Author: Igor Nastaskin
Local Author’s Latest Novel Infusedwith South Bay Vibes
South Bay locals reading through the new contemporary novel, My Year of Casual Acquaintances, will feel right at home. Hermosa Beach, the Esplanade, Coast Highway and King Harbor are just some of the nearby references made in the book. In fact, for author and Hollywood Riviera resident Ruth Stevens, The Bay Club in Redondo Beach (called Seaside Fitness in the book) was an inspiration for the story. “I’m a regular at The Bay Club and became fascinated with gym relationships because I’ve met many members at health clubs over the years and some are now close friends,” said Ruth. “With more people working from home, relationships made at places like gyms have an important role in our lives because they provide community, and that’s something we all need.” My Year of Casual Acquaintances follows the story of a middle-aged woman, Mar Meyer, who tries to rebuild her life after her husband divorces her for another woman. Over the course of a year, she meets an assortment of characters who impact her life in different ways, including a fellow gym member down on her luck and a flirty hip-hop instructor. A major arc in the story comes when she meets a handsome novelist from the gym who wants more from Mar than she’s able to give. “This unique story opens with one cliffhanger and closes with another, yet manages to satisfy thoroughly,” says a 5-star review by Indies Today. “Lighthearted fun with an upbeat atmosphere, My Year of Casual Acquaintances is an optimistic novel about looking for the best in everyone, including ourselves.” My Year of Casual Acquaintances, which was released in September, is Ruth’s second published book. Her debut novel, Stage Seven, was published in 2021 and centers around two mature adults who fall in love while helping a parent and a spouse through Alzheimer’s. She has also written two theatrical works. The second book in her South Bay Series, The Unexpected Guest, will be released this month. Ruth was recently honored with the 2024 Excellence in Arts Awards for Literary Arts by the City of Torrance Cultural Arts Commission. She and her husband, David Olson, have lived in the Riviera since 1989, and are the parents of one son and grandparents of two grandsons. Ruth will be the featured speaker at the Redondo Beach Library’s Author Program on April 5, 2025, and also speaks at private book events around the South Bay. To invite Ruth to speak at your book club, please contact her on her website at www.ruthstevens.com.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Local Survivor Shares Her Journey
Overcoming Breast Cancer: Rebecca Weintraub’s Inspiring Journey October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the progress made in preventing, detecting and treating the disease and the work that remains to be done. In 2024 alone, more than 310,000 people are estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S., and one in eight women will be diagnosed with the disease in her lifetime. That’s one person every two minutes. But there is hope. Advancements in early detection methods and support continue to increase the chances of survival. In fact, when caught in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99%. That’s a statistic breast cancer survivor Professor Rebecca Weintraub, PhD, would have liked to have heard 21 years ago. In 2003, Bek, the nickname she goes by, was diagnosed with stage 3C of a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer with only a 30 percent survival rate in three years. Three weeks later she was doing chemotherapy. Over the next two years, Bek endured 12 rounds of chemo, five surgeries and weeks of radiation, all while choosing to continue working as the Director of the Master’s of Communication Management program and the Center for Corporate and Community Education at USC’s Annenberg School for Communication. “When I read the survival rates of inflammatory breast cancer I was devastated,” said the Hollywood Riviera resident, whose students called her Dr. R. “I had a paralyzing fear that sapped me of my energy and power. But when I took another look at the data I realized that the statistics were past information. They weren’t future predictors but rather analytics from years before. More importantly, I realized that no one has survived cancer 89% or 33%. It’s a zero-sum game for each one of us. 100% or 0%. My advice is to ignore the stats and plan on being 100%. Stats are for mathematicians, not cancer survivors!” A big part of Bek’s journey has been to give back by championing breast cancer research and helping survivors. Four months after finishing her treatment, for example, Bek walked a half marathon to fundraise for breast cancer support groups. She also served on the board of the breast cancer support group that was immensely helpful in her recovery. “I thought I didn’t need a support group but studies show longer survival rates for patients who have attended them, and that was enough for me,” said Bek, who is currently Emerita Clinical Professor of Communication at USC, as well as a professional speaker, a corporate communications coach and an author. “The Wellness Community South Bay breast cancer support group was strong for me when I felt defeated. They were optimistic when all I could see was a black hole. They showed me how to survive diagnosis, chemo, radiation, hair loss — the works. And then, when I was strong, I got to give it all back to the next women who joined us.” Through it all, Bek maintained her life-long sense of humor, much of which is reflected in a book she is writing about her breast cancer experience, Cuts From the Slice of Life (see excerpt in this issue). “The most important thing I want to emphasize is that a breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence, and I’m proof of that,” said Bek. “There have been many advancements in the more than two decades since I was diagnosed, including new drugs and protocols. No one truly knows when they will die. We only have today, so live it with hope and humor.” The Cancer Support Community South Bay (formerly The Wellness Community South Bay), offers classes and workshops free of charge, including several breast cancer support group meetings each week. To learn more about the Cancer Support Community South Bay, go to cscsouthbay.org, call 310-376-3550 or email [email protected] or [email protected]. They are located at 2601 Airport Drive, Suite 100 in Torrance.You can reach Bek Weintraub at [email protected]. Hair Is Over-Rated (excerpted from the forthcoming memoir by Professor Rebecca Weintraub, PhD, Cuts From the Slice of Life) Forget nausea—the side effect every woman thinks of when she finds out she’s getting chemo is hair loss. And I was no different. Now, like most women, my hair is an indicator of what kind of day I am going to have. There are good hair days and bad hair days. I had been working on growing out my hair and it was finally where I wanted it. Slightly longer than chin length, good color and highlights, great shine—it was terrific. Now I was facing what one video called “No Hair Days.” Over time I got used to it all. At home, I would wear nothing on my head. It was cooler during menopause hot flashes and generally more comfortable. The wigs never really bothered me—but it was rather like wearing a hat. I’ve never been big on wearing hats. Many women go the scarf and hat route rather than the wig route. On them, it looks chic. On me it looked odd. Scarves never looked quite right. I did have some hats that I liked wearing – but they didn’t look quite as good as they do when a little hair is poking out around the face. I’ve since seen one beautiful woman wearing a large-brimmed red hat with a fake ponytail hanging down the back. If I’d had that, I might have been more willing to wear a hat. So, I wore the wigs for months. And six weeks after the last chemo treatment I looked in the mirror and realized I had hair. Short hair to be sure, but hair. That day I went to campus without a wig. Rich, my husband, asked, “You’re going to school topless?”“Yup,” I replied, “And so is my car.” With that, I went outside, put the top down on the convertible and drove to USC with the wind whistling through my stubble.
Making a Difference for Riviera Students and Beyond
Martha Deutsch: Tireless Advocate for Education in the Riviera Riviera resident Martha Deutsch recently returned home from a long day at the California State PTA Convention in Ontario. It’s been several years since her two kids graduated from South High, well past the time when most parents have any involvement with the PTA. But for Martha, supporting education in a volunteer capacity is a passion she’s put to use for the benefit of students in the Riviera and beyond for close to 30 years. Martha first joined the PTA when her oldest child, Marissa, started at Riviera Elementary School and served as PTA president at both Riviera and South High. In 2012, when Al Muratsuchi was elected a California State Assemblyman and thereby resigned his position on the TUSD school board, a friend persuaded Martha to run. It was the encouragement she needed to branch out into other education-related capacities, and Martha handily beat out eight other candidates for the board position, which she held for six years. From 2017 until 2019, Martha also served as president of the Thirty-Third District PTA, which represents more than 100,000 members in PTA councils throughout Southern California. Martha traveled to Sacramento each quarter to meet with other District PTA presidents and served as a conduit with local PTA units. Following her time as president of the Thirty-Third District PTA, Martha served from 2019-2022 as president of the Torrance Education Foundation, where she helped facilitate increased learning opportunities at local schools, including state-of-the-art classrooms, STEM programs and more options for growth and creativity. In 2020, Martha was elected as a committee member on the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s Fourth Supervisorial District, a position she still holds. She is also on the policy council for Head Start and Early Learning Division, which supports the school readiness of children from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development. She traveled to Washington DC earlier this year for the Head Start Leadership Symposium and drives to Sante Fe Springs each month for their board meetings. “What started as a part-time passion has become my life’s work, and I couldn’t be happier,” says Martha, who was honored with a “Women of Distinction Award” for her volunteer work in 2017. “I love being an advocate for children and I don’t plan to stop anytime soon.” Martha and her husband, Barry, have two grown children and have lived in the Hollywood Riviera for 30 years. Thank you Martha, on behalf of all the children in the Hollywood Riviera!
Richardson Middle School Students Enjoy New Gymnasium
September means time to head back to school, and for students of Richardson Middle School, that also means enjoying the campus’ new physical education facilities. In April, Richardson celebrated the grand opening of its brand new gymnasium, complete with basketball courts and boys’ and girls’ locker rooms. Richardson also recently revamped the outside playground area with six new basketball courts and five new volleyball courts. “The play that our students are now receiving is vital to their success as students,” said Ian Drummond, principal, in the school’s newsletter. “The physical activity keeps the kids healthy but it also helps them release energy, which results in a greater ability to focus during classroom time.” Richardson also now features brand new state-of-the-art science labs, new roofing, reflective windows, concrete pathways, paint, lights and many more improvements that enhance the learning environment. All of the modernization projects are part of Torrance Bond Measures T and U, which were passed in 2014 to support upgrades in our local schools. These upgrades include enhanced science labs and renovated playgrounds at elementary schools and new gymnasiums and lockers at middle schools. Modernization projects at the local high schools include new lockers, renovated auxiliary gyms, new auditoriums for arts instruction and performance, upgraded physical education facilities, and a new aquatic center for swimming programs. All schools also have or will receive upgraded safety and security systems and technology. Riviera residents who lived here before 1986 may remember that Richardson Middle School opened as Newton School in 1955, originally serving grades k-8. It changed to Newton Middle school in 1972 and was converted to an adult school in 1986. It was renamed Edward J. Richardson Middle School after a retiring superintendent, and reopened in 1993 to service grades 6-8. Do you know a Riviera resident with a story to share? Please give me a call at 310-892-6016 or e-mail: [email protected]
Hollywood Riviera Marks 90th Birthday with 2 New Signs
This year marks a milestone in the history of the Hollywood Riviera – the community’s 90th birthday. Nine decades ago developer Clifford Reid created this beautiful community which reminded him so vividly of the French Riviera. It’s only fitting then that very soon the community will be unveiling two identifying gateways. The Friends of the Hollywood Riviera have worked for more than five years with the City of Torrance to recognize our historic neighborhood with Hollywood Riviera signage. The marker project has now received final approval from the Torrance City Planning and Torrance City Council. The first marker will use bronze lettering set in vintage stone at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Palos Verdes Boulevard. The new “Hollywood Riviera Torrance” lettering will replace the current “City Of Torrance” signage. The second historical marker will be at the corner of Palos Verdes Blvd and Via Monte d’Oro, the entrance to the original Hollywood Riviera. One side will say Hollywood Riviera, Est 1928, while the other side will have a detailed history of our neighborhood imprinted on a vintage tile design. These beautiful new markers will pay tribute to our unique neighborhood, which boasted 42 original red-tile roof homes in the historic lower Riviera area by 1940. Currently there are approximately 3,500 homes within the official Hollywood Riviera boundaries. The goal of the Friends of the Hollywood Riviera is to promote the preservation and history of the original homes and community. We thank them for all the work they’ve done to pay tribute to the community we love so much. Fund raising efforts are still underway to pay for the completion of the markers. To donate, please go to the Go Fund Me page at: https://www.gofundme.com/2d9fh6as, or mail to the Friends’ Treasurer: Dina Wiley, 202 Via La Soledad, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. For additional information, please contact Karen Lent at 310-375-6539.
6 Easy Curb-Appeal Tricks That Will Cost You Less Than $200
Before you even think about selling your home, you have to make it sparkle—after all, prospective buyers will be peering in every corner, closet and cabinet they can get into looking for some curb appeal. That being said, it’s sometimes easy to overlook the first (and arguably, most important) space buyers will judge: the outside. So, you’ll want to make sure and present a good first impression by getting your exterior in top shape. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to cost a bundle. It’s entirely possible to add instant curb appeal using less-expensive means. Here, Realtor.com offers six ridiculously easy ways to boost your home’s curb appeal—all for $200 or less. Make your exterior sparkle with a pressure wash For potential buyers, the walk up the driveway is their first look at your home. Repaving the entire driveway would be nice, of course. But on a budget, pressure washing—which will cost between $80 to $200, on average—will do wonders. Driveways can turn green and black with dirt, and you might not even notice it because you see it every day. White driveways and sidewalks really pop. Max out your use of mulch and drought-tolerant plants It’s easy to rack up the bills with elaborate landscaping, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Completely dead, neglected front yards can be converted into buyer magnets for around $200, especially if you’re able to do some of the work yourself. The secret? Put down fresh mulch in the front yard and gardens, and add easy-to-care-for plants such as ornamental grasses, bushy lavender and salvia plants—all of which are drought-tolerant and affordable, and can make a dramatic pop against dark mulch. Mulch not only brightens up the exterior of your home, it also can reduce the weeds and fill in bare spots so your lawn will look neat and tidy. Lure in buyers with fresh honeysuckle Try planting some honeysuckle along the path to the front door. This hardy plant is heat-tolerant and also thrives in the shade, and it can be used in various ways—as a bush, vine or ground cover. The sweet nectar also brings in beautiful hummingbirds, and of course, the fragrant smell also helps when potential buyers are viewing the home. Add symmetrical planters Savvy home stagers and landscapers rely heavily on visual tricks to draw buyers’ eyes to the right places. One of their biggest secrets? Symmetry. Try anchoring each side of your front door with pots filled with bright flowers such as hydrangeas. Having one plant by your door will look lopsided to potential buyers. Note: Don’t use plastic containers. Ceramic or terra-cotta pots will add a special touch and give your home that luxe factor. Freshen up the front door Adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door is an easy and inexpensive trick that can transform your home. Buyers sometimes stand at the front door for a couple of minutes while the agent is getting the key out of the lockbox, so make those moments count. You can’t go wrong with a shiny new coat in a classic color such as black, gray or red, but if you’re feeling a little daring and really want to stand out on the block, opt for a cheery pastel hue like a light green or orange-pink. Roll out the welcome mat A new welcome mat and an elegant wreath are inexpensive yet inviting ways to enhance the exterior and welcome potential buyers in for a home tour. Look for a cheery welcome mat, or if your sale is happening during a holiday, go for something seasonal.
Getting ready to move? Here are 7 Qualities of a Good Neighbor
Getting ready to move into a new home? Know that to have good neighbors, you must first be one yourself. Here, Zillow offers seven techniques that can help win the approval of your entire neighborhood. Bring cookies Delivering fresh-baked goods is an ideal way to break the ice and let neighbors know that you’re thinking of them. Avoid gratuitous gabfests If your neighbor seems to know the dirt on everyone within a two-block radius, you can count on them to keep tabs on your personal life as well. Talking with a nosy neighbor? Move the conversation along by refocusing the conversation. “So, what are you growing in your garden this year?” Share phone numbers You always should have your neighbors’ phone numbers, just in case, they receive your package by mistake, your house floods while you’re on vacation or even if you need a babysitter. Feel uncomfortable bringing it up? Ask during one of your cookie deliveries or right before a trip. Jot down your name, number and email address on a piece of paper and ask if your neighbor is comfortable sharing theirs. Be Tidy Always respect the sensitive tastes of others and clean up your act. Keep the ironic lawn ornaments to a minimum, and hide trash receptacles in the side yard or garage. Whenever you’re finished gardening or landscaping for the day, stow your tools and bags of unused mulch. Rake the leaves and clean up grass clippings. And, if it’s not too much trouble, pressure wash and paint your house periodically. Mow the lawn An unkempt and weedy lawn is embarrassing for your neighbors, so it should be embarrassing for you as well. Keep it mowed every week or two, and also be sure to trim the edge of your lawn regularly, fertilize on schedule and keep weeds to a minimum. Keep your foundation plantings simple, neatly trimmed and topped off with mulch. You also might want to go the no-lawn method and plant low-maintenance, drought-tolerant ground covers. Of utmost importance: Don’t overdo it on the sprinklers, especially when it’s raining. Communicate A good neighbor must respect boundaries, but they should also be crossed if you are unhappy with their shoddy workmanship or neglected maintenance, for example. Address shared interests such as fences, drainage ditches, and troublesome trees ahead of time so that you can work out a plan upon both parties can agree.
The Biggest 5 Mistakes Buyers Make, [According to Real Estate Agents]
Because it difficult navigating the real estate market, it’s only natural that some people are going to make mistakes. With that in mind, Forbes asked industry professionals to share their experiences with the biggest 5 mistakes buyers make. Here, are some tips to avoid making one of these common pitfalls. 1. Not meeting with a lender early One of the most common mistakes first-time homebuyers make is not meeting with a local lender right away. A lot of people worry about wasting a lender’s time, especially if they aren’t ready to buy immediately. The earlier you consult with a lender, the better. Sometimes it takes a long time for people to qualify for a loan. Lenders are almost like free financial advisors and can help buyers develop a plan to reach their goals. 2. Relying too much on the advice of family and friends One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is listening to their family and friends about their real estate experiences. Buyers should understand that every transaction is different. When well-meaning family and friends give advice, they do it with the best intentions, but rarely do you get the details of their finances or their circumstances. Real estate is personal and regional. What works in one state doesn’t necessarily work in another state, and what a homeowner experienced three years ago may not be relevant to current market conditions. Seeking advice from family and friends rather than industry professionals who know their unique circumstances could prove frustrating and disappointing. 3. Waiting for the “perfect” home to appear In today’s competitive market, no buyer will be able to find everything they want in a home. So, they need to be clear on which features they may want but are ultimately able to live without. If not, while they are looking for the perfect home, the property they may have been able to make into their ideal home will be gone. While they may not like the kitchen or bathrooms to start, it’s much smarter to consider whether they could move in, live with them for a while and upgrade later. 4. Biting off more than you can chew, financially The mortgage will not be your only cost when buying a home. Make sure you have the monthly budget to cover regular, as well as unexpected, maintenance items. For example, will the house need a new roof, water heater, HVAC, windows or exterior siding in the next three to five years? In addition, there also are property taxes and HOA fees to consider. Buyers should account for all of these costs upfront. 5. Going on a shopping spree after applying for a mortgage Once their offer has been accepted, some buyers immediately go furniture shopping or book a vacation. That’s a mistake because it hurts their chances of getting a mortgage. Going on a shopping spree will create a new debt-to-income ratio if those purchases are financed, potentially causing a mortgage application to be denied. Even if the buyer does not finance these purchases and pays cash, it still will diminish their cash reserves, which the underwriter for the bank or lender may look upon negatively. The lesson: It’s crucial to keep your finances as steady as possible during the underwriting process.