Among the many, one remarkable first of President Donald Trump’s inauguration stood out, to me at least. That is, a former president attended the event exactly 40 years to the day after taking his own oath of office. The longevity of Jimmy Carter calls for acknowledgement, even while he has more than a year to go before becoming the oldest-living president in history.
And I knew he would. Legendary actor Kirk Douglas celebrated his 100th birthday on December 9, 2016 at the Beverly Hills Hotel of all classic venues, in the company of, among all others, an “old” pal 10 years his junior. (Photo: Pizzello/AP)
The past 24 hours have retriggered similar conversations to those many of us were having exactly 16 years ago at this time. The question now might well be: Will, and should, this system survive exactly as is for another century? Some thought here is warranted.
After three tedious debates, in addition to their countless daily soundbites, our two currently most watched Americans finally showed their supposedly humorous sides– or at least we should say: they tried (one of them succeeding more than the other, as some of us will agree). Now in hindsight, this notable evening sounds all the better when summarized in two and a half minutes!
Dean Martin and Phyllis Diller they’re not, but I commend their efforts nonetheless. If only we heard this sort of banter from them more often, perhaps the process through which we’re all now living would be a bit more palatable. All the more reason to enjoy such a rare occasion, I say.
Opt for the descending cable car ride, or choose the many terraced steps through lush foliage. Either way, you’ll soon have arrived more than halfway down a pristinely landscaped waterfront embankment to the front door of a truly unique and captivating establishment. While architecture dazzles and decor delights– both outside and in– where you end up sitting makes all the difference, not between good and bad, but rather excellent and outstanding.
The seating decision, while a challenging one, likely came well before your arrival. After all, do you have dining reservations, might you be looking for a lighter bite, or are you simply en route to a refreshing oak-cask Negroni at the bar? In any event, all of these scenarios are welcome here at this impressive spot of social history, the one-and-only watering hole of its kind.
The tuna poke appetizer is surprisingly generous; the unfortunate fried chicken sandwich can be forgotten, and may you not be misled by the “ahi melt”– not the rare steak I anticipated, but rather just a fancier name for… you guessed it. All this and much more is merely in the bar, on the Rock Room menu. The main show gets underway in the dining room, with seating options spread out over three descending levels no less. (Remember: you entered mid-embankment; the water is still a ways down.) Here now to razzle-dazzle your palate comes the impeccable blackened lamb, taking the gold medal on the dinner menu, if I may say so. Alongside it comes such close competitors as “seafood campanelle”, osso bucco and the typically fail-proof prime rib, among all else– and believe me, there’s plenty “else.”
After the last bite and sip– be it lighter bar fare or no-holds-barred dining– your satisfaction has no excuse for being any less complete than mine, unless of course you insisted on that one tired chicken sandwich. No matter what you eat and drink here, your ingestion is just half of the total experience, maybe two-thirds with the lamb, while the remainder comes in the unsurpassed architecture, layout and decor with which you’re surrounded. Altogether, this is the standout establishment to patronize whenever you pass through Capitola, California. This is where ‘excellent’ is trumped only by ‘outstanding’. This is Shadowbrook.
While watching the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, I’m taken back to my very favorite Olympic montage of all time– or should I say, of my time. Having worn out my original VHS recording from hundreds of viewings back in the day, thankfully in our present era of technology this classic piece is readily available online! From then to now, here’s to classic Olympic moments revisited.
Luckily for France, the one and only French stage win of this year’s Tour finally came on the third-to-last day, as young Romain Bardet climbed to victory on stage 19. Even luckier for France, this significant time gain pushed the 25-year-old Frenchman up into second place overall. As it turns out two days later, as a record 174 of the starting 198 riders crossed the final finish line of stage 21, and while Peter firmly retained the green jersey for his fifth consecutive year, France saw one of their own on the podium in Paris, right behind now three-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome. Another one, come and gone. C’est Le Tour, encore!
The second rest day down, the final difficult days toward Paris underway, and the numbers continue to climb. The man in green who hadn’t won a Tour de France stage since 2013 has now won three, thanks to stage 11 and stage 16. The “missile” has more than solidified his second-place overall TDF stage victory record, hitting his 29th on stage 6, and then his 30th on stage 14, for a total of four stage wins in this year’s Tour.
In a three-week race that did not see its first withdrawal until stage 8, a relatively few 19 of the starting 198 riders have now abandoned, among them Alberto Contador, Thibaut Pinot, and– not surprisingly considering the upcoming Rio Olympic Games, Mark Cavendish himself.
No Tour would be complete without at least one surprise mishap– what might be called a catastrophe if not simply a ridiculous turn of events. Luckily for Chris Froome, after a suddenly halting motorcycle caused him and others to crash on the climb toward the famous Mont Ventoux in stage 12, he maintained his overall lead and stayed in yellow, after an apparent panic run and much official deliberation no less. Now days past this unfortunate moment, Froome seems to remain non-threatened– as his time gap widens and Le Tour gets a little closer to Paris.
The day after stage 1 puts yellow on the back of Mark Cavendish, a brilliant stage 2 finish transfers that yellow onto Peter Sagan. For the former this marks his 27th career TDF stage win, while the latter finally enjoys his first such TDF victory du jour since 2013. Plus, both have now worn le maillot jaune for their first times in any Tour de France!
Then comes stage 3, and a second, photo-finish win for Cavendish! This brings him to 28 total TDF stage wins, surpassed only by the legendary Eddy Merckx. Meanwhile, Sagan gets to enjoy yellow for at least another day across relatively flat central France.
Altogether, my two favorites are off to memorable starts. Three down, 18 to go. Vive Le Tour! And Happy 4th of July to the mere five competing Americans!
The 103rd Tour de France is about to roll, tomorrow in fact, starting in France this time! Here they go again, while there I’m not again. One of these years…
You might think a small condominium complex of just 20 units could run itself harmoniously, as familiar neighbors interact regularly, share pertinent information openly, and enjoy each other’s individual freedom of expression. It can certainly happen, especially in a space more than a half century old. Over the years and through the decades, given a changing mix of unique yet sensible residents, the overall way of life should be rooted in peace and mutual respect.
This ideal remains an appealing thought, no doubt. Sadly however, in the case of at least one such complex, you’ll need to think again. What would seem a given proves not to be, as logic and common sense that were once the order of the day, now quickly dissipate in favor of arbitrary, small-minded policing. At this point you ask: How does this happen, and why?
The answer lies in that occasionally useful yet historically logic-lacking and self-important entity called the Homeowners’ Association, or HOA. Within it, the more specific answer hits you like Christmas lights in July: There’s always one.
The “one” rises to psuedo-power through a maddening combination of apathy, absence and downright spinelessness. Some homeowners don’t care, others are not around, and the remaining few simply can’t handle confrontation and therefore will accept it. And now you ask yourself: Care about what? What exactly is “it”?
It, to elaborate, is the matter of one new resident who’s lived in the complex for a very short time, making her way onto the HOA board and soon becoming the HOA president, voted in by the aforementioned apathy, absence and spinelessness. In other words, who voted her in? Herself and two other people, perhaps? Clearly the voices of 20 homeowners have not been heard, if this new president ever faced any challenge at all.
Now “the one” has taken her unearned place, conveniently comforted and encouraged by one or two fellow residents who’ve decided to support her “vision.” From here, that self-serving vision is off and running, and nothing will be the same again. What once was, for any number of years and decades, will soon be no longer. The complaints begin, the violation letters get written, and new so-called rules are “proposed.” All the while, the apathy continues. The absence remains. And most frightening of all, the spinelessness prevails. “The one” is well on her path to turning a 50-year-old property into her own creation, merely to suit her own narrow idea of what “everyone” wants, all other residents who’ve lived there 10 times longer be damned. The individual freedom of expression that was clearly established on day one now faces extinction, and jaw-droppingly enough, no one seems to feel threatened, at least not enough to fight back.
HOAs maintain necessary order, such as keeping tin foil out of windows and piles of garbage off balconies. The element of enforcement, however, can be taken too far, as “the one” in this case has proven. Whether one unit displays a bird feeder and the other a decorative wind chime should not be a topic of discussion, nor should any newcomer dictate policies to 25+ year residents. The fact that it happens, though far from uncommon in HOAs of all sizes, is simply deplorable. After all, it’s one thing if strict rules of uniformity exist in a development from day one, when potential residents can choose whether or not to live there. It’s quite another for any HOA to try to create such rules decades in, thus altering the longstanding way of life of an existing community.
A mere 20 units should not be subject to such impersonal, bureaucratic strife. In other words, it doesn’t have to be so unpleasant or difficult! Regular and relaxed interaction, open sharing of information, mutual respect, and most of all, freedom of expression, should easily flourish tomorrow just as it all did yesterday. Ironically enough, while an HOA might justify their efforts as promoting harmony, in reality all it’s doing is stripping away any harmony already in place. And for what? For everything to look the same, void of personality and distinction?
The bottom line for any home buyer, or even renter, is this: Beware of the HOA under which you’ll live. Find out everything you need to know ahead of time, and make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle. More importantly, find out whether longtime rules are well in place and generally accepted, or if controversial efforts are underway to create new ones. Most of all, amid the possibility of wrongdoing, know what flies. After all, what you might think is common sense, won’t necessarily be so, thanks to a misplaced, unhappy individual who does nothing more than ruin the otherwise pleasant community for everyone. In the end, there’s always one.
Catching my first glimpse in person this week, my attraction was immediate. The fact this all-new machine bears a rich historical title makes it all the more intriguing, especially from a manufacturer that typically hasn’t turned my head. With this I say, show me more!
Just in the nick of time, I made it via my “secret” route to catch a glimpse of this group of professional cyclists climbing Gibraltar Road, on stage 3 of the 2016 Amgen Tour of California. It’s always a pleasure to get my annual peek at the pros in action!
Photo Courtesy: WGN Radio
A truly special occasion falls upon “Mr. Warmth” himself on this Mother’s Day. The one-and-only Don Rickles has turned 90 years old!
Having outlived nearly all of his original pals of the stage and screen, while still remarkably pressing on with his unparalleled brand of insult comedy, “The Merchant of Venom” remains very much with us. You might say this legendary comedian owns yet another key to longevity, that is if hurling good-natured insults at all types and ethnicities of people happens to prolong life. (Let’s pretend it does.) In any case, Mr. Rickles has certainly mastered his craft, time and time again. Thankfully he’s not finished quite yet!
Plus, he remains in good company. After all, at least two other famous, accomplished male legends in their own rights are right behind him, both coming up on 90 very quickly themselves. Can you name them offhand?
Happiest of big birthday wishes to Queen Elizabeth II, who turns 90 today. Considering her mother passed 100, this longest-reigning British monarch could very well stay with us for quite some time to come. (Photo: CHRIS JACKSON/AFP/Getty Images)
True to the reality it portrays, the series begins and ends in Brentwood. Over the course of a very long 16 months, we’re taken– or rather, retaken– on one sadly unforgettable ride.
The brilliant portrayals of prosecutors Marcia Clark and Chris Darden, by actors Sarah Paulson and Sterling K. Brown respectively, culminate in the glaring illumination of an American legal tragedy and its immediate gut-wrenching aftermath. Thus concludes the insightful yet disturbing 10-episode run of American Crime Story, Season 1: The People vs. O.J. Simpson.
As dramatic imagination and creative effect work in unison to stitch together large swaths of stark actuality, never throughout the entire series comes a dull viewing moment– or I should say almost never, if you count most any scene with Judge Lance Ito, spineless and celebrity stricken as Kenneth Choi accurately plays him to be. Thankfully, comic relief regularly intercedes in the form of a salaciously smug Nathan Lane as legal mastermind F. Lee Bailey, not to mention my unmatched personal favorite: the almost cartoon version of defense attorney Robert Shapiro, perfectly re-created by a fittingly comical John Travolta.
But I digress. Ten weeks of a reproduced “trial of the century” ends with more than 30 minutes to go in the final episode. Anticipating some sort of post-verdict wrap up, we definitely get it, painfully yet completely, leaving us to wonder– all the way from Courtney B. Vance as Johnnie Cochran sipping office champagne, to Cuba Gooding Jr.’s O.J. slowly realizing his “party of the century” is proving smaller than he expected– when all this is finally going to end.
Altogether, we’ve been treated to a solid 10 weeks of 21-year-old history revisited, briskly yet as thoroughly as limited television time will allow. In the oh-so long-in-coming end, our minds– those old enough to recall the real deal– are left to once again ponder the unfortunate colossus of trial-based events, discoveries, developments and maneuverings that delivered O.J Simpson home to Brentwood a free man on October 3, 1995.
What began and ended in Brentwood leaves me contemplating that same sense of injustice now as I did that very day. All the while, shifting to terms of present-day production and talent, more than one Emmy nomination is most certainly in order.
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Clark Photo Credit: POO/AFP/Getty Images; FX
Shapiro Photo Credit: Lee Celano/WireImage; Ray Mickshaw/FX
Photo Credit: Hal Garb/AFP/Getty Images; FX
Now You Don’t. A full-size bar on a large turntable– one that disappears quickly and seamlessly into the wall– can mean just one thing: Dean Martin is back. In other words, at least you might say: he lives here in spirit. This major remodel– born of its initial telltale 1961 footprint– ushers classic mid-century modern into the chic, sharp, rough and polished finishes of today, celebrating cutting-edge technology while commanding a strong link to the entertaining style of yesteryear. From circular walls to centered tub, poolside lounge space to the view beyond– all topped off with new entryway cinderblock stars that really do appear original– in every sense, what’s new is old, and what’s old is new. This truly unique residence beckons fashionable living around the clock. Now you see it, and at any time you can see so much more. And believe me, there happens to be far more than this one impressive spinning bar to be seen!
Very recently in fact, the subject of longest-living first ladies came up in conversation. Mindful of another birthday this summer, I realized it was time right about now to check the number of calendar days and see if the title of “second longest-living first lady” had changed hands.
Then came the news, before I completed that check, that Nancy Reagan passed away. Already well aware she was 94, or rather 94 1/2, the question for me remained as to the lifetime ranking with which she departed. After all, Lady Bird Johnson died in 2007 at age 94, or rather 94 1/2, while Mrs. Reagan was to turn 95 in July. Which one of these two long-living presidential wives lived the greater number of days, remained for me to investigate.
The answer of course came quickly and easily. Nancy Reagan was, and is, the second longest-living first lady in U.S. history, though not by much. Only in late January of this year, merely six weeks ago, did the length of her life surpass that of Lady Bird’s. As such, the perhaps obscure title did in fact change hands, as I had before today suspected.
Naturally I speak only of “second longest-living,” as the number one spot in this regard was not about to be overtaken any time soon. The longest living first lady has remained the same for more than 40 years now, as Mrs. Reagan was just beginning to close in on what still would have been a significant span of time. Now with her passing, it will be at least another seven years before another first lady breaks the record of life longevity.
In any event, my penchant for numerical presidential trivia aside, Nancy Reagan lived one long and complete life. In the Hollywood sense, she joins Abe Vigoda and George Kennedy in what’s shaping up early on to be a year of “senior loss.” I’ve always fondly recalled introducing myself to the first lady at a Christmas party in 2003, myself red-blazer clad of course. This personal memory stands out clearly in my mind today, polite as she proved herself. RIP Mrs. Reagan.
Attractively tucked away within the discrete terrain of Brentwood Canyon comes this refreshingly authentic mid-century gem, complete with that ideal medley of nostalgic appointments to remind us the best craftsmanship truly stands the test of time– not to mention an occasional shake or two of the earth. While a full-length partition of decorative cinderblock blends seamlessly with original period railings, wide flat steps and an expansive stretch of floor-to-ceiling glass, that’s merely the view from the curb! Mindful of this auspicious February 29, take a big leap through those classic double doors into the remarkable entirety of well-polished history that awaits. If you appreciate such preserved and timeless residential style as I do, you shan’t be disappointed with 1115 N. Norman Place. Simply drive on over in your ’65 Coupe deVille convertible to appropriately complete the experience.
Imagine swimming from one end of the house to the other. Then again, if you happen to reside at 1814 N. Doheny Drive, why bother to imagine? Simply take the plunge– literally from the edge of your master bathtub– and float on down to check on your living room guests if not beckon for a refreshment to emerge from the onlooking kitchen area.
When it comes to maximizing limited outdoor space, the architectural feats of this new construction clearly win. From merely this one of several remarkable water features comes so much more to dazzle and delight throughout nearly 8300 square feet of ultra-contemporary living space. The photos beat all words, while a visit trumps all.
A dip in the pool might feel infinite in more ways than one, both for the unending views beyond the water’s horizon, combined with such boundless luxuries in which you’re enveloped. From the far-reaching edge of a completely private backyard, into limitless interior living spaces intelligently balancing fire, water and glass to yield an ideal combination of warmth, texture and openness, this brand-new construction tells its own story in no way words can match. Pool and all, 1740 Bel Air Road sits proudly on the edge– the cutting edge that is– of contemporary architecture, modern decor and unapologetic opulence sure to shine for decades.
Such a seamless transition from living room to pool– five good steps to be exact– effortlessly unites interior space with the outdoors. The fact that an entire uninterrupted stretch of living room– from bar past fireplace to kitchen– literally peels open in one grand disappearance of glass to the view-lined backyard, dramatically cements this union. Meanwhile, the abundant remainder of this striking yet inviting home remains to be discovered. Altogether, the many contemporary architectural elements of 1281 Loma Vista Drive truly bring the “inside out.”
(Click on photos to enlarge.)
At long last, the view from my Santa Barbara living room could be mistaken for a Caribbean hurricane or Chinese typhoon, if only for a passing moment or two. But then, this may very well be the first weather windfall of many we shall see in the coming weeks. What a change!
The openness of its flowing single-story floor plan beckons for yet another well-attended, smartly attired cocktail party, as quite likely countless such occasions have here been enjoyed. This is, after all, an entertainer’s playground inside and out, with more than enough space to mingle graciously through the vast, lattice-bordered living room along the terrazzo-floored walkways and walnut cabinetry to the equally roomy combined dining-family room, en route to the telltale floor-to-ceiling walls of glass opening onto the expansive lawn area with tree-lined city views beyond.
If “cottage cheese” ceilings, floral wallpaper and white pile carpet sound appealing, then absolutely nothing need be done to this sweeping 4+5 corner-lot residence. It’s move-in ready, complete with outdoor lattice to match the living room’s. Nevertheless, even such basic and expected cosmetic updates, plus the uncomplicated addition of a pool, will in no way tarnish the magical aura of this inarguably magnificent mid-century Trousdale Estate.
Remarkably yet respectfully, 1012 Loma Vista Drive has seen but one owner since it’s construction in 1958. For all the martini shaking this 4,078 square feet should likely have seen, every detail proves impeccably maintained. Altogether, this truly classic property presents a welcome step back in time, quite literally a once-in-a-lifetime chance at that. Thankfully such elegant and sound architecture stands to be celebrated time and again for decades to come.
Situated high along a prime vantage point of Pacific Palisades comes this modest yet commanding mid-century residence, well deserving of a creative combination of preservation, restoration and modernization. While the impressive ocean and canyon views clearly speak for themselves, this home by itself speaks volumes in terms of classic style and update potential.
It’s all in the cosmetics, for better and worse. While the kitchen countertop and cabinets should certainly go as quickly as the cottage cheese ceiling, the rock fireplace, full-length sliding glass doors and newer roof might not so quickly be discarded. After all, what’s at hand here is an understated yet impressive array of quality, durability and decor to be appreciated, obviously needed improvements notwithstanding. Whatever the future holds for this property, from modest restoration to major rebuilding, the options abound at 16007 Anoka Drive.
Both within my primary service area and beyond, my eyes are on homes for sale everywhere between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. This listing on Sanlo Place in Woodland Hills naturally triggers my personal interest. If you know me at all, you know why of course!
This one-story corner residence has been on the market for some time now. In other words, it’s not selling. In further words, it suffers some challenges and definitely needs at least a bit of work. While visitors will certainly make such judgements for themselves, let’s just say I’m knowledgeable of much of the property’s history that might prove helpful to a potential buyer. Some present characteristics are changeable, while a respectable amount of quality prevails in key places. Altogether, knowing when and how various features were first introduced, I’m picturing how best to restore this home to its day. (And I clearly remember that lovely day!)
If you’d like a unique perspective on 5018 Sanlo Place, I’m here. For better or worse, I’m based in Brentwood– but not just in Brentwood.
Ryan R. Sanderson 