Southbay | Dec 2025/Jan 2026

Coasting Into the Holidays

GATHERINGS, GIVING AND GOOD CHEER

Where the World Collects

The Health

More than a present, it’s the journey to becoming the healthiest version of you.

A single destination for your whole health with personalized health plans, fitness regimens, expert-led classes, cutting-edge longevity assessments + protocols, and a supportive community committed to helping you thrive at every age. Take a proactive approach to your well-being and join the health revolution.

Minimally invasive & surgical treatments for skin rejuvenation including cutting edge procedures to address the aging face and neck Call 310-426-8415 for your complimentary consultation

Ask about combining dermal fillers with other cosmetic treatments and procedures for a more comprehensive solution and a more balanced, natural outcome.

• Laser Facelift

• CO2 Laser

• Facial Plastic Surgery

• Fillers

• Botox

Our boutique practice provides one on one, personalized care

• Advanced IVF with Genetic Testing

• Fertility Preservation

• Egg freezing and embryo freezing

• Male Infertility

• LGBTQ+ Family Building

• Donor/Surrogacy

• Family Balancing

• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)/ Stem Cell Treatment

Take

DECEMBER 2 – 7, 2025

Where Expertise Meets Care

At our practice, we actively extend compassion and generosity beyond the dental chair.

We dedicate ourselves to sharing dental supplies with those in need, empowering individuals to maintain a healthy smile even when access to care is limited.

A smile transcends language, and we take pride in uplifting our community and contributing to global outreach. We send our toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste, and mouthwash into backpacks for school kids, personal care kits for the homeless, young girls in safe houses in Mexico, and small villages in Nepal.

We want to make a positive impact, no matter how small, in a world that needs more kindness.

Steven K. O ,DDS Inc.

kamoto

22330 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite E

40

A CUT ABOVE

Part neighborhood market, part finefood destination, a new Manhattan Beach butchery transforms the shopping experience into a celebration of flavor and skill.

48

PERFECT POURS

Our veteran wine guru uncorks her favorite bottles by small, family-owned California wineries.

58 GIVE IT A SWIRL

Two new soft serve outposts bring the art of frozen dessert and a sense of community to Palos Verdes.

64

SOFFI’S SPOTLIGHT

@thesouthbayclub’s Soffi Yessmann shares her favorite restaurant openings of 2025.

66

GLAD TIDINGS

Deck your calendar with a variety of local seasonal events to take you through the New Year.

HOLDING ON TO HEART

After more than four decades in business, Manhattan Beach’s Third Gallery continues to celebrate strong family ties and deep South Bay roots.

92

BUILDING BEAUTY

Despite opening his salon at the height of the pandemic, Michael Nguyen proves that courage and connection can pay off.

96

WHERE MEMORIES LIVE

At this century-old red barn turned antique destination, every item holds a story and every visit feels like coming home.

102

NAILING IT

Celebrity nail artist Ashlie Johnson brings polished charm to a South Bay haven.

112

RELAXATION MODE

The Spa at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes lures guests with a recent refresh and innovative treatments.

116

QUALITY TIME

As Medawar Fine Jewelers celebrates 45 years, the family looks back at a business built on passion, sacrifice and hard work.

COVER

Who’s who around town

The Los Angeles Clippers roster boasts an impressive mix of experienced veterans and fresh talent … including two rookies who call the South Bay home. 146

LIKE BRAUN

After losing her 18-year-old son to a drunk driver, Jennifer Levi turned unimaginable heartbreak into a movement of compassion, connection and change.

Once a high school hockey star and now a trailblazer in sports media and spinal cord research, Jack Jablonski continues to challenge limits—on the ice, in life and within himself.

A South Bay couple creates a new family mountain retreat in Nevada with color and hints of their past.

Handpicked gift ideas for the season FINANCIAL

Vince DiLeva, SEIA

Carol Wilshire, RBC Wealth Management

Jennette Phillips Toderick, Century 21 Coastal Properties

A Christmas market cruise down the Rhine delivers a welcome dose of holiday magic for our editor.

Paying it forward in the community

Trusted Advisors

From minimally invasive spine procedures to our advanced robotic and rehabilitation programs, Providence Little Company of Mary is your back and neck expert.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Darren Elms

COPY EDITOR Laura L. Watts

DEPUTY EDITORS

Bonnie Graves (Food & Wine), Kara Mickelson (Food Style), Tanya Monaghan (Style), Jennie Nunn (Home)

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Diane E. Barber, Michele Garber, Quinn Roberts

Emily Tecklenburg, Scott Sanford Tobis, Soffi Yessmann

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Michelle Villas

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ajay Peckham, Yuiko Sugino

DIGITAL MARKETING Paul Fisher

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Shane O’Donnell

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jessica Burke, Fabien & Laura Castro, Berto Centofante, Jason Cruz, Stacey Davis, Dan Hess, Bryan Kasm, Bradley Meinz, Ken Pagliaro, Alexis Peterson, Lauren Taylor

PUBLISHER Jen Turquand 310-528-5351 | jen.turquand@thegoldenstatecompany.com

DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS Erika Carrion 310-897-2424 | erika@thegoldenstatecompany.com

DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS Marcie Gutierrez 310-947-5404 | marcie@thegoldenstatecompany.com

SOUTHBAY IS A DIVISION OF THE GOLDEN STATE COMPANY

CO-CHAIRMEN

Charlie Koones Todd Klawin

No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from The Golden State Company, LLC. Any and all submissions to this or any of The Golden State Company, LLC publications become the property of The Golden State Company, LLC and may be used in any media. We reserve the right to edit.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: info@goldenstate.is. Subscriptions are $29 per year.

TO OUR READERS: Southbay welcomes your feedback. Please send letters to Reader Response Department, Southbay magazine. Please include your name, address and email. Edited letters may be published.

200 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 110, El Segundo, CA 90245 | goldenstate.is | oursouthbay.com

EXPERIENCE OCEANFRONT RELAXATION

The Spa at Terranea is more than a destination—it’s a sensory sanctuary shaped by the rhythms of the Pacific and the evolving needs of modern wellness seekers. Perched at the ocean’s edge and newly reimagined with refined coastal elegance, it’s a place to pause, reconnect, and experience the latest in restorative care. Here, wellness isn’t a trend—it’s a way of being.

We Made It

There’s no way to sugarcoat it—2025 began on a heartbreaking note. The devastating fires that tore through Pacific Palisades and Altadena uprooted entire communities, destroying homes and cherished memories. Several displaced families have since made our community their own, enrolling their children in local schools and slowly rebuilding their lives.

Among them were the Levis, who tragically lost their son, Braun, in a pedestrian accident not long after settling in Manhattan Beach. That loss came shortly after the death of Mira Costa student Ford Savela, taken too soon in a hit-and-run incident. Both tragedies have renewed our community’s commitment to combating drunk driving and improving safety on our streets.

In April, the South Bay lost a legend with the passing of beloved surfer and photographer Greg Browning. Not long after we featured his paddle-out tribute on our June/July cover, we learned of the passing of another former cover subject: artist Zen Del Rio. So much loss in an already heavy year.

Yet as we approach the final weeks of 2025, I’m also reminded of the good. The shock of the fires quickly gave way to action, as neighbors offered supplies, housing and compassion to those in need. The

community came together again and again—lifting one another through grief, honoring life with both heartfelt tributes and honest conversations. And in the midst of it all, our publisher, Jen Turquand, triumphed over cancer while continuing to lead our sales efforts with grace and strength.

My heartfelt appreciation to Erika, Marcie, Michelle, Laura and Paul for stepping up when needed and helping make this a strong year for Southbay magazine. Cheers to Linda Grasso, who led the editorial charge at our sister publication, Ventura Blvd, for nearly 15 years.

And to our readers, advertisers and contributors—thank you for standing by us through the challenges. This year wasn’t easy to navigate, but it has made us more resilient, more united and more grateful than ever.

Here’s to brighter days ahead. May the holidays shine warmly on you all.

Darren Elms

LAUREN TAYLOR | Lauren has been photographing spaces and faces throughout the Beach Cities, Greater Los Angeles and nationally since 2005. Specializing in interiors, architecture and lifestyle photography, she thrives on bringing it all together by capturing the individuals and families that make each space a home. Lauren resides in Redondo Beach with her husband, three kids and two pups.

KEN PAGLIARO | Ken is an internationally recognized commercial, travel and surf photographer based in Southern California. His love of photography, adventure and nature have led him around the world creating images for Patagonia, Nikon, Vans, Coors, Chevrolet and many more. To see more of Ken’s work, follow him on Instagram @kenpagliaro

MICHELLE VILLAS | For more than a decade, Michelle has been Southbay’s art director— guiding the magazine’s aesthetic and visual storytelling. She is also Craft Spirits magazine’s art director, designed Beach Life magazine, and has worked for 30 years as an art director in New York, California and New Mexico. When she’s not designing publications, you can find her painting or spending time in nature with her three crazy boxers.

your

has to offer them this

Your 1-page WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU will appear in print, be featured on our Instagram page @oursouthbay, and live on our website from our mail date of 2/10/2026 until 4/7/2026.

DECEMBER/ JANUARY

New Kids on the Block

CLIPPERS ROOKIES KOBE

SANDERS AND YANIC KONAN

NIEDERHÄUSER

A CUT ABOVE

PART NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET, PART FINE-FOOD DESTINATION, A NEW MANHATTAN BEACH BUTCHERY TRANSFORMS THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE INTO A CELEBRATION OF FLAVOR AND SKILL.

A proper butchery stands as both a craft and a cornerstone of community—where skill, respect for the animal and an unbroken lineage of knowledge come together behind the block. Long before the rise of industrial meat processing, butchers were trusted artisans who understood every cut and its purpose, transforming necessity into nourishment with precision and care. Their work connected farmers to families, ensuring nothing was wasted and every piece was honored.

Today, amid the convenience of packaged goods, the traditional butcher’s shop remains a symbol of authenticity, sustainability and human connection in the food we share.

Opened in July by Robert Hagopian and Brian Smith, The Butchery in Manhattan Beach is the latest to bring fine proteins and a curated shopping experience to South Bay food enthusiasts and gastronomes. This marks their fourth location, following stores in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and Del Mar.

The 6,000-square-foot space—formerly Lindberg Nutrition—has been transformed into a sleek yet approachable market with a distinct Dean & DeLucainspired aesthetic. Inside, guests find a walk-up butcher and seafood counter, artisan cheeses, cured meats, sauces, spices, marinades, gourmet snacks and cooking essentials—a haven for culinary exploration.

The store features a full kitchen and a 45-seat dining area outfitted with tables and leather booths, complemented by a rotating selection of craft beers and wines. The kitchen serves seasonal, made-to-order dishes for both in-store dining and grab-and-go convenience.

Brian and Robert, who met through their children, bonded over a shared passion for butchery and a desire to enjoy flavorful, premium-quality steaks

at home, reminiscent of a classic steak house experience. Noticing a lack of neighborhood butcher shops in Southern California—especially compared to Brian’s New England hometown—they launched The Butchery to offer high-quality meats and ingredients not readily available to retail shoppers.

“Growing up shapes your palate,” says Brian, a Boston-area native where steak tips—marinated sirloin flap—are a staple at pubs, restaurants and backyard barbecues. “They’re virtually unknown in Southern California, so introducing this regional favorite at The Butchery has been exciting. It’s become a cult favorite.”

That philosophy underscores their ethos: Butchery is not just about cuts but about culture, tradition and sharing new flavors.

The Butchery distinguishes itself with exceptional products and personalized service. By building strong relationships with ranchers, they source richly flavored meats from ethical, regenerative farms that prioritize humane treatment.

“We know the feed, breed and genetics—ensuring consistency,” Brian explains. Unlike grocery chains with prepackaged commodity beef, The Butchery offers full traceability, clearly labeling each cut’s source, breed, feed and certifications such as “organic” or “humane handling.”

Trained butchers are always on hand to provide custom cuts, recipe suggestions and pairing advice with wine, cheese or beer—enhancing everything from weekday meals to holiday feasts. That personal touch defines their mission: to elevate the shopping and dining experience.

Balancing traditional hand-cutting and dry-aging techniques with modern dietary preferences, The Butchery caters to diverse lifestyles with lean cuts, grass-fed beef and organ-meat grinds.

“Our customers get the best—not more of the average,” says Brian, acknowledging the premium price point but emphasizing unmatched quality.

“It’s what we’d feed our own families,” adds Robert.

At the seafood counter, freshness is paramount. “We keep inventory sparse—never stacking fish on fish,” notes Robert, an avid surfer who is deeply committed to

sustainable aquaculture and ocean health.

Customer loyalty fuels The Butchery’s growth, with some shoppers traveling hours to visit, and others—even college students—requesting their meats when returning home. This dedication has supported steady expansion, with a new location opening every few years.

Holidays are peak season, and Brian advises ordering early. He highlights marbling as the key to flavor and tenderness—recommending the Saratoga roast, a signature offering.

“We take a prime rib, remove the outer cap and a large fat kernel, then tie it back together for rib-eye flavor with tenderloin presentation. It’s a showstopper.”

For bone-in roasts like prime rib, he suggests planning for 2 to 2½ servings per bone; for boneless, about a half-pound per person, or more for leftovers.

Their butchers provide thoughtful, hands-on service such as tying roasts for even cooking and easy carving, demonstrating twine removal for presentation and offering insider tips. Brian recommends using a meat thermometer for larger cuts, noting that roasts continue to cook another five to 10 degrees after leaving the oven—and should always rest before carving.

The Butchery also boasts a sublime selection of artisan meats, cheeses, dips and gourmet treats for charcuterie. Customers can bring a board for in-store assembly or choose to have their selections packed to go. Refrigerated cases feature house-marinated favorites like lemon-pepper chicken breasts and other curated grab-and-go offerings.

Robert, with a background in real estate and finance, and Brian, experienced in construction, combined their complementary skills to build the business. “It’s been a school of hard knocks,” Robert admits, “but our confidence in the concept and hands-on approach have paid off.”

The Manhattan Beach location has already earned rave reviews and stands as one of their most successful launches to date. Their unwavering focus on superb products, operational excellence and personal service has secured The Butchery’s place at the heart of the South Bay’s evolving foodie culture—where craft, care and community still come together behind the block.

Shawarma Spiced Beef Skewers

Serves 8 to 12

3 tablespoons Shawarma spice blend (Villa Jerada)

3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced ¼ cup mild olive oil, plus more for garnish rib-eye steak, cut into 10 to 12 (2-inch) cubes kosher salt juice from ½ lemon, divided creamy garlic sauce (Toum) pickled onions

3 mandarin oranges, peeled, pith trimmed, sliced into ¼-inch rounds fresh parsley & basil for garnish pomegranate seeds

Zhug sauce (at right), tahini or harissa

Combine spice blend, garlic and olive oil in a bowl. Add beef and gently rub in the marinade to coat. Cover and refrigerate for two to three hours. Remove beef from marinade. Place between two pieces of plastic wrap and slightly pound with a meat tenderizer. Trim excess fat, as needed. Generously salt meat on both sides. Add one cube of beef to each skewer. (If using wood skewers, soak in water for one hour before use.)

Grill or pan-sear skewered beef over mediumhigh heat. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until internal temperature is 130º to 135º for mediumrare. Use tongs as needed to distribute heat throughout. Remove from heat, drizzle with some of the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with salt. Let rest about 4 minutes to retain juices.

Spread garlic sauce on serving platter. Layer drained pickled onions and mandarin slices; top with beef skewers. Toss loose herbs with remaining lemon juice, salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Arrange on platter. Scatter pomegranate seeds over all. Serve skewers with Zhug sauce, tahini or harissa.

ZHUG (SPICY YEMENITE GREEN SAUCE)

2 to 3 jalapeño peppers, seeded

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, rinsed and dried

½ cup Italian parsley leaves, rinsed and dried

3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced ½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ cup mild extra-virgin olive oil

2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice ground black pepper

In a food processor, combine jalapeño, cilantro, parsley, garlic and salt. Pulse until finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly add olive oil and lemon juice until a loose paste forms. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add pepper as desired. The sauce flavors will deepen with time, becoming milder after refrigeration. Can be made up to one week in advance and stored in refrigerator in a tightly sealed glass container. Thin with olive oil and lemon juice, check seasoning and bring to room temperature before serving.

Decadent Charcuterie Board

Product courtesy The Butchery

ARTISAN CHEESES

Camembert Le Châtelain Seacrest: Soft, buttery, earthy notes with hints of mushroom (cow, Normandy, France)

Reypenaer: Hard, crumbly, Gouda-style, butterscotch and caramel notes (cow, Netherlands)

Ewephoria: Hard, Gouda-style, nutty butterscotch notes, mild crunch from tyrosine crystals (sheep, Netherlands)

Caveman Blue: Earthy notes of shiitake mushroom, sweet golden beets, brown butter, moderate “blue” flavor (cow, Oregon)

Brie de Meaux: Soft, sweet buttery notes of mushrooms and almonds (cow, France)

Manchego El Trigal: Hard, buttery texture (sheep, Spain)

Trufa Negra: Semi-hard, premium black truffle (sheep, Spain)

Tete De Moine Aop Flowers: Semi-hard cheese, nutty, fruity, aromatic (cow, Switzerland)

Harbison Mini: Soft, woodsy and sweet, balanced with lemon, mustard and vegetal flavors, rustic, bark-wrapped bloomy rind (cow, woodlands of Jasper Hill, Vermont)

Sweet Grass pimento cheese spread: Shredded Thomasville Tomme, Sir Kensington’s mayo, Spanish piquillo peppers and other spices

MISCELLANEOUS

Fresh herbs, bay leaf, rosemary, flower blooms

SLICED CURED MEATS

Thumann’s Genoa salami, made into a rose*

Bresaola, thin-sliced and hand-rolled

Brooklyn cured thin-sliced chorizo

Brooklyn cured thin-sliced sweet soppressata

Monte Nevado jamón serrano, 24-month

*For a charcuterie rose, use 4 to 8 ounces of salami. Let sit at room temperature before folding. Overlap slices, fold in half lengthwise, roll tightly from one end, and secure with a toothpick. Can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store wrapped, in the refrigerator.

SWEET COMPONENTS

Fromage Ami fig cake with almonds

Temecula honeycomb

Guayeco gourmet guava paste

Turkish apricots

Rancho Meladuco dates, California

Comptoir du Cacao framboise white chocolate

Assorted fruit: grapes, blackberries, blueberries, figs, lady apples, golden berries, Little Pranksters mini kiwis, plums, pomegranate seeds and roll

SALTY

Rustic bakery bites, olive oil and sel gris

Potter’s cranberry hazelnut crisps

Marcona almonds with lemonpepper seasoning

Whole cashews lightly salted

Cornichons, extra fine

Castelvetrano olives

Perfect Pours

OUR VETERAN WINE GURU UNCORKS HER FAVORITE BOTTLES

BY SMALL, FAMILY-OWNED CALIFORNIA WINERIES.

Written by Bonnie Graves

Ah, yes … the holiday rush, which now seems to extend deeply into August as Christmas decorations arrive at Costco well ahead of Labor Day. I’m not a huge fan of Spirit Halloween merging with Santa, to be honest, but at the very least you can get ahead on your wine shopping when you order directly from the good folks who make the juice.

Below are some recent discoveries worth championing, each of which is made by a California family that could use your support in difficult economic times. Stop buying bulk wines and order a few of these beauties to stock up for whatever the holiday season may throw at you.

Inman Family Brut Rosé, Olivet Grange Vineyard Estate (Russian River Valley, 2023)

I’ve been a huge fan of Kathleen Inman the winery in addition to Kathleen Inman the person over the years; she’s proof positive that the best wines, in fact, do come from high-quality humans. Here, their OGV Estate vineyard showcases again that you don’t need to buy Champagne to experience why pinot noir can be so transcendent when incorporated into a rosé bubbly. Beautiful notes of guava, passion fruit and white flowers with a pleasingly zippy mouth texture. Gift this to the boss who thinks she knows all about wine because she drinks La Marca prosecco. Help her upgrade to a better bubbly experience made right here in California. SRP $80, inmanfamilywines.com

Loubud Sauvignon Blanc, Happy Canyon (Santa Barbara, 2024)

Laura Hughes’ day job is already daunting as the winemaker for Sanford—a legacy brand with large-scale productions to manage and monitor. She nevertheless

found time to launch her passion project, Loubud Wines, in 2015 with husband Paul. Laura and Paul recently opened a tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara, where you can sip her lineup of handcrafted wines while checking out Paul’s puzzles. (His métier is creating exquisite hand-cut, wooden puzzles out of artworks, and his stuff is super, super cool.) I love Laura’s sauvignon blanc, which offers bright, refreshing citrus notes with lots of soil inflection that reflect the aptly named AVA where it is grown: Happy Canyon. It’s late, you’re behind on gift wrapping, the kids are asleep, the tape dispenser and the ribbon are ready. Pour yourself a nice glass of this delicious sauvignon blanc and get to work. You deserve it. SRP $34, loubudwines.com

Deovlet Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills, 2023)

It’s always exciting to see how a vineyard you know is expressed via different winemakers. La Encantada is one of my favorite places for pinot noir in the coolish Santa Rita Hills appellation, but I’d never tasted Ryan Deovlet’s work with its fruit. So, so good. And yet another amazing family to get behind. Ryan moved his young tribe to Los Osos, near San Luis Obispo, where he also champions cool-climate productions from lesserknown areas. An absolutely perfect California afternoon would be visiting his tasting room in Baywood to collect your picnic wine for a hike through nearby Montaña de Oro State Park. This gorgeous pinot is a master class in balancing fruit and texture. Dark berry aromatics with some beautiful herby, green edges converge into a silky-soft pinot palate. Order a few bottles of this for your big holiday feast. It’s one of my favorite pinots tasted in recent years. SRP $65, deovletwines.com

Benessere Aglianico, Estate (St. Helena, Napa, 2022) If California has a European kinsman, it’s Italy. Both have a breadth of microclimates that are the envy of other states and countries, and each can successfully grow an incredible diversity of grapes. Years ago, I discovered and poured Benessere’s pinot grigio by the glass at Spago, because I was blown away by the quality and depth of the wine. Here, this powerhouse Napa producer has produced what I think is the only domestic aglianico I’ve ever tasted, and it is extraordinary. Aglianico thrives in Italy’s volcanic soils, and it is an

ancient and tannic wine that rewards patient cellaring. Grown by Benessere (“the good life”) in Napa, it is here softened and rounder—a more approachable version that is utterly delicious. Notes of cassis, schist and black shells on the nose with a firm structure that will delight cab drinkers looking to expand their horizons. Pay the corkage fee and take this wine back to Spago for me! Seriously, this wine is worthy of a big-ticket dinner and would be a great choice to take with you for a special restaurant meal at any point in the season.

SRP $70, benesserevineyards.com ■

Restaurant Guide

The holidays are here! Whether you want the perfect spot to take family and friends or a great location to host your festive event, here are some South Bay dining suggestions that combine fabulous food and top-notch service with a warm, welcoming vibe.

AttaGirl

Due to the high demand we’ve seen for dinner and brunch, we have extended our hours and are offering Aperitivo Hour, Monday–Friday, 3 to 5 p.m.

1238 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach

424-600-2882

attagirlla.com

@attagirl.la

BeachLife Grotto

Blending coastal charm with chef-driven cuisine and craft cocktails. An elevated yet laid-back space where surf culture, fresh seafood and good vibes meet by the sea.

1711 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach

310-373-1200

beachlifegrotto.com

@beachlifegrotto

Bettolino Kitchen

Fresh pasta, coastal vibes, California sunshine. Your go-to for craveable California Italian comfort food made from scratch and served with love by a fourth-generation restaurant family.

211 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach

310-375-0500

bettolinokitchen.com @bettolinokitchen

Bluewater Grill

Located on the water amid the sailboats, we offer sustainable seafood with splendid views. Enjoy our large heated patio, private event rooms, full bar and happy hour!

665 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach

310-318-3474

bluewatergrill.com @bluewatergrill

California Pizza Kitchen

Known for creative, globally inspired pizzas, pastas and salads made with fresh, highquality ingredients in a vibrant setting.

Manhattan Village

3320 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach

310-796-1233

cpk.com

@cpk

BOA Steakhouse Manhattan Beach

Join us for lunch and dinner to enjoy premium steak and seafood selections paired with innovative starters, trendy cocktails and unparalleled hospitality.

Manhattan Village

3110 Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach

310-683-4080 boasteak.com | @boasteak_mb

California Surf Club

Bringing oceanfront dining to Redondo— fresh coastal fare, craft cocktails and a laid-back vibe inspired by the rhythm of the Pacific.

245 North Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach 310-318-0001

casurfclub.com @casurfclub

brewco social

Your favorite new Manhattan Beach dining destination. Enjoy the charm of a reimagined local gem inspired by California cuisine and the vibrant beachside lifestyle.

124 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach

310-798-2744

brewcosocial.com @brewcosocial

Captain Kidds Fish Market & Restaurant

Serving the freshest seafood in the South Bay since 1976. A Redondo Beach landmark in the heart of King Harbor. Multiple indoor-outdoor patios and seafood delivered daily.

209 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach 310-372-7703 | captainkidds.com @captainkidds

restaurant guide

Creme De La Crepe

An inviting escape where authentic French flavors, warm hospitality and charming ambience come together—whether you’re sharing a quiet evening or celebrating life’s small joys. Bon appétit!

1708½ S. Catalina Ave. Redondo Beach

310-540-8811

cremedelacrepe.com @cremedelacreperb

Good Stuff Restaurants

Location, location, location! For 45 years, we’ve been a South Bay staple—serving up award-winning food, warm hospitality and good vibes at four iconic locations.

1286 The Strand, Hermosa Beach

1617 S. PCH, Redondo Beach

550 Deep Valley Dr., Rolling Hills Estates 131 W. Grand Ave., El Segundo eatgoodstuff.com | @eatgoodstuff

Dan Modern Chinese

Handmade dumplings, wok-fired noodles, bold flavors. We blend tradition with modern flair for unforgettable meals.

Manhattan Village

3160 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 140, Manhattan Beach 310-546-1588 danmodernchinese.com @danmodernchinese

Great American International Seafood Market

Shop fresh fish and so much more at our family-owned market, with a curated mix of seafood products, specialty ingredients and ready-to-eat salads. Gift cards available.

Golden Cove Center

31224 Palos Verdes Dr. W., Rancho Palos Verdes 310-750-6074 | greatamericanseafoodmarket.com @great_american_seafood_market

Fête Bistro by Slay

Where traditional American flirts with French finesse and Mediterranean. Winkingly elegant interior, locally sourced dishes and Slay Estate wines create a bistro experience as thoughtful as it is celebratory.

1017 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-376-1536

fetebyslay.com @slayrestaurantgroup

LoZio Osteria

The newest South Bay pizzeria with full bar. Cocktails, amazing wines and tons of fresh pizza and more, plus our amazing outdoor patio.

320 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach 310-921-8286 @lozio_osteria loziopizzeria.net

MB Post

Now offering an all-day menu on weekends alongside a bangin’ brunch, plus happy hour Monday–Friday, 5 to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday, 3 to 5 p.m.

1142 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-545-5405 eatmbpost.com @eat_mbpost

Primo Italia

For generations, our families have enjoyed the tradition of homemade Italian cuisine and hospitality. Recently awarded the Marchio Q for excellence in Italian food and hospitality.

24590 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance

310-378-4288

eatprimo.com

@primo_italia

Mercado

Traditional yet contemporary elevated Mexican cuisine accessible to everyone! Enjoy daily food and drink features, Taco Tuesday, regular and late-night happy hours, and private dining.

Manhattan Village 3212A N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach 310-545-0388 | @mercadomanhattanbeach cocinasycalaveras.com/mercado-mb-menu

R/10 Social House

Located in Redondo Beach’s Marina, we are a neighborhood gastropub offering farmto-table food, handcrafted cocktails and a selection of intriguing, affordable artisan beers and wines.

179 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach 310-798-2500 r10socialhouse.com @r10socialhouse

Pacific Standard Prime

Savor tastier, healthier food with ingredients from farmers markets and humane ranches. Succulent steaks, fresh seafood, great salads and more, plus boutique wines and artisan cocktails.

1810 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach 424-247-7521 pspsteak.com @pspsteak

Riera’s Place

A family-run deli offering a wide range of breakfast burritos, sandwiches, salads, fresh poké, Sicilian-style pizzas and catering services. Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sunday.

1908 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach 310-316-1908

rierasplace.com @rierasplace

restaurant guide

Riviera Mexican Cantina

The South Bay’s newest oceanfront Mexican restaurant, located in King Harbor Marina. Now booking holiday parties in the Cantina Room.

207 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach

310-374-2689

info@therivmexcantina.com @therivmexcantina

Saint & Second

Seasonal cuisine, innovative cocktails, hundreds of handpicked whiskeys, masterfully curated wine list. Private dining room. Serving lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, weekday social hour.

Manhattan Village 3160 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite S100, Manhattan Beach | 310-759-3160

saintandsecond.com | @saintandsecond

Riviera Mexican Grill

Serving the best Mexican food in the South Bay since 1996. Enjoy our famous fish tacos and margaritas on our multiple outdoor patios. See you at the Riv.

1615 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach

310-540-2501

therivmex.com

@therivmex

Salt & Pearl

From the ocean’s freshest catch to sumptuous land-based fare, we provide an all-encompassing dining experience with a menu that is sure to please.

1719 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach

310-372-0122

saltandpearlrb.com

@saltandpearlrb

Rock’N Fish

The original steak & seafood house in Manhattan Beach. Celebrating 25 years of big portions, big pours and unforgettable hospitality. Now serving $10 happy hour!

120 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach

310-379-9900

mb.rocknfish.com @rocknfishmb

Sea Level

Harbor-front hot spot with stunning views featuring California coastal cuisine, $10 daily happy hour, weekend brunch and live music!

655 North Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach

rb.shadehotel.com/dine

310-921-8950

@sealevelrb

Slay Beach Grill, Hermosa

A beach-chic bistro with rooftop dining, locally grown wines and fresh coastal fare. Farm-to-beach cuisine meets laid-back sophistication in our Hermosa gem.

2620 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach

310-921-8779

slayhermosa.com

@slayhermosabeach

Stecca Taverna

Honoring Piedmont’s and Liguria’s rich culinary crossroads with Executive Chef

Giorgio Vizia’s modern, vibrant Italian dishes rooted in deep tradition and cultural fusion.

439 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach

310-504-0865

steccataverna.com

@steccataverna

Slay Italian Kitchen

Rustic Italian fare, wood-fired pizzas, housemade pasta and wines—crafted from the bounty of Slay Estate & Vineyard. Vibrant, fresh, Cal-Ital.

1001 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach

424-257-8301

slayitaliankitchen.com @slayrestaurantgroup

Sushi Roku Manhattan Beach

Satisfy your sushi fix with us for lunch and dinner, or get your favorites delivered straight to your door.

Manhattan Village

3110 Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach

310-683-4060

sushiroku.com

@sushirokumb

Slay Steak + Fish House

A refined surf-and-turf experience featuring sustainable seafood, cast-iron steaks and ingredients from Slay Estate. Sophistication and heartfelt hospitality define our Manhattan Beach destination.

1141 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach

310-504-0902

slaysteakandfishhouse.com @slayrestaurantgroup

The Arthur J

Offering a classic neighborhood steakhouse brunch every Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring signature brunch dishes and wood-fired favorites from the dinner menu.

903 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach

310-878-9620

thearthurj.com @the_arthur_j

restaurant guide

The Original Red Onion

Celebrating 62 years in Palos Verdes, we have been a local favorite for three generations. Still owned and operated by the founding family.

736 Bart Earle Way, Rolling Hills Estates 310-377-5660

310-541-5936 – catering/banquets originalredonion.com

Urban Plates

Skip the cooking this Thanksgiving with a scratch-made turkey feast—order on our website! Or join us on Thanksgiving Day, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Manhattan Village

2650 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach 424-350-0393 urbanplates.com @urbanplates

The Rockefeller

The South Bay’s original gastropub, with locations in Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Locally owned since 2011.

1707 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach

418 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach 1209 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach eatrockefeller.com | @eatrockefeller

Vida Modern Mexican + Tequila

A Baja-inspired modern-day Mexican eatery and bar that holds true to south-ofthe-border fan favorites, combined with some creative twists on East Los Angeles comfort foods.

1723 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach 310-430-7787 eatdrinkvida.com | @eatdrinkvida

The Strand House

Enjoy 180° sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and a California Coastal menu highlighting the bounty of produce available year-round in Southern California.

117 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach 310-545-7470 thestrandhousemb.com @strandhousemb

zinc@shade

Downtown buzz meets beach fun featuring $10 happy hour, weekend brunch and live music! The indoor-outdoor setting is perfect for your next celebration.

1221 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach mb.shadehotel.com/dine 310-698-5559 @shadehotelmb

Give It a Swirl

TWO NEW SOFT SERVE OUTPOSTS BRING THE ART OF FROZEN DESSERT AND A SENSE OF COMMUNITY TO PALOS VERDES.

Written by Jennie Nunn | Photographed by Berto Centofante & Dan Hess

When Yummy Yogurt, a beloved, family-owned frozen yogurt institution in Rolling Hills Estates, closed its doors in 2018 after more than three decades in business, Peninsula residents lost a go-to spot for sweet treats. But with the opening of two new shops—one in Lunada Bay Plaza and another in Malaga Cove Plaza— soft serve is making a comeback.

For Julie Anthony and her husband, Jason, the idea for Lunada Creamery sprang from the desire to have a local frozen treat shop within walking distance of their house. Prior to making their home in Palos Verdes Estates nine years ago, the Anthonys frequented one of their favorite Los Angeles establishments, The Big Chill, followed by the former Penguin’s (now known as Wanna Chill?) in Redondo Beach.

“We are such dessert people,” says Julie. “I joke that I would have dessert over dinner. We just love going to new places, and we always seek out the local creameries.”

Upon moving to the South Bay, they longed for the same ritual and dreamed of opening their own business. When a 380-square-foot former Bank of America ATM space became available in Lunada Bay Plaza, they knew that was it. Over the next 15 months, Lunada Creamery was born, appointed with minimalist, clean-lined décor, woven pendant lamps, wooden benches, a quartz counter and a small area for baseball hats and totes.

“Our flavors both for our soft serve and toppings change every week,” says Julie, who has a background in e-commerce. “I have two little ones and we are a healthconscious family, so we’re trying to be very intentional about the ingredients that we offer. We try to make one flavor in-house each week [like all-natural peanut butter], and our goal is to always carry at least one vegan option. We also carry homemade cookie sandwiches and

take-home pints in our grab-and-go freezer.”

The toppings bar is equally intentional, with fresh fruit options, vegan cookie dough sourced from a local baker, and apple pie filling—or cinnamon compote likened to Julie’s aunt’s apple pie.

“What we’re loving most is connecting with the community,” explains Julie. “I had a New Yorker stop me the other day and tell me that everything is better in New York, but that our soft serve is the best he’s ever had. It was such a compliment. We hope people feel welcome when they walk in and feel satisfied when they leave—already planning their next visit.”

“WHAT WE’RE LOVING MOST IS CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY... WE HOPE PEOPLE FEEL WELCOME WHEN THEY WALK IN AND FEEL SATISFIED WHEN THEY LEAVE—ALREADY PLANNING THEIR NEXT VISIT.”

In Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes native Katherine Kemps, along with her mother, Gemma, has just opened Neptune’s Frozen Treats in the former RE/ MAX office space. Named and designed as a wink to the Plaza’s famous Neptune statue at the fountain, the shop serves up frozen yogurt, sorbet, custard and gelato in a reinvented space lined with white subway tile, coastalinspired hues, natural wood accents and subtle metallics. There’s also a massive mosaic tile wall installation depicting Neptune’s logo by Jonathan Cohen of Joseph & Sons.

“In many ways, frozen treats are in our family’s blood,” says Katherine, who graduated last year from Southern Methodist University. “My great-greatgrandfather, William Henry Kemps, ran Beverly Dairy in Los Angeles and Kemps Ice Cream in the Midwest, and our family name is still tied to the ice cream industry. I grew up surrounded by that history and always dreamed of creating something that honored it while reflecting who we are today. Creating Neptune’s Frozen Treats feels like coming full circle. After graduating, I was ready to dive into something of my own, but also something we could build together as a family.”

Neptune’s rotating flavors (posted on its website and Instagram) span cookies n’ cream, espresso, nondairy oat milk vanilla and vegan mango sorbet, while toppings range from hearty cheesecake bites and fresh blackberries to toasted coconut flakes and chocolate wafer straws.

“We want Neptune’s to be a place that feels like home,” adds Katherine, “a place where kids celebrate after soccer, teens hang out after school and families stop by for a treat together. It’s about joy, connection and a sense of belonging. In a world that moves so fast, we wanted to create a space where people can slow down.” ■

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Soffi’s Spotlight

@THESOUTHBAYCLUB’S SOFFI YESSMANN SHARES HER FAVORITE RESTAURANT OPENINGS OF 2025.

LoZio

Osteria Pizzeria & Bar

Classic Italian comfort food with house-made pastas, award-winning pizza and a warm, neighborhood atmosphere that feels instantly familiar. 320 S. Catalina Avenue in Redondo Beach

Di Prima Pizza

Award-winning pizza made Brazilian style! Di Prima has quickly earned its spot among the South Bay’s must-try pizzerias. 234 S. Pacific Coast Highway #101 in Redondo Beach

Bread Head

This cult favorite sandwich shop finally brought its house-baked focaccia and chef-driven fillings to the South Bay. From the Calabrian turkey to the muffaletta, Bread Head turns the classic sandwich into an art form, and it’s already a local obsession. 1129 Manhattan Avenue in Manhattan Beach

Gomaichi Ramen

This island-born ramen shop delivers a true taste of Honolulu comfort right here in the South Bay. 407 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 102, in Redondo Beach

Unico Tokyo Pasta

AttaGirl

This vibrant CaliforniaMediterranean escape for mezze, wood-fired skewers and house-baked pita feels both elevated and perfectly suited to the South Bay coast. 1238 Hermosa Avenue in Hermosa Beach

Japanese-style pasta spot where creamy uni linguine and mentaiko spaghetti are redefining Redondo’s comfort food scene. 1310 S. Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach

Stecca Taverna

An Italian taverna that feels effortlessly elegant—think handmade pasta, coastal wines and an intimate Hermosa hideaway vibe. 439 Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach

Glad Tidings

DECK YOUR CALENDAR WITH A VARIETY OF LOCAL SEASONAL EVENTS TO TAKE YOU THROUGH THE NEW YEAR.

HERMOSA FOR THE HOLIDAYS

November 21-23

hbchamber.net/holidays

Enjoy an open-air winter wonderland with shopping from local artisans, festive concerts with Rock for Tots, Santa photos and family-fun activities all weekend long.

SANTA ARRIVAL & TREE LIGHTING

November 28, noon to 6 p.m. shopmanhattanvillage.com

You won’t want to miss Santa lighting the 41foot plaza tree and the magical snowfall that follows. Bring your blankets and chairs for a cozy evening under the stars.

TORRANCE MEMORIAL’S

42ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

December 2-7

torrancememorial.org/holidayfestival

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Step inside the iconic white tent and discover the magic of the season. Wander through dazzling themed trees, shop the South Bay’s largest holiday boutique and enjoy live entertainment. Fashion Show and Gala tickets sold separately.

RIVIERA VILLAGE HOLIDAY STROLL

December 4, 5 to 9 p.m. rivieravillage.net

Swing by to shop and support small businesses.

MARIACHI NIGHT AT THE RIV

December 4, 5:30 p.m. therivmex.com/events

Riviera Mexican Grill in Redondo Beach will celebrate the holiday season with mariachi music, drink specials and, of course, wonderful Mexican dishes.

SANDPIPERS HOLIDAY HOMES TOUR

December 5-7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

sandpipers.org/holiday-homes-tour

This South Bay organization’s in-person tour features three homes decorated by local businesses and a marketplace with holiday vendors and café items.

GUM TREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA

December 7, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. gumtreela.com

The Hermosa Beach store welcomes guests for photos with Mr. Claus, with all proceeds going to the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation. $20 for a digital photo file.

HOLIDAY SNOW SHOWERS

Every Saturday in December, 6 to 8 p.m. thepointsb.com/ snow-showers-at-the-point-2 Snow is in the forecast at The Point! Magical snow flurries happen every 30 minutes on the grass.

7TH ANNUAL SANTA STROLL

December 13, 9 a.m.

santastroll25.funraise.org

Join hundreds of Santas at Hermosa Pier for a 5K fun run, walk or stroll benefiting Mychal’s Learning Place.

KING HARBOR HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE

December 13, 5:30 p.m.

kingharborboatparade.org

Celebrate the season with festively decorated boats parading though King Harbor. Enjoy dazzling displays, community spirit and holiday cheer as participants come together to light up the water.

MANHATTAN BEACH FIREWORKS

December 14

mbfireworks.com

The Skechers Snow Park opens in the later afternoon, along with music on the main stage. The annual fireworks display over the Pier begins at 7 p.m.

MENORAH LIGHTING IN THE PLAZA

December 21

shopmanhattanvillage.com

Join the Beach Cities’ Jewish community at Manhattan Village for this celebration of the start of Hanukkah.

GATSBY’S GOLDEN GALA: NYE EXTRAVAGANZA

Wednesday, December 31, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

terranea.com/events

Ring in 2026 with a dazzling Great Gatsby-inspired soiree at Terranea Resort, where the glamour of the Roaring Twenties comes alive with glittering flapper dancers, handcrafted speakeasy cocktails and breathtaking aerial chandelier acts that set the night aglow. Ages 21+. ■

A PASSION FOR PEOPLE

Altaf Amlani and his team at Blue Diamond Jeweler believe that the true measure of a successful business comes from the quality of their relationships with clients.

WRITTEN

BY

LAURA L. WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED

BY

FABIEN & LAURA CASTRO

Blue Diamond Jeweler was founded in 1974 on a simple belief: a fulfilling life—as well as a successful business—is built on meaningful relationships. That philosophy guides every interaction with every client who walks through the doors of the Downtown Manhattan Beach store. Owner Altaf

Amlani, a third-generation jeweler, and his team ensure that the customer experience feels less like a traditional jewelry appointment and more like a heartfelt conversation with a trusted friend.

It all started back when Altaf’s father ran a wholesale jewelry business. He insisted that his son learn the industry the old-fashioned way, from the ground up. Altaf was taught basic duties like buffing rings and cleaning machines long before he became immersed in the artistry of sourcing materials from all over the world to create unique pieces.

During those early stages, it became clear that Altaf enjoyed people even more than jewelry. So when he established his own his business, he decided to create a jewelry store that was open to the public so he could have plenty of face time with clients.

Those relationships have resulted in

loyal patronage. More than 70% of Blue Diamond Jeweler’s business comes from returning clients and personal referrals—a reflection of the genuine connections that Altaf and his team have continued to build over the years.

“At Blue Diamond, we believe that trust is earned through consistency, care and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” Altaf shares about his business, which offers professional repairs, cleaning, inspections and certified appraisals in addition to selling fine jewelry. “Quality and customer satisfaction are not just priorities; they are the very cornerstones of our business.”

Another priority for Altaf is his longtime active support of Nia Children’s Foundation, a charity in Nairobi, Africa, that provides daily meals to children attending underfunded schools in the slums of Kenya. Blue Diamond Jeweler’s partnership with the organization is deeply rooted in personal history. Altaf’s father spent four years of his childhood in an orphanage—an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to helping others. He supported an orphanage in India for more than 60 years.

This inspired in Altaf a legacy of compassion that continues today. For each engagement ring sold, Blue Diamond Jeweler sends a donation to Nia Children’s Foundation that feeds one child, one meal per day for an entire year.

“I firmly believe that education is the best path out of poverty and that having at least one healthy meal a day makes learning feasible,” says Altaf, who recently returned from a trip to Africa to visit the schools supported by his store’s donations.

When it comes to custom jewelry, Altaf and his team guide customers through every detail to ensure the final piece is not only exquisite but profoundly meaningful. Clients choose them not only for the craftsmanship of their jewelry but for the personalized service and genuine connection that define the Blue Diamond experience.

BLUE DIAMOND JEWELER

1009 MANHATTAN AVE., MANHATTAN BEACH 310-921-8707

BLUEDIAMONDJEWELER.COM @BLUEDIAMONDJEWELERS

Holding on to Heart

AFTER MORE THAN FOUR DECADES IN BUSINESS, MANHATTAN BEACH’S THIRD GALLERY CONTINUES TO CELEBRATE STRONG FAMILY TIES AND DEEP SOUTH BAY ROOTS.

Written

by Tanya Monaghan

Photographed by Alexis Peterson

Across from her beloved boutique, Third Gallery, Kelly Hoose arrives with a cardboard box brimming with old photographs—sepia snapshots and curled Polaroids telling the story of generations deeply rooted in the South Bay. She spreads them across the table and smiles softly.

“There aren’t many of us left who go back this far,” she says. “But this town—it’s my family’s story.”

Kelly’s family history runs deep. Her father grew up on the walk streets of Hermosa Beach, “swimming 365 days a year until he couldn’t walk across the sand anymore.”

Her grandfather commuted daily by bus from Hermosa to Downtown Los Angeles, where he worked as an FBI agent. And long before that, her greatgreat-grandfather, James Harmon Hoose, a philosophy professor from New York, moved west in the 1890s and helped establish what became the Hoose Library of Philosophy at USC. His name is still carved into the building today.

“My dad was the cutest guy,” Kelly laughs. “He’d tell stories about running errands for all the moms on the walk streets—walking to Mickey’s Deli for Knudsen sour cream, only to come back empty-handed because he didn’t realize it started with a K.”

For the Hoose family, life in the South Bay was as simple as it was beautiful. “Back then, there were schoolteachers and flight attendants living on the walk streets—just regular, nice people,” she says. “Everyone looked out for each other.”

The story of Third Gallery began in the late 1970s, when Kelly’s mother, Susan, a stylish and strong-willed creative, joined friends Carolyn Konduros and Natalia Theodore to take over a local gift shop owned by Vern and Tootie. “It was this hippie-chic spot—think God’s eyes, incense and handmade treasures,” Kelly explains.

The trio reimagined it, reopening in January 1980 with fresh energy and focus. “At first it was all gifts—mugs,

trinkets, Gladys Goose lamps, Fiorucci-style finds,” she recalls. “Then in 1989, it evolved into clothing and gifts. My mom was always ahead of her time.”

Third Gallery soon became a community fixture—a stylish, welcoming space that reflected the spirit of Manhattan Beach. Kelly grew up among the racks, wrapping gifts at Christmas and helping during the shop’s famous holiday open houses.

“There would be a line around the block,” she remembers. “My mom insisted on serving real food, so we’d be in the back tossing Chinese chicken salads while everyone else was handing out candy.”

Her mother’s energy defined the store. “She was unfiltered, passionate and strong as they come,” Kelly says. “If she loved you, there was nothing she wouldn’t do for you.”

By the 1990s the mother-daughter duo expanded their vision with Dolly Rocker, a playful boutique known for Juicy Couture tracksuits and the latest California trends. “Dolly Rocker was the young, fun sister,” Kelly says. “Third Gallery was the more elevated one.”

Their two boutiques became staples on Manhattan Avenue—fashion destinations that doubled as gathering places, where customers became friends and friends became family.

“We watched kids grow up, go to college and come back to shop for their own kids,” she says. “That’s what made it special.”

When Susan passed in 2023, Kelly fully stepped into the role her mother had built for her. “She taught me everything—how to buy, how to create an experience, how to take care of people. She was strong and powerful, and it was hard to watch her lose her independence to Parkinson’s disease.”

Over the decades, Kelly has seen Manhattan Beach transform from a sleepy surf town into a high-end destination.

“Where Free People is now was once a gas station. There was the La Mar Theatre, where I saw all my first movies,” she says. “You could walk into Dr. Star’s vet clinic anytime—everyone had his number. It

“THERE AREN’T MANY OF US LEFT WHO GO BACK THIS FAR. BUT THIS TOWN—IT’S MY FAMILY’S STORY.”

was small-town life. Now it’s banks and chain stores. Everyone’s in a hurry.”

When her longtime landlord sold the building to a developer, Kelly decided to move. It marked the end of an era—but also a new beginning. “That’s what’s happening here,” she says. “Some people buy into Manhattan Beach for profit, not community. What made this place special were the mom-and-pop stores—the people who built it.”

Still, Kelly believes the heart of the South Bay endures. “There’s this tribe of South Bay kids who grew up here and never left. Even if we didn’t hang out back then, we’ve all found each other again. There’s a South Bay loyalty—we just get each other.”

Third Gallery’s new location may be fresh, but its soul remains timeless. Kelly continues to curate pieces that reflect the laid-back sophistication of coastal California. “Retail is tough right now,” she admits. “You never know what people will want from one year to the next. But I still love connecting with people. I’ve had some customers for 40 years. That kind of loyalty doesn’t exist everywhere.”

When she talks about the South Bay, her voice softens. “You can’t go to a funeral or a fundraiser without it feeling like a reunion,” she says. “Everyone’s just so happy to see each other. Their faces light up when you walk in. It’s comforting.”

And that’s what keeps her here: the community, the roots, the shared history. “Manhattan Beach has changed so much,” Kelly says, glancing toward her boutique across the street. “But for me, it still feels like family. That’s what the South Bay is—it’s home.” ■

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Thanksgiving Feast

Thursday, November 27 | 1PM-8PM

$125 Adults $45 Children

Featuring all your Thanksgiving favorites at zinc@shade

Breakfast With Santa Saturday, December 13 | 9AM-12PM

Santa’s coming to town early! Reserve brunch at zinc@shade and meet Santa for photos in the courtyard!

Christmas Eve

Wednesday, December 24 | 2PM-8PM

$95 Adults $35 Children

zinc@shade will be offering a delicious 3-course plated dinner.

Christmas Day

Thursday, December 25 | 12PM-8PM

$95 Adults $35 Children zinc@shade will be offering a delicious 3-course plated dinner.

New Year’s Eve

Wednesday, December 31 | 5PM-1AM

$75 Adults

Chef’s Tasting Menu & Dancing. Ring in 2026 with a 5-course dinner and festive celebration in downtown Manhattan Beach!

Thanksgiving Feast

Thursday, November 27 | 1PM-8PM

$125 Adults $45 Children

Featuring all your Thanksgiving favorites at Sea Level

Christmas Tree Lighting Friday, December 19 | 4PM-6PM

Santa Claus, carolers, hot chocolate, sweet treats and more! Reserve your table at Sea Level restaurant early!

Christmas Eve

Wednesday, December 24 | 2PM-8PM

$95 Adults $35 Children

Sea Level will be offering a delicious 3-course plated dinner.

Christmas Day

Thursday, December 25 | 12PM-8PM

$95 Adults $35 Children

Sea Level will be offering a delicious 3-course plated dinner.

New Year’s Eve

Wednesday, December 31 | 8PM-1AM

$75 Pre-Sale before December 25

Ring in 2026 at Shade Redondo Beach’s Miami Vice themed bash!

HOLIDAY WISH LIST

Our annual holiday gift guide highlights the latest trends in fashion, jewelry and home goods available at local retailers for all of your gifting needs.

Don’t let the season’s best and brightest pass you by!

EDITED BY LAURA L. WATTS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Waterleaf Home & Gift

Morgan’s Jewelers

For more than 79 years, Morgan’s Jewelers, a family-owned jewelry business in the South Bay, has been a trusted community staple, offering exquisite jewelry and luxury timepieces like Rolex, Cartier and Breitling. Specializing in custom designs, jewelry repair and watch servicing, we blend tradition with the latest trends to serve generations of clients.

22200 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance 310-375-4471

@morgansjewelers

Gum Tree

Tabula Rasa Essentials

Tabula Rasa Essentials is an award-winning gift shop that makes holiday shopping exciting. We feature a large selection of unique gifts and festive finds, beautifully gift-wrapped with our compliments. Hand-curated merchandise highlighting local artisans and small-business manufacturers will delight everyone on your list. Celebrating our 26th year, we wish you a very happy holiday season!

919A Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-318-3385 | tabularasaessentials.com | @tabularasamb

Skechers

For nearly 34 years, Skechers has been a proud part of the South Bay—bringing the community innovative, stylish, comfortable footwear and apparel. From easy-on Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins® and ultra-soft Cozy Fit® styles to scary-fast Skechers AERO Burst running shoes, there’s something for every walk (or run) of life—even for the littlest ones. Not sure what to gift? Grab a Skechers gift card!

1121 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach | 310-318-3116

228 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach | 424-634-7134

Del Amo Fashion Center, Torrance | 310-542-2333 skechers.com | @skechers

Strand Section

Strand Section blends beach chic with modern style. Founder and Manhattan Beach native Alissa Schiraldi (pictured here with GM Erika King, right, and head of marketing Emma Kelley, left) and her passionate female team deliver a personalized, welcoming customer experience as they bring globally inspired, accessible fashion to the South Bay community.

212 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach

310-504-0139

strandsection.com

@strandsection

Medawar Fine Jewelers

As we begin our 46th year on the Peninsula, we take pride in having built a business based on family values and a tradition of excellence. Decades of hard work and commitment have made us one of the most trusted names in fine jewelry.

810C Bart Earle Way, Rolling Hills Estates 310-544-0052

medawarfinejewelers.com @medawarfinejewelers

4. Zydo Italy bracelet, 18kt yellow gold braided design with diamonds, $38,000

Building Beauty

DESPITE OPENING HIS SALON AT THE HEIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC, MICHAEL NGUYEN PROVES THAT COURAGE AND CONNECTION CAN PAY OFF.

Written by Tanya Monaghan | Photographed by Bryan Kasm

When I first met Michael Nguyen eight years ago, he was behind the chair at another Manhattan Beach salon, chatting animatedly with a client about his latest trip abroad. Full of light and energy, his hands moved as fast as his words. I remember thinking, This is someone who feels life deeply.

He loves to travel, just like I do, and we instantly bonded over that shared wanderlust. When we met for brunch at Bluestone Lane to chat about his story, it felt less like an interview and more like two friends catching up. He arrived in the softest green sweater—the

exact shade of his matcha latte.

“You even match your drink,” I teased.

Somewhere between the conversations about far-off places and opening his own salon, Michael became a friend and my personal hairstylist. Writing about people I love is always my favorite kind of story—and Michael’s is one worth telling.

Born and raised in San Diego, Michael was the youngest of four children. He grew up in a tight-knit Vietnamese family that instilled in him early a sense of independence. “Being the youngest, you learn from everybody,” he says.

“You naturally become a badass. You pick up on everyone’s mistakes and figure things out.”

When his parents separated and his mother became a single mom, she carried her heritage and hope like a torch. Sadly, she passed away 10 years ago from cancer.

“She sacrificed so much coming from Vietnam,” Michael shares. “Every day she reminded us, ‘Do good. Do better. Make it worth it for your parents.’ My grit and work ethic come from her. I just hope she’s proud.”

Michael speaks about how he sometimes felt like an only child—the baby of the family who spent a lot of time in his own creative world. “I was always into beauty, art, organizing things, creating,” he says. “I used to color-coordinate my bookshelf, then redo it. It just made me happy.”

At first he followed the expected path. “My mom wanted me to be a doctor,” he explains, laughing. “But deep down, I knew. I’ve always been a creative. When I got to cosmetology school, something clicked. I was obsessed—my foils had to be perfect, my tray organized just right. It gave me life.”

After cosmetology school, Michael landed at The Londoner salon, where his natural artistry took root. He was there for six years. “I loved my team; it was incredible,” he shares.

But something inside him longed for a more personal connection—something smaller, closer to the beach.

When he started working in Manhattan Beach, he immediately felt at home.

“This was the Manhattan Beach I’d been missing,” he says. “It’s charming; it’s community. People know each other. I just loved it.”

What began as a commute from Orange County soon became a calling. “I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a hairdresser, let alone own a salon,” he admits. “But timing and life pull you in the right direction.”

That pull led to Mikell Coiffure, the stunning sanctuary he designed himself on Highland Avenue. With soft Moroccan influences, creamy tones, textured walls and ocean views that feel like a meditation, his salon is more than a place for hair; it’s a space for connection.

“I wanted to curate something that felt like West Hollywood talent meets coastal Manhattan Beach,” Michael says. “Light and warm, never sterile. It had to have character, like a home.”

Michael signed his lease in January 2020—weeks before the world shut down. “I’d put everything into it. All my savings,” he says. “I didn’t have a business partner. I’m not business-savvy; I just know how to work.”

When the lockdown hit, fear set in. “I wasn’t making enough to pay rent. I was pacing back and forth at home, losing hair from stress.”

Still, Michael’s instinct to serve found a way. “I started doing what I called black-market

hairdressing—dropping off color kits, going to clients’ homes, even turning my apartment into a two-chair salon. My friend came to do brows. People started coming—it was wild. But somehow, it worked.”

When Mikell Coiffure finally opened that September, it was surreal. “It was the best day of my life, but also weird,” he says. “I couldn’t even smile at people through my mask. But all we wanted to do was work and do what we love.”

Unlike most salon owners, Michael opened without an established team. “People usually bring half their stylists from their old salon,” he says. “But I didn’t have that. It was just me, Blair and Stephanie.”

Then something beautiful happened. “COVID actually helped,” he says. “People were unhappy where they were, and it gave them a reason to leave. That’s how my team came together—through timing and word of mouth. Now we’re a family.”

Today Mikell Coiffure hums with the quiet rhythm of trust—stylists working side by side, ocean light streaming through the windows, laughter echoing from room to room. “There’s no handbook for owning a salon,” he reflects. “You learn, you adapt, you grow with your team, and you hope you create something they’ll always remember.”

While building his business, Michael was also building his life. “The salon gave me stability. I worked so hard that I finally felt ready to meet someone,” he says of Brian, his soon-to-be husband. “We met, moved in after five months, got engaged the next year and bought a home in Rancho Palos Verdes.”

The home—recently remodeled with designer Lauren Meichtry of Elsie Home—is a reflection of everything Michael loves: beauty, warmth and intention. “It’s our sanctuary,” he says. “It’s stunning, but more than that, it’s ours. The next step is the wedding and surrogacy. We’re ready to build our family.”

He pauses, eyes shining. “I grew up watching my mom raise four kids on her own after coming to this country with nothing. I thought I’d live in an apartment forever. To have a partner, a business, a home—it feels like the American dream.” ■

KEEP ON BELIEVING IT’S POSSIBLE

Breakthroughs happen when we dare to believe. It’s when the unimaginable becomes the attainable. Treatments are discovered, and lives are transformed. Like developing the first gene therapy cure for “bubble baby” disease, giving young Seersha a lifechanging victory. As we rise, so do the possibilities for everyone who needs a win.

Where Memories Live

AT THIS CENTURY-OLD RED BARN TURNED ANTIQUE DESTINATION, EVERY ITEM HOLDS A STORY AND EVERY VISIT FEELS LIKE COMING HOME.

Written by Quinn Roberts |

Taylor

Walk, drive or ride a bike down Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach any day of the week, and it’s impossible to miss Stars Antique Market. It stands out not just because of its eclectic window displays, but because of the building itself.

The red barn-style structure, built in 1917, was originally a church. Step through the doors, and you can still feel the echoes of that past. The original choir loft remains, a tangible link to over a century of local history.

Over the decades, the 7,500-square-foot space has taken on many identities. After serving as a church, it became a grocery store—even housing a Mrs. Gooch’s in 1976—before transforming into Stars Antique Market in 1991.

When Stars first opened, Bonnie Moton, a Redondo Beach native, was among its very first booth renters. Now, 34 years later, she owns the market with her

husband, Mike, who can often be found behind the register on weekends, chatting with customers and helping answer questions.

“Back in 1991, I had a full-time job at Commerce Clearing House and a small booth at Stars,” Bonnie recalls. “I’d help behind the register on weekends too.

The opportunity to buy the business came about unexpectedly in 1997 and taking that chance turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Today, Stars hosts around 70 dealers, with a waitlist to join. One longtime dealer recently retired at age 92, after decades as one of Stars’ most beloved contributors.

Each prospective dealer must apply and submit photos of their merchandise. Bonnie curates the market carefully, aiming for a diverse mix of offerings—a balance that keeps the market fresh and engaging for every visitor.

What makes Stars such a beloved destination in the South Bay, and even across Greater Los Angeles, is the sheer variety packed into its intimate space. Unlike sprawling venues such as the Rose Bowl Flea Market or

Long Beach Swap Meet, Stars offers a treasure-hunting experience that’s both accessible and deeply personal.

Some booths specialize in vintage clothing, others in retro kitchenware or airline memorabilia. Shoppers often come in search of Metlox Pottery, a cherished ceramic line produced in nearby Manhattan Beach from 1927 to 1989.

“It’s a place for everyone. No matter who you are, you can find something for you,” says Heidi Androl, who’s had a booth at Stars for just over a year. “It really is a South Bay institution.”

Heidi, a South Bay resident for nearly 15 years, frequented Stars long before becoming a dealer. “It’s my happy place,” she says. “When I tell people I have a spot there, so many light up—everyone seems to have a connection to Stars.”

Like many vendors, Heidi sources her pieces from across the country and abroad—from local estate sales to swap meets in Sweden and Paris. That global reach and unique inventory have made Stars a go-to spot for Hollywood set decorators. Heidi even sold a piece that appeared on Apple TV+’s The Morning Show

Bonnie, meanwhile, has endless stories about the people who’ve walked through Stars’ doors and the serendipitous finds that have unfolded. One day a woman came in hoping to find a painting her grandfather had made—one her husband had unknowingly donated during spring cleaning. Against all odds, she discovered it hanging in a booth.

“I truly believe people matter—that’s how I run my business,” says Bonnie. “It’s about more than just the dollar.”

In another remarkable twist, Bonnie was once helping a man clear out his late wife’s booth when she stumbled across an old black-and-white photo. Looking closer, she realized it was of her at about 4 years old with her mother on Easter Sunday, taken by a local photographer decades earlier.

It’s moments like these that capture what makes Stars Antique Market so special: You never quite know what treasures—or memories—you might uncover.

“I love what we do and the connections people have to the things we sell,” says Bonnie. “So many of the pieces that leave here really do come full circle.” ■

At CSC South Bay, hope takes root in community. Every class, every support group, every shared smile reminds us how powerful it is when we connect.

Please consider CSC South Bay in your year-end giving plans.

By supporting CSC South Bay, you’ll help us provide FREE support services for cancer patients and their loved ones, including:

• Weekly Support Groups

• Cancer-Specific Groups

• Educational Workshops

• Social Activities

• Kids & Teens Groups

• Individual Counseling

• Healthy Lifestyle Classes

• Bereavement Support

Nailing It

CELEBRITY NAIL ARTIST ASHLIE JOHNSON BRINGS POLISHED CHARM TO A SOUTH BAY HAVEN.

Written by Tanya Monaghan

Photographed by Alexis Peterson

It’s a quiet Monday morning on Highland Avenue, the kind that makes North Manhattan Beach feel like a secret. Across from Two Guns Espresso, Jaunt Beauty Co. glows in the sunlight—a haven of calm and understated elegance. Inside, a chandelier glimmers overhead, and the soft hum of music replaces the typical salon buzz. It’s cozy yet refined … more like a living room than a nail salon.

This interview is different. Instead of sitting across from my subject with a notepad, I’m in the chair, hands soaking as celebrity nail artist Ashlie Johnson tends to my manicure. Between brushstrokes and easy laughter, it becomes clear why her clients—including Gwyneth Paltrow, Liv Tyler, Scarlett Johansson and Rashida Jones—swear by her touch.

“I wanted it to feel like home,” she says, her tone calm and thoughtful. “Somewhere you can come in, take a breath and feel cared for.”

That philosophy inspired the name of her business. “Jaunt means a short pleasure trip,” she explains. “To me, that’s exactly what getting your nails done should be: a tiny escape from your day.”

The name also reflects her love of travel and discovery. “Most of my clients are getting ready for a trip or a special occasion, and everything I carry here—from the products to the candles—comes from other places and small, women-owned businesses I admire,” she says. “And, of course, I’ve spent so many years ‘jaunting’ around on set, driving from one shoot to the next, it just felt like me. Plus it sounds pretty great with my last name,” she adds with a laugh.

Ashlie’s journey began far from the red carpets and brand campaigns she’s known for today. She grew up an only child with a mom she describes as very creative.

“She was always sewing, painting or making something. I think that’s where I got it from,” says Ashlie, who remembers flipping through fashion magazines for hours, captivated by the smallest details. “I was obsessed with how everything came together—the makeup, the styling, the nails. It all told a story.”

That creative foundation shaped her signature style: understated, elegant and clean. Her meticulous artistry

has since graced the hands of Maya Rudolph, Sofia Vergara, Maria Sharapova, Ana de Armas, Maren Morris, Billie Eilish and Dakota Johnson, among others. Yet her approach remains deeply personal.

“I’ve always seen nails as an extension of self-care,” she says softly. “You’re literally holding someone’s hands. There’s something grounding about that. People open up—it becomes a real connection.”

Long before “clean beauty” became an industry mantra, Ashlie was pioneering luxury nail care that prioritized nail health over mere aesthetics. “I started focusing on the health of the nails and using only the highestquality products to create a more elevated, luxurious experience,” she says. “I think that’s what set me apart and why I’ve had such loyal clients for so many years.”

That dedication led to one of her proudest collaborations: working with Chanel, where she helped define the brand’s modern nail aesthetic. “I actually pitched it to them,” she says, smiling. “I believed in what I was doing. It made sense. It was all about craftsmanship, care and timelessness.”

At Ashlie’s business, those same values come to life in every detail. There’s just one manicure chair, placed near the front window so you can sip your coffee and watch Highland Avenue drift by. Shelves are lined with

hand-selected products: candles, creams and polishes from female-founded brands that Ashlie discovered on her travels. Everything feels thoughtful. Intentional.

“I love that it’s quiet here,” she says, finishing a final brushstroke. “People walk in and immediately relax. It’s not rushed, it’s not loud, it’s just time for yourself.”

There’s something deeply human about the ritual she’s created. For a woman whose work has graced Oscar stages, Met Gala carpets and the pages of Vogue, Ashlie radiates an easy warmth that feels wholly South Bay. “I love that people are surprised when they realize the salon is open to the public,” she says. “You don’t have to be famous to come in here. I just want everyone to feel welcome.”

As we wrap up, the morning light shifts across the room. Outside, surfers glide by on bikes, the scent of espresso drifts through the air, and my freshly polished nails catch the sun like little mirrors.

“I think beauty should be simple,” Ashlie says as she tidies her brushes. “It’s about slowing down and taking care of yourself. That’s luxury to me.”

And just like that, I understand what she means by a “short pleasure trip ” Inside Jaunt Beauty Co., time stretches in the gentlest way—a quiet escape, a touch of beauty, a moment just for you. ■

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HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

Coastal charm meets chic holiday style in Downtown Manhattan Beach, where every gift comes wrapped in an ocean breeze and local love.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

ALL SEASONS SKINCARE

Give the gift that keeps on giving. Facial gift cards, curated skin care and stocking stuffers available. Because everyone deserves healthy, glowing skin.

1300 Highland Ave. #107

Manhattan Beach

562-618-4466

allseasons-skincare.com

@allseasonsskincare

BLUE DIAMOND JEWELERS

Where custom design, fine craftsmanship and meaningful client relationships create timeless pieces that honor life’s most special moments.

1009 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach

310-921-8707

bluediamondjeweler.com

@bluediamondjewelers

BELLA BEACH

Your go-to shop for babies and kids. For all ages: your new favorite for tees, hoodies and hats, specialty gifts and fragrances.

225 Manhattan Beach Blvd.

Manhattan Beach

310-545-9990

bellabeachkids.com

@shopbellabeach

CULTURE BREWING

Joyful holiday moments: Sip a pint while you shop and wrap the perfect gift bundle. Ask us about locals-only gifting!

327 Manhattan Beach Blvd.

Manhattan Beach

310-504-0082

culturebrewingco.com/manhattan-beach

@culturebrewingco_la

BESPOKE BY CHASE

Distinguished menswear boutique offering fine Italian sportswear and made-tomeasure clothing. Experience effortless sophistication, crafted with precision and modern elegance

1100 Manhattan Ave., Suite 104

Manhattan Beach 503-358-0332

bespokebychase.com | @bespokebychase

DACHA

Curated home decor, art, gifts and jewelry, blending vintage and global finds with the work of California artists for an eclectic, soulful take on luxury.

1219 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-545-8990

dachainteriors.com @dachainteriors

HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

DRIFT BEACH CLUB

Local brands and playful style. Apparel, accessories and gifts for all ages, curated with California sunshine in every detail.

451 Manhattan Beach Blvd. #B108 Manhattan Beach 310-424-7890

driftmb.com @driftmb

GROWING WILD

Handcrafted ornaments, festive centerpieces, personalized wreaths and curated gifts that bring timeless beauty and warmth to every home.

1201 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-545-4432

growingwildmanhattanbeach.com @growingwildmanhattanbeach

ESTELL BOUTIQUE

European-inspired dresses, cozy knits, standout jackets, best-fitting pants, handbags, scarves and accessories to make you (and your gift list) look stunning.

912-A Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-985-7717

estellboutiques.com @estellboutique

KATE LESTER HOME

Vintage finds, furniture, rugs and accessories curated by designer Kate Lester. In-store stylists help with ordering furnishings, space planning and accessorizing!

1014 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 424-350-9542 katelesterhome.com | @katelesterhome

GO GENTLY NATION

A thoughtfully curated space of natural goods for baby, kids, women and home— honoring sustainability, craftsmanship and mindful living every day.

1201 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-545-7883

gogentlynation.com @gogentlynation

MANHATTAN DENIM – MEN

From premium denim to luxury Italian brands. Experience personalized service and expert styling in the South Bay’s premier destination for elevated menswear.

920 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-798-5326

manhattan-denim.com @manhattandenim

HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

MANHATTAN DENIM – WOMEN

A luxurious shopping experience with white-glove service, featuring stunning European designs along with iconic American brand denim labels.

1012 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-892-6248

manhattan-denim.com @manhattandenim

NATURAL PILATES

Now open in Metlox Plaza! Athletic, formfocused reformer Pilates classes in a chic new studio. Get ready to feel the burn!

451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Suite B200

Manhattan Beach

310-921-8388

naturalpilates.com

@naturalpilates

NATI BOUTIQUE

Family-owned women’s fashion retailer with comfortable, affordable styles, soft denim and cozy sets, on-trend dresses, tops and everyday wardrobe essentials.

211 Manhattan Beach Blvd.

Manhattan Beach 310-546-2344

natiboutique.com @naticlothingboutique

PACIFIC COAST GALLERY + HOME

A curated collection for the modern home: mid-century modern pieces, captivating modern and vintage photography, and unique gifts.

1203 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach

310-853-3564

pacificcoast.gallery | @pacificcoastgallery

NATIVE GEM JEWELRY

Crafted with love in Downtown Manhattan Beach, blending real gemstones and luxe materials for everyday wear—all under $200. Locals enjoy 20% off with code MBLOCAL20.

nativegemjewelry.com @native_gem

{PAGES} A BOOKSTORE

An independent, full-service bookstore. Female-owned and proudly celebrating 15 years of books by the beach.

904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-318-0900

pagesabookstore.com @pagesabookstore

HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

PAIGE

An international fashion brand for men and women, offering curated collections made with the finest materials from around the world.

451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Space 114 Manhattan Beach 310-963-6798

paige.com @paige

RIGHT TRIBE

Handmade leather goods, jewelry, crystals, vintage clothing, home décor and unique festive treasures like surprise balls and gemstone-beaded angels.

328 Center Place, Manhattan Beach 310-921-8494

shoprighttribe.com @righttribe

PAINT BY PIER

Add a little sparkle to your season with chic, beach-inspired nails. Perfect for parties, gifting or a little self-care by the Manhattan Beach Pier.

1147 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-545-0802

paintbythepier.com @paintbythepier

RILEY ARTS

Curating and sourcing unique art for clients is our passion. Framing is as important as the art. Female-owned and operating for over 20 years.

1007 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-372-3681

rileyartsgallery.com @riley_arts_gallery

PASHA FINE JEWELRY

Family-owned luxury jeweler since 1979, crafting timeless, one-of-a-kind pieces. Bespoke bridal, men’s and women’s designs. More than a transaction, it’s an experience.

217 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach 310-376-2800

pashajewelry.com @pashafinejewelry

SKECHERS

Comfortable, innovative, stylish, quality lifestyle and performance footwear for men, women and kids! Easy, everyday comforts for you and your family.

1121 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-318-3116 skechers.com @skechers

HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

SPYDER SURFBOARDS

Outfitting the South Bay with the very best surf, skate, snow and beach gear since 1983. We don’t just sell it—we live it!

1116 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-318-2289

spydersurf.com @spyderboards

TRENDY EYES OPTOMETRY

Complete eye care, exams, contact lenses and the latest designer eyewear. Expert stylists will find you the perfect look. Something for everyone!

223 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach 310-545-4090

trendyoptics.net | @trendysmb

STRAND SECTION

A contemporary boutique owned by Manhattan Beach native Alissa Schiraldi. Curated, trend-driven styles and wardrobe essentials for the modern woman.

212 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Manhattan Beach 310-504-0139

strandsection.com | @strandsection

TRILOGY SPA

Full-service massage, facials, body sculpting and biohacking with outdoor terrace. Complimentary infrared sauna. Expert therapists, award-winning care.

321 12th St., Suite 100, Manhattan Beach 310-760-0044

trilogyspa.com @trilogyspa

TABULA RASA ESSENTIALS

Coastal shopping destination with curated gifts, home décor, candles, apothecary, accessories and kids’ items. Free, gorgeous gift wrap and corporate gifting options.

919 A Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-318-3385

tabularasaessentials.com @tabularasamb

WATERLEAF

Everything you need for the holidays! Chic décor, tabletop, bedding, art, jewelry and gifts! Beautiful complimentary gift wrap with every purchase.

1210 Morningside Dr., Manhattan Beach 310-546-5400

waterleafhome.com @waterleafhome

Relaxation Mode

THE SPA AT TERRANEA RESORT IN RANCHO PALOS VERDES LURES GUESTS WITH A RECENT REFRESH AND INNOVATIVE TREATMENTS.

Written by Jennie Nunn

Whether it’s finding the ideal work-life balance away from looming deadlines, carpool duties and afterschool sports schedules or devoting time to take in nature and connecting with friends and family, there’s no better time to prioritize self-care.

Originally opened in 2009, the oceanfront Spa at Terranea recently unveiled a $4.5 million renovation featuring a new lobby awash in calming creams and blues, a striking dual-sided fireplace adorned with Moroccan zellige tile and a granite reception desk. The upgraded spa also features a dreamy relaxation lounge with coastal-inspired wallpaper and 180º swivel club chairs for breathtaking ocean views, and a co-ed relaxation room equipped with high-tech adjustable ergonomic Evo Loungers from Gharieni in Germany.

“The transformation of the spa goes far beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating a holistic experience that feels both luxurious and intentional,” says spa director Cynthia Howell. “It now truly brings the ocean landscape into the spa. The natural textures, color palette and flow of the space connect guests to the coastal environment in a way that feels calming and restorative. It’s serene, sophisticated and deeply inspired by nature. Our new treatment tables and equipment prioritize comfort, while the updated furniture brings warmth and elegance to every space. Eco-friendly toiletries and sustainable materials reflect our commitment to wellness that’s mindful of the environment.”

Masterminded by Los Angeles–based firm RVD Associates, which also worked on the renovation of Fairmont Breakers Long Beach and Awana Spa in Las Vegas, the remodel includes refreshed locker rooms, an expansive outdoor patio with updated furnishings and recanvassed cabanas, and a 5,000-square-foot fitness center with updated equipment spanning nine TRM treadmills, two Peloton bikes and a Peloton rowing machine.

“Each design choice was made to encourage guests to slow down, breathe and reconnect,” adds Cynthia. “My goal is for guests to leave not just feeling pampered but genuinely restored, carrying that sense of calm with them long after they leave.” ■

CYNTHIA’S TIPS FOR A HOME SANCTUARY

Go for Luxe Linens

“The Comphy Company sheets are incredibly soft and breathable. They are the same sheets we use in our treatment rooms.”

Opt for a Facial Ritual

“Naturopathica’s white tea antioxidant mask calms, hydrates and restores radiance.”

Transform the Shower

“Spray EuroSpa Eucalyptus ShowerMist on your shower walls to turn an ordinary shower into a refreshing steam experience.”

Get Outside

“Whenever possible, spend time outdoors. I love hiking the trails along the property. There’s something so healing about being near the water and surrounded by open air.”

Linger with a Cup of Tea

“My go-to is Rishi turmeric ginger tea. It’s soothing for digestion, supports the immune system and is a simple way to unwind at the end of the day.”

Quality Time

AS

MEDAWAR FINE JEWELERS CELEBRATES 45 YEARS IN THE SOUTH BAY, THE FAMILY LOOKS BACK AT A BUSINESS BUILT ON PASSION, SACRIFICE AND HARD WORK.

Written by Diane E. Barber

When Medawar Fine Jewelers opened in Rolling Hills Estates in 1980, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in Robert Medawar’s culturally rich family legacy. The hands of time have since turned for 45 years. While the business has prospered with traditional family values as its mainstay, the Palos Verdes Peninsula has gained a stalwart steward of the community.

Robert’s intriguing family story began in his faraway homeland on the eastern seaboard of the Mediterranean Sea. His grandfather, Chakib, was born in 1912 in southern Lebanon, with hard work at the heart of his upbringing.

Farm chores were not enough to satisfy his young, inquisitive mind. His fascination with mechanical things led to Chakib fixing villagers’ broken watches under a fig tree in the mountains. The self-taught watchmaker married and started a family with his wife, Asmah, before they moved to Beirut to open a small watch shop. Chakib easily made friends in town and was so highly regarded for his horology skills that even the archbishop asked him to repair his own watch.

“My grandfather’s immense discipline and his unwavering passion made him one of the most soughtafter watchmakers in Lebanon,” shares Robert.

Chakib’s eldest son, Michel, later followed in his footsteps, beginning with apprenticing in the shop after school. With encouragement from his esteemed father, he eventually opened his own store while also managing the flagship store.

Michel married his sweetheart, Yolla, and they had four children: Robert, Joanna, Joseph and Roy. Driven by the same passion as his father, the love of family and a commitment to excellence, he added four jewelry stores and two clock manufacturing companies to the original two stores.

Business was flourishing when the Lebanese Civil War began in 1975. Michel was concerned about his family’s well-being and set his sights on the U.S. as a safe haven. One of his brothers, who had already immigrated to America, arranged for the family to visit him in the South Bay for Christmas that year. A car ride through Palos Verdes changed the course of the family’s life.

“We stopped to take a scenic photo on Hawthorne Boulevard, and my father said, ‘If we ever move to the States, this is where we are going to live!’” recalls Robert.

The Medawars returned to unrest in Lebanon after the holidays. They soon left everything behind except the clothes in their suitcases to wait out the war in California. Over the course of two years, they traveled back and forth between the Middle East and the U.S. with great hope for peace.

By 1977 Michel had resettled his family in Palos Verdes. In keeping with tradition, he wanted Robert (the oldest of his children) to carry on the family business and insisted that he attend the Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère (Swiss Society for the Watch Industry) in Switzerland. Robert graduated in April 1978 and returned to the South Bay. He worked as an apprentice watchmaker at a local jewelry store before opening his own store on Deep Valley Drive in 1980.

In 1985 Robert met his wife, Sheila, in church. She started working for him as a bookkeeper, and they married two years later. In 1992 they moved the store to its first Silver Spur Road location before building the current store in 2008. Today, as always, visitors are welcomed with an inviting warmth that one would expect in the home of a friend.

When asked how the Medawar legacy has endured war, immigrating to the U.S. and the test of time,

Robert says, “We build relationships; we don’t just sell jewelry. Our father brought us from a war-torn country to California, where we were free to practice our Christian faith in our day-to-day life, with the store as a platform for us to give back.”

And give back they certainly do. The Medawars’ philanthropic contributions support local churches, synagogues, schools and the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Survivors Benefit Fund. Robert serves on the city of Rolling Hills Estates’ planning commission, has chaired the Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce, has presided over the Kiwanis Club, is an active reservist

police officer and sits on various boards. In 2024 he was named Citizen of the Year by the Chamber.

Robert and Sheila continue to run the business together, offering distinctive jewelry from their buying trips around the world and specializing in unique bridal designs. Robert’s 90-year-old father can often be found at the store restoring clocks, and their two daughters have also worked with them—Rachelle as a jewelry designer and Rebekah as an office assistant.

Says Robert, “Our family is blessed to be able to work together doing what we love every day in our beloved community.” ■

CRAFTING LEGACIES

Vince DiLeva and his team at SEIA help clients plan for their goals—both now and for years to come.

When someone has achieved significant wealth, their financial priorities evolve. It’s no longer just about accumulation; it’s about preservation, control and impact. Whether a client is navigating a liquidity event, expanding philanthropic efforts or ensuring their legacy endures for generations, they need a strategic partner to guide them through the process.

That’s where Vince DiLeva and his seasoned team at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors shine. They deliver solutions that align with each client’s vision and values and are dedicated to safeguarding and amplifying clients’ legacies for generations to come.

SEIA serves ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families with the sophistication, discretion and strategic foresight required to manage complex financial lives. This boutique advisory firm offers white-glove service and bespoke financial strategies, with a sharp focus on tax efficiency and multigenerational estate planning.

“Every plan is bespoke, built around your life, your family and your future,” Vince says. “We operate with the highest levels of confidentiality, security and trust.”

One of SEIA’s specialties is assisting clients in planning for their estate with intention and control. They act as both architects and stewards—guiding clients’ estate plans through the complexities of changing laws, family dynamics and evolving financial priorities. Services include dynasty trust and generational wealth transfer strategies; corporate trustee services, family governance and education

programs; business succession planning and liquidity management; asset protection and risk mitigation structures; and philanthropic and legacy planning.

“Your wealth carries influence—both now and long after you’re gone,” Vince points out. “We help you design and implement an estate plan that is not only tax-efficient but also upholds your legacy, protects your heirs and reflects your values.”

One of the biggest challenges SEIA’s clients face is taxes, and the firm offers tax planning that works beyond the numbers. It’s not just about deductions; it’s about structure, timing and effectiveness. The team goes beyond the surface to architect sophisticated, forward-thinking strategies that address a variety of scenarios. They coordinate seamlessly with clients’ legal, tax and family office professionals to ensure alignment across every decision.

In addition to owning fixed-income assets, Vince also advises his clients that it is important to incorporate holdings that do not correlate to traditional equity. SEIA has access to some unique strategies, such as investments in professional sports ownership, private debt and private equity, and techniques to offset capital gains. It all depends on a client’s goals and needs.

Affluent clients need advisors with the tools to address not only their unique life circumstances but also a range of market conditions. For more than a quarter century, SEIA has prided itself on offering comprehensive wealth management that specializes in these nuanced needs.

Disclaimer: All investments in securities carry risks, including the potential loss of principal. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there is no

guarantee that any specific investment will be profitable or suitable for a particular investor’s financial situation or risk tolerance. Asset allocation and diversification do not guarantee better performance or eliminate the risk of investment losses. Alternative investments may not suit all investors. They often engage in speculative investment practices that increase investment risk, are highly illiquid, lack periodic prices or valuation, and may not be subject to traditional investment regulatory requirements. They often have complex tax structures, significant lock-up periods with no liquidity or significant penalties for early liquidity, and significant management fees in addition to advisor fees. SEIA is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or tax services. We recommend that all investors seek out the services of competent professionals in any of the aforementioned areas. For more details on any professional designations listed, including description, minimum requirements, and ongoing education requirements, please contact 310-712-2323 or visit seia.com/disclosures. SEIA is an SEC-registered investment adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training and no inference to the contrary should be made. Securities offered through Signature Estate Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through SEIA, 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90067, 310-712-2323.

SIGNATURE ESTATE

& INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC

1848 S. ELENA AVE., SUITE 100, REDONDO BEACH 310-712-2320 | SEIA.COM

Fall Fete

Friends of Southbay magazine gathered at Bluewater Grill in Redondo Beach to celebrate the release of the Women’s Issue. Guests enjoyed small bites and drinks with a harbor view, posed for photos in the VOX DJs selfie booth, created a custom journal courtesy of Niche + Novel and spent a few minutes with psychic medium Jennifer Shaffer. Special thanks to Elizabeth Grace Floral.

This live and silent art auction at PSM Communication Arts raised money for local arts and education.

Palos Verdes Pastoral

Guests of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy gathered at Terranea Resort for a celebration that blended the beauty of Palos Verdes and Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Amid lemon décor, coastal sunsets and handcrafted ceramics, the gardento-table dining experience introduced the new Peninsula Naturalist Program and renewed commitment to protecting local nature and creating a more fire-resilient community.

Girls Night Out

Cancer Support Community South Bay returned to The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, raising $148,000 to fund free support programs for cancer patients and their families. The sold-out event gathered more than 200 guests for an evening of laughter, inspiration and generous community spirit.

Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk

In a heartwarming surprise that thrilled thousands of attendees, baseball legend and Skechers ambassador Clayton Kershaw joined the 17th annual walk presented by Nickelodeon. Stepping out in Skechers with his family, Kershaw lent his support to an event dedicated to empowering children with special needs, strengthening public education and funding national college scholarships.

Sip, Shop & Support

South Bay residents gathered at Medawar Fine Jewelers on September 12 for an elegant evening benefiting the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation and Race for RP. Hosted by the Medawar family, the event featured fine jewelry, wine and gourmet bites, and raised an impressive sum to advance autoimmune disease research.

Ambassador Physician Panel

Torrance Memorial Ambassadors gathered at the California Surf Club to celebrate the partnership between the hospital’s medical experts and philanthropic community. Moderated by Kurt Hansen, MD, a physician panel discussed brain and bone health, aging and GLP-1 advances. The event highlighed the community’s dedication to exceptional local health care.

MOMENTS THAT MATTER

TravelStore and Regent Seven Seas Cruises partner to deliver your next unforgettable adventure.

Ready to explore the world? A personalized, effortless itinerary that meets your requirements will make all the difference. You deserve an experience that sets your trip apart. For decades, TravelStore has been an active part of the Palos Verdes community, helping neighbors and friends turn “someday” into beautifully planned excursions for today.

With advisors who bring deep expertise across every style of travel, you’ll discover land itineraries as well as journeys on the world’s most elegant oceans. TravelStore has partnered with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, where spacious all-suite ships feature fine dining and attentive service coupled with thoughtfully curated itineraries. They provide seamless, end-to-end travel—assisting with your preferred air schedules, private guides, VIP transfers and upgrades that make a big difference.

Regent’s Immersive Overnights collection builds in extra time in marquee ports—think two days in Barcelona, Monte Carlo or Valletta—so you can enjoy candlelit dinners ashore, evening performances and unhurried mornings. TravelStore’s advisors match you with exclusive after-dark experiences and coveted tables that most travelers never find.

Now sailing, Seven Seas Grandeur® is Regent’s newest ship—a masterpiece of contemporary design, museumworthy art (including a Fabergé original) and world-class dining across seven venues. Every suite has a balcony; every moment is meticulously designed. The TravelStore team will help you select the perfect suite, then add private touring and pre- or post-cruise stays to round out your journey.

Regent’s next-generation Seven Seas Prestige™, debuting in 2026, will elevate space and dining even further. TravelStore can help you secure early access for inaugural sailings. Book a complimentary consultation and ask about an exclusive offer on select Regent Seven Seas Cruises that are booked before the end of November.

TravelStore’s South Bay team leverages their global relationships for special savings, VIP touches, concierge-level care and truly effortless travel. Whatever your dream vacation, they will help you stay longer, see deeper and travel better.

TRAVELSTORE

24 MALAGA COVE PLAZA, PALOS VERDES ESTATES

310-373-0954

TRAVELSTORE.COM

@TRAVELSTORE

Home Court Advantage Home Court Advantage

THE LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS ROSTER BOASTS AN IMPRESSIVE MIX OF EXPERIENCED VETERANS AND FRESH TALENT … INCLUDING TWO ROOKIES WHO CALL THE SOUTH BAY HOME.

Written by Michele Garber |

Shane O’Donnell

There has long been a special connection between the Los Angeles Clippers and the South Bay community. Since the team moved to L.A. from San Diego in 1984, many in the Clippers franchise have made our local Beach Cities their home.

Indeed, the Greater L.A. area is currently home to 12 professional sports teams, half of which play or train in communities neighboring the South Bay. When SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome opened, bringing the Rams, Chargers and Clippers to neighboring Inglewood, the South Bay became the undeniable preferred address for these professional athletic franchises.

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer always has an eye on improving and uplifting the community. When he decided to invest an estimated $2 billion locally to build Intuit Dome, the country’s preeminent indoor arena, he knew it would be a game changer for SoCal.

Since Intuit Dome is used solely for basketball and entertainment, not hockey, all the seats are much closer to the court. Thus, although it’s a large-capacity arena, it feels intimate. The arena has a section called the Wall, where only verified fans sit, and there are no boxes or suites, creating a spirited interaction between the players and diehard fans.

Yet undeniably, the most prominent feature of the 18,300-seat arena is the state-of-the-art Halo board featuring the largest 4K, full-UHD, double-sided LED board ever constructed with 233 million pixels. It enables every seat in the arena to have a fully immersive and interactive game experience.

“Steve’s vision was incredible—the Wall, the seats, the facial recognition so there are no lines, the elevated food, the technology of the Halo board and interactive games. He wanted to make this the greatest fan experience,” explains Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations. “His goal was to make this the ultimate destination for the players, their families, staff and fans. And I think he’s overdelivered. This building is incredible.”

The relocation to Inglewood has enabled the Clippers to strengthen ties to the South Bay. Since moving to Inglewood, many additional members of the Clippers franchise have also moved to the area. They estimate that at least half of the organization now calls the South Bay home. And Intuit’s proximity to one of L.A.’s most desirable areas has become an enhanced recruiting tool in attracting top talent to the team.

“It’s a big selling point to be minutes away from the South Bay,” says Lawrence. “You go from Inglewood and this incredible arena, then 14 minutes away you’re in a whole different world. You have the ocean and an unbelievable community. It’s its own little ecosystem. Essentially, when you go to the South Bay you stay in the South Bay.”

As Lawrence and the Clippers were building this year’s roster, they added four veteran players—all at their peak—including Chris Paul, who had previously been with the team. And they recruited two standout rookies with their first- and second-round draft picks. The Clippers’ proximity to the South Bay definitely enhanced the rookies’ transition to joining the team. Both have made the South Bay their new home.

Kobe Sanders, a 23-year-old rookie, hails from San Diego. The 6’8” guard signed a two-way contract with the team, allowing him to play with both the Clippers and their G League, the San Diego Clippers, which he described as a dream come true. Kobe first picked up a basketball when he was 4, following in the footsteps of his older brother. Their mom and dad were their earliest coaches. Kobe says basketball is a “family affair.”

“It’s a beautiful area, close to the water and the arena, and it’s out of the way of the traffic. So getting to the arena and back is easy for me,” Kobe says of his new community. “Coming from San Diego, I was blessed to stay so close to home. I’m a SoCal kid at heart, so it feels like home.”

Kobe says the first time he saw Intuit Dome, it took his breath away. He especially likes the Wall, which reminds him of a college student section. Momentously, Intuit was also the site of his first concert: Kali Uchis.

Yanic Konan Niederhäuser’s transition to SoCal

was a bit more pronounced. The native of Bern, Switzerland, played for Penn State and was notably the first first-round NBA draft pick in the university’s history. Although Los Angeles is a big change from Europe and the East Coast, the 6’11” center always hoped to end up here.

“That’s my dream city, since I’m a kid. It was a perfect scenario for me. I love it here,” he shares.

Yanic has a lot of support in acclimating to his new environment because his family joined him in the South Bay. “I have my younger brother and my mother here. They moved in with me. But they still do some backand-forth because my dad still lives in Switzerland. He still works there and takes care of the (family) home.”

The Clippers actively support local communities through their nonprofit foundation, providing mentorship, education and outreach. From reading in schools and cleaning beaches to building basketball courts in underserved neighborhoods, the team takes pride in its role off the court and throughout the Southland.

Kobe and Yanic recognize that their team’s influence stems from a deep sense of camaraderie between players, coaches and staff. “The Clippers vets are like my big brothers, my uncs,” Yanic says. “They’re really good people, helping me with everything. We have good chemistry. The team feels like a family. ■

“It’s a beautiful area, close to the water and the arena, and it’s out of the way of the traffic. I’m a SoCal kid at heart, so it feels like home.”

MONEY SCHOOL

Financial advisor Carol Wilshire’s tips on teaching children about finances.

Carol Wilshire is a Certified Financial Planner™ and managing director at RBC Wealth Management based in Manhattan Beach. She has more than 25 years of experience helping families plan for the future to reach their financial goals. Here, Carol shares guidance about how to inspire a lifetime of wise choices in your children by starting their financial education early.

There are many ways to raise financially aware children, but the best way may be to look in the mirror. When many parents think about teaching their children about money, they may focus on providing an allowance or planning for college. But kids learn more about money by observing how their parents interact with money and how they make financial decisions.

What are your attitudes and values around money? Personal finances touch every aspect of our lives. Children are observant and may absorb your own financial behaviors, as actions speak louder than words. How do you manage credit cards, working overtime or financial setbacks? Does managing your day-to-day finances create stress and frustration? Or are you able to coordinate them seamlessly?

“KIDS LEARN MORE ABOUT MONEY BY OBSERVING HOW THEIR PARENTS INTERACT WITH MONEY AND HOW THEY MAKE FINANCIAL DECISIONS.”

“THE SIMPLE LESSONS YOU TEACH TODAY WILL GIVE YOUR CHILD A SOLID FOUNDATION.”

As a parent, you learned at least some of your financial attitudes and behaviors toward money from your own parents or family. When I was a child, my mother would never allow me to buy clothes that had to be dry-cleaned. That was too expensive. As an adult, it took me years to be comfortable purchasing clothing that required dry-cleaning.

Beyond modeling healthy behavior, there are some practical ways to begin to educate children about money. Learning to manage an allowance is often a child’s first experience with financial independence. It is up to you to decide how much is appropriate, based on your values and family budget.

Some parents ask their children to earn their allowance by doing chores around the house, while others give their children an allowance without strings attached. If you are not sure which is most appropriate, you can consider a hybrid approach. Pay your child a

small allowance, but give him or her a chance to earn extra money by helping with tasks around the home.

A good message to communicate is that the goal is not just to earn money but to save money to buy something you really want in the future. When discussing an allowance, set some parameters. Sit down and talk to your child about the purchases you expect him or her to make and how much would be wise to put into savings. Stick to a schedule, and give your child the same amount of money on the same day each week. Encourage your child with positive feedback for managing his or her allowance well.

When your children receive money from relatives for birthdays or holidays, you may want them to save it for college or a longerrange expense. But younger children may lose interest if the goal is too far in the future. Help your child set a reasonable goal that will give him or her an incentive to save.

Encourage your child to divide his or her money into three buckets: spend, save and share. You can use three jars or piggy banks and assign percentages to go into each container. Spend is for day-to-day smaller purchases (snacks, entertainment or small toys). Save is for a larger, more costly item for purchase in the future. Share is for charitable donations through school, clubs, etc., designed to help others. Parents can help their children determine how much to dedicate to each bucket.

Even though children may not always understand where money comes from, they realize at an early age that it can be used to buy things they want. As soon as your child becomes interested in money, start teaching him or her how to manage it wisely. The simple lessons you teach today will give your child a solid foundation for making a lifetime of healthy financial decisions.

Disclaimer: Neither RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, nor its affiliates or employees provide legal, accounting or tax advice. All legal, accounting or tax decisions regarding your accounts and any transactions or investments entered into in relation to such accounts should be made in consultation with your independent advisors. No information, including but not limited to written materials, provided by RBC WM or its affiliates or employees should be construed as legal, accounting or tax advice. Investment and insurance products offered through RBC Wealth Management are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank or any bank affiliates, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal amount invested. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment adviser and Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

CAROL WILSHIRE, CFP® RBC WEALTH MANAGEMENT 310-341-6663 CAROL.WILSHIRE@RBC.COM

Thank you Palos Verdes PASTORAL

to our generous sponsors

Event Commitee

Shanleigh Geraghty Bird • Jason Buck • William Hadley

Steve Hansen • Mark Mathieu • Diana Heffernan-Schrader (Chair)

• Anna Manunza Hatzis • Tricia Rapaport

Silver & Sage Steward

Becky Cool

Coastal Contributors

Bruce Biesman-Simons & Hale Field

William & Paige Hadley

Lynn Taber

Ocean Bluff Benefactors

Craig & Susan Cooning

Bill & Phyllis Glantz

Steven Hansen

John & Pam Petersen

David Pilon & Ann Stone

Jim & Diane Staes

Bill and Gina Whittlesey

Grassland Guardian

Bill & Barb Ailor

Randy & Deanna Harwood

Chuck Miller Family

Carolynn & Andy Petru

Will Thomas & Araceli Campelo

Tide Pool Sponsors

Pam Crane

Ed Deason

Deborah Deutsch

Mike & Danielle Gatto

Presenting Partner

Jeffrey Galowich & Elizabeth Kendrick

Tide Pool Continued

Allen & Charolotte Ginsburg

Reed & Nan Harman

Cassie Jones & Lew Enstedt

Marylyn & Chuck Klaus

Leanna Levine

George Paulikas

John & Patricia Shadden

Siegrun & Alex Smith

Sue and Steve Soldoff

Kay Wardell D

KEEP THE PENINSULA THRIVING

Every acre restored tells a story of renewal—native blooms, thriving bees and butterflies, healthier soil, and safer communities. Your support makes this possible. Together, we can keep the Peninsula’s natural lands thriving for generations to come. DONATE NOW TO DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT! PVPLC.ORG

Live Like Braun

AFTER LOSING HER 18-YEAR-OLD SON TO A DRUNK DRIVER, JENNIFER LEVI TURNED UNIMAGINABLE HEARTBREAK INTO A MOVEMENT OF COMPASSION, CONNECTION AND CHANGE. THROUGH THE LIVE LIKE BRAUN FOUNDATION, SHE IS KEEPING HIS LIGHT—AND HIS LEGACY—ALIVE.

Written by Tanya Monaghan | Photographed by Jason Cruz

We met on a quiet afternoon at my home. Sitting across from me in my living room was Jennifer Levi— poised, beautiful and impossibly strong. Yet behind her gentle smile lives an ache that no parent should ever have to bear.

Her son, Braun Levi, an 18-year-old Loyola High School tennis star, was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while walking home with friends along Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach in May. He was just about to graduate from high school and was headed to the University of Virginia in the fall.

The entire South Bay and beyond grieved together. We cried for a family shattered, for all of his friends who loved him. For many of us with children out that night, waiting for our kids to come home and then hearing the news of Braun’s death forged an instant connection to that family—and with it, the sobering realization that it could have been any one of us.

When I ask Jenn how she’s doing, she pauses, takes a breath and says softly, “It depends on the minute, the hour, the day. It’s a crazy roller coaster. There are days I’m so deep in grief, it feels inhumane. And then there are other days when I feel inspired and energetic to make change, to keep Braun’s legacy alive. I almost feel like I’m being led by him.”

That sense of being led by Braun has become her compass. In the months since his passing, Jenn has turned unimaginable pain into purpose, channeling it into advocacy, education and even joy. Her every move now is rooted in the desire to help others live a little more like her son did—with compassion, curiosity, humor and heart.

If you talk to anyone who knew Braun, the stories tumble out—stories that make you laugh through tears. “He was magnetic,” Jenn tells me. “He was beautiful, curious, inclusive … and mischievous.”

He had that rare energy, the kind that filled a room. Teachers still share stories of his kindness, like the day he paired up with a quiet teammate who usually sat on the bench and made him feel like the most important doubles partner he’d ever had. “That was just who Braun was,” Jenn says. “He liked everybody.”

Friends remember the handwritten notes he’d slip under windshield wipers, the jokes, the random acts of kindness. He once mailed gag gifts to adult family friends with opposing political views just to make them laugh. He could bridge any divide effortlessly.

Even after losing their home in the Palisades Fire, Braun turned displacement into connection. “We lost everything,” Jenn shares, “and right away, Braun said, ‘We need to do something for the kids who lost their homes too.’”

He organized a small support group, gathering friends from both the Palisades and Altadena who had been displaced. They’d meet at the beach, hang out and talk through what they were going through.

“He was the one checking in on everyone,” she says. “He was like, ‘Let’s go play volleyball, let’s all be together.’ He wanted everyone to feel included, to have somewhere to go.”

That’s how Braun’s Court was born, a volleyball court in front of the Levi home that has since become a community memorial, lovingly decorated by Jenn each week with fresh yellow flowers. “I hate it, and I love it at

“HE WAS MAGNETIC. HE WAS BEAUTIFUL, CURIOUS, INCLUSIVE … AND MISCHIEVOUS.”

the same time,” she says quietly. “I hate it because of why I’m doing it, but I love it because when I’m there, people stop to talk. They share stories about Braun. They say his name.”

And saying his name, she says, is everything. “My advice to everyone is don’t be afraid to talk about someone who’s died. We want to keep them alive. We want people to remember them.”

It was supposed to be a simple evening. “He said, ‘Not a big deal, Mom, we’re just having burgers,’” Jenn remembers. “I texted him at 12:15 a.m., told him it was time to come home, and he said, ‘Yeah, I’m walking home.’ I thought, Great, he’s being safe. Kids walk all over Manhattan Beach.”

Twenty minutes later, she got the call every parent dreads. “The officer said, ‘There’s been an accident. Your son’s been hit by a car. Meet us at Harbor-UCLA trauma center.’”

Her husband, Dan, a surgeon, instantly knew. “Halfway there, we got another call. ‘I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but your son didn’t make it.’”

In the impossible hours and days that followed, Jenn and Dan made a conscious choice: They would not let this tragedy destroy them. “We made a decision early on that we couldn’t have this define us forever,” Jenn

explains. “We have a daughter. She deserves parents who are still living, not just surviving.”

That decision is what keeps her moving forward. “Every day, I fight for my own joy,” she says. “And then I’m fighting to make change.”

The driver was allegedly drunk and driving on a suspended license. For Jenn, grief quickly evolved into outrage, and then determination.

“We did everything right raising our kids,” she says. “We raised kind, productive children who gave back. And it was just ripped from us.”

Within days of his passing, the Live Like Braun Foundation was born—a movement dedicated to joy, generosity and justice. “There’s also a Braun Levi Scholarship at Loyola High School that lives in perpetuity,” Jenn says. “Braun loved being a Cub.”

The foundation’s mission is multifaceted: scholarships, public park restoration and DUI awareness. “We want to help students follow their passions, whether that’s college, trade school or something unconventional, just like Braun would have,” Jenn says.

Another initiative close to her heart is improving the very roads that took her son’s life. As a member of the California legislative action team of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Jenn has found purpose and solidarity.

“MADD has been an incredible support system,” she says. “It’s a sisterhood no one wants to be part of, but everyone there understands the pain and they’re using it to fight for change.”

Jenn is working hard to bring DUI sentencing reform, and she’s making progress with elected officials. “Our current case is still open, but we have full confidence the L.A. district attorney’s office will help serve justice. And we are grateful for the help of the Manhattan Beach Police Department in the ongoing investigation.”

She’s also working to make Sepulveda Boulevard safer, lobbying for new signage at the site of Braun’s accident—not as a memorial but as a warning. Her advocacy has prompted an active partnership between the city of Manhattan Beach, Caltrans and the Live Like Braun Foundation. Since June, the city and Caltrans have met regularly to review data, explore safety measures and expand enforcement.

“Our hearts are with the Levi family,” says Manhattan Beach Mayor David Lesser. “We stand ready to support their mission.”

“There is not a minute in my life where I don’t love and miss Braun so much,” Jenn tells me. “I talk to him. It’s so very painful, and I don’t wish this on anybody ever.”

She misses the way he’d comb his fingers through his hair when he was deep in thought, the easy confidence in his stride, the way his laughter filled their home. “I think about that all the time—the way he would sit and smile, laugh and enjoy stories, and brush his hand through his big yellow hair.”

For Jenn, love now looks like action. It looks like fighting for safer streets. It looks like scholarships and tennis tournaments and yellow flowers placed on the sand in front of their Manhattan Beach home. It looks like waking up every day and choosing to honor her son by helping others live a little more like he did, with kindness, courage and joy.

At Loyola, his classmates started an annual memorial tennis tournament, and the United States Tennis Association honored Braun at the 2025 U.S. Open—a full-circle moment for the boy who once served as

Novak Djokovic’s ball boy as a kid.

“When they played the video of him on center court, it was surreal,” Jenn says. “He would’ve thought it was so awesome.”

Even local businesses have joined in. Urban Plates donated an entire week of proceeds during Braun’s birthday and catered his memorial tennis tournament. When they presented Jenn and Dan with a check, the entire restaurant stood and applauded.

“It was so moving,” Jenn recalls. “They didn’t have to do that. But they did. That’s community.”

Everywhere you look in the South Bay, and now across college campuses, on all types of merchandise you’ll see three words that have become both mantra and movement: Live Like Braun. His friends wear those words proudly, spreading his spirit across the country.

So what does it mean to live like Braun?

“It means living your life to the fullest,” Jenn says. “Take chances. Put yourself in uncomfortable positions. Lead with humor, kindness, inclusivity and love. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the person standing alone.”

Braun did exactly that, from volunteering at RAD Camp for people with developmental disabilities to bringing together strangers on the volleyball court. “He wanted everyone to feel included,” Jenn says. “He had this ability to connect with people who didn’t always know how to connect.”

Even now, through Jenn’s advocacy, his impact continues to ripple outward. “People send me stories, pictures, notes from all over the world,” she says. “They tell me they’re doing something differently because of Braun—being kinder, more joyful, more intentional. That’s what keeps me going.”

Jenn reminds us, through her courage and grace, that love doesn’t end. It changes form. It becomes purpose. And through that purpose, her son’s light continues to shine as brightly as ever across the South Bay, the country and in the hearts of everyone who loved him and was touched by him.

To learn more or to support Jenn Levi’s work, visit livelikebraunfoundation.org. ■

The South Bay Gives Back

During this holiday season of giving, we take a moment to celebrate the organizations and nonprofits that pay it forward in our community. Their generous dedication of time, service and resources for worthy causes inspires us all and deserves our deepest gratitude and appreciation.

422 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach

art310.org @art310southbay

ART310

ART310 is a live and silent art auction that celebrates creativity and community. Since its inception in 2011, the event has become a beloved highlight in the South Bay arts scene, bringing artists and businesses together to raise funds for art and education programs throughout the region. The event is produced and curated by PSM Communication Arts, a branding and performance marketing agency with over 30 years of experience in travel, tourism and wellness. PSM shares the stories of the places that matter most and believes that the best places connect us to ourselves and each other in deeper more meaningful ways. The firm is committed to taking care of its clients and the communities it serves through meaningful partnerships. ART310 is held at PSM’s historic Hermosa Beach headquarters, the former workshop of legendary surfboard shaper Hap Jacobs. The auction partners with and supports Indivisible Arts, a local nonprofit dedicated to teaching consciousness through creativity. Proceeds support their youth creativity and mental health programs throughout the South Bay, including the creation of their digital lab at their Resin headquarters in Hermosa Beach and their Creative Wisdom Tools program serving local students in need. We believe in the power of art to change perspectives, speak to emotion and inspire real change. Through our partnership with PSM Communication Arts and Indivisible Arts, we are committed to inspiring, connecting and healing our community through creativity.

Cancer Support Community South Bay

2601 Airport Dr., Suite 100, Torrance 310-376-3550

cscsouthbay.org

@cscsouthbay

For more than 38 years, Cancer Support Community South Bay has offered hope, healing and support to people and families impacted by cancer across the South Bay, Long Beach and surrounding communities. As a nonprofit and independent affiliate of the international Cancer Support Community network, CSC South Bay has provided more than 28,000 individuals and families with programs that foster resilience and comfort during challenging times. All of CSC South Bay’s programs are completely free, helping participants address the emotional, social and physical challenges of cancer. Each month, more than 200 programs are offered in person at the Torrance location and online, including support and networking groups led by licensed mental health professionals; healthy lifestyle and stress-reduction activities like yoga and meditation; workshops on creative expression and nutrition; and educational lectures. Children ages 5–12 impacted by cancer benefit from the Kids Community Program, and select programming is available in Spanish. By combining emotional support, education and wellness resources, the organization helps participants and families navigate cancer with dignity, strength and hope. CSC South Bay celebrates the generosity, kindness and commitment of community volunteers, event participants and donors, who help keep our programs free—ensuring that families facing cancer have access to care. For nearly four decades, this shared compassion has transformed lives and ensured that no one faces cancer alone. Join us this holiday season in sharing the gift of hope and support for those impacted by cancer.

PVac

PALOS VERDES AR T CENTER

Beverly G. Alpay Center for Arts Education

Palos Verdes Art Center | Beverly G. Alpay Center for Arts Education

5504 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes

310-541-2479

pvartcenter.org

@pvartcenter

Now going into its 95th year, Palos Verdes Art Center | Beverly G. Alpay Center for Arts Education has been the cornerstone of the South Bay’s creative community since 1931. Our mission has been to educate, enrich and build community through equal and inclusive access to the visual arts. Our commitment is simple: to create meaningful connections between art, artists and our community. PVAC is a welcoming refuge and a dynamic learning center. Last year alone, we provided over 200 classes for students of all ages, from children dipping their brushes into paint for the first time to seniors discovering a new passion in ceramics. Our impact extends far beyond our walls. Through programs like Art At Your Fingertips and Special Mornings, PVAC has delivered quality, standardsbased art education to thousands of local elementary and intermediate students—including those from underserved communities—for nearly 50 years. We believe that access to the arts should not be a privilege but a universal opportunity. We believe in the power of art to spark imagination and be an agent for change. The generosity of the South Bay community has been vital to our longevity and growth. You can get involved and help us continue our mission by becoming a volunteer docent, enrolling in a class or making a donation. Your support ensures that the arts remain a vibrant, accessible force in our community. Visit us today and discover your inner artist!

• The South Bay Gives Back •

Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy

6118 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes 310-541-7613

pvplc.org

@pvplc

13634 Cordary Ave., Hawthorne

310-970-1921

richstonefamily.org

@richstonefamily

Since 1988, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy has been dedicated to preserving the natural landscapes of the South Bay through conservation, habitat restoration and environmental education. What began as a grassroots effort by local residents has grown into a thriving organization that now protects more than 1,700 acres of open space and maintains over 42 miles of public trails. The Conservancy’s mission is to preserve land and restore habitat for the education and enjoyment of all. Our work includes large-scale habitat restoration projects that bring back native plants and wildlife, maintenance of popular hiking trails, and stewardship of permanently protected lands such as Abalone Cove Reserve, Portuguese Bend Reserve, White Point and George F Canyon Nature Preserves. The Conservancy also encourages residents to plant native species grown in our nursery that support local pollinators and birds. Our programs and volunteer opportunities inspire people of all ages to connect with nature and become active stewards of their environment. The Conservancy is excited to introduce the Peninsula Naturalist Program—a groundbreaking certification initiative featuring a 20-part video series by an Emmy Award-winning director designed to expand environmental awareness, inspire action and cultivate the next generation of conservation leaders. The South Bay’s generosity continues to fuel our mission through donations, business partnerships and thousands of volunteer hours each year. You can help by donating or volunteering. Every gift—large or small—protects local wildlife, restores fragile ecosystems, and sustains the trails and open spaces we all cherish.

Richstone Family Center

Since 1974, the Richstone Family Center has been a cornerstone of hope and healing in the South Bay and Southwest Los Angeles. We are dedicated to preventing and treating child abuse, healing trauma and strengthening families. As one of California’s first child abuse treatment centers, Richstone has grown from a small, grassroots effort into a comprehensive hub serving thousands of children, teens, caregivers and adults each year. Through a full spectrum of care, Richstone continues its mission to build safe, healthy and connected families across our community. This whole-family approach addresses not only immediate crises but also the root causes of violence and trauma. Each of our programs is built on connection, compassion and the belief that every child deserves safety and stability. Last year alone, the Richstone Family Center served more than 3,000 children and families. The vast majority of our revenue goes directly to programs and services that focus on building youth resilience and family empowerment. Through beloved annual events like the Affair of the Heart Gala, Endless Summer Beach Party, Golf Tournament and new Flights & Bites event, South Bay residents and businesses continue to rally behind our mission. You can make a powerful difference by donating, volunteering, sponsoring events or fulfilling wish-list needs such as school supplies, nonperishable food items and holiday gifts for families in crisis. Every contribution—big or small—helps create brighter futures for families in need within our community.

Rotary Club of Manhattan Beach

mbrotary.org @manhattanbeachrotary

Celebrating our 75th anniversary, the Rotary Club of Manhattan Beach proudly continues a long-standing tradition of service above self, leadership and community impact, both locally and globally. With more than 100 active members, the club is part of Rotary International, a network of 1.2 million volunteer leaders across 200+ countries and geographical areas. Rotarians dedicate their time, talent and compassion to the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges, creating lasting change in communities. The Rotary Club of Manhattan Beach supports impactful organizations and initiatives including the Tour de Pier, The Jimmy Miller Foundation, P.S. I Love You and the annual Rotary build in Mexico powerful examples of service in action. We celebrate and support local veterans, teachers, and the Manhattan Beach police and fire departments, as well as honoring students through the Mira Costa craft awards and the MBMS and Mira Costa music scholarships. Each year we award over $50,000 in academic scholarships to Mira Costa college-bound students, helping young leaders reach their full potential. Guiding every action is the timeless four-way test that Rotarians apply to the things we think, say or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? As we mark this remarkable milestone, the Rotary Club of Manhattan Beach continues to embody Rotary’s enduring mission: connecting leaders, exchanging ideas and taking action to make a difference, one project, one person and one community at a time.

Sandpipers

Sandpipers is a 100% volunteer organization, dedicated to strengthening the South Bay community since 1931. From humble beginnings providing food and gifts to families during the Depression, Sandpipers has grown into a broad network of philanthropic programs serving thousands each year. Every December, our founding Holiday Baskets Program delivers carloads of essentials—food, clothing, toiletries and toys—to over 100 local families facing hardship. As part of this program, the annual Shoe Drive gives every child the chance to pick out new shoes. With your support, over 250 children receive a Kohl’s gift certificate for shoes. The Holiday Homes Tour, now in its 33rd year, showcases beautifully decorated homes across the South Bay along with a curated Holiday Market featuring local artisans. The tour draws over 2,500 attendees annually and raises over $140,000, with all proceeds going directly to Sandpipers’ philanthropic programs. Another program is the Sugarplum Gift Drive. In partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Sandpipers collects gifts for foster children throughout L.A.—aiming to donate 1,500 toys this season. These programs reflect the core values Sandpipers has upheld for nearly a century: compassion, community and camaraderie. We invite residents, businesses and civic groups to join us this holiday season—whether by donating to a Holiday Basket, purchasing a Home Tour ticket, shopping the Sugarplum wish list, or contributing to the Shoe Drive. Together we advance the well-being and financial stability of families, children and our neighbors in need.

BREAKING THE ICE

ONCE A HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY STAR AND NOW A TRAILBLAZER IN SPORTS MEDIA AND SPINAL CORD RESEARCH, JACK JABLONSKI CONTINUES TO CHALLENGE LIMITS—ON THE ICE, IN LIFE AND WITHIN HIMSELF.

Written

by

Scott Sanford Tobis |

Photographed by Bradley

Meinz

Perched on the second-floor courtyard of his Hermosa Beach condominium complex—where a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean is possible if one cranes their neck—Jack “Jabs” Jablonski sits in his wheelchair, tapping furiously on his laptop. It’s a safe bet he’s writing about hockey, the sport that has shaped nearly every chapter of his life.

Like many Minnesotans, Jack took to the ice early— skating by age 2 and playing organized hockey by 5. The sport defined him from the start.

Everything changed on December 30, 2011, when tragedy struck during a high school hockey game. In a single moment, Jack went from a rising athlete to a hospital patient with a severed spinal cord, suddenly facing life as a quadriplegic instead of on the ice.

Being told he would never walk—let alone play hockey—might have broken most people. But Jack responded differently. Whether driven by his competitive instincts (he was also a baseball, tennis and golf player), unwavering support from family and friends or sheer force of will, he defied medical expectations.

Doctors once predicted he would never move the left side of his body again. He proved them wrong long ago.

Despite needing 24-hour assistance, Jack leads an active and social life in Hermosa: concerts, the beach and everything the South Bay has to offer. Unlike most who move to Southern California for the sunshine and surf, Jack’s relocation was a matter of necessity.

“I lost the ability to control my body temperature,” he explains. “Anything below 60° and sunny, and I start to tighten up.”

The weather was only part of the draw. He enrolled at the University of Southern California, drawn by its strong academics and a scholarship from the Swim With Mike Foundation, which supports physically challenged athletes.

At USC, Jack landed an internship with the Los

Angeles Kings, the iconic NHL franchise, working in communications. Upon graduation, he joined the organization full time as a digital media content specialist and podcast analyst—staying close to the sport that had defined him since he first laced up skates as a toddler.

When it came time to find a home, the South Bay was the obvious choice, with the Kings’ headquarters in El Segundo, his specialized rehab center in Lawndale and the ocean nearby. He moved to Hermosa Beach four years ago and never looked back.

“The South Bay—especially Hermosa and Manhattan Beach—is very much a hockey world,” Jack says. “A lot of players and coaches live here. There’s a sense of community you don’t find in most of L.A.”

Grateful for the support he received—from family, friends and scholarships—Jack wanted to pay it forward. He founded the Jack Jablonski Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing research and treatments to improve life for people living with paralysis. The foundation has funded promising studies, including groundbreaking epidural stimulation research at the Mayo Clinic that’s showing remarkable potential.

To date, the foundation has raised an impressive $4.5 million, supporting galas, pickleball events and celebrity golf tournaments in both Minnesota and California— all fueling research that continues to redefine what’s possible for those with severe spinal injuries.

Jack speaks with the poise of someone who has told his story many times—through TED Talks, interviews and panels—but his confidence seems innate. He is intelligent, articulate and passionate, radiating purpose through his words and actions.

When asked how he defines himself, Jack is strikingly humble: “I consider myself lucky because of the support I received immediately after my injury. Because of the opportunities I was given, I couldn’t fall into a negative mindset. It pushed me to make people proud.”

His attitude is summed up in the tattoo on his left forearm: I understand my injury. I don’t accept it.

During the pandemic, isolation brought a different kind of reckoning. In 2022 Jack came out as gay to his family, friends and colleagues—a brave step in the

traditionally straight, male-dominated world of sports. As with everything else, he emerged stronger, more open and truer to himself. “True to himself” might as well be the motto he lives by.

After a decade with the Kings, Jack recently launched a media venture tentatively titled Trading Jabs—a nod to his name and his spirited perspective on the game. His goal: to build a sports media brand centered on hockey, producing podcasts, analysis and digital storytelling that reflect his voice, insight and love of the sport.

“It put the pressure on me to get healthy and find my future,” he says.

True to form, Jack is doing just that. Learn more about his foundation at jablonskifoundation.org. ■

“THE SOUTH BAY— ESPECIALLY HERMOSA AND MANHATTAN BEACH—IS VERY MUCH A HOCKEY WORLD. THERE’S A SENSE OF COMMUNITY YOU DON’T FIND IN MOST OF L.A.”

TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF

Clients choose Ann Grant and her team at The Family Law Center of Southern California for strong representation.

While we all know that change is inevitable, it certainly can be challenging. Even if we’ve prepared ourselves

for certain unavoidable changes in life, the path is not always easy. And it’s an even steeper climb if our lives are disrupted unexpectedly. That’s the precise moment when it’s crucial to choose a team of professionals to support you through the next steps. Attorney Ann Grant founded The Family Law Center of Southern California for

Attorney Ann Grant, founder of The Family Law Center of Southern California, shares the reasons clients turn to her team when it matters most:

• We bring decades of experience to the practice of family law. I have more than 30 years of litigation expertise, and our team has more than 70 years of combined legal experience.

• We’re so successful, we keep expanding. Our reputation has allowed us to grow to three office locations across Southern California, and we’re continuing to expand! This year we added two new attorneys and two paralegals to our team.

• We have extensive experience. We leverage our litigation skills to ensure the best possible outcomes in and out of court.

• We are tenacious advocates and provide aggressive representation. We prioritize what is in your best interest and the well-being of your children.

• We will go to battle for you. Because most of us have been in your shoes, we bring fearless, focused and effective advocacy to every case.

• We are strategic and innovative. We treat each case individually and craft creative approaches to achieve the results you deserve.

• We empower our clients. We provide clear guidance and tailored support through even the most difficult situations. We’re with you from start to finish.

• We are approachable and relatable. We know that trust is as imperative as professionalism and compassion.

“WE ARE PROUD OF OUR AGGRESSIVE AND FOCUSED REPRESENTATION ON BEHALF OF OUR CLIENTS.”

exactly that purpose. She and her team offer clients strong representation for the big changes that come with a life well lived. They have expertise in helping clients with high-net-worth marital dissolutions, complex custody matters and mediation.

“Our roster of experienced family law attorneys is renowned for our clientspecific, tailored approach and tenacious representation,” says Ann. “We are proud of our aggressive and focused representation on behalf of our clients.”

With a highly personal approach, Ann

and her team provide fierce advocacy— fighting for clients through every stage of the family law process, from initial court filings to contentious and emotional custody issues. They continue to prevail at trial, and their clients are effusive about the results.

If you’re facing a difficult partner or navigating a complex dissolution, you’re going to need a tenacious, strategic team that fights relentlessly for your rights and your future—and that’s exactly what The Family Law Center does. To learn more, schedule a complimentary consultation today.

THE FAMILY LAW CENTER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

1230 ROSECRANS AVE., SUITE 300, MANHATTAN BEACH

620 NEWPORT CENTER DR., SUITE 1100, NEWPORT BEACH

10940 WILSHIRE BLVD., SUITE 1600, LOS ANGELES

310-706-4149 | TEXT: 310-986-2075 INQUIRE@FAMLAWSC.COM

Change of Atmosphere

WITH HELP FROM A PALOS VERDES ESTATES–BASED INTERIOR DESIGNER FRIEND WITH TIES TO THE AREA, A SOUTH BAY COUPLE CREATES A NEW FAMILY MOUNTAIN RETREAT IN NEVADA WITH COLOR AND HINTS OF THEIR PAST.

Written

by Jennie

Nunn

| Photographed by Jessica Burke

When a Rolling Hills couple made the decision to leave the family home where they spent more than 20 years raising their four children and relocate to Clear Creek, a private golf community in Nevada, it came down to a gut feeling.

“We chose it on a whim,” says the homeowner. “We visited friends in Clear Creek in May 2020 and fell in love with the area and concept of the club. We both grew up in the Chicago area with lots of lake living and knew we wanted a home close to a lake for the yearround sports. We were in adventure mode, so it was the

perfect combination for our lifestyle.”

After purchasing a lot tucked in the mountains above Carson City—approximately 20 minutes from Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe—they began building and customizing their 5,224-squarefoot mountain modern dwelling and choosing every detail down to the hardware. For furnishings, accessories and rugs, they knew they needed the help of a trusted friend and turned to interior designer Julie Beuerlein, owner and principal of JKB Home Design in Palos Verdes Estates.

Coincidentally, Julie’s parents had recently sold their longtime family home in Incline Village, about 30 minutes north of Clear Creek, where she spent many holidays and summers.

“It all came together so beautifully. I love how fresh and warm it feels. Since it is not your typical mountain interior, people walk in with a look of surprise, and our children love coming to visit.”

“My parents had an original membership to the country club that anchored this development, so I was super familiar with it,” says Julie. “When the homeowner told me they decided to build there, I almost started to cry because my parents had just sold their home. I told her how special Lake Tahoe had been to me personally and how Clear Creek has played a large role in my love for the area.”

Julie designed the five-bedroom, five-and-a-halfbath home entirely sight unseen. She appointed it with new and custom pieces, along with items from their previous home that they had recently remodeled with Norman Design Group in Torrance.

“There was really no room for error here,” says Julie. “Everything was done based on floor plan drawings, and at the end it was all loaded onto a moving truck in Palos Verdes. It was kind of wild and incredibly fun.”

To coordinate with the arrival of the moving truck, they adhered to a firm deadline for the eight-month project. “The lake was our muse,” notes Julie. “The homeowner had a very clear vision of what she wanted and had inspirational photos that helped drive the design direction. She didn’t want brown, beige and gray.”

To achieve this, Julie designed each room with nuances to reflect the family’s style, including a guest bedroom appointed with Gardenside grass cloth wallpaper by Serena & Lily. Another, dubbed the “Ralph Lauren room,” features green tartan plaid accent pillows from Etsy and rustic faux birchwood table lamps from Lamps Plus, reminiscent of Aspen trees.

In the primary bedroom, striped armchairs and an upholstered headboard from their former residence are

paired with Markus ceramic table lamps from Regina Andrews atop nightstands by Redford House. The cozy family room features a scalloped console table in fawn by CFC in Los Angeles and custom sofas upholstered in French blue velvet by Sofas Tables & More in Torrance.

“I love the color blue,” says the homeowner. “It just makes me happy. I designed the kitchen around the fact that I wanted a navy refrigerator and freezer, and because I wanted a blue couch in the family room, Julie incorporated the spaces seamlessly. She worked hard to make sure each room flowed to the next but gave each room its own unexpected look.”

With the project complete and every piece in its place, the couple has eased directly into mountain living. “Every time I walk in, I smile and feel so fortunate that Julie created exactly what I was envisioning,” adds the homeowner. “It all came together so beautifully. I love how fresh and warm it feels. Since it is not your typical mountain interior, people walk in with a look of surprise, and our children love coming to visit.” ■

Design Details

Furnishings & Rugs: Julie Beuerlein, JKB Home Design

Home Design

Architect: Scott Gillespie, The Sandbox Studio

Builder: Mark Neave, NSM Construction

Site Manager: Dave Baker, NSM Construction

Interior Finishes: Debbie Costa, Moxie Design Studio

“THIS CHANGE IS ABOUT GROWTH, VISION AND POSITIONING OUR FIRM FOR THE FUTURE.”

LOCAL ROOTS

Rooted in family values, broker Jennette Toderick leads her team of agents in serving clients at every stage of their real estate journey.

Real estate has been a part of Jennette Phillips Toderick’s life for as long as she can remember. She grew up in the Hollywood Riviera neighborhood of Redondo Beach, the daughter and granddaughter of real estate brokers. In 2000 she started working in the back office at Century 21 Union Realty—a firm founded by her father, Ray Phillips. In 2002 she earned her real estate license and began working side by side with her dad, who served not only as a mentor but also as a strong support for Jennette as she carried on the family legacy of real estate. Today the firm continues to honor that legacy while it boldly steps into the future. We sat down with Jennette to learn more about recent changes at her firm and how she celebrates her agents and her industry.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO GO INTO REAL ESTATE 23 YEARS AGO?

Real estate has always been part of my DNA. I’m a third-generation broker, and I take great pride in carrying on my family’s legacy. I chose to step into the industry because I wanted to continue what my family started, but also to put my own mark on it. Over the years, I’ve blended those traditional values I grew up with—integrity, service and hard work—with a modern approach that embraces technology, marketing and innovation.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND WHAT YOU DO.

I am the CEO and broker of Century 21 Coastal Properties. Beyond overseeing operations, my role is to lead our team of

agents with vision, strategy and a clientfirst approach. I also develop growth strategies and ensure that our clients receive the highest level of service—whether they’re buying their first home, selling a longtime property or investing in the future. I’m also proud to serve as president of the South Bay Association of REALTORS®.

YOU’VE HAD SOME BIG CHANGES AT WORK RECENTLY!

One of the most important moments for me right now is changing our company’s name from Century 21 Union Realty to Century 21 Coastal Properties. This change is about growth, vision and positioning our firm for the future. We are committed to showing that “Coastal Properties” doesn’t just represent the South Bay coastline—it connects us to the global coastline of real estate opportunities. With this transformation, our agents and clients gain the power of an internationally recognized brand while keeping the local expertise and connection that built our legacy. We also are creating a fresh chapter with the opening of our new office in Redondo Beach—in addition to our existing Torrance location.

WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT WORKING WITH THE CENTURY 21 BRAND?

Century 21 isn’t just a brand; it’s a global network with offices in more than 80 countries and territories. Our clients benefit from that worldwide exposure and the firm’s cutting-edge marketing and trusted name. Our agents gain unparalleled resources, training and the strength of a brand that opens doors everywhere.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM A GREAT PLACE TO WORK?

We’ve created a culture where our agents and staff feel like part of the family. We celebrate wins together, support each other through challenges and believe in collaboration over competition. They know they’re not just building their business but becoming part of a legacy. They know I’m approachable, transparent and willing to roll up my sleeves when challenges arise. And they appreciate my passion for growth. I genuinely want to see them succeed, and I invest time in coaching, training and creating opportunities for them to build strong, sustainable businesses.

YOU WOULDN’T BE WHERE YOU ARE WITHOUT YOUR FAMILY.

Family is at the heart of everything I do. My husband and I have been married for 14 years, and we’re raising our amazing son, 11, and daughter, 3. My husband recently retired from the Air Force after 20 years and has joined me in the office, where he brings the same discipline, commitment and leadership that defined his military career. We’ve created not just a family business but a shared passion for helping people build their futures through homeownership.

CENTURY 21 COASTAL PROPERTIES 243 AVENIDA DEL NORTE, REDONDO BEACH 23705 CRENSHAW BLVD., TORRANCE 310-418-6318

C21SOUTHBAY.COM | @COASTALC21

DRE #00527439, 01328809

Sailing Into the Season

A CHRISTMAS MARKET CRUISE DOWN THE RHINE DELIVERS A WELCOME DOSE OF HOLIDAY MAGIC FOR OUR EDITOR.

Written by Darren Elms | Photographs courtesy Viking

First, a confession: I’m not a cruise person. I’ve taken a few large ocean liner trips in the past, but I never particularly enjoyed the “hop on, hop off” itineraries that left only brief windows to explore on land. I’d rather spend my evenings with locals in lively restaurants than trade stories about a few rushed hours at port with fellow passengers over a themed dinner.

So why would this self-proclaimed Grinch take a chance on a river cruise down the Rhine? A few reasons—chief among them, the Christmas markets. While many European towns celebrate the holiday season with their own traditions, those lining the Rhine in Germany and France seem to sparkle a little brighter.

Their winter festivals overflow with charming stalls, mouthwatering treats and festive décor. The chance to visit several of them in one week felt not only irresistible but delightfully efficient.

Viking’s sleek, intimate longships proved equally appealing. Unlike the cavernous ocean liners I’d sailed on before, our elegant vessel hosted fewer than 200 guests. The smaller scale encouraged genuine connections—with fellow travelers, attentive staff and even the journey itself.

Contrary to the popular notion that cruise cabins resemble closets, I found both the living area and bathroom surprisingly comfortable. The ship also offered plenty of inviting spaces, indoors and out, for mingling or quiet reflection—perfect for taking in the castles and storybook scenery drifting past.

And a tip for the claustrophobic: Keep your curtains closed during the occasional lock change (usually overnight). Those, too, are part of the adventure!

Dining far exceeded my expectations. Each evening’s menu featured chef favorites, daily specials and dishes inspired by that day’s port and local traditions. Meals

could be paired with regional wines, a vintage of your choosing or a well-crafted cocktail. Most nights ended in the lounge, where we enjoyed our drinks to the sounds of local entertainers—a perfect close to each day on the river.

Each day on the cruise offers several excursion options, both within and beyond the scheduled port. While guided tours and visits to local Christmas markets are included in the cruise package, other specialty dining experiences and excursions require advance reservations and an additional fee. These tend to fill quickly, so it’s wise to plan your itinerary early to ensure a spot.

Viking’s Christmas on the Rhine itinerary either begins or ends in Amsterdam or Basel—both cities well worth exploring in their own right. Plan to add a few extra days on either end of your journey to soak in their charm.

Our voyage departed from Amsterdam, with our first adventure taking us to Dordrecht in the Netherlands. From there, we opted for a short bus ride to historic Gouda (yes, like the cheese), where we discovered the history and artistry behind Holland’s beloved sweet treat, the stroopwafel

Cologne marked our first stop in Germany. One of the cruise’s larger city ports, it boasts several lively Christmas markets, each brimming with festive spirit.

My favorite unfolded in the shadow of the city’s iconic Gothic cathedral—a destination worth visiting. Sip cinnamon-scented glühwein and nibble on spekulatius, a spiced holiday cookie beloved across Germany. With ample time in port, consider staying into the evening and dining at a local restaurant to experience a true taste of German hospitality.

The following days carried guests through Germany’s storied Middle Rhine, with one leisurely afternoon devoted entirely to taking in the region’s castle-studded scenery from the ship’s deck. Stops along this stretch included Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mannheim and Speyer—each offering its own markets, character and regional flair.

France entered the itinerary with the enchanting city of Strasbourg, a highlight for this confessed

Francophile. While its Christmas markets share similarities with their German counterparts (vin chaud versus glühwein), Strasbourg’s holiday spirit has a distinct je ne sais quoi

Centered around its magnificent cathedral, the city charms with narrow cobbled streets, storybook canals and bustling squares. As in Cologne, the extended time in port allows for your own dining adventures—ideally accompanied by a generous pour of Alsace wine.

The cruise made one final stop in Germany at Breisach, with an excursion to medieval Freiburg’s wonderful yuletide market and a delightful organ concert. Then it was auf wiedersehen, Germany, and bonjour, Switzerland, as we disembarked in international Basel.

We left joyful and jolly, our suitcases filled with ornaments gathered along the way. And yes, this former “cruise Grinch” found his heart growing at least three sizes that day. ■

DUTCH TREAT

SPOTLIGHT AMSTERDAM

Few cities balance history and modern vibrancy quite like Amsterdam. With its golden canals, gabled houses and world-class museums, the Dutch capital invites exploration at every turn. From cycling alongside locals to sipping coffee in centuries-old cafés, Amsterdam charms with a timeless ease—equal parts storybook and sophisticated.

Once a bank and later a music conservatory, the Conservatorium Hotel pays homage to its fabled past with a striking blend of heritage and modern design. Guests gather and dine in a light-filled, glass-enclosed atrium built atop the building’s original façade. Rooms feel both spacious and serene, accented with thoughtful touches of Dutch craftsmanship. Elegant arched corridors lead past mosaic-tiled floors and furnishings that marry art nouveau grace with contemporary flair.

Beyond its famed stroopwafels and pancakes, Amsterdam’s dining scene shines under the guidance of celebrated local chefs. Inside the Rijksmuseum, RIJKS, helmed by executive chef Joris Bijdendijk, celebrates an elevated “cuisine of the Low Countries” in a sleek, newly renovated space.

A short distance from the city center, the Michelinstarred De Kas offers a greenhouse-inspired experience where chef Savannah Hagendijk brings the “plantto-plate” philosophy to life. With ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s own garden and nearby Beemster farms, each vegetarian-forward dish feels both soulful and artful—a feast for the eyes as much as the palate.

“I’ve been in the South Bay for over 30 years, and I see the impact of our work all around me—in the businesses we’ve helped grow, in the families we’ve protected and in the community that we’ve helped build. That’s the legacy I’m proud of.”

DENISE M. GUZMAN, GUZMAN LAW GROUP

Trusted Advisors PROFILES

The key to success—for individuals and businesses alike—is a professional team of trusted advisors. These experts inform us about our options and help us discover solutions for life’s challenges. When making decisions that impact business, home, finances and family, we can depend on the guidance of these South Bay specialists—known for innovative solutions and top-notch client care.

178 GUZMAN LAW GROUP

DENISE M. GUZMAN

180 PIER POINT WEALTH MANAGEMENT & INSURANCE SERVICES

PAUL BABOOLAL

182 STRATEGIC VIEW ADVISORS

184 NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL BROMLEY PALAMOUNTAIN

186 PACIFIC COAST LEGACY PARTNERS

188 ETON BRIDGE INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

SHERRI ASADI

190 BAKER, BURTON & LUNDY

192 REGATTA CAPITAL GROUP

194 MANHATTANBEACH.LAW JEFF BRIGGS

196 MAI PARK CAPITAL | PENCE WEALTH MANAGEMENT

MAI PARK

198 BEACH CITIES ESTATE LAW

ANGELA BELLANCA KLENK

200 NAVIGOE WEALTH MANAGEMENT

SCOTT LEONARD

201 CHASE LAW GROUP

DEANN FLORES CHASE

202 MIONI FAMILY LAW

LOVETTE MIONI

203 STONE & SALLUS

EDITED BY LAURA L. WATTS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Guzman Law Group, PC

Denise M. Guzman, Founder/Principal Attorney

Guzman Law Group has been an advocate for the South Bay community for over 30 years. Founded by Denise M. Guzman, the firm delivers legal services that include business and finance transactions, trust and civil litigation, estate planning and trust administration. The experienced team acts as trusted advisors to a diverse clientele, from individuals and families to local entrepreneurs and corporations, providing solutions tailored to each client’s needs. With the firm’s proximity to Hollywood, it also focuses on entertainment law and celebrity estates. Guzman Law Group is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

WHAT SATISFIES YOU ABOUT YOUR JOB?

Denise M. Guzman, Business and Estate Planning Attorney: It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the work I do truly makes a difference in people’s lives. Whether I’m helping a client build their dream business, guiding a family through a sensitive estate matter or mentoring a young attorney, there’s a real sense of purpose in what I do.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR YOUR YOUNGER CLIENTS?

Marcus Chang, Business and Estate Planning Attorney: It’s important to plan ahead to protect yourself and your family because life can change unexpectedly. In my experience, when clients face sudden health issues or emergencies, it’s much easier on their loved ones if proper planning is already in place. Taking the time now to create a thoughtful estate plan brings peace of mind and ensures your family is supported no matter what happens.

Drew Hallett, Business and Litigation Attorney: I advise all my clients—but especially younger clients—not to rely on online templates or AI-generated contracts in place of legal counsel. While it may seem like a cost-saving move, these documents often lack the nuance and specificity needed to protect your interests. I’ve seen too many cases where a client tried to save a few hundred dollars up front, only to spend tens of thousands later resolving a dispute that could have been avoided. A brief consultation with an attorney before signing can save you significant time, money and stress.

WHAT

INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THIS PROFESSION?

Jane S. Lee, Estate Planning, Trust Administration and Probate Attorney: My motivation to focus on estate planning, trusts and probate arose from a desire to assist my loved ones through a difficult time. This experience expanded my perspective and inspired me to serve others in my community facing similar challenges. Today I am committed to guiding individuals and families through these complex legal processes with clarity, compassion and support.

Highlights

• Business & Finance Transactions

• Trust & Civil Litigation

• Estate Planning & Trust Administration

• Entertainment & Celebrity Estates

HOW DO YOU HELP BUSINESS OWNERS ALIGN THEIR FINANCIAL GOALS WITH PHILANTHROPIC VALUES?

Edward Powell, Corporate, Securities, & Finance Attorney: Many of our clients are business owners who want to make a meaningful impact in their communities while also planning for a future sale. A charitable remainder trust can be a smart way to achieve both goals—offering tax advantages and lifetime income while supporting philanthropic causes. It’s important to set it up well before any transaction, so early coordination with legal and tax advisors is key. With the right planning, charitable giving can be both impactful and financially strategic.

WHAT TYPES OF INDUSTRIES RELY ON THE SERVICES OF GUZMAN LAW GROUP?

Carol T. Contes, Entertainment, Copyright & Trademark Attorney: The South Bay is a vibrant hub for creatives working across entertainment, tech and digital media. Many of my clients are filmmakers, producers and artists in television, streaming, music and theater. We often work with celebrity estates to ensure their intellectual property continues to be utilized with integrity. It’s rewarding to support projects that honor a creator’s legacy while adapting to today’s evolving media landscape.

Drew Hallett: We work with a wide range of industries, but our core clients are family-owned, mid-sized businesses with revenues between $5 million and $200 million. These include companies in architecture, health care, entertainment, skin care and, increasingly, real estate and property management. Family-owned property management companies, in particular, tend to rely on all three of our firm’s pillars of service: business transactions to form and operate the company, estate planning to pass its legacy to the next generation, and litigation when disputes inevitably arise. Our ability to provide all of these services under one roof allows us to develop comprehensive strategies that address overlapping legal issues across business and family dynamics.

Pier Point Wealth Management & Insurance Services

Paul Baboolal, CEO

Pier Point Wealth Management and Insurance Services works South Bay families to help steer them toward financial success. Wealth management advisor Paul Baboolal, CLU®, ChFC®, brings 33 years of experience to his clients, offering a wide range of financial options including financial planning, insurance services, and retirement and estate planning.

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO ESTABLISH TRUST WITH NEW CLIENTS?

You cannot establish trust without doing two things: listening and keeping your promises. Our entire business model is built around listening. We can’t build a comprehensive plan for someone without first learning what their goals and aspirations are. This builds trust because we aren’t just “selling stuff.” We're giving recommendations when, and only when, those recommendations help our clients get closer to their goals. We are also highly disciplined about keeping our promises. If we say we’ll get you an email within 24 hours, that email is going out no matter what. Kept promises sustain long-term relationships.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THIS PROFESSION?

I started as an intern, so this has been a lifelong career for me. The thing that got me started is the thing that keeps me going, and that’s the fact that this is a people-centric profession. To do my job well, I have to connect with a lot of people. Fortunately, that’s something that I love to do. Decades of serving my clients means I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless success stories. It’s a great feeling when you get to see a client successfully launch their retirement plan or fully fund their child’s education. I’m always on a mission to do what’s right for our people. Without a doubt, this has been an incredibly rewarding career.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR WORK MAKE OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE?

Increasing the financial literacy of our communities has a beautiful ripple effect. Financially literate communities are safer, more stable and more educated. One financially literate household can create stability for a family for generations to come. One of the great things about doing this type of work is that when it is done well, it compounds.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE ROLE OF TRUSTED ADVISORS EVOLVING IN THE FUTURE?

Market research shows an increasing demand for trusted advisors in the financial services space. Even with the rise of AI, consumers

• Financial Planning

• Retirement Solutions

• Investments

• Insurance

are still looking for that personal touch when it comes to their hard-earned money. I think that the “advisor of the future” is one who can harness the power of new tech while maintaining those close personal relationships with clients.

HOW DO YOU STAY GROUNDED AND AVOID BURNOUT IN YOUR CAREER?

Over the years, I’ve built a supportive network of colleagues and team members who are always there to provide valuable perspective and encouragement when I need it. And if I ever need an energy boost, I can also turn my focus toward meaningful client relationships, which remind me of the positive impact this work can have. But I have found that the best strategy to avoid burnout is to prioritize time with my family. I am grateful that this career affords me the luxury to do that.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR YOUR YOUNGER CLIENTS?

Learn how to live below your means. And use that extra income to make your net worth grow. It’s all about starting good habits as soon as possible. With younger clients, we are always working on savings strategies.

Disclaimer: Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability Insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance), Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, and member of FINRA and SIPC, and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and trust services), a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. Paul Baboolal uses Pier Point Wealth Management and Insurance Services as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual. Pier Point Wealth Management and Insurance Services is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency or federal savings bank. Paul Baboolal is an Insurance Agent of NM. Paul Baboolal is an Agent of NLTC. Investment brokerage services provided by Paul Baboolal as a Registered Representative of NMIS. Investment advisory services provided by Paul Baboolal as an Advisor of NMWMC.

Strategic View Advisors •

Strategic View Advisors is a financial planning team led by CEO Edward Moyzes since 2001. The firm operates under the umbrella of the Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group, which has been in business for the past 163 years.

WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE?

Like many financial services firms, our team has a deep level of expertise in the areas of financial and retirement income planning, but our true value lies in our dedication to helping clients Achieve Financial Peace of Mind™. Beyond merely assembling a robust portfolio, an effective distribution strategy or a thorough succession plan, we specialize in weaving these elements into a cohesive and personalized financial road map. This road map not only secures our clients’ wealth but also ensures that their financial decisions reflect their core values and long-term objectives. With us, clients gain more than just financial services; they gain a trusted partner committed to their financial well-being and legacy.

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO ESTABLISH TRUST WITH NEW CLIENTS?

It sounds simple, but do what you say you’re going to do. When clients see you and your team actively living out your values, they gain confidence in your ability to deliver. By aligning your actions with your words, you show clients that they can rely on you to meet their needs and expectations. This builds a foundation of trust which fosters a relationship built on mutual respect and confidence.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THIS PROFESSION?

Carol Bates: While in college, I had the opportunity to intern for a wealth management firm. I learned during my internship that this business is more than investing in markets; it’s about investing in people. It’s a relationship profession that would allow me the opportunity to truly make a difference in the life of individuals and families.

Edward Moyzes: I’ve always seen wealth as a privilege that carries responsibility. Financial planning allows me to help others use their resources wisely—not just to grow wealth, but to make it meaningful and lasting.

Mollie Kaiser: I’ve always wanted to pursue a career that helps others. In my first job out of college, I was an underpaid social worker and had no idea how to manage my resources. This quickly taught me that it’s nearly impossible to lead a fulfilling life if your financial house isn’t in order. I consider it a privilege to offer financial peace of mind to my clients.

Highlights

• Comprehensive Financial Planning

• Wealth Management

• Retirement Distribution Planning

• Legacy & Charitable Strategies

WHAT DO YOU THINK DISTINGUISHES AN AVERAGE ADVISOR FROM AN EXCEPTIONAL ONE?

An average advisor might look at one piece of the puzzle; we look at the entire picture, ensuring that all the pieces fit together for a comprehensive financial plan.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS IN THE SOUTH BAY?

Carol: I live in El Segundo, which has a ton of holiday spirit. Nothing shows it off better than its annual holiday parade. Each year on the second Sunday in December, the entire town and neighboring communities show up in support of the many groups and organizations that make El Segundo so unique and wonderful.

Edward: The Manhattan Beach Tree Lighting captured everything that makes the community special. Families, friends and neighbors coming together by the ocean to share the holiday spirit. It’s that rare but special SoCal small-town feeling.

Mollie: I love going to Candy Cane Lane to see all of the Christmas decorations and lights in South Torrance. The neighborhood puts in an incredible amount of effort to create a magical winter wonderland!

Disclaimer: Edward Moyzes, Carol Anne Bates, Christopher Hall, Mollie Alyssa Kaiser and Shanelle Medequiso Sua use Strategic View Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) and Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS). Strategic View Advisors is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency or federal savings bank. Edward Moyzes, Carol Anne Bates, Christopher Hall, Mollie Alyssa Kaiser and Shanelle Medequiso Sua provide investment advisory services as Advisors of NMWMC, a subsidiary of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, located in Milwaukee, WI (NM) and a federal savings bank, and provide investment brokerage services as Registered Representatives of NMIS, a subsidiary of NM and a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA (finra.org) and SIPC (sipc.org). Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group is a select group of Northwestern Mutual advisors and representatives. Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group is not a registered investment adviser, brokerdealer, insurance agency, federal savings bank or other legal entity.

Northwestern Mutual

Bromley Palamountain, Financial Advisor

Financial advisor Bromley Palamountain and his team at Northwestern Mutual offer personalized, tax-optimized strategies tailored to clients’ goals. They craft detailed financial plans for families, business owners and real estate investors.

DESCRIBE A TIME WHEN YOU TOOK ADVICE THAT TURNED OUT TO BE REALLY GOOD.

When I was a freshman at UC Berkeley, I took some advice that turned out to be life-changing. My roommate’s dad sent him two books that he recommended he read: The Richest Man in Babylon and Rich Dad Poor Dad. Without a dad in my own life, and perceiving my roommate’s family to be wealthy, I figured I should read them too. These books started me on a journey into personal finance and later inspired me to become a real estate investor. Looking back on it, these books served as a catalyst for how I serve and guide my clients to achieve greater financial outcomes for themselves.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THIS PROFESSION?

Personal experience. I realized I had “won the game” of financial security by studying and implementing the fundamental principles of smart money management. I wanted to help others achieve the same financial freedom I have. It is a classic story of the student becoming the teacher, and it continues to be highly rewarding.

WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED FROM ADVISING OTHERS?

It’s not what you make; it’s what you keep. I’ve encountered countless individuals who initially told me they have no capacity to save, despite earning substantial annual incomes. It’s an easy trap to fall into in a society heavily influenced by consumerism. It’s imperative to have automated savings systems in place, ensuring you aren’t spending every dollar that comes in—or worse, spending money you haven’t yet earned. Those who can live below their means are the ones who experience true financial freedom.

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO ESTABLISH TRUST WITH NEW CLIENTS?

It comes down to simple things like always being on time and doing what you say you’re going to do. We establish trust by truly listening, catering advice specific to each client and not taking a cookie-cutter approach to planning.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT YOUR FIELD?

That they’re not worthy or ready to warrant the services of a financial advisor. Many people wait to consult with an advisor until they

My Local List

Favorite Beach: RAT Beach

Best Breakfast Spot: Eat at Joe’s

Weekend Getaway: Terranea Resort

Favorite Lunch: Lil Simmzy’s at the Point

are married, have children or are approaching retirement. This tends to be the biggest regret they have, and we often hear, “I should have started this process sooner.” It’s like hiring a personal trainer to help get you in shape. You don’t have to be in peak shape during your first session. Your trainer will look at your goals, assess your current situation, design a plan to get you there and ultimately hold you accountable. That’s what we do for our clients’ finances.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE PROVIDING EXPERT ADVICE WITH RESPECTING A CLIENT’S PERSONAL VALUES AND PREFERENCES?

We make it a priority to understand what matters most to each client and educate them along the way. Whether that be gifting strategies to charities or creating generational wealth, we tailor our financial plans to their specific goals. This is at the core of our process. We take pride in balancing empathy and financial strategy to create trust within our partnerships. When clients feel truly heard and respected, they are more open to making informed decisions that serve them long-term.

WHAT DO YOU THINK DISTINGUISHES AN AVERAGE ADVISOR FROM AN EXCEPTIONAL ONE?

It comes down to having a continuous hunger for growth in the field and never being satisfied. We believe in consistent, methodical growth and getting 1% better each day.

Disclaimer: Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability Insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance), Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, and member of FINRA and SIPC, and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and trust services), a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. Bromley Thomas Palamountain is an Insurance Agent of NM. Bromley Thomas Palamountain is an Agent of NLTC. Investment brokerage services provided by Bromley Thomas Palamountain as a Registered Representative of NMIS. Investment advisory services provided by Bromley Thomas Palamountain as an Advisor of NMWMC.

Pacific Coast Legacy Partners, LLP

Pacific Coast Legacy Partners, LLP, is a boutique estate planning and administration law firm with offices in Manhattan Beach and Torrance. Partners Eric Harris, Samuel Ford and Grace Lou each had separate planning and administration practices before they joined forces and formed Pacific Coast Legacy Partners in June 2024.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THIS PROFESSION?

Grace: I appreciate the sacred nature of this area of the law, where clients are contemplating their life, death and legacy.

Sam: I am a second-generation estate planning attorney, and all my life I’ve seen the amazing personal impact you can have on someone’s life. There is a very brief moment in some people’s lives when their estate planning attorney becomes one of the most important people in their life. It’s an absolute honor and a truly humbling experience to be that person for others in those moments.

Eric: I initially worked in corporate America, which did not provide enough of an intellectual challenge. Thankfully, being an estate attorney provides more than enough. Aside from connecting with clients, I also enjoy the entrepreneurial and business development aspects of owning a business.

WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE THAT MANY CLIENTS INITIALLY RESIST?

Many clients resist the advice to plan their estate because of the fear of confronting their mortality or stressful family dynamics. They may also be uncomfortable discussing their level of wealth or knowledge about financial matters. Our firm is comprised of attorneys and staff who make it easy and safe to discuss estate planning. We encourage our clients to view estate planning as a lifelong journey and that their plans can be changed to accommodate each chapter of their story.

WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE?

All the partners are board-certified in estate planning, trust and probate law by the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. That means we each have a track record of handling diverse estate matters, passed a comprehensive exam demonstrating competence in our field and have been evaluated favorably by our attorney peers.

WHAT DO YOU THINK DISTINGUISHES AN AVERAGE ADVISOR FROM AN EXCEPTIONAL ONE?

An exceptional advisor is a humble teacher who can simplify complex concepts for their clients and invites questions without judgment. We strive to create a firm with clients who are empowered and in-the-know about trust and estate concepts and feel confident to share such knowledge with their neighbors.

• Estate, Gift & Charitable Planning

• Probate & Trust Administration

• Business Succession & Incorporation

• Family Office Services

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR YOUR YOUNGER CLIENTS?

It’s never too early for younger clients to start planning for incapacity or death. You don’t need to have amassed a certain amount of wealth to appoint a fiduciary to make financial or health care decisions if you are rendered incapable of doing so. It is empowering for younger clients to become financially literate, and a good entry point is meeting with an estate planning attorney.

HOW DO YOU PROVIDE PEACE OF MIND FOR CLIENTS?

Our Family Office program provides annual reviews of clients’ estate plan, amendments and ongoing assistance with titling of assets in their trust or designating beneficiaries of financial accounts, annuities and life insurance. This program provides clients a sense of stability knowing that the details of their estate planning is being tracked as laws and circumstances change.

CAN YOU ASSIST WITH CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS?

We enjoy working with clients who have charitable inclinations. We stand ready to advise them on the best way to provide gifts, whether that be during their lifetime or at death. We are also available to advise on setting up 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporations, donor-advised funds or private foundations.

WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR AT THE HOLIDAYS?

Grace: I am grateful that the holiday season gives us time to examine what we believe and where we put our faith. It is time where we can recalibrate for the New Year and incorporate more forgiveness, grace and love into our lives.

Sam: I get to visit my family in southern Florida over the holidays. It’s perhaps the only place in the USA with better weather than Southern California in December.

Eric: With so much turmoil and hostility in our nation and world, I hope that the holidays will cause us to reflect and then do whatever it takes to bring real lasting peace. There’s no doubt we would realize that we have much more in common if we got off our phones and start listening to each other.

Eton Bridge Insurance & Financial Solutions

Sherri Asadi, President /Principal

Sherri Asadi founded Eton Bridge Insurance & Financial Solutions in 2013 to assist clients with comprehensive solutions for their financial and insurance needs. Sherri, who has worked in risk management for nearly three decades, draws upon an array of professional talent including accounting and estate planning. Prior to establishing her firm, she earned a degree in risk management from New York University and held leadership positions with national and international corporations including Universal Studios, State Farm and Hilb Rogal and Hamilton.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THIS PROFESSION?

My husband was an international executive. While traveling for his company in a taxi from the airport, he was hit by an intoxicated driver. This eventually ended his life and the lives of several others. I had to go up against the insurance carriers and battle for his entitlements. It was shocking to experience the immense complexities and trials I had to go through to ensure his rights and care. My family survived economically because of my education and perseverance. I realized how horrific it is for people who navigate these lifechanging situations without an educated advocate. Out of my traumatic experience I created Eton Bridge, a company whose primary mission is to protect people from the unexpected disasters we don’t want to think about and to ensure that insurance carriers live up to the letter of their contracts. It is said that something good must arise from the worst situations.

WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE?

My work is about protecting my clients and their families as well as their hard-earned generational assets and wealth. I specialize in synthesizing complex, multidimensional information to develop actionable, effective solutions for intricate challenges.

WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED FROM ADVISING OTHERS?

That one must understand the myriad of facets that impact another—their priorities, lifestyle and demands set upon them—to truly offer meaningful advice. You must walk in their shoes and comprehend their reality.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE PROVIDING ADVICE WITH RESPECTING A CLIENT’S VALUES AND PREFERENCES?

To provide guidance, I start by deep listening. I take time to understand my client’s priorities, lifestyle, fears and motivations. I ask open-ended questions and listen for the values beneath the words—for example, a preference for stability, privacy or legacy. I pay close attention to and respect cultural, spiritual or personal sensitivities. I summarize their priorities back to them to confirm

Highlights

• Holistic Concierge Service

• Risk Management Expertise

• Tailored Insurance Programs

• National & International Coverage

that I understand what truly is valuable to them. I look to involve them in crafting the risk plan by laying out all the options, features and benefits with full transparency. To inform and educate is the goal. To empower, not to dominate.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR YOUR YOUNGER CLIENTS?

Live your life with intention. Start early building a foundation that is strong, grounded and true to who you are. The choices you make today shape the freedom you’ll have tomorrow—or lack thereof. Remember that working for the corporate world isn’t the only path to success. There is incredible fulfillment in creating something of your own—in harnessing your entrepreneurial spirit, thinking beyond convention and daring to take calculated risks. Small ventures can become great legacies when fueled by vision, resilience and heart. Be the architect. Lay your plans, and put the right tools to work for you.

TELL US SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW.

Having lived through great hardship myself, I’ve come to understand deeply and personally the many forms adversity can take and the lasting ways it can affect every part of a person’s life. That experience has shaped in me a rare ability to recognize not just the practical but the emotional and human dimension of loss and uncertainty. Out of that understanding, my mission was born to help defend the legacies built, to anticipate and mitigate the devastation that unforeseen disasters can bring, and to give people the strength and tools to rebuild their lives.

WHAT

IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?

Success is the ability to meaningfully safeguard the security, dignity and aspirations of others by using my knowledge, integrity and foresight to preserve what they’ve worked hard to build and what they hope to achieve. Success is the trust I inspire, the peace of mind I provide and the resilience I help others to maintain in the face of uncertainty and catastrophe.

Baker, Burton & Lundy, PC

Baker, Burton & Lundy is a law firm that assists clients with a wide range of practice areas—including personal injury, estate planning, business law, real estate, employment law and civil litigation. Brad Baker and Kent Burton started the firm in 1976, and Albro Lundy became a partner in 1997. The team also includes partners Evan Koch, Clint Wilson and Brian Selogie; attorneys Mary Korkodian and Rolando Gutierrez; and longtime paralegal and administrative staff members.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM.

We are known for combining big-firm expertise with small-town personal service. Our respected attorneys have earned over $4 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Many of our support staff members have been with BB&L for 10 or 20 years or more. We value the time and effort required to produce long-term, quality legal work. This is reflected in our decades-long relationships with clients.

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO ESTABLISH TRUST WITH NEW CLIENTS?

Trust begins with listening. Clients need to feel heard, understood and respected, and we work hard to communicate clearly and honestly from the start. Follow-through and transparency also build lasting trust.

WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED FROM ADVISING OTHERS?

The most valuable lesson is that no two clients are the same. Taking the time to understand their unique goals, concerns and life circumstances leads to better outcomes than a one-size-fits-all approach.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THIS PROFESSION?

We wanted to be problem-solvers for people at pivotal moments in their lives. The ability to protect clients, their families and their businesses while guiding them through complicated legal matters is both challenging and rewarding.

WHAT’S A MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOUR FIELD?

That lawyers are only here to fight in court. While we’re skilled litigators, much of our work involves preventing disputes, resolving issues before they escalate and finding practical solutions that protect clients’ best interests.

WHAT DO YOU THINK DISTINGUISHES AN AVERAGE ADVISOR FROM AN EXCEPTIONAL ONE?

An exceptional advisor takes the extra step to truly understand not just the legal matters, but the person behind it. They anticipate needs, communicate clearly and always keep the client’s long-term interests in mind.

• Personal Injury

• Estate Planning & Trusts

• Business & Real Estate

• Employment Law

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

We’d change the perception that legal services have to feel intimidating. The law is complex, but with the right advisor, it can be approachable and empowering instead of overwhelming.

HOW DO YOU STAY GROUNDED AND AVOID BURNOUT?

We balance hard work with deep roots in our community. Giving back, mentoring, happy hours, and spending time with family and friends help us keep perspective and sustain our passion for the law.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR WORK MAKE OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE?

We help individuals and businesses feel secure, protected and supported so they can thrive. Our firm also supports local nonprofits, schools and events, keeping the South Bay strong and connected. We’re big fans and often proud sponsors of the annual tree lightings and holiday concerts throughout the South Bay.

GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS.

From Albro’s award-winning blood donations and Brad’s H.E.L.P. chairmanship (nonprofit for seniors) to coaching youth sports for decades and sponsoring community events like Lemonade Day and the Skechers Pier to Pier Walk, we’re committed to supporting causes that strengthen and uplift our community.

WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR THIS SEASON?

We are grateful for our loyal clients, our dedicated team and the trust this community has placed in us for over four decades. Serving Hermosa Beach and the greater South Bay continues to be a privilege.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal counsel. This article provides general information about the law, which may differ by jurisdiction and is subject to change. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this article or by contacting our firm through this website. Readers should consult with qualified legal counsel before taking any action based on this information.

Regatta Capital Group® • Trusted

Founded in 2007, Regatta Capital Group® is an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm that provides fiduciary wealth management advice to families, business owners, group 401(k) plans and endowments. The $1.6 billion* firm offers financial planning, investment management and multifamily office services to professionals, business owners, retirees, nonprofits and families across 40 states and several countries, with particularly deep roots in the South Bay. Regatta Capital Group®’s four managing partners—Russell Mohberg, Spencer Kelly, Nick Ozer and Britt Joyce—have more than 70 years of combined industry experience.

WHAT IS THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE BEHIND REGATTA CAPITAL GROUP®?

To do right by the client. Our team’s culture is built on this principle. For example, every team member has read Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles. We don’t just want satisfied clients, but we want clients passionate about our service model. Every decision, recommendation and action is grounded in our ethical and fiduciary responsibilities to serve the client. We continuously improve our multifamily office to deliver everything we want for our own families and friends, then share it with a limited number of like-minded clients.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOUR FIRM'S CLIENTRELATIONSHIP MODEL?

You are the CEO, and we are your CFO. We are the quarterback of your financial team, here to keep you organized, build financial statements, plan for retirement, help you through business sales, family dynamics, children, grandchildren, tax planning and estate planning.

WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO INVESTMENTS AND THE UNIQUE ASPECTS YOU BRING FORWARD?

We use ultra-low-cost ETFs for broad market exposure and then add top-tier managers for private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, farmland and venture capital. We also manage inhouse stock portfolios as an added layer of expertise and valueadd. We invest with tax-awareness, but the tail does not wag the dog; total return after-tax, after-fees is what matters.

HOW IS THE FIRM ROOTED IN THE SOUTH BAY?

We planted our flag on Rosecrans (across from Bristol Farms) 18 years ago. Most of our firm’s team members live and work in the South Bay, with some having lived their whole lives in Hermosa and Manhattan Beach. We have built wonderful relationships with generations of families, businesses and nonprofits—like one of our longtime favorites, Mychal’s Learning Place.

My Local List

Favorite Run: The Chip Trail

Favorite Breakfast: Mitch’s Scramble

Favorite Surf Spot: Marine Avenue, MB

Best Dentist: The Ozers

WHAT’S A COMMON MISCONCEPTION YOU’D LIKE TO CLEAR UP ABOUT FIRMS LIKE YOURS?

We heard a business manager once say, “You guys are all pretty much the same, but we work with you because we like you.” That is nice and we appreciate it, but after looking at competitors’ statements for 18 years, we can tell you that we aren’t all the same. There is a wide range of fees, service levels, financial planning acumen and investment capabilities.

LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT NEW INITIATIVE OR DIRECTION EXCITES YOU FOR THE NEXT YEAR?

We are excited to develop our co-intelligence service model as AI becomes our partner. And we are looking forward to adding one of the top private equity managers in the country that recently opened to qualified purchasers in a very investor-friendly structure. We would like to add one or two more CFP® professionals to our South Bay team to work with our growing clientele.

WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED FROM ADVISING OTHERS?

Not every financial decision is black or white; often the answer lies in the middle. The math needs to be weighed together with what makes the client happiest, stress-free or most fulfilled. Here at Regatta®, we have our own internal book club, and earlier this year we read The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom. And you guessed it: Wealth is not only defined by our financial status, but it is also defined by our mental and physical health, as well as the time we have available to us and the community of friends and family close to us. A great advisor knows their client in a truly personal way, because the best advice is holistic. If taking the promotion increases your income 10% but decreases the time you spend with your kids by 50%, is it truly worth it? If reducing taxes slightly gives you significantly less control of your money, is that really the best solution? The answers are always custom for each client’s personal situation—and that is where we excel.

Disclaimer: Past performance does not predict future results. Investments are not bank guaranteed and may lose money. *AUM as of 9/30/25.

ManhattanBeach.law

Jeff Briggs, Managing Partner

Jeff Briggs has been a civil litigator and transactional attorney in California for over 30 years and now brings that experience to the South Bay at ManhattanBeach.law. He has assembled a team of attorneys and legal professionals to provide legal services exclusively to their South Bay clients. Jeff became a member of the California State Bar in 1993.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN ATTORNEY?

My mom and dad were college sweethearts at UCLA, and my mom had me when she was super young—19. She raised me as a single mom. We moved around quite a lot, and I went to a different school just about every year. One real constant growing up was my grandparents. Starting when I was probably 8 or 9, once a year my grandfather would sit me down for the same talk: “Jeff, I know you are just a young man, but you need to start thinking about your profession and whether it’s medicine or law—either one is fine with me.” It’s a bit funny to think about that now (we now have a 9-year-old). But he really did put in my mind only those two choices, and I carried that with me. I had the great opportunity to go to UCLA and play one year of baseball, but after my first biology class, I knew that law was going to be the best choice for me. Also, in high school I was asked to speak at our graduation ceremony. Leading up to the speech, I was so nervous I couldn’t eat or sleep, but as soon as I stepped up to the podium, I felt a calmness. That has continued through my career as a litigator. I still get pregame excitement before trial or an important motion, but I love it when the game starts.

DESCRIBE A DIFFICULT BUT GOOD DECISION YOU MADE IN YOUR LEGAL CAREER.

Right out of law school, in my mid-20s, I was grinding away as a young associate at a large law firm. I was working hard, long, late hours but also having the time of my life. One of my first clients was a start-up with an exciting new technology. As the company grew, they asked me to come on board full time. It was a super tough call. I was on a great “track” at the law firm, and leaving meant giving up a secure, stable position for no salary and complete uncertainty. I knew if I left the firm, there would be no going back. But my intuition said go for it, and I did.

HOW DID THAT WORK OUT?

Fortunately, great. My position at the new company grew to general counsel and eventually partner. My 20-year experience with that company was wonderful, and it enabled me to develop leadership and legal skills from highly complex transactions and every form of civil litigation imaginable. It is this experience in leading a legal department and 30+ years of transactional and litigation

Highlights

• Exceptional Legal Services

• Efficient, Cost-Effective

• Award-Winning Legal Team

• Full-Service, One-Stop Shop

expertise that we now bring to our valued South Bay clients at ManhattanBeach.law.

WHY DID YOU START MANHATTANBEACH.LAW?

To be the one-stop shop for all the legal needs of our valued South Bay clients. I formed ManhattanBeach.law as a brand-new, innovative law practice committed to providing the highest-quality legal services exclusively to our South Bay clients, all at an exceptional value. I’m extremely proud of the group of outstanding, award-winning attorneys and legal professionals we’ve assembled exclusively for our South Bay clients at ManhattanBeach.law. And importantly, the consultation is always absolutely free.

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO ESTABLISH TRUST WITH NEW CLIENTS?

Without question, transparency and honesty. Unfortunately, far too often attorneys tell their clients what they want to hear, a best-case outcome, rather than advising them on the most probable result based on applying the facts to the law. What happens next? The client sets their expectations on a best-case outcome, locks into that position and pays a massive amount of attorneys’ fees pursuing an unrealistic and unlikely outcome—only to reach a conclusion months or years later that could and should have been reached early on. In this situation, there is only one winner—the lawyer—who hauled in huge attorneys’ fees for completely unproductive and non-result-oriented legal services. As we see it, our job is to get in, solve the problem favorably and efficiently, and get out.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LIFE OUTSIDE WORK.

We have two wonderful boys, ages 9 and 11. I became a dad later in life, and my friends with older children always tell me to enjoy these years, which I feel super fortunate to be able to do. Our family loves to travel, and I am happy to share my love of the beach and the mountains with our boys. I’m also a pilot and enjoy cycling, motocross, climbing, skiing and surfing.

Mai Park Capital | Pence Wealth Management

Mai Park, CPWA®, Founder

With more than 20 years of experience in private wealth management, Mai Park works with engineers, executives and families from companies like Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX and Tesla. She founded Mai Park Capital, in partnership with Pence Wealth Management, and specializes in developing wealth strategies tailored to the unique compensation structures and financial challenges of the aerospace and technology industries.

As a managing director at Pence Wealth Management, Mai is backed by an advisory team that manages over $2.5 billion1 in client assets and offers comprehensive services in retirement planning, tax strategy, estate coordination and investment management. She was recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM.

I founded Mai Park Capital to gain the freedom to create fully customized portfolios for clients, and to access a breadth of investment vehicles. Partnering with Pence Wealth Management gives me access to an actively managed and tax-harvesting platform.

WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE?

Goals-based wealth planning. I create personalized strategies that align every financial decision with a client’s life goals. Rather than focusing solely on market movements or short-term performance, I help clients define what truly matters to them—whether that’s retirement readiness, funding education or leaving a legacy—and then design tax-efficient, diversified portfolios to support those objectives. It’s about turning wealth into a tool for living with purpose.

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?

Seeing my clients achieve financial freedom that inspires them to share their experience with others. My practice has grown organically through referrals. To me, that trust and word-of-mouth growth reflect the greatest measure of success: helping clients feel confident enough in their own financial journey to recommend me to their colleagues and friends.

TELL US ABOUT A TRANSFORMATION THAT YOU’VE MADE TO ENHANCE YOUR WORK.

Earning the prestigious certified private wealth advisor (CPWA®) designation from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business was truly transformative. It deepened my understanding of advanced wealth management strategies and strengthened my commitment to serving clients with greater technical and ethical excellence. The program elevated how I approach complex financial decisions and empower clients to make them with confidence.

• Wealth Management

• Retirement Planning

• Tax-Efficient Strategies

• Portfolio Construction

WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED FROM ADVISING OTHERS?

True wealth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about purpose. Clients' goals, values and life experiences shape their definition of financial success. My role is to listen deeply, understand what matters to them and build strategies that align their wealth with their lifestyle.

HOW DO YOU ESTABLISH TRUST WITH NEW CLIENTS?

Trust is earned through consistency, transparency and genuine care. We start by listening and understanding what truly matters to each client before offering any advice. Education and clarity are key. When clients understand the “why” behind their strategy, confidence naturally follows. And above all, we lead with integrity. Every recommendation we make is guided by our fiduciary duty to put clients’ best interests first.

WHAT DISTINGUISHES AN AVERAGE ADVISOR FROM AN EXCEPTIONAL ONE?

Genuine care, active listening and a deep understanding of clients' goals and values. Exceptional advisors go beyond portfolio management. They’re dynamic and responsive to changing market conditions—seeking to capture growth while managing risk. By combining empathy with adaptability and disciplined risk management, they help clients stay confident through all market cycles.

TELL US SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW.

I began my career as a high school biology teacher after earning my biology degree from Cal Poly Pomona. Teaching taught me the importance of patience and that knowledge is not uniform. Helping others understand both simple and complex concepts are the foundation for managing decision paralysis. I still view myself as an educator at heart.

Beach Cities Estate Law

Angela Bellanca Klenk, Founding Attorney

Beach Cities Estate Law specializes in estate planning and administration for high-net-worth families. Founding attorney Angela Bellanca Klenk began her career in 1994 working at a prominent downtown law firm before opening her firm in the South Bay in 2015. She is designated by The State Bar of California as a certified specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ESTATE PLANNERS?

Few local estate planners have experience in navigating complex tax issues. There are many ways to save taxes in connection with your estate, and it’s not just about estate taxes. Recent changes in the law make income/capital gains taxation and property taxes much more important than they had been in the past. We ask the right questions to determine if our clients can benefit from planning in those areas, and implement strategies to help them take advantage of opportunities.

Clients appreciate that I explain things clearly without talking over their heads or skipping the important details. I take the time to really listen, and I make sure they never leave a meeting confused or overwhelmed. But I also love diving into the fine print because in high-end estate planning, those little legal and tax details can make a huge difference.

Every family is different, and we tailor each plan to reflect that. We work with all kinds of situations—blended families, aging parents, special-needs kids, family businesses—and we take the time to get it right. Nothing we do is one-size-fits-all. We’re also known for being really efficient. We don’t just give advice; we get it done.

WHAT KINDS OF CLIENTS DO YOU SERVE BEST?

Our clients are people who care deeply about their families and want to leave things in good order for them. That could be a busy doctor with young kids, a retired couple thinking about the next generation or someone recently divorced trying to make sure their wishes are clear. Many are executives, entrepreneurs or real estate investors. Some are in second marriages and need to balance the needs of their current spouse and their adult children. Others are caring for aging parents or planning for special-needs dependents.

Most of our clients are referred by trusted professionals—financial planners and advisors, CPAs and other lawyers—because they know we’ll take great care of their clients. Whether a client has $5 million or $50 million in assets, we help them feel confident, secure and supported.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

The best part is seeing the relief on someone’s face when we finish

• Estate Planning

• Trust & Estate Administration

• Property Tax Planning

• Gift & Estate Tax Planning

their plan. They often say, “I’ve been meaning to do this for years. I can’t believe how easy you made it.” Giving people that peace of mind, knowing their family will be protected and things will go smoothly—that’s why I do this.

WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE LOOK FOR IN AN ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY?

An estate planning lawyer who takes time to understand your goals, family dynamics and values. Pick someone who listens well, explains things clearly and doesn’t make you feel like you’re asking dumb questions. Credentials help too. A certified specialist is a good sign that they really focus on this area of law. But mostly you want someone thorough, trustworthy and easy to work with.

WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE CALL YOU?

Any major life event is a good reason to get your plan in place or updated: marriage or divorce, birth or adoption, buying a home, starting or selling a business, receiving an inheritance or planning for aging parents. Even if nothing huge has changed but you realize you don’t have a plan—or it’s been years since you looked at it—that’s a great time to call. We’ll walk you through it all; it’s quite painless, actually.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE ROLE OF TRUSTED ADVISORS EVOLVING IN THE FUTURE?

As our population ages and more families are using trusts, we are unfortunately seeing a significant rise in trust and estate litigation. This trend underscores the growing importance of working with a trusted advisor. On the planning side, we anticipate potential issues and craft plans that withstand scrutiny. Avoiding probate does not mean you can avoid legal guidance; trust administration still involves complex steps and legal obligations. By working with an experienced and trusted advisor in administering a trust or estate, you position yourself for success by ensuring that the process is handled properly, minimizing conflict and reducing the risk that your family’s private affairs end up in the courtroom.

Navigoe Wealth Management

Scott Leonard, CFP® , Owner/Founder

Certified financial planner Scott Leonard founded Navigoe Wealth Management in 1996 to serve as a fiduciary, feeonly wealth management firm for business owners and families. A graduate of UCLA with a degree in economics, Scott began his career in financial services working with a major brokerage and insurance firm before becoming the national education manager for one of the first index-based investment firms in the United States. Scott authored the book The Liberated CEO and contributes to major financial media including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Time.

WHAT’S A MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOUR FIELD?

A common misconception is that financial planning is all about picking investments, when it’s really about helping people achieve clarity, confidence and long-term success across every aspect of their financial lives. Financial planners provide integrated guidance for everything from retirement and estate planning to tax strategy and cash flow management. At Navigoe, the goal is to empower clients to make informed decisions and chart a steady

course toward their biggest goals. Effective planning means having a trusted partner who brings expertise, perspective and a holistic approach to lifelong prosperity.

WHAT DOES THE NAME NAVIGOE MEAN?

“Navigo” is Latin for “navigate” or “to sail”—specifically, “to navigate a sailboat across oceans.” At Navigoe we believe that we serve as our clients’ financial navigators, helping them achieve their goals and doing so in a secure and enjoyable manner.

WHAT IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST FOR 2026?

For 2026, Navigoe’s focus is on expanding the ways we help clients achieve true prosperity. Our top goals are to introduce inhouse tax preparation services to complement our comprehensive financial and tax planning, and to launch Navigoe’s first ETF, designed to optimize after-tax investment performance. These initiatives will deepen our commitment to integrated, fiduciary wealth management. It’s an exciting next step in helping clients keep more of what they earn and invest more effectively for the future.

Chase Law Group, PC

DeAnn Flores Chase, Founder

Founded in 2007 by DeAnn Chase, Chase Law Group works with business and professional practice owners to create legal structures for sustainable growth and asset protection.

WHAT DO YOUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT YOU?

We are known as the “Go-To Law Firm for Business.” One of our many client testimonials states that their business “would not be successful today without the help and guidance of Chase Law Group. Not only did Chase Law Group help me open and properly structure my business, they’ve been by my side as my company has grown over the last seven years.”

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO BUSINESS OWNERS?

Scott Liner, Employment Attorney: Potential large exposure for wage and hour violations remains the greatest employment law challenge that employers face. Employers must take proactive measures to document their compliance with all applicable employment laws. They need to be diligent to ensure they are doing everything right.

Meehee Seo Franz, Corporate Attorney: Whether you are launching a new business, negotiating an acquisition or expanding your operations, strategic legal planning is essential to protecting what you’ve built. Our legal team delivers tailored corporate solutions that safeguard your interests and support your growth.

Brian Cole, Franchise Attorney: Business owners need to know that franchising their company is highly regulated and requires compliance with many overlapping laws and regulations. Those considering buying a franchise should ask for feedback from current franchisees of the brand. It is important to consult with an attorney with experience in franchise law to review the franchise.

Erica Stambler, Trademark/Copyright Attorney: Many businesses overlook their most valuable asset: their intellectual property. Registering a trademark for a business name, logo or tagline gives a business exclusive rights to use it for goods or services. This builds trust and credibility with customers and can provide a valuable asset when it comes time to sell the business.

Mioni Family Law, APC

Lovette Mioni, Owner/Principal Attorney

Mioni Family Law specializes in divorce, mediation, private judge hearings and trials, paternity matters and prenuptial agreements. Owner Lovette Mioni has practiced family law exclusively for the past 15 years and started the firm in 2015. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist through the State Bar of California—an achievement held by fewer than 2% of attorneys statewide.

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO ESTABLISH TRUST WITH NEW CLIENTS?

I believe trust begins with honesty and clarity. I make sure my clients understand the law, their options within those legal parameters and what outcomes are realistically achievable. I listen carefully to what they’re going through, but I’m also straightforward about what the law allows and what it doesn’t. Clients may not always hear what they want to hear, but they can always trust that I’ll tell them what they need to hear. That transparency builds confidence and helps clients make informed decisions during a time that is often emotional.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I would change the inefficiency of the court system. Family courts are incredibly congested, and it can take months— sometimes even years—to move a case forward. That delay adds stress and expense for families who are already going through a difficult time. Whenever possible, I encourage clients to utilize private judges. It’s a way to bypass the backlog and resolve cases much more efficiently.

WHAT DISTINGUISHES AN AVERAGE ADVISOR FROM AN EXCEPTIONAL ONE?

An exceptional advisor helps clients navigate the process with clarity, vision and efficiency. Family law can easily become overwhelming emotionally and financially, and it’s not uncommon for people to get lost in the weeds—spending time and money without making meaningful progress forward. What sets an exceptional advisor apart is the ability to see the big picture while staying focused on results. My goal is always to move cases forward efficiently, with a clear plan and realistic expectations, so clients can reach resolution and start the next chapter of their lives.

Stone & Sallus LLP

Stone & Sallus LLP is a full-service firm founded in 2015 by Jason Stone and Daniel Sallus. The practice focuses on both transactional and litigation work in business law, real estate, trusts and estates, and probate matters for individuals, families and businesses.

HOW DO YOU BUILD AND MAINTAIN LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS WITH CLIENTS?

Our relationship with our clients begins the moment they connect with a member of our team. From that first interaction, we prioritize clear communication and understanding each client’s unique needs and goals. We believe trust is built through transparency, responsiveness and consistently delivering thoughtful legal guidance tailored to their situation.

Throughout the course of their matter, and often well beyond, we stay engaged—providing updates, answering questions and offering support every step of the way. By fostering open dialogue and demonstrating genuine care, we cultivate strong, lasting relationships that enable us to serve as trusted advisors for years to come.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TEAM.

Our reputation is built on professionalism, integrity and results. From the intake process to the attorney and paralegal team handling the case, we are committed to providing the highest level of client service. As a result, our clients experience stronger teamwork, fresh perspectives and better outcomes for their cases. Stone & Sallus is truly fortunate to have excellent attorneys and staff members who are committed to our clients and achieving the best results.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR FIRM GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?

Our firm is proud to give back through a variety of community service projects each year. In the spring, we host a food pantry drive. In the summer, we collect school supplies for students. In the winter, we organize a toy drive. We are committed to supporting South Bay organizations that help individuals facing challenges as they work toward stability. We believe everyone deserves a helping hand when they need it most, and we’re proud that our firm contributes every year.

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Shiny Tears

GELATO MAMA REFLECTS ON HER FAVORITE HOLIDAY GIFTS—BOTH GIVEN AND RECEIVED.

Written by Emily Tecklenburg

The best Christmas gift I ever received was my American Girl doll, Molly.

The year was 1989, and I was a fourth grader sporting a fresh pair of red-framed glasses. The American Girl dolls were everywhere. These were simpler times, however, and only three dolls were available: Samantha, the rich orphan; Kirsten, the pioneer; and Molly, the one who stole my heart because she also wore glasses.

Is there a greater reason for a love story? No. There is not.

I desperately coveted Molly, but I knew she was expensive—even in 1989 dollars. On that Christmas morning, as I opened a rectangle-shaped box to reveal that bespectacled girl, I began to cry in astonishment. I looked over to my mom, her eyes shiny with tears, and I knew it was probably one of the best gifts she ever received as well.

As a mom, I’ve had these moments with my kids. We always spent a lot of time at the bookstore when they were little, and in the throes of my son’s wild obsession with Go, Diego, Go!, he found a book shaped like Diego’s computer. Each trip, he’d find it and sit with it in wonder … and made sure to let me know he had asked Santa for it.

He opened that gift on Christmas morning with quiet wonderment, almost in disbelief that Santa delivered this to him. I watched with my own shiny tears, not knowing

what was more magnificent: his pure joy for such a simple gift or the beauty of him believing in magic.

While my son has always been a bit of a spartan, my daughter loves stuff. Stuff over here, stuff over there, stuff everywhere. Her Christmas list was always a hilarious reflection of that: farting golf balls, Mexican Coke in a bottle, a “real” astronaut helmet, Trader Joe’s chocolate, French lessons, Biofreeze roll-on. Hunting gear made an interesting repeat appearance, as did packing cubes and multiple pairs of Air Jordan shoes.

But as much as she loves to drown in a sea of gift wrapping, she also happens to be the most thoughtful, loving gift giver. One of my favorites was a Caboodles straight from my childhood, stuffed with little things that made her think of me. I opened it with shiny tears. A gift made of love. Sponsored by Target.

A few years ago, we were visiting my family for Christmas. All the gifts had been opened, but then my mom handed me a rectangle-shaped box. A Lucky Strike Extra, I asked? I opened it to reveal my Molly, who had long lost her glasses but had been sent to the American Girl Doll Hospital to replace her arm that had fallen off and have her hair brushed out.

Together, my mom and I cried again with shiny tears. A gift given with love will endure a lifetime. Enjoy a lifetime of love this holiday season. ■