sauce are a carry-over from the previous menu,

and it’s easy to see why they made the cut. The

Puebla-style sauce made with chocolate, chili

peppers, nuts, and spices has a deep, complex flavor

and is one of the treasures of Mexican cooking.

Chef Rafael makes it very well. The two big

enchiladas on the plate are garnished with queso

fresco and red onion and there are dabs of pico

de gallo and chopped radish on the plate, but it’s

all about the sauce and I used the last of my corn

chips to get every bit of it.

I have only tried one of the desserts, an unusual

dulce de leche cake crusted with caramel, served

atop a crisp cinnamon tortilla chip, and garnished

with berries. It was a bit sweet for my tastes, but

all Mexican desserts tend to be off the scale for

my palate. My wife, who has a greater tolerance

for sweets than I do, thought it was delightful.

Salsa Verdes is successful on its own terms.

This is the type of Mexican restaurant the Peninsula

will support, with assured cooking of standards

and just a little exploration into more

arcane traditions. It’s a solid second act from a

chef who is passionate about bringing the best of

his native cuisine to the Peninsula.

Salsa Verdes is at 2325 Palos Verdes Drive West.

Open Tues. - Sat 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Sun. 1 – 9 p.m.

Closed Mon. Parking lot below, elevator access,

wheelchair okay. Beer, wine, and agave wine margaritas

served. Some vegetarian items. Menu at SalsaVerdes.com,

phone (424) 206-9456. PEN


NOW SERVING YOU IN 2 LOCATIONS!

With the great goodness of Mama

in Rolling Hills Estates, we now offer

our Cafe’ - a smaller version in Malaga Cove Plaza!

Specializing in Mama’s Spaghetti & Meatballs with

our newly inspired flatbreads, salads and more!

Join us for Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat.

• Outdoor Patio Seating • Lots of Free Parking

36 Malaga Cove Plaza

Palos Verdes Estates

(310) 375-6767

815 Deep Valley Drive

Rolling Hills Estates

(310) 377-5757

www.mamaterano.com


CONCRETE - For the Drought-Conscious

eventcalendar

CALENDAR OF COMMUNITY EVENTS

Compiled by Teri Marin

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

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

] u

t

• Stamping

• Driveways

• Pool Decks

• Arificial Turf

• Patios

• Stonework

• Pavers

• Foundations

LIABILITY INSURED • WORKERS COMPENSATION

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

310-326-6626

Call for Showroom address

Call for estimate

LindahlConcrete.com

Lic.#531387

Robert T. Downs, Sharon A. Bryan* ** + ++, Christopher M. Moore* ** + ++, Rebecca L.T. Schroff** + ++, Jan T. Inoue*

* Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization;

** Certified Trusts & Estates Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization;

+ Chosen to 2016 Super Lawyers; ++ Chosen to 2015, 2016 and 2017 editions of Best Lawyers of America ©

Honored by our peers for our professional excellence,

Moore, Bryan, Schroff & Inoue LLP

2016 Super Lawyers

Certified Family Law and Trusts & Estates Specialists

Complex Property • Custody • Support Issues

Personal Service • Exceptional Results

Cost Effective • Timely Resolutions

(310) 540-8855

21515 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 490, Torrance

www.mbsllp.com | mail@mbsllp.com

Saturdays, January 28 & February 4

Volunteer trail watchers

If you hike, bike or ride horses, become a Trail Watch Volunteer and make a

difference. Trail Watch Training 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Ladera Linda Community

Center, 32201 Forrestal Dr, Rancho Palos Verdes. Sign up at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.

Saturday, January 28

Outdoor Volunteer Day

Nurture seedlings and grow shrubs for habitat restoration projects all around

the Peninsula at the White Point Native Plant Nursery. 9 a.m.–noon. Reservation

required by Wednesday, Jan. 25. Sign up at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.

Native plant sale noon to 2 p.m. 1600 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro.

Farming in the South Bay

Author Judi Gerber will discuss the history of the area’s local family farmers,

dating back to the 1700s at White Point Nature Education Center. 10 a.m.

– noon. Free. 1600 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro. RSVP at pvplc.org.

Guided Nature Walk

Enjoy coastal views and learn about the plants, animals, restoration area &

more! 9 a.m. White Point Nature Preserve, 1600 W. Paseo del Mar in San

Pedro. Meet at the information kiosk between parking lot & Nature Center.

For more info call (310) 541-7613 or RSVP at: pvplc.org, Events & Activities.

SGT Peppers

Enjoy classic Beatles hits from Ticket

to Ride to Come Together played on

the same vintage of instruments the

Beatles used - recreating the original

vibe. 8 p.m., Grand Annex, 434

West 6th St., San Pedro. (310) 833-

4813 or grandvision.org.

Sunday, January 29

Tour of Abalone Cove

Enjoy a guided hike lead by the Los

Serenos docents down to Abalone

Cove. 3 p.m. (Also 1:30 on Feb. 25)

Learn about the native fauna and

flora and interesting facts about the

local tide pool. The hiking difficulty

is moderate to strenuous. Wear

sturdy shoes. 5970 Palos Verdes Dr

S, Rancho Palos Verdes. Parking fees

waived up to 45 minutes prior to the

event and 30 minutes after. Free. For

more information, call (310) 377-

5370 or visit losserenos.org.

Thursday, Feb. 2

New Neighbors Club

Social and charitable women’s organization

open to residents of the

Peninsula. Activities include book

club, golf, excursions and dining out.


Saturday, February 4

One Book, One Peninsula

The Palos Verdes Library District and partners Palos Verdes Peninsula Friends

of the Library, South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation, Marymount California

University, Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, Palos Verdes Art Center,

Sustainable Palos Verdes Schools, Palos Verdes High School and Palos Verdes

Performing Arts present the 8th annual One Book, One Peninsula event featuring

Natalie Baszile, author of Queen Sugar. 2-4 p.m. South Coast Botanic

Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula. No fees associated

with this event but Garden admission is an additional fee. No registration required

but seating is limited and will be first come, first served basis. For more

information visit pvld.org/onebook or southcoastbotanicgarden.org/eventpolicies

to learn more about event.

Sunday, February 5

Kids Club with Project Wild

South Coast Botanic Garden’s Kids Club includes wildly fun activities to eneventcalendar

Peninsula Library Community Room, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE. 10 a.m. Luncheon

follows the meeting at 12:30 p.m. For more info, call Viktoria Mohme

(310) 377-4862.

Friday, February 3

The Fire

David Brewer and fiddle champ Rebecca Lomnicky play upbeat Scottish fiddle,

bagpipes, and bodhran with guest vocalist Christa Burch. Opener: Lyons

Academy of Irish Dance. 8 p.m., Grand Annex, 434 West 6th St., San Pedro,

(310) 833-4813 or grandvision.org.

Shortest

Run to

Catalina!

Southern California’s Newest Marina

LOVE AT FIRST DOCK

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Guest Slips Available!

Marina Amenities

• SLIPS from 28’ to 130’

• Dry Storage w/Crane Launching

• New Restrooms w/Showers

• Ice Machines & Laundry

• Pumpout - Public & In-Slip

• Ample FREE Parking

Marina (310) 514-4985 • Dry Storage (310) 521-0200

Cabrillowaymarina@westrec.com • cabrillodb@aol.com

www.westrec.com/marina/cabrillo-way-marina

2293 Miner St., San Pedro, CA 90731

NOW

OPEN!


eventcalendar

gage children ages 5 – 10 in wildlife and environmental education. Kids Club

is included with Garden admission, but a $5 donation is greatly appreciated.

3-4 p.m.; activities may run longer than anticipated. Registration required and

limited to 20 children. 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula. southcoastbotanicgarden.org.

Wednesday, February 8

Palos Verdes Woman’s Club

Meeting at noon at the Rolling Hills Country Club. Program will be Valentine

music and songs performed by Anne Destabelle. 27000 Palos Verdes Dr E,

Rolling Hills Estates. For reservations and info call Beverly at (310) 378-1349.


Musique concert

Brynn Albanese, violinist and graduate of Rolling Hills High School Class of

‘86, returns to the Peninsula after 30 years to perform with her gypsy ensemble

group, Cafe Musique!, in concert at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church.

7:30 p.m. Admission is free but donations are appreciated! For more information,

contact the church office at 310-377-6771.

Saturdays, February 11, 18

Film Fest

2017 Oscar Nominated Shorts. Live action & documentary short subjects presented

by San Pedro International Film Festival. Warner Grand Theatre, 478

W. 6th St., San Pedro. (310) 548-2493; warnergrand.org.

Saturday, Feb. 11

Willie Watson

Watson (formerly of Old Crow Medicine

Show) is a singer-songwriter,

multi-instrumentalist and star of the

traditional and old time music renaissance.

8 p.m. Grand Annex, 434

West 6th St., San Pedro, (310) 833-


Arts Fundraiser

Norris Pavilion & Norris Theatre, annual

gala . Dinner and show. 27570

Norris Center Dr, Rolling Hills Estates.

(310) 544-0403 or

palosverdesperformingarts.com.

Banning Museum

12th Annual Valentine’s Tea and

Tunes, at The Banning Museum. 1-3

p.m. Elegant light lunch, special

teas, hat contest, live entertainment,

tour the Mansion and special exhibit.

Limited seating.The cost is $65

for Friends of Banning Museum

members & $75 for non-members.

401 East M Street, Wilmington.

Reservations (310) 548-2005.

Pen Heritage fundraiser

Peninsula Heritage School’s Winter

Gala. Dinner, silent and live auctions.

6 p.m. The Automobile Driving

Museum, 610 Lairport St, El Segundo.

(310) 541-4795.


eventcalendar

Trail Crew Introductory Class

Join this introductory class to learn how to improve Peninsula trails with various

techniques for erosion repair, building rock walls, proper pruning and more!

No experience needed, 18 and over. 9 a.m. to noon. PV Land Conservancy

Office: 916 Silver Spur Rd. #104, RHE. Sign up at: pvplc.volunteerhub.com

or (310) 541-7613x215.


Sweetheart’s Stroll in the Garden

Included with Garden admission, join a romantic afternoon in the South Coast

Botanic Garden enjoying a picnic and local beer and wine. Tastings will be

$5 for 5 tastings. No registration required. Noon - 4 p.m. 26300 Crenshaw

Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula. Visit southcoastbotanicgarden.org/event-policies

to learn more.

Dawn Unity Groups

Annual Interfaith Bible Lecture, featuring Professor Daniel Smith-Christopher

and Professor Marvin Sweeney. 7:30 p.m. Rolling Hills United Methodist

Church, 26438 Crenshaw Blvd, Rolling Hills. infobobroth@alum.mit.edu.

Rolling Hills United Methodist Concerts

Second Sundays at Two. Stars of Tomorrow from USC Music School. 2 p.m.

Free, donations to artists. 26438 Crenshaw Blvd, RHE. RHUMC.org.

Los Serenos tours at Ocean Trails Reserve

Enjoy a guided hike led by the Los Serenos docents down to Ocean Trails Reserve

at 2 p.m. Enjoy coastal views, visit WWII sites and possible Gray Whale

sightings. It’s free and the public is welcome! Canceled if rain. 5970 Palos

Verdes Dr S, Rancho Palos Verdes. Park on La Rotonda Dr. at Twin Harbors

View Dr. For more info, call (310) 377-5370 or visit website at losserenos.org.

4203 Spencer St., Torrance, CA 90503

(310)214-5049 • www.pevelers.com

Appointment Recommended

Showroom Hours: Monday Thru Friday 10-5

Closed Saturday and Sunday

License #381992

• Serving the South

Bay for over 35 years

• Full Service Contractor

• Complete Installation

• New Construction

• Remodeling

• Second Floors

• Additions

• Cabinets

Visit Our

Kitchen &

Bath

Showroom

FEE ONLY FINANCIAL PLANNER

• Are you in or approaching retirement?

• Do you want to stop worrying about your

investment portfolio?

• Do you lose sleep wondering if you may

outlive your nest egg?

• Do you want to know if you are on the

right path financially?

• Do you want to take control of your

finances?

• Do you feel you need a second opinion on

your portfolio?

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

above questions, you may need to contact

me, to provide you with a personal financial

plan designed to help you take control

of your finances, reduce anxiety and ultimately

achieve your financial goals. There

is no cost or obligation for the initial meeting,

as it is an opportunity for you to learn

more about me, and for me to determine

if I can help you achieve your financial

goals and objectives.

As a fee-only financial planner I will be

compensated solely by my clients, I do not

accept commissions, referral fees, or

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

your best interest.

Abbas A. Heydari, CFP®

Certified Financial Planner

and Registered Investment Advisor

Providing Financial Services

in Torrance since 1986

21515 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 1020

Torrance, CA 90503

E-mail: aahfp@Yahoo.com

Web: www.aaheydari.com

Phone: (310)792-2090


V ilicich

Watch & Clock

Established 1947

We Buy

Watches!

(310) 833-6891

714 S. Weymouth Avenue

San Pedro, CA 90732

Not affiliated with Rolex USA

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

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

MATTUCCI

Plumbing • Heating • Cooling

Since 1990 • License # 770059, C-36 C-34 C-42 C-20 A

WINTER SPECIALS

$ 9 8 0

Residential Water Heater

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

Includes hot & cold water supply lines

Expires March 31, 2017

$ 7 5

Rooter Service - Main Line

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

Expires March 31, 2017

FULL SERVICE PLUMBING, HEATING AND COOLING

SEWER VIDEO INSPECTION

ROOTER SERVICE

COPPER REPIPES

F R E E

E S T I M A T E S

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

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

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

Thursday, February 16

South Coast Rose Society

Social hour at 7 p.m. followed by a special Valentine’s Day exhibit about roses

& romanticism. South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos

Verdes Peninsula. For more info, please visit them on Facebook.


The Addams Family

The Palos Verdes Performing Arts Conservatory will present a student production

of the hit musical, “The Addams Family” at the Norris Theatre, through

February 26. The ghoulish world from the 1960 television series come to

spooky and spectacular life on stage. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. on

Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, as well as a 2 p.m. show February

25. Tickets are $15 for ages 12 and under; $22 - $28 for teens and

adults. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 310-544-0403 or visit

norriscenter.com. 27570 Norris Center Drive, Rolling Hills Estates.


Rose’s Pawn Shop

Grammy-nominated powerhouse returns to the Grand Annex for a great night

of indie rock. Their music evokes Woody Guthrie and Bill Monroe but it’s pure

21st century Americana. 8 p.m. 434 West 6th St., San Pedro, (310) 833-



Peninsula Symphony

A Royal Affair. Inna Faliks, soloist, Redondo Union High School Auditorium,

631 Vincent St., Redondo Beach 7pm (310) 544-0320.

World Of Wolves

An exciting presentation allowing up close and personal interactions with ambassador

wolves like Damu and his friends. Project Wildsong presenters will

give an overview about wolf habitat, diet, physical characteristics, pack structure

and ways wolves communicate. 2-4 p.m. South Coast Botanic Garden,

26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula. Bring blankets or lawn chairs

to sit on. Registration required; online preregistration highly recommended.

$6 adult members / $12 non; $3

child members (ages 5-12) / $5

Thank You

For Your

Vote!

ON CALL

24 HOURS

7 DAYS


2013

Thursday, Feb. 23

PV Historical Society

Sweets, Secrets, and Wine. Stories

from the Artifacts Collection. Palos

Verdes history is filled with stories

and secrets that many residents may

not know or remember. The first of a

series of talks based on pieces from

the collection. The evening will begin

with time for viewing the selected obeventcalendar

non-members. 4 and under free.

southcoastbotanicgarden.org.

Organ donation

The Neighborhood Church presents

Notre Dame Choir Organist Johann

Vexo, the latest in its series of annual

organ concerts. Tickets $20. 4 p.m.

415 Paseo del Mar, PVE. (310)

378-9353. Neighborhoodchurchpve.org.

If the Queen’s Necklace is a Treasure, then

1721 Paseo Del Mar is its Crown Jewel

4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 6,844 SF

Over 330 feet of ocean frontage on almost an acre of land

Offered at $13,900,000 | 1721PaseoDelMar.com

PATRICIA HEDSTROM

Email: phedstrom@earthlink.net

Phone: 310.936.5875

CALBRE# 00796720

GAYLE PROBST

Email: gayle.probst@gmail.com

Phone: 310.977.9711

CALBRE# 01137236

J. QUINN CONSTRUCTION, INC.

Custom Concrete & Masonry

eventcalendar

jects and social hour. Short talks by three board members who are local historians

- Ann Hugh, Bruce Megowan and Vicki Mack. Q & A after each talk,

followed by light desserts. Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center, 31501 Palos Verdes

Dr W, Rancho Palos Verdes. 7:30 to 9 p.m. Members $10, Non $20. Seating

limited, RSVP (310) 373-6018 or membership@palosverdeshistoricalsociety.org.


Fashion Show

The Bedecked, Bejeweled and Bedazzled Vista’s for Children Fashion Show

and Boutique/Luncheon in the Queen Mary Ballroom. 10 a.m.- 4p.m.1126

Queens Hwy, Long Beach. Vistasforchildren.org for more info.

Honey Country

Rooted in three-part harmonies and southern twang, this trio can be heard on

HBO’s True Blood. 8 p.m. Grand Annex, 434 West 6th St., San Pedro, (310)

833-4813 or grandvision.org.

Un Tributo a Mexico

Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company, led by Artistic Director Jose Vences,

showcases the splendor of Mexican Folk danf. Warner Grand Theatre, 478

W. 6th St., San Pedro. (310) 548-2493 or warnergrand.org.


The Belle of Amherst

A play, with afternoon tea. Actress Melanie Jones mesmerizes in this onewoman

play as Emily Dickinson, a daring poet in 1800s New England. Followed

by Afternoon Tea (with scones, sandwiches, dessert). 2 p.m. To benefit

Meet the Music. Grand Annex, 434 West 6th St., San Pedro, (310) 833-4813

or grandvision.org.

HAPPY HOUR TUES-FRI 4-7PM

• Pools, Spas, Fountains

and Waterfeatures

• Firepits and Fireplaces

• Outdoor Cook Centers

• Stone and Tile Patios

• Interlocking Pavers

• Retaining Walls

• Driveways

(310) 325-6790

www.quinnpools.com

License B, C-8, C-53 #775677

We reimburse UBER & LYFT up to $10

Join Us Valentine’s

Day & Night!

Special Valentine's

Dinner

$59.99

Com plimentary D in ner

Buy 1 Dinner and 2 Drinks, Receive Free Dinner

Live

Piano

Entertainment!

MAKE YOUR

RESERVATIONS

TODAY!

(310) 378-0267

($17 Max Value. Dine in only. One per table. Not Valid with other offers or holidays. Expires 2/28/17)

$17 $17

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!


eventcalendar

Tuesday, February 28

Shrove Tuesday Luncheon

Sponsored by the St. John Fisher Women’s Council. The Luncheon is their annual

fundraiser for the local charities they support. Guest Speaker will be

Bishop Sartoris. Admission will be $25. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations can be

made at the Parish Office, 5448 Crest Rd. RPV until February 24. Call Elaine

Sweers at (310) 377-7704 for more info. PEN

BEACH FC 2017 TRY-OUTS

We are excited to announce our upcoming Try-Outs for

our younger teams in both the South Bay

and Long Beach.

Ages: 2011 - 2003

All players are welcome to attend.

Come and join the Beach Family.

Suzy Zimmerman, Agent

Insurance Lic#: OF71296

4010 Palos Verdes Dr N, Suite

103

Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274

Bus: 310-377-9531

www.zimziminsurance.com

That’s when you can count on

State Farm®.

I know life doesn’t come with a schedule.

That’s why at State Farm you can always

count on me for whatever you need –

24/7, 365.

GET TO A BETTER STATE.

CALL ME TODAY.

For more information and to Register Today visit:

1101198.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

www.beachfutbolclub.com

#GoBeachFC

Vinyl Windows

Replacement and New Construction

BUY ONLINE

AND SAVE BIG $$$

WWW.1STWINDOWS.COM

VINYL, ALUMINUM, WOODCLAD

Lowest Prices Up Front • No Games

Show Room 562-494-9069

CONTRACTOR REFERRAL • Fax 562-494-2069

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:

Free Basic Bikini line, Eyebrow, Lip,

or underarm.* Upgrade to Brazilian for half off

(First time clients only)

Men:

Free eyebrow, Ear or Nose

*First-Time clients only. Must be a

Southern CA Resident.

(310) 200-1606

JennMJackson@yahoo.com

Blow Outs

L u x u r y o f B e a u t y

in your home…

I ’ l l c o m e to yo u !

$45

Jenn Jackson

Book your apt. Today

JennMJackson@yahoo.com

(310) 200-1606


DERMATOLOGY & SKIN SURGERY

BEACH CITIES DERMATOLOGY

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

Say Goodbye to Stubborn Fat....

Buy One, Get One

FREE

William J. Wickwire, M.D.

Certified, American

Board of Dermatology

Neal M. Ammar, M.D.

Certified, American

Board of Dermatology

Two Coolscuplting Devices to Treat Two Areas at Once!

Specialists in Skin Cancer Detection

• Skin Cancer • Mole Removal & Mohs Surgery

• Reconstructive Facial Surgery and Scar Revision

• Acne & Accutane Treatment

• Warts, Rashes and Cysts • Leg Vein Sclerotherapy

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

Juvederm & Sculptra • Botox and Dysport Injections

• Age Spots & Sun Damage • Laser Surgery

• Microdermabrasion • Glycolic and Chemical Peels

• Ultraviolet B & PUVA • Pediatric Dermatology

310-798-1515

www.beachcitiesderm.com

South Bay’s

best equipped

Dermatology

Center!

Redondo Beach —

520 N. Prospect Ave., Suite 302

Palos Verdes —

827 Deep Valley Drive, Suite 101

All PPOs Accepted

Evening & Sat.

Appts. Available

Parker Hearing Institute

Prides Itself on Professional and Empathetic Care

When Dr. William Lee Parker of Hermosa Beach, was only nine

months old he formed the letter “L” with his thumb and index finger,

then touched his tiny thumb to his forehead, and signed his first word,

“daddy.”

Though William Parker had normal hearing, both his parents were

deaf. He didn’t begin to speak orally until he was three-years-old. The

Parker family lived in Hawthorne.

“My language structure, which began with sign language, was

right on target,” he said. Neighbors and other deaf families taught

Parker how to communicate with his voice. Dr. Parker has become

the teacher, not only helping the deaf and hard of hearing, but

showing them and their families how to cope in a world that isn’t always

compassionate and just.

Parker is an audiologist. His patients at the Parker Hearing Institute

in Torrance, which he founded in 1975, range from infants and children

to adults and senior citizens. His children Josh and Andrea followed

him into the business after years of study in audiology. Josh is

now in charge of the Institute, with offices in Torrance and San Pedro.

Every working day Josh battles adversity. He tests the hearing of a

little girl who was born deaf, then counsels her parents on how to

overcome their anxieties and fears about raising the child. Through

speech therapy, he teaches a hearing impaired youngster to articulate

words and sentences properly. He convinces a cantankerous

senior citizen to quit brooding and accept the fact that he must, at

this late stage in

life, wear a hearing

aid.

The Hearing

Loss Association

of America estimates

that 48 million

Americans

are affected by

hearing loss and

1 out of every

1,000 children is born deaf. One fifth of the population has hearing

loss, and only one fifth of THOSE persons seek hearing help. The vanity

issue (looking old) keeps 38.4 million people from wearing hearing

aids.

Modern digital aids are invisible and highly adaptive to noisy environments.

Parker Hearing Institute prides itself on professional and empathetic

care.

Dr. William Lee Parker is proud of the practice he built and is doubly

proud of his children, now adults, who carry on the high standard of

hearing care that he brought to Southern California. Together with

their hand-trained audiologists, Parker Hearing Institute has helped

over 40,000 persons achieve greater hearing health.

Parker Hearing Institute | 4201 Torrance Blvd, Suite 140, Torrance CA 90503 | (310) 540-4327 | www.ParkerHearing.com

SPONSORED CONTENT


A

ward-winning physician Essam Taymour is seeing remarkable results

with a breakthrough outpatient treatment that rejuvenates

women’s vaginas and urinary tracts, ending age-related problems

of dryness, itching, painful intercourse, frequent urination and recurrent

urinary tract infections.

The treatment uses gentle laser pulses to revive tissues at the cellular

level, thickening and lubricating the vaginal wall, restoring elasticity and

blood flow, and balancing the bacterial ecosystem. The treatment is

commonly referred to as MonaLisa Touch, after the trade name for the

laser apparatus.

An overwhelming majority of the women Taymour has treated with

MonaLisa Touch have seen their symptoms disappear after three painless

five-minute sessions.

“The results are absolutely astounding,” said Taymour, a board-certified

obstetrician and gynecologist with full privileges at two hospitals,

including Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, where he was named

Doctor of the Year in 2010.

The new treatment is bolstered by positive studies. One study tracking

50 women found an 84 percent satisfaction level, with no adverse effects.

Of the women who had been refraining from sex because of pain,

85 percent were able to resume sexual relations.

After treating about 100 women, Taymour’s results have outstripped

those of the study. Among his patients, all of those who had complained

of painful intercourse have been able to resume normal sexual functioning.

Some of Taymour’s patients have taken to Yelp.com to laud his treatment.

“Three treatments helped rejuvenate things down there, and even

helped with better bladder control,” said a Palos Verdes woman, who

also praised Taymour’s knowledge and technical skill.

Taymour was a pioneer of the laser treatment in Southern California.

He began offering it two years ago, when the closest colleague to keep

pace was located in Beverly Hills.

The symptoms that are treated by MonaLisa Touch, grouped under

the term Genital Urinary Syndrome, affect some 50 percent of postmenopausal

women, and about 15 percent of pre-menopausal

women, Taymour said. But despite the prevalence of the syndrome, it is

significantly underdiagnosed.

“Surveys have found that only about 25 percent of women can even

identify this set of complaints with menopause. The great majority of

Dr. Essam Taymour

Helping Women with Breakthrough Treatment

DR. ESSAM TAYMOUR | 3550 Linden Ave., Suite 1, Long Beach | 562-595-5331 | gynomedgroup.com

women don’t even put two and two together, that their complaints are

linked to menopause,” Taymour said.

“The syndrome progresses, and symptoms get worse, as women get

older,” he said. “With human lifespans getting longer, Genital Urinary

Syndrome is having a greater impact on quality of life.”

Women often address the symptoms with over-the-counter creams

and gels, which provide a limited, “Band-Aid-like” solution, or estrogen

medications, which carry health risks and cannot be used by all women.

“We really were challenged in treating these symptoms,” Taymour

said.

Then in 2014 the FDA approved the new treatment, which uses a fractional

laser to heat certain tissues just enough to activate dormant cells,

triggering a host of rejuvenating effects in the vaginal and bladder

areas.

In addition to MonaLisa Touch, Taymour provides a broad spectrum

of obstetrical services including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries.

He has championed minimally invasive gynecological surgery

since it began to evolve in the 1980s.

He is currently involved with a new innovative procedure using a radio

frequency probe to shrink benign tumors called fibroids in the uterus.

The treatment, called Acessa, replaces surgeries that can scar and

weaken the uterus, requiring births by cesarean section.

Taymour’s Yelp rankings are off the charts, with comments such as:

“Best doctor ever…He made it possible for me and my fiancé to have

an opportunity to have children. Hardly any marks after my surgery. He

did it all laparoscopically [as non-invasively as possible] and with minimal

pain.”

“Dr. Taymour was my third opinion on my options of fibroid reduction

or removal surgery. The Acessa procedure was a fantastic option for

me. I had little to no pain…He was everything I needed in a doctor to

handle this challenge and keep my body intact.”

“He is a skilled surgeon [and] performed a hysterectomy laparoscopically

with little swelling or bruising, and virtually no scarring.”

“He saved me from a close call emergency C-section!”

“The most kind and efficient doctor...He makes you feel as if you’re

his only patient that day!”

The patients’ comments often dwell on his caring and compassionate

approach.

“I don’t think this is a job,” Taymour said. “It’s a mission. You are there

for others.”

SPONSORED CONTENT


2 0 1 7 R E A L E S T A T E R O U N D T A B L E

Peninsula Realtors Chris Adlam, Lily Liang and Steve Watts. Photo by Brad Jacobson

High

on

hill

the

Terranea Resort, Trump National and

the new Rolling Hills golf course

have helped drive Peninsula

real estate to all time highs,

according to three top

Peninsula Realtors


y Stuart Chaussee

Chris Adlam, Lily Liang and Steve Watts recently shared their

thoughts for Peninsula magazine’s annual Real Estate Roundtable.

Each has over three decades of experience selling Peninsula homes.

Adlam was recently named the number 72 Top Producing Agent in the

nation by the Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends. He works for Vista

Sotheby’s International Realty.

Liang has completed over $1 billion in residential real estate transactions

and is Executive Vice President of Strand Hill Properties – Christie’s International

Real Estate.

Watts and partner Ceci Watts are top producers at Re/Max Estate Properties.

CHAUSSEE: Steve, take us back, perhaps 10 years, to the prior peak in real

estate on the Peninsula.

WATTS: In 2007 we hit a peak. Then prices fell 30 percent to 40 percent to

the trough in Q4 2010. Manhattan Beach fell less, but we declined at least

30 percent on the Hill. The peak price in 2007 was around $1.7 million.

We declined to a low of close to $1.2 million in 2010. Since then we have

recovered nicely and we are now at all-time highs on the Hill, with an average

sales price close to $1.8 million. The market has fully recovered.

CHAUSSEE: At the 2013 Roundtable, which Steve and Chris participated in,

I asked you both about the potential for price appreciation at that time.

You both gave a relatively muted outlook, stating you thought average annual

gains would be 5 percent or so. Are you shocked that we have had

such robust price recovery?

ADLAM: Yes, I am shocked. In 2008 there were only 86 sales in Palos Verdes

Estates. The total sales were $165 million,

with an average sales price of $1.925 million.

In 2016, we were almost double those

levels. We had 165 sales representing $366

million in sales volume. Although the average

sales price was only $2.2 million.

WATTS: From 2012 through 2016 we have

been very consistent, with around 600 total

sales on the Peninsula every year. We had

628 sales in 2016. In 2005 we had 617 sales

and then declined to a low of 347 in 2008.

It’s also interesting to note that in 2015 the

highest priced sale on the Hill was $15.5

million. Chris had the highest priced sale

this past year of $11.9 million. What is interesting

about the average sales price is that

it really hasn’t increased that much. I found

another interesting statistic looking at how

many homes sold above $5 million in 2016

on the Hill versus Manhattan Beach. I

would have bet my life that what I found

would have been quite different. I thought

Manhattan Beach would have greatly exceeded

the Peninsula. However, Manhattan Beach had 17 and Palos Verdes

had 15. And, Manhattan Beach did not have one sale above $10 million.

We had two sales above $10 million on the Hill and, again, zero in Manhattan

Beach.

CHAUSSEE: What does that tell you?

WATTS: That the high-end market of Palos Verdes has greatly improved

over the years relative to Manhattan Beach. Manhattan Beach currently

has a greater number of homes on the market above $5 million, at 25

homes and we only have 14.

ADLAM: It’s important to note that the price per square foot in Manhattan

Beach is significantly higher than on the Peninsula. Manhattan Beach is

priced at over $1,200 per square foot. Our average price per square foot

on the Hill last year was $622.

CHAUSSEE: What can a new buyer expect going forward, as far as price appreciation

per year? Say 5 to 10 years out?

LIANG: I think real estate is the best way to accumulate wealth and I believe

that will continue. What is important is that you must have “holding

power.” We may go down temporarily, but prices will always recover. So,

holding power is the key. Looking out seven years or so I think you could

see a total return of 20 percent or more.

CHAUSSEE: So, we’re only talking about 3 percent or so in average annual

price appreciation from current levels?

LIANG: Right, and we may have a decline somewhere in that period of 10

percent or so, but the recovery afterwards should make up for the drop.

Again, that’s why you need to have holding power.

WATTS: The unknown is what is going to happen under the new administration

and with interest rates. There is a projection of perhaps two interest

rate hikes this year, but in the wealthier areas of the country, like the Peninsula,

buyers are less affected by interest rate hikes. They can afford the

higher adjustment on the mortgage. And, I agree with Lily, real estate has

historically been a marvelous investment, but you have to be in a situation

where you are not forced to move and sell your home in a bad or declining

market. We will have a slowdown again – it will happen.

CHAUSSEE: How much do you think we will decline during the next correction?

WATTS: I believe the market here on the Hill will sustain itself even in a

slowdown in the economy. I don’t think our market will even decline by

15 percent or 20 percent. If it did decline by that much we would have demand

come back in and support prices quickly.

ADLAM: I agree.

WATTS: I do want to quantify this - some properties will be hit harder than

others. Distressed homes in a poor location or condition will be hit. When

we have a correction, certainly poorly located or “dysfunctional” properties

with a gas station in the backyard or lots of road noise will get hit more

significantly.

ADLAM: Back 10 years ago or whenever the exact period was when we had

a big correction, remember, buyers were putting so little down to make a

purchase that they didn’t have much

“skin in the game.” It was easy to walk

away from a property that had declined

in value. We have financially healthier

buyers and owners now.

WATTS: I would think in recent years

we often saw down payments, on average,

of 40 percent to 50 percent and

even some all cash purchases.

LIANG: I recently went to Hong Kong to

promote the South Bay area. I have

lived in many different countries of the

world and where we live is one of the

nicest. However, the ultra-rich foreigner

has not really heard of the South Bay.

They know Beverly Hills and Malibu,

but not Palos Verdes. I think that we

have the resources and environment

here to create a Nice or Monte Carlo

and that was my goal in promoting the

South Bay. I think it should be a place

that attracts international buyers.

ADLAM: When you compare some of

the other great cities around the world, London, Paris and San Francisco –

we are a bargain.

LIANG: Yes. Even locally, relative to Marina del Rey and the West Side,

homes here are a bargain.

CHAUSSEE: Where are you seeing your buyers come from?

LIANG: I have been working with many different international buyers. Last

year I was much more active as a buyer’s agent than a listing agent, which

was different for me. My buyers are not only from Taiwan, Hong Kong or

China – they are from all over.

WATTS: Technology has changed our business tremendously. Drones and

3D virtual tours allow buyers to work directly with the listing agent. In

2016 we had a higher number of dual-listing agents than ever before. This

is when the potential buyer goes directly to the listing agent and says he

wants that agent to represent him, possibly because they think they can

get a better deal on the purchase.

CHAUSSEE: So, does the listing agent then get both sides of the sale?

WATTS: Yes, there is some negotiation and there is possibly a reduction.

Similar to what Lily said, we are seeing a lot of international buyers who

will contact the listing agent directly because they can gather all sorts of

information online now and see the property through virtual tours. They

Terranea Resort’s guests have helped increase international awareness

of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Peninsula. Photo courtesy of Terranea

Resports


COZY ELEGANCE

IN LAKE ARROWHEAD

can learn everything about the property and then come out and visit. However,

Palos Verdes has predominantly been an internal “move-up” market

for locals. For example, an owner has done well financially and sells his

home for $2 million looking to buy a property valued at $3.5 or $4 million.

ADLAM: It’s that and those moving from the Beach Cities to the Hill.

CHAUSSEE: Lily, going back to what you said previously about being more

active now as a buyer’s agent, is that something you planned.

LIANG: Not at all. It was simply due to the fact that I’ve had many more

buyers approach me.

CHAUSSEE: Let’s look at the current status on the Hill as far as inventories

and how are we doing relative to other areas in the South Bay?

ADLAM: Right now we are in January so inventory is relatively low. This

is typical for this time of year. Sellers will take their homes off the market

or put them on hold.

CHAUSSEE: What is the current inventory?

WATTS: 118 homes. We were around 150 homes at this time last year.

CHAUSSEE: Has the lower inventory this year affected pricing in a positive

way since you have less supply?

ADLAM: Normally, yes. But, everyone expects inventory to be low this time

of the year. If we had inventory at this level in March then there might be

a different answer to your question. A few years ago in Palos Verdes Estates

in February there were only 19 homes on the market. And I can also remember

other times when we had probably 200 homes for sale in Palos

Verdes Estates.

160 Cedar Ridge Drive

9 Bedrooms, 11 Bathrooms, 16,000 sq ft

$4,925,000

• Fabulous Mountain Estate

in a gated community

• Main House, Separate Apt.

and Guest House

• 2.75 Acres

• Children's Ensuite

Bedroom with 12 built-in

bunk beds

Shirley Walters

Coldwell Banker- Redlands

• Large his and her's office

• Children's Playground

• Enclosed garage space to

accommodate 6 cars

• Minutes from the Lake

• Beach and Lake Privileges

are included

Jane Angel

Previews Property Specialist

Coldwell Banker- PV Beach Cities

Cell: (310)292-2290

Office: (310)791-6022

Email: jangel@coldwellbanker.com

BRE # 01272591

Cell: (909) 436-6993

Email: shirley.walters@coldwellbanker.com

Bre # 01827379

The new Rolling Hills Country Club and the 114 new homes to be built by

Peninsula native Chuck Lande are expected to lift neighboring property values.

Photo courtesy of Rolling Hills Country Club

CHAUSSEE: If you look at the market this past year would you characterize

it as a healthy market?

WATTS: Yes, it was healthy and steady – good for buyers and sellers. It was

not an overly inflated market.

CHAUSSEE: What was the general price appreciation for 2016?

WATTS: Probably 8 percent to 10 percent. It was pretty steady across the

board, though some homes had much higher price appreciation. Good

quality properties will always sell at a premium. If you have all of the right

ingredients – four bedrooms, view property etc. you might have a buyer

who doesn’t care if he has to pay $800,000 or $1 million more – he wants

your property. So, it might sell for much higher than the statistics would

indicate.

CHAUSSEE: What is the entry level now to purchase a home on the Peninsula?

ADLAM: Entry level for PVE is probably around $1.3 million.

WATTS: For the entire Hill there are only two homes on the market priced

below $1 million, which is really staggering. For PVE, Chris is probably

right that the lowest priced home is $1.3 million and that will generally be

in the Valmonte area. Sometimes the lower priced homes may be found in

Lunada Bay too. But again, we are seeing historically low levels of inventory.

CHAUSSEE: How much do you need to spend to find a nice family home?

WATTS: $300,000 down payment and a purchase for $1.4 million will get


you 2,500 square feet, not extensively updated and with no view.

ADLAM: The buyers do have a choice. They can elect to live in Palos Verdes

Estates for something significantly smaller for a little more money than if

they decide to live in Rancho or Rolling Hills Estates, where they could get

more for their money.

CHAUSSEE: And how about Rolling Hills?

ADLAM: That has been an interesting market. The last time I checked I

think there were 26 homes for sale in Rolling Hills and three in escrow.

CHAUSSEE: Which tells you what?

WATTS: Prices are inflated and the product might not be very good.

LIANG: You have the winding streets and the homes seem to be all onelevel

Ranch style, so you only have a certain select buyer who will be attracted

to that area and style of home.

ADLAM: You really have to want to live in Rolling Hills. It’s an isolated sort

of feel, but it is wonderful and a beautiful community. You get lots of privacy

and land, but you have to know exactly what you are getting.

WATTS: And you have the gated community which adds to the protection

and privacy appeal.

CHAUSSEE: In past Roundtable discussions, Realtors have commented that

Palos Verdes Estates has typically held up better in weak periods and had

also appreciated better during times of economic growth. Is a PVE home

typically a better investment as far as retaining its value in a tough market

and appreciating better during a strong market?

ADLAM: Yes, I would say PVE has typically been a little safer investment

and held its value better.

WATTS: Correct.

LIANG: PV Estates has no tract houses. Every home is custom built, which

is appealing. Because they are all custom homes, even if your neighbor

sells his or her home for what you think is a relatively low price, it doesn’t

mean that your home would sell low too – each home is unique.

ADLAM: I had a listing in PVE a couple years ago that was five doors away

from another home on the market. One sold for $469 per square foot and

my listing sold for just over $1,000 per square foot.

CHAUSSEE: And why the discrepancy in pricing?

ADLAM: One was an historic home, great condition with a little better view

and the other had 1970s architecture.

CHAUSSEE: But you’re talking about twice as expensive per square foot!

ADLAM: Right. When we talk about price per square foot it can only be

used as a guide – you can’t hang your hat on it.

CHAUSSEE: Is there a premium price percentage you can typically add to a

home in PVE vs. Rancho or another part of the Hill?

ADLAM: Not really, but you can say that in the Estates you will typically

get less square footage for the money and you will pay a bit more. It varies

per property.

WATTS: We don’t use price per square foot that much. It can range from

$400 on the low side to $1,200 on the high side. It doesn’t tell you if the

home has vaulted ceilings, a view, whether it’s a completely updated home

or not. Simply using square footage doesn’t help much. And, that’s what

Zillow uses which is very misleading and inaccurate.

CHAUSSEE: So you find Zillow estimates, or “Zestimates” to not be that

helpful?

WATTS: Not helpful at all – actually it can be very misleading. I typically

find that Zillow will overestimate in value.

ADLAM: A perfect example of that is the experience the CEO of Zillow had

with his own property. The Zestimate for his home was somewhere around

$1.9 million, but his home ended up selling for just over $1 million.

LIANG: I think for tract houses, Zillow is a pretty good reference because

the homes are so similar, but not for custom homes.

WATTS: You really can’t use a statistical formula like Zillow uses to determine

the value of a custom-built home. And, even in a tract neighborhood

you’ll have many homes that are remodeled and updated so those homes

will be worth more than the same home next door that isn’t updated, but

has the same floor plan and square footage. Zillow doesn’t know that and

that’s where an analysis by a professional can be helpful in giving you an

accurate indication as to pricing. Zillow also does not account for views at

all.

CHAUSSEE: Is there a typical premium you can put on a view property on

the Peninsula?

WATTS: You can within reason. I would say the best view value on the Hill

is the Queen’s Necklace with coastline and city view combined. Some do


The Palos Verdes Peninsula’s international reputation

received a boost when local businessman

Donald Trump, owner of Trump National Golf

Course, was elected president of the United

States. Photo courtesy Trump National Golf

Course

not care for the Harbor view because they think it is cluttered and messy,

but I like it and find it quite interesting.

CHAUSSEE: What is the most in-demand view?

ADLAM: Queen’s Necklace, looking north.

CHAUSSEE: What could a Queen’s Necklace view add to a property as far

as price premium?

ADLAM: It could make it worth three times as much. Let’s use Paseo La

Cresta (aka New York Hill), as an example. If you are on the rim of Paseo

La Cresta, lot value alone

is $6 million. If you are

on the interior with no

view, I don’t want to say

the lot value might be

only $2 million, but it is

most certainly nowhere

near the lot value of a

view property on New

York Point.

WATTS: That is an extreme

example, of

course. Let’s look at another

example. Chris and

I are in escrow on a place

on Via Del Monte. If you

took the property and

moved it across the street

with no view it might go

for half the price. I think

you can add a low premium

of $350,000 to a

property with a view, all

the way up to $1 millionplus.

If you want to own

on the bluff at Rocky

Point, on the outer edge,

where you have a limited

number of homes available,

a buyer with a somewhat unlimited budget might not really care if

he has to pay $3 million or $5 million for what is essentially an irreplaceable

property. It might not come on the market again – he wants to buy it.

CHAUSSEE: What if you can’t afford to buy a home on the Peninsula, is

renting a decent option?

WATTS: There is very little inventory and rents have gone up a lot.

LIANG: I have 4 rental listings right now that are available – high-end

homes. One is listed at $28,000 per month. I have leased it before for

$25,000 per month.

CHAUSSEE: But what is entry level on the Peninsula, as far as monthly rent?

WATTS: $4,000 would be the minimum.

LIANG: $6,000 per month will get you a nice rental property.

ADLAM: There is a lot of demand but no inventory.

CHAUSSEE: Has the success of Terranea and Trump National helped prices

on the Peninsula?

LIANG: I think it has helped a lot. Before Trump National and Terranea,

there were even fewer potential buyers who knew of the Peninsula. Now

they come to visit Trump or Terranea and they see just how beautiful it is.

WATTS: Terranea has brought a tremendous benefit to the community. Significant.

ADLAM: The Peninsula has now actually become a destination spot. It wasn’t

before.

WATTS: Terranea, far more so than Trump, as far as helping to attract visitors

and increased pricing. Terranea has a tremendous draw and if you

talk to anyone who stays there, you’re never going to hear a bad word. The

visitors marvel at the open space and views.

CHAUSSEE: What about the new homes planned at Rolling Hills Country

Club?

WATTS: They are going to build some spectacular homes that will be entry

level at $3 million and head significantly higher from there. I believe there

will be 114 homes for sale. It will be open for golf around June and the

Clubhouse should open in October. It will be beautiful.

CHAUSSEE: Do you think the demand will be there?

WATTS: Oh yes, without a doubt. It will be spectacular.

CHAUSSEE: How will the homes be sold?

WATTS: We don’t know yet, but I’d like to say that if the owners happen to

read this article, I hope they will open it up to local real estate agents – it

would be advisable. They can learn from the experience Terranea had in

that they tried to sell the properties on their own before opening it up to

local agents.

CHAUSSEE: So you think the new homes being developed at Rolling Hills

Country Club will also add to the appeal of the Peninsula?

ADLAM: Absolutely. New construction is a huge premium. My understanding

is it will be a world-class experience with golf, tennis, pool, clubhouse

etc. It will be unique on the Peninsula.

LIANG: I also think it will bring value to the area, but I don’t think buyers

will delay making a purchase to wait to see what’s offered at the Country

Club. There are so many reasons people move to certain areas of the Hill.

For example, young families with children often prefer Lunada Bay because

of the short distance to three school levels.

CHAUSSEE: Is there any risk of another bubble in real estate on the Hill

and how would you define a bubble?

WATTS: It becomes a bubble if our inventory grows above 200 to 220

homes. Right now we are around 115 homes on the market. In part, a bubble

is created by overpriced listings that aren’t selling. I believe right now

probably 70 percent of the homes we sell have some sort of price reduction

before they are sold – even in a good market. There are also some unrealistic

expectations by our real estate community that will overprice a home

to gain a listing, which can add to general overpricing and higher inventory.

As far as a bubble, I think it will take a significant rise in interest rates,

and an increase in inventory and price to reach bubble levels. The problem

is if prices and inventories keep moving up, you eventually get to a tipping

point. The catalyst could be the stock market having a significant correction,

some global issue, something happens perhaps with the new administration

that creates an issue – we could have a correction. But again, as

Lily said, you simply need to have “staying power” so you can ride out any

temporary price correction. And,

don’t forget, even in a bad market, if

you have a great property, your

home’s value could actually increase.

ADLAM: I absolutely agree. A unique

property can actually increase in

value during an otherwise declining

market. Remember, statistics are one

thing, but they don’t tell the whole

story. In 2015 the average sales price

on the Peninsula was $1.82 million

and in 2016 it was $1.79 million. So,

there was actually a decline in price

using the average of all homes sold.

But, we all agree that despite those

numbers, prices have generally

moved higher in the past year.

LIANG: The reason for the apparent

decline in price has been the quality

and location of the homes sold on

the Hill. You have perhaps had more

homes sold in less desirable areas on

the Peninsula that are priced lower

than the more desirable areas like

Palos Verdes Estates, which have actually

increased in value. I don’t

think the average sales price decline

in the past year is actually indicative

of the strength of the overall market.

The opinions of the participants in

this Roundtable discussion are their

own and not of the companies they represent.

Under no circumstances does

the information in this column represent

investment advice. PEN

Stuart Chaussee is a

Palos Verdes-based fee-only

registered Investment Advisor. He

is the author of three financial

books, including the awardwinning

Advanced Portfolio

Management; Strategies for the

Affluent.

He is a former contributing writer

for TheStreet.com. Stuart

welcomes your feedback and

can be reached through

www.preservingwealth.com

or e-mail him directly at

stuartchaussee@msn.com



Las Niñas Evergreen Ball

around&about

Las Madrecitas, an auxiliary of the Charitable

Children’s Guild of the Orthopædic

Institute for Children (OIC), held its 51st

annual Evergreen Ball in the Grand Ballroom

of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Saturday,

January 7. The event recognized

the Las Niñas 2017 senior class for their

exemplary volunteer service to OIC and

their community.

At the event, Dr. Anthony Scaduto, OIC’s

president and chief executive officer,

awarded each Las Niñas honoree with a

white gold medallion in recognition for

their service.

The Las Niñas honorees are: (Top row,

left to right) Katelyn Walti, Isabelle Spelta,

Courtney Zwarg, Sally Gerich; (2nd row)

Jennifer Doi, McKenna Howard, Danielle

Lean, Tyler Amano-Smerling, Claire Bogosian,

Claire-Marie Irawan; (3rd row)

Sophia Traversi, Joslyn Chu, Nadia

Maher, Sarah Myers; (Front row) Lauren

Hart, Nicolette Walker, Jennings Nelson,

Alison Cromer, Alexis Nickl. (Not pictured)

Davis Anderson and Danielle Suhr.

Photo by Gilmore Studios

Trump iced

n An ice sculpture of Donald Trump

greeted guests at the sold out presidential

inauguration day breakfast hosted

by Trump National Golf Course in Rancho

Palos Verdes. Breakfast was

$45.17, in recognition of the local

businessman becoming the 45th president

of the United States in the year

2017. Photo by Ross Huffman

Bridge champ

Palos Verdes resident Edward

Piken and Steve Cohen of Las

Vegas won the 10K IMP Pairs

at the Fall North American

Bridge Championships

(NABCs), one of the 15 championship-level

events held in

Orlando last November. This

was Piken’s third NABC title.

CSCRB receives commendation

Judith Opdahl, executive director

of Cancer Support

Community Redondo Beach

(CSCRB) accepts a commendation

from Los Angeles

County Supervisor Janice

Hahn during last month’s Association

of Chambers of

Commerce (SBACC) Installation

and Awards luncheon at

the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel

in Carson. SBACC was

named Public Sector/Government

Agency/Nonprofit of

the Year. CSCRB provides

more than 165 free programs for emotional support and education

for people with cancer and their families. For more information on

CSCRB, call (310) 376-3550 or visit

cancersupportredondobeach.org.

Photographer Capozzola a finalist

n Palos Verdes High science teacher Renee Capozzola’s photograph

of two black tipped sharks was selected as a finalist in the

Shark division of the “The World Shootout," an international underwater

photography contest.The winners in each category will

be announced at the upcoming Boot Dusseldorf dive show in Dusseldorf,

Germany at the end of January.


Classifieds Your Local Expert Community 424-269-2830

CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION GARAGE DOORS GARDENING PLUMBING ROOFING

QUIXTAR

Concrete & Masonry

Residential & Commercial

310-534-9970

Lic. #935981 C8 C29

CONSTRUCTION

Call us to Discuss the

ENDLESS POSSIBILITES

Extreme

Hillside Specialist

Foundation Repair Experts

Grading & Drainage

Retaining Walls,

Fences & Decks

310-212-1234

www.LambConBuilds.com

Lic. #906371

classifieds

424-269-2830

G

D

Remodeling

Design

Kitchens

Bathrooms

Room Additions

New Construction

CONSTRUCTION

Charles Clarke

Local Owner/General Contractor

Ph: (310) 791-4150

Cell: (310) 293-9796

Fax (310) 791-0452

“Since 1990” Lic. No. 810499

ELECTRICAL

Reserve

your space in the

next

Pub Date: Feb 25

Deadline:

Feb 11

s

Call direct

(424)

269-2830

ELECTRICAL

LYNCH

ELECTRIC &

General

Building

Contractors

• Residential

Troubleshooting

• Remodel Specialist

Scott K. Lynch

P.V. Native

Licensed & Insured

Cell

310-930-9421

Office & Fax

310-325-1292

www.LynchElectric.us

Lic 701001

Your Ad Here

80,000 Readers

424-269-2830

PLUMBING

MATTUCCI

FULL SERVICE PLUMBING • COPPER REPIPES

SEWER VIDEO INSPECTION • HEATING

DRAIN & SEWER SERVICE • COOLING

TRENCHLESS SEWER REPLACEMENT

MUSIC LESSONS

Vocal Technician

Piano Teacher

Vocalist

Jeannine McDaniel

Rancho Palos Verdes

20 year experience

All Ages

310-544-0879

310-292-6341

Jeannine_mcdaniel2001@yahoo.com

PLASTERING

Patch Master

Plastering

Patch Plastering

Interior • Exterior

• Venetian Plastering

• Ceiling Removal

• Drywall Work

• Acoustic

Ceiling Removal

• Water & Fire Restoration

310-370-5589

Lic. # 687076 • C35-B1

PLUMBING • HEATING • COOLING

DEPENDABLE • PROFESSIONAL • AFFORDABLE

ON CALL

24 HOURS

7 DAYS

FREE ESTIMATES

310.543.2001

CALIFORNIA

Lic. #770059

C-36 C-20 A

2013

Thank You South Bay for

50 Years of Patronage!

Residential • Commercial • Industrial

Plumbing 24/7 • Heating

Air Conditioning

pfplumbing.net

800-354-2705 • 310-831-0737

classifieds

424-269-2830

ROOFING

Tile Reroof and

repair specialist

310-847-7663

Family owned

business since 1978

Lic 831351

POOLS & SPAS

POOLS • SPAS

HARDSCAPES

New Construction

& Remodeling

Excellent References

Horusicky Construction

310-544-9384

www.Horusicky.com

Credit cards accepted

Lic #309844, Bonded, Insured

SOLAR ENERGY

classifieds

424-269-2830

WINDOWS

www.epicglasstinting.com

ROCKS

800-903-5309

California Contractor License 980257


Peninsula People Feb 2017

Do you know the secret to free website traffic?

Delete template?

Save as template?