‘Six Degrees of Carl Terzian’

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Joe Cilic, an executive with Sotheby’s International Realty in Brentwood, had heard the name of Lucie Barron through a mutual acquaintance. But when they finally met, it wasn’t on the Westside, it was on the other side of the world.

Through sheer coincidence, Barron, founder of Century City dispute resolution firm ADR Services Inc., and Cilic were each among a dozen people at a rehearsal dinner for a wedding in Palermo, Italy.

“We just started talking and realized that in this very small town in this small restaurant that we had that common link,” he said.

Before they ever met, though, Cilic had heard of Barron from Carl Terzian at the PR expert’s regular breakfast networking meetings.

“He connects people,” said Cilic, 35. “It was sort of the six degrees of Carl Terzian.”

Cilic and Barron have kept in touch since returning stateside, discussing real estate opportunities – and chatting at Terzian’s networking sessions.

Now He’s Cooking

Joseph Gillard, executive chef at Napa Valley Grille, wants to do more for Westwood residents than feed them. He also wants to see the neighborhood revived.

So Gillard, 43, ran for a seat on the 19-member Westwood Neighborhood Council last month and won.

“It’s unfortunate that we have so many empty storefronts,” Gillard said. “I want to continue to draw attention to Westwood as a community and elevate it to the glory days when it was a vibrant, popular destination.”

Gillard, who lives in Santa Monica, ran for a position on the neighborhood council last year but was not elected. He now fills one of the council’s business seats, created to make sure people who work in the area have a say in addition to those who live there.

Gillard said it’s important for businesses to get involved in local politics so they can advocate for their needs.

“I want to make sure that we balance the needs of the business community with the neighborhood’s needs,” he said. “It’s got to be good for everybody.”

Family Ties

When Anne Grignon started her job as an associate at law firm Reed Smith LLP recently, she saw someone familiar: her mom.

Margaret Grignon, a former appellate court judge and a partner in the L.A. office of the Pittsburgh-based firm, helped recruit her 33-year-old daughter as her appellate practice group got busier.

The two have been working together just about every day. So far, so good.

“We think and write very similarly,” Anne said.

There have been a few hiccups, however. The two get mistaken for each other on the phone. To add to the confusion, Margaret’s daughter-in-law, Marissa Grignon, works in the marketing department of the same office.

“We’re constantly getting each other’s e-mails,” the 60-year-old Margaret said.

Staff reporters Richard Clough, Natalie Jarvey and Alfred Lee contributed to this column. Page 3 is compiled by Editor Charles Crumpley. He can be reached at [email protected].

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