Wealthiest Angelenos: Tamara Hughes Gustavson – #20

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The skinny on the fat wallets of L.A.’s 50 wealthiest.

Tamara Hughes Gustavson

NET WORTH: $2.2 billion

LAST YEAR: Not on list

AGE: 49 RESIDENCE: Malibu

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Inheritance

THE MONEY: Public Storage Co. heir new to list after receiving nearly 12 percent of company stock from father and company founder B. Wayne Hughes. Direct stock holdings worth nearly $2 billion, indirect up to $140 million more. Owns Malibu residence, private real estate investment firm and half of Public Storage Canada.

BUZZ: Emerged as largest shareholder of Public Storage as 77-year-old father has transferred shares to her and her children in trust over past several years. Spent several years in management positions at company before leaving in 2004 to focus on real estate investment firm and philanthropic activities. Last year, with brother B. Wayne Hughes Jr., took Public Storage Canadian Properties Inc. private. With brother, co-owns American Commercial Equities Management, real estate company headquartered in Malibu that owns 60 retail and mixed-use properties in Central and Southern California as well as in Honolulu. Elected last year to board of alma mater USC. Husband Eric is an actor and producer who appeared on TV in “Will & Grace” and other programs. Couple has two children and lives in Malibu, where she owns three parcels. Made waves in 2008 when she hired attorney to oppose construction of La Paz Shopping Center next to one parcel; city approved project, but it faces regulatory delays. Supports HollyRod Foundation, which helps people with Parkinson’s disease and other disorders. Supports several K-12 schools in Malibu and Westlake Village.