scene
T h e C r owd : D o n o r s
g a l lo p to t h e
In l a nd E m p i r e
to benefit
cardiac
research
By B.W. COOK
Reprinted from the LA Times, 8/26/18
8 | AdrienneBrandes.com
International businessman R.J. Brandes recently threw a birthday bash for
his wife, Adrienne, turning the big six-oh. The chosen site was a unique
ranch (a sports/equestrian/entertainment venue) in Norco. Norco is horse
country. Real cowboys and cowgirls ride trails adjacent to city streets. Tight,
faded Levi’s, worn leather boots, bandannas and, of course, signature hats
make up the dress code in this town off the 15 Freeway, only about 50
minutes (without traffic) from Newport Beach.
Why Norco? On the coast, the socially prominent Adrienne, a mega-
successful real estate star in Corona del Mar, is known as “Madam Elegant.”
Always dressed to perfection, with hair and makeup ready for a close-up,
Adrienne sports around town in a fabulous taupe Bentley.
But there is so much more to her story. This former Los Angeles Police
Department vice cop, who walked the beat early in her career and was also
instrumental in launching the now well-known DARE program, is a woman of
multiple dimensions. Underneath the Chanel suits and South Sea pearls,
there is an Irish cowgirl who is just as happy in jeans and boots, riding her
enormous midnight-black Friesian, Dolce.