Reb Sawitz Memorial Gathering Set for March 1

CHATSWORTH, Calif.—Friends and associates of late industry pioneer Reb Sawitz are invited to a celebratory gathering in his remembrance on Sunday, March 1 at Yard House eatery in Northridge. One of the very first talent agents in the adult business—he oversaw the Pretty Girl International agency during the late '80s and into the '90s—Sawitz passed away late last month after being diagnosed with cancer just weeks earlier. Since reporting Sawitz's passing, AVN has learned the following about the history of Pretty Girl International, courtesy of its original co-owner, Richard "Dick" James: Founded in 1969 by James in partnership with a married couple identified only as Hank and Barbara K., the agency competed in its initial incarnation with one Sawitz operated at the time known as Sunset International Agency, as well as a third called CHN owned by one Hal Guthu. James and his partners sold Pretty Girl in 1972 to an unnamed party under whom it went out of business still in debt to the original owners. Some years later, James said, Sawitz approached him and asked his permission to appropriate the Pretty Girl name for his existing agency, and James gave Sawitz his blessing. The memorial gathering for Sawitz is scheduled for 2 p.m. March 1, and open to all who wish to attend. Yard House is located at the Northridge Fashion Center (9301 Tampa Ave., Northridge, CA 91324).