Born and raised on the California shores, I spent my teenage years gallivanting through Santa Monica and Topanga (as well as every other beach town from La Jolla to Malibu). After years of cultivating a familiarity with the fascinating human culture and the majestic natural landscapes of this incredible Golden State, I am proud to consider myself a Californian.

I plan on continuing to carry my family's torch; they have been actively involved in ...