Dreaming big isn’t just a catchphrase for volleyball superstar Kerri Walsh Jennings—it’s an organizing principle. The Santa Clara native has four Olympic medals in her trophy case, including three golds, but she isn’t about to rest on past achievements. Instead, she and her husband Casey launched a business called p1440 in 2018, an event series that includes a professional beach volleyball tournament, personal development experiences, a music festival, and a health and wellness village. The name of the company is a nod to its motto, “to live every minute of the day with purpose—all 1,440 of them.”
Clearly, the six-foot-three Stanford University graduate and mother of three has a lot on her plate these days. Lucky for us, she carved out a few minutes to take the California Questionnaire.
Where do you live? Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles County.
Why there? It’s an amazing community and it supports the dreams that my husband and I have for our careers and our family.
Who or what is your greatest California love? I have to say the San Francisco Giants because I grew up with them and there is a big, shared love in my family. The ballpark is second to none and the franchise is the best in the business.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? That California is made up of movie stars, hippies, and cowboys—we are so much more!
What is the stereotype that most holds true? That we are all big dreamers. People come here to chase their dreams, whether you are an athlete, in the entertainment industry, or in the science and technology field. From Silicon Valley all the way down to Hollywood, this is where people come to make things happen.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? I would say spending time at the farmers’ market in downtown Los Gatos with my family. It’s the most beautiful setting. Los Gatos is the most beautiful town in the world and I am with my most favorite people in the world eating and having a good time.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? A trip to NorCal because that’s where my family is, and it has amazing scenery. We’d drive along Highway 1 from Manhattan Beach to Northern California to see my family. My favorite thing to do there is enjoy the outdoors together as a family.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience what would it be? Farm-to-table and ocean-to-table. Perhaps at Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes—right on the cliff.
How do you define California style? Fashionably laid back. Simple, comfortable, and sassy!
Best California song? “California Love” by Tupac because it reminds me of high school.
How would your California dream day unfold? It would start with a morning hike with the family and we’d stop at a local café for a break and cappuccino. Then we’d have a beach day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.-ish, playing volleyball, going in the ocean, playing Wiffle Ball, and reading a book. Then we’d head home to clean up and lounge about. We’d have an afternoon BBQ with friends and family, hang outside, listen to good music, and have the kids running around!
