The couple first met by telephone. When asked, Pat told Sandy that she’d just produced and directed “The Wizard of Oz” at the community theatre she founded in Canyon Lake, California. He replied that his license plate read “WHIZ OZ” which was his favorite musical.  That began the couple’s journey down the yellow brick road together for 31 years.

Their marriage in 1998 became a family affair with Sandy’s four children, two stepchildren, and Pat’s four children. Now, 26 years later they boast 21 grandchildren.

Pat was born in Buena Park, California and raised her family in Canyon Lake where she was a successful realtor. She always loved theatre and in 1992 that passion drove her to create the Canyon Lake Community Theater, which today continues to thrive. While in Canyon Lake Pat also hosted a local TV talk show. In 1995 she was selected as Canyon Lake Woman of the Year. After marrying Sandy, Pat went back to college and earned her master’s degree in Theatre Arts. This led to teaching acting classes and directing plays at Santa Monica College for 11 years. Pat appreciates the opportunities that community college offers. Because of that belief she served on the Santa Monica College Foundation Board.

Sandy has lived in Los Angeles all his life, taking his first breath at Santa Monica Hospital. He enrolled in UCLA at 16 years old where he subsequently was awarded his bachelor’s and law degree. His legal career started as a Deputy City Attorney for the City of Los Angeles and soon he was elevated to the civil division where he defended the City against personal injury and property damage cases. It was there that Sandy found his niche and became a trailblazer of the law, initiating and founding the concept of suing insurance companies for punitive damages for Bad Faith litigation. He was Co-author of the Lexis-Nexis legal book, the first such publication regarding “Insurance Bad Faith Litigation.” He was elected president of the Los Angeles Trial Lawyers in 1973 and in 1974 was designated as Trial Lawyer of the Year for LATLA. In 1979 he was elected president of the California Trial Lawyers Association.

Pat and Sandy’s relationship has been enriched with a mutual love for travel, hiking, music, theatre, and community service.  Once Sandy introduced Pat to LACO it soon became their orchestra of choice. The “Up Close and Personal” motto of LACO was not just a slogan but the orchestra’s honest mission. It is not uncommon to see them waving or blowing kisses to the musicians from their seats or hugging members of the staff.  Pat and Sandy successfully chaired five LACO Galas (2014-2018), and from 2004-2009 Sandy served on LACO’s Board of Directors.  Today, Sandy is a distinguished member of the LACO Emeriti Board.

The couple also find time to support other charitable causes. For many years they were highly involved with “Stop Cancer.” Sandy served as Jewish Federation (JF) campaign chair, and chairman of the JF legal division.  Pat actively volunteers and serves on the board of Beit T’Shuva, a residential treatment center for those struggling with addiction.  As a couple they live by the creed that “Charity Never Fails.”

Pat and Sandy are delighted to be honorees for LACO 2025 Gala Celebration.