1. JUNE 2015
Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y • Y O U R S T O R I E S • Y O U R A R T I S T S .
MeetYour Neighbors:Sharon and Gard Hollinger
Photo by Robert Staley
THE CANALSAn Exclusive Social Publication for the Venice Canals Community
3. 5June The Canals4 The Canals JuneNeighborhoodSponsors NeighborhoodSponsors
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a
trusted neighborhood vendor to use. Take a minute to familiarize yourself
with the businesses sponsoring your newsletter magazine.
These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this
magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for
supporting your community!
ACCOUNTANT / CPA
Jarrar & Associates CPAs, Inc.
Sam Jarrar, CPA
475 Washington Blvd
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 887-1313
www.jarrarcpa.com
ARCHITECT
David Hertz Architects
(310) 829-9932
www.studioea.com
ATTORNEY / LEGAL
SERVICES
Buchalter Nemer
Michael Newhouse
(213) 891-5037
www.buchalter.com
AUTO DEALER
Hornburg Jaguar & Land Rover of
Santa Monica
(310) 752-5100
www.hornburgsantamonica.
com
BANKING SERVICES
California Bank Trust
Bill Brown
(310) 258-9320
CAR DEALERS
Lexus Santa Monica
(800) 535-0858
www.lexussantamonica.com /
CONTRACTOR
D. Ferrigno Construction
(310) 422-7194
d.ferrignoconst@yahoo.com
ESCROW SERVICES
Beachwood Escrow, Inc.
Rex Berkebile
2016 Lincoln Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 591-6418
www.BeachWoodEscrowInc.
com
EDIBLE LANDSCAPE
The Cook's Garden by HGEL
Geri Miller
1033 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 944-1151
groedibles.com
FASHION
KOKO Marianne Kooimans
2703 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 392-7770
GYM / PERSONAL
TRAINER
Alpha Venice
Joselynne Boschen
35 Market Street
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 396-9513
HARDWOOD
FLOORING
Universal Hardwood
10889 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 839-9663
www.universalwood.com
HEALTH FOOD
MARKET
Whole Foods Market Venice
225 Lincoln Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 566-9480
www.wholefoodsmarket.com /
Venice
HIGH END CUSTOM
BUILDER
Caltron Construction
Ruben Gamerberg
(310) 210-7455
caltronconstruction.com
HOME SECURITY
Westec Security, llc.
(855) 593-7832
westecsecurity.com
HOUSE PAINTER
Isaac Depeyer
(310) 704-3103
INSURANCE
Farmers Insurance
Rod Pyle
(310) 421-0940
www.rodpyle.com
INTERIOR
DECORATING &
DESIGN
Studio Blu
(310) 823-1720
www.studioblu.net
INTERIOR DESIGN
Andrea Michaelson Design
(310) 271-7911
www.andreamichaelsondesign.
com
INTERNATIONAL
REAL ESTATE
Michelle Blackmon
31 Washington Blvd
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 906-5896
The Agency
MED SPA
Broadway Skin Studio
(310) 915-7546
www.broadwayskinstudio.com
MOTORCYCLE
DEALERSHIP /
SERVICE
Bartels' Harley-Davidson
(310) 823-1112
bartelsharley.com
ONLINE MARKETING
11 Amps
(310) 413-1162
11ampsagency.com
PET BOUTIQUE &
BAKERY
Bruno's Dog and Cat Boutique
2012 Lincoln Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
(424) 268-4031
BrunosVenice.com
PILATES
Turning Point Pilates
(310) 217-7360
www.turningpointpilates.com
REAL ESTATE
ADVISOR
StrongHouse Realty Advisors
Brian D. Ulf
(213) 200-9605
ulf.brian@yahoo.com
REAL ESTATE
BROKER
Earley & Schick & Associates
(310) 490-3068
www.telesproperties.com / agent /
earley.schick
REAL ESTATE
PROFESSIONALS
Berman Kandel
(310) 424-5512
www.bermankandel.com
REALTORS
Pardee Properties
(310) 907-6517
www.pardeeproperties.com
RESTAURANT
Casa Linda Mexican Grill
(310) 664-1177
casalindamexicangrill.com
Hals Bar & Grill
(310) 396-3105
www.halsbarandgrill.com
RESTAURANT &
WINE BAR
Cerveteca
George Klein
532 Rose Avenue
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 310-8937
www.cervetecala.com
RESTAURANT -
ITALIAN
C & O Cucina
3016 Washington Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 301-7278
www.cocucina.com
C & O Trattoria
31 Washington Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 823-9491
www.cotrattoria.com
RESTAURANT - SUSHI
Hama Sushi
213 Windward Avenue
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 396-8783
www.hamasushi.com
WEALTH MNGMT
Gerber Kawasaki
(310) 399-6397
www.gerberkawaskai.com
YOGA / CYCLING /
FITNESS
YAS Fitness Center
(310) 396-6993
www.go2yas.com
4. 7June The Canals6 The Canals JuneNeighborhoodNews
NotePublisher's
Hi!
If there is one thing you guys know how to do around here, it’s summertime! I’m so
excited that it’s June, which means all of my favorite canal happenings are coming up;
the 4th of July parties, duckie race, row-in-movie night and bbq’s on every corner of
the canals.
Summer also takes me back to this time last year, when we were
launching the magazine and holding the vision of a community
publication filled with feature articles about local artists, love
stories, environmental issues, philanthropic causes and concerns,
sweet pets, cute kids and gorgeous photography… free to neigh-
bors because of the support from local businesses. And here it is!
We hope you love every page as much as we love putting it
all together…
So grateful,
Angela
Angela Bakke
Publisher, THE CANALS
213.632.9619
Angela@TheCanalsMagazine.com
Angela Bakke
Publisher, THE CANALS magazine
NeighborhoodNews
Photography by Art Gallegos
5. 9June The Canals8 The Canals June
Nika Dunne, Resident Writer
Juli Schulz, Sustainable Living Writer
THE CANALS MAGAZINE TEAM
Art Gallegos, Photographer
Alyxa Chang, Resident Writer
Emily Christianson, Copy Editor
Leetal Elmaleh, Photographer
Josie Scibetta, Events Coordinator
Andrea Mejia, Social Media Manager
NeighborhoodNews
CONTRIBUTORS PAGE
JOIN THE CANALS
Looking for a Part Time Job? Do you have past sale experience you'd like to utilize again?
We are seeking a high-energy, intuitive, practical, and independent person with great rela-
tionship skills and a strong motivation for taking action and getting results.
THE CANALS magazine is looking to add one new member to our team:
• Part Time
• Flexible Schedule
• Earn $1k-$3k/month
Perfect for anyone looking for additional income sources or to re-enter the workforce while
working around kids school and activity schedules!
Call Angela Bakke at 213.632.9619 or email angela.bakke@n2pub.com.
Broadway Skin Studio was established in 2008 by
Sara M. Davenport, FNP-C. Sara is an expert in the art of
skin rejuvenation and facial contouring working in the
industry for over 8 years for physicians in the
Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles area.
She offers a wide range of services including injectables,
laser hair and vein removal, scar and wrinkle reduction,
skin rejuvenation, and skin tightening. Her experience
with multiple systems is second to none!
Once you experience Sara’s technique,
you will be amazed!
BROADWAY
Skin Studio
13105 Venice Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066
310-915-7546
sara@broadwayskinstudio.com
6. 11June The Canals10 The Canals JuneNeighborhoodNews NeighborhoodNews
The local source for only the best
for your dog and cat!
Come visit us at 2012 Lincoln Blvd. Venice, CA 90291.
First Delivery
Free
With the Code
"Canals"
/brunosvenice
Or have your order delivered,
just visit Brunosvenice.com
Nigel Lamm Adams, 9-year-old male Snow Lynx Bengal
In September 2014, Nigel Lamm Adams came to the Venice
Canals as a place of refuge and recovery. He survived an
attack from a junior coyote last August and has recovered full
measures of strength, health, confidence and personality with
the curative enchantment of the waterways and its creatures,
big, small and unseen.
I met Nigel six years ago in NYC although he, coincidently,
came up in my hometown in New Mexico. He was a rescue
that I had offered to place, but his needs proved far beyond
even the most confident aspirant. His rehabilitation was
a unique process of dynamic dedica-
tion that led me deep down a path of
impossible devotion.
After years of bicoastal enterprising
between my Manhattan storefront spa
and supporting my celebrity clients out
west, it was the time for Nigel and I to
make a permanent move to California.
He quickly became the leader of a pack
of five pet animals in Malibu. The estate
offered plenty to explore, and although
there was much fun to be had within the
confines of the grounds, including splash-
ing and swimming in the pool —which
these water cats are known to do—the
wee squirrels relentlessly beckoned and
teased from just beyond the gates. Nigel
continued to find new pathways out
through the ingenuity of an expert escape
dog named Freeway. Nigel made habit
of visiting neighbors to drink from every
fountain, tour every home and woo all
found inhabitants. It was his loyal pack
of dogs that saved him from the almost-
certain fate of friendly curiosity meets the
inside of a coyote’s mouth. Nigel shook
free and ran back to the gate, but the
prairie wolf caught him a second time. It
was, Max, the 90-pound Shepherd mix
that heroically leaped the fence to shut
down the attack.
My boy sucked up over $5k worth of
oxygen and opium during his nine-day
hospital stay. He had some broken ribs
and a collapsed lung, and was at half
weight when I fetched him home.
The next day, an opportunity opened for
us on the Canals, the magical place of
nature sans coyotes. As soon as he was
well enough to move, move we did.
Life on the Canals has been a dream.
Nigel has been pulling his weight as of
late, introducing me to my neighbors and
working for a dog trainer to assist in the
socializing of dogs to cats. He has raised
three puppies, all of whom share a bit of
this quirky style. Each client is welcomed
with a thorough sniff of the crown, and
then ministered to with unconditional
love, acceptance and regenerative purring.
I walk Nigel three times a day for as long
as I can stand it. It’s never enough for
him, but as you may have gathered, his
way requires shepherding.
Walking a cat is a humbling handicraft.
We are both evolving within its subtleties
and teachings. Nigel is out on the prowl
for friends and attention—his needs will
never be fully met by my love alone. We
are open to play dates and pet-shares!
NIGEL THE BENGAL CAT
By Sadie Adams
Photography by Juli Schulz
CanalsCompanions
7. 13June The Canals12 The Canals June NeighborhoodNews
Established in 2014, Beachwood Escrow, Inc. is Venice’s premier
independently owned and licensed escrow company specializing in
residential and commercial real estate. We are dedicated to the highest
standards of professionalism, efficiency and financial reliability to ensure
your transaction runs smoothly from start to finish. Our priority is the
customer - delivering prompt, friendly and dependable service to make
your escrow as easy as possible and to give you peace of mind. We look
forward to hearing from you.
As we mark our one-year anniversary, I would like
to take this opportunity to thank the Venice
community for your support throughout the past
year. It has been a pleasure working with some of
you and I look forward to meeting and working
with more of our neighbors in the future.
2016 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, • CA 310.591.6418
Rex@BeachwoodEscrowInc.com
www.BeachwoodEscrowInc.com
Rex Berkebile - President | Escrow Officer
The Girl That I Babysit
By Clementine
Photo by Juli Schulz
I have a job, I babysit a girl she's 4
She's never had a s’more
This girl is named Marguerite
She is very sweet
I take her to the park every day
She loves it and she wants to stay
I say you can't we have to go home
It is getting dark and starting to snow
We're all alone
She gets out and starts to get cold
We get in the house it is very quiet
I start to sit down, I start to admire
There are pretty pictures on the wall, and there is only one fault,
Marguerite is sad and that is bad,
We sit down and talk and she wants to be like me,
and that is crazy,
She is perfect the way she is that is it.
Jr. Journalist: The Canals
from a Kid's Perspective
1500 Lincoln Blvd.,Venice CA 90291
ALPHA VENICE FOR PERSONALLY FIT
8. 15June The Canals14 The Canals June NeighborhoodNews
MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS
SHARON AND GARD HOLINGER: LOVE AT
FIRST SIGHT THAT LED TO A LIFETIME
Photography by Robert Staley
YOUR LOVE STORY IS STRAIGHT OUT
OF A ROMANTIC MOVIE PLOT. DO
YOU BOTH TELL IT THE SAME WAY?
SH: We do tell it the same way. It is our
Sleepless in Seattle and it was love at first,
maybe second,sight. I don’t know many
people who decide to get married after a of
couple weeks,have an incredible destination
wedding in St.Lucia a couple of months
later,and are still married and madly in love
after 21 years! Although so many men have
told me that they knew the second they saw
their (now) wife that they would marry her.
WHERE DID YOU LIVE BEFORE THE
CANALS AND WHAT BROUGHT
YOU HERE?
SH: We spent the first 8 years of our mar-
riage in Topanga Canyon and loved it, but
when Gard opened the Indian Motorcycle
dealership on Lincoln it just made sense to
be closer to the store. If we were going to
move it needed to be somewhere as special
and magical as Topanga, and the Canals fit
the bill and more! Instead of coyotes yip-
ping at night we have ducks quacking! It
is a bucolic enclave, quiet and peaceful but
with the urban advantage of being able to
walk to restaurants, shops and the beach.
From the moment we moved here 13 years
ago it has always felt like home. Every
day has been a joy and we don’t take it for
granted. We always joke after a vacation
that we we’re not sure why we left, since
every day feels like a vacation when you
live in the Canals.
SHARON, YOU’VE BEEN DIRECTING
HELL’S KITCHEN, THE LONGEST-
RUNNING REALITY COOKING SHOW,
FOR 12 SEASONS. WHAT ABOUT
THAT SHOW DO YOU THINK STRUCK
A CHORD WITH PEOPLE?
SH: I don’t know, but Hell’s Kitchen is
one of my favorite shows that I’ve ever
worked on or directed. It’s energetic,
fun and fast paced, and every day is
something new—dinners, challenges, the
adventures of the rewards. One day we’ll
be sailing in a gorgeous yacht in Laguna,
the next day we’re flying by private plane
to the wine country for tasting. We might fly to Vegas and stay
in a 10,000 sq. ft. suite or take a helicopter tour of LA. We’ve
even taken a Lear Jet to Whistler and flown over the glaciers
and gone skiing. Also I love Gordon Ramsey. He probably
wouldn’t want me to say this, but he’s really a gentleman, a very
nice person and incredibly fun to work with!
GARD: THAT’S SUCH AN INTERESTING NAME. WHERE
DOES IT COME FROM?
GH: The story I heard my mother tell was,I have an older sister
who was my mother’s first child,and she named her Merit like a
merit badge. My brother who is a year older was born in 1958 and
she felt at the time that things weren’t really black or white,so she
named him Gray. I was the last and not planned so she named me
Gard,to guard against having any more children. There are dif-
fering stories—my sister says she was named after a brand of beer.
My mother was an interesting woman. Sadly,she passed away
before we moved to Venice so we can’t fact check further.
continued...
Sandy Berens
and
the Berens Group
310.448.5961 sbofcourse@aol.comSandy & Steffi
“of course”
Happy Father’s Day
9. 17June The Canals16 The Canals JuneNeighborhoodNews
YOU’RE CO-OWNER OF ARCH MOTORCYCLE COMPANY
WITH ACTOR KEANU REEVES. WHAT WAS THE PROJECT
THAT BROUGHT THE TWO OF YOU TOGETHER AND HOW
DID IT TURN INTO A BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP?
GH: It’s quite a long story but we were introduced by a mutual
friend. He was looking for someone to make a part for a
motorcycle he had customized. The result of the meeting was
that the part he was seeking to have made turned into me build-
ing him a complete custom motorcycle. Through the course of
the project we became friendly, bonding over our passion for
motorcycles and love of the riding experience. When the proj-
ect was complete the resulting esthetic and ride the motorcycle
offered started to drive a conversation about bringing more into
the world to share. There’s a lot more detail on our website.
WHAT ARE YOUR INDIVIDUAL ROLES IN THE COMPANY?
GH: Well, since Keanu has several other day jobs as an actor,
director and producer, I handle the day-to-day affairs of the
business, initiate and oversee the design
and manufacturing with lots of help from
our small but amazing team. Keanu has
strong opinions as an artist and apprecia-
tor of art, so he’s involved in the design
process throughout. He’s also a veracious
rider who chooses a motorcycle over
a car whenever possible. This, and his
thoughtful approach to the riding experi-
ence, helps create the mandates that drive
the design and direction of our product
WITH TWO SUCH DEMANDING
CAREERS HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR
FREE TIME? HOW DO YOU DECOM-
PRESS AND RECONNECT?
SH: We have a home on the beach in
Zihuatanejo that we try to get to as often
as we can. It’s wonderful because we can
invite a bunch of people and it’s easy. We
would never have had so many wonder-
ful times connecting with friends or family there if we hadn’t
had the house. Another place we love to go is San Miguel de
Allende, which is a beautiful colonial town in central Mexico.
Anyone familiar with San Miguel knows that it attracts unique,
talented and artistic people from all over the world just like the
Canals do. Last year we traded our house in Zihuatanejo for
a gorgeous villa in San Miguel through a realtor there. Once
we started emailing with the owners we
realized they also lived not only in LA
but in Venice, and not only in Venice but
on Grand Canal!!!! My favorite “small
world” story. We are now good friends
and will continue trading. But the best
way to decompress is to just kick back
on the deck with a glass of wine and talk
about the day. You can’t beat the view!
WHAT HAS HELPED KEEP YOU
TOGETHER FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS?
SH: We have the same values, respect each other and see the
same Big Picture. We are a team and try to support each other
whenever possible, and try not to sweat the little stuff anymore.
Also Gard is very funny and his jokes make me laugh. My
brother says he made me a nicer person.
GH: There is that unquantifiable thing that makes you believe
you’ve met your soul mate, then there’s reading each other’s
minds, finishing each other’s sentences, all that sappy stuff… but
mostly it’s because she laughs at my jokes…
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE CANALS COM-
MUNITY, DO YOU KNOW MANY OF YOUR NEIGHBORS?
WHAT’S YOUR LIFE LIKE ON THE CANALS?
SH: It’s funny—we know most of the neighbors on our side of
the canal, but it’s like there’s a moat between us and the neigh-
bors across the canal. We have a lot of dinners and small get-
togethers. Gard is an amazing cook, especially his ribs. Our
friends and family frequently demand a rib night. If we’re not
out of town for a holiday, everyone’s at our house for a big sit-
down dinner and lots of wine (Gard is a wine collector). We
almost always have a party for the Christmas parade and a big
group for July 4th. It’s so great to be able to walk down to the
beach for the fireworks. Both the Christmas parade and July
4th are so much fun in the Canals—there are so many parties
they all kind of blend together and it’s one big funfest!
One of our favorite things about summer in the Canals is movie
night. We pile pillows and champagne and Izzy into the canoe
and float around watching the movie. On a warm summer
night it doesn’t get any better than that.
MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS
...continued
10. 19June The Canals18 The Canals JuneNeighborhoodNews
StrongHouse Realty Advisors
685 Venice Blvd., Suite 200
Venice, CA 90291
LappinRealtyGroup
213-200-9605 Cell
ulf.brian@yahoo.com
DRE#00868457
CalBRE#01439532
ors
Brian D Ulf, CEO
StrongHouse Realty Advisors
• Residential & Mixed Use Development
• Investment Sales & Leasing
• Exclusive Tenant Representatiion Services
BANK OF VENICE
Photography by Leetal Elmaleh
neighbors’
night out
neighbors’
80 WINDWARD CIRCLE
VENICE, CA 90291
Local restaurateur,Tom Elliot, hosted our group at his Bank of
Venice location, a local hot spot for music & live sports, but our
neighbors were pleasantly surprised to also discover the eatery
is also offering a wonderful array of “Farm-to-Table Comfort
Food and Cold Craft Beer & Local Wines.” We enjoyed their
Triple Cream Baked Brie with candied walnuts, dried fruit
compote, local honey & toasted ciabatta as an app followed by
the Quinoa Bowl sautéed market veggies, braised kale, toasted
nori, black beans & garlic tahini dressing and polished off our
meal with a gluten-free, flourless chocolate cake & ice cream!
To say we left satisfied is an understatement.
The Bank of Venice is a local gem with a hip and relaxed atmo-
sphere. There is an incredibly warm and attentive staff as well
as delicious food. Comfort favorites celebrate exciting twists,
such as the turkey burger (an excellent divergence from the beef
which is also tasty) and a creamy gluten-free mac and cheese
makes you feel right at home! - Sarah Murad
enough for us! He is quite the host. I will definitely be return-
ing to Bank of Venice!" - Donna Rabin
Join Us For Our Next Dinner!
Please send an email to Info@TheCanalsMagazine if you’d like
to make our guest list for the next Neighbors’ Night Out event.
We’d love to meet you.
DISCLAIMER: The business reviewed in this section provided products and/or ser-
vices free of charge in exchange for this review.
"Tom Elliot from The Venice Ale House and Fork in the Road
is known for creating locally sourced farm to table organic food
not typical of what would expect of normal bar food. Bank of
Venice has a great local vibe, I would bank there anytime." -
David Hertz
“Thank you for organizing such a lovely event. It was a pleasure
to meet our new neighbors and hopefully a few new friends. We
had a great time and the food was delicious.” - Carisa Janes
"The Bank of Venice is a historic location and a great place to
spend an evening.The food is amazing! Every dish was healthy,
tasty and beautifully presented.Tom, the owner, couldn't do
NeighborhoodNews
11. 21June The Canals20 The Canals JuneNeighborhoodNews
IJOIN US FOR A FUN FILLED EVENING OF HILARIOUS
HOMICIDE, INTRIGUE, ENTERTAINMENT AND FEASTING.
“WHO KNOWS YOU COULD BECOME THE LEAD SUSPECT”.
SUNDAY, JULY 19TH @ 5PM SHARP
AT C&O CUCINA
CALL TO RESERVE
818-909-9605
This fun,speakeasy-themed fundraiser
brought community members together to
raise money for local nonprofit art organiza-
tion Venice Arts’Advanced StudiesTrack,
a component of its free Art Mentoring &
Education. Advanced Studies is a truly
transformative program for low-income
youth. The high-impact program features
challenging workshops in photography,film-
making,and multi-media; 1:1 mentoring;
support for awards,scholarships,and college
applications; and paid internships at Venice
Arts,and externships in creative businesses.
With the support they’ve received,partici-
pating students have won national,state,
Venice Arts Speakeasy Fundraiser
VeniceO F
H E A R T
and local awards,including a student
last year who was named a Presidential
Scholar in the Arts.
A true Venice event,the fundraiser
could not have been accomplished
without the support of our local com-
munity. The Townhouse generously donated the venue for the fun-
draiser,along with a whiskey tasting.Danny’s Deli and Baby Blues
BBQ donated delicious food,and 1st Century Bank,Shangri-La
Hotel,Hotel Erwin,and a number of local restaurants and lifestyle
businesses like Robin's Turning Point Pilates donated silent auction
and raffle prizes.
Venice Arts' Board members Ruth Seroussi raved about the event
and the generosity of our local businesses: “Townhouse donated the
space and an awesome whiskey tasting,which was included with the
admission price. And,of course,we auctioned off a number of the
students' photographs,which is truly amazing. All in all it was a fun
evening and we raised some good money for a great cause!”
Save the date and get your 1920s costume ready! Next year's
event is scheduled for February 27, 2016, at the Del Monte
Speakeasy at the Townhouse.
Do you have a philanthropy or nonprofit close to your heart? Send us your sugges-
tions to angela.bakke@n2pub.com.
We love The Canals!
523 Rose Ave Venice CA 90291 - 310.310.8937 - www.cervetecala.com
12. 23June The Canals22 The Canals June NeighborhoodNews
Ruben Gamerberg
Caltron Construction, Inc.
CSLB License# 725052
Cell: 310 210 7455
Main: 877-7CALTRON
(877-722-5876)
caltronconstruction.com
Caltron Construction is positioned as a clear leader in the custom home building market
because of its superior craftsmanship and exceptional service. With over 18 years of
experience in building finely crafted homes and luxurious tower residences, we have perfected
a process that offers our clients the very best experience possible.
Featured here is a Los Angeles Post-Modern Architectural Masterpiece that our team was
involved with from the design and development stage, through to completion.
A stunning 9,200 sqft of openness, exuberant style and luxurious comfort include massive
laminated glass pivot entry door, glass-wrapped spiral staircase, massive dome skylight, infinity
pool, vertical gardens, defining indoor and outdoor living as a way of life.
ARTIST
INTERVIEW
barbara mastej
They say Venice has changed a lot, but Barbara
Mastej’s paintings encapsulate what has always
made Venice so different … its residents. Her
website is appropriately named "Barbara of Ven-
ice,” as she so brilliantly captures the spirit of the
people of our hometown. Barbara is inspired
and passionate about people, and her paintings
create a time capsule of the locals who have
livened up Venice over the past decades.
Q: Where did you grow up? Did your family nur-
ture your artistic abilities?
In the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. My
parents were both creative. My mother
had a good eye—we were junkers, always
By Nika Dunne
Photography by Art Gallegos
finding cool stuff—but she didn't con-
sider herself an artist. My father was an
accomplished painter and photographer
but told me not to go to art school. He
said, “Once you become an artist you will
be working all the time and people will
keep telling you to redo things,” and he
was right!
Q: What is your first memory of creating art?
Growing up we always had real paper,
India ink, and a special set of pastels, so
I was surrounded by materials to be cre-
ative. Around 9 years old I was making
fashion magazines, even ads with copy—
isn't that funny? I was always painting
murals on my bedroom wall. Later at
the University of Michigan Art School, a
group of upper classmates were looking at
my work. I got nervous and walked away.
They said, “We were looking because we
like it.” One of them happened to be the
famous artist Michael Kelly.
Q: What was your professional life as an art
director like?
After school I worked at local advertis-
ing agencies. Being in Detroit, we were
focused on cars. It was similar to Mad
Men in that artists were like journeymen.
They were amazing artists but had to whip out artwork on the
spot. We had to do everything by hand and learn how to fix
mistakes. I was one of the few women. On my first day some-
one asked me whose secretary I was. When I said I was a junior
art director he said, "No you're not!”
Q: When did you move to the Canals? How has it supported your craft?
I moved to Venice in 1989. I loved a store called Caligari
on Abbot Kinney. It had so much weird eclectic stuff, and I
became friends with the owner, Ken. It kinda cracked open
something inside of me. I was inspired to carve things out of
wood; I took up painting again. At some point I started to see
that Venice was changing and I wanted to capture it.
Q: What influences your work the most?
Venice and the people who live here. I'm passionate about por-
traits. Matt Frost, a biker who lived by Kim's market, was one
of my first subjects. I was scared to ask him for a photo. He
said, “You better take it now because they just sold my house
and I have to move.” Terry Timmons, another subject who lived
on Howland Canal for many years until he had to leave, used to
hang out with some of the beat poets in Venice.
continued...
NeighborhoodNews
13. 25June The Canals24 The Canals June
Ibrahim, Holy Man of Venice ~ Ocean Front Walk
Rufus Friedman and Rocket ~ Sherman Canal
Ron Shusett
Q: In what ways do you encourage or nurture your artistic nature?
I learned how to collect things from my mother. My series Dis-
tant Travels are assemblages of things I have collected. It's almost
like meditation. I feel very inspired by my home and garden.
Q: What do you hope your art will represent after our generation is past?
To encapsulate what drew me here—the people. It's the place
for the square pegs to go.
Q: What do you think is at the core of the "struggling artist" mentality?
One struggle I have is to not second-guess myself when I am
working on my art. I think art is something that you are drawn
to: you love to do it or you have to do it.
Check out Barbara's work at http://barbaraofvenice.com/ and
see how many people and places you know.
ARTIST
INTERVIEW...continued
NeighborhoodNews
Jaguar Financial. Expires 6/31/2015
1101 Abbot Kinney Blvd • Venice • 310.396.6993 • www.go2yas.com
YAS (Yoga & Spinning®), the first fitness studio dedicated to the hybrid was founded in 2001
by fitness pioneer Kimberly Fowler. Her signature yoga style, Yoga for Athletes® offers a proven, succinct and
balanced style of yoga that is accessible to everyone.
Make This Year Your Strongest Year
with YAS
Adrienne Mascaro
A.S.I.D Allied Member
we create
www.studioblu.net 310.823.1720
amascaro@studioblu.net
interior design and decoration • new construction • remodels
we listen we see
14. 27June The Canals26 The Canals JuneNeighborhoodNews NeighborhoodNews
FEATURED
MY BOHEMIAN BUNGALOW
home
By Heather Tierney
home
What is the design style? What resonat-
ed with you about it?
I tend to describe the design as “Califor-
nia Coastal with a touch of Wanderlust.”
What brought you to the Venice Canals?
I visited Venice many times from New
York and discovered the Canals one day
when I was exploring the neighborhood
on my bike. I found it absolutely magical
and vowed to live here one day.
What does this community offer you that
is different than other places you’ve lived?
I love how everyone’s doors are open to
each other – especially on the 4th of July.
The neighborhood is like one giant BBQ!
Do you know how other people refer to
your house?
They commonly refer to my bungalow as
a little slice of bohemia. They love that I
actually use my canoe regularly!
Where do you spend the most time?
I spend most of my time in Venice, and
on Abbot Kinney particularly, as I’m
opening a restaurant there in September.
What are some unforgettable experi-
ences you've had in your home?
I’ve had some VERY fun late-night canoe
rides! Also I’ve hosted some very special
dinner parties on my back patio. I cover
the deck with Moroccan rugs and every-
one sits on the floor. I don’t really cook but rather put together
tons of salads in the middle of a big wooden platter. I call it
“salad surprise!”—you never know what you’re going to get!
Do you know most of your neighbors?
I do know most of my neighbors—I have great neighbors and
quickly became good friends with many of them. We have
regular weekly catch-ups over a glass of wine or morning coffee
on the front deck.
Do you think your house matches your personality? if so, in
what way? Yes, my house is pretty much the embodiment of
me—it’s very relaxed and an easy place to unwind, and great for
hosting people as well.
Would you be interested in getting to know more people
in your community? Yes, for sure. Everyone I’ve met on the
Canals has been very warm with an interesting story to tell.
15. 29June The Canals28 The Canals JuneNeighborhoodNews NeighborhoodNews
Sustainable LivingBy Juli Schulz
A WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCE
AWARDED FOR 19 YEARS
424-269-7806
1500 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica
LexusSantaMonica.com
On Earth Day, the Sustainable Business Council (SBC) hosted the 4th
Annual Industry Achievement Awards at Lexus Santa Monica. More
than 300 business professionals gathered to celebrate leading busi-
nesses in sustainability.
Southern California’s sustainable business community is a vital
part of the state’s overall economy, yet many of the individual
achievements and contributions made by sustainable companies
are not appropriately recognized. The SBC Industry Awards
provides an opportunity to showcase sustainable businesses and
professional contributions to the marketplace and our planet.
The awardees included:
Pioneer in Sustainability Award, presented by acclaimed filmmaker
James Cameron, went to Jessica Alba and partners,The Honest
Company (honest.com), a privately held company located in
Sustainable Businesses Honored at the
SBC Industry Achievement Awards
Santa Monica, which creates safe and responsible products for
baby, personal care, home care, vitamins and supplements.
Lifetime Achievement Award went to Christopher Gebhardt,
EVP of Participant Media (participantmedia.com). Participant
Media is a global entertainment company founded in 2004 by
Jeff Skoll to focus on feature film, television, publishing and
digital content that inspire social change. Participant's more
than 60 films include Syriana, An Inconvenient Truth, Food, Inc.,
Waiting for Superman, The Help, and many more.
Lifetime Achievement Award for an Individual went to Nancy Man-
cilla, CEO and Co-Founder of ISOS Group (isosgroup.com).
ISOS Group is a pioneering corporate social responsibility
(CSR) and sustainability firm that helps drive value creation for
the world’s most innovative brands.
Sustainable Seedling Small Business Award recipient was Origin-
Clear (originclear.com), CEO & Founder Riggs Eckelberry
accepting the award. OriginClear has developed a breakthrough
water cleanup technology for water-intensive industries such as
oil and gas, algae, and waste management. Unlike other tech-
Sustainable Business Award recipient was Follow Your Heart (fol-
lowyourheart.com). Makers of Vegenaise, Vegan Gourmet
Dairy Alternatives, Natural, Organic Dressings and Sauces, all
produced in a solar-powered manufacturing facility located in
Los Angeles.
Sustainable B Corp Award recipient was John Piano, Founder of
Transplant Connect (transplantconnect.com). Transplant Con-
nect is an organization dedicated to innovating, improving,
expediting and increasing organ, eye and tissue donation and
transplantation (to learn more visit: Bcorporation.net).
Best Public Advocate Award went to Tom Bowman, President of
Bowman Change (bowmanchange.com). Bowman Change, Inc.
helps organizations prosper by finding solutions to sustainabil-
ity, energy and climate change issues. Tom Bowman is a social
entrepreneur and small business owner who has walked the talk
on carbon emissions and earned the respect of climate change
experts from many disciplines.
To learn more about the Sustainable Business Council visit:
SustainableBC.org. For more photos from the event visit
Facebook: @SustainableBC.
nologies, the company’s patent-pending Electro Water Separa-
tion™ process rapidly and efficiently removes oils and particu-
lates to dramatically improve the quality of water treatment.
Sustainable Small Business Award went to Ekla Home (eklahome.
com), owner Emily Kroll accepting the award. Ekla designs and
manufactures non-toxic, sustainable home furnishings including
sofas, chairs, tables and more.
2015 SBC Sustainability Award Recipients,Christopher Gavigan,John Piano,Janabai
Owens,Tom Bowman,Emily Kroll and Matt Dunaj.John Weinberg Photography
Mike Sullivan, Owner/President of LA Car Guy, welcomes the industry to the 2015
Sustainable Business Council Awards at Lexus Santa Monica. Photo: Juli Schulz
Jessica Alba and The Honest Company co-founders with presenter James Cameron,
received the Pioneer in Sustainability Award. John Weinberg Photography
16. 31June The Canals30 The Canals JuneNeighborhoodNews
BERMAN KANDEL
SPONSOR
SPOTLIGHT
How long have you been serving the community?
Debra Berman and Pat Kandel both
received their real estate licenses in 1978
and have been helping members of the
community with their various real estate
needs ever since. In recent years they have
added exceptional talent to their team;
Rebecca Saenz has been part of the fam-
ily since 2005 and Jeremy Billauer was
brought on at the end of 2012. Berman
Kandel is a force to be reckoned with.
Together,The Berman Kandel Team has
sold over 1,500 properties.
HowdidBermanKandelbeginasateam/partnership?
The Berman Kandel Team was formed
in 1985 and was the result of a part-
nership between top producing agents
Debra Berman and Pat Kandel. We both
worked independently in the industry
for 8 years prior to joining forces. We
felt that together we would be able to
dominate the area and provide better
service to our clients.
What has Berman Kandel done through the years to
promote their reputation?
Their reputation as a team goes far
beyond sales. For many years, Deb and
Pat have been featured speakers around
the country for the National Association
of Realtors and for local and regional
Boards of Realtors.They recently spoke at
the National Credit Union Convention,
have been presenters for Monica Reyn-
olds' "Feminine Force" seminars and con-
ventions, and have appeared on numerous
radio shows.
Debra and Pat have been invited mem-
bers of the Bill Barrett Superstar master
mind group of the nation's top producers.
They made "Star of the Month" motiva-
tional tapes for Howard Brinton's STAR
POWER Systems, as well as a series of
tapes call "Top Guns" with fellow agents
around the country.
In addition,The Berman Kandel Team
donates a portion of every commission
to the Children's Miracle Network and
is active in various civic, educational, and
charitable organizations.
Has your clientele changed over the years?
Yes and no. On one hand our clientele
have stayed the same in the fact that they
still are very diverse. We still have clients
that are single, newly married, families,
or empty nesters. Our clients still come
from all walks of life.
On the other hand our clientele has
changed. Now people with real estate
needs are starting their search or research
on the Internet.They are now coming
to us with a working knowledge of what
they want and we help facilitate transac-
tions and guide them through any issues
that may arise; and issues always arise!
When we started in the business we had
no internet so it forced clients to come to
us for their Real Estate information and
our knowledge.The emerging technol-
ogy is great for our industry and we pride
ourselves on staying on the forefront of
that technology.
What keeps repeat customers coming back?
Over the years this has also changed.
Lately, however, we have been able to
distill our process down to a science. We
keep in touch with our clients, whether
they are buyers, sellers, renters, or land-
lords. Sharing our knowledge of the mar-
ket and providing incredible service and
honesty really keeps us top of mind.
Real estate is such a competitive industry, how have
you survived/thrived over the years?
Without a doubt this industry is extreme-
ly competitive. We have found over the
years that we are able to not only survive
but thrive as some of the best in the busi-
ness by coming to work each day with a
burning desire and passion for what we
do.The thrill of finding our clients their
ideal home has really kept us going over
the years. In our current age of technology there are new ways
to service clients popping up left and right; we just try to stay
on our own court and whatever we do, we do it better.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
Every day is a new challenge and a new experience. We truly
enjoy the interesting people that come and go in our lives as a
result of Real Estate.
What do you predict to be the future of real estate in this once depressed, but
now currently very hot market?
We don't try to predict the future; we just know what the mar-
ket is today. We believe that people should buy a home that they
love and enjoy living in and not worry about what its value will
be.The market will go up and it will go down. We have survived
many Real Estate markets.
All the same, we are fortunate to live in one of the hottest real
estate markets in the world. Not only do we have perfect weath-
er, incredible location, and proximity to LAX, but the new hub
of Silicon Beach. It is so exciting to see new communities such
as Playa Vista pop up, but it's also thrilling to see older com-
munities such as Westchester and Venice change with all the
remodels and new construction.
What’s the trick to a successful long-term business partnership?
The trick is that we like each other, have great communication
and trust, we enjoy going to work, and try to have fun each and
every day.
“Outstanding in their field,” the slogan that launched the
Berman Kandel partnership1985 Vintage Berman Kandel
The Berman Kandel Team (Deb Berman, Pat Kandel,
Rebecca Saenz, Jeremy Billauer)
The Berman Kandel Team’s Second Ad Campaign
NeighborhoodNews
BRE 00399424 00774560 01783407
Silicon Beach Real Estate
Go To SiliconBeach.Expert
info@bermankandel.com 310.424.5512 RE/MAX Estate Properties
17. 33June The Canals32 The Canals JuneNeighborhoodNews NeighborhoodNews
Westside
Construction
401 Carroll Canal •Venice, CA 90291Lic. 577170
gary@westside-construction.com
cell: 310-991-4060
WESTSIDE-CONSTRUCTION.COM
“WHYWESTSIDE CONSTRUCTION”
• 25Years building in the area
• Attention to Details
• Reputation for OnTime Completion
• Liability &Workers Comp Insurance
• Spotless CSLB Record
CUSTOM HOMES & LARGE SCALE ADDITIONS
about
town
Hundreds of loyal customers, friends and curious new comers
poured into Hal's Bar and Grill, while an impressive line of dozens
waited outside to join in. Everyone wanted to be part of one last
nostalgic visit to Hal's, a local, much beloved mainstay restaurant
that has served as the heart of Venice on Abbott Kinney for the
past 30 years.
Emotions were palpable that night, as Hal's owners Don
Novack, Hal Frederick and their families made heartfelt speech-
es about what the past three decades have meant to them. Mega
celebrities like Jay-Z and Beyoncé were among the local clien-
tele paying homage to the artist-frequented eatery. As word
spread that Hal's was leaving their mid Abbot Kinney location,
(due to skyrocketing lease prices), everyone scrambled to make
LAST NIGHT AT HAL’S
their last reservation. Don, one of the owners, did his best to
accommodate everyone. "We tried to get everyone in. I mean,
how do you say no to people who eat here 10 times a week?"
Hal's intends to be back in business and on the scene at
another Abbot Kinney location, and is also opening another
outpost in Playa Vista by the end of summer. Popular Mexi-
can restaurant Casa Linda is also moving and should be up
and running by July.
Until then,a few words to Don and Co.from our Canals Community:
“I have eaten there since the first week it opened. I have con-
tinued to eat there continually all these years. Mostly lunch,
the early bar menu, and often breakfast on the weekends. Why,
when other restaurants are barely given a
second thought, did I always find myself
deciding to eat at Hal's? Hal's had a
sense of place. It was local. It was not
contrived. The chef was always out-
standing and never got stale in his cook-
ing, and the wait staff was always tops.
Another unique thing about Hal's and
its wait staff—they were there for years
and were professionals not waiting for
their next script to sell. And, last of all,
the owners, Don and Linda, were always
there.They knew and appreciated their
customers and had a genuine welcome for
them, always. We were very, very com-
fortable there always. “ - Elaine Spierer
“What a loss! Thank you, Don & Lin-
da!!!” - Michael N. Silver
“Hal's was my go-to spot. A place I
could go to alone, sit at the bar, enjoy
a glass of wine and burger and choose
to make conversation, or not, with my
neighbors. I met some nice people there
who are friends outside of Hal’s, which
is unusual. Additionally, the staff were
always friendly even when slammed
and the food always solid. I hope Hal’s
reopens close by where all of us who
loved Hal’s can recreate that local flavor.”
- Robin Solo,Turning Point Pilates
“The black screen outside Hal's Bar and
Grill on Abbot Kinney prepared you for
what was inside. I would walk in as I
By Alyxandria Chang
Photos by Trek Kelly
10889 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90034
www.universalwood.com
Phone: 310.839.9663
Fax: 310.839.1449
M O U L D I N G , I N C
F L O O R I N G &
"I needed hardwood flooring for a
modern rental unit I was building. I
found Universal Hardwood on the
Internet. They were super helpful,
understood what I was looking for and
showed me several choices in my price
range. I purchased beautiful maple
engineered hardwood floors. They
handled all my post sale questions
efficiently and helped my contractor
load the flooring onto the truck. Parking
is easy, right on the street. I will never
go anyplace else for hardwood floors."
- RVentura
Houzz Review July 2014
20 years of Quality Hardwood Flooring on Venice Blvd.
would walk into a chapel, looking at the
wall's large-size paintings and sculptures
- Ed Moses, Larry Bell, Guy Dill, Mykel
Alatza, Kwaku Alston, Laddie John Dill,
Luc Leestemaker, Joni Mitchell, Judy
Stabile, Wood Davy...Tables were filled
with people of all ages and all genres,
common ground being creativity. Often
present were the artists who had their
artwork on the walls!” - Corinne Chaix
Dear Hals,
I can’t believe you are closing your doors.
Our whole family has been coming since
you first opened. You were the “go to”
restaurant when we knew we just wanted
great food with a wonderful aka: “casual-
upscale” vibe. You are a key remnant of
the “Old Guard”, and always made Ven-
ice feel like home. I still can’t grasp that
it’s true. You will be sorely missed.
Sincerely,
Debra Dusay Blocker
18. 35June The Canals34 The Canals June NeighborhoodNews
From the VENICE CANALS ASSOCIATION
Join us on July 4th for our annual
Down-Wind Regatta And Rubber Ducky Race
When: Saturday, July 4, 2015
Where: The corner of Linnie and Grand Canals
Times: 1:30 p.m. Rubber Ducky Race
2:00 p.m. Down-Wind Regatta
Rubber Ducky sales will take place on June 27th and 28th from
2-4:00 p.m. on Dell Ave. and Court D. The cost will be $5.00 per
duck. Cash prizes will be awarded to the 1-3rd place winners!
Last year we ran out of duckies so don’t be left out!
For more information call Sandy Berens @ 310-463-3323
Create your own WIND-POWERED boat! Let your imagination
run wild! Cash prizes for the first 3 boats to finish,and cash Grand
Prize to be awarded to the “Most Creative”entry to finish the race.
Entry forms and more information to follow
For more information, call Bob Taub @ 310-741-1705
TheVCAPresentsAnotherLong-TimeTradition!
www.hamasushi.com
310.396.8783
213 Windward Avenue • Venice, CA 90291
Since 1979
310-217-7630
turningpointpilates.com
www.facebook.com/TurningPointPilates
Visit us at 337 Washington
2013 2014
WE’VE BROUGHT CLASSICAL PILATES TO THE CANALS!
19. 37June The Canals36 The Canals June NeighborhoodNewsNeighborhoodNews
MONEY MATTERSBy Ross Gerber
• High-end Remodeling
• Historical Home Rennovations
• Quailty Custom Building
D. Ferrigno Construction
8938 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Westchester, CA 90045
310-422-7194
don@dferrignoconstruction.net
People have been talking about the demise of the traditional music indus-
try business model since the arrival of the Internet’s first music sharing
sites 20 years ago. But the fact is what we are seeing today is not the slow,
creeping death of the music industry – it’s simply a reversion of it, one
that is perhaps long overdue.
Nearly 100 years ago when music started to be sold as a product,
the biggest problem record player manufacturers faced was that
their product lacked a true complementary good. In other words,
not enough records existed to create demand for record players.
They responded by creating their own demand, making records
out of whatever music they could get their hands on – often with-
out regard to quality – all the while paying the artists who actu-
ally created the content next to nothing.With records in hand,
people bought record players.That’s where the money was.
It was as if the music was secondary to the device on which it
was played. Sound familiar? It should, because we’ve basically
come full circle. While Apple undoubtedly would be profit-
able today and sell millions of phones without complementary
download and streaming services – including the ones it owns
– there’s very little question the company benefits enormously
from cheap and widely available music.
As perverse as it sounds, given Apple’s reach and the fact that
artists will continue to receive pennies on the dollar for content,
even as streaming services are fast moving toward a subscriber-
only model, it will become virtually impossible for the vast
majority of artists to make money from selling music.
Artists will to need generate revenue in other areas, including
concerts, merchandise, television show appearances, endorse-
ments or even product placements.This means building a
unique and recognizable brand is more important than ever
before.The best way to do this is to give away the music for free.
While it sounds counterintuitive, this approach has worked in
the past with startling results.The Grateful Dead, one of the
most commercially successful acts of all time, permitted concert
goers to audio record its shows free of charge. Actually, the band
not only tolerated the practice, it enabled it, setting up a ‘tapers
section’ next to the sound board at nearly every live performance.
This allowed the band’s music to proliferate organically, and
what was once a niche following began to sprout and grow.
And since nearly every Grateful Dead concert was different
(they rarely had set lists) each piece of recorded content was
unique and the band’s community of ‘tapers’ expanded into a
cottage industry, one in which thousands of fans would trade
and barter copies of various live performances as if they were
baseball cards.
No musical act before or since has built and nurtured an audi-
ence quite like this, and because of it Grateful Dead shows
eventually became large, festival-like events, where the concert
was almost incidental to the overall experience. Summer after
summer during the 1970s,’80s and ’90s the band played to
sold-out football stadiums and made multi-date appearances at
packed arenas across the country.
It should come as no surprise that its farewell shows slated for
later this summer in Chicago sold out in a matter of minutes,
as did the two Santa Clara, CA, performances that were later
added due to the initial high demand for tickets.This hysteria,
of course, comes nearly 20 years after the death of Jerry Garcia
and 25 years since the release of its last studio album.
In part, the success of the Grateful Dead, even today, puts the
recently concluded Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
into proper perspective. While attendance figures for this year
have not been released, in 2014 approximately 579,000 people
attended, according to event organizers.That sounds like a lot
but nearly as many people will see the Grateful Dead this sum-
mer over the course of five days.That’s one band. Coachella last
year featured 182 bands, most of which played for next to noth-
ing because in today’s environment it is perceived as one of the
best ways for small and mid-sized acts to gain exposure.
There’s a better way to attract a following. Indeed, the future of
the music industry lies in what the Grateful Dead pioneered
more than 40 years ago: Give the content away for free and as
long as it’s good, fans and money will follow.
Today’s artists have advantages the Grateful Dead could only
dream about.With social media platforms like Facebook,Twitter
and Instagram, along with other channels such as YouTube and
SoundCloud, it’s much easier to gain exposure and attract a loyal
following. In effect, these companies are the contemporary ‘tapers
section,’and they benefit from this shift in the music industry.
While the Grateful Dead would never promote outside con-
sumer products or accept payment for television appearances,
most bands today do not have similar principles, nor should
they. If it was considered “selling out” back then, it’s merely part
of the business model now.
Adam Levine and Pharrell might be passionate about mentor-
ing young, unproven performers, but that’s hardly the reason
they have become fixtures on NBC’s The Voice. Bands have few
other avenues to make money if they ignore such revenue gen-
erative activities. So they sold out for some very large paychecks
and exposure.
Companies that could be in trouble if this shift materializes
include Pandora, which continues to lose listeners, mostly
because it takes a radio approach to advertising and doesn’t
provide the same level of freedom offered by other streaming
services. When the subscription-only model takes root – and it’s
only a matter of time until it does – Apple, which sold nearly
75 million iPhones in the fourth quarter last year, will be able
leverage Beats Music and iTunes Radio to drive down Pandora’s
market share even further. Not to mention the already troubled
Tidal music service launched by Jay-Z.
Content-wise, the music industry is alive and thriving, with
more talented artists and innovative sounds now than per-
haps ever before, but most artists will struggle to make money
because the model is stacked against them.The name of the
game is content, but free content. It’s about building an audi-
ence. No one knew that better than the Grateful Dead and
though their “long, strange trip” is coming to end this summer,
bands and brands still have much to learn from them.
What Artists And Brands NeedTo Learn
FromThe Grateful Dead And Coachella
20. 39June The Canals38 The Canals JuneNeighborhoodNews
Cork it, POUR IT
Vaughn Duffy, Rose of Pinot Noir, Sonoma 2014
Just about a year and a half ago, we opened Simons Market in a very special location
on Rose Avenue that has served its community as a local market since the building was
erected in the 1920s.
We decided to create a store focused on excellent wine, craft beer, and fun, high-
quality, everyday provisions.We put lots of love and heart into everything we do,
taking the utmost care with both the store and neighborhood.While Simon takes
care of an extensive craft beer selection, Josh takes some serious pride in his eclectic
wine selection. Everything that we carry is very carefully and thoughtfully tasted
and focuses on boutique, small production beers, wines and other items from all
over the world.
Check back here each month where we highlight the unusual, unique, and
throwback items that Venice loves.
SIMON’S PICK OF THE MONTH:
Vaughn Duffy, Rose of Pinot Noir, Sonoma 2014
500 cases produced
What It Is:
Matt Duffy & Sara Vaughn fell in love with Pinot Noir while
living in a tiny apartment in San Francisco. In 2007 they found
themselves engaged and longing for more space, sun, and prox-
imity to grapevines, so they packed up and moved to Sonoma
County, where Matt found a job in a winery.They were married
in 2008, and in 2011, they had two pretty important releases:
two barrels’ worth of a Pinot Noir made under their own label,
and their son, Lee. This is the fifth vintage of rosé released and
it shows terrific versatility and balance.
Why We Love it:
Spring and summer are rosé season! This gorgeous bottle from
Vaughn Duffy has that salmon-pink hue that always accom-
panies a great fruity, dry rosé. It has a bright nose of freshly
grated orange peel, wild strawberry, watermelon and tropical
fruit. Nice acid is combined with a juicy mouthfeel, and a thirst
quenching, easy-going palate. They describe it on their website
as a “porch sipper”, and it’s pretty hard to argue with that. This
rosé pairs well with an amazing array of foods—perfect for
potlucks or any meal that includes a variety of different flavors,
from salads and seafood to poultry and meats. Summer’s hearty
salads, savory tarts, light chicken and rich fish dishes, and good
old barbeque all make particularly delicious matches.
www.vaughnduffywines.com
21. 41June The Canals40 The Canals JuneNeighborhoodNews
JUNELOCAL
EVENTS
Saturday, May 23 through Saturday, August 29
SPARC Presents: New Codex: Oaxaca - Immigration and
Cultural Memory
Where: SPARC, 685 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA
When: 11 - 5 p.m.
The Duron Gallery at SPARC will present‘New Codex: Oaxaca – Immi-
gration and Cultural Memory.’A touring exhibit curated by Marietta
Bernstorff, illuminates the contemporary visual discourse of Oaxaca
and explores the impact of immigration to the United States.
For more information: http://www.sparcinla.org/
Friday, June 19
Open Temple: Take Me Higher: Friday Night Shabbat
Where: Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., LA, CA
When: 7 - 9 p.m.
For more information: http://www.opentemple.org/
Wednesday, June 24 through Monday, June 29
Venice Arts Media Arts Summer Camp 2015
Where: Venice Arts, 1702 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA
When: 9 - 12 p.m. or 2 - 5 p.m.
Venice Arts' Summer Media Arts Camp is June 29–July 24, 2015.
Camp is FREE for low-income families. We offer workshops in pho-
tography, filmmaking, animation and comics for ages 10–18.
For more information:
http://www.venicearts.org/index.php?view=section&id=7984
Friday, June 26
VSO Hosts Last Fridays at Danny’s
Where: Danny’s Venice, 23 Windward Ave., Venice, CA
When: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Please join theVenice Symphony Orchestra (VSO) at Danny's for a
night of music and drinking as we host our initial "Last Friday" celebra-
tion.The "Last Friday" of every month, conductorWesley Flowers will
be curating a new, eclectic mix of live music performances. It's going
to be a great night to get out and enjoy a beer from our friends at
Santa Monica BrewWorks and some of Danny's delicious food.
For more information: http://www.venicesymphony.org/
Saturday, June 27
Shulamit Gallery: Melanie Daniel: Piecemaker
Where: Shulamit Gallery, 17 N Venice Blvd., Venice, CA
When: 10 - 6 p.m.
Shulamit Gallery, Los Angeles is pleased to present Piecemaker, a
solo exhibition of new paintings by Canadian-born artist Melanie
Daniel. Piecemaker is a striking body of work that reflects Daniel's
negotiation of her own hybrid identity and moments of cultural
dislocation. This selection of paintings presents dichotomous
motifs, sublime color palettes, abstracted landscapes and dream-
like settings that confound concrete storylines.
For more information: http://www.shulamitgallery.com/
Sunday, June 28
De Soto Gallery: Joaquin Trujillo: Mal de Ojo
Where: De Soto Gallery, 1350 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA
When: 12 - 5 p.m.
Mal de Ojo, or the“evil eye,”is a superstition deeply rooted in Latin
American popular culture. As a child in rural Mexico, Joaquin Tru-
jillo was believed to be the victim of this spiritual affliction when
he contracted scarlet fever and nearly died, suffering permanent
eye damage for which he has had repeated corrective surgeries
throughout his life.
For more information: http://desotogallery.com/
Wednesday, July 8
Pacific Resident Theatre: Theatre Fare
Where: Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA
When: 9 - 11:30 a.m.
THEATRE FARE is a FREE play reading class by and with PRT company
members for Senior Citizens. There are 10 such per year, as they are
MONTHLY, always the 2nd TUESDAY of each month, yet NO class in
July and August. Class starts at 9AM, sharp, and ends by 11:30AM.
For more information: http://www.pacificresidenttheatre.com/
Thursday, July 9
Venice Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting
Where: James Beach, 60 N Venice Blvd., Venice, CA
When: 8 - 9:30 a.m.
Venice Chamber of Commerce. Monthly Board of Directors Meet-
ing, members are welcome and encouraged to attend!
For more information: http://venicechamber.net/
Friday, July 10
Venice Chamber of Commerce Education Committee
Where: Ecole Claire Fontaine Office, 352Westminster Ave.,Venice, CA
When: 1 -2 p.m.
The Education Committee seeks to be our community’s forum for
education, and the bridge between local businesses and educa-
tors. Its primary goal is to foster a high-quality education and
dynamic learning environments for the children of Venice, thereby
helping to fulfill Abbot Kinney’s original vision for Venice as a Mec-
ca for culture, the arts, and education.
For more information: http://www.venicechamber.net/
LocalEvents
22. 43June The Canals42 The Canals June
Beautiful home
painting by
local painting
professionals!
Owner, Isaac Depeyer, is a local Venice resident who lives just
blocks from the canals, and has produced beautiful paint finishes
for multiple clients within the canals and surrounding area.
(310) 704-3104
idepeyer@hotmail.com
*Formerly of Santa Monica/Bev Hills.
DBA Beverly Hills Painting & Consulting. Check us out on Yelp!"
Interior/Exterior
Residential/Commercial
Licensed & Bonded
EMAIL: LEETALPHOTO@GMAIL.COM
WWW.LEETALPHOTO.COM
INSTAGRAM: @LEETALSTEPS
LEETALPHOTO
EVENTS
LIFESTYLE
PORTRAIT
TRAVEL
FOR BOOKING & INQUIRES CONTACT LEETAL ELMALEH
858-692-3418
$25 OFF
With mention of this ad
REAL ESTATE
WEDDINGS
KIDS
Wilmington, N C
Tour&Travel
Written by N2 Staff Writer,Tracy LaFon
Positioned on the southern coast of North Carolina, the city of Wilmington is tucked away at the proverbial end
of the road where three major highways all terminate between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. It
is a place where charm, southern history, modern culture, salty breezes, and a little bit of Hollywood all come
together – simply perfect for a weekend getaway or a relaxing vacation.
Downtown Riverfront
Booking a cozy bed-and-breakfast room in one of downtown
Wilmington’s authentic southern mansions is a trip back in
time. The city is rich with museums, art galleries, lively night-
spots, gardens, historic sites, and live entertainment. Rewards
are in store exploring downtown, walking the Riverwalk, or
taking a horse-drawn carriage ride over cobblestone streets.
Here you will find enchanted shops in places such as the Cotton
Exchange, the site of one of the biggest cotton export trades in
the world. Riverboats, such as the Henrietta III, cruise the river,
serving dinner and tales of bygone days. Downtown also boasts
Thalian Hall. Opened in 1858, one of the nation’s oldest operat-
ing theaters, hosts over 250 shows, plays, and events yearly. You
won’t want to miss the exotic creatures at the Cape Fear Serpen-
tarium, or a tour of the most decorated warships of WWII, the
Battleship USS North Carolina.
Beach Life
Wilmington shares its space with beaches providing warm
water, white sand, and fun. The Boardwalk at Carolina Beach
features family fun with arcades, thrill rides, fireworks, and live
beach music mixed with the aroma of salt air and fresh bak-
ing doughnuts. Dunes, breaking waves, trees, and history meet
at Kure Beach and Historic Fort Fisher – here you experience
Civil War reenactments and sandcastles all in the same place.
If you like beaches not spoiled by the glitzy tourist stops then
there isn’t a better place to stretch out in the sun than Wrights-
ville Beach. And, after dipping your toes in the surf, make sure
to visit the sharks at the NC Aquarium or take a ferry ride.
Hollywood East
Arriving in Wilmington, you may experience déjà vu, feeling
that you have seen this place before. In a sense you probably
have. For the last 20+ years the area has been dubbed Hol-
lywood East. Home to Screen Gems Studios, it has served as
the location for hundreds of movies such as The Jackal, We’re the
Millers, Weekend at Bernie’s, and Iron Man 3. TV productions
have enjoyed success here with shows such as Dawson’s Creek,
One Tree Hill, Banshee, East Bound and Down, Under the Dome
and Sleepy Hollow. The studio is available for back-lot tours,
and location tours feature stops where movies and series were
filmed; occasionally you might catch a glimpse of a star or two.
Often times when you come to the end of the road it signals the
fun times are over – when visiting Wilmington, it means the
fun is just beginning.
Finding The Best At The End Of The Road
23. 45June The Canals44 The Canals June
ARCHITECT
Sander Achitects
Whitney Sander
(310) 822-0300
w@sander-architects.com
Studio of Glenn Williams
Architect
Glenn Williams
(310) 895-0147
glenn@sogwa.com
www.sogwa.com
ART GALLERY
haleARTS S P A C E
Michael Hale
(310) 314-8038
info@halearts.com
halearts.com
AUTOMATION
LeftBrain Consulting
Paul Rother
(310) 829-6721
paul@leftbrain.us
CATERING
Marla's Cafe
Marla Barreira
(310) 827-1843
wwww.marlascafe.com
CUSTOM HOME BUILDER
Westside Construction
Gary Greenbaum
(310) 991-4060
gary@westside-construction.com
westside-construction.com
FRESH PRODUCE DELIVERY
FarmBox
Chako Fairbox
(424) 347-0150
chako@farmbox.com
www.FarmBox.com
GARDEN DESIGN
PLANTED ART
Michael and Patrick
(310) 461-4314
patrick@plantedart.com
plantedart.com
HAIR SALON
bombSHELL SALON
Eric Torres
(310) 450-0440
bombshellsantamonica.com
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Barbara Lee Balaban Interiors,
Inc.
Barbara Balaban
barbara@barbarabalaban.com
www.barbarabalaban.com
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
C&O Restaurants
Debbi Singer
www.cotrattoria.com and
www.cocucina.com
ONLINE MARKETING
11 Amps Agency
Mark Heninger
(310) 413-1162
Mark@11Amps.com
11AmpsAgency.com
PARENTING + COUNSELING
CENTER
Well Baby Center
Deborah Groening
(310) 402-2229
www.wellbabycenter.org
REAL ESTATE
the Berens Group "of course"
Sandy & Steffi
(310) 448-5961
sbofcourse@aol.com
REAL ESTATE ADVISORS
StrongHouse Realty Advisors
Brian Ulf
(213) 200-9605
ulf.brian@yahoo.com
SUSHI RESTAURANT
Hama Sushi
Esther Chaing
(310) 396-8783
www.hamasushi.com
TRAVEL ADVISOR
Travel & Customized Tours
Claudia Kielich
(310) 383-5100
ckielich2@gmail.com
www.goddessesgotogreece.com
WINE STORE
Simon's Market
Simon Mellor
(310) 392-3149
simonsmarket.com
ResidentBusinesses
resident business guide
AttentionVenice Canals Residents: Do you own or run a
business? To have your business featured free in the resi-
dent business guide in an upcoming issue of The Canals,
please send an e-mail to angela.bakke@n2pub.com.
This is open to Venice Canals residents only.
THE CANALS
Photos by Art Gallegos
Create & Express
Create & Express is El Segundo's unique
boutique! We showcase the work of local artists
and creatives. From handmade fine jewelry to
candles to aromatherapy oils, and more.
We also have an enchanting variety of crystals
and stones. Create & Express has unique
and special treasures for everyone.
Come by and see what's in store!
www.facebook.com/
createandexpress
@createandexpress
@create__express
111 Eucalyptus Drive
El Segundo, CA 90245
310-955-7355
www.createandexpress.com
hello@createandexpress.com
Adjacent to True Insight
Established 2003
BUSINESS
THIS IS CALIFORNIA BANKINGTM
STRONG
calbanktrust.com
Member FDIC | SBA Preferred Lender | NMLS #843751 | NMLS #576583
Equal Housing Lender
24. 47June The Canals46 The Canals June
Q: Why do we sell so many homes?
A: Because, we care.
Your #1 Westside brokerage
with 10% marketshare in
Santa Monica, Venice,
Mar Vista, and Marina Del Rey.
3 1 0 . 9 0 7 . 6 5 1 7
PARDEEPROPERTIES.COM
BRE#01858429
Since our "Giving Back" program began, we’ve donated over $680,000 to help make our community a better place to live.
KellerWilliams
SantaMonica
PARDEEPROPERTIES
RelatedSales
TelesProperties
RE/MAXEstate
Properties
GibsonInternational
Marina
BerkshireHathaway
HomeservicesCalifornia
Pardee Properties
Market Share10% More sold than any
other brokerage2X
The Canals Newsletter 1/3 Page Ad June 2015 Issue: 7.5” x 3.5”
The_Canals_Newsletter_Ad_June_2015__F_ns.indd 1 5/6/15 3:45 PM
Address List Price Sale Price DOM Beds Baths SqFt Lot Size
2900 CLUNE AVE $1,989,000 144 3 2.5 2,030 5,155
30 23RD AVE $1,995,000 3 2 1.5 800 2,641
23 26TH AVE $1,999,000 88 2 2 1,620 2,640
3005 GRAND CANAL $2,495,000 116 1 1 454 4,102
3011 OCEAN FRONT WALK $2,990,500 700 3 6 2,300 2,518
414 LINNIE CANAL $3,875,000 120 4 3.5 3,078 2,849
52 PALOMA AVE $4,100,000 46 8 8 5,359 3,522
229 LINNIE CANAL $4,878,000 109 4 4.5 3,631 2,850
47 BROOKS AVE $1,995,000 11 2 2.5 2,160 3,578
17 HORIZON AVE $2,250,000 19 4 3 2,250 2,698
214 S Venice BLVD $3,099,000 18 4 4 3,284 4,337
2722 GRAND CANAL $3,300,000 14 8 4 2,932 5,455
33 20TH AVE $3,765,000 138 3 3.5 3,200 2,642
100 S VENICE #3 $735,000 $782,000 9 2 2 979 6,639
2210 PACIFIC AVE $1,620,000 $1,620,000 9 4 4 1,789 2,862
236 Carroll Canal $1,995,000 $2,200,000 11 2 2 1,139 2,849
2909 CLUNE AVE $3,295,000 $3,245,000 23 5 4.5 3,468 5,213
2405 GRAND CANAL $3,750,000 $3,500,000 250 3 3 3,500 2,520
17 26TH AVE $4,200,000 $3,975,000 119 3 3 3,400 2,639
Featured properties may not be listed by the office/agent presenting this brochure.
Source Multiple Listing Service. All information herein has not been verified and is not guaranteed.
RealEstateResource
THEAGENCYRE.COMAn international associate of Savills
MICHELE BLACKMON
I N T E R N A T I O N A L R E A L E S T A T E
Michele Blackmon is an agent dedicated to the pursuit of perfection. She works with vigor and discretion, placing high-profile
clients in beautiful, architectural homes across the United States and Europe. Her unique background and service-oriented
philosophy has led to her exceptional reputation in Venice and Marina Del Rey.
Michele is a member of Friends of Greystone Mansion and an active member of the LA chapter of Women in Architecture.
PROUD SPONSOR OF VCH • SPECIAL OLYMPICS • A SENSE OF HOME • VENICE ART CRAWL
310.906.5896 | MBlackmon@TheAgencyRE.com
Email Us to receive our Lifestyle Newsletter
“Venice Walk Streets” Photographer Jack Prichett
25. PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE PAID
WILMINGTON NC
PERMIT NO. 40
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE PAID
WILMINGTON NC
PERMIT NO. 40
CA_VeniceBeach
THE CANALS
"CarlosVargas,Bartender at Hinano Cafe”by FeaturedArtist Barbara Mastej
