An Evening under the Stars

by Alex Kent

If you couldn’t make it to the 25^th Annual Gourmet Food & Wine Festival on Saturday, August 6^th, you really must plan on attending next year!

Bright lights, patio heaters and elegantly dressed tables welcomed wine lovers to an “Evening under the Stars”, starting with a glass of champagne.

Live music was performed by jazz musicians featuring Daniel Ho, six-time GRAMMY award winning producer and ‘slack key’ guitarist in the “Best Hawaiian Music Album” category.

Delicious sights and smells tempted guests from every booth: barbeque aromas rose from grills pits, mouthwatering sauces were drizzled over fancy appetizers, sinful desserts promised a bit of heaven and all, of course, were accompanied with an appropriate wine.

In fact, I learned a lot about sake. The impressive array of rice wines that were available gave tasters a chance to try the cold, unfiltered sake, a relatively advanced drink for the western palette. The most unexpected find for me was a cranberry flavored, unfiltered sake called MoMo, available. M&M Enterprises, Gyu Kaku at Myako Hybrid Hotel, Gonpachi and Sushi Boy each with their unique presentations of beef, fish and vegetables were there to answer questions.

This was also an opportunity to meet the talent behind the scenes. For example, I met some very special people from Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. Stephanie Moreno, the private dining director, introduced me to Kenyon Paar, the operating partner and Mark Ogren, chef partner and we talked about their 100 wine selection.

Innovative techniques for food presentation only made these bite-sized meals even yummier. Spiced salmon and mango in crispy sesame cones were a new one on me, decorated tofu on bamboo forks got a lot of attention (and were wonderful) and the meal in a boat satisfied the hunger I had saved up for the occasion.

Meal in a boat from Giu Kaku and Tofu on bamboo forks by Sushi Institute

Even the floral arrangements accentuated the out-of-doors charm of the evening. The three main flowers that were used seem to represent the three main cuisines represented: western roses, Hawaiian pink ginger, and eastern orchids.

For 25 years American Honda has been host to this festival, raising money for causes in the South Bay community. For the past five years Torrance Memorial Medical Center has been the beneficiary. This year $100,000 was raised through the support of local restaurants, wineries, table sponsors, guest ticket sales and proceeds from a silent auction. That money will go towards construction of Torrance Memorial’s Main Tower and Pediatric Services. The auction items were geared more toward experiences than possessions - a smorgasbord of fabulous opportunities - like a meet-and-greet with Vanessa Williams on the set of “Desperate Housewives”, a weekend for two in a junior suite at the Intercontinental in San Francisco, and a day for four at Disneyland including dinner with Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto. The excitement over the auction was obvious and winners toasted each other at the wine tasting tables.

Being a lover of Pinot, both noir and gris, I couldn’t help but give my vote to the Clos Pepe Estate pinot noir served by Napa Rose from Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Everyone that tried it agreed - it is truly something special and notes were taken. I’m guessing some locals will soon be making their way down to Disneyland for another glass!

The best food? Every hors d’oeuvre was fabulous, and I never met a dessert I didn’t like. Everyone I met was cheerful, interested and helpful. I didn’t have much time to sit and the one time I did, someone gave me a white chocolate seashell packaged with a teaspoon of brown sugar. I didn’t realize it was edible until I got home. Wow! What a treat! Athena’s Confections from Rancho Palos Verdes. You have got to try one!

Volunteers pulled out all the stops to make this an exceptional win-win occasion for the community. Thanks to Ann O’Brien and Colleen Farrell who invited Valmonte Living magazine to cover the event, and of course thanks are due the man of the hour, Mr. Steve Morikawa, assistant vice president of American Honda and his festival committee for a flawless event. It was an outstanding way to meet new friends!

Ann O’Brien and Colleen Farrell, Torrance Memorial

LiveJournal Tags: Honda,25th Annual Gourmet Food and Wine Festival,Anne O'Brien,Colleen Farrell,Torrance Memorial,Evening under the Stars,Daniel Ho,M&M Enterprises,Giu Kaku,Miyako Hybrid Hotel,Gonpachi,Sushi Boy,Fleming's Prime Steakhouse,Stephanie Moreno,Kenyon Paar,Mark Ogren,Clos Pepe Estates Pinot Noir,Napa Rose,Disney's Grand California Hotel,Athena's Confections,Steve Morikawa

The Heart of PVE

by Alex Kent

Overlooking the Los Angeles coastline at twilight from the Palos Verdes Golf Club one can see the graceful display of glittering city lights curving along the beach in the distance; some call it the Queen’s Necklace. On a clear day, one can even see the Hollywood sign. With such romantic scenery, a bride might think this would be the perfect wedding spot.

But wait… isn’t the Palos Verdes Golf Club private?

Contrary to popular belief, the clubhouse facilities of the Palos Verdes Golf Club are available for public use. Special occasions like fund raisers, private parties, corporate meetings, tournaments, luncheons and yes, weddings, too, are all available open to the public.

Many might think this to be a well kept secret… yet that was never meant to be; the Palos Verdes Golf Club clubhouse has always been accessible to the public for special events.

History:

The Palos Verdes Golf Club is at the heart of the Estates, as it all began right there.

In 1914 when Palos Verdes was but a twinkle in Frank Vanderlip’s eye, 3200 acres of his 13,000 acres of land (defining the entire peninsula) were slated to become Palos Verdes Estates, and he had grand ideas for what to do with it.

WWI put a damper on these dreams, but in 1921 things got back on track and he hired the Olmsted brothers, celebrated landscape architects who had designed New York City’s Central Park and the Capitol grounds, to name but a few of their projects. The community was zoned, roads were built, property lines drawn, and plantings were laid out.

In 1923, when Palos Verdes Estates and the Palos Verdes Homes Association were created, all property owners were considered members of the Homes Association, with one vote per property. Eight hundred acres were deeded to them for public use, and a quarter of those were to go toward building a golf course and clubhouse. Among the first sites built in Palos Verdes Estates were La Venta Inn and the golf clubhouse.

The sprawling 213 acre golf course at 3301 Via Campesina, on the western end of Valmonte was originally created to attract and entertain buyers of the residential real estate on The Hill, then covered with little else but sage scrub-brush and cactus. Its location was chosen for the spectacular ocean view, rolling hills and natural golf hazards. The fact that it is five hundred feet above sea level providing it with fog-free, moderate weather allowing it to be a year-‘round course.

The course designers, Captain George C. Thomas and Mr. William P. Bell, incorporated the natural terrain of the area for the layout, leaving existing trees, creeks and steep-walled ravines in situ.

The fairways were opened for play on November 15^th, 1924 and the clubhouse became a popular meeting place until the Great Depression.

Though the City of PVE owns the facility, the PVGC operates under a concession agreement and members manage the care, upkeep and improvements of the course and clubhouse through dues and percentages of income. There was talk, at one time, of selling the concession, but golf pro Roland “Bud” Oakley, head professional and concessionaire of the golf club for more than thirty years, wanted the members to operate the club rather than sell the concession.

While the City of Palos Verdes Estate owns the facility, they allow the membership to operate it. However, there is a stipulation the City insists on: that the PVGC host the Palos Verdes Breakfast Club every other Saturday, in memory of those who participated in coast watching during WWII. Throughout the night, vigilant citizens scanned the horizon for possible attack by enemy submarines. At daybreak they would gather at the clubhouse for breakfast, thus giving their get-togethers and group its name.

[More historical information regarding the club and other aspects of Palos Verdes Peninsula can be found at the Malaga Cove Library - a wonderful resource.]

New Management:

The arrival eighteen months ago of Steve Hockett as general manager and COO has only improved the situation. Members of the board had looked long and hard for over a year to find the right person for the job. And perfect he is; Steve understands The Hill intimately – he grew up here! Attending Rolling Hills high and living near Blackhorse Road, he has already done his ‘immersion course’.

After graduating from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Mr. Hockett went on to manage the Oakmont Country Club in Glendale for 24 years, the Shady Canyon Country Club in Irvine, the Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena known as the ‘Blue Blood Club’, and the Wilshire Country Club in Hancock Park.

Chancing upon someone with Mr. Hockett’s background and someone who had actually lived on The Hill previously, was a stroke of luck. Here was somebody who could relate. He was hired on January 1^st of 2010 and he is just as happy as they are. “I love this job.”

Bringing with him over 30 years in the upper crust country club management business, his extensive knowledge and expertise puts a sparkle on the already fabulous gem that is the Palos Verdes Golf Club. Steve and his team work tirelessly to upgrade everyone’s experience.

Amenities:

Now that the 2007 remodeling has settled in, the facilities are better than ever.

The addition of the Bridal Tower at the western end of the clubhouse was designed specifically for the bride and her bridesmaids. Its easy access to the spacious reception area to the left, that leads onto the wedding lawn - festooned with white rose bushes, or the banquet hall featuring an unparalleled panoramic view to the right, are all testament of the members dedication to the public and their happy memories.

For fabulous photo opportunities and inspiration the wedding vows pergola probably has the best view of the Queen’s Necklace of any other spot on The Hill.

Steve often sits in a corner of the banquet hall for lunch, enjoying the peace and quiet… and his favorite view. “I never tire of the beauty here.”

Renovations:

The recent renovation of the clubhouse has made it possible to offer parties of 300+. Before the remodeling, it was difficult to impossible to offer the premises to large parties, as the rooms were limited in size and convenience. In short, it was not ‘event friendly’.

Revamping the clubhouse has been a boon to the club in many ways; the new Bridal Tower is the crowning glory of the building imparting an elegant Mediterranean personality. The bridal dressing room, complete with couches and tables, bar sink, closets, bathroom, mirrors, and even fruit and cheese service, is also used for the occasional six-course, candlelight dinners for members.

Other areas of the clubhouse were remodeled to upgrade the member’s facilities such as the Dining Room, card room and bar, and the ladies locker room is as beautiful as any Club in Southern California. Also redesigned, is the Oakley Room, originally the Ladies Grill where the original rough-hewn log beam ceiling was saved, giving the room a historic look and feel. The main dining room now seats eighty and during the summer, weather permitting, the Terrace Patio is opened that seats forty-five.

Food:

The fare from the kitchen caters to many tastes and with the help of trained, experienced staff Executive Chef Milan Pawar provides a diverse menu, ranging from haute cuisine to casual dining, depending on the clientele and occasion. Pawar must be ready for anything; a venue of this caliber has the ability to serve the different needs of the diverse community that comprises the Palos Verdes peninsula. Mr. Hockett’s motto is “Nothing is impossible. Just ask.”

Places:

The recent eleven million dollar renovation has captured the early Californian ambience of the original clubhouse - understated yet elegant - comparing favorably to many of the most prestigious clubs in Southern California.

Décor:

To top it off, the walls of the clubhouse are decorated with numerous paintings depicting different facets of the peninsula. All were done by local artists and donated by members of the Club.

If you would like to experience the club’s service and surroundings first-hand, consider reserving your place for the reception at the 2011 Tour d’Epicure Rallye dinner on the 17^th of September to kick off the weekend of the Palos Verdes annual Concourse d’Elegance, honoring the Grand Marshall artist Guy Buffet, who painted this year’s concourse artwork. (Guests are encouraged to dress as characters from Guy Buffet's paintings. (See www.pvconcours.com/road_rallye.php for more on the Tour.)

Contact:

Interested in learning more or want to book a function? Then visit the club’s exceptional website at www.pvgc.com or contact Diana Fiamengo at (310) 791-7942 or Celeste McWhorter at (310) 791-7946.

Come to Palos Verdes Golf Club for your most cherished and important affairs and let Steve and his staff take care of the details. Like Mr. Hockett, you will find peace of mind in elegant surroundings.

 

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: Palos Verdes Estates,Palos Verdes Golf Club,Golf Clubs,weddings,Queen's Necklace,Alex Kent,Valmonte Magazine

I’m Happiest When…

by Alex Kent

A Los Angeles native, Lois Olsen grew up in Santa Monica, learning early that she was interested in the arts. Her parents could see it, too, and made it their mission to cultivate her passion and talent. They went to museums and galleries throughout LA to view art, and made art materials available in abundance, from elementary school on. Her college years were spent at UCLA getting her credentials in teaching and drama. When she married Neil Olsen, a graduate of Loyola Law School, they moved to a home with a view on Via Solano in Valmonte, and had four kids. Why did they choose PV? You guessed it – they love the trees.

Lois taught art, theater, English and drama at schools in Torrance, Palos Verdes and Peninsula High Schools. She taught acting with the Peninsula Children’s Theatre and children’s painting classes at the Art Center on top of the Hill. Becoming involved with Las Candelistas charity group rekindled Lois’ love of the visual arts. She helped them with their crafts and skits, and made many of the posters for their “Walk on the Wild Side” event, which used to take place in Portuguese Bend, though now is held at Rolling Hills City Hall. This led to her drawing illustrations and that in turn brought her full circle, back to her painting.

Reuniting with the painter in her, Lois has become more serious about her own artwork. She went through a pastel and water colour phase, working with live models and created stunning images of costumed figures and portraits – remnants of her theatre years. She branched out into oils and acrylics, experimenting with scenery and abstracts. “I love painting abstracts – it’s so freeing.” That freedom translates as a ‘magic touch’ in her wistful, yet realistic paintings and pastels, reminiscent of the pre-impressionists of Degas and Cezanne.

Over the past five years Lois has moved into sculpture, creating originals in plasticine clay and casting them in bronze. Small and medium sized animals from Africa come to life in her hands. Her realistic head-and-shoulder busts of people in ceramic clay are fired, then glazed or given a patina. Every creative experience inspires another; “I’m looking forward to experimenting with multi media sculpture.”

On the first Sunday of each month Lois gets together with   approximately twenty other members of the Experimental Artist’s of South Bay (EASB) at Summer Studies on Lomita Boulevard in Lomita. One member of the group will suggest a favoured medium or a new tool, and they will all do a piece using the same materials. Introducing newness into the process of making art creates new aspirations for each of them, which pleases Lois no end! Nowadays she paints “All the time!” In artist-talk, that means at least once a week.

Her home life is just as vibrant as her artwork; Her husband Neil, never having known his grandparents, wanted his grandkids to know them, and he came up with an idea: when a grandchild turns ten year old, Lois and Neil take them to someplace in the United States. When they turn thirteen, they get to go to Europe. You can well imagine how tight this extended family has become with such open-minded and generous grandparents!

Lois has expanded into various areas of the arts; she is a member of  the Pastel Society of Southern California, a member of the South Bay Watercolor Society, and a member of the Paletteers, one of the 7 artists groups that are involved with the Palos Verdes Art Center, and is also a member of TAS - The Artists Studio art gallery located at the Art Center. A second outlet called “The Village” is located on Deep Valley Drive and Dry Bank, off of Silver Spur. There, Lois is part of the co-operative of artists that helps staff and keep the gallery open daily from 10:00 – 5:00 pm daily.

The Artist’s Studio are the ones responsible for the Artist’s Studio Tour in Palos Verdes once a year, where for only $20.00 one can see 10 studios and enjoy a movable feast with a bite to eat at each site on both Saturday and Sunday on the weekend of September 10^th and 11^th.

If you are an artist interested in becoming involved with the Artist’s Studio Gallery, Lois suggests getting an application from either of the galleries. “They jury three to four times a year.” You can call the Studio at 310.265.2592, or the Art Center at 310.541.2479.

“I’m happiest when I’m painting or sculpting, for the sheer pleasure of creating”, Lois beams. Maybe you will be, too.

 

 

 

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One of a Kind

by Alex Kent

Living in Valmonte, I don’t get to the other side of the Hill very often; I rarely have much reason to go… until today. Today I was on my way to meet Miss Banken.

Driving over the Hill on Hawthorne, I was treated to a long view of clear skies and the deep blue, turned right at Golden Cove and in minutes was in Lunada Bay village. Atop the Pacific coast bluffs decorated by sea and sunset, where the ‘other’ fountain is, I stepped out of my car and discovered a sparkling gem – Annie’s Boutique.

Those of you who know Lunada Bay may remember Max’s Place, clothing for women, where Annie worked for eight years. When the owner decided to downsize in 2009, Max gave first refusal to Annie for the store. Acting quickly, Anne grabbed the reigns and made a dream come true.

With an art history major and her love of people, the store evolved into what is now - a Who’s Who of local artisans. Many of the designer labels she carries are those of people who live in Palos Verdes, some of whom teach at the Art Center on top of the Hill.

It takes so much going right for a business to succeed, though Annie takes it all in stride; “Everything just seemed to grow into the mix.”

Her first artist was Rosa O’Leary, who works at the Lunada Bay Barber Shoppe during the day, making jewellery by night. Maria Coleman, also known as “Hand Made Maria”, went to PV high; she collects vintage clothing and appliqués contemporary and custom designs onto them, like dancing bears or Palos Verdes High School emblems.

Annie was telling me how she caters to local shoppers and loves the feel of the community: “I grew up here. My parents and friends come in, all the time.” As we talked, a vintage tie-dye slip caught my eye and Annie informed me it was made by Kim Stoneman who named her company “Gus”, after her dog.

Visitors to the store will find a collection of pashmina’s tucked in the corner, hanging near light-weight jackets and elegant evening sweaters hand-crocheted by Lois and Juan of RAGZ, priced from $140 to $260, well worth the price and the drive.

Another PVHS friend, Christie O’Donnell, makes earrings by wrapping delicate gold-filled wire around semi-precious stones. Lori Bailey hand-knots necklaces and bracelets incorporating semi-precious stones, while Stephanie Trueman’s designs echo the art of ancient Egyptian or Victorian artifacts. Custom pieces are also available; just ask.

But clothing is not all you will find here. Fred Straeter paints small canvases for Annie in the plein air style - natural landscapes and still life’s painted in situ. As you step into the shop, look for the one he painted of Annie’s storefront.

The whole feel of the place is comfortable - like you’re on vacation. Maybe it’s because of the flower boxes designed by Tim Lulejian that lend that relaxed feeling to the surroundings by incorporating orchids into his live art pieces.

Annie also handles “off-price” items from, Anthropologie, Free People and Urban to offer a variety of style. She concentrates on current fashions that are affordable from teen to mature in all sizes, but the main name of the game is unique, casual, and one-of-a-kind.

Handbags range from $40 to $120; quality sandals made of leather are available, running from $40 to $60, as are stylish, rubber flip-flops sporting faux fur or rhinestones. They are to die live for!

The store is also a great meeting place for chit-chat, especially once a month when Annie’s Boutique host’s a wearable art trunk show. Several regulars popped in while I was there; all of them knew Annie by name and were interested in her opinion. One customer said, “She’s one-in-a-million; even guys feel comfortable shopping here for the women in their lives. This place is great for gifts.” Annie’s response is simply, “I love what I do. It never feels like work.”

Annie has a reputation for being honest. Her customers have grown to rely on her opinion as she won’t let them buy what doesn’t look good on them, so they get a fashion consultation in with the deal! Her philosophy is “make the customer happy with their purchase and they will come back”.

The store is located at 722 Yarmouth Road in Lunada Bay. If you’re going the other way around the peninsula on PV Drive West, Yarmouth Road “T’s” at the Lunada Bay fountain, on your way to Portuguese Bend. If you miss it and get lost in the beautiful neighbourhoods with ocean vistas, Annie’s phone number is 310.265.1101.

You owe it to yourself to take a look. You’re sure to find a treasure; myself included - I left with a smile… and a sweater.

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: Anne Banken,Annie's Boutique,Max's Place,Rosa O'Leary,Maria Coleman,Kim Stoneman,Lois & Juan,RAGZ,Christie O'Donnell,Lori Bailey,Stephanie Trueman,Fred Straeter,Tim Lulejian,Anthropologie,Free People,Urban,clothing,Niki Chanel,Valmonte Living Magazine

Wishes Granted

by Niki Chanel

“Mom! Come see! Look outside! There’re hundreds of guys on bikes racing past our front door!!!” This doorway was in Lima, Peru

Filled with excitement, Paul Che and his brother watched the speed, grace, and strength of the triathlon cyclists. It just so happened that the two boys had received bicycles for Christmas, and yearned to be part of this kind of action. Like a wish granted, the two were allowed to try-out for the youngsters’ team and Paul came in second… right behind his older brother. They were accepted onto a youth racing team called “los Cachorros”, which means “The Puppies”.

As they progressed through the training trials for the Junior World championship, Paul would learn his exercises and those of his brother’s, absorbing the advanced lessons, while he waited for his brother to finish, so they could go home together.

When Paul turned sixteen he graduated high school and turned ‘Pro’. His new team – “Navera Santa” – would take him and eight to ten other riders through Peru, Columbia and Venezuela; their race circuits would meander them through the Andes Mountains, Chili, Peru, Columbia, Brazil, and Venezuela. These five-to-ten day-long races are called a ‘Vuelta’, meaning tour; it’s very similar to the Tour de France, though on a smaller scale. An entire race might consist of 200 to 250 riders. They don’t stop of anything during the three to five hour race. They bring nutrition bars with them and carry their own water. A team car brings them additional water later in the race, passing it out to keep them hydrated while they ride. That’s important because in that part of the world it’s hot, 90-100º, humid, and the ride is hard; but Paul loved it.

While he was racing intercontinental endurance races, Paul’s brother had taken to the indoor track speed trials, called Stage races. Both of the boys were winning most of their races and the United States was next: the Tour of California Race. Paul rode in the pro category and won this year’s California State Championship. He now belongs to the Southern California / Nevada Cycling Association.

Ten years ago Paul started working for Circle Cycle in Torrance, one of the largest cycle stores in the South Bay. He realized he loved working on bikes almost as much as he loved riding them. “I could do this for the rest of my life!” It became his dream, but he couldn’t imagine how it would be possible – he didn’t feel he was ready. “If you had asked me in February if I was going to have my own store, I would have said ‘No way!’, but it was meant to be!” Everything came together and ‘shazzam!’… the dream became a reality by spring. “Sprocket Cycles”, a perfect name for the bike shop, opened for business repairing and fitting cycles for customers, in May of 2010.

The store has all kinds of bikes: from $150 pink tricycles called ‘Cupcake’ for three-year-old girls, up through bikes for teens, like the ‘Atomic Mini’ and Beach Cruisers called ‘Retro Glides’ to the $15,000 professional road bikes. If what you want is not in the store, it can be ordered and fitted for you. Purchases can be shipped nationally but Paul suggests that, if you want to have your bike with you when you’re out of the country, just pay $50 to $150 for airfare to take it with you.

Sprocket Cycles also carries accessories like seats, baskets and liners, bells and cup-holders, pedals, pumps, repair kits, bike racks, and more. Again, if he doesn’t have what you need, he can probably get it for you.

Paul coaches, too. He rides with his trainees every morning from 6:30 to 8:30am and has an afternoon ride on Tuesday’s, called a “Telo” (pronounced Tee´- lo) during the summer. If you want someone to ride with, join his morning or evening ride or why not visit and find out about the shop ride – everybody’s welcome.

Located at 1308 Pacific Coast Highway, between Avenue G and F, near Pete’s Coffee -you can’t miss it – there are bikes lined along the sidewalk welcoming the local passer-by. Paul hopes that people will fell comfortable about visiting, without feeling they have to buy something. “When they are ready, they can buy then. If not, we can still be friends!”

Hours are 10:00am to 7:00pm, most days. To learn more, you can call 310.540.1927 or go online to sprocketcycles.com . Bring the kids (he has a play area and toys for them), have an espresso and meet Paul Che - your friendly, neighbourhood cycling advocate.

 

 

 

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What’s that You Say?

by Alex Kent

The receptionist kindly repeated her question.

“Yes, I would like a cookie, but no ointment, thank you.”

She smiles and asks again. “Have you booked an appointment?”

All joking aside, hearing loss is an embarrassment that many of us live with. An educator once said, “When one person in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing problem.” Diminished hearing leads to stress and unhappiness for everyone, and there are many types of hearing loss, ranging from mild to severe. I and was surprised to learn that some people even experience sudden hearing loss in one ear.

It is a commonly held belief that ‘old-age’ is the cause of deafness, but it turns out that 50-65% of people with hearing loss are under the age of 65 and still working. Poor hearing at work causes miscommunications and can eventually lead to lower income. Unaddressed hearing loss can erode relationships, and in severe cases, untreated hearing loss can mimic Dementia or Alzheimer’s, leading to feelings of isolation and social withdrawal, yet studies show that most people with a hearing problem delay doing anything about it for an average of seven years!

Sunni McBride, resident of Valmonte for twenty-five years and owner of the South Bay Hearing and Balance Center, explained to me why waiting can make the problem worse. When the hearing center of the brain is ‘starved’ of stimulation, it atrophies. If this specialized area of the brain has been denied sound for too long, it may have atrophied beyond its ability to be retrained. On the other end of the scale, new sounds can be ‘too much’ for an individual that has gotten used to their compromised hearing.

“In deciding which hearing device to recommend, it’s my job to consider hearing loss as well as social needs, manual dexterity, lifestyle and the patient’s pocket book,” Dr. McBride explains. For example, arthritis could make it difficult or even impossible to change the small battery in a hearing device.

I originally met Sunni McBride when I accompanied a patient to be tested to the South Bay Hearing & Balance Center. I was concerned that my friend might be nervous, but the elegant waiting room and the friendly staff made it quite pleasant. We did not feel rushed or coddled. Everyone was very professional and everything was well explained. They even put a hearing aid on the patient so she would be sure to hear all the options.

The clinic can provide custom ear molds as well as hearing aids from the top manufacturers in the world, including ReSound, Oticon, Phonak, Siemens, Widex, Starkey, and Lyric. Lyric was my friend’s choice… with a long term payment plan. In a category by itself, the Lyric, though slightly more expensive, runs on special batteries that last for months instead of weeks. The hearing device can be worn in water, during sleep and while on the phone. It’s the only extended wear hearing device available today. Since it is installed into the ear canal close to the eardrum, it is virtually undetectable and produces a very clear sound. This experience has made both of us appreciate the science and art of fitting hearing devices that allow people with hearing loss to reconnect with the outside world. Modern hearing aids can even connect with electronic things like TVs, phones, computers and Bluetooth technology. These days, someone with a hearing aid is almost ‘bionic’!

I asked Dr. McBride what interested her in audiology. She said her father was a physician who actually took a lot of time to educate his patients. She started working for him when she was thirteen years old; first with files, then as receptionist and finally assisting in the ‘back office’ during minor procedures. She wanted to go to med school and follow in his footsteps. She got her BA & MS from Brigham Young University. As fate would have it, though, instead of medical school, she fell in love and raised five kids in the Valmonte area of Palos Verdes. She stayed connected to the community by being a volunteer ‘par excellence’, participating in all the PV school affairs, scouts, sports and getting all the children graduated from college (every one of them went to BYU).

With her kids in college and beyond, Sunni returned to her first love – medicine. She earned her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Florida, and practiced with a large audiology center in Torrance for ten years. Three and a half years ago, she opened the South Bay Hearing & Balance Center on Sepulveda. She and her team have won awards and have received recognition from the community and world renowned manufacturers of hearing devices. Consequently the business has rapidly increased more than threefold.

But hearing aids may not be for everybody. If the cause of one’s hearing loss is discovered to be calcification of the bones in the inner ear, a tumor or infection, a qualified audiologist, like Dr. McBride and her staff, can refer the patient to an appropriate physician for the medical attention needed.

Even though becoming hard of hearing may not be life threatening, it is important to seek medical advice if there is a problem. Hearing loss is often treatable, improving the quality of life for everyone.

The South Bay Hearing & Balance Center is located at 3734 Sepulveda Blvd, near the corner of Hawthorne Blvd. Their phone number is 310.375.6161.

They probably won’t even mind if you just dropped by for a cookie.

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: Dr. Sunni McBride,South Bay Hearing and Balance Center,ReSound,Oticon,Ponak,Siemens,Widex,startkey,Lyric,audiology,Niki Chanel,Valmonte Living Magazine

A Biting Concern

by Niki Chanel

The business of straightening teeth is pretty serious stuff – without a good bite, we can’t eat properly; if our teeth are crooked, we could starve for friends. Facial appearance may be more important now than in any previous time in history, and teeth are our front and center introduction to the world.

Enter the orthodontist. Leaders in facial reconstruction (because that’s what teeth straightening really is), they are our easiest path to a permanently improved appearance to the world and a better self image, but it’s a slow process, so you want to find an orthodontist with heart… someone you feel comfortable with, for the duration of your care.

John Trotter has been in the business for seventeen years, and as you enter his office at 1706 South Elena Avenue in the Riviera Village, it is obvious that he loves what he is doing. The unconventional, open design lets in the light and allows for huge murals that transport one to an island in the South Seas, Hawaii or even down the block. Fish wearing braces hobnob with vintage aircraft flying through an untroubled sky, taking your mind off of the reason you are here. There are computers for the kids and even a movie room for those that have read their fill of magazines. He even has a display case for his extensive Hot Wheels collection!

John grew up in Downey then went to USC for his undergrad, dental school and orthodontics residency, finishing up with a Masters of Science in Cranio-Facial Biology. True to his alma mater, John has been teaching every third Tuesday in the Orthodontic Department for the last ten years, and yes, he is a Trojan fan. After college, he high-tailed it to Redondo Beach, and moved into an apartment at Beachbrook Village on Catalina Avenue and Ruby Street.

On vacation in Mammoth, friends introduced him to a Redondo Beach orthodontist, Ed Givins, DDS. John was invited into the business as a partner in 1994 and after eight years, Ed retired. Dr. Trotter has kept the business going for seventeen years at the same location. “He was a great partner!” says John, who now sees the grand-kids of Ed’s patients, as well as the kids of clients Dr. Trotter started with in 1994. “Ed passed on a great legacy.” Unfortunately, Dr. Givins passed away in February of 2009.

John met his wife, Irene, at USC in ‘91 where she was a student in the Dental Hygiene Program. They married in ‘93, and eventually moved to Via Colusa near the golf course in the Valmonte area of Palos Verdes. They have two sons, Ben and Zack. Ben, the younger, is eight and Zack is fifteen. They have an Italian exchange student living with them for the school year, Francesco, who is seventeen.

The office was redecorated in 2004. John asked the decorator to go for a Tommy Bahama look, and it is a success! Clean, airy, open, and fun while still maintaining a professional ambiance; all the latest technology is tastefully tucked away. Two thirds of his patients are kids, so the incentive programs keep kids interested in their own oral hygiene – if you brush, you collect “Trotter Tokens” to win gift cards for AMC movies, Baskin and Robbins ice cream, Starbucks or even Tillies clothing coupons, and many more.

All in all, John feels blessed; “God’s hand put me in this location… it was chosen for me.”

If you are looking for a local life-improver that speaks ‘surf’, then John Trotter, DDS is your orthodontist.

Check out the website at www.trotterorthodontics.com , call 310.373.0093, or stop by the office at 1706 South Elena Avenue, in the Riviera Village of Redondo Beach for a quick sea-side moment.

 

 

 

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