Southern California Life Magazine_Summer 2026

Generations of Fun and Happiness in Pismo Beach.

For decades, Pismo Beach has been a happiness haven. Its golden sands and gentle waves soothe souls, while nearby wineries and top-notch restaurants tempt taste buds. Kids play on the beach, surfers chase the waves, and couples savor sunsets. The town’s laid-back vibe, turns every visit into a joyful escape. In Pismo Beach, happiness isn’t just a feeling— it’s the rhythm of the tide and the taste of the region.

24 COVER STORY

CALIFORNIA GOLD

FEATURES

33-60

THE SOCAL 25 ICONS OF INFLUENCE

Extraordinary individuals, through leadership, innovation and vision, are helping to de ne the future of our region.

73-78

MONIQUE REIDY

How “ e Bold and the Beautiful” Became LA’s Longest Love Story BY

DESERT DREAMS e best dreams are desert dreams. BY LAUREN

STURMAN

A GRAND SUMMER ESCAPE

Where classic summer camp meets luxury resort living.

This summer, discover endless family fun with daily Camp Hyatt activities, waterslides, sandy beach-style pools, dive-in movies, interactive entertainment, and unforgettable Scottsdale memories.

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

• Daily Camp Hyatt Activities & Family Adventures

• Waterslides, H2Oasis & Beach-Style Pools

• Dive-In Movies, Cosmic Nights & Live Entertainment

• Arts, Crafts, Archery & Outdoor Games

• Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks

• Mini Golf, Poolside Fun & More

Book your Grand Summer Escape and experience the nostalgia of summer camp with the luxury of Scottsdale’s premier resort destination. grandhyattscottsdaleresort.com

KIDS EAT FREE

June 1 – August 31

Receive one complimentary children’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée at participating resort restaurants.

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SUMMER STAYS Use Code: 20OFF

HOME & DESIGN

110 THE GOLDEN STATE OF GOOD DESIGN OFF THE BEATEN PATH

62 BIRCH AQUARIUM UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography

SIGNATURE & LANDMARKS

16 AFTER 90 YEARS, THE QUEEN MARY IS STILL A DINING DESTINATION BY MICHELE STUEVEN

20 INSIDE THE CHIC NEW VINYL ROOM AT THE HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM BY MICHELE STUEVEN REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP

106 ROOTED IN THE PALISADES: A HOME BUILT FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER

THE GOURMAND

66 FIFTY YEARS OF SMILEY’S: e hot dog stand that became Westlake Village BY NICOLE POLLASTRINI

70 FROM BEIRUT TO BATUMI, CHEF ROSE PREVITE DEFINES WOMEN’S HISTORY AT THE MAYDAN MARKET BY MICHELE STUEVEN

HOLLYWOOD California

Few landmarks carry the weight of a dream quite like the Hollywood Sign, and its story is far more colorful than most visitors realize. Originally erected in 1923 as a glowing, bulb-lit billboard advertising a real estate development called Hollywoodland, the sign was never meant to be permanent. By the 1970s, the sign had fallen into serious disrepair. A Hugh Hefner-organized fundraiser, where donors essentially purchased individual letters, allowed it to be saved and rebuilt in 1978. Today, the sign stands silent and unlit, while its 45-to-50-foot letters are watching over the city from a respectful distance, accessible only by trail. Yet, hiking those hills for a glimpse of it remains one of Southern California’s most enduring rituals, proving that some landmarks don't need to be lit up to shine. v

PUBLISHER

Lauren Sturman

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Monique Reidy

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Antoni Pham

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bridget Graham, Paul Kalil, Nicole Pollastrini, Niki Chopra Richardson, Michele Stueven, Lauren Sturman

WEBMASTERS / DIGITAL SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT

Mike Kaiser, Karen Kaiser www.searanchimages.com

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

Monique Reidy

COPY EDITOR

Bridget Graham

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

Steve Bliman

BOOKKEEPER I Do Books 4 You, Westlake Village

CIRCULATION CONSULTANT

Doug Bitto

LEGAL COUNSEL

Edward Corey, Esq.

SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER

Janine Goldberg

SUBSCRIPTIONS info@socallifemag.com

ADVERTISING ads@socallifemag.com

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE MAGAZINE P.O. Box 1435 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Tel: 805-849-7014 www.socallifemag.com

2026

MasterpieceSERIES

Rachmaninoff & Gershwin

Sat., Jan. 24, 2026 | Sun., Jan. 25, 2026

Michael Christie, conducto | Janice Carissa, piano

Smith/Key | The Star-Spangled Banner

Sousa | Stars and Stripes Forever March

Rachmaninoff | Piano Concerto No.2, C minor, Op. 18

Gershwin | Suite from Porgy and Bess

Mozart and American Voices

Sat., Mar. 7, 2026 | Sun., Mar. 8, 2026

Michael Christie, conductor

Angels Vocal Art, Kristof Van Grysperre, artistic director

New West Symphony Chorus, Dr. Wyant Morton, director

Mozart | The Marriage of Figaro (Selections)

Selections from Bernstein’s Candide, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, hits by Sondheim, Copland, and more!

Bernstein, Brahms & Blues

Sat., Apr. 11, 2026 | Sun., Apr. 12, 2026

Michael Christie, conductor | Tai Murray, violin

Ravel/Miloradovic | Blues for string orchestra

Bernstein | West Side Story Suite for Violin and Orchestra

Brahms | Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68

Beethoven & Copland

Sat., Oct. 3, 2026 | Sun., Oct. 4, 2026

Francesco Lecce-Chong, conductor director

Los Robles Children’s Choir, Emma Roche, director

Beethoven | Symphony No.1 in C Major, Op. 21

Copland | Old American Songs

Copland | Appalachian Spring

Symphony Goes to Cirque

Sat., Nov. 7, 2026 | Sun., Nov. 8, 2026

Michael Christie, conductor | Troupe Vertigo

Back by popular demand, symphonic favorites pair with feats of strength and agility.

Too Hot to Handel

Sat., Dec. 5, 2026 | Sun., Dec. 6, 2026

Michael Christie, conductor

New West Symphony Chorus, Dr. Wyant Morton, director

Alfreda Burke, soprano | Rodrick Dixon, tenor Handel, arr. Christianson/Anderson | The Gospel Messiah

“...perhaps the jazziest, most soulful reinterpretation of Handel’s Messiah you’ll ever hear.” - New York Post

Monique Reidy EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Summer has always been about possibility: the open road, the unhurried morning, the sense that something good is just around the corner. This issue is built on that feeling.

We begin where you might least expect it. The desert. Not the obvious summer destination, I know. But Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Scottsdale have a way of changing your mind. There is something enticing about the desert, something in the stillness of Joshua Tree’s ancient landscape, the poolside elegance of Palm Springs, and Scottsdale’s effortless blend of luxury and turquoise-hued sky that melts away the daily noise and hectic way of life. Our Desert Dreams section makes the case beautifully.

For those drawn elsewhere this summer, we have Hawaii, Dominican Republic, a luxury ship, and a swanky dude ranch that delivers every bit of what it promises. And for those spending the season close to home, Vinyl Room at Hollywood Palladium, and The Queen Mary celebrating her 90th anniversary, remind us that Southern California, at its best, has no competition.

This summer issue features “The Bold and the Beautiful” on our cover because the show captures the glamour, emotion and staying power of Southern California storytelling like no other. As it nears its 40th anniversary, this favored daytime drama remains a cultural touchstone, one that has entertained generations with its signature mix of family intrigue, romance and high-fashion drama. The cover story celebrates not only the show’s legacy, but the cast and creative team who have kept it vibrant, relevant and iconic.

We are also proud to honor 25 Icons of Influence in this issue. Men and women who have risen to the top of their fields through persistence, vision and hard work. Their stories are as inspiring as they are informative.

And finally, it is my great pleasure to introduce our new publisher, Lauren Sturman. She brings with her a wealth of experience, a sharp creative instinct, and a genuine love for the art of magazine making. In the twelve years since I launched this publication, I have had the privilege of working with many talented people. Lauren is among the very best. I could not be more thrilled to welcome her to our Southern California Life family as we step into this next chapter together. Spend some time with this issue. Let it remind you that summer, wherever you find it, is always worth savoring. v

ILauren Sturman PUBLISHER

f you had told me ten years ago that I would one day be writing this letter as publisher of Southern California Life, I’m not sure I would have believed you.

Back then, I met Editor-in-Chief Monique Reidy at a publishing conference, and I remember being immediately drawn to the magazine she had built. Southern California Life felt different. It celebrated not only the places that make this region beautiful, but also the people whose ideas, creativity and leadership shape our communities every day.

Today, it feels like a true full-circle moment to be leading the very publication I admired all those years ago, alongside the person who built it.

Southern California has always held a special place in my heart. After attending college in Los Angeles, I quickly fell in love with the energy of this city: the sense that anything is possible; big ideas are welcomed; and reinvention is always just around the corner. It is a place where creativity, ambition and opportunity intersect in a way that feels uniquely Southern Californian. While my career took me on an incredible journey, from launching my own magazine in Sacramento to leading premier publications in Scottsdale and Los Angeles, I always knew I wanted to return to true regional storytelling and the kind of publishing that celebrates the people and what makes a place extraordinary.

After all, the people have always been the best part of the story. Over the years, publishing has given me a front-row seat to some truly remarkable individuals. Their stories have taught me that influence isn’t about fame or recognition, it's about the impact we have on the lives of others.

This is why our annual Influence Issue feels especially meaningful.

In these pages, you’ll meet the leaders, innovators and changemakers featured in our Icons of Influence section, each making a lasting impact on Southern California in their own way. You’ll also find our cover story celebrating “The Bold and the Beautiful” as the iconic series marks 40 years on air. At a time when many productions have left California, creator Brad Bell and his team have remained committed to producing in Los Angeles, continuing to support the local talent and creative community that helped make this city a global entertainment capital.

If there’s one thing my journey has reinforced, it’s that the people we meet along the way often shape our future in ways we never expect. As I begin this new chapter, I look forward to sharing the stories of the remarkable people who continue to inspire me and who make Southern California unlike anywhere else in the world.

Until next issue, enjoy the sunshine, skip the traffic whenever possible, and have a wonderful summer! v

Los Angeles Go Red for Women Luncheon raises awareness, funds to support women’s heart health Event featured powerful survivor stories and called for action to help women live longer, healthier lives

> American Heart Association’s Los Angeles Go Red for Women Luncheon brought together more than 200 community leaders and supporters at Skirball Cultural Center on May 20 to shine a light on women’s heart health and raise critical funds for research, education and advocacy.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet fewer than half of women are aware of their risk. rough the Go Red for Women movement, the American Heart Association (AHA) is working to change that by empowering women with knowledge and support at every stage of life.

Betsy Hart, president and CEO of Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital, and a board member for AHA in Los Angeles, chaired for a second year. “It’s amazing to see our community show up in a powerful way ... we remind every woman that she does not have to face heart disease alone.”

e luncheon included one inspirational story a er another from heart disease and stroke survivors. Guests engaged in interactive experiences designed to encourage women to prioritize their heart health, from understanding risk factors to learning practical steps for prevention. Longtime supporter Patrese Kirsch of UCLA Health was honored with the Heart of Gold Volunteer Award in recognition of her years of dedication to raising awareness and funds for AHA’s mission.

Nearly half of women age 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Certain life stages, including pregnancy and menopause, can increase risk, yet women remain underrepresented in research and are less likely to receive lifesaving CPR from bystanders. Go Red for Women aims to close these gaps by providing trusted health information, supporting research focused on women and advancing equitable care for all women.

e Los Angeles luncheon is part of a nationwide movement supported nationally by CVS Health and locally by Dignity Health, UCLA Health, Cedars-Sinai, Invisalign and Jaime Hindlin, chair of the 2027 Los Angeles Go Red for Women movement. Southern California Life Magazine is the media sponsor. heart.org/LAGoRed

OC Women2Women Luncheon

> OC Women2Women welcomed 80 guests to a meaningful luncheon at Turnip Rose in support of Mariposa Women & Family Center, celebrating community impact, resilience and service. e organization presented a $5,000 donation to Mariposa and assembled 50 care bags for women participatingin the program, each lled with essentials including skincare products, toiletries, fuzzy socks, and toothbrush and oss kits for both adults and children, deodorant, lotion and reusable water bottles. e a ernoon featured a special Certi cate of Recognition presented by Newport Beach City Councilmember Robyn Grant, followed by an inspiring introduction of Mariposa CEO and Executive Director Dr. Krista Driver by Program Director Lauren Justice, who courageously shared her journey of overcoming a decade of homelessness and addiction. Driver was honored as OC Women2Women’s “Woman of the Year,” in recognition of her extraordinary leadership in transforming Mariposa from a $250,000 de cit een years ago into a thriving organization, with an annual budget exceeding $10 million. e award was presented by OC Women2Women President Karen Butera King. Guests also enjoyed an exciting ra e featuring 11 prizes valued between $100 and $500, a lively hat contest won byLauren Justice, and thoughtful gi s for every attendee courtesy of Home & Body and Bluemercury. v

AFTER 90 YEARS, THE QUEEN MARY IS STILL A DINING DESTINATION

BY MICHELE STUEVEN

When the Queen Mary ship, currently and permanently docked in Long Beach, originally set o on her maiden voyage from Southampton in England to New York in May of 1936, passengers dined on classic French-in uenced cuisine, featuring dishes like Honeydew Melon Glacé, Croutes-au-Pot au Perles (potato soup), turbot, braised chicken (Poulard de Braisée Belle Mère), Pommes Gar eld (French fries) and Fraises Chantilly.

Today, Kirt Finley, executive director of food and beverage, and Executive Chef Andre Lane have made the Long Beach landmark a dining destination once again with updates and nods to the nostalgic past.

As part of the ship’s extensive revitalization e orts, the menus across the seven dining areas are being reimagined. e latest addition is the Jubilee co ee shop, with a panoramic view of Long Beach, and lled with items highlighting Queen Mary’s history. It’s named a er the famous mural in the original Art Deco Observation Bar. e Jubilee leads into the Promenade Cafe, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with signature dishes like a short rib grilled cheese and a he y dessert menu that includes mud pie for two. e breakfast bu et opens every morning at 6:30 a.m. >>

“FURTHER

DOWN THE DECK, PAST THE NEW QUEEN MARY ART GALLERY FILLED WITH ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN TUCKED AWAY FOR DECADES, IS THE PERFECTLY PRESERVED OBSERVATION BAR.”

e Midship Marketplace has undergone a makeover, and now serves sliced subs and sandwiches to order, along with Lane’s signature creation, the Rivet Burger (he calls it the UFO burger). It’s a burger that’s been sealed shut with everything encapsulated inside the bun — lettuce, tomato, house-made thousand island dressing and cheese. A variety of atbreads includes the Boiler Room, a smoky combination of Italian sausage, mozzarella and caramelized onions topped with green onions.

Further down the deck, past the new Queen Mary art gallery lled with items that have been tucked away for decades, is the perfectly preserved Observation Bar. e Art Deco lounge serves small bites to accompany classic cocktails and live music underneath the custom mural over the rst-class bar titled “ e Royal Jubilee Week” by Alfred R. omson, a depiction of the 25th anniversary of the reign of King George V and Queen Mary.

In addition to stellar sh and chips sourced from local cod, the Chelsea Chowder House and Bar serves a cioppino over owing with clams, mussels, shrimp and lobster in a sa ron tomato broth and seafood towers. An a ernoon tea is served on weekends.

e Royal Sunday Brunch features bottomless mimosas and multiple food stations in the rst-class Grand Salon, where Captain James Sanders has been greeting passengers personally for 22 years in his full regalia. v

QUEEN MARY

1126 Queens Hwy.

Long Beach, CA 90802

(562) 435-3511

queenmary.com

INSIDE THE CHIC NEW VINYL ROOM AT THE HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM

BY MICHELE STUEVEN

vacant tenant space in the Hollywood Palladium has been transformed into the elegant new Vinyl Room, a rst-of-itskind lounge and dining destination that opens on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2027 as part of the ongoing renovation of the historic landmark on Sunset Blvd.

Inspired by Japanese hi- listening lounges in a stunning setting, the Vinyl Room is a two-year labor of love that reimagines the concert-night experience with acoustically tuned interiors and a music-driven food and cocktail program open exclusively to concertgoers to gather before, during and a er a show.

Lining the walls of the entrance are records of acts that go back to the venue’s 1940’s opening of the entrance, leading to a stunning space blanketed with even more records, historic photos, posters and a DJ to set the mood.  e lounge will be open on Hollywood Palladium show days, starting 90 minutes before doors open, and will remain open a er the show.

“THE STREAMLINE MODERNE, ART DECO STYLE PALLADIUM INCLUDES AN 11,200-SQUARE-FOOT DANCE FLOOR, MEZZANINE AND A FLOOR LEVEL, WITH ROOM FOR UP TO 4,000 PEOPLE.”

At rst glance, the menu might seem like your typical bar fare, but Chef Ryan DeRieux’s personal version of Asian classics is as elevated and avorful as Sean Kenyon’s bar program. Standouts include sushi tots, DeRieux’s take on the current crispy rice trend, chili crunch chicken wings with a deep, rich tofu interpretation of ranch dressing, and a 10-ounce American Wagyu skirt steak served with blistered shishito peppers, pickled cucumbers, charred carrots, and his signature Vinyl Room gochujang steak sauce.

e Japanese dessert staple, Taiyaki, is a playful shshaped croissant dough lled with strawberry jam and hazelnut chocolate spread that comes with chocolate sauce and passion fruit creme for dipping

Cocktails inspired by songs and sounds that have lled the auditorium include the rum-based “Golden Years” and a vodka-based “House of the Rising Sun.”  e “Super y” is a tall, tangy mix of Ruku gin and yuzu, and the Vinyl Room Old Fashioned highlights the bar’s elite selection of Japanese whiskeys. ere’s also a generous choice of zero-proof o erings. >>

“It was great to bring together music and cocktails,” third-generation bartender Kenyon told the crowd during the so opening. “ e theory behind Japanese mixology is beauty and simplicity, and yet complex on the palate. In the Vinyl Room, we’ll concentrate on highballs, sparkling long drinks that are inspired by the songs, that are sharp in some places and sweet in others.”

e streamline moderne, Art Deco style Palladium includes an 11,200-square-foot dance oor, mezzanine and a oor level, with room for up to 4,000 people. Since opening in 1940, it has seen a diverse lineup of acts from Tom Dorsey and Frank Sinatra to Bob Dylan, Megadeth, and Bad Religion. David Bowie’s 1973 show was the nal US performance of his Ziggy Stardust tour.

Richard Pryor performed two dates in 1981, which resulted in “Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip,” and the Palladium also served as the location for the nal concert scene in “ e Blues Brothers”  lm with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. v

1507 N El Centro Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90028

hollywoodpalladium.com

On July 11th, the historic Paramount Pictures Studios backlot transforms for the 51st Annual Concern Foundation Block Party. This legendary blockbuster event invites guests on a premier culinary adventure, featuring over 70 of Los Angeles’ finest restaurants and brands serving up an unparalleled selection of gourmet samples and specialty tastings.

The energy on the streets of the backlot will be electric, featuring interactive activations from our partners at Los Angeles magazine and non-stop energy across three stages of live musical entertainment

Whether you are testing your luck at casino-style gaming, bidding on one-of-a-kind experiences in our live and silent auctions, or exploring

FOOD

1212 Santa Monica

Arth Bar & Kitchen

Ayara Thai

Casablanca Restaurant & Catering

Cea-Lo LA

City Club Los Angeles

De Cecco

Dulan's on Crenshaw Soul Food

Restaurant

El Portal Restaurant

Emporium Thai

Factor's Famous Deli

Fresh Brothers

Fogo de Chao

Girl & the Goat LA Catering

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Häsi Bread

Hayama by WATAMI

Herb Alpert's Vibrato Grill & Jazz

Kindling Snacks

La Boheme

Le Shrimp Noodle Bar

Maple Block Meat Co.

Maria's Italian Kitchen

Miracle Noodle

Paradise Dynasty

Pink's Hot Dogs

Poppy + Rose

Ramen Tatsunoya

Settecento DTLA

Someone’s in the Kitchen

STK Steakhouse

That’s it.

The Grill on the Alley

Ubatuba Açaí

Uchi West Hollywood

Vegetarian Plus by Myrtle Greens

Wife and the Somm

DESSERT

Bertha Mae's Brownie Co.

Brique French Toastery

the many surprises around every corner, this immersive experience o ers something for every palate and passion.

But the evening’s true flavor is rooted in a powerful mission:

Conquering Cancer Now

For over five decades, the Concern Foundation has been a vital engine for scientific progress. By focusing on "seed money," the Foundation provides critical funding to innovative, early-career researchers allowing brilliant scientists to pursue high-risk, high-reward breakthroughs that traditional federal funding often overlooks.

With 90–95% of every dollar raised going directly to the laboratory bench, the Block Party isn't just LA’s favorite summer celebration—it’s a life-saving investment.

BUZZBAR Ice Cream

DeLuscious Cookies & Milk

Farm Fresh To You

Gluten Free Goddess Bakery

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Just Jan's

La Conversation Bakery

Mamala's Mandel Bread

Mychal’s Café & Bakery

The Fry Girl

The Gourmandise School

The To ee Twins

BEVERAGE

Acqua Panna

Ca e Luxxe

Chef de Tea

Comisario Tequila

Common Space Brewery

DUBA Tea

Dulce Vida Tequila

Duvel

Empress 1908 Gin

Knox & Dobson

Milagro Tequila

Pasquini Espresso Co.

San Pellegrino

Still Moon Moonshine

The Frozen Bean

Weaver’s Co ee and Tea

Yamazakura Japanese Whiskey

*Participants as of print deadline

For more information on Concern Foundation’s mission to conquer cancer, to purchase tickets or sponsorships, donate to the auct ion or to get involved go to: concernfoundation.org/block-party

How

“The Bold and the Beautiful” Became LA’s Longest Love Story

BY MONIQUE REIDY

There is something mesmerizing about a world where the lighting is always perfect, the cheekbones are always sharp, and the primary source of con ict is whether one should marry the son or his father. is is the enduring reality of “ e Bold and the Beautiful,” a daytime show that has been a staple on CBS for nearly 40 years. eir tally has surpassed nine thousand episodes, and there are approximately 25 million viewers in 50 countries (including the U.S.) who watch the show daily. Crowning it all, the show has amassed an astonishing collection of nearly 100 Daytime Emmy Awards.

“ e Bold and the Beautiful” is set in a place where Los Angeles is not just a backdrop but a primary character with its own motives. e show, at its core, is about beauty, ambition, and the tangled webs of very small, very wealthy communities. e Forrester family, the show’s anchor, built an empire on couture, and their lives are a parade of fashion shows, dramatic reveals and boardroom takeovers. John McCook, who has played patriarch Eric Forrester since the rst episode, has the calm, digni ed air of a man who has seen it all. Literally.

WHETHER A VIEWER IS IN ITALY OR AUSTRALIA OR SITTING IN A STUDIO APARTMENT IN SILVER LAKE, A FASHION SHOW SHOWDOWN IS A FASHION SHOW SHOWDOWN. IT IS THE INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE OF DRAMA.

Bradley Bell, whose parents, William J. and Lee Phillip Bell, created this world from scratch, is the show’s head writer and executive producer. He steers this ship with a steady hand, noting that it’s a family business on the screen, but it is also a family business behind the cameras.

“First and foremost, we need to celebrate that we’re a soap,” Bell said. “ ere’s melodrama that can be absurd and there’s silliness and over-thetop-ness, but it’s all part of the fun and so much of why audiences tune in.”

Bell understands that the glamour of Beverly Hills and the salt-swept beaches of Malibu are essential to the brand. “We love LA and it’s true to this day that the world continues to have a love a air with California and LA and that’s a big part of our success,” he said. “In the end, we are the longest running show about LA, set in LA, and produced in LA, that’s on the air.”

He suggests that the secret sauce of the show is a mixture of family and fashion. When an audience watches Katherine Kelly Lang as Brooke Logan or orsten Kaye as Ridge Forrester, they are watching people who have become more real to them than their own distant cousins. en there is the addition of the next generation, like Jacqueline MacInnes Wood’s Ste y Forrester and Tanner Novlan’s John “Finn” Finnegan, proving the cycle of beautiful people having beautiful problems is in nite. “And now, we’re also employing the next generation, their children on the show, and it’s hard to put into words how moving and gratifying that is,” Bell noted.

Bell has a theory about the show’s global success, and most would nd agreement. He believes that the themes of love, betrayal and redemption are universal. It turns out that a broken heart or a scandalous secret translates perfectly into every language. Whether a viewer is in Italy or Australia or sitting in a studio apartment in Silver Lake, a fashion show showdown is a fashion show showdown. It is the international language of drama.

“I’m the proudest of the team,” Bell said. “People working with us for decades have put all their creativity and love in front of the camera and behind the camera, [and] into the show. ey’ve dedicated their lives to it.” One such longtime team member, executive producer Casey

Kasprzyk started his history with the show by answering phones; and that slow climb through every department of a production that has been running longer than some of its viewers have been alive, is something no title can replace. He now holds the position that for 38 years belonged exclusively within the Bell family. He shares the credit with Brad Bell, whom he calls his mentor and boss. He does not confuse proximity to greatness with being great. He understands the di erence between inheriting something and earning the right to tend it.

Kasprzyk’s rst Daytime Emmy came from a storyline about homelessness on Skid Row, a subject that had no obvious business landing inside a soap opera, until it did. Brad Bell came back from summer hiatus in 2010 with the idea. Kasprzyk spent two months on the ground, building a real relationship with the Union Rescue Mission and with the people who lived there. “By the time the story aired,” he explained, “winning was not the point anymore. e platform was the point.” e courage to use it was the point.

Much of Kasprzyk’s notable integrity is that he consistently recognizes and credits the right people for their work. He defers to Brad Bell on story instinct, on creative vision, on the animating force behind nearly four decades of devoted viewers. What he takes for himself is the execution, the discipline, the 250 episodes a year that require every part of the machine to be working. He has been an intricate part of that machine, which he also knows works best with collaboration.

MUCH OF KASPRZYK’S NOTABLE INTEGRITY IS THAT HE CONSISTENTLY RECOGNIZES AND CREDITS THE RIGHT PEOPLE FOR THEIR WORK.

What he has tended, carefully and with evident feeling, is a show built on the kind of loyalty that sounds sentimental until you see it in practice. Actors John McCook and Katherine Kelly Lang have been there since episode one. Several other cast members have logged more than a decade. at continuity is not accidental. It is a choice, repeated daily, to treat people like family because the Bell family always did, and because Kasprzyk watched long enough to understand why it mattered.

When actress Katherine Kelly Lang walked onto the set of “ e Bold and the Beautiful” in 1987, she was still guring out who she was. So, it turns out, was the character she plays, Brooke Logan. ey gured it out together, and that is the phenomena no writer could have scripted and no network could have manufactured. “Playing Brooke for this long has asked me to grow up alongside her,” Lang said with re ection. “When I started, I was nding myself, and honestly, so was Brooke. We gured each other out together. at’s a bond you can’t manufacture.”

Although the audience has changed over the years, what people are hungry for never changes. Lang’s character, Brooke, represents this: human connection, consequence and emotion that feels true. Lang said that, for Brooke, it is the desire to matter, to take up space in a room never designed for you. Brooke hasn’t performed her life for anyone else's comfort, and that’s what continues keeping audiences hooked.

Which brings us to Ridge. e temptation is to call it the great romance, and Lang gently takes that word back from you. It was never really about romance, she explained. It was about the oldest question human beings ask one another. Can two people from di erent worlds choose each other anyway, over and over, against all the evidence? e answer is always complicated, and the complication is the point. Even when Ridge and Brooke are not together, the love is still there. It simply waits.

ere is a generosity in the way actor orsten Kaye talks about the man who came before him playing the same character, Ridge, which is not always how these things go in Hollywood. “Ronn Moss will always be the OG,” Kaye noted. “He’s the one who created Ridge Forrester and carried the show through its rst quarter century.”

e plan, he insists, was never to make Ridge his own. So, he’s a bit unsentimental about the trophies. He has won daytime’s highest honor twice in a row, and he will tell you plainly that winning is more fun than losing, and that maybe you have to lose a few to appreciate the wins, and that in the end an award is only someone’s opinion. But when he took this role, what he wanted was to continue the story, and to let the character go on living inside it. >>

Kaye carries history into his work that comes from somewhere deeper than television: the decathlon scholarship that brought him to America; the achievement of a master’s degree in theater history; the motorcycle accident that rerouted his whole life; an athleticism that taught him discipline, repetition, respect; a work ethic; and an understanding that taught him how to turn pain into the next chapter.

“Approach a script that way,” he said, “and you should be okay.”

As for what keeps audiences enamored with Ridge, Kaye gives credit to Brad Bell’s writing when he explained that all an actor can do is be present, be honest, and make sure his leading lady feels safe and “bold and beautiful.”

Bell believes viewers don’t so much decide to watch “ e Bold and the Beautiful” as it simply becomes a part of their life, like tra c on the 405 or the particular slant of the a ernoon sun. It has been a constant in the background of Southern California life for nearly four decades, a reliable source of drama that hums from the television at midday. One day you’re a child vaguely aware of your mother’s “stories,” and the next you nd yourself inexplicably invested in whether Brooke Logan is making yet another terrible or wonderful decision.

e show is a constant, a landmark, a piece of the cultural landscape — as xed as the Hollywood sign. It promises that no matter what happens in the real world, in this corner of Southern California, the beautiful will always have something bold and dramatic to do.

While other productions have abandoned Los Angeles, “ e Bold and the Beautiful” has stayed rooted in Hollywood, and the move to Sunset Las Palmas Studios is a big reason why. e partnership has given the production new energy and the resources to maintain the quality audiences have come to expect.

People watch because they want to believe that life can be that heightened, that every conversation can happen in a designer gown, and that every betrayal can be resolved with a dramatic pause and a slow zoom. In a world that feels increasingly fragmented and unpredictable, there is a profound relief in knowing that tomorrow, at the exact same time, the Forresters will still be rich, the Logans will still be complicated, and the sun will still be shining over Malibu. It is not just a soap opera; it is a commitment. And in this town, a 40-year commitment is the most romantic thing of all. v

SOCAL25

the ICONS OF INFLUENCE

In uence is more than visibility — it is the power to inspire action, shape conversations, and create lasting impact. In this inaugural edition of SoCal 25: Icons of In uence, Southern California Life proudly recognizes 25 extraordinary individuals whose leadership, innovation and vision are helping de ne the future of our region. Spanning business, healthcare, hospitality, culture, wellness, philanthropy and the arts, these honorees are making a meaningful di erence in the communities they serve while elevating Southern California on a broader stage. eir achievements remind us that true in uence is measured not by recognition, but by the lives they touch, the opportunities they create, and the legacy they leave behind. ese are the leaders, changemakers and visionaries shaping Southern California today — and in uencing tomorrow. >>

ICONS

CINDY

AMBUEHL GROUP

CINDY AMBUEHL

Executive Director, Luxury Estates

Christie’s International Real Estate SoCal

Cindy Ambuehl Group

> Few people embody the Southern California luxury lifestyle as authentically as Cindy Ambuehl

A former actress turned powerhouse real estate professional, Ambuehl has built one of the most respected brands in luxury real estate by combining business acumen, intuition and an unwavering commitment to her clients.

Long before real estate became her full-time career, Ambuehl was investing every studio bonus she earned into properties, developing a natural instinct for identifying value and opportunity. After stepping away from television to focus on raising her family, she returned to the workforce with a clear vision and transformed her passion into a thriving business.

Today, Ambuehl is recognized not only for her impressive sales record, but for the relationships she cultivates. In an increasingly competitive market, she believes trust, authenticity and truly listening to clients remain the ultimate differentiators. Her ability to anticipate needs and navigate complex transactions has earned her a loyal clientele that spans entrepreneurs, executives, celebrities and multigenerational families.

As Southern California luxury living continues to evolve, Ambuehl remains at the forefront of the conversation. She understands that today’s buyers are seeking more than beautiful homes; they are investing in wellness, privacy, connection and a lifestyle that reflects their values.

For Ambuehl, influence is not about visibility; it is about trust. Over the years, she has earned a reputation as one of Southern California’s most respected luxury real estate professionals by consistently delivering results while putting relationships first. In a market driven by competition, her ability to combine expertise, discretion and genuine connection has made her a trusted advisor to some of the region’s most discerning buyers and sellers, cementing her place as a true Icon of Influence.

Cindy Ambuehl Group cindyambuehl.com

IN

MIDFIRST BANK

JASON DiNAPOLI

President, MidFirst Bank California

> For more than two decades, Jason DiNapoli has championed a style of banking that feels increasingly rare in today’s financial landscape: personal, relationship-driven, and deeply rooted in the communities it serves.

As President of MidFirst Bank California and a founding officer of 1st Century Bank, DiNapoli has spent his career proving that trust remains the most valuable asset a bank can offer. Long before relationship banking became an industry buzzword, he and Alan Rothenberg built a culture centered on accessibility, continuity and long-term partnership, one where clients know their banker, and their banker knows them.

Today, that philosophy operates on a larger stage. MidFirst Bank, the largest privately owned bank in the United States, combines national strength and resources with a commitment to local relationship banking. For DiNapoli, the recent transition from 1st Century Bank brand to MidFirst Bank was a natural next step in a partnership that began nearly a decade ago.

“We’re trying to move forward and move fast, and one brand helps us do that,” DiNapoli said. “From a technology standpoint, a marketing standpoint, and a brand awareness standpoint, operating under one brand is simply much more efficient.” He often compares the transition to a successful marriage: after ten years together, it was finally time to share the same name.

That balance between growth and continuity has defined DiNapoli’s leadership. While many acquisitions result in significant turnover, nearly 90 percent of the original leadership team remains in place today. That stability has helped preserve the culture that made 1st Century successful while allowing clients to benefit from the scale, resources and capabilities of MidFirst Bank.

The results have been significant. Since joining forces in 2016, MidFirst’s California business has grown by more than 400 percent while maintaining the boutique service model that distinguished the bank from larger competitors.

DiNapoli attributes much of that success to understanding what today’s clients want most. “People want the best of both worlds,” he said. “They want sophisticated technology, but they also want a real relationship. They’re tired of 1-800 numbers and being passed around. They want a banker who knows them, understands their business, and is invested in their success.”

That philosophy has resonated throughout Southern California, one of the largest and most dynamic banking markets in the world. Under DiNapoli’s leadership, MidFirst has expanded from Los Angeles into Santa Barbara, Newport Beach, San Diego and San Francisco, building teams of experienced bankers with deep roots in the communities they serve.

His approach also attracted some of California’s most respected banking talent. In recent years, MidFirst welcomed numerous veteran bankers from First Republic Bank, many of whom were drawn to a culture that prioritizes relationships, long-term thinking and personalized service over transactions and quarterly results.

One of the advantages DiNapoli values most is MidFirst’s ownership structure. As a private, family-owned institution, the bank can focus on longterm investments and community growth rather than short-term market pressures.

“We’re not subject to quarterly Wall Street expectations,” he said. “We’re building long-term banking teams in important markets and investing in people who know and care about their communities.”

At the heart of DiNapoli’s leadership philosophy is a simple conviction: banking is, and always will be, a people business. While technology continues to transform the industry, he believes personal relationships have never been more important, especially for entrepreneurs, business owners and families building something meaningful.

His focus extends beyond financial results. Throughout his career, he has taken pride in watching employees build careers, clients grow successful businesses, and communities thrive through long-term partnerships.

When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, DiNapoli doesn’t focus on growth metrics or market share. “If there were a banking Walk of Fame,” he said, “I’d like MidFirst Bank to have a star on it.”

For him, that recognition would represent something greater than business success. It would reflect an institution known for stability, trust, and a lasting commitment to the people and communities it serves.

As MidFirst Bank enters its next chapter in California, DiNapoli remains focused on the same principle that has guided him since the beginning: relationships remain at the center of everything they do.

MidFirst Bank

midfirst.com/california

LinkedIn: MidFirst Bank – California

“

PEOPLE BANK WITH PEOPLE THEY TRUST. RELATIONSHIPS REMAIN AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING WE DO.”

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RBC WEALTH MANAGEMENT - IMPERIAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP

TANIA KVAKIC

Managing Director - Financial AdvisorSenior Portfolio Director - Sports & Entertainment Professional

> Elegant yet fiercely driven, Tania Kvakic has built her career on a rare combination of sophistication, resilience and deeply personal client relationships. As managing director, financial advisor and senior portfolio director at RBC Wealth Management’s Imperial Wealth Management Group, she has become a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, executives, multigenerational families and high-profile clients in the sports and entertainment world. Known for her calm confidence and strategic mindset, Kvakic approaches wealth management not simply as a profession, but as a way to help people create security, freedom and opportunity.

Originally planning to pursue medicine, Kvakic discovered the financial industry through an unexpected introduction and quickly recognized the profound impact thoughtful financial guidance could have on people’s lives. After leaving Canada and moving to the United States alone at just 20 years old, she built her business from the ground up with determination, vision and an unwavering belief in betting on herself. Today, she continues to expand Imperial Wealth Management’s reach through sophisticated business exit planning, major acquisitions and advisory work within the sports sector, all while championing a highly personalized approach rooted in integrity and trust. Passionate about mentoring women in leadership and finance, Kvakic believes true influence is measured not by visibility, but by the lives you elevate along the way.

RBC Wealth Management - Imperial Wealth Management Group Arizona, California, Florida us.rbcwealthmanagement.com/tania.kvakic (602) 381-5308

RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets LLC, Member NYSE/ FINRA/SIPC us.rbcwealthmanagement.com/imperialwmg

TODAY, I DEFINE INFLUENCE AS TRUST. IT’S THE ABILITY TO POSITIVELY IMPACT PEOPLE’S LIVES, HELP THEM MAKE BETTER DECISIONS AND CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHERS.”

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AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

BETSY HART & JAIME ZELUCK HINDLIN

2026 & 2027 Chairs

> For the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign, leadership is more than a title it is a commitment to advocacy, education and impact. Together, outgoing Chair Betsy Hart and incoming Chair Jaime Zeluck Hindlin embody that mission, bringing two powerful perspectives united by a shared passion for women’s heart health.

As president and CEO of Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital, Betsy Hart approached her tenure with a focus on expanding awareness and building long-term community partnerships. Under her leadership, the organization broadened its network of advocates and supporters, strengthening both philanthropic support and public engagement around cardiovascular health. Hart believes influence carries a responsibility to invest in the well-being of the community, especially when it comes to advancing health equity and access to care. For her, success has always been measured not only in fundraising totals, but in the lives impacted through education and prevention.

Taking the baton is Nonstop Management Founder Jaime Zeluck Hindlin, whose connection to the cause is deeply personal. A survivor of peripartum cardiomyopathy, Hindlin is determined to bring conversations around heart health to younger women and families who may not realize the risks they face. Drawing from her own experience, as well as from the loss of her father to heart disease, she hopes to make cardiovascular wellness part of everyday conversations, particularly among women navigating pregnancy and motherhood.

Together, Hart and Hindlin represent a seamless continuation of leadership rooted in compassion, action and purpose. While Hart helped strengthen the foundation of the campaign through strategic growth and advocacy, Hindlin is poised to usher in a new generation of awareness by engaging younger audiences and amplifying conversations around prevention.

Their combined influence reflects the true power of leadership: using personal experience, professional platforms and community connection to inspire meaningful change and save lives.

American Heart Association -

Greater Los Angeles

600 Corporate Pointe, Suite 210 Culver City, CA 90230 heart.org, (213) 291-7000, LAVolunteers@heart.org, @ahasouthernca

WHEN INFLUENCE IS USED TO EDUCATE, ADVOCATE AND SAVE LIVES, IT BECOMES FAR MORE THAN LEADERSHIP IT BECOMES LEGACY.”

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FACIAL AESTHETICS

DR. CARLO HONRADO, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Beverly Hills, Los Angeles

Redefining Modern Facial Aesthetics Through Precision, Innovation and Influence

> In a city synonymous with beauty and image, Dr. Carlo Honrado has distinguished himself not by chasing trends, but by helping define a more sophisticated standard of aesthetic medicine.

Although he always knew he wanted to become a surgeon, Dr. Honrado’s path to facial plastic surgery became clear during his training when a rhinoplasty patient looked in the mirror after surgery and burst into (happy) tears. Not only had her appearance been refined, but for the first time in years she could breathe freely. In that moment, he witnessed the unique power of facial plastic surgery to transform both confidence and quality of life; this was a realization that would shape the trajectory of his career.

Today, as one of Beverly Hills’ leading facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, Dr. Honrado has built a reputation at the intersection of surgical excellence, artistic vision and unwavering integrity. His influence extends far beyond the operating room, helping shape a growing movement toward natural, individualized results that celebrate identity rather than alter it.

At a time when social media filters and fleeting beauty trends often dominate the conversation, Dr. Honrado has become a respected voice advocating for balance, authenticity and timeless refinement. Patients seek him out not only for his technical expertise, but for his ability to see the face as a complete composition one that should be enhanced with restraint and intention.

A lifelong student of innovation, Dr. Honrado continues to embrace advances in AI, regenerative medicine and modern surgical techniques while remaining steadfast in his belief that technology can never replace the human eye, intuition and experience required to create truly exceptional outcomes.

His reputation has earned the trust of patients from around the world, reinforcing Beverly Hills’ position as a global destination for facial aesthetics. Yet for Dr. Honrado, influence is measured not by recognition, but by impact; it’s by helping patients regain confidence, mentoring future surgeons, and elevating standards across an evolving industry.

Dr. Carlo Honrado, M.D., F.A.C.S. drhonrado.com

THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ISN’T CHANGING SOMEONE’S APPEARANCE IT’S HELPING THEM RECOGNIZE THE BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES.” “

SOCAL25

the ICONS OF INFLUENCE

SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS

SUSAN AND TIM STRADER AND DEE AND LARRY HIGBY

ICONS OF A CULTURAL LEGACY

> As Segerstrom Center for the Arts celebrates its 40th anniversary, four of its most devoted champions Susan and Tim Strader and Dee and Larry Higby have been honored with the prestigious Judy Morr Icon Award, recognizing individuals whose vision, leadership and generosity have helped shape one of the nation’s premier performing arts institutions.

Long before Orange County became the cultural destination it is today, the Straders and Higbys believed the region deserved a worldclass performing arts center of its own. Their commitment began decades before the Center opened its doors in 1986 and continued through years of fundraising, governance, advocacy and community-building. Tim Strader joined the board before construction was completed, went on to serve as President and CEO of the Center, and remains its longest-serving board member. Larry Higby later served as chairman of the board, while Dee Higby and Susan Strader became influential leaders within the Angels of the Arts, helping cultivate the philanthropic support that would sustain the institution for generations.

What makes their influence remarkable is that it extends far beyond financial contributions. For both families, the arts became deeply personal creating lasting memories with their children and grandchildren while helping ensure future generations would have access to the same transformative experiences. Their efforts helped elevate Orange County’s cultural landscape, making it a destination not only for business and innovation, but for world-class artistic expression.

Today, every performance, standing ovation and young artist inspired by the Center serves as a reminder of what visionary leadership can accomplish. The Judy Morr Icon Award recognizes more than a lifetime of service it honors a legacy that continues to enrich the cultural fabric of Southern California.

“These two couples are pillars of Segerstrom Center. Without them, none of us would be able to gather here together on this beautiful campus, and our halls would not be home to the world class art we have the honor of presenting night after night.”

–Casey Reitz, President & CEO

THE TRUE MEASURE OF INFLUENCE IS CREATING SOMETHING THAT WILL INSPIRE AND SERVE GENERATIONS LONG AFTER YOU’RE GONE.” “

SOCAL25 the ICONS OF INFLUENCE

FAMILY LAW

DAVID GLASS

Family Law Attorney & Former Psychologist

> For David J. Glass, family law has never been simply about litigation; it’s about helping people navigate some of the most emotionally defining moments of their lives with clarity, strategy and compassion. As a family law attorney and former clinical psychologist at Enenstein Pham Glass Gutenplan & Bolling LLP, Glass has built a reputation for bringing a uniquely human approach to complex legal matters.

A graduate of a rare dual-degree program combining a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a law degree, Glass initially envisioned a career in forensic psychology before discovering his passion for family law. That uncommon background continues to shape his work today, particularly in high-conflict custody cases where emotional dynamics are often as critical as legal strategy.

Known for his ability to truly listen to clients, Glass approaches each case with both analytical precision and emotional intelligence. He believes divorce can become a “second chance at happiness,” helping clients not only through legal proceedings, but through the broader life transition that follows.

Beyond the courtroom, Glass remains deeply involved in mentoring young attorneys, coaching his sons’ baseball teams, and staying connected to the psychology field through leadership roles within the Los Angeles County Psychological Association.

Enenstein Pham Glass Gutenplan & Bolling LLP

8439 W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 300 West Hollywood, CA 90069 epggblaw.com

TA3

LEILA SHAMS

Founder & CEO, TA3

> Few entrepreneurs have transformed a personal challenge into a cultural phenomenon quite like Leila Shams. As founder and CEO of TA3, she has built one of Southern California’s most successful fashion brands, redefining the swimwear category through innovation, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to helping women feel confident in their own skin.

A designer with more than 25 years of experience, Shams launched TA3 with a bold vision: to create swimwear that was as transformative as it was beautiful. Built around proprietary patented sculpting technology, TA3’s signature designs smooth, support and enhance the body without the need for additional shapewear layers; a breakthrough that helped propel the company into a category-defining brand with more than $130 million in sales.

The road to success was anything but conventional. Early in the company’s journey, Shams pitched TA3 on “Shark Tank” and was turned down. Rather than abandon the concept, she bootstrapped the business herself, trusting both her instincts and the product. That determination, combined with a willingness to lead with authenticity, helped fuel the brand’s remarkable growth.

In TA3’s early days, Shams put herself front and center in the marketing, demonstrating the product on her own body and building trust with consumers through transparency and relatability.

Today, TA3’s innovation extends well beyond swimwear. Driven by customer demand, the company has expanded into ready-to-wear apparel featuring the same built-in shaping and support technologies that made the brand famous. A proud Southern California entrepreneur, Shams continues to inspire women and founders alike through her example of resilience, creativity, and the belief that setbacks are often the beginning of something extraordinary.

YOU CAN FAIL, GET FIRED, START OVER, AND STILL BUILD SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY.”

SOCAL25 the

ICONS OF INFLUENCE

KATE LESTER INTERIORS AND KATE LESTER HOME

KATE LESTER

CEO + Creative Director, Kate Lester Interiors

> For Kate Lester, great design has never been just about creating beautiful spaces: it’s about creating a feeling.

As the founder and creative force behind Kate Lester Interiors and Kate Lester HOME, Lester has spent more than a decade building a brand defined by timeless luxury, approachable sophistication, and her signature philosophy of incorporating “one weird thing” into every space. Whether it’s a vintage treasure, an unexpected work of art, or a conversation-starting antique, she believes the most memorable interiors are the ones infused with personality.

What sets Lester apart is her rare ability to blend creativity with business acumen.

Armed with a business education from USC Marshall and formal design training from Otis College of Art and Design, she has built more than a successful design firm she has created a lifestyle brand that resonates far beyond interior design. As her projects gained national attention, clients were drawn not only to her aesthetic, but to the way she approached living: elevated, effortless and deeply personal.

A proud Southern Californian, Lester draws constant inspiration from the region’s casual sophistication, creative energy and indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Her work reflects a distinctly California sensibility; it’s luxurious without feeling formal, and polished without sacrificing comfort.

Today, Lester views influence not through the lens of visibility, but impact. Whether mentoring emerging talent, creating opportunities for her team, or helping clients design the backdrop for life's most meaningful moments, she continues to leave a lasting mark on both the industry and the people around her. For her vision, leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, Kate Lester is a true Icon of Influence.

RJ SMITH CO.

RJ

SMITH Founder + CEO

> RJ Smith’s path into construction and development was shaped early by a family deeply rooted in design and building. With a mother in interior design, a stepfather with more than 40 years in construction, and a father in academia, he grew up surrounded by both creativity and structure. That foundation led him into a family-run, designbuild business in 2003, where he was first drawn to the seamless integration of architecture, construction and collaboration on high-end developments.

A turning point came when he earned his contractor’s license and transitioned from employee to partner. “That shift changed everything. I wasn’t just executing a vision anymore, I had ownership in it,” he reflected. That sense of responsibility ultimately set the stage for his next defining move: leaving a stable development role to launch RJ Smith Co. with his wife, while raising a young family and preparing for another child. “There was no safety net. That pressure forced clarity; I wasn’t testing an idea. I was building something that had to work,” he said.

Today, RJ Smith Co. has become a trusted name in Southern California development, known for its precision-driven execution, elevated design sensibility, and deeply rooted client relationships. As the firm expands beyond the South Bay into larger custom homes and development opportunities, it continues to set a standard defined by consistency, trust and long-term stewardship.

For Smith, RJ Smith Co. is not just a builder, it is a long-term partner to clients, architects and designers who expect excellence at every stage. “Early in my career, success was execution," Smith said. “Today, it’s trust that lasts long after the project is complete.”

At the core of the firm’s philosophy is a simple but defining promise: deliver at the highest level, and remain present long after the final walk-through.

RJ Smith Co. 901 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 www.rjsmith.co (310) 648-8353 office@rjsmith.co, @rjsmithco

INFLUENCE IS WHEN CLIENTS DON’T JUST ADMIRE THE WORK THEY TRUST YOU WITH EVERYTHING THAT COMES AFTER IT.”

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OF INFLUENCE

24 HOUR FITNESS

MARK MASTROV & KARL SANFT

Owner & Executive Chair, CEO

> For more than four decades, 24 Hour Fitness has helped define the fitness culture in Southern California while influencing how millions of people approach health and wellness. Now, under the leadership of Founder and Executive Chair Mark Mastrov and CEO Karl Sanft, the iconic company is entering a bold new chapter centered on innovation, accessibility, longevity and elevated member experience.

Mastrov, who launched the company in 1983 with a single 5,000-square-foot club, has returned at a pivotal moment as wellness continues evolving beyond traditional fitness. Together with Sanft, the duo is redefining what a modern health club experience looks like as one that integrates strength training, recovery, performance and community under one roof.

While Mastrov brings the long-term vision and entrepreneurial instinct that built the brand into a household name, Sanft focuses on operational excellence and elevating the member experience across hundreds of locations. Their partnership blends legacy with forward-thinking strategy, as the company invests in club remodels, expanded programming and next-generation wellness offerings.

Despite rapid changes across the fitness industry, both leaders remain grounded in the belief that great fitness should be accessible to everyone. That philosophy continues to drive the company’s evolution and enduring relevance.

For Mastrov and Sanft, influence is ultimately about impact; it’s about helping people live healthier, longer lives while shaping the future of fitness for generations to come.

24 Hour Fitness

24hourfitness.com, @24hourfitness

ENTREPRENEUR

TANYA NEWBOULD

Multi-Hyphenate Entrepreneur

Transforming Lives Through Purpose, Possibility, and Courage

> Few leaders embody the spirit of influence quite like Tanya Newbould

A transformational strategist, entrepreneur, speaker, ICF accredited coach, author, producer, philanthropist and founder of multiple successful ventures, Newbould has dedicated her career to helping others discover what she calls their “true magnificence” the inherent worth, gifts and potential that exist beyond fear and circumstance.

While many first came to know her through a successful career in entertainment, it was her own personal challenges that ultimately revealed her life’s purpose. After overcoming profound struggles, including postpartum depression, Newbould transformed adversity into a mission to inspire healing, resilience and personal growth in others. That experience became the foundation for a body of work centered on helping people step into the lives they were created to live. Her impact extends across industries. Through executive coaching, speaking engagements, philanthropy and ventures including Del Pozzo Jewelry and SOZO Heart, she has built platforms that blend purpose with entrepreneurship. She also had the forethought and co-created the acclaimed documentary "When the Bough Breaks," which explores postpartum depression, and has reached audiences in more than 60 countries and sparked lifechanging conversations around maternal mental health.

Whether coaching executives, mentoring entrepreneurs, or sharing her own story, Newbould leads with compassion, intuition and faith. She believes true influence is not measured by recognition, but by impact and by the lives transformed along the way.

@tanyanewbould, tanyanewbould.com whentheboughbreaksfilm.com

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OF INFLUENCE

BABYGRANDE PR LESLIE OREN

President & CEO

> Leslie Oren has spent nearly two decades helping brands, entrepreneurs and industry leaders find their voice; and in the process, has become one of Southern California’s most influential communications strategists.

As founder and CEO of Babygrande PR, Oren launched the agency after building her career in studio publicity, bringing with her a deep understanding of storytelling, reputation and the power of meaningful relationships. Eighteen years later, Babygrande remains a trusted partner to an impressive roster of clients, from visionary founders to established media companies and brands navigating an increasingly complex media landscape.

What sets Oren apart is her ability to balance sharp business instincts with genuine candor. She is quick to celebrate bold ideas, but equally unafraid to challenge them. She believes the most successful leaders are those willing to listen, invite honest feedback, and remain open to evolving a philosophy that has shaped both her agency and its culture.

A proud New Yorker at heart, Oren leads with resilience, humor and an unwavering belief in people. While Babygrande’s client roster and accomplishments continue to grow, she considers her greatest success the talent she has helped cultivate along the way. Watching current and former employees evolve into respected professionals, business leaders and individuals who are building rich, meaningful lives is the achievement that brings her the most pride.

As Babygrande PR celebrates its 18th anniversary, Oren’s influence extends far beyond publicity. Through mentorship, leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence, she continues to elevate not only brands, but the people behind them.

Babygrande PR

228 Main Street Venice, CA 90291

babygrandepr.com @babygrandepr

JUST

B. CONSULTING

SYREETA P. BUTLER, LMFT Founder

An Infl

uential

Voice Transforming Mental Health in Culture, Business and Beyond

> Few people have done more to elevate the conversation around mental health within the creative community than Syreeta P. Butler

As a licensed marriage and family therapist, entrepreneur and founder of Just B. Consulting, Butler has become one of the most soughtafter mental health professionals serving high-achieving individuals across entertainment, sports, advertising, business and politics. Trusted by executives, artists, athletes and other influential leaders, she helps clients navigate the unique pressures that often accompany visibility, success and responsibility. Her influence extends far beyond individual counseling sessions. Through her groundbreaking work developing the first mental health and wellness department within a record label, Butler helped usher in a new era of emotional well-being across the music industry an achievement that has since inspired similar initiatives throughout entertainment and corporate America.

What makes Butler’s impact so profound is her ability to combine professional expertise with lived experience. Driven by a lifelong fascination with family systems, resilience and the human condition, she has dedicated her career to helping others navigate adversity, reclaim their power, and discover new possibilities for growth.

A passionate advocate for representation in mental health, Butler has become a visible and trusted voice for communities historically underserved by traditional wellness models. Her work continues to break down stigma while creating spaces where people feel safe enough to bring their whole selves forward.

Today, her influence can be measured not only by the lives she has helped transform, but by the industries she has challenged to prioritize humanity alongside performance. Through every client, company and community she serves, Butler is redefining what leadership, healing and impact can look like overall.

Just B. Consulting

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist syreetabutlermft.com, @Syreetabmft, @Justbconsults

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HANASAB INSURANCE SERVICES

FARHAD HANASAB

CEO

> In an industry built on trust, few qualities are more valuable than consistency. For more than 35 years, Farhad Hanasab has built his reputation by putting clients first, helping individuals, families and business owners navigate some of life’s most significant financial decisions with confidence and clarity.

As CEO of Hanasab Insurance Services, Hanasab has become known for a relationship-driven approach that sets him apart in an increasingly automated world. Long before online platforms and instant quotes became the norm, he recognized that insurance was never simply about policies it was about people. His commitment to accessibility, communication and personalized service has helped establish one of Southern California’s most respected insurance practices, with much of the firm’s growth fueled by referrals and long-standing client relationships.

Hanasab’s influence extends beyond insurance placement. A holder of the prestigious CAPI (Chubb Advanced Personal Insurance) designation, earned by fewer than 2 percent of insurance professionals, he is committed to educating clients and helping them understand the risks, opportunities and decisions that shape their financial security. In an increasingly complex insurance landscape, his role as a trusted advisor has never been more valuable.

After founding his firm in 2005 and successfully growing it into an organization later acquired by Highstreet Insurance Partners, Hanasab continues to lead with the same principles that defined his career from the beginning: integrity, expertise, responsiveness and service. For his lasting impact on clients, his industry and the Southern California community, Farhad Hanasab is a deserving Icon of Influence. TRUE INFLUENCE IS BUILT THROUGH TRUST, EARNED THROUGH SERVICE, AND MEASURED BY THE CONFIDENCE AND PEACE OF MIND WE PROVIDE TO OTHERS.”

TCW GLOBAL LEGAL GROUP KATHY HAO

CEO

> For more than two decades, Kathy Q. Hao has built her career on resilience, entrepreneurship, and an unwavering commitment to serving the Southern California community. As CEO of TCW Global Legal Group, Hao has become known not only for her legal expertise, but for the compassion, determination and business acumen she brings to every endeavor.

After arriving in the United States in 1990, Hao quickly recognized how essential legal guidance could be in helping individuals and families navigate complex challenges. While attending law school, she worked as a legal interpreter before making the bold decision to leave a stable government position and launch her own law practice as a single mother raising two young daughters.

Over the last 20 years, Hao has built a respected legal practice grounded in integrity, advocacy and service. This year marks a particularly meaningful milestone: the 20th anniversary of signing the lease for her first law office on June 6, 2006, a moment that represented both a leap of faith and the beginning of a journey that would transform a solo practice into one of Southern California’s respected legal firms.

Beyond the courtroom, she has also established herself as a successful entrepreneur and investor, partnering in a diverse portfolio of businesses spanning hospitality, entertainment and dining. Her business interests include iconic destinations such as Yamashiro in Hollywood, as well as restaurant and entertainment ventures throughout the cities of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Miami, as well as the Dolby Theatre.

Whether guiding clients through lifechanging legal matters or helping build thriving businesses, Hao’s influence is rooted in creating opportunity for others. She remains equally proud of the legacy she has built at home, raising two daughters who followed in her footsteps to become accomplished attorneys.

TCW Global Legal Group

490 S Fair Oaks Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105 tcwlaws.com (626) 796-9977, @kathychihao

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RECORDING ARTIST & MUSIC PRODUCER BETTY MOON

Music Business Owner, Real Estate Investor

> For Betty Moon, influence has never been about following a conventional path. The Canadian-born musician, entrepreneur and real estate investor has built a career rooted in creative freedom, reinvention and trusting her instincts, evolving seamlessly between the worlds of music, business and development.

Raised in Toronto within a family immersed in music production, Moon grew up surrounded by recording studios, artists and creativity. By her teenage years, she had already formed her first band, Bambi, and quickly established herself as a rising force in Canada’s music scene before signing with a major label prior to turning 21.

After building a successful career in Toronto, Moon made the life-changing decision to relocate to Los Angeles, a move she describes as one of the most pivotal moments in shaping both her personal and professional growth. The collaborative energy and creative culture of the West Coast inspired her to think bigger, expand her vision and pursue opportunities beyond music alone.

Today, Moon continues to lead Evolver Music, Inc. while independently writing, recording and publishing music on her own terms. Choosing to step away from the traditional major label structure and launch her own label and publishing company proved transformative, allowing her to maintain complete creative and financial control over her career.

That same entrepreneurial mindset naturally expanded into real estate investing and development throughout Los Angeles, Malibu and Pacific Palisades. Whether producing music or reimagining a property, Moon approaches every project through the lens of creativity, vision and long-term sustainability.

Now measuring success less by recognition and more by personal freedom, growth and fulfillment, Moon believes true influence comes organically: through authenticity, consistency and remaining unapologetically true to oneself.

Evolver Music, Inc. evolvermusicinc.com, bettymoon.com, @bettymoonmusic

ICONS OF

TAX & ACCOUNTING AUTHORITY NUPUR KUMAR

Managing Partner, FACT Professional, Inc.

> For Nupur Kumar, numbers have never been just numbers — they’re stories, opportunities and roadmaps for growth. As managing partner of FACT Professional, Inc., Kumar has built her career around helping individuals and businesses make sense of the financial realities that shape their futures, transforming accounting and tax strategy from something intimidating into something empowering.

The firm’s name FACT which stands for Finance, Accounting, Consulting and Taxation reflects its comprehensive approach. However, Kumar believes the true differentiator is much simpler: people come first. Under her leadership, FACT has evolved beyond compliance-focused accounting into a trusted advisory firm that helps clients make smarter, more strategic financial decisions as they grow.

Kumar’s entrepreneurial journey began long before she entered the accounting profession, from selling personalized mugs during the holidays to performing on stage as a dancer. Those experiences taught her a lesson that continues to define her leadership style today: success is built on connection. Whether working with clients or mentoring her team, she believes trust, communication and authenticity remain the most valuable currencies in business.

In an industry historically dominated by men, Kumar has earned influence through expertise, resilience and a relentless commitment to growth. She is passionate about financial literacy and believes understanding the language of money gives people the power to change their lives.

Today, as FACT continues to scale, Kumar remains focused on building a culture that celebrates diversity, encourages continuous learning, and delivers meaningful impact for every client it serves.

SOCAL25 the ICONS

OF INFLUENCE

MODERN DAY WIFE

MEGHAN FIALKOFF

Co-Founder, Modern Day Wife

> In an era where connection often happens through a screen, Meghan Fialkoff has built something increasingly rare: a thriving community that brings people together in real life.

Alongside Founder Meagan Elieff, Meghan Fialkoff co-founded Modern Day Wife and helped transform a single idea into a nationally recognized lifestyle platform that reaches thousands of women through events, content, partnerships and community-building experiences. What began as a vision to create a more holistic approach to womanhood has evolved into a movement that celebrates every aspect of modern life — from entrepreneurship and career growth to wellness, relationships, motherhood, fashion and beauty.

Under Fialkoff’s leadership, Modern Day Wife has become known for its highly curated events that blend luxury experiences, meaningful conversations and authentic connections. Unlike traditional networking events, the platform creates spaces where founders, creators, executives, influencers and consumers come together to learn, collaborate and grow. Today, the brand’s national tour spans major markets across the country, building communities that continue long after each event concludes.

Fialkoff credits much of the company’s success to consistency, innovation and a willingness to think differently. As the brand continues its rapid expansion, including plans for international growth, she remains focused on the mission that inspired it from the beginning: helping women thrive in every area of their lives while creating opportunities for meaningful connection.

For her commitment to empowering women, fostering community and redefining what modern influence looks like, Meghan Fialkoff is a deserving Icon of Influence.

INFLUENCE ISN’T ABOUT BEING SEEN IT’S ABOUT CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHERS TO CONNECT, GROW AND THRIVE.”

THREE DAY RULE MATCHMAKING

LISA ELSON

Matchmaking Manager and Head of Recruitment

> For Lisa Elson, influence begins with connection. As Matchmaking Manager and Head of Recruitment at Three Day Rule, one of the nation’s most recognized matchmaking companies, Elson has spent her career helping people navigate one of life’s most meaningful pursuits: finding lasting love. Her path to matchmaking was anything but conventional. A former journalism intern at Southern California Life, working alongside founder Monique Reidy, Elson initially envisioned a future in storytelling. Yet it was the people behind the stories, and the relationships that shaped their lives, that captured her attention. That curiosity ultimately led her from writing about dating in Los Angeles to a role at eHarmony, before finding her home at Three Day Rule in 2018.

In an era dominated by apps, algorithms and endless swiping, Elson has become a trusted voice advocating for a more human approach to dating. She believes meaningful relationships require vulnerability, self-awareness and a willingness to move beyond checklists and perfection. Her work extends far beyond introductions by helping clients build confidence, identifying what truly matters, and creating space for authentic connection.

Known for her empathy, intuition and thoughtful guidance, Elson has helped transform countless lives through the power of relationships. Whether coaching a newly single parent back into the dating world or helping busy executives rethink their approach to love, her impact reaches far beyond matchmaking.

For Elson, influence isn’t measured by visibility: it’s measured by the lives changed through genuine human connection.

Three Day Rule Matchmaking threedayrule.com (805) 558-2121 lisa@threedayrule.com @threedayrule

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ALDIK HOME / HOME FURNISHINGS BRYAN GOLD

Manager

> For more than 75 years, Aldik Home has been transforming houses into homes and holiday traditions into lifelong memories. What began as a small family business founded by Richard “Dick” Gold has evolved into one of Southern California’s most beloved home furnishings destinations, known for its extraordinary artificial florals, custom trees, luxury outdoor furniture and immersive seasonal displays.

Today, third-generation leader Bryan Gold continues the company’s legacy of craftsmanship, innovation and uncompromising quality. From supplying artificial foliage for iconic Disney attractions in the company’s early years to creating custom-designed trees and decor for discerning homeowners and designers today, Aldik Home has built its reputation by elevating an often-overlooked design category into an art form.

More than a showroom, Aldik Home is an experience. Visitors are welcomed by handcrafted trees, vibrant silk florals and thoughtfully curated furnishings that inspire creativity and bring warmth to every space. During the holidays, the store transforms into a magical winter wonderland that has become a tradition for generations of Southern California families.

At its core, Aldik Home believes beautiful design should feel personal. Whether creating a custom tree, curating seasonal decor or helping clients bring the outdoors in, the team is dedicated to crafting environments that evoke joy, comfort and connection.

In an era of mass production and sameness, Aldik Home remains a rare institution: one that continues to shape how Southern Californians experience home, one beautiful space at a time.

OF INFLUENCE

INFLUENCE ISN’T ABOUT FOLLOWING TRENDS IT ’S ABOUT CREATING EXPERIENCES PEOPLE REMEMBER FOR A LIFETIME.”

BIRCH AQUARIUM

DIVE INTO A SUMMER OF WONDER AT BIRCH AQUARIUM

Summer in La Jolla is the perfect time to soak up the sun and explore the outdoors while also getting up close with some of the ocean’s most fascinating wonders, and Birch Aquarium is the perfect spot to dive into marine fun! Birch Aquarium is more than an aquarium — it’s the public outreach center for UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where guests can discover cutting-edge research driving the future of ocean discovery. Groundbreaking research comes to life through immersive exhibits, hands-on activities and unforgettable animal encounters, all set against sweeping views of the Paci c.

UC SAN DIEGO’S SCRIPPS INSTITUTION OF OCEANOGRAPHY

FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN

Birch Aquarium is a fantastic place to bring the whole family, and truly o ers something for everyone. For the science-lover, the aquarium o ers talks and feedings throughout the day, including a deeper dive into the conservation work happening onsite. Learn more about local sharks and rays or catch a diver presentation in the Giant Kelp Forest habitat to get to know more about California marine life. Animal enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to get an up-close look and even touch some of Southern California’s iconic tide pool species while exploring the aquarium’s Tide Pool Plaza. And Riveropolis is a popular stop for kids and kids-at-heart as a place to get a little wet while building boats and exploring a miniature river system to learn about how water moves through an ecosystem and try out some hands-on engineering.

WHERE CURIOSITY COMES TO LIFE

Birch Aquarium at Scripps’s Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery takes you on an immersive journey through the Paci c — from the Paci c Northwest to the Tropical Paci c and everywhere in between. Discover the mysterious Giant Paci c Octopus, peek “under-thepier” at life along the Scripps pilings and explore the Open Ocean with schooling sh and a rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle. en journey through vibrant coral reefs and winding mangroves, where every turn reveals the ocean’s most surprising and extraordinary life. Living Seas invites you to engage your curiosity, discover the magic in the little things and celebrate the weird as you experience the Paci c Ocean like never before. >>

DISCOVER SOMETHING JAW-SOME DURING SHARK SUMMER

Have you ever wondered what shark species swim in Southern California waters? Or wanted to know what makes sharks such unique animals? Dive deep into the world of these amazing animals this July during Shark Summer at Birch Aquarium! Shark Summer celebrates the vital role sharks play in the ecosystem, while shining a light on the important conservation work and research being done to protect them. Catch shark feedings and educational talks, enjoy themed dive presentations, nerd out about all things shark with Scripps Oceanography researchers and more on select days throughout the month!

MEET THE WORLD’S SMALLEST PENGUINS

Birch Aquarium is the only place on the West Coast where you can see Little Blue Penguins, the smallest penguins in the world! Explore Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins to follow Little Blue Penguins on their journey from hatchlings to adults, highlighting the challenges they face in a changing climate while celebrating the features that make these penguins so unique and adorable. Don’t miss the daily penguin feeding at 10 a.m. to learn more about these incredible birds!

HOP INTO IMAGINE WILD: MOUNTAIN YELLOW-LEGGED FROG

Step into a story of resilience, restoration and hope in Birch Aquarium’s newest exhibition, Imagine Wild: Mountain Yellow-legged Frog. Wander through a reimagined California mountainside as you explore forests, meadows and alpine lakes that once formed the natural habitat of these frogs. Along the way, discover

what it takes to restore a healthy ecosystem for a critically endangered amphibian, and follow a decades-long story of habitat recovery. Learn about the collaborative conservation e orts — and the people behind them — working to bring these frogs back from the brink of extinction. At the heart of the exhibition, encounter Mountain Yellow-legged Frogs up close and imagine a future where these frogs thrive once again

VENTURE BEHIND-THE-SCENES

Discover a side of Birch Aquarium most guests never see on a Behind-the-Scenes Tour! During an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience, you’ll get up close with some of the aquarium’s most fascinating animals, discover what goes into their daily care and explore ongoing conservation initiatives. Plus, you’ll get to ask questions along the way making each experience truly one-of-a-kind. Tour availability varies by day so check the Daily Schedule for each day’s o erings!

STAY LATE ON SUNDAYS

Every Sunday evening, Birch Aquarium stays open later with Birch A er Hours, an all-ages evening experience from 5 to 7 p.m. Designed for families, couples and anyone looking to wind down the weekend, Birch A er Hours features discounted tickets and a relaxed nighttime vibe inviting guests to experience the aquarium in a whole new light. Grab a bite to eat or a refreshing beverage from Blue Wave Bistro and catch epic golden-hour views from the aquarium’s Tide Pool Plaza. Be sure to book your tickets online in advance to take advantage of the discounted price!

Birch Aquarium is a can’t-miss destination for Southern California fun this summer. We’ll sea you there! v

TFIFTY YEARS OF SMILEY’S: The Hot Dog Stand That Became Westlake Village

BY NICOLE POLLASTRINI

here are places that exist simply to feed you, and then there are places that become part of who you are. Smiley’s Hot Dogs, the legendary cart that has occupied its corner of Townsgate Road in Westlake Village since 1983, is decidedly the latter. is year, Smiley’s turns 50. And, if you know anything about small businesses, you know that 50 years is not luck: Fi y years is a love story.

It began, as many California stories do, with someone who missed New York. John Smiley founded the cart in 1976 with a straightforward mission: bring the classic New York City street cart experience to the West Coast. He originally started the venture in Simi Valley; he worked out the kinks, and by 1983 had settled on Townsgate Road, where he transformed an ordinary stretch of sidewalk into what he called “Hot Dog Heaven.” e name was not an exaggeration.

Word traveled fast; the way it always does when something is genuinely good. New York transplants found Smiley’s and recognized it immediately as a taste of home — not just an approximation of home, not a California version of home — but home. ey told their friends. eir friends told their friends. And the locals, the ones who had never set foot in New York and couldn’t have cared less, came for the food and stayed for the feeling.

When Smiley retired in 2005, he handed the business to Mike Monger, a loyal customer who also happened to service the two telephone boxes that had become Smiley’s most iconic design feature: makeshi lunch counters for stand-up dining. It was, in retrospect, a perfectly poetic choice. Monger knew the cart the way a regular knows a place, which is to say he knew it in his bones. He has remained involved ever since.

In 2014, the next chapter arrived in the form of Joe Spina and his friend Raul Flores. Spina had moved to Westlake Village from New York, discovered Smiley’s, and become exactly the kind of devoted customer the cart had always attracted. “It reminded me of the New York-style hot dogs I missed from back home,” he said, which is perhaps the most useful thing you can know about why Smiley’s works: it was built by someone who understood exactly what it meant to miss something.

Spina will tell you that 50 years of survival is not one big decision. It is thousands of small ones, made correctly, over and over again. Consistency. Community. Adaptation. e cart still stands on Townsgate Road, Monday through Friday, from 10:30 in the morning until 2:30 in the a ernoon, which is itself a kind of reliability that has become rare and, therefore, precious. But Smiley’s has also grown. ere are now three carts in the eet, deployed for private events, corporate gatherings, late-night wedding bites and charity tournaments. e menu, once a straightforward New York a air, now includes vegan options, turkey dogs, kielbasa and gluten-free buns. Credit cards and Apple Pay are accepted. You can order ahead on DoorDash or Grubhub. You can even buy Sabrett hot dogs, Sabrett spicy brown mustard and Sabrett onions in sauce through the Smiley’s online store to attempt the experience at home (though everyone who has ever tried to recreate a cart hot dog in their own kitchen knows it is never quite the same).

e menu is worth discussing at some length, because it is a menu that takes hot dogs seriously without taking itself seriously, which is exactly the right approach. e signature Smiley’s Dog is mayo, cheese

“IT REMINDED ME OF THE NEW YORK-STYLE HOT DOGS I MISSED FROM BACK HOME. WHICH IS PERHAPS THE MOST USEFUL THING YOU CAN KNOW ABOUT WHY SMILEY’S WORKS: IT WAS BUILT BY SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTOOD EXACTLY WHAT IT MEANT TO MISS SOMETHING.”

-JOE SPINA

and onions, a combination that sounds simple until you eat one and realize that simple is frequently the point.

e All-American Dog comes topped with ketchup, mustard, sweet relish and onions, which is to say it comes topped with everything a hot dog has ever wanted to be. And then there is the Ferrari Dog, which is the item Spina mentions rst, for obvious reasons. A loyal customer used to cruise by each week in his Ferrari and order the same thing every time: a hot dog with sautéed onions, Sabrett brown mustard and a line of cheese down the middle. ey named it a er him.

e line of cheese is called the racing stripe. is is what happens when a business pays attention to the people who love it.

Over the decades, Smiley’s has become the kind of place a community turns to when it needs something to hold onto for memories and quality. e cart has fed rst responders during local res. It has shown up for YMCA charity golf tournaments and provided meals for

Malibu residents displaced by disaster. Nikki Sixx has eaten there. So has Eddie Money. So has Kevin Dillon. e Food Network came. Local newspapers came. People keep coming. And now, children who grew up eating at the cart are bringing their own children, which is the clearest possible signal that something has worked. Spina said what surprises him most is the connections. “I never expected that owning a hot dog cart would bring me so close to so many amazing people in this town,” he said. And you believe him completely, because it is exactly the kind of thing that turns out to be true only a er it has already happened to you.

He talks about the future the way someone talks about a responsibility they are honored to carry. He wants to pass Smiley’s to his children, who grew up working events alongside him and who understand, in the particular way that only children who have watched their parents pour themselves into something can understand, what the cart means. Not just as a business, but as a legacy. It’s a promise made to a community that has kept its end of the bargain for 50 years.

e cart will be on Townsgate Road next Monday, and the Monday a er that. It has been there through res and retirements and new owners and a pandemic and half a century of ordinary life, which is the only kind of life most of us actually live. ere will be a hot dog with a racing stripe if you want one. ere will be familiar faces. ere will be, as there has always been, the particular pleasure of standing on a sidewalk in the sun with something good in your hand.

Fi y years. Not bad for a hot dog cart. v

SMILEY’S 2625 Townsgate Road ousand Oaks, CA 91361 (818) 661-7713 smileyshotdogs.com

FROM BEIRUT TO BATUMI, CHEF ROSE PREVITE

DEFINES WOMEN’S HISTORY AT THE MAYDAN MARKET

BY MICHELE STUEVEN

The daughter of an Italian father and Lebanese mother, Rose Previte, the woman behind Maydan Market, the food hall in the West Adams district of Los Angeles, is a mesmerizing sample of women in hospitality.

e high-energy visionary behind the Michelinrecognized Maydān, Medina, and Sook restaurants in Washington, D.C., has created a 10,000-square-foot space inspired by markets worldwide. Designed as a gathering place anchored by a central live- re hearth, Maydan Market seamlessly blends a variety of vendors under one roof, including Rose’s Middle Eastern restaurant and bar from DC, Maydan, Compass Rose, as well as various market outposts, including Golden Mountain Fried Chicken, Lugya’h by James Beard Award-nominated Poncho’s Tlayudas, and Maléna.

In addition to an elegant full bar, Maydan Market also includes Club 104, a rotating residency space currently featuring Mehran Movahedi of Baloot, an Iranian rice bowl pop-up, and a Middle Eastern convenience store/wine bar, Sook, that o ers grab-andgo foods, hard-to- nd Middle Eastern pantry staples, and freshly prepared dishes served from the counter. e concept fosters community through shared resources, space, overhead expenses and operations to help independent businesses overcome obstacles to opening brick-and-mortar locations, despite the many barriers to success and the ongoing restaurant crisis. But this isn’t your typical food hall.

Previte has partnered with other women crusaders like nonpro t leader Odilia Romero (wife and business partner to Poncho Martinez of Maydan Market’s Lugya’h), the Irra sisters at Málena, and new chefs like Tiana Gee to build a more accessible restaurant model for local business owners.

“I always say I’m Lebanese by way of Detroit,” Previte said. “ ere’s a big Middle Eastern population in Detroit, and while my mom spoke Arabic at home, she didn’t teach us kids. e fear of losing culture was getting more and more extreme.”

Previte shred the story of moving to a little farm town in Ohio, and her parents being nervous that the family was going to forget their roots. “And so my mom started a Lebanese catering company out of our house,” she explained. “Much like the mission behind this project, she didn’t know how to start breaking borders. We’d do festivals, weddings, graduation parties, but it was a slow burn, because at rst, nobody even knew what Lebanese food was. Cucumber tomato salad was a foreign thing in 80’s Ohio.”

While they weren’t able to save the language, they managed to save the culture. Since then, Previte has travelled the world, returning to her roots, rediscovering family and relatives in Northern Beirut, and cooking with women in home kitchens throughout the Middle East.

“I do this because I see a Middle East that most Americans don’t see,” Previte, who ate her rst hamburger at age 10 at the original Wendy’s in Ohio, due to her parents’ strict, healthy diets, said. “ ose women brought us, strangers, into their homes and allowed us into their kitchens.”

She said that to go into kitchens with men in Oman would have been impossible. So, the fact that she wanted to learn from them and to take it back to some “fancy restaurant in America?”

“ e reaction across the board was pure pride,” Previte said. “I do this so people will see something other than what they see on TV. Everybody thinks it’s dangerous and unsafe, but it’s the most hospitable part of the world. We want to re ect that hospitality here and encourage customers to travel.” at energy translates upon rst walking into Maydan Market through the oversized Moroccan-style entrance doors that lead into the cathedral-like space featuring two murals, one of which is inspired by the interiors of Georgian Winery Chateau Mukhrani, and another Oaxacan-inspired mural from local LA artist Ernesto Yerena. It feels more like you’re walking into a movie set, probably because instead of going with a traditional interior designer, Previte chose a set designer to help lay out the space. >>

Morocco was the inspiration for the newest addition, a village of romantic private dining tents inspired by one of the chef’s rst trips abroad, where she ate, slept and lived in the Sahara in a tent for a week. ey brought some tents back from Morocco, sourced from di erent fabric companies and estate sales, and constructed the cabanas, which are repurposed.

“MOROCCO WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE NEWEST ADDITION, A VILLAGE OF ROMANTIC PRIVATE DINING TENTS INSPIRED BY ONE OF THE CHEF’S FIRST TRIPS ABROAD, WHERE SHE ATE, SLEPT AND LIVED IN THE SAHARA IN A TENT FOR A WEEK.”

Previte describes the menu as “Tangier to Tehran, Beirut to Batumi,” all of which is cooked on an open ame in the massive hearth at the center of the market. Her love of the former soviet republic of Georgia, o en referred to as the birthplace of wine, is re ected in Maydan’s wine list, which also includes a selection of Lebanese wines.

“My mom doesn’t like it, she doesn’t understand why it isn’t a purely Lebanese menu, which tends to just be a lot of cinnamon, lemon and garlic,” Previte, who lived in Russia for three years with her husband, award-winning journalist David Greene, said. “I love those avors, but they don’t tend to have anything spicy like harissa, black lime or tamarind. I like it to be a little more diverse. We don’t do rice because it’s hard to cook on the re, but we have chickpeas and bread that’s cooked in the tandoor, and lots of vegetables.”

“Maydan” is used similarly throughout the Middle East, Central and South Asia, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe and North Africa as a central public meeting place, o en in the middle of a city, a space for people to come together as a community to celebrate. Insider tip for the West Adams Maydan: Avoid the weekend crowds and visit Tuesday through ursday for your best bet at scoring a table. v

MAYDAN MARKET

4301 W Je erson Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 900169

(213) 838-9868

maydanmarket.com

BY LAUREN STURMAN

THE BEST DREAMS ARE DESERT DREAMS T

here is a moment, somewhere on the drive east when the city releases its grip on you. e tra c thins and the sky opens up. e mountains appear on the horizon, purple and orange-hued, and you remember that the world is considerably larger than your inbox. By the time you pull up to a desert, you understand it’s time to relax.

Palm Springs, Scottsdale and Death Valley in summer is its own particular pleasure. With fewer crowd and lower rates, a desert getaway mid-year has its advantages. e pool, which in February you share with half of Los Angeles, becomes something closer to your own.

Yes, it is hot, an unapologetically 110-degrees-by-noon hot. But heat, when you stop ghting it, has a way of slowing everything down to the pace your body actually wanted all along. You move slower. You eat later. You stay in the water longer. e desert in summer is not a consolation prize for people who couldn’t get away in April. It is a di erent trip entirely, and in many ways, a better one.

We spotlight ve distinctive properties that o er an authentic desert experience worthy of a summer escape. >>

GRAND HYAT T SCOTTSDALE RESORT

Come for the Heat. Stay for Everything Else.

veryone will tell you not to go to Scottsdale in the summer. People who have never even been to Arizona will volunteer this information with surprising con dence. But they are wrong.

Here is what they are not telling you: Scottsdale in summer is a secret, and like all good secrets, it belongs to the people who gured it out rst. e crowds thin out. e rates drop. And the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort suddenly becomes the kind of place you can a ord to enjoy at the pace it deserves.

e resort is, in the most literal sense, its own world. ere is a pool, water slides and a beach, an actual beach, on the property, which is proof that ambition has no geographic limits. For families, the value proposition in summer is almost unfair: kids eat free with each paying adult, rates are signi cantly lower than peak season, and Camp Hyatt provides a temperature-controlled environment where children can be enthusiastically entertained while parents remember what it feels like to sit still. On the Fourth of July, the resort puts on a reworks show that has become the kind of annual tradition families build their summers around.

For adults traveling without children, there is a separate adults-only pool with VIP cabanas available to rent, which is the resort’s way of saying that everyone thought of you, too.

e spa o ers summer-speci c body and facial treatments, and if you have ever had a facial in a cool, quiet room while it is 108 degrees outside, you will understand that this is one of life's more satisfying contrasts. en there is the food, which at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort is reason enough to book the trip on its own. Under the direction of Richard Blais, the celebrated chef and James Beard-nominated cookbook author, the resort’s six Gainey Ranch restaurants operate as a collection of genuinely distinct experiences rather than variations on the same hotel menu. La Zozzona is a sophisticated tribute to Italian American cuisine, the kind of dinner that makes you slow down and pay attention. Tiki Taka merges Japanese sushi with Spanish tapas in a combination that sounds unlikely and tastes inevitable.

At H2Oasis, the pool bar, you can lounge in a private cabana with festive cocktails and food that is good enough to make you forget you were planning to get up and do something else. You were not.

e dining moves between indoor and outdoor settings that fold Arizona’s natural landscape into the experience rather than competing with it.

Is it hot in Scottsdale in July? Yes. Spectacularly, unapologetically hot. Bring that up with the resort’s ve pools, the spa, the air-conditioned restaurants, and the cabana waiting with your name on it. v

DRIFT PALM SPRINGS The Desert, Unhurried

ri Palm Springs doesn’t try very hard to impress you, it just does.

Tucked into the heart of downtown, this boutique hotel is the kind of place that makes you reconsider the word “boutique,” which has been so overused it has nearly lost its meaning. Here it means something speci c: 87 bedrooms spread across studios and suites, some with two, three or four bedrooms, all of them dressed in what can only be called desert-chic. e palette is warm and deliberate, colors pulled straight from the Californian desert landscape, the terracotta of dry earth, the sage of scrub brush, the bleached ivory of sun-soaked adobe.

What strikes you rst, though, is not the design. It is the pantry. Full kitchens in the multi-room suites come stocked with locally curated snacks. ere is a living room, and each guestroom o ers outdoor space. In an era when travel has become relentlessly optimized, Dri Palm Springs quietly insists on the radical act of comfort. e hotel’s Mexican roots run deeper than the decor. Maleza, the hotel’s all-day restaurant, is helmed by Chef Ysaac Ramirez, and it is worth the drive from Los Angeles on its own. e menu is shareable, seasonal, and the kind of Mexican cuisine that respects its origins. Dishes like Enchiladas Michoacanas, Pachamama Nonein Pork Chops, and Chicken Milanesa Torta are just a few of the creative fare on the menu.

e beverage list leans into rare Mexican spirits served into seasonal cocktails, which means you will be

introduced to bottles you have never seen and will spend weeks a erward trying to track them down at home. Happy Hour happens Sundays through ursdays from 4-6 pm.

On Saturdays, yoga on the outdoor terrace of Sol Studio makes the morning light worth getting out of bed. Hotel guests and locals can practice their downward dog free of charge with an RSVP weekly at 9:00 am.

e expansive pool is central to the property, and guests can either enjoy their privacy or make new friends. ere are daybeds, cabanas and loungers arranged for serious leisure.

Palm Springs’ main street is just steps away, and the hotel provides complimentary beach cruisers for guests who want to explore it without negotiating the parking situation. ere are shops, historic museums, and around every other corner, another clear-shot view of the mountains that have always been the real reason to come here.

Dri Palm Springs understands something that a lot of hotels do not, which is that luxury is not about the thread count or the lobby art or the welcome amenity le on the pillow. It is about the feeling, at the end of the rst day, that you made the right choice. v

DRIFT PALM SPRINGS

284 S Indian Canyon Drive

Palm Springs, CA 92262

dri hotels.co/palmsprings

DESERT SEDUCTION: A Weekend

at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

rand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas sits on 45 acres of landscape that has no business being this lush in the middle of the Coachella Valley, and yet here it is, all towering palms and mountain views that command your attention. ere are 531 rooms, suites and private villas, a number that sounds imposing until you walk the grounds and understand that the property has been designed to make travelers feel at home. Families spread out in one direction. Couples nd their own corners. Nobody feels crowded. is place does a great deal for families. e crown jewel of the property is HyTides, the largest waterpark in Greater Palm Springs, and if you have small children, that sentence alone may be all you need to hear. Seven pools. Two waterslides. A 450-foot Desert Twist Lazy River that winds through the grounds on a hot a ernoon. Splash pads with water cannons and cascading buckets that can occupy a toddler for hours. Because while the children are conducting their very serious waterpark business, the adults have options. e pool reserved for grown-ups comes with private cabanas and a bar serving tropical cocktails and small bites. And then there is Agua Serena Spa, which is 30,000 square feet of air-conditioned, intentional, restoration. Face treatments. Body treatments. e kind of care that makes you question the cultural story we’ve been told about productivity being the highest virtue. On a summer a ernoon in the Coachella Valley, when the sun is doing its scorching, the spa stops being a luxury and starts being something closer to common sense. e golf here is serious. Indian Wells has earned its reputation as one of the country’s premier golf destinations, and the neighboring Indian Wells Golf Resort proves this point. e Clive Clark-designed Celebrity Course is a par-72 that o ers the seems to make you feel slightly better about your game than you perhaps deserve. e John Fought-designed Players Course is less forgiving. Winding streams and impeccable grooming frame both, and the resort’s “Stay and Play” packages o er accommodations with round of golf on the various courses; it’s the kind of arrangement that makes you feel you are getting away with something.

e resort o ers tennis courts, pickleball and miles of trails. e desert light at 7 a.m. is something that cannot be adequately described in print, only experienced.

Dining options can satisfy the proverbial foodie as well as the pickiest eater in the party. Tia Carmen, the restaurant from acclaimed chef Angelo Sosa, brings genuine culinary ambition to breakfast and dinner. e food has the kind of seriousness that usually exists only in cities, and it has chosen wisely to set up here instead. Carmocha serves small plates and artisanal cocktails with the easy con dence of a place that knows good food doesn't require formality. Vista Square Kitchen handles the cheerful, hungry crowds between the pools and the waterpark. And the Camino Springs Market in the main lobby o ers co ee, sandwiches and locally sourced fruit for guests who are not quite ready to stop moving.

Indian Wells sits twenty minutes from Palm Springs, which is close enough to access the boutiques, the restaurants, the cultural life of its more famous neighbor, and far enough to feel like a destination in its own right. Summer here is something the region doesn’t always bother to market, and perhaps that is part of its appeal. e pace changes during those hot months.

e drive home is the hard part. e mountains shrink in the rearview mirror and the tra c reassembles. But for a weekend, you were somewhere else entirely. You were a person who sat by a pool in the desert sun, who ate a good meal without rushing, who watched the mountains change color at dusk and felt, for a few unguarded moments, that this was enough. at is what a place like Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas gives you. Not just rest. e memory of what rest feels like. And the knowledge that you can nd your way back. v

GRAND HYATT INDIAN WELLS

RESORT & VILLAS

44600 Indian Wells Lane

Indian Wells, CA 92210

(760) 776-1234

hyattindianwells.com

TOMMY BAHAMA MIRAMONTE RESORT & SPA

Tropics at the Foot of the Mountains

ommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, tucked into the heart of Indian Wells, understands the particular quality of stillness that the desert o ers. e resort's 215 guestrooms are arranged in twostory bungalows framed by grand archways and garden walkways. Inside, the rooms wear the signature style of Tommy Bahama, woven textures and organic tones and the brand's quietly tropical prints.

Many rooms open onto private patios or balconies where the landscape stretches toward the rolling hills, and the Santa Rosa Mountains wait in the distance like something out of a painting you saw once and never forgot. More than 100 citrus trees, heavy with fruit, dot the property, and the concierge will lend you a picker and a basket if you want to harvest your own. is is the kind of detail that sounds precious until you are actually standing under a lemon tree in the desert morning light and you realize you cannot remember the last time you did something so quietly satisfying. e trees are surrounded by plantings in every shade of green, which makes the whole property feel alive in a way that surprises people who assume the desert is mostly brown.

When you have nished playing farmer, the pools are waiting. Poolside service and private cabanas take care of the logistics of leisure, and Chiki Palm, the resort's poolside bar, handles the rest with small bites and tropical cocktails that taste exactly right in that particular light. Al fresco dining on the patio extends the outdoor experience into the evening, when the air cools and the mountains go pink and then purple and then dark.

Grapefruit Basil, the resort's award-winning restaurant, anchors the evenings with island-inspired menus, signature cocktails, and live music that sets a tone without overwhelming the conversation. It is the kind of restaurant that earns its reputation not through spectacle but through consistency.

A 24-hour tness center with serious equipment means your routine doesn't have to su er while you’re

traveling. e Greater Palm Springs Valley is ringed with world-class courses, and the concierge will help you navigate them.

Spa Rosa, inspired by the healing traditions of the desert, provides massages tailored to what your individual body requires, and outdoor soaking pools are soothing and refreshing a er a day under the summer sun.

Beyond the resort, La Quinta has much to o er. Old Town La Quinta features cafes and boutiques and the architectural pleasure of just walking around somewhere that was built with care. e Living Desert Zoo and Gardens covers North American and African wildlife alongside botanical gardens that are stunning in a quieter way than you expect.

For the genuinely ambitious, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway rides the world's largest rotating tramcar up into Chino Canyon, where the views reframe everything you thought you knew about scale. Joshua Tree National Park is close enough for a day trip that will rearrange your perspective.

e Palm Springs Windmill Tours o er a behindthe-scenes look at renewable energy that is more interesting than it sounds. Sunnylands, the historic Annenberg estate, invites you to slow down further with its gardens, art collection, and the speci c peace of a place that has hosted presidents and dignitaries and somehow remains approachable.

Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa is where you go to recharge, properly, with a citrus basket in one hand and a tropical cocktail in the other. You might as well give in and book a much-needed staycation. v

TOMMY BAHAMA MIRAMONTE RESORT & SPA

45000 Indian Wells Lane Indian Wells, CA 92210

(442) 305-4500 tommybahamamiramonte.com

THE OASIS AT DEATH VALLEY

The Hottest, Coolest Vacation You’ll Take This Summer

ere’s a secret about travel: e best places, the truly memorable ones, are all about contrast. And if it’s contrast you’re a er, there is no place more spectacular in the summer than e Oasis at Death Valley.

Now, everyone will tell you that you are out of your mind for even thinking about it. ey will talk about the heat, and they will be right. e heat is formidable. But they are missing the entire point. e secret is that you are not meant to simply endure the heat. You are meant to have the perfect escape from it, which is what makes the experience so exquisite.

Imagine this: You explore the salt ats in the cool, quiet morning, when the air is still so and the light is golden. en, as the sun climbs, you retreat. You return to a place with rustling palm trees and a swimming pool that is, without exaggeration, the Platonic ideal of a swimming pool. e existence of a cold drink in your hand feels less like a simple refreshment and more like a profound statement on the nature of joy. is is what e Oasis o ers. It turns the magni cent, intense heat of the desert into a grand opening act for the

main event: pure, unadulterated relief and luxury. And because so few people are in on the secret, you get the gi of quiet. e vast, silent landscapes feel like your own private planet.

You can choose your own kind of escape, of course. ere’s the elegant, historic Inn, which feels like stepping into a glamorous black and white lm. Or there’s the friendly, rambling Ranch, a perfect village where the most important decision of the day is when to have your rst swim.

Don’t listen to the people who say it’s the wrong time to go. Summer is the time you’ll feel the magic most. It’s an experience for your senses, a story you’ll tell forever, and a reminder that the greatest luxury in the world is a patch of cool shade in the most unexpected of places.

You don’t go for the hiking. You don’t go for a tan. You go for the story. You go to sit by a spring-fed pool in the hottest place on earth and feel, against all odds, impossibly, deliriously alive. You go so you can say you went. And, believe me, that is more than enough. v

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THE ST. REGIS CAP CANA

THE CARIBBEAN’S

BY LAUREN STURMAN

BEST-KEPT SECRET

There are beach destinations and then there are places that rewire you. Cap Cana, tucked into the eastern tip of e Dominican Republic, belongs rmly in the second category. It does not announce itself the way other Caribbean destinations do, with airport billboards and aggressive hustle and the ambient noise of mass tourism. Cap Cana arrives quietly, behind a gate, revealing itself slowly as the road opens onto white sand beaches, turquoise water, and a marina so vast it could swallow most small towns whole. You did not know this place existed. Now, you will not be able to stop thinking about it.

At the center of it all sits e St. Regis Cap Cana Resort, and it earns its address.

e resort o ers 200 rooms and 36 suites, which sounds like a number until you are standing in one of them and realize that the design team seems to have understood something fundamental about what people actually need from a room. e color palette draws from the land, sea, and sky surrounding the property, which is a phrase that usually means someone painted the walls blue, but here it means something considered and speci c. Natural tones, textures that breathe, partial and full ocean views that remind you, every time you look up from whatever you were doing, where you are. Some rooms have swim-out pools, which remove entirely the distance between the interior life and the outside one.

e suites, many with private pools and oceanfacing terraces, take this a step further. You stop thinking of them as rooms. You start thinking of them as reasons. e St. Regis brand has always understood the art of celebration, and Cap Cana gives it room to express that fully. e St. Regis Bar anchors the property with its signature rituals, the kind of graceful, unhurried service that makes a cocktail feel like an occasion. e Cielo Mio Roo op Bar takes the experience upward, where the skyline becomes the decor and sunset arrives on schedule to remind you that some things are still reliably beautiful.

e Amber Room, developed in partnership with Arturo Fuente, is a di erent kind of pleasure: intimate and masculine, lined with curated rum displays, o ering the chance to sit with a cigar and a spirit and talk to a distiller about the alchemy behind both. ese are not just bars. ey are destinations within the destination, each one o ering its own particular version of a good evening.

e dining is serious in the way that great resort dining rarely manages. Cassava draws from the rich culinary heritage of Dominican and Latin Caribbean cooking, delivering the comfort of familiar avors with the precision of a kitchen that respects its source material. NINA, developed in collaboration with Chef Diego Muñoz, brings a more contemporary

approach, with exceptional cuisine framed by tranquil ocean views.

e St. Regis Bar doubles as an Asian-in uenced gastronomic experience, which sounds like an unlikely pairing for a Caribbean resort until you taste it and realize the kitchen knows exactly what it is doing. Marola Mediterranean Grill adds another register entirely, with panoramic views and opename cooking and the kind of breezy, rustic elegance that belongs on a terrace at dusk. Nine culinary and beverage experiences in total, each with its own logic, its own mood, its own reason to return.

Beyond the resort’s boundaries, Cap Cana delivers on its promise of something more than sun and sand. Punta Espada Golf Course is directly adjacent to the property, eighteen holes spread along the cli s where the Dominican coastline breaks into the sea, consistently ranked among the nest courses in the Caribbean. You walk from your room to the rst tee.

e Caribbean is there the entire time, doing what it does, which is to say making everything look better. For the more adventurously inclined, Scape Park o ers the kind of day that exhausts you in the best way: zip-lining; cave swimming; o -road rides through jungle scenery that reminds you the island has been here much longer than the resort and has plenty to show for it. e park’s signature jewel is Hoyo Azul, a cenote of almost unreasonable turquoise, the kind of natural feature that makes you reach for your phone and then put it away because no photograph will do what the thing itself does.

e Marina Cap Cana, one of the largest in the entire Caribbean, opens the ocean up in every direction. e St. Regis Spa closes it back down again, o ering the particular luxury of having no direction at all except inward. Four pools, including one reserved for adults only, provide the gradient of sociability that di erent travelers need at di erent hours of the day.

A Children and Teens Club handles the logistics of family travel with enough creativity and genuine attention that the children will be ne, better than ne, and the adults will have time

to remember who they are when no one is asking them for anything.

is is what Cap Cana understands that many luxury destinations do not: the goal is not to ll every hour with a scheduled experience. e goal is to create the conditions under which a person can choose, freely and without guilt, between doing everything and doing nothing. Both options are equally available. Both are equally well supported.

e Caribbean is there either way, turquoise and patient, having been beautiful long before you arrived and fully prepared to keep going a er you leave. Go before everyone else gures it out, because they will. v

THE ST. REGIS CAP CANA

Punta Cana 23000

Dominican Republic (809) 469-7088

marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pujxr-the-stregis-cap-cana-resort

RANCHO DE LOS CABALLEROS:

BY BRIDGET GRAHAM

WHERE AUTHENTICITY AND LUXURY MEET TO PROVIDE A RANCH EXPERIENCE ALONGSIDE SUPERIOR GUEST SERVICE.

“...AND NOT ONLY IS IT AWEING TO SEE [125 HORSES RUN BY YOU], THERE IS ALSO A BIT OF A CHUCKLE TO BE HAD, ONCE YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCE IN SPEED DEPENDING ON WHERE THEY ARE HEADED. THIS IS A MUST-SEE, BUCKETLIST SIGHT IF YOU LOVE HORSES.”

magine standing on a patio and watching 125 horses run by you, in unison, while you look on, awestruck by their beauty and magni cence. Truth is, you can have this experience twice a day at Rancho de los Caballeros. Not only that, the patio you’re standing on, well, it’s attached to the most gorgeous, Southwestern-style room, exactly where you lay your head each night.

In Wickenburg, Arizona, about one hour outside of Phoenix, sits Rancho de los Caballeros, a dude ranch, which brings the concepts of authenticity and luxury seamlessly together to embody the true spirit of cowboy culture. Situated on 18,000 acres, there is no shortage of activities, food, accommodations or superior guest service.

February 2026 saw the completion of a multi-year, $100 million renovation at the resort. Altogether, the ranch o ers 79 total guestrooms and suites, complete with Santa Fe-style decor and beautiful views of the landscape, individual patios, and sunsets that only the wide-open desert can provide. A prize jewel of the guestroom o erings are the rows of four standalone casitas grouped together, which are each two-bedroom suites with an open concept living room and a magni cent replace as the focal point. e casitas can also be adjoined to create larger spaces for retreats, wedding parties, large families, and other types of get togethers.

But let’s talk about those horses. e property is home to 125 of them. Every morning, you can watch them head toward the day stables, as you hear the ranchers yell out “go to work” and the horses freely walk to their station. At night, when their “shi ” is over, you can watch them head right on back to the night stables, as you hear the ranchers yell out “go home.” However,

just like us, the run home at night is at a much quicker pace than the “walk” to work. And not only is it aweing to see this, there is also a bit of a chuckle to be had, once you see the di erence in speed depending on where they are headed. is is a must-see, bucket-list sight if you love horses. Pictures and videos just cannot do it justice.

During the day, there is, of course, horseback riding, available for all levels of riders. And the scenery and landscape is gorgeous as you set o on the trails. e guides are knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely love what they do. Other equestrian options include team penning, roping instruction and barrel racing.

Golf is available for enthusiasts and rst-time players out on a course that overlooks the Sonoran Desert and Bradshaw Mountains as the backdrop. ere is also pickleball, skeet shooting, and archery. If you haven’t ever done skeet shooting or archery, there is nothing like the pride of hitting a clay target to smithereens or landing that arrow right into the center bullseye. e guides walk you through it all to ensure fun (and success) is had; they are rooting for you, too!

For those who want to lounge by the pool, the renovations of the pool area were completed last year for a water sanctuary. e zero-entry pool o ers a gradual incline to allow entrance directly into the water; it’s just like stepping in from the natural shoreline, which oddly seems to make perfect sense in the middle of an Arizona desert while at this luxury spot. Fountains and underwater music add to the ambiance. An adjacent lap pool sits alongside an in nity-edge hydrotherapy pool with therapeutic jets for a full relaxation experience. Private cabanas, poolside seating, dedicated locker rooms all lead to it is being so easy to spend hours lounging at your leisure. Poolside Sips & Snacks, the restaurant right at the pools, ensures your belly is full with delicious fare that isn’t too heavy, and the menu is complete with refreshing cocktails and fun drinks.

Speaking of leisure and relaxation, the on-site luxury, full-service Ranch Spa and Wellness Center o ers massages, facials, wraps, scrubs and more. Who can truly relax without visiting the spa? And with their unique treatments, especially a er a day of ranch activities, a spa appointment just seems like it has to be on the agenda. e newly added infrared sauna is state of the art; and the tness center is open daily.

With several distinct restaurants on property, every meal feels like its own destination. Large breakfast bu ets each morning lead to gourmet dinners, followed by s’mores at the repits at night, with lunch somewhere in between it all; there are many choices for everyone in your party. Depending on the time of year, live music, movies under the stars, barbecues and other fun activities are available to round out the rancher experience.

Rancho de los Caballeros, located in the Sonoran Desert, is the spot to nd your inner cowboy or cowgirl persona. Plus, you can just relax, enjoy the beauty and marvel at the surroundings. It has been said, “ e West isn’t a place. It’s a state of mind.” v

RANCHO DE LOS CABALLEROS RESORT

1551 S Vulture Mine Road Wickenburg, AZ 85390

(928) 684-5484

ranchodeloscaballeros.com

ON BOARD EXPLORA JOURNEYS:

WHY THE MOST INTERESTING THE MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN

BY MONIQUE REIDY

PLACE TO BE MIGHT BE

Let’s be honest about something. Most of us who consider ourselves travelers, the kind who seek out small restaurants down unmarked alleys and collect boutique hotels the way other people collect frequent yer miles, have spent years insisting that we are not cruise people. Cruises are for other people. People who like bu ets. People who enjoy being herded. People who don’t mind a formal dinner where everyone is wearing something uncomfortable.

And then you hear about Explora Journeys, and you start to wonder if you have been wrong about the whole thing. Explora Journeys is a luxury cruise line that has apparently decided the best way to convince people like us to get on a ship is to stop making it feel like a ship. e experience is closer to a private yacht, or a very well-appointed boutique hotel that happens to move, with all-suite ocean-front accommodations and a guest-to-host ratio of 1.25 to one on EXPLORA I, which means there are nearly as many people trying to make your trip wonderful as there are people having a trip. is is the kind of math that should make every traveler stop and pay attention.

e suites begin with oor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, because the ship’s designers understood something fundamental: you are on the ocean, and you should be able to see it. Higher categories add large living areas and walk-in wardrobes, because apparently someone at Explora Journeys asked the correct question, which is why should packing for a two-week trip require you to live out of a suitcase?

EXPLORA I carries 461 ocean-front suites, ve heated pools, six restaurants, and twelve bars and lounges. e oors in the bathrooms are heated. ere is a Dyson blow dryer. High-speed Wi-Fi is included, because the alternative, being unreachable in the middle of the ocean, sounds romantic for approximately 45 minutes before becoming a genuine problem.

e ship runs on what it calls an intuitive service approach, which is the elegant way of saying that the sta , referred to as “hosts” rather than “crew,” anticipates what you need before you have gured out that you need it. Service is discreet and personalized in the way that only very good service can be, which is to say you feel cared for without feeling managed. Premium

suites come with residence-style service. ere are no formal nights. e dress code is contemporary rather than black-tie obligatory, which means you can unpack exactly the clothes you actually wanted to bring.

Before boarding, you download the Explora app, from which you can make dinner reservations, book wellness treatments and schedule facial appointments, all from your phone, which is either the height of civilization or a sign of how thoroughly technology has in ltrated even our vacations. Either way, it works.

Now, about the food. is is where Explora Journeys departs most decisively from the cruise ship you have been picturing. ere is no bu et situation. Instead, there are nine culinary experiences across the eet, six restaurants on EXPLORA I alone, each operating as its own distinct concept. Anthology sources its ingredients directly from ports of call, drawing on the tru e-

rich countryside of Piedmont and the vibrant avors of southern Italy. Sakura serves Grade 5 Japanese Wagyu and Calvisius Oscietra Caviar, sustainably sourced from Italy’s spring waters. Marble & Co. Grill features prime rib from a local producer in the Loire Valley, which is exactly the kind of sourcing detail that makes a serious eater sit up straight. Med Yacht Club is a venue that highlights ingredients and avors from around Europe. Emporium Market Place turns out handmade tortellini and plant-based chia yoghurt daily from scratch. And then there is Fil Rouge, where the star is Mediterranean bluefin tuna sustainably sourced near Cartagena Bay, and where the mashed potatoes, credited to Head of Culinary, Franck Garanger, are no doubt the best you will eat anywhere.

All of it, along with unlimited ne wines, champagne, premium spirits, specialty co ees, teas and so drinks, is bundled into the fare. Gratuities are included. Shuttle service to city centers is included where available. e overall e ect is that once you are on the ship, the mental accounting stops. You are simply living in a place that is very good at taking care of you, and that place happens to be moving through some of the most beautiful water in the world.

e wellness programming matches the rest of the experience. e Ocean Wellness spa thermal area is included. Group tness and mindfulness activities run throughout the voyage. Higher suite categories come with Technogym tness equipment in-suite, which is either impressive or slightly alarming depending on your relationship with exercise while on vacation. e overall tone is relaxed and upscale rather than rigidly scheduled, which matters more than it sounds.

Explora Journeys sail to the Mediterranean and Western Europe, the Caribbean and Central America, Alaska, Asia, Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland, the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula, South America and the Amazon, and the US and Canada East Coast and New England, among other routes. For 2027, the line is adding new itineraries to Alaska and Asia. And then, in 2029, comes the World Journey, aboard EXPLORA I, spanning four continents, 63 destinations, overnight stays in 12 ports, and 128 days of travel from the Indian Ocean to Australia and New Zealand to the

South Paci c and Peru. It is the kind of itinerary that makes you want to look at your calendar, your savings account, and your list of reasons why now is not the right time, in that order. And then possibly reconsider the list.

“THE LINE ALSO WELCOMES CHILDREN, WHICH IS UNUSUAL IN ULTRA-LUXURY SAILING AND WHICH SIGNALS SOMETHING IMPORTANT ABOUT WHO EXPLORA JOURNEYS IS ACTUALLY TRYING TO REACH. NOT THE FORMAL, WHITE-GLOVE CRUISING WORLD OF DECADES PAST. SOMETHING NEWER, MORE CONTEMPORARY, LESS INTERESTED IN HIERARCHY AND MORE INTERESTED IN EXPERIENCE.”

e line also takes its environmental obligations seriously, which at this point is not optional for any company asking thoughtful travelers to hand over their money and their trust. Single-use plastics are absent from the ships and from every land-based experience the line o ers. All six ships in the eet will be certi ed under the RINA Dolphin standard, which limits underwater noise emissions and protects marine life. EXPLORA I’s eet incorporates hybrid-ready energy systems and technology that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 percent. EXPLORA III will be the rst LNG-powered ship in the eet, equipped for shore power and designed to transition to bio- and synthetic LNG as those fuels become available. e commitment feels genuine rather than decorative, which is the only kind worth having.

e line also welcomes children, which is unusual in ultraluxury sailing and which signals something important about who Explora Journeys is actually trying to reach. Not the formal, white-glove cruising world of decades past. Something newer, more contemporary, less interested in hierarchy and more interested in experience.

For people who have spent years assuming that cruises are not for them, Explora Journeys makes a compelling argument for reconsidering the assumption. e ship is the destination. e ocean is the backdrop. And the heated bathroom oors are simply a reminder that somebody, somewhere in the design process, thought carefully about every single detail. at is usually how you know something is going to be good. v

explora.com

WHIRLING THROUGH WAIKIKI

THE BEAUTY OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS LIES IN THE DIVERSITY OF EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELER.

BY NIKI CHOPRA RICHARDSON

hile Oahu o en serves as a brief layover en route to other islands, it deserves to be a destination in its own right. Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor Memorial, North Shore and Waikiki o er just a sampling of what awaits the intrepid traveler on this dynamic island.

Waikiki features every major hotel chain along its 1.89-mile strip, but for a less commercial, more neighborhood-type experience, check out the 179room Romer House. Nestled on a quiet street between International Market Place and Ala Wai Canal, this boutique property o ers proximity to daytime action while ensuring peaceful nights. Situated across the street from a dive shop and convenience store, the hotel’s location provides both convenience and tranquility.

Don’t be fooled by Romer House’s unassuming exterior. Its mid-century modern aesthetic nods to old Waikiki, with walls adorned with local art collections embodying the aloha spirit. e curated artwork throughout the property showcases Hawaiian culture and contemporary island artists, creating an immersive experience from the moment you enter the lobby.

Guests enjoy what Romer House calls “keys to the neighborhood” through partnerships with local businesses, complimentary beach cruisers, beach towels and on-property wellness classes. Workout enthusiasts can access the gym at a sister property, ensuring tness routines remain uninterrupted during vacation. e Backyard, a pool deck open to all ages, features comfortable shaded cabanas available for rent, providing a serene escape from the bustling Waikiki streets.

Romer House’s location across from International Market Place provides numerous dining options within 100 meters, but 855-Aloha deserves your attention for breakfast and dinner. Portugal-raised Executive Chef Brad Dodson, who honed his skills in both food trucks and Michelin-starred kitchens, o ers culinary storytelling through his modern yet nostalgic menu. His unique background brings an unexpected fusion to Hawaiian dining.

Named for historic blue Hawaiian payphones (one of which adorns the restaurant for photo opportunities), 855-Aloha elevates hotel lobby dining with a mashup of Japanese, Korean and European avors. Standouts include miso salmon, kalbi beef and fried pork chops. Whether you’re starting your day with their signature breakfast o erings or winding down with an expertly prepared dinner, 855-Aloha transforms hotel dining into a memorable culinary experience.

e Lei Stand de es hotel bar stereotypes with nightclub vibes. Created by Hawaii natives, the lounge relocated from Chinatown to Romer House, bringing its commitment to building community and honoring culture. With a robust cocktail program and regular DJ rotation throughout the week, it’s the place to get lei’d. e energy shi s from casual a ernoon drinks to a vibrant nightlife scene as the evening progresses. >>

e Backyard rounds out gathering spaces as a poolside social hangout o ering full-service bar and small bites from 855-Aloha. e relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for both daytime lounging and sunset cocktails.

Romer House partnerships eliminate the need to leave the property for workouts. Yoga, sculpt and sound bath healing sessions are o ered regularly at e Backyard, allowing guests to maintain their wellness routines while embracing the Hawaiian lifestyle. e property has partnered with Beach Candy Rentals for discounted daily beach essentials. Paddleboards, sur oards and boogie boards cater to active beachgoers, while umbrellas and beach chairs serve those preferring to read with toes in the sand. No trip to Waikiki is complete without time at the world-famous Waikiki Beach, and Romer House makes accessing it e ortless.

For a deeper dive into Hawaiian culture beyond the beach, Experience Nutridge o ers an intimate alternative to massive resort luaus. Held at Nutridge Estate on the hillside of Puʻu Ualakaʻa State Park, this luau feels like dining in a friend’s backyard. With sweeping views of downtown Honolulu and the Waiʻanae mountain range, guests enjoy farm-to-table Hawaiian foods including kalua puaʻa (shredded pork), pulehu chicken and mini lau lau (pork wrapped in taro leaves and cooked for more than 18 hours in an underground oven called imu).

Learn about Hawaiian culture through hands-on activities in a small-group setting with culture-bearers who share insights into Hawaiian language, music and dance. ese cultural ambassadors take obvious pleasure in passing down traditions and answering questions about Hawaiian history, language and customs. Time to wander the gorgeous property makes

Experience Nutridge an immersive celebration rather than a passive observation.

Beyond Waikiki, transportation options vary. While hop-on, hop-o buses o er free rides locally at many di erent stops throughout the area, rideshare proves unreliable for destinations farther a eld. Traditional car rental services are available at International Market Place, but for a more exible alternative, consider Hui with hourly car rentals starting at $12, available through their app which can be downloaded at either the Apple or Google App Stores. Cars can be picked up at International Market Place and other locations throughout Waikiki. is exible option allows visitors to explore the island at their own pace without committing to a full-day rental.

Once you have your wheels, Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail o ers a mildly challenging, mostly accessible paved path to experience sunrise and possibly spot migrating whales between November and April. e 2-mile roundtrip hike rewards visitors with panoramic ocean views and potential wildlife sightings.

Waikiki’s beauty lies in its juxtaposition of worldclass brands and local Hawaiian nostalgia, a place where locals and tourists feel equally at home. Romer House ts comfortably within this balance, making it the perfect launching point for your next Hawaiian adventure. v

romerhotels.com

Three Day Rule Matchmaking

is pleased to introduce a curated group of accomplished Southern California singles who are actively seeking serious, long-term relationships. Each profile represents individuals who are intentional about partnership and ready to build something meaningful. If someone resonates with you, we invite you to respond confidentially.

> Our client is originally from Brazil and now based in Newport Beach, where she has built a high-performing career in tech sales leadership while maintaining a deeply family-centered life. She is known professionally for her strategic thinking, warmth, and ability to lead with both drive and emotional intelligence.

Her life is structured but full, with international travel, social dinners, tennis and golf lessons, cultural events, and time with close friends and family at the center. She is defined by devotion to the people she loves, especially her extended family, where she plays a central, supportive role.

Rooted in Catholic values, she believes in loyalty, commitment, and building a life with intention. She is ultimately seeking partnership and a future family.

She is seeking an ambitious, emotionally available, and financially secure man (33–58) who is grounded, consistent, and ready for a committed long-term relationship.

Respond confidentially to martina@threedayrule.com

> Our client’s career path spans law, entrepreneurship, and multiple successful exits, and she now enjoys a flexible lifestyle between the San Diego area (Encinitas) and Scottsdale. She has built businesses, stepped back from operational intensity, and now focuses on selective coaching, advisory work, and personal development. She enjoys meditation, training, Pilates, golf, reading, travel, and consistent self-reflection. She is deeply invested in understanding herself and actively building a life that prioritizes clarity, health, and emotional accountability.

She is seeking an intelligent, successful, health-conscious, and emotionally grounded man (45–63) who values growth, learning, and self-awareness.

Respond confidentially to chelsea@threedayrule.com

> Our client, based between Carlsbad and Orange County, is living a highly intentional next chapter as a seasoned entrepreneur and investor. Originally from the Bay Area, she has spent her career building businesses and raising four children, who remain her deepest priority.

She is highly self-aware, reflective, and emotionally intentional. Her world is full of long beach walks, strength training, travel, live music, and deep friendships layered with thoughtful conversation and continued personal growth.

She is deeply bonded to her adult children, who live across the country, and remains actively present in their lives while embracing independence on her own.

She is seeking a grounded, emotionally mature, and financially secure man (45–61) who is steady, self-assured, and capable of building a calm, connected partnership rooted in respect and ease.

Respond confidentially to rebecca.tassoni@threedayrule.com

> Our client recently relocated to San Diego and is a rising leader in the AI and software startup world, with a rare international background spanning Belgium, France, and the U.S. She operates at a high professional level while maintaining strong discipline in how she lives and works.

She is highly intentional about her future, clear in her standards, and deeply motivated by building both a meaningful career and a long-term partnership.

She is seeking an emotionally mature, ambitious, and health-conscious man (28–39) who is stable, driven, and genuinely ready for marriage and family.

Respond confidentially to sheri@threedayrule.com

Lisa Elson

> Our client is a vibrant and accomplished woman based in Westwood who believes life is meant to be fully lived. Originally from China and a U.S. resident for nearly 40 years, she enjoyed a successful career as a CPA before transitioning into real estate management. Widowed for twelve years, she raised two wonderful children and is now embracing an exciting chapter filled with travel, culture, and new experiences. Having visited more than 30 countries, she loves exploring the world, attending concerts and theater performances, enjoying great restaurants, staying active through Pilates, hiking, and pickleball, and spending time with friends and family. Warm, positive, and generous, she values integrity, honesty, and meaningful connection.

She is seeking an active, financially secure, and emotionally mature man (55–70) who enjoys travel, culture, and making the most of life. Ideally, he is a professional or retired professional seeking a genuine longterm partnership.

Respond confidentially to layla@threedayrule.com

> Our client is a top-producing Beverly Hills real estate leader who has built a nationally recognized career from the ground up after relocating from the Midwest and East Coast. She is a published author, TED speaker, board member, and established industry leader. Her life is full of movement and connection — hosting dinners, engaging socially, traveling, and staying close to her daughter and young granddaughter, who are central to her world. She thrives in both high-stakes professional environments and intimate, relationshipcentered moments at home.

She is seeking an intelligent, successful, and emotionally grounded man (63–76) who has lived a full life, carries humor and warmth, and is ready for a real partnership rather than performance.

Respond confidentially to kelly.joy@threedayrule.com

Three Day Rule lisa@threedayrule.com (805) 558-2121

ASTON KAANAPALI BEACH

Southern California travelers have a long history of falling in love with Maui. Aston Kaanapali Shores is the kind of place that accelerates that fantasy. It sits right along Kaanapali Beach, close enough that you can hear the ocean before you see it, and close enough that you start believing the ocean is calling you by name.

What makes this resort so appealing is its sense of ease. It is a condoresort, wonderfully unfussy, and ideal for families who travel with the kind of luggage that includes pool oaties, sunscreen in industrial quantities, and a child who insists on bringing a ukulele home. >>

SUNLIGHT, SALTWATER AND THE MAUI STATE OF MIND

BY PAUL KALIL

e studios, and one and two bedroom suites come with full kitchens and in-room laundry, which means you can live like a local, cook breakfast barefoot, and wash the sand out of your clothes before it becomes a permanent souvenir. It is the sort of convenience that makes you feel instantly settled, as if you’ve been there longer than a day.

e property itself is a small world of tropical garden walkways that wind through the grounds, ere are two pools, each with its own personality. e Garden Pool is tucked among rock formations and waterfalls, with a children’s splash zone that tends to become the center of the universe for anyone under 10.

e Oceanfront Freshwater Pool is the glamorous sibling, complete with sun decks, cabanas, a jet spa, and a poolside bar that seems to know exactly when you need a drink.

Families will nd themselves drawn to the cultural activities o ered on site. You can learn Hawaiian weaving, take ukulele or hula lessons, or make your own lei. ese are the kinds of experiences that stay with you, the

“THE PROPERTY ITSELF IS A SMALL WORLD OF TROPICAL GARDEN WALKWAYS THAT WIND THROUGH THE GROUNDS, THERE ARE TWO POOLS, EACH WITH ITS OWN PERSONALITY. THE GARDEN POOL IS TUCKED AMONG ROCK FORMATIONS AND WATERFALLS, WITH A CHILDREN’S SPLASH ZONE THAT TENDS TO BECOME THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE FOR ANYONE UNDER 10.”

ones you remember long a er the tan fades. And when you need a break from all that enrichment, there are pickleball and tennis courts, a tness center, and a food truck scene next door that solves the eternal vacation question of what to eat.

Dining at the resort is pleasantly simple. ere is a lobby co ee kiosk for the early risers; e Beach Club Restaurant & Bar for oceanview meals; and outdoor barbecues for anyone who believes grilling is a vacation essential. e kitchens in the suites make it

easy to stock up on groceries, especially with Lahaina Cannery nearby, a place where you can pick up everything from beachwear to toys to souvenirs you didn’t know you needed.

If you want to shop, you can wander into Swell Life Shop on the property, where local designers and islandinspired pieces are featured. Whaler’s Village is also close, with its oceanfront restaurants, confection shops, and enough boutiques to keep you busy for days. It is the kind of place you visit once and then again and then again, because there is always something you missed.

For those who prefer their leisure with a side of athletic ambition, the golf options are almost overwhelming. Royal Kaanapali and Kaanapali Kai are adjacent, Kapalua Bay’s Plantation and Bay Courses are a short drive north, and Wailea’s championship courses are about an hour away. It is a golfer’s paradise, assuming you can concentrate with all that scenery.

And then there is the rest of Maui, which is easy to reach from this home base. Snorkeling, sur ng, whale watching, hiking, ziplining, exploring rainforests and volcanic landscapes, discovering waterfalls that look like they were designed by a very enthusiastic set decorator. It is all within reach, and it all feels like part of the same story.

e Puamana Day Spa on property o ers the kind of treatments that make you forget what day it is. eir signature lomi lomi massage is rooted in ancient Hawaiian healing, and the hot stone massage uses lava rocks polished by the Paci c. It is impossible not to feel transformed a erward.

Aston Kaanapali Shores is the rare place that manages to be both practical and romantic. It is family friendly without sacri cing charm; budget friendly without feeling bare; and close to everything without being swallowed by it. v astonkaanapalishoresresort.com

ANDAZ MAUI AT WAILEA RESORT

FIVE POOLS, ONE BEACH, ZERO REGRETS

BY PAUL KALIL

There is a certain kind of travel writer who arrives at a resort, takes a quick look around, makes some notes, and heads out to explore the destination. at is the responsible approach. at is what professionals do.

I did not do that at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. I arrived, walked through the open-air lobby toward the Paci c Ocean sprawling out in front of me like something from a dream you are embarrassed to describe to other people, and I did not leave for two days. e resort has ve pools, which feels excessive until you understand that each one is doing something entirely di erent. ree are in nity pools with ocean views. One is a lagoon pool. One is an adults-only tranquility pool for guests 18 and older.

Direct access to Mokapu Beach runs along a walking and running path with the kind of tropical coastline views that make you feel brie y like a better, more athletic person than you actually are. e property is large enough to lose yourself in, and intimate enough to feel like a private beachfront experience, which is a balance most resorts attempt and very few achieve. >>

e 320 guest rooms include 35 suites and 30 luxury villas, each appointed with locally inspired interiors that manage to feel both designed and genuinely Hawaiian rather than generically tropical. e standard rooms are spacious. e suites are what the word “massive” was invented to describe. e villas, which feature private plunge pools or hot tubs and sweeping Paci c Ocean views, are the kind of accommodations that rearrange your sense of what a vacation can actually be. Several villas accommodate up to ten guests, making them a natural choice for families, wedding parties, or any group of people who love each other enough to share something spectacular.

e food at Andaz Maui is its own extended argument for staying put. Ka’ana Kitchen operates on a farmto-table philosophy with an ocean view that does something measurably positive to the avor of everything on the table. e breakfast bu et is enormous in the best possible sense, ranging from traditional western selections to Asian-style options, with a drink program that includes an impressively curated mocktail menu. Service is warm in a way that feels personal rather than practiced, and there is a private dining room for groups of 10 to 12, with large windows overlooking the pools and coastline, that would make any occasion feel like a genuine event.

en there is Morimoto Maui, where celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, of “Iron Chef” fame, serves lunch and dinner in a laid-back beachfront setting built around locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and a culinary philosophy that weaves Japanese and Western traditions together with remarkable ease. e sushi bar turns out hand-rolled sushi and sashimi from Maui’s freshest local sh, which in this context means freshness that makes you reconsider every piece of sushi you have eaten anywhere else.

Lehua Lounge, situated at the base of the main lobby, is where the resort’s sunsets happen, which is to say it is where guests gather on the large terrace with cra cocktails and mocktails to watch the sky do what Maui skies do. e resort also stages the Feast at Mokapu, a traditional luau with a three-course dinner, dancing, and cultural narratives that earns its place on any itinerary.

When you nally decide to leave the property, and the concierge will help you do this with the kind of thoroughness that removes every excuse not to, the options are considerable. Wailea Golf Club o ers three ocean-view courses. Maui Paci c Tours runs guided outrigger canoe excursions from Mokapu Beach that

BEACHFRONT SETTING BUILT AROUND LOCALLY SOURCED, SEASONAL INGREDIENTS AND A CULINARY PHILOSOPHY THAT WEAVES JAPANESE AND WESTERN TRADITIONS TOGETHER WITH REMARKABLE EASE.”

include snorkeling, swimming alongside sea turtles, and whale watching that competes seriously with anywhere else in the world for the experience.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters provides aerial tours that reveal the island’s natural beauty from angles that photographs cannot do justice. Haleakala, Maui’s volcanic summit, sits at ten thousand feet above sea level, and delivers sunrises and sunsets that belong in a category of experience that precedes language. e Shops at Wailea, a short distance away, o er upscale retail, dining, and the particular pleasure of sitting somewhere beautiful with no agenda.

e Awili Spa and Salon rounds out the picture with customized treatments built around individual wellness goals, combining body treatments, massages, facials, and salon services with advanced therapies and locally cra ed products.

Maui does not need defending as a destination. It has been winning that argument for decades. What Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort adds to the conversation is the suggestion that the island itself might be only half the point. e other half is right there on the property, waiting, unhurried, with an ocean view and a cold drink, with absolutely nowhere else you need to be. v

andazmaui.com

16058 ANOKA DRIVE PACIFIC PALISADES

6 BED | 10 BATH |

12,000 SF | 35,067 SF LOT

PRICE: $34,000,000

There is a particular kind of optimism that takes hold a er a community has been tested. You feel it in Paci c Palisades these days, a quiet resolve woven into every new foundation poured and every wall raised. And there may be no clearer expression of that spirit than the architectural compound rising at the end of a long, private driveway, tucked into an exclusive enclave where the streets give way to ocean, canyon and city all at once. is is a house built with intention. More than that, it was built with a point of view about what living here can mean going forward.

e Palisades has always been one of Los Angeles’ most beloved neighborhoods, the sort of place where people put down roots and stay for generations. What's happening now is a renewal, and this estate reads like its thesis statement. Designed with resilience and reresistant construction at its core, it pairs hard-won lessons with genuine architectural ambition. e result feels less like a fortress and more like a sanctuary that simply happens to be ready for anything.

Set privately behind gates on nearly an acre, the residence spans roughly 12,000 square feet. Yet, the rst thing you notice isn’t the scale. It’s the light. Sunshine pours through soaring 13-foot ceilings and expansive walls of glass, washing over limestone oors and pristine nishes, dissolving the line between inside and out.

Step into the kitchen and the home’s philosophy comes into focus. Marble countertops, custom cabinetry, premium appliances and a butler’s pantry all ow e ortlessly toward the dining and living areas. is is a space made for both a quiet Tuesday and a houseful of friends on a Saturday night.

When the evening calls for it, eighty feet of pocket doors retract to open the entire room to sweeping ocean views and a dramatic 50-foot in nity-edge pool that seems to spill straight into the Paci c.

e outdoor experience is its own destination. Picture it:

• A step-down re pit lounge made for long conversations

An outdoor kitchen with two barbecues and a wood- red pizza oven

• Al fresco dining areas framed by lush, mature landscaping

• A stretch of lawn and tranquil grounds designed equally for

• entertaining and retreat

e greenery is no a erthought. Towering trees and generous open spaces lend the kind of privacy and serenity that feels increasingly rare, even in a neighborhood as storied as this one.

Upstairs, the main residence devotes ve spacious en-suite bedrooms and three additional powder rooms to comfort. e primary suite is the showpiece, anchored by dual replaces, a private sitting area, and a wraparound view terrace that invites you to greet the morning slowly.

e spa-inspired bath continues the theme of unhurried luxury, with heated oors, an oversized shower, a soaking tub and a steam room, all positioned to take in the coastline. It’s the kind of space that turns a daily routine into a small ritual.

For a household with a full life, the amenities keep going.

ere’s a private movie theater, a game room, a bar, an executive o ce, a Pilates studio, a gym and an indoor basketball court. A detached guest house o ers its own kitchen, living room and bedroom, with a balcony opening to treetop and ocean views, ideal for visiting family or a long-staying friend.

Practical luxuries round things out: a spacious three-car garage, generous guest parking, and an advanced smart home system with built-in sound, surveillance, security, and customizable lighting that quietly anticipates your day.

Location, as ever, is the nal word. e estate sits just three minutes from Palisades Village, with easy reach to the coastline, scenic hiking trails, golf courses, and some of the Westside’s most sought-a er restaurants and boutiques.

In the end, this home is more than an address. It’s a statement of belief in a neighborhood rebuilding itself with optimism and intention, and an invitation to be part of what comes next. e Palisades is writing a new chapter, and properties like this one are setting the tone. v

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

Cindy Ambuehl

Cindy@cindyambuehl.com, (818) 489-0282

THE GOLDEN STATE OF GOOD DESIGN

There is a moment, when you walk into a truly good house, when you forget to keep being yourself. You stop performing the polite tour guide nods, the “oh, lovely,” the re exive admiration you hand out at open houses the way you hand out business cards. You just stand there. Southern California is full of houses that want to impress you, and most of them succeed for about 90 seconds. But every so o en a home does something far more di cult. It makes you want to stay. Two of them sit within a short drive of one another, designed by people who clearly understand that the highest compliment a house can earn is not “stunning” but “I never want to leave.”

“TRUE LUXURY WAS NEVER ABOUT MORE. IT WAS ABOUT BALANCE, AND RESTRAINT, AND THE WARMTH THAT SURVIVES BOTH.”

Power Street

> The first thing you notice about the Power Street house is what it does not do. It does not shout. It does not perform. It does not greet you with the architectural equivalent of a firm, overly rehearsed handshake. It simply lets the light in and trusts you to notice, which is a kind of confidence most houses, and most people, never quite manage.

This is the signature of Ausland Interiors, the Southern California studio behind the home's interiors, whose philosophy begins not with objects but with the things you cannot buy: light, proportion, flow. They treat these as the quiet framework on which everything else is allowed to unfold, and the result is a home that feels warm and grounded and refined all at once, without ever seeming to try.

The architecture, by Joseph Fournier Design, gives the interiors their good bones, the clean lines and considered volumes that let a room breathe. And then there is the matter of the materials, every one of them chosen for the way it lives over time. This is the part that separates real design from decoration. Ausland values a material for its honesty, for how it ages, for the richness it brings to an ordinary Tuesday. Nothing here is precious. Everything is meant to be lived with.

Outside, Fair Studio extends the same logic into the landscape, so that the line between indoors and out becomes less a boundary than a suggestion. The garden does not so much surround the house as continue it.

What you are left with is a home that reflects its people and its place with quiet confidence, which is to say it has figured out the thing that takes most of us a lifetime to learn. True luxury was never about more. It was about balance, and restraint, and the warmth that survives both.

ARCHITECT: JOSEPH FOURNIER DESIGN

INTERIOR DESIGNER: AUSLAND INTERIORS

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: FAIR STUDIO

BUILDER: RJ CONSTRUCTION

Poinsettia

> If the Power Street house is about light, the Poinsettia house is about memory. You feel it the moment you walk in, though you would be hard pressed to say exactly why. It is the difference between a house that has been decorated and a house that has been understood.

This is the territory of Stewart Design Inc., the firm behind the interiors, and their whole philosophy can be summed up in a single, slightly radical idea, which is that a home should tell the story of the people who live in it. Not the story of the designer. Not the story of whatever happens to be fashionable this season. The clients’ story, curated object by object, until the rooms begin to sound like them. The result is a space designed to do three things most homes never quite pull off. It delights. It replenishes. It inspires.

The architecture by Tomaro Architecture provides the frame for all of it, the structure that turns a house into a refuge rather than merely a shelter, which is a distinction worth pausing on. Plenty of homes keep the weather out. Far fewer make you exhale the moment the door closes behind you.

That, in the end, is the quiet ambition here. Not to impress the neighbors, not to photograph well, though it certainly does, but to give the people who live inside a genuine sense of sanctuary. A place that reflects their inspirations and holds their history and gives them, on the ordinary days as much as the special ones, a small reliable dose of joy. There are grander goals in architecture. There are very few better ones.

ARCHITECT: TOMARO ARCHITECTURE

INTERIOR DESIGNER: STEWART DESIGN INC.

BUILDER: RJ CONSTRUCTION

“ANYONE CAN FILL A ROOM. THE TRICK IS KNOWING WHAT TO LEAVE OUT, WHEN TO LET THE LIGHT DO THE TALKING, WHEN TO LET A SINGLE WALL OF GLASS SAY EVERYTHING A DOZEN FINISHES COULD NOT.”

What these homes share, beyond their good bones and their better lighting, is restraint, which is the most underrated quality in design and possibly in life. Anyone can ll a room. e trick is knowing what to leave out, when to let the light do the talking, when to let a single wall of glass say everything a dozen nishes could not. e architects and designers behind these houses know the secret that every great host eventually learns, which is that the goal was never to be admired. It was to make people comfortable enough to be themselves. ese homes do exactly that. And in a part of the world that so o en confuses size with signi cance and shine with substance, that is the boldest, most beautiful thing of all. v

DIVE into DISCOVERY VISIT TODAY

Experience the wonders of the Pacific at Birch Aquarium, the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Explore vibrant marine habitats, unforgettable animal encounters and ocean science discoveries — all with stunning ocean views.

• The only place on the West Coast to see Little Blue Penguins

• Explore coral reefs, kelp forests and life beneath Scripps Pier

• Meet sharks, rays and a rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle

• Hands-on exhibits and experiences for all ages

Plan your visit at aquarium.ucsd.edu