Calabasa, California is the backdrop for an extraordinary family story. Their father and grandfather were renowned writers for hit television shows. Now, father and son are continuing this family tradition by each penning a new book and releasing them simultaneously. As Peter Berk, author of "First Line of Defense," said, "And we’re doing our best to carry on a family tradition that began with my father, Howard. He wrote many classic TV shows and novels."

Honoring the Late Howard Berk

Howard Berk was a highly accomplished writer for long-running television series such as "Columbo," "Mission Impossible," and "The Rockford Files." He wrote the first "Columbo" episode a remarkable 50 years ago. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren.Peter Berk, Howard's son, wrote a novel titled "First Line of Defense" which debuted in October. In this book, the President's son is arrested for murder and the President, who was a star defense attorney, takes on the case. As Peter added, "This is my way of honoring my dad."At the same time, Howard's grandson, Jordan Berk, is introducing his first book, "The Timestream Verdict." As Jordan said, "So I’m a third generation sci-fi author and it’s been great to share this with my dad."

The Influence of Family on Writing

Peter and Jordan admit that their talents could be inherited or simply learned by example. Peter shared, "It was always a huge part of my life, whether it was working with my dad or just really paying attention to movies and television. It’s what I grew up with. My favorite show was the Dick Van Dyke Show, and my dad was a writer for that too."Jordan, on the other hand, initially didn't think he had the skills to be a writer. But during the COVID-19 lockdown when he was spending more time indoors, everything changed. He said, "It’s about a time travel murder and the jury that not only needs to deliberate on it but also try to figure out what happened and potentially even intervene."

Taking Writing to the Next Level

Peter is extremely proud of his son Jordan's brilliant writing. Both have big dreams to take their writing to the next level. They are committed to continuing the family's literary journey and making their mark in the world of writing.Each book offers a unique perspective and value. "First Line of Defense" delves into the legal and moral complexities of a high-profile murder case, while "The Timestream Verdict" explores the fascinating world of time travel and mystery. These books are a testament to the Berk family's talent and dedication to the art of writing.

Hope Sellars, a junior at Calvary Christian School, showcases her meticulously restored 1960 VW Beetle. This remarkable feat began in 2011 when she was just 4 years old and first laid eyes on a classic car at the Champaign Cruisers Car Club. Her desire to own and restore a vintage Beetle led her on a four-year journey of hard work and dedication.

From Rusty Shell to Priceless Beauty

At the age of 12, Hope spotted a tarnished 1960 VW bug on Craigslist and purchased it for $960. It was a rusty, incomplete shell with no motor or interior, but she saw its potential. With the help of her family, especially her dad David who taught her about restoration, she set to work. Over the years, she learned various skills such as body work, installing seat kits and glass, shooting paint, and welding. The car had endured years of exposure to rain and snow in a three-sided barn, leaving it severely rusted. Yet, Hope's determination prevailed. She put in about $4,500 of her own money earned through babysitting, mowing, and working around the house. Today, the car is worth approximately $15,000, a testament to her hard work.

Recognition in the Classic Car Circuit

Hope's efforts did not go unnoticed. She earned two honors at the annual Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago. The Leading Lady Award from MK Insurance and the Shining Star Award recognized her abilities and perseverance. In early June, she attended the five-day Hot Rod Power Tour and was asked to display her bug in the Continental Tires vendor booth at Bowling Green, Kentucky. There, she met Bob Ashton, who was passionate about seeing the younger generation work on cars and invited her to the nationals. Alongside her cousin Owen and his restored 1948 F-1 Ford truck, they added their vehicles to a row of cars fixed up by kids their age and participated in a questions-and-answers panel.

Young and Female in a Male-Dominated Field

Being so young and female meant Hope received a lot of attention at the nationals. People stopped by to watch her and David assemble a new motor for her car live at the show, which is not common. This experience led to an interview for an upcoming podcast. Her dad's words, "She accomplished a goal that many people start and never finish. Let your kids dream their dreams and work hard for it," resonate with her. Although she enjoys restoring cars and might take on another Volkswagen someday, she sees it more as a hobby than a career. Currently, she is interested in attending Cedarville University to pursue a degree in biblical counseling.