Southern California Life_ Sept.Oct2017

FOOD

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WINE

Temecula Valley CELEBRATE DISCOVER EXPERIENCE

Southern California Wine Country

ISSUE

FAVORITE

rooftop BarS SO CAL

ethniC foodS Ziplining adventureS

HISTORIC

la Brea tar pitS and MuSeuM SEPT/OCT 2017

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DEL MAR NOVEMBER 3 & 4

KNOW HOW TO WATCH IN ST YLE A limited number of Premium tickets are available for this year’s Breeders’ Cup. Don’t miss out on your chance to see the Breeders’ Cup for the first time ever at historic Del Mar.

NOV 3 & 4, 2017 · BREEDERSCUP.COM / TICKETS

THE BEST IS YET TO COME

T HE ACTION RUN S A L L W EE K THE BREEDERS’ CUP: OFF TRACK Join us for a week-long celebration as the Breeders’ Cup hosts a number of events and activities in and around Powerhouse Park. Including many at the Barn at the Beach sponsored by Valenti International!

POWERHOUSE

O C TO B E R

PA RK

2 8 – N OV E MBER

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SEE FULL SCHEDUL E AT:

BR EEDER S CUP F

E S T IV A L .C O M

BARN AT THE BEACH · SAN DIEGO’S BEST AT THE “BARN” BOURBON, BLUEGRASS & BREEDERS’ CUP

PONIES & POKER · JAKE’S 5K FUN RUN · AND MUCH MORE

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Features SEPT/OCT 2017

o n the Cover

32/ DISCOVERING

TEMECULA VALLEY SOuthern CALifOrniA'S hiStOriC Wine COuntrY

f e at u r e S

48/ The Most Interesting

JONATHAN GOLDSMITH

By Robyn Flans

56/

WINE RAVES

Monte De Oro and AXR Winery

The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival in June features top entertainers, hot air balloon flights, wine tastings, kids faire, arts & crafts, and lots of food.

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COURTESY OF CHIP MORTON

By Linda Lang

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Departments SEPT/OCT 2017

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52/

Denzel Washington received Maltin Modern Master Award for Fences during the 2017 SBIFF.

The Trail offers more than 25 tasting rooms in downtown Santa Barbara, making for an easy, fun way to educate yourself and your palate on the area’s award-winning wines.

24/

10/ LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER/ EDITOR.IN.CHIEF Monique Reidy

12/ SIGNATURES & LANDMARKS

L.A.’s Historic La Brea Tar Pits

By Sheryl Nance-Nash

64/ Offering spectacular 360degree views of Los Angeles is High Rooftop Lounge in Venice Beach.

La Jolla Zip Zoom

16/ ENCHANTING ESCAPES The Suite Life

By Linda Lang

24/ SO CAL CULTURE

Reagan and Nixon Libraries Offer Much More Than Just Presidential History

By Imaan Jalali

39/ TRENDING TALK

Breaking Bread

By Esther C. Bleuel, MA, MFT, MDR

76/ TO-DO-LIST

Flying Over Southern California The Gold Coast’s Best Zip Lines

By Dustin Clendenen

82/ FAMILY FUN

MOXI Museum of Imagination and Inspiration

By Robyn Flans

42/ OFF THE BEATEN PATH Serra Retreat: The Place That Preaches Peace

By Jenni Keast

88/ THE WEEKENDER

The Clement Hotel and Hofsas House

By Monique Reidy

52/ BUBBLES & BREWS Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail

By Mary Noe

58/ THE GOURMAND

So Cal’s Best Authentic Ethnic Fare

By Chanté Griffin

64/ FIVE FAVES

So Cal’s Spectacular Rooftop Lounges

By Julie Carlson

70/ THE HOOD

Santa Barbara: Where the Movies Began

By Linda Lang

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92/ CALENDAR

Events and Happenings

96/ SOOO CAL

RVs!

By Scott Harris

98/ MY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Judi Bumstead

88/

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s17) The Walking Dead © 2017 AMC Film Holdings LLC. All Rights Reserved. ©2017 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

17-ADV-21603

C E L E B R A T E

D I S C O V E R

EDITORAL

E X P E R I E N C E

PUBLISHED BY ELYSIAN MEDIA GROUP, LLC. ENTERTAINMENT & PROFILES EDITOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MONIQUE REIDY

ROBYN FLANS CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ANTONI PHAM

LANDMARKS & HISTORICAL FEATURES EDITOR

PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

SHERYL NANCE-NASH

MONIQUE REIDY

SPORTS & "SOOO CAL” EDITOR

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, SALES & DIGITAL PLATFORMS

BENNY HADDAD ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

IMAAN JALALI

SCOTT HARRIS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS EDITOR

STYLE & BEAUTY EDITOR

JANINE GOLDBERG

HEIDI WOOD-BROWN DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & CIRCULATION

JANINE GOLDBERG

NICOLE POLLASTRINI

COMMUNICATION & ADVICE EDITOR

TRAVEL EDITOR

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

STEVE BLIMAN

LINDA LANG

ESTHER BLEUEL

SALES & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

VANESSA SHAPIRO CONTRIBUTING WRITERS BOOKKEEPER

JULIE CARLSON, DUSTIN CLENDENEN, MARY NOE, JENNI KEAST, CHANTÉ GRIFFIN

CONNIE SCHUH

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

CIRCULATION CONSULTANT

ERICA GODDARD

DOUG BITTO LEGAL COUNSEL

INTERNS

KASEY HAMILTON, SAMANTHA SCHINDLER

EDWARD COREY, ESQ.

ADVISORY BOARD

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FOOD

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WINE

Temecula Valley C EL EBRATE DISCOVER EXPERIENCE

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY

ISSUE

FAVORITE

ROOFTOP BARS SO CAL

ETHNIC FOODS ZIPLINING ADVENTURES

On the Cover: TEMECULA VALLEY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY For cover story see page 32.

CATHERINE JAYNE, PH.D, STEVE BARDWIL, ESQ., BILL BLEUEL, PH.D, ESTHER BLEUEL, MA, MFT, MDR, ELENA NIKITINA, DOUG SYLVESTER, MARY WAGSTAFF, DEBBIE WIDERØE, KELLY TREVETHAN, SCOTT HARRIS, PATTY MACMILLAN SUBSCRIPTIONS

INFO@SOCALLIFEMAG.COM EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL@SOCALLIFEMAG.COM ADVERTISING

ADS@SOCALLIFEMAG.COM HISTORIC

LA BREA TAR PITS AND MUSEUM SEPT/OCT 2017

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE MAGAZINE

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SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY ELYSIAN MEDIA GROUP, LLC. ©2016 ELYSIAN MEDIA GROUP, LLC. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE MAGAZINE IS REGISTERED US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE MAGAZINE ARE NOT TO BE CONSIDERED OFFICIAL EXPRESSIONS OF ELYSIAN MEDIA GROUP, LLC. ELYSIAN MEDIA GROUP, LLC DOES NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACTIONS OF ITS READERS. THE CONTENTS WITHIN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE MAGAZINE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE TREATED AS HEALTH CARE OR HEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVICE. THE MATERIALS HEREIN ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A QUALIFIED HEALTH PROVIDER REGARDING A MEDICAL CONDITION. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT BECAUSE OF CONTENT IN THIS MAGAZINE. RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN ANY FORM WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER IS PROHIBITED. PUBLISHER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ALL ADVERTISING MATTER. PUBLISHER DOES NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS, OMISSIONS, AND/OR CHANGES IN ADVERTISING OR EDITORIAL MATERIAL. Printed in the uSA.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER / EDITOR.IN.CHIEF

MOnique reidY

Y 34-YeAr OLd dAughter Attended A buSineSS LunCh With Me reCentLY

M

with a handful of guests I did not know well. As we planned an upcoming event our three respective companies are co-producing, the occasional chit chat took us off track.

During our discussion about food, I was asked if I like to cook, to which I replied, “yes when I have the time.” ere was a sudden outburst of laughter and a sarcastic, “oh, ok” that came from my le, and I suddenly realized I probably should not have invited my daughter to join us. It’s amazing how those who know us well have such a different take on reality, especially when it involves areas considered to be our personal “blind spots.” e truth is I do like to cook. But the fact is I only step foot in my beautiful kitchen to feed my five dogs or make a pot of coffee (except for the annual anksgiving dinner which I make for a group of 30 family and friends). It’s not that I don’t have the time to cook, because we all know people make time to do the things they really want to do, I simply would rather spend my time doing activities I enjoy more.

Unlike me, some people approach cooking with passion and imagination and the more creative and complicated the meal, the better. A similar phenomenon exists among wine connoisseurs, as compared to those of us who drink whatever’s handed to us. Some men and women are so knowledgeable about wines and winemaking that just enjoying a glass becomes an artful experience.

It’s for those people, the ones who love food and wine, that this issue was devised. e Santa Barbara Wine Trail, favorite rooop bars as well as the best ethnic foods available in Southern California are featured in this issue. Our cover story spotlights the Temecula Valley, a region that is fast becoming one of the most celebrated wine destinations in the country. We pack this edition with fun fall activity ideas for adults as well as kids.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I have … perusing the pre-printed pages as I sipped a glass of chilled Santa Barbara Chardonnay, I might add!

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FIND YOUR FREEDOM

Breathtaking only begins to define the experience at this intimate, Bahamian island paradise.

For more information about The Cove, contact your Smartflyer Travel Advisor, Newport@Smartflyer.com

thecoveeleuthera.com 800.704.7682

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L.A.’S HISTORIC

LA BREA TAR PITS SHERYL NANCE-NASH

Pond Showing Pits 61 and 67

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COURTESY OF THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES

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La Brea Tar Pits

t’S hArd tO iMAgine thAt LOS AngeLeS, with nearly 4 million people today, once had its basin covered by the Pacific Ocean. It’s even more difficult to envision saber-toothed tigers, mammoths and dire wolves roaming the then wilderness.

But they did.

Since 1906, millions of fossils have been recovered from the La Brea Tar Pits, representing 231 species of vertebrates, 159 species of plants, and 234 species of invertebrates. Excavation continues, through Project 23, and the number could double by the time it’s finished. It is estimated that the extinct animals were trapped in the asphalt sometime between 11,000 and 50,000 years ago. “is is one of the most important paleontological sites in the world,” says Emily Lindsey, PhD., assistant curator and excavation site director at the La Brea Tar Pits.

What makes it a treasure trove? “e volume - more than three million fossils - and the variety. It’s rare to get plants and bones in the same site, as well as rare to get the bones of large and small animals — rodents and birds and the mega Ice Age animals. We’ve gotten beetle wings, bits of scorpions, physical pieces of insects — we can tell what they ate, what the climate was like,” says Lindsey.

It’s hugely significant too, that the site covers the time period from the last major episode of global climate change when 70% of the animals disappeared. “Was it the introduction of man, the growing human population? We can apply some of our learnings to modern conservation,” says Lindsey. ere were decades of gaps between excavations.

Modern technology, though, yielded big results. “We were able to know where the bones were coming from, the position of the bones, and what happened to them after they were buried. We were also able to collect micro fossils which we hadn’t before, the small fossils of lizards, insects, plants, and needles. These things tell you a lot more about what the ecosystem was like then. We get a picture of what Los Angeles looked like 20,000 years ago.

Not only are we able to recreate the past, but it gives foresight into the future.”

Lindsey explains that by analyzing what happened when the earth warmed a certain percentage in the past, they can predict to some degree what might happen 10-20

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Bones Pick Axe

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years from now as the earth continues to warm.

In 1975, the George C. Page Museum of La Brea “is can give us a clue about where to create a Discoveries opened and in 2015 it was renamed the migration corridor if certain species can no longer La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. live in Los Angeles.”

Says Lindsey, “We are extremely lucky to have How did the Tar Pits get discovered? According such an important paleontological site in the to the history on tarpits.org, Rancho La Brea was a middle of the city. Researchers can work yearMexican Land Grant of more than 4,400 acres given round. People can visit, and not only see all the to Antonio Jose Rocha in 1828, with the proviso that items in the museum, but watch the excavation that the residents of the pueblo could have access to as continues. They can see the entire process, from the much asphalt as they needed for personal use. excavation, the items being prepared and studied, However, as Los Angeles continued to grow expoto being on display. This is an unique opportunity nentially, the land was subdivided and developed. to learn about paleontology.” ❖ Lindsey explained that later, the ranch was owned by George Allan Hancock. In the late 1800s, a ranch hand found a fossil the biggeSt exCAvAtiOn PeriOd WAS he thought to be a cow bone. As Los 1913-1915 When MOre thAn One MiLLiOn fOSAngeles grew, Rancho La Brea was evenSiLS Were diSCOvered in three YeArS. tually subdivided and developed. y chance, a geologist passing through, analyzed it and determined it was from a sabertoothed tiger. Word got out and an intrigued zoology teacher, J. Z. Gilbert from Los Angeles High School, (the oldest high school in the city), and more than 100 years ago, he lead the excavation with his students in tow. He is credited with stirring up excitement about the finds, so much so that the Southern California Academy of Sciences and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors put up money for the excavation of a large “Academy Pit” in 1910. But, by far the biggest excavation period was 1913-1915 when more than one million fossils were discovered in three years, says Lindsey.

COURTESY OF THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES

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Two Men working in Pit 4 in 1913

In 1975, the George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries opened and in 2015 it was renamed the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum.

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La Brea Tar Pits 1910

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COURTESY OF HOTEL BEL-AIR

Hotel Bel-Air's large great room features a fireplace, grand piano and French doors opening to the private courtyard.

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THE SUITE LIFE BY

LINDA LANG

W

WhiLe MOSt Of uS tend tO be A bit budget COnSCiOuS

when making travel plans, there are those whose way of life routinely incorporates the ultimate in creature comforts. We all expect a certain standard of living wherever we go, and those who frequent the most lavish hotel suites Southern California has to offer happen to enjoy a level of luxury most of us only experience on the screen or pages of a good read.

We're not talking about the usual handsomely-furnished suites found at these five-star hotels and resorts. Rather, these are the oneof-a-kind exquisite accommodations, oen larger than many So Cal homes, occupied by celebrities, U.S. presidents, royalty and other elite.

Presenting the finest designer furnishings, art and antiques, they come with every conceivable amenity and personal preference as minutely detailed in confidential profiles before the reservations are confirmed and non-disclosure agreements are signed. H

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COURTESY OF LA VALENCIA HOTEL (2)

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Since 1926, The Pink Lady of La Jolla has been a favorite retreat for the Hollywood crowd and international elite.

La Sala Lounge presents live music, libations and tapas nightly.

Spectacular views are offered from every room including the master.

e award-winning La Valencia Hotel has been a legend since opening its doors in 1926. Its lavish grand opening was at the beginning of Hollywood's golden era, and its co-owner had the right connections. is stylish new hilltop escape with postcard panoramas of the Pacific delighted the motion picture crowd and word quickly spread among the international elite.

Today, The Pink Lady of La Jolla, so named for its trademark coloring, is a treasured historical landmark as well as luxury retreat for discerning travelers. Guests including John F. Kennedy Jr., Bob Hope, Sophia Loren, Madonna, Bill Gates, the Kardashians and dozens more have appreciated its distinctive architecture, hand-painted murals and spectacular views.

Restaurants include e Med's al fresco dining with patio and ocean-view terrace settings, and Cafe la Rue, a European-style bistro and bar. ere's live music, libations and tapas nightly in La Sala Lounge, in-suite spa treatments, outdoor pool, and you're just steps from La Jolla's trendy boutiques, museums, art galleries, and other activities.

La Valencia's 114 accommodations include spacious guest rooms in vintage and classic décor, villas, and a new collection of stunning ICON suites. With sweeping views from every room, the new ICON La Valencia Suite offers more than 1,000 square feet of sumptuous coastal living.

Designer furnishings are complemented by oil paintings, antiques, a dramatic oversized fireplace, with vaulted open-beam ceilings highlighting the living room, dining area and bedroom – all of which open onto a large, wraparound terrace with its own fireplace and comfortable lounge furniture. e kitchenette has a separate entry and well-stocked honor bar while the master is complete with a king-size bed and expansive bath with spa tub, rain showerhead, and more. www.lavalencia.com | 1.858.454.0771 All rooms open onto a large, wraparound terrace with its own fireplace and comfortable outdoor dining and lounge furniture.

Designer furnishings are complemented by paintings, antiques, and dramatic oversized fireplace in the living area.

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J DIXX / COURTESY OF LA VALENCIA HOTEL (3)

The Pink Lady of La Jolla

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The Residence, Bacara’s largest and nearest accommodation to the beach, is a spectacular two-storey, 3,700square-foot private retreat.

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Beachfront Paradise in Santa Barbara

A beautiful entry welcomes you to the Residence.

COURTESY OF BACARA RESORTS

Set on 78 acres of oceanfront with two miles of unspoiled beach, Bacara Resort & Spa offers every extravagance. Here, celebrities and other notables can escape the public eye and paparazzi, knowing that the resort is fiercely committed to protecting their privacy before, during and even long aer their stays. e 358 newly-renovated guest rooms featuring private balconies or patios with stunning ocean views are situated within one, three, or four-story villas connected by pathways meandering through colorful gardens with stately courtyards and fountains. e three zero-edge pools with luxury cabanas and internationally-renowned 42,000-square-foot Bacara Spa and Wellness Center offer maximum relaxation and pampering.

Dining is overseen by Chef Vincent Lesage whose fast-rising career includes 3-Star Michelin restaurants and e Ritz in Paris. e recentlyremodeled Angel Oak, a take on the sophisticated steakhouse, is widely known for its innovative cuisine and 12,000-bottle wine cellar. Lesage also oversees e Bistro at Bacara, which has been named one of the "Top 100 Best Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America” by Open Table.

In addition to the beach, pool, and spa activities, there are four lighted clay tennis courts, onsite hiking trails, and world-class golf at three nearby courses. Santa Barbara's upscale boutiques, galleries, historical sites and marina are just a short drive, and winery excursions, horseback riding, bike rentals and other activities can easily be arranged. e Residence, Bacara’s largest and nearest accommodation to the beach, is a spectacular two-story, 3,700-square-foot private retreat. Offering unobstructed views from two oversized balconies – one with a large, plush seating area and fireplace, the interior has two spacious bedrooms, each with a king-size bed and full bath. e dining area seats six, and the living room is complete with a fireplace, wet bar, and oversized flat-screen television. www.bacararesort.com | 1.855.968.0100 H

The spacious living room is complete with fireplace, wet bar, and oversized flat screen TV and opens to the dining area.

The Residence features unobstructed views from two oversized balconies — one with a large, plush seating area and fireplace.

The shaded patio is another favorite relaxation spot.

The elegant master bath features every amenity.

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enChAnting eSCAPeS The dining room, seating 10, is off a full chef's kitchen.

Here, bungalow accommodations are discreetly positioned along pathways winding through lush gardens instead of hotel corridors.

Since opening in 1946, the Hotel Bel-Air has been a secluded retreat for Hollywood and discriminating travelers worldwide.

The private enclosed private patio has its own relaxation area.

Since opening in 1946, Hotel Bel-Air has been a refuge for Hollywood and discriminating travelers worldwide. Its tranquil 12 acres are just a mile west of Beverly Hills and, as Prince Charles once remarked, “it’s like staying at a rich friend’s home." Here, bungalow accommodations are discreetly positioned along pathways winding through lush gardens instead of hotel corridors.

Among the A-listers who have taken up residence here are Cary Grant, John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Howard Hughes, Russell Crowe, and Tom Hanks. Elizabeth Taylor spent a month here following her wedding to Conrad “Nicky” Hilton. e Kelly Suite is named aer Grace Kelly who lived here prior to her marriage to Prince Rainier. e three surviving Beatles - Paul, George and Ringo - all stayed at the hotel at the same time without any of them knowing the other two were there.

Following a two-year renovation to restore the entire property to its original grandeur, the hotel reopened in October 2011. Today, Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air offers his signature dishes for guests to enjoy indoors or in an exquisite patio garden setting. Pure pampering is available at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award-winning Hotel Bel-Air Spa with a 570+ square foot private suite complete with a waterfall in the shaded patio highlighting treatment room options.

Accommodations also offer the finest comforts, none being more exquisite than the Presidential Suite compound, encompassing 6,775 square feet. e building's 2,265 square feet includes a chef's kitchen, dining room accommodating 10, large study, great room with a fireplace and grand piano, and French doors opening to a private Spanish courtyard with its own infinity pool and Jacuzzi. e sumptuous bedroom and bath with a rain shower and spa bath complete the interior. www.dorchestercollection.com/en/los-angeles /hotel-bel-air | 1.310.472.1211 H

In the large master bedroom, French doors open onto a private patio.

The totally-private 6,775-square-foot Presidential Suite compound has its own enclosed Spanish courtyard with infinity pool, patio and Jacuzzi.

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COURTESY OF HOTEL BEL-AIR

Escape into Nature's Sanctuary

There’s Always

More to Sea™ in Redondo Beach...

Where skies are crystal blue, and palm trees sway from cool ocean breezes is a picturesque beach community that is classic Southern California.

Redondo Beach is the perfect blend of ideal coastal beauty and fun in the sun. Just seven miles south of LAX, but removed from the hustle and bustle of the big city. This is the place where you can either get away from it all or do-it all.

For more information visit or call:

www.visitredondo.com | 800.282.0333 #VisitRedondo

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In the area adjoining the show kitchen, the dining table seats 10 guests.

Occupying the 14th floor of the Beverly Wing is the 5,000square-foot Penthouse Suite offering spectacular views of the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and beyond.

High Above Beverly Hills Built in 1928, the Beverly Wilshire Hotel has seen Beverly Hills grow from little more than a bean field into one of the world's most glamorous cities. As Beverly Hills became a Hollywood favorite, so did the Beverly Wilshire. Elvis Presley, Warren Beatty, John Lennon and Steve McQueen are among those who once called it home. It has not only welcomed some of the world's most illustrious; it gained its own fame as the setting for the hit film Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

A Four Seasons property since 1992, the hotel embodies all the glamour and exclusivity characteristic of one of the world's greatest hotels. Opening in June 2006, CUT, Wolfgang Puck’s original twist on a steak house, was designed by internationally-renowned architect Richard Meier whose iconic buildings include the Getty Museum. e 8,000-square-foot Spa, also a recipient of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award, offers the latest in exclusive, advanced treatments.

Just steps from Rodeo Drive, the hotel is convenient to all the city has to offer. Its 395 luxury guest rooms including 137 suites are located in two wings. Occupying the 14th floor of the Beverly Wing is the 5,000-square-foot Penthouse Suite. With 240-degree views of the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and beyond, the three king-size bedded suites with marble baths accommodate up to six adults or family members. Ideal for entertaining, there's a large terrace, media room, powder room, and dining table for 10 with an adjoining show kitchen. ❖ www.fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire | 1.310.275-5200

The master bedroom is complete with an expansive walk-in closet and an ensuite bath with sleek glass tiles, exotic stones and marble, oversized shower and a deep soaking tub.

The Beverly Wilshire has not only welcomed some of the world's most illustrious; it gained its own fame in the hit film Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

The large media room is fully-equipped.

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COURTESY OF BEVERLY WILSHIRE, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

The hotel is just steps from Rodeo Drive and some of the world's most exclusive shopping.

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Entrance Gallery

S O C A L C u Lt u r e

Nixon Library Oval Office

REAGAN AN

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The Berlin Wall at the Reagan Library

S O C A L C u Lt u r e

ND NIXON LIBRARIES BY

IMAAN JALALI

OFFER MUCH MORE THAN JUST

PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY

Nixon Library Wave of Change

AS POLArizing AS the PreSidenCieS Of riChArd

Nixon and Ronald Reagan have been, both have interesting histories worth exploring. Built in their honor, the Nixon and Reagan presidential libraries highlight the 37th and 40th presidents, respectively. However, there’s significantly more to be seen at the two sites besides personal and political chronicles; rather, there are exhibits that encompass a greater range of facts well beyond these presidents’ very public legacies. H

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S O C A L C u Lt u r e

Titanic Exhibit Entrance Interactive Game Table F-14 Fighter Jet

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library 40 Presidential Dr., Simi Valley, CA 93065 www.reaganfoundation.org www.reaganlibrary.gov

The Air Force One Pavilion Oval Office

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THE RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL FOUNDATION AND INSTITUTE

Regardless of political affiliation, the scenic, 100-acre Reagan library – replete with replica White House lawns – is simply beautiful.

What is even more impressive is the Air Force One Pavilion, which not only holds one of Reagan’s limousines and secret service vehicles, but Air Force One. e latter, in fact, was used by seven presidents, including Reagan, who flew 660,00 miles in it. ere is also, of course, Reagan’s oval office that can be viewed in full-scale form, with many of his idiosyncrasies represented (i.e., rustic art). Reagan’s stalwart character contributed to arguably his best accomplishment in facilitating the fall of the Berlin Wall – and there’s an actual piece of it to be observed. In addition, the Reagan Museum boasts 18 galleries underscoring e Gipper’s resume, but what keeps visitors there are the interactive games and presidential role-playing that are tailor-made for social media, such as the opportunity to star in a film with the one-time Hollywood star. ough as important as Reagan’s history is, there are two other, less personal exhibits also worth seeing. e first one is based on the secret service – its origins, how the organization adapted to new technological challenges, and responsibilities, like detecting

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Titanic Debris Field Recreation

Titanic Madeleine Astor's Lifevest

Entrance Sign

counterfeit. e second exhibit, which runs through January 8, 2018, is an exceptional one, and reflects on one of the most mysterious and haunting misfortunes of all time – the Titanic. How is this connected to Reagan, you might ask? He issued the 1986 RMS Titanic Memorial Act, preserving and memorializing the maritime wreckage. e 10,000-square foot exhibit includes props and costumes from the James Cameron-directed movie, but the real attractions are the uncovered artifacts from the 1912 tragedy, particularly the harrowing and courageous stories surrounding them. ere was Wallace Hartley, bandleader aboard the ship, who played until his death, and whose sheet music can be viewed. Margaret Brown, a woman of great valor, helped load the lifeboats, and is remembered by the 1st Century Egyptian figurine she safely carried off the ocean liner. Last, but not least, are Madeleine Astor, an 18-year-old mother-to-be, and her husband, the richest man in the world at the time, John Jacob Astor IV. She survived – and the life vest she used is on display – but her husband didn’t because he gave up his seat to two children.

Nonetheless, his observable pocket watch allows us to relate to the tycoon and his incredibly selfless act. H

Margaret Brown's Egyptian Talisman

Sunset View Of Reagan Library

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The Inaugural Address Titanic Boarding Documents

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Richard Nixon Presidential Library 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA 92886 www.nixonfoundation.org www.nixonlibrary.gov

Nixon’s presidency was unique in that practically everything was noted for posterity, for better or worse. With two million feet of film, 4,500 audio recordings, and 46 million pages of documents, there is certainly more than enough information to support the 70 major exhibits on hand at the Nixon library and museum.

Nixon’s life in the arena of politics is a robust one, totaling 50 years, and “e Wave of Change” multimedia spectacular illuminates the social-fueled change of the 1960s, prior to Nixon coming into office. Undoubtedly, the Vietnam War was another point of contention that defined the early part of Nixon’s tenure, as was the Cold War. Artifacts and images relating to those hot topics, including domestic measures relating to the war on drugs, and conserving the environment, broaden the identity of a politician who has been primarily associated with the Watergate scandal (and yes, there is an exhibit on that, too). e 30 multi-media experiences, 11 original films, and 300 artifacts do more than just spotlight Nixon’s rise and fall, they humanize him and his wife, Pat, whose humanitarian causes were not always given much attention. Re-creations of both the white house and their home away from home - La Casa Pacifica in San Clemente – enable us to see the couple in a more flattering light than we might expect. ere are, moreover, exhibits and mock-ups that detail Nixon’s birthplace/childhood and death, his impact on pop culture, his favorite “sitting” room in the White House, and the famous Nixon-Kennedy debates (including a replica of the set).

What is not a facsimile, though, is the Marine One helicopter, which was used by Presidents Nixon, Kennedy, Johnson, and Ford, and can now be climbed aboard by visitors. e must-see special exhibit on display through only August 13th – “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” – is excitingly about food, and is something we can all relate to. Notably, it elaborates on the government’s effect on the American diet in times of war and peace - from the farm to the dining table. rough pamphlets, posters, and letters, we see how much of the government’s concern for food safety and nutrition sprung from analysis in the field by individuals like Frank N. Meyer, a plant explorer, who the Meyer Lemon is named aer. Interestingly, Nixon’s role in this is that he succeeded in winning the support of the farmers, who, following the appointee of Earl Butz to the position of Secretary of Agriculture, were urged to make the transition to industrial-scaled crop production, especially corn. ❖

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Nixon Library 1972

Nixon Library Helicopter

Nixon Library Birthplace Nixon Library Watergate

Richard Nixon Presidental Library And Musuem

Nixon Library Lincon Sitting Room

THE RICHARD NIXON FOUNDATION

Nixon Library China

Nixon Library Presidency

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DISCOVERING

TemeculaValley SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S

HISTORIC WINE COUNTRY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF

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B Y LINDA LANG TEMECULA VALLEY

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hether your first glimpse is by hot air balloon, bike, walking shoes or automobile, you sense there is something special about the Temecula Valley. Its rolling vineyards, historic town, majestic parklands, and activities blend past and present into a laid-back So Cal inland lifestyle that thrives on nature's riches and man's creativity.

An hour north of San Diego in southwestern Riverside County, the valley's mild, year-round climate makes it ideal for week-end or week-long escapes any time of year. Here you'll find something for everyone starting with Old Town, which preserves its Old West heritage, miles of undulating hills and vineyards, and Pechanga Resort & Casino, the largest, most expansive resort-casino in California and one of the largest in the United States.

The Back Story

Family-owned Temecula Lavender Company farms its own lavender to produce a line of pure natural products for bath, body and home.

Temecula was home to the Luiseño Indians for at least 10,000 years before becoming a mission outpost, then a Mexican rancho, crossroads settlement, railroad town, and valley of vineyards to shape the Temecula Valley we know today. Its name comes from the Luiseño Indian word “Temecunga” which the Spaniards interpreted as “Temecula.” Today, Temecula is the only city in California that still carries its Indian name. e first known non-Indian to discover the area was Franciscan Padre Juan Norberto de Santiago in 1797. Mission San Antonio de Pala soon followed, and in the mid 1800s, the Mexican governors of the province began handing out land grants to maintain control of the area. With the arrival of the Butterfield Overland Stage route in 1858, Temecula became the area's commercial hub, and a year later, the Temecula Post Office became the first inland post office in Southern California.

In the 1900s, the area continued to flourish. In 1968, the first commercial vineyard was established and others soon followed. Aer the city was officially incorporated in 1989, Temecula boomed and today's population tops 100,000. But despite its recent rapid growth, the city retains its sense of the past while embracing the future.

Old Town Temecula Set against hillsides purple with lilacs in spring, Old Town Temecula’s historic spirit still flourishes with its gateway arches, iconic lampposts, and storefronts reminiscent of the Old West.

In contrast are more recent buildings of various architectural styles resulting in an eclectic blend of old traditions and modern trends.

Step back in time while strolling the wooden boardwalks past rustic vintage storefronts, antique stores, and specialty shops. e pedestrian-friendly Foodie District houses laid-back restaurants, upscale bistros, artisanal food emporiums, wine tasting rooms and cra breweries. Year-round entertainment includes dancing to live music ranging from honky-tonk to today's sounds, theater, symphony and more.

Wine Country Escapes Positioned against a background of soaring mountains, the rolling hills of the Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country welcomes nearly three million visitors annually. Today, more than 40 wineries comprise the Temecula Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), Southern California’s largest AVA by volume. e region is also enjoying increasing recognition for its award-winning premium varietal wines, proprietary blends and talented winemakers.

No need to head north to Napa or Sonoma for a vineyard vacay. ere's an excellent selection of B&Bs, vacation rentals and vineyard resorts offering the complete Southern California wine country experience. One of the more popular is South Coast Winery Resort & Spa amid 38 rolling acres of a working winery that has, for the fourth time, earned the coveted California State Winery of the Year title – more than any other winery in the history of the competition. is luxurious retreat offers beautifully-furnished suites and villas with free

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The plaza fountain welcomes visitors to Temecula's City Hall.

The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival in June features top entertainers, hot air balloon flights, wine tastings, kids faire, arts & crafts, and lots of food.

Horse-drawn carriage tours to the wineries are offered by the Temecula Carriage Company.

Old Town Temecula’s historic spirit still flourishes with its gateway arches, iconic lampposts, and storefronts reminiscent of the Old West.

The 9,000-acre Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, which protects unique ecosystems and endangered bird and animal species, offers interpretive trail walks, horseback riding and mountain biking.

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Rated #1 Winery Restaurant by USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice and Best Restaurant of the Inland Empire for four consecutive years. The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars provides exceptional al fresco dining.

The Temecula Valley's mild, year-round climate makes it ideal for weekend or week-long escapes any time of year.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa amid 38 rolling acres of a working winery has been named California State Winery of the Year for the fourth time.

See the Temecula Wine Country by horseback during westernstyle ranch rides offered by family-owned Green Acres Ranch.

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Several companies offer spectacular hot air balloon tours of the Temecula Wine Country throughout the year.

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Wi-Fi, fireplaces, private patios, and hot tubs. Following a tour of the vineyard, you and your significant other can revitalize yourselves at the GrapeSeed Spa with its 24-hour fitness center, heated saltwater pool and whirlpools, steam rooms and dry saunas or just relax around the heated pool with underwater music. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily at e Vineyard Rose Restaurant, one of the area's best for California cuisine.

Exploring the Vineyards Many Temecula Valley Wineries offer weekday tours, each with a different emphasis. ese include Bel Vino, Briar Rose, Callaway, Leoness Cellars, and Miramonte. On weekends, they are offered by Falkner, ornton, and Wiens wineries.

If you want a bird's-eye view of the countryside, there's not a better place to float silently above the treetops in a hot air balloon enjoying spectacular views of the vineyards, farms, ranches and citrus groves. A variety of rides are offered by A Grape Escape, California Dreamin’, and Magical Adventures. ese are offered year-round, seven days a week (weather permitting).

You can also explore the countryside by horseback. Green Acres Ranch offers guided historical wine tours along vineyards, ranches, and wineries of the De Portola Wine Trail. Temecula Carriage Company adds another perk: wine-tasting tours through the vineyards in a horse-drawn carriage.

Dining, Wining and Entertainment Dining is a delight in the wine country. Creative chefs at winery restaurants expertly pair award-winning varietals and proprietary blends with innovative fare incorporating the freshest, locally-grown ingredients. Popular choices include Avensole Restaurant at Avensole Winery, Pinnacle restaurant at Falkner Winery, and Annata at Mount Palomar.

High on the entertainment list are summer concerts in the vineyards. ornton Winery's French-style chateau is the setting for its Champagne Jazz series (May through October) and has presented talents like Michael McDonald, David Sanborn, Bob James, Kenny G, and Boz Scaggs. Similar entertainment is held at numerous other wineries. Signature celebrations throughout the year include the Annual Barrel Tasting in January, Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival in June, California Wine Month in Temecula Valley Wine Country throughout September, the CRUSH Gala in September, and People’s Choice Blind Tasting & Awards in November.

IF YOU WANT A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE COUNTRYSIDE,

THERE'S NOT A BETTER PLACE TO FLOAT SILENTLY ABOVE THE TREETOPS IN A HOT AIR BALLOON ENJOYING SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF THE VINEYARDS, FARMS, RANCHES AND CITRUS GROVES. Pechanga Resort & Casino Looking for a little casino action? Since 2002, the valley has been home to the AAA Four Diamond Pechanga Resort & Casino, owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, and it is one of Southern California's premier venues for live concerts, entertainment, gaming and dining. e resort opens its ongoing $285 million expansion this December. Guests will experience an all-new, two-level luxury spa, an additional 568 rooms and suites, two new restaurants, an added event venue and coming in April, a 4.5-acre resort pool complex.

Its existing 517 luxuriously-appointed rooms and suites feature contemporary furnishings, free in-room Wi-Fi, floor-toceiling windows with panoramic views, and grand master baths.

Spa Pechanga offers massage and facial treatments, body wraps, couples massages, steam sauna and full-service hair and nail salon. Bar and food service are also available on the large sundeck with private cabanas by the swimming pool and spa. e resort's Journey at Pechanga golf course is also recognized as one of California's best. Incorporating natural lakes, waterfalls, streams, indigenous flowers, plants, and wildlife, each hole has a Luiseño name describing the area it occupies.

Pechanga's 11 restaurants include fine dining at the AAA Four Diamond-awarded Great Oak Steakhouse, Paisano’s, and the new Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar. Casual choices include Kelsey's Bar & Grill, Bamboo's Asian-inspired menu, Temptations Food Walk food court, and Pechanga Café.

Entertainment features world-class performers in the 1,200-seat Pechanga eater, stand-up comedians on Fridays and Saturdays in the 270seat Comedy Club, and live broadcasts of championship boxing, MMA, and Muay ai events in the 2,000-seat Pechanga Grand Ballroom.

Renowned for its multiple mega-New Year’s Eve celebrations rivaling those in Las Vegas, some 75,000 celebrants descend upon Pechanga Resort & Casino for New Year’s Eve and Day. Other annual events include the Chocolate Decadence and Pechanga Wine Festival in February, Pechanga Microbrew Festival & Chili Cook-off in June, and the California American Indian & Indigenous Film Festival in November. www.Pechanga.com For more information about TEMECULA VALLEY, contact visittemeculavalley.com | (888) 363-2852 or (951) 491-6085. ❖

The award-winning Pechanga Resort & Casino's $285 million resort expansion slated to complete shortly will enable the property to compete more directly with Las Vegas.

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BREAKING BREAD BY

ESTHER C. BLEUEL, MA, MFT, MDR

ShAring A MeAL iS One Of the beSt WAYS tO reLAx And enjOY the COMPAnY Of OtherS. Because everyone must eat, it provides common ground - kind of a level playing field. One

of the oldest traditions for promoting goodwill and friendship, “breaking bread” affords us a relaxed opportunity to get together with loved ones or to get acquainted with someone new - a chance to learn about him or her and discover common interests. H

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beCAuSe there Are SO MAnY reASOnS fOr dining With OtherS, One Of the beSt WAYS tO enhAnCe YOur exPerienCe iS tO CheCK in With YOurSeLf AbOut YOur exPeCtAtiOnS.

To be sure, there is a vast variety in the range of dining options, a significant part of the experience - quality and quantity of food, custom, presentation, expense, environment and ambience.

For some, eating is simply a necessity. For others, it’s a social event. No matter what, it can be fun, interesting and delicious.

Better yet, it puts people at ease and provides a shared experience, an opportunity to connect or to develop or deepen interpersonal relationships.

Because there are so many reasons for dining with others, one of the best ways to enhance your experience is to check in with yourself about your expectations. Be clear about what you would like to have happen. Is the meal just about eating and enjoying someone’s company? Is it an opportunity to get acquainted and make a good impression? To nurture an important relationship or connection? Conducting business over a meal can be good business.

All of these options, and others, are valuable. Consulting with your companions to ensure that you are “on the same page” about your intentions will enhance the enjoyment and success of the occasion.

Some diners are adventurous, they love to experiment and discover new tastes. For a few, fine dining is an art form. Wine and food connoisseurs add an entirely different and wonderful dimension to any dining experience.

When you and your companion or guests agree about the nature of the meal, think about how the restaurant’s environment, location and ambience will match. It may be festive, celebratory, intimate or simply comfortable and familiar. Perhaps you will select a place that is ideal for family and friends or a place for professionals to congregate - to conduct business or socialize. ine, beer and spirits add another inviting dimension to the dining experience, enhancing the enjoyment of the meal for many diners. Alcohol tends to slow things downs, to encourage diners to relax, to take time and enjoy each other’s company.

Taverns and bars offer a wide variety of socializing options - formal to informal. Sports bars with televisions and games are noisy and fun. More subdued environments offer intimate spaces that invite couples seeking close relationships and connection. Still others offer informal gatherings and dancing.

Whatever your pleasure, check in with yourself about what you would like to have happen. Choose a place that matches your mood and intention, then take your best self and contribute to making the meal a pleasant and rewarding experience.

Bon Appetite! ❖

W

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SERRA RETREAT THE PLACE THAT PREACHES PEACE

Hidden among multi-million-dollar mansions in idyllic Malibu lays an historical gem that’s a virtual secret … even to some of its closest neighbors.

BY

JENNI KEAST

nCe uPOn A tiMe, there reigned A

O

king and queen who ruled over a magical kingdom — an untamed land where sun and clouds kissed the earth and a pristine coastline saw few footprints. e year was 1892 and the “royal couple,” Frederick and May Rindge, had just purchased their 13,330-acre Rancho Malibu private paradise for a mere $10 per acre. ey seemed an unlikely couple. He was a wealthy, Harvard-educated east coast businessman.

She was a modest, straightforward Midwesterner who preferred managing home and hearth to holding court.

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Rindge’s role would change, however, when her husband’s untimely death in 1905 led to a 16-year-long legal battle with the state of California. e state wanted to build a coastal road through Rindge’s property, thereby opening up her “Shangri-La” to a bursting-at-the-seams Los Angeles — a city Frederick Rindge had ironically helped to build. Rindge was determined to keep her private paradise free from encroaching humanity — and their Model T’s.

It was not to be. Rindge ultimately lost the fight, along with most of her fortune, to rough-and-tumble homesteaders and wily

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JENNI KEAST

JENNI KEAST

COURTESY OF SERRA RETREAT (4)

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 1. The Holy Family guest building. Helping more families be more holy since 1942. All seekers welcome! 2. A good place to hear that "still small voice." 3. For whom the bell tolls. Serra's bell tower summons all who need a respite from a hurried world. 4. Stairs to the chapel.

A gentle climb to a peaceful place of prayer. 5. St. Junipero Serra was canonized by Pope Francis in 2015. He’s also happy with the view. 6. Rindge’s famous Malibu tile is everywhere here … even on the walkways.

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JENNI KEAST

politicians — creating a landmark case that would redefine the term “eminent domain.”

In June of 1929, the floodgates to paradise, now known as Pacific Coast Highway, officially opened — allowing not just the stars to align over Malibu, but everyone else as well. Frederick Rindge, a deeply religious man who cherished peace and quiet, would no doubt be horrified to see his then-17,000-acre sanctuary turned into a bastion of Hollywood drama and detox centers.

But if he was looking down from heaven, he would find some silver lining in it all. His posterity would go on to deed the 128 acres upon which Pepperdine University was built, and in 1974, 8,215 acres was designated as Malibu Creek State Park. But even before all that, in 1942, the Franciscan Order would purchase the 26-acres surrounding his wife's lavish, unfinished 50-room knoll-top mansion to use as a spiritual retreat center.

Today, Serra Retreat remains an achingly beautiful and serene place — a mecca for modern-day pilgrims who are longing for a little piece of heaven as they navigate the increasing complexities of a modern world.

No matter where you live in SoCal, a trip to Serra is worth the drive. As you make your way up the long, steep driveway, you’ll come across several Mediterranean-style buildings. ere are 60 guest rooms in all, along with a chapel, conference rooms, and a meditation garden. On any given day, guests and visitors wander the impeccably maintained gardens and walkways, gazing out at the spectacular Pacific Ocean in one direction or the Santa Monica Mountains in the other. Some sit quietly on the meditation benches that dot the property — serenaded by scolding parrots, fluttering hummingbirds and a host of other wildlife. A large statue of Saint Junipero Serra (canonized in 2015 by Pope Francis), looks down approvingly, arms extended upward.

And that’s just how Serra Retreat’s director, Father Mel Jurisich, would have it. In this place, he believes, nature preaches peace to weary urban pilgrims who seek respite from soul-numbing technology, help with an addiction, or solace aer a deep loss.

“Our mission for each person — whether they’re part of a church group, a 12-step program or are making a personal retreat — is that they leave with a little more lightened soul than they came with,” says Father Mel. “If that happens, then we’re doing our job.”

Few come to Serra Retreat without experiencing some level of transformation. One high school athlete broke down in tears aer he received an unexpected letter from his father. “My father just

told me he loved me … something he has never done my entire life,” he shared with Father Mel, then quickly added, “And it’s not all his fault. I’ve given my parents a really hard time.” Impressed by his honesty, Father Mel told the teen, “You came up here a teenager; you’re leaving here a man.”

“Transformation happens to people here because this land is sacred,” Father Mel emphasizes. “And that’s not because of us friars wearing ‘brown dresses,’ but because of all the people who have come here over the last 75 years to pray, think and sort out their lives — allowing the land to gently envelop them. ‘I feel safe here.’ at’s what people always tell me.”

True to the contemplative spirit of the place, Serra Retreat flies under the radar; in fact, it’s so low key that some of its glitzier neighbors are barely aware of Serra’s existence. at’s fine with the friar, who admonishes those with “other” reasons for coming here: “is is not a cheap place to stay so you can land here and go hike, surf or do whatever you want to do in Malibu. Sincere seekers and those who intend to remain on the premises are welcome — the rest … well, simply put, Serra Retreat is not the place for you.” ❖ Serra Retreat is located at 3401 Serra Road in Malibu. For more information, including rates, availability and day visitor hours, call (310) 456-6631. www.serraretreat.com

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COURTESY OF SERRA RETREAT (3)

7. Conference room and patio. Eat, pray and love the view.

8. Directional sign made from Malibu Tiles that were manufactured in Mae Rindge’s factory during the 1920s.

9. You'll flower here.

Everybody does.

10. Bench for meditation: Up here, faith seems limitless.

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escape to your

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VICTORIA PRINCIPAL A SKINCARE PIONEER: A longtime Malibu resident, Victoria Principal may be recognized as an actress, producer and author but she is also a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and Cosmetic Executive Women. Since launching Principal Secret® 26 years ago, Victoria is known by many as the woman who kick-started an anti-aging skincare movement.

26 YEARS OF GLOWING SUCCESS Victoria created her skincare business in 1989 and debuted Principal Secret® to the public in 1991. When asked how she felt about its 26th anniversary this month, she said,

“It isn’t just a business, it’s a calling…a skincare routine is both magical and intimate. It’s a ceremony where you can fall in love with textures, scents and ultimately, smoother, healthier, glowing skin.” With her passion reflected in each Principal Secret® product, it’s no wonder Victoria started a sensational skincare culture that shows no signs of slowing down.

WHY PRINCIPAL SECRET ® IS WINNING Principal Secret® has always stayed ahead of the curve.

“We created the wave, we didn’t catch the wave,” said Victoria. Principal Secret® was the first skincare line to feature the wrinkle-fighting peptide Argireline®. “I travelled the world to find the best-of-the-best skincare ingredients.

In Spain, I discovered Argireline® and its ability to mimic Botox by helping to relax facial expressions.” Soon-after, it became the star ingredient in Principal Secret® products to help promote smoother, younger-looking skin.

Principal Secret® was the first to offer a 60-day bottomof-the-jar guarantee. “It just didn’t exist back then, and I believed in my products,” said Victoria. “I have to give credit to my partners Bill Guthy and Greg Renker for trusting me and my formulas…it could have put Principal Secret® out of business.” It is a true testament to her formulas that this offer is still available today.

THE RADIANT PROOF Today’s beauty consumer is always looking for the next best skincare product. That is, unless they’ve discovered Principal Secret®. Facebook fan Loretta P. recently said, “I am celebrating my 20-Year Anniversary this month of using her [Victoria’s] products…I noticed a significant improvement in my skin after using her original cleanser for the very first time! I get compliments on my skin often and now, at age 54, I hear from people that I look younger than my age!” Reading review after review, it’s clear. Principal Secret® has become so much more than just effective skincare, it’s become a lifestyle.

REVOLUTIONARY ANTI-AGING FORMULAS When it comes to lifestyle, Victoria has always believed that healthy balance combined with effective skincare products is the key to a youthful glow. Victoria said, “I take care of

my body and my mind so of course I take care of my skin too, by making the best effective anti-aging skincare products.” And that’s exactly what she has done. The Principal Secret® RECLAIM® line uses wrinkle-fighting Argireline® Molecular Complex to help treat the advanced signs of aging such as etched-in wrinkles, loss of firmness, skin fatigue and mature skin dryness. RECLAIM® user Tanya P. said, “Now that I’m using RECLAIM®, there’s no need to go back to the Botox. I don’t need it.” Powerful words for a powerful skincare line.

FUSING NATURE & NEW SCIENCE FOR A HEALTHY RADIANCE After the success of RECLAIM®, Victoria’s desire to create effective, healthy skincare products continued with RECLAIM® BOTANICAL. This vegan, gluten-free line is great for those looking to get a jump-start on preventative skin aging. It’s the first and only skincare line to feature Triple Fusion Technology that includes wrinkle-fighting Argireline® Molecular Complex, skin-firming Synant Peptide™ and a plant-based alternative to Retinol, called Secretinol®. This proprietary form provides benefits of Retinol but without the dryness or negative side effects. It’s anti-aging innovation and plant-based goodness all-in-one. Perfect for millennials or anyone desiring a lifetime of healthy skincare.

SOOTHING SOLUTIONS FOR HYPER-REACTIVE AND SENSITIVE SKIN Before RECLAIM®, and before RECLAIM® BOTANICAL, Victoria’s early-on struggle with sensitive skin lead to the development of the Advanced line. Designed for hypersensitive, inflamed skin, this premium line uses nourishing Vitamins A, C and E, anti-aging antioxidants and exclusive time-released Hydrospheres® to deliver optimal moisture. It’s so powerful yet so gentle, two leading hospital-based Oncology departments provide Advanced products to chemotherapy and/or radiation patients. Now that’s skincare that makes a difference.

MEDIA DARLING Victoria is highly connected with her fans through Principal Secret® social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. She embraces their feedback, knowing that the future success of Principal Secret® will also depend on maintaining the deep level of intimacy and trust that has been established over the years. You can join the conversation by following Principal Secret® on Facebook and Instagram: @principalsecret #principasecret.

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THE MOST INTERESTING

f e At u r e

BY ROBYN FLANS

WHEN THE MOST INTERESTING MAN IN THE WORLD WRITES A BOOK, IT HAS PEOPLE WONDERING IF IT WILL BE AS INTERESTING AS HIM. JONATHAN GOLDSMITH’S (AKA DOS EQUIS’ THE MOST INTERESTING MAN IN THE WORLD) “STAY INTERESTING” IS ABSOLUTELY INTERESTING.

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rom the almost not going to that commercial audition, to his painful relationship with his mother, the bond with his father, dalliances with women and many acting roles, Goldsmith has an art for storytelling.

“I didn’t want to go on the audition,” Goldsmith reveals. “I said, ‘is is silly,’ and then when I saw the crowd that was there, I said, ‘Wow, what a waste of time this is. Screw it, I’ll just go in and make ‘em laugh. I don’t have a chance on this.’”

And yet, aer looking all over the hemisphere, the ad campaign settled on a 70-year-old Jewish dude from New York instead of a Latino to represent their product.

At the audition, where actors were told to improvise a monologue ending with the line “...and that’s how I arm wrestled Fidel Castro,” it suddenly came to Goldsmith to channel his dear departed Latino friend Fernando Lamas.

“He sure came back to me,” Goldsmith says. “He was the greatest Lothario, the greatest raconteur, marvelous guy.” roughout Goldsmith’s turbulent childhood, his father was his saving grace. And while he didn’t discuss Lisl, his stepmother,

F

beautiful produce. I asked him ‘what do you pray to’? And he said, ‘To this, my home.’”

And the most interesting man Goldsmith has ever met?

President Obama. He met Obama five times and says he’s one of the most incredible people he’s ever encountered.

Goldsmith reads a letter Obama sent him completely unsolicited aer Dos Equis let him go: “Jonathan, although we will always miss the fictional character, you will always remain the most interesting man in the world in my book. Stay thirsty my friend.”

He also explored many low points in his autobiography.

One was when he escaped from prep school (his mother sent him) and then was forced to return.

“A real low point was when I lied to my father,” Goldsmith says. “I can still feel that. He put his arm around me and said, ‘I blame myself.’ He was something else.” ere were plenty of professional downers, too, including a humiliation on the set of “My ree Sons,” several firings, including “Days of our Lives,” and then “Happy Days” for being miscast.

“I was a kid and they had me play a big Marine or Army recruiter, a rough voluminous guy,” Goldsmith recalls. “ey apologized to me. I was wrong for the role and I didn’t pull it off convincingly. en the time I got cast in this wonderful pilot

A real low point was when I lied to my father.

I can still feel that. He put his arm around me and said, ‘I blame myself.’ He was something else.”

much in the book (something he says he regrets), Goldsmith says the woman his father married when he was 13 years old was a major nurturer in his life.

“She was the mother I never had,” Goldsmith declares. “She was a head nurse at Hebrew Old Age Home and a refugee from Europe. She escaped Nazi Germany and was very brave. I spent wonderful times in the museum with her and she exposed me to art. Everything I didn’t have with my mother, as far as being supportive, loving and warm, I had with her.”

While continuing to reflect, Goldsmith shares about the most healthy person he ever met - a story he wrote about in the book - was a young black man, Jarmin, with whom he spent a few days on an island while stuck in a storm.

“He never stopped smiling. Truly he was high most of the time, but he was high on life. He had everything he needed. He was surprised when I said, ‘I’ll send you some things you might want’ and he said, ‘I want nothing. I am the richest man you’ll ever meet.’ And he was. He had it all. He had his chickens, a toilet seat swinging in the breeze of a banyan tree, fresh water and

called ‘Special Enforcement Bureau’ that Sidney Furie was directing and they said, ‘Can you ride a motorcycle?’ and I said, ‘You bet,’ and I couldn’t ride a motorcycle. Not only did I have to ride a motorcycle, we were shooting up a mountain in Los Angeles in the wintertime in the ice and they pulled me around on a camera truck and I’m zooming on the handlebars for the close-ups. at was a low point while people were making fun of me.”

Chasing Clint Eastwood in “Hang ‘Em High” across the Rio Grande River in Las Cruces, New Mexico, while Goldsmith was swimming in the saddle and on “e Virginian,” when he couldn’t control the horse and heard voices of, “Where did they get him from?” Goldsmith felt humiliated. When he was bucked from the horse on that set, he finally got lessons from an old cowboy.

Most people don’t realize Goldsmith acted in more than 350 roles before becoming the face of Dos Equis. en, the immense exposure during the nine-year campaign forced him to leave California.

“I couldn’t go anyplace,” Goldsmith says. “I had absolutely no privacy.”

Goldsmith is married and lives a quiet life in Vermont. He has five children — two daughters and three sons.

When Dos Equis retired him from the campaign in 2016, Goldsmith had mixed emotions.

“I felt badly because I thoroughly loved what I was doing, but I was going out on top. But I thought - and it’s been borne out - that they were making a mistake in replacing me at the height of the campaign.”

Turning 79 this month (September), he balks at retiring.

No surprise that Astral Tequila has snatched him up for an ad campaign and he is also representing Luma, a high-speed router “with great coverage, no buffering and very affordable.” ere’s definitely a book sequel in the future for him.

My wife has a wonderful attitude: “‘When one door closes, another one opens,’ and in my case, 10 opened.”❖

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CHANGE IS POSSIBLE Five Keys is a nationally recognized education management (non-pro t) corporation that operates

accredited charter schools and programs for youth and adults at 70 locations across California. We restore communites in Los Angeles and all of Califonia by providing a wide range of educational

programs and services including: high school diploma, career and technical education, digital literacy,

ESL, cognitive behavioral therapy, recovery programs, case management, correctional education

consulting and college access, at no cost. The Five Keys model thrives through partnering with other

nonpro ts leveraging each other’s services to make us collectively stronger.

To partner with us, enroll as a student, become a Five Keys teacher/mentor or simply donate, contact Dave Bates, Director of Reentry Division: daveb@ vekeyscharter.org I (323) 430-7567

fivekeyscharter.org

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SANTA BARBARA

URBAN WINE TRAIL BY

MARY NOE

MARGERUM WINE COMPANY

explore Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail — an impressive collection of Santa Barbara County wineries and tasting rooms — whether you’re a first-time visitor or know its quirky path by heart.

Carr e Trail offers more Winery than 25 tasting rooms in Margerum Wine downtown Santa Barbara, Company making for an easy, fun way to educate yourself and your palate on the area’s award-winning wines.

Many people don’t know “that Santa Barbara is a high-quality wine region, and that you can experience our wine in a downtown urban setting,” says Paul Azdril, General Manager of Grassini Family Vineyards, and past Urban Wine Trail president. “e Urban Wine Trail is an association of individually operated tasting rooms that are all within walking distance of each other.”

Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean climate makes strolling through the Urban Wine Trail a year-round option, but the arrival of harvest and the promise of glimpsing the grape crush process at the Trail’s working wineries make fall an especially exciting time to visit.

Santa Barbara Winery first opened its doors in 1962, and the Urban Wine Trail developed organically as tasting rooms popped up amid the art studios, surf shops, and warehouses stretching from the beach through downtown. Today’s Trail is comprised of several areas with distinct personalities: the iconic Funk Zone, the historic Presidio Neighborhood, and the outlying area east of downtown. H

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CHERRY THOMAS

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Au bon Climat tasting room Lounge

THE VALLEY PROJECT

the valley Project tasting room

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Municipal Winemakers

jaffurs Wine Cellars

Carr vineyards & Winery

WANDERANDWINE.COM

With too many exceptional wines and unique tasting rooms to appreciate in one visit, here are some can’t miss stops in each area of the Trail:

FUNK ZONE So Cal surfer culture infuses the funk Zone, the sandy blocks of converted warehouses and graffiti murals steps from Stearns Wharf. e tasting spaces emit a relaxed vibe, and edgy creativity shows in the eclectic tasting rooms and in the wines poured here.

“Taste a bit of history” at the winery that started it all — Santa Barbara Winery, situated in the heart of the Funk Zone action. e cool atmosphere of Municipal Winemakers — think vintage file cabinets and marquee signs — will put a smile on your face as you enjoy gorgeous whites and rosés. e tasting experience at Seth Kunin’s the valley project is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. e enormous hand-drawn chalk map of the county’s wine regions is almost as well-known as the wines, and you can taste samples from SB County’s diverse terrains.

Santa barbara Winery

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jaime Slone Wines

deep Sea tasting room

SBAMIGOS.COM

SOMEFORM.COM

JAMIESLONEWINES.COM

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PRESIDIO NEIGHBORHOOD A bit further up State Street, the tasting rooms of the preSidio neighBorhood are steeped in the historic tradition of Santa Barbara — Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, red-tiled roofs, bougainvilleadraped doorways, and thick white walls. e traditional feel of this area is reflected in the elegant mood of its tasting rooms.

Visit the lovely, book-lined space at au Bon Climat to taste current releases and library wines from legendary winemaker Jim Clendenen.

Margerum Wine Company is known for its M5, a blend of five Rhône varietals. e knowledgeable staff will make your experience at this classic tasting room exceptional and educational. e warm, welcoming tasting room at grassini family vineyards features wines made exclusively from Bordeaux varietals grown on their estate vineyard.

GRASSINIFAMILYVINEYARDS.COM

grassini family vineyards

At Jaime Slone Wines, husband and wife Kym and Jamie Slone pour small-production, hand-craed wines near the fireplace at their beautiful Spanish Colonial and Mission style tasting room.

SEVERAL TRAIL TASTING ROOMS AND WORKING WINERIES SCATTERED JUST OFF THE BEATEN PATH ARE WELL-WORTH A VISIT: Enjoy tastings, tour the production facilities, and catch live music on the new patio at Carr vineyards & Winery.

Tour and taste at Jaffurs Wine Cellars, which has been making Rhône varietal wines since 1994. Says winemaker Stephen Searle, “Most people don’t stumble into our tasting room (from the Funk Zone). Most seek us out.”

Finish your day at the deep Sea tasting room on Stearns Wharf, and enjoy a glass or flight while soaking up an amazing 360-degree view of the Pacific coastline.

With almost 30 delicious stops, the diverse collection of tasting rooms on the Urban Wine Trail personifies the essence of Santa Barbara wine culture.

Whether you are focused on the exceptional wine, the historic beauty of the Presidio, or the vibrant Funk Zone scene, the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail is waiting to captivate you this fall.

Visit UrbanWineTrailSB.com to view the current map, upcoming events, and details on the Urban Wine Trail Membership card (which allows a free tasting and discounts at each Trail partner for a full-year). Individual tastings generally cost around $15. Contact each winery directly for hours and group reservations. ❖

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RAVES

Monte De Oro Winery temecula valley

Monte De Oro Winery is one of Southern California’s premier wineries. With over 110 Platinum, Double Gold, Gold, “Best Of” and 90+ rated awards, we pride ourselves on growing quality estate grapes, handcraing premium wines and providing “the ultimate” wine experience for our guests.

Monte De Oro has over 70 vineyard acres producing twelve red grapes and five white grape varietals.

Our wines and winery have been featured at the Daytime Emmy Awards, e Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational, Petco Park, Hell’s Kitchen, and Warner Brothers Studios for the annual Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters event.

Monte De Oro Winery spans 21,000 square feet and features an 11,500SF Barrel Cellar holding up to 1,000 barrels. You can see the Barrel Cellar through our glass floor in our Main Tasting Room that has 3,000SF of space, cathedral ceilings, two wine bars and six alabaster chandeliers that are 6 feet high each. Take a Barrel Cellar tour or enjoy one of our limited edition reserve wines.

Our 10,500SF outdoor patio provides spectacular panoramic views of Temecula’s Wine Valley, enduring the perfect gathering spot to enjoy lunch from our awarding winning Bistro, live music on a Sunday aernoon, a sunset live concert or an unforgettable Tuscany-inspired winery wedding.

Monte De Oro is one of the premier wineries in Temecula Valley – an oasis of wine excellence and an experience sophisticated and inviting. Come visit. You will be glad you did.

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AXR Winery napa valley

If only these vines could talk, they would tell you stories of the old Napa Valley. e history of our AXR Winery Estate is compounded in layers; rooted in historic tales of fierce Native American hunting grounds, wild west pioneers and the first woman vintner of California in 1886. It has changed hands over the course of 134 years to become a brewery, restaurant, inn, winery and saloon. Tales of love, lust, heartbreak, murders and great fortune create an imaginative backdrop to our present-day vision of AXR. AXR is now a winery that pays homage to its history and blazes the trail of excitement and innovation in Napa Valley as the pioneers before us did. We want to be reminded every day to live fully and to leave a lasting impression on our layer of history. Named aer the AxR rootstock (Aramond x Rupestris) that was so prominent in building the modern California wine industry, AxR#1 eventually succumbed to Phylloxera and most of California wine country was le as a blank canvas. Vintners now had a chance to replant and to rethink the entire structure of the vineyards; attention was paid to the terrior and unique varietals were researched. is was truly a turning point in the wine industry as we know it. Our consulting winemaker, Jean Hoefliger, brings a winemaking style that is fundamentally balanced in his experiences in Switzerland, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Italy, Spain, South Africa and California. AXR is Jean’s unparalleled canvas to make wine in a style all his own, bringing balance and excitement to your palate. Please visit www.axrwinery.com to join our cellar club and to purchase wines. ❖

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SO CAL’S BEST

AUTHENTIC

ETHNIC FARE

C

CuMin, COriAnder, CArdAMOM And CLOveS. CinnAMOn, nutMeg,

ginger and turmeric. ese spices are essential to authentic Indian and Pakistani food. When combined with lentils, tomatoes, onions and yogurt, they create the curries and daals that Southern Californians have come to crave, including the standout Chicken Tikka Masala.

We searched the southland for the best authentic, homemade fare from the two countries, and we found some obscure and well-known restaurants guaranteed to make you feel as if you were eating in Auntie’s kitchen. H

BY

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CHANTÉ GRIFFIN

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Aloo Gobhi, a savory vegan dish sure to please all.

FLAVOR OF INDIA

Mango Chicken, a creamy yellow curry, flavored with mango.

FLAVOR OF INDIA Santa Barbara

For more than 25 years, Flavor of India has wowed Santa Barbara’s residents and visitors alike, receiving practically every Readers’ Choice Award. Helmed by owner Puran Joshan and his family, the restaurant isn’t just a family affair; it’s the Joshan family’s second home, where everyone is an invited guest. In addition to providing a plenteous spread for meat-lovers, they offer an abundance of vegetarian options, plus a plethora of vegan and gluten-free dishes. Don’t like spice? No problem. Like spice? You’re in luck. Each dish can be made mild, medium or spicy. Crowd favorites are the Mango Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala and Aloo Gobhi — a mix of fresh cauliflower and potatoes, spiced with fragrant turmeric. ere are even kid-friendly options like the Reshami Kabab — a chicken breast flavored with special spices and herbs. Lunch and dinner are served daily, including a lunch buffet spread. 3026 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, (805) 682-6561 FLAVOROFINDIASB.COM

AL-WATAN HALAL RESTAURANT

An assortment of food catered

by Al-Watan.

Catering is their speciality.

When the Al-Watan Halal Restaurant opened, it was the first Pakistani and Indian Halal Restaurant in Los Angeles County.

More than 30 years later, it’s still a local favorite, boasting spices and rice that are flown in from India and Pakistan and an authentic cuisine that is prepared fresh daily.

Specialty dishes include Nehari — a spicy beef curry cooked with ingredients so secret that the chef describes them only as “special spices”— and Haleem — a harmonious mix of ground lentil and shredded beef. Both are delicious, and both take an entire night to cook. Al-Watan offers a casual sit-down dining experience (no reservations needed), as well as take-out and catering options.

Garlic Naan, a house favorite

13619 Inglewood Avenue, Hawthorne,

CA 90250, (310) 644-6395 ALWATANRESTAURANT.COM

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AL-WATAN HALAL RESTAURANT

Los Angeles

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TANDOORI FRESH

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Chicken Karahi, also offered with beef, lamb, fish and shrimp.

Tandoori Chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices.

TANDOORI FRESH Orange County

Tandoori Fresh presents traditional Indian and Pakistani food in a non-traditional setting. Owner Sajjad Premjees opted for a casual, counter-service experience in lieu of the traditional waiter-service restaurant with a buffet. Customers — some who have been regulars since childhood — enjoy the food as much as they do the laidback ambiance. In fact, it’s not uncommon for out-of-town guests to request that frozen food be shipped to their homes. Customer favorites include Nihari — a beef shank soaked for about 8 hours until tender, and for those who like a lot of heat, the beef, lamb, or chicken Karahi — a made-to-order stir-fry of grilled onions, tomatoes and cilantro. If you are a little less adventurous, he recommends the Fresh Value Meal, which includes a delightful assortment of their most popular items for under $12.

The barbecue is specially prepared in a clay oven.

1500 Adams Avenue #100A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, (714) 444-4407 TANDOORIFRESH.COM

INDIA OVEN

INDIA OVER

Cathedral City (Palm Springs area)

India Oven serves up classic traditional Indian fare.

One visit to India Oven is proof that good things do in fact come in small packages. Tucked away in a strip mall, the cozy spot boasts big flavors and even bigger accolades: Palm Springs Life’s “Best New Restaurant” award in its opening year, and Palm Springs Life’s Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Indian Restaurant” for numerous years.

A top seller is the lauded Butter Chicken — a tender chicken baked in the tandoori oven and doused in a “butter” gravy that actually consists of herbs and spices blended into a smooth, delicious gravy. Runners-up include Chili Chicken — a deep-fried chicken breast first seasoned with a mix of Indian and Asian spices and then stir-fried with chilies, onions and bell peppers, and a traditional Rice Pudding — a delicious basmati rice, milk and cardamom combination prepared to cool and satisfy your taste buds. 35875 Date Palm Drive D-8,

Cathedral City, CA 92234, (760) 770-3918 INDIA-OVEN.COM

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Tandoori Shrimp.

This mild blend of garlic, cilantro and black pepper will leave you satisfied.

SPICE LOUNGE Just one block from San Diego’s Pacific Beach, Spice Lounge is the perfect spot to enjoy happy hour with a date, or catch a Bollywood flick with friends — all while feasting on a tasty Indian cuisine that fuses the richness of North Indian curries with the lightness of South India’s seafood dishes. To ensure guests experience a feast for their eyes and palates, Owner and Executive Chef Raj Mutti decorated the restaurant with vibrant hues of burgundy and created a suite of original, signature dishes: Nirvana — a curry paste made from an eclectic mix of spices, chopped onions and bell peppers; Chocolate Samosa — a pastry stuffed with chocolate and hints of cinnamon, served with a scoop of Pistachio ice cream; and Mango Martini — Indian mangoes infused with fragrant saffron and topped with a sweet strawberry. Chef Raj also designed a “create your own curry” menu that allows customers to choose a curry (with either cream or coconut milk) and pick a protein (chicken, lamb, fish, shrimp, paneer, tofu or veggies). For those on a stricter diet, he dished up a healthier option: Chicken Tikka — strips of boneless chicken marinated overnight in a secret, homemade sauce and baked in a clay oven. 859 Hornblend

SPICE LOUNGE

San Diego

The bar area of the lounge is perfect for beer and Bollywood.

Masala Papadam.

These small, stone-ground lentil crackers are ideal happy hour snacks.

Street, San Diego, CA 92109, (858) 272-1600 SPICELOUNGE.COM

❖

Affectionately nicknamed “Chocomosas,”

by Chef Raj, these chocolate-filled samosas are crowdpleasers. Move over, potatoes!

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The lounge is ideal for unwinding after work or relaxing with friends on the weekend.

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SO CAL’S SPECTACULAR

ROOFTOP LOUNGES BY

JULIE CARLSON

1 LONG BEACH

40 S. Locust Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 983-2703 www.theskyroom.com “Do you know what it's like to live like Elizabeth Taylor?” asks Pierre Dony, General Manager and Sommelier of The Sky Room and Cielo, located on the 13th floor of the historic Breakers Hotel.

“If you join us, you will. Colored in rich reds, with stunning accents of black and white, the intimately lit restaurant showcases nearly 360 degree views of Long Beach.” Guests can also head up the winding staircases to the breathtaking Tijuana-themed rooftop bar, Cielo. Favorite menu items are their guacamole and ceviche, hand-made street style tacos such as the Tinga de Pollo with pulled chicken marinated in spicy tomato sauce; and the Hongo taco, an oil and chili-flake mushroom taco. Two popular artisanal cocktails are “‘One the OG's,’ a sweet and savory tequila margarita with blueberry and basil agave and Tajin rim; and the ‘Ron Burgundy’ named after Will Ferrell's scotch drinking namesake, mixed with coconut and lemon, finished with a smoked rosemary sifter.” Put on your dancing shoes because both venues feature live bands that “play a variety of music from the ages.” H

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THESKYROOM.COM

Cielo at The Sky Room

Welcome to Pendry San Diego.

Introducing the new brand from Montage International • Located in the heart of the Historic Gaslamp Quarter • 317 rooms including 36 suites • Over 35,000 square feet of meeting and event space • Three blocks to Convention Center • Two blocks to Petco Park, home of San Diego Padres • 4 miles to SAN Airport • 1.5 miles to cruise ship terminal

DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT • Lionfish, Modern Coastal Cuisine • Fifth & Rose Lobby Lounge • Provisional Mercantile, Kitchen and Café • Oxford Social Club • The Pool House • Nason's Beer Hall

AMENITIES • 24 hour Room Service • Fully Stocked Mini Bar • Spa Pendry featuring indoor and outdoor treatments • State-of-the-art fitness center and wellness programs • Rooftop pool and luxury cabanas • Pet Friendly • In close proximity to Balboa Park, Seaworld and San Diego Zoo • Outdoor activities including surfing, sailing and biking • Luxury linens and nightly turn down

Pendry San Diego 550 J Street San Diego, CA 92101 619.738.7000

pendryhotels.com

Contact Your Smart Flyer Travel Advisor to book your stay at the Pendry: Newport@Smartflyer.com

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2 LAGUNA BEACH

The Rooftop Lounge “The Rooftop Lounge has been and always will be a local favorite and a must-see for tourists,” says Jordan O'Brien, Director of Restaurants at La Casa del Camino hotel. Relax by taking in the stunning views of the Laguna Beach coastline on the lively 4th floor bar. Sip their hand-muddled Mojitos infused with flavors like Strawberry, Mango, Tropical, Wild Berry and Champagne. Diners can enjoy appetizers like a “succulent shrimp wrapped with a golden crunchy panko and coconut shell dipped in Thai sweet chili sauce.” Bring your four-legged friend with you because both the hotel and The Rooftop Lounge are dog friendly. “It is an iconic location made famous by local celebrities, television shows and locals,” adds O’Brien. “There is truly no other place in Orange County that can compare.”

ROOFTOPLAGUNABEACH.COM

1289 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 497-2446 www.roooplagunabeach.com

3 SAN DIEGO

3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 228-9304 www.cannonballsd.com Enjoy the sun, surf and sunsets in San Diego with a Sunset Margarita at Cannonball, “the largest oceanfront rooftop bar in Southern California.” Every seat has a view at this unique pool-like setting, overlooking Mission Beach Boardwalk. A Pacific Rim inspired menu includes burgers, ribs, salads and seafood. A favorite on the sushi menu is the Enfuego Roll which is filled with salmon and topped with spicy aioli, that's torched to order. Thursday's feature live music for a “sunset serenade.” H

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CANNONBALLSD.COM

Cannonball

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High Rooftop Lounge 1697 Pacific Ave., Venice, CA 90291 (424) 214-1062 www.highvenice.com Offering spectacular 360-degree views of Los Angeles is High Rooftop Lounge in Venice Beach. The 21 and over bar, situated at the top of Hotel Erwin, has an eclectic mix of handcrafted cocktails that change seasonally.

Recommended is a frozen Rosé called “Frozé” or “A Day At The Beach” with Square One Cucumber Vodka, St-Germain, and fresh lime.

Their “California coastal laid-back vibe” menu has street tacos, sliders, crab dip, and more.

Reservations are recommended at this busy rooftop bar that “OpenTable Diner’s Choice named The Best Ambiance, The Best Hot Spot and The Best Scenic View,” where local DJ's spin tunes.

REDLIONTAVERN.NET

5 LOS ANGELES

The Red Lion Tavern 2366 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (323) 662-5337 www.redliontavern.net “The Red Lion Tavern is like something that exists outside of the normal passage of time,” says Jon Brown, Bar Manager. “It is old-world and old-school.” The relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere of this Silver Lake German restaurant has home-cooked traditional German dishes such as Schnitzel, sauerbraten, rouladen, eisbein, and their popular bite-sized sausage platter with German mustard and pickles. Pair with Spaten lager or something different like a Kostritzer schwarzbier “a dark lager that delivers the complexity of a stout or porter without being heavy or filling.” Enjoy dishes and drinks either downstairs or upstairs in their open-air beer garden. “There’s a lot of history and it's worth it for anyone to come check us out and see why we've been here for 60 year,” adds Brown. During baseball season the Red Lion offers a 10% discount (with proof) to anyone attending a home game at Dodger stadium the same day. “Whatever we serve you, it's going to be good.” ❖

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DAN HARDING/COURTESY OF VISIT SANTA BARBARA

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1. Dolphin Fountain marks the entrance to all the activitiy on Stearns Wharf. 2. Denzel Washington received Maltin Modern Master Award for Fences during the 2017 SBIFF. 3. Cat Rock in Channel Islands is a snorkeler's and diver's paradise with rocky outcroppings and small caves sheltering all types of fish. 4. The magnificent mural room is one of the courthouse's historic treasures.

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Indians some 13,000 years ago, Santa Barbara has seduced one and all with its crystal clear air, deep blue coastal waters and tranquil harbors sheltering small boats, sunning seals and sea lions, gulls and pelicans, and seasonal visits from breaching whales and playful dolphins. ere are long stretches of white sand beaches rimmed with towering palms and jagged cliffs, shaded by windswept cypress - all surrounded by small historic towns situated in tranquil valleys and hills covered in vineyards, orchards, ranches and fertile farmlands. H

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ON THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: 5. Santa Barbara is known as The American Riviera for its sunny, mild year-round climate. 6. Alcazar

COURTESY OF THE SANTA BARBARA HISTORICAL MUSEUM (2)

FOUR SEASONS RESORT THE BILTMORE SB

Tapas Bar’s “Ginspiration Point” is the 2017 "Official Drink of Santa Barbara." Details for the 2018 cocktail contest to be announced. 7. Mary Miles Minter, age 14, starred in 26 Flying "A" films, averaging one a month until leaving for Paramount in late 1918. 8. Santa Barbara became the center of the motion picture world when Flying "A" Studios opened in 1913, the year this photo was taken.

9. Long a favorite Hollywood escape, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.

en, there are the manmade treasures highlighted by the 21st Californian Franciscan Mission, circa 1786, which today still serves as a church, along with the fully-functioning Spanish-Moorish courthouse built in 1929. Known worldwide for its hand-painted ceilings, wrought iron chandeliers, and immense murals, the courthouse's signature tower also provides stunning 360-degree views of ocean waves crashing against the curving coastline, lush gardens and tree-shaded parks amid a sea of red tile roofs capping whitewashed buildings backed by soaring mountains. It's where the best of man meets the best of nature.

It's also called e American Riviera because of its mild and sunny year-round climate, laidback Mediterranean lifestyle, and city rich in history, high-end boutiques, art galleries, and fine multi-cultural dining. e calendar is jammed year-round with entertainment, festivals, and an immense array of indoor and outdoor activities. Santa Barbara also preceded Hollywood as the world's top producer of silent movies and, with all its ideal assets, remains a destination favorite for today's television shows, films, and those seeking to escape life’s daily hassles.

BIRTH OF THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY e American Film Manufacturing Company, better known as Flying “A” Studios, produced nearly 1,000 films while in Santa Barbara between 1912-1921. Founded in Chicago with prior offices in La Mesa, it grew out of the early days when almost anyone with a camera could film horses racing, girls dancing, men fighting or whatever else looked interesting, and folks would pay a nickel to watch those "moving" pictures on a handcranked nickelodeon. ere was serious money to be made, and Flying "A" Studios was one of the first to aggressively pursue it. e company chose Santa Barbara as the ideal location, built and opened the doors of California's first movie studio in 1912. e new industry immediately fell in love with Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara with the movies. Just four years later, Flying "A" was averaging 242 silent motion pictures a year using the city and its diverse geographical surroundings as movie sets. One of three original Flying "A" buildings, still standing at the corner of Chapala and Mission, was recently restored and

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"A" star actress Audrey Munson is shown on the set of the silent film "Purity" in 1916. 11. After leaving Flying "A", Victor Fleming went on to direct Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and other major hits. 12. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival plays a major role in the city's past and present. 13. Among the SBIFF community events are free screenings for the public of critically-acclaimed films at the Lobero Theatre.

JAY SINCLAIR/COURTESY OF VISIT SANTA BARBARA

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 14. Beautiful rolling vineyards are found throughout Santa Barbara county. 15. The 2017 Outstanding

Performers of the Year Award went to Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone for La La Land shown here being interviewed during the festival. 16. State Street is the center of activity in downtown Santa Barbara.

17. Fess Parker Winery in Los Olivos features one of the area's many tasting rooms. 18. The famed Cabrillo Bike Path follows along the scenic coast and bustling waterfront. 19. Paint Cave, one of the lengthiest in the world, extends a quarter-mile into the side of Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park. 20. Opening night of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival is always a major star-studded event.

Film is also an integral part of the educational and social scenes. Classes are taught at Santa Barbara City College, University of California at Santa Barbara, and educational programs offered by various organizations including e Santa Barbara International Film Festival's community outreach programs designed to increase appreciation of film as an art form.

Among the city's cinematic landmarks is the eight-storey Granada eater, Santa Barbara’s oldest standing movie palace, which opened in April 1924 and remains the tallest building in the city. Another is the Arlington eatre, originally one of the west coast's most celebrated luxury hotels. Today, it is a movie palace celebrating the grand traditions of a bygone era and showcases live literary events, musical and theatrical performances. is year, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival has a new home in the expansive Riviera eatre allowing the organization to create a larger cultural center for all things cinematic. Also continuing at the Riviera are three year-round programs: Cinema Society (an exclusive membership program), the Rosebud Program for Film Students (college students), and Wave Film Festival (mini film festival) which will be expanded to three annually. e Showcase, which features innovative independent films, will also move to the Riviera from its current location.

houses the green room where the stars once waited to be called to the set. One of its most successful directors, Victor Fleming, went on to direct Gone with the Wind, e Wizard of Oz, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and dozens more now seen on Turner Classic Movies and other channels.

SANTA BARBARA AND THE MOVIES TODAY e century-long love affair between Hollywood and Santa Barbara has settled into a comfortable relationship for both.

A sizeable number of celebrities have elected to live or frequently escape here where they can cautiously enjoy the closest thing possible to a normal lifestyle. It is not unusual to see A-listers dining in their favorite restaurants, shopping in exclusive boutiques, playing with their dogs on a quiet section of beach, or heading home in a Porsche convertible, said dogs buckled in the back seat with tongues and ears flapping in the wind.

Hollywood continues returning to Santa Barbara county to shoot lots of films and television shows such as episodes of e Bachelor, e Bachelorette, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Hallmark Hall of Fame, and box office winners including e Graduate, Star Trek: Insurrection, and Sideways. In addition, there are some 500 production companies located throughout the county.

SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL e 33rd world-renowned Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) will be held January 31st through February 10th, 2018, with events at major venues throughout the city including the Arlington and Riviera theatres. In addition to screenings including countless U.S. and world premieres over the years, the festival is widely acclaimed for its the prestigious tribute honors which have gone to such luminaries as Angelina Jolie, Robert Redford, Helen Mirren, Denzel Washington, Jeff Bridges, Emma Stone and Casey Affleck, and the highly-acclaimed Panel Series featuring discussions among accomplished industry professionals.

For tickets and event lineup, check out www.sbiff.org.

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WHERE TO STAY, WINE AND DINE e small towns in Santa Barbara county's Santa Ynez Valley, Lompoc, Goleta, Santa Maria and areas north treasure their Old West heritage and 20th century innovations. ere's the quaint Danish village of Solvang, Fess Parker's hotel and winery in Los Olivos, Lompoc's murals and neighboring beach paradise, and the thousands of acres nourishing premium varieties of vines, flowers, fresh produce, horse ranches, cattle and sheep. In addition to exploring these small cities, there are lots of wine tours, horseback riding, biking, hiking, tandem skydiving, boat excursions, SUP (standup paddleboards), kayaking, sailing, surfing, and the city of Santa Barbara's historic section, famed Paseo Nuevo's and State Street's limitless variety of boutiques, galleries, shops, wineries, eateries and entertainment nightly.

Dining options throughout the county are truly unlimited. Choices include fresh seafood and steak houses, farm to table, Mexican, Italian and French oen paired with local wines, plus the fine fare offered at the resorts.

If you want to stay in the city, historic B&Bs including e Simpson House Inn, Spanish Garden Inn, and e Upham Hotel & Country House each offer a delightfully charming ambience. If you want the multitude of perks found at the luxury resorts, check out Belmond El Encanto, Four Seasons Resort e Biltmore Santa Barbara, Bacara Resort and Spa, and in nearby Montecito, San Ysidro Ranch where Vivien Leigh married Laurence Olivier, Jessica Simpson wed Eric Johnson and JFK and Jackie honeymooned.

In today's world of cell phones and selfies, everyone can be a photographer. You can create your own moving pictures of Santa Barbara, and it won't cost you a nickel to watch them.

Check out www.santabarbaraca.com | 1.805.966.9222 or 1.800.676.1266. ❖

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Ultimate Escape Ad

I don’t see this ad in the Dropbox

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FLYING OVER SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

THE GOLD COAST’S BEST ZIP LINES BY

DUSTIN CLENDENEN

O

OnCe uPOn A tiMe, ziPLining WAS An ACtuAL

mode of transportation in countries such as Australia and China, but here in America, soaring through the air on a rope is just a really cool and fun way to spend an aernoon.

With year-round 72 degree and sunny weather, Southern California is replete with lots of options for ziplining, granting riders the ability to enjoy mountain, ocean, forest and valley views all within a radius of several hundred miles.

If you want to have one of these pseudo-hang-gliding experiences yourself, here are the best places in SoCal to hop on a zipline: H

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THE CATALINA ZIPLINE ECO-TOUR is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Southern California, and perhaps the best way to really see it in all its glory is by a two-hour zipline tour. e course is intense but perfect for beginners, with friendly guides talking you through each progressively steeper incline. e final even runs a seemingly endless 1,100 lineal feet from platform to platform.

As you soar through the air, you’re probably going to see some of the island’s furry inhabitants watching you from the hillsides, including the non-native American Bison that were flown to the locale in 1924 for the filming of a movie called e Vanishing American. is is the only place in Southern California that offers night-time ziplining, so if you’re a seasoned zipliner looking for a new kind of thrill, this could be the perfect treat! 1 Descanso Canyon Rd.,

WWW.WIDEWAKES.COM

CATALINA ISLAND

Avalon, CA 90704, (310) 510-7422 VISITCATALINAISLAND.COM

ZIPLINES AT PACIFIC CREST At Pacific Crest, you don’t just get to zipline, you get to really learn how to zipline. e ZIPLINES AT PACIFIC CREST have two of the most thrilling courses in the entire country, sending flyers soaring through the canyons of the San Gabriel Mountains at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. Just 75 miles from downtown Los Angeles, the premium Canopy Tour they offer is an exhilarating 3.5 hour zipline excursion using nine different ziplines, going down from an elevation of over 300 feet, and as far as 1,500 feet. ey also offer a shorter tour that’s only 2.5 hours long at a discount.

6014 Park Dr., Wrightwood, CA 92397, (760) 705-1003 ZIPLINESPC.COM

LA JOLLA ZIP ZOOM WWW.LAJOLLAZIPZOOM.COM

e foothills of the Palomar Mountain range have been an outdoor vacation destination for decades.

Located on a Luiseño Indian Reservation, in 1930s the tribe opened the La Jolla Indian Campground, and it was an instant success, attracting thousands with its remote yet close-to-civilization environment and fun attractions like tubing in the San Luis Rey River.

Most recently, they opened the LA JOLLA ZIP ZOOM, a spectacular zipline tour that has riders soaring over the mountain peaks, lush green canyons and campgrounds they’ve been enjoying from the ground for years. 22000 Highway 76,

Pauma Valley, CA 92061, (760) 742-3776 LAJOLLAZIPZOOM.COM H

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SEREN

Sold at

www.serenapothecary.com and

766 Lakefield Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91361 www.beautyhabit.com

An enticing fragrance composed around

Osmanthus blossoms. The wearer will be

transported to a vintage convertible on a country road. Just imagine, worn leather seats and the gentle hum of the engine

as warm summer air envelopes the body.

This hypnotic essence introduces refreshing top notes of lemon, hints of gardenia and

a kiss of sheer Jasmine. Base notes of tea and bergamot give Willow an intoxicating warmth. This delicate and fresh scent is uniquely seductive.

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SKULL CANYON ZIPLINE SKULL CANYON dons a hardcore name for a reason — the extreme course requires that riders pull the handbrake themselves, and first timers are highly discouraged from going on this course. ey even have a no bailouts policy if a rider’s nerves get to them.

Located in Corona’s Temescal Canyon region, Skull Canyon is well known for attracting expert riders who know how to perform tricks. e panoramic views one can experience on the intermediate course were even featured in a viral Buzzfeed video! e final run of the extreme course is so popular it’s even offered as an a la carte purchase for riders who just want that final shot of adrenaline over and over and over. 13540 Temescal

Canyon Road, Corona, CA 92883, (951) 471-0999 SKULLCANYON.COM

SKYPARK AT SANTA’S VILLAGE Aer SANTA’S VILLAGE novelty wore off as a year-round Christmas-themed amusement park, the space was reimagined as a family-friendly adventure-land. e new park includes a mountain-biking trail and most importantly, a zipline. e zipline takes riders high above the park into the beautiful and crisp mountain air. e eclectic environment where theme-park attractions sit right alongside Southern California flora and fauna makes this one of the most unique zipline excursions in the country. 28950 Highway 18, Skyforest,

CA 92385, (909) 744-9373 SKYPARKSANTASVILLAGE.COM

MARGARITA ADVENTURES

WWW.MARGARITA-ADVENTURES.COM

MARGARITA ADVENTURES definitely lives up to its name. While most other ziplines eschew association with alcohol, when you finish this ride it actually drops you off at a winery so you can steady your nerves aer the two and a half hour adventure.

Situated over Santa Margarita Ranch, the zipline flies riders over one of the oldest continually operating cattle ranches in California, educating patrons about the area’s history and nature between each leg of the excursion. 22719 El Camino

Real, Santa Margarita, CA 93453, (805) 438-3120 MARGARITA-ADVENTURES.COM

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M OXI MUSEUM OF IMAGINATION AND INSPIRATION ROBYN FLANS / P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F JASON RICK AND MOXI, THE WOLF MUSEUM OF EXPLORATION + INNOVATION

BY

JASON RICK (3)

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: 1. MOXI is located at 125 State

Street adjacent to the popular Funk Zone neighborhood and just two blocks up from Stearns Wharf and the beach. The building was designed by the late Barry Berkus and AB Design Studio, and is LEED Gold Certified. 2. The Muller Family Sound Track on the museum’s main floor is all about exploring the world of sound from sound patterns to vibration and more.

Experiences include stepping inside a Giant Guitar or into a Foley Studio to create the sound effects for popular film clips provided by Fox Studios. 3. The Levinson Family Sky Garden features beautiful views of the city of Santa Barbara from the mountains to the ocean as well as a series of interactive exhibits including a fountain and water play area called Whitewater.

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The Levinson Family Sky Garden features beautiful views of the city of Santa Barbara from the mountains to the ocean as well as a series of interactive exhibits including a fountain and water play area called Whitewater.

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The Tech Track is the first of seven themed exhibit zones or “tracks” that MOXI guests encounter. The Tech Track features the Sheldon Family Handprint Globe, a makerspace known as the Innovation Workshop and the Innovation Wall. The Innovation Workshop houses a range of hi- and lowtech tools and materials including 3-D printers, a laser cutter and more.

“You watch a 30-second clip with professional sound and then you have the opportunity to record over it with your own soundtrack, with your own sound effects,” Swanson explained.

“You get two or three passes. It plays back the finished product and you can email it to yourself.”

Also located on the first floor is the Fantastic Forces Courtyard, where visitors can explore such forces like magnetism, gravity and electricity. e second floor houses the Light Track, which is one of Swanson’s personal favorites.

“If you remember the toy Lite Brite, there was a box you plugged in with a light bulb in back with a black pattern over a peg board and the pegs glowed. We basically have a wall size of one of those and it’s really fun,” Swanson says. “For adults, there’s a bit of nostalgia and kids love it too.”

Swanson describes Mosaic Faces as the “ultimate selfie.” You can manipulate your shot in a variety of ways and then forward the image to yourself.

Speed Track contains one of the museum’s most popular exhibits - Build it, Test it, Race it. “I refer to it as the high tech cousin of Pinewood Derby,” Swanson says. “You build your own car out of component wood pieces and then you put your creation at the bottom of the track, hit the button and it takes it up the conveyor belt to the top. ree people can race at the same time.” e exhibits that are located on the rooop are able to take advantage of the outdoor environment. One of the best examples of this is the Whitewater, an interactive fountain with a series of pumps and jets that visitors can experiment with. ere is also a periscope, telescope, kaleidoscope, thermal imaging camera and a LIDAR speed detection device.

Ron Skinner, Director of Education, says that the museum began hosting school field trips last Spring and have already seen

The Tech Track is the first of seven themed exhibit zones or “tracks” that MOXI guests encounter. The Tech Track features the Sheldon Family Handprint Globe, a makerspace known as the Innovation Workshop and the Innovation Wall. The Innovation Workshop houses a range of hi- and low-tech tools and materials including 3-D printers, a laser cutter and more.

MOXI,

the Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation in Santa Barbara, opened in February of this year and visitors will quickly take note that there are very few instructions on how to do anything. at’s because the founders want the available tools to spark creativity and imagination without directions. In fact, the helpers running around in blue t-shirts are called “Sparks.”

With 17,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits organized around seven broad topic areas - Tech Track, Sound Track, Fantastic Forces Courtyard, Light Track, Speed Track, Interactive Media Track and Sky Garden - visitors can be sure of an endless amount of hands-on activities to ignite a spark in all age groups. e dream of the non-profit museum had been in discussion for 20 years and it finally opened at the end of February with the help of many donors, but particularly local writer/producer Dick Wolf of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” fame (notice the name “Wolf” in the museum name).

While touring the museum with Martha Swanson, Director of Marketing and Communications, she points out the Maker Space, the Sound Track with the giant guitar (which demonstrates sound waves), and the three foley studios as highlights on the first floor.

With microphones and a variety of noisemaking tools, visitors are able to choose a clip from a selection of popular movies.

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JASON RICK (3)

The Light Track on the second floor is an area where science and technology beautifully combine with visual arts and creative expression. Explore light, color, shadows and more. Guests and passersby on State Street can’t miss the Lois and Richard Gunther Color Mixing Machine suspended above the main entrance door.

The Levinson Family Sky Garden features beautiful views of the city of Santa Barbara from the mountains to the ocean as well as a series of interactive exhibits including a fountain and water play area called Whitewater.

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The Tech Track is the first of seven themed exhibit zones or “tracks” that MOXI guests encounter. The Tech Track features the Sheldon Family Handprint Globe, a makerspace known as the Innovation Workshop and the Innovation Wall. The Innovation Workshop houses a range of hi- and low-tech tools and materials including 3-D printers, a laser cutter and more.

The Muzzy Family Speed Track on MOXI’s second floor includes a main exhibit called “Build It. Test It. Race It.” where guests can design their own car and race it down a track that collects data about the car’s speed and motion.

4,000 students from as far North as San Luis Obisbo County and Los Angeles County to the South. Currently they are working on an exhibits curriculum map to be unveiled in the Fall.

“Teachers will be able to go online, see our exhibits and understand what aspects of their grade level specific next generation science standards tie in with each exhibit,” Skinner explained. “A second grade class may interact very differently with the Roll-It Wall where you can build tracks and roll different balls down the tracks, than a fifth grade class.”

Skinner adds that they are working on accessibility to people with a variety of physical disabilities. “With our giant guitar, for instance, you can not only hear sounds, but you can feel vibrations by standing inside the body of the guitar,” Skinner explains. “You can see the vibrating strings.

Depending on how best you perceive the world, there are always a variety of ways to do it at our exhibits.”

MOXI even has an adult night called the “Aerparty” with food, drink, music, themed activities and competitive games. e next one will be held on October 20. “ey’re playing in the museum,” Skinner says.

Swanson assures that a “good time can be had for all” at the museum and that different activities will be experienced in unique ways for different ages.

Skinner agrees. “I haven’t seen a case where somebody came into the museum and couldn’t find that sweet spot.” ❖

The Muller Family Sound Track on the museum’s main floor is all about exploring the world of sound from sound patterns to vibration and more. Experiences include stepping inside a Giant Guitar or into a Foley Studio to create the sound effects for popular film clips provided by Fox Studios.

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125 State Street Santa Barbara, 93101 (805) 770-5000 HOURS: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily PRICE: Adults 13+ $14 Children (3-12) $10 2 and under: Free

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THE CLEMENT HOTEL PALO ALtO

BY

•••

MONIQUE REIDY

The Clement Hotel www.theclementpaloalto.com (650) 322-7111 711 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94301

T

the SiLiCOn vALLeY, WeLL-KnOWn AS the breeding

ground for state-of-the-art technology, is also fast-becoming one of the most enjoyable vacation destinations in California.

Combine that leading-edge tech angle with lavish comfort and you have the Clement Hotel, a 6-star gem in Palo Alto. This elegant, all-inclusive property features 23 suites and rooms, each filled with an array of tech-savvy features.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the luxurious bathrooms, which feature a floor that heats upon entry, a self-lighted toilet with a cushy seat that warms to the user’s liking and a TV that appears within the large wall mirror. The inviting deep soaking tub is graced with deluxe amenities and the window coverings raise and lower electronically. The Matouk linens, 65”

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Samsung IPTVs, Nespresso Vertuoline coffee machines and well-stocked in-room refrigerators are just a few of the indulgences included in each guest room.

On the lobby level, guests may help themselves to a fully stocked pantry that is available 24 hours a day. e open kitchen adjoins to the dining room where meals can be enjoyed, but room service is also available anytime and may even be served poolside.

The rooftop pool has beautiful views of Palo Alto and a number of cabanas that offer privacy and shelter from the sun if required. Towels, sunscreen, chilled water bottles and sunglasses are available … and did I mention room rates are “all inclusive!?”

Perhaps the most impressive, among many, features of the Clement Hotel is the impeccable cleanliness and personalized service. With such indulgence guests may be tempted to spend their entire visit to the region simply relishing the property.

But a visit to Palo Alto offers much in the way of recreation just outside the hotel. From luxury shopping, charming cafes, and world-class restaurants, there’s never a shortage of entertainment options.

The Stanford Shopping Center, which includes such highend stores as Bloomingdale’s and Nieman Marcus is a few miles from the Clement, while Town and Country Village, with its unique boutiques and wonderful restaurants is just steps away.

Stanford University and its world-renowned Medical Center are nearby as is Palo Alto’s charming downtown district with its distinctive coffee shops and restaurants.

Tech buffs will enjoy an afternoon at the Computer History Museum and a drive to the Apple headquarters is a short 15 minutes away. The famed Facebook as well as Google campuses are each 10 minutes’ drive from the Clement Hotel. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy a day of wine-tasting in Napa Valley, only 70 miles out of town.

Palo Alto, commonly known as Steve Jobs’ hometown, is well worth the visit for the SoCal resident with little time to enjoy a trip out of town. Weekends are ideal and most relaxing since the area caters to a business clientele on weekdays and tends to be more congested. And with so much to do and a magnificent hotel in which to relax, even a 3-day escape can help guests feel refreshed and restored. H

PerhAPS the MOSt iMPreSSive, AMOng MAnY, feAtureS Of the CLeMent hOteL iS the iMPeCCAbLe CLeAnLineSS And PerSOnALized ServiCe.

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HOFSAS HOUSE

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Hofsas House www.hofsashouse.com (831) 624-2745 4th Ave & San Carlos Street Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

CArMeL-bY-the-SeA BY

MONIQUE REIDY

I

in StArK COntrASt tO teCh-fOrWArd SiLiCOn vALLeY

lies a one-square mile region determined to retain its traditional small-town roots. Carmel-by-the-Sea, not to be confused with nearby Carmel, just celebrated its 100-year anniversary. e originators of the area were inspired to create a “village in the forest by the sea” and this vision is still prevalent today. ere are no addresses or mailboxes, so locals visit the post office daily for their mail. And if guests show up with heels higher than two inches they may need to visit City Hall to obtain a high heel permit. Since the sidewalks are not uniform due to the large tree roots beneath, pedestrian safety is of chief concern.

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ere are no franchised food establishments, no discount warehouse stores no chain hotels or shops. Carmel-by-the-Sea is all about small Inns and Bed and Breakfasts. One of the most quaint and historic places to stay is the Bavarian-inspired Hofsas House with its old-world European wall murals and Dutch doors.

Founded more than 60 years ago by Donna Hofsas, it’s now owned and managed by the founder’s granddaughter, Carrie eis, who also serves on the small town’s city council. is 37-room, pet-friendly retreat, is known for its warmth and family hospitality, which can be experienced in the lobby every morning as a continental breakfast is served. e tiny downtown district is a few minutes’ walk from Hofsas House where unique shops, cafés, boutiques and restaurants can be found. ere are two libraries, four theaters and more than 40 galleries, many that feature artists creating their masterpieces during business hours.

Legendary actress Doris Day, who resides in the area, successfully advocated to make it entirely dog-friendly and it was recently named one of the most dog-friendly towns in the country. Shops in the nearby square leave water bowls for a shopper’s companion canine by the entrance and the local beach allows dogs to visit off-leash. Most restaurants have outdoor seating where dogs are welcomed to dine alongside their owner in the heated patios. Shop owners are sociable and genuinely interested in visitors and some, like the Cheese Shop, maintain a “try before you buy” policy. ere’s plenty to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, including taking a historic walking tour, hiking, golfing, wine-tasting, driving the scenic 17-Mile loop along Pebble Beach and much more.

Known as one of the most romantic towns in the U.S., Carmel-by-the-Sea is a distinctive must-visit area that is sure to will steal your heart. ❖

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dance floor, enjoy tasty eats in the food court, kick back in the VIP Lounge, take a free E-Photo, check out the Arts & Crafts booths, catch some sports action at the Live Sports Tent, and more.

There is an Animal Variety Show, Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Games and Inflatable Bounces.

SAntA bArbArA StudiO ArtiStS’ tOur September 1-4 santabarbaraca.com

KAAbOO deL MAr MuSiC feStivAL September 15-17 kaaboodelmar.com

t Kaaboo has shifted the paradigm with a new type of live entertainment experience. There’s hilarious comedy, contemporary art exhibitions and installments, gourmet cuisine and many more indulgences. Kaaboo also offers live music and guests have the opportunity to catch a set from the comfort of the Bask pool or you can stay late and dance at Club Elevate.

variety of unique products.

Nightly DJ spinning tunes while you spin on the ice.

At Jurassic Planet you can see more than 40 prehistoric creatures. There is also live entertainment daily.

LOS AngeLeS COuntY fAir September 1-24 lacountyfair.com

t There is something for everyone at the Fair. The carnival features more than 70 thrilling rides and 40 fun-filled games, including a new Ferris wheel. The Igloo features the Polar Ice Rink, a full-service ice-skating rink, and the Arctic Promenade, which offers a

shopping for one of-a-kind items among more than 150 festival vendors.

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This is the 59th Annual Catalina Festival of Art. Artists from all over the country exhibit and sell their works of fine art, sculpture, fine crafts and photography.

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More than 20 tall ships and other fascinating vessels from around the world will visit San Diego and visitors will enjoy touring the ships, marvelous food and drink from dozens of restaurant booths, a petting zoo, pirates, cannon battles on the bay, sunset cruises and

CAtALinA Art feStivAL September 15-17 catalinaartassociation.org/ festivals

POrt Of SAn diegO’S feStivAL Of SAiL September 1-4

LOng beACh LObSter feStivAL September 8 – 10 originallobsterfestival.com

t The Festival serves fresh Maine lobster and you can dance away the calories to a variety of popular artists throughout the day on the

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AbbOt KinneY feStivAL September 24 abbotkinney.org

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This year’s festival will include food trucks, beer and spirit gardens, live music, handcrafted goods, brick and mortar boutiques, renowned restaurants and art galleries. There will also be live music, a KidsQuad Family stage, pony rides, a mega slide, Ferris wheel, rock climbing, arts & crafts and more.

BY JANINE GO LDBER G

t The 16th Annual SBSA Tour is debuting a new partnership with The Distinctive Art Gallery, a contemporary, sophisticated and spacious venue. The Tour features world-class original art and a view inside Santa Barbara's leading artists' private studios. The two-day self-guided driving tour steers visitors to artists' studios through the stunning back roads, charming neighborhoods and estates of Santa Barbara.

heart health education, health screenings and more, all while raising funds and awareness for heart disease and stroke.

SAntA bArbArA’S heArt And StrOKe WALK September 23 www2.heart.org

t Bring friends, family or co-workers to enjoy a morning 5K walk along the beautiful beach. There will be

big brOtherS/big SiSterS Of OrAnge COuntY And the inLAnd eMPire’S bLACK tie event September 28 ocbigs.org/gourmetdinner

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The organization’s annual black-tie gourmet dinner will bring together 400 of the most influential gentlemen for a scotch, cigar and wine bar experience, followed by a sit-down dinner and entertainment. The event will be emceed by actor David Arquette.

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Art San Diego features an array of multifaceted programs for artistic expression and diversity. The event is

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t More than 180 restaurants in the San Diego area will be participating in this foodie-favorite event. With more than 180 participating restaurants to choose from across every neighborhood in the area, diners can be assured that appetites will be appeased and cravings will be satisfied with prix-fixe two course lunches and three course dinners.

bringing back Art Labs, the LaunchPad Program, San Diego Art Prize, and the Spotlight Program. Don’t miss this year’s exciting display of cutting-edge talent!

adaptation of the film. A witty and urbane comicdrama, Husbands and Wives follows two couples, facing middle age squarely in the face, whom find themselves questioning their faltering marriages.

jOShuA tree MuSiC feStivAL October 5-8

dAnCe SundAYS With debbie ALLen And friendS in beverLY hiLLS October 8

joshuatreemusicfestival.com

t This intimate, family friendly experience in the Mojave creates positive and meaningful life-changing moments. The music is diverse, positive and potent; featuring rising artists. A happy, loving and egalitarian space is created, where the boundary between artist and audience is blurred.

lovebeverlyhills.com

hArveSt feStivAL in deL MAr October 13-15 harvestfestival.com

t A haven for all things handmade, this Festival will showcase a stunning array of thousands of original creations in one place. With strolling entertainers, crafting demonstrations, contests and a Kidzone, the festivities transform shopping into an adventure.

ArtWALK venturA October 7-8 artwalkventura.org

WOOdY ALLen’S huSbAndS & WiveS in SAntA bArbArA October 5-22 etcsb.org

t The Ensemble Theatre Company launches its seasons with a world- premiere

Distinction. A graffiti artist, Shamsia often paints women in Burqas/women in symbolic shapes, and fishes, symbols of the atmosphere flowing around her and her own life experiences.

t ArtWalk Ventura is a fun, virtually free, self-guided tour of dozens of galleries, studios, pop-up venues and transformed PODS Containers. Esteemed artist Shamsia Hassani will be the visiting Global Artist of

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t Three-time Emmy Awardwinner Debbie Allen is back for the third season running with her wildly popular Dance Sundays, an exhilarating series of free, outdoor dance events - Salsa, African, Tap, Hip-Hop and more for the whole family.

LA KOreAn feStivAL October 12-15 lakoreanfestival.org

t This Festival promotes the history and culture of Korea to the younger generation of all ethnicities. As lanterns from Jinju light up the festival grounds, attendees can enjoy the visual beauty of Korea as well as the actual history. Enjoy the beauties that made Korea what the country is today in a beautiful site in Los Angeles.

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SAntA bArbArA hArbOr & SeAfOOd feStivAL

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October 14 harborfestival.org

t Guests will be able to meet fishermen face-to-face, select fresh-caught lobster and sea urchin “uni” and have them prepared on the spot. Visit specialty food booths for fish tacos, oysters, mussels, barbecued albacore, fresh crab, clam chowder and seafood paella. The event is presented by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Harbor Merchants.

t Steampunk is a blend of the Victorian Era and technology with a bit of Science Fiction and Fantasy - think of airships, goggles, jet packs, corsets, top hats, parasols, combined with imagination and a wee bit of whimsy. Doc Phineas will be the Master of Ceremonies. Costumes, characters, merchants and presenters are all encouraged to participate.

ing scrumptious bites, a free family art center, and silent auction, and more.

PALM SPringS MOderniSM ShOW & SALe October 21 fall.palmspringsmodernism.com

t The Fourth Annual Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale – Fall Edition will feature 40 premier national and international dealers offering furniture, decorative and fine arts representing all design movements of the 20th Century returning to Palm Springs Convention Center.

CALAbASAS PuMPKin feStivAL October 21-22

WeSt hOLLYWOOd’S hALLOWeen CArnAvAL October 31

LA jOLLA Art & Wine feStivAL October 7-8 ljawf.com

t La Jolla Art & Wine Festival offers incredible art, fine wine, and live entertainment. This two-day free, family-friendly celebration boasts a footprint of over half a mile and an expansive collection of more than 150 juried artists from around the globe. The Festival features roving entertainment, a gourmet marketplace serv-

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The carnival attracts 500,000 people dressed in wild costume and uninhibited crowds. The event features live entertainment on multiple stages, food vendors and more. The street party is free and open to the public and plenty of bars have drink specials and patio parties.

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The Pumpkin Festival offers live bands, a DJ dance zone, marketplace vendors, delicious food and pumpkin treats, pumpkin beer, pumpkin painting, professional pumpkin carving and more. The $5 admission price includes all inflatables & a giant slide, Halloween carnival games, reptiles & bug shows, contests, a Saturday morning costume parade plus car displays, bands, and a Business Expo.

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Get the bimonthly print edition of Southern California Life magazine to discover the hidden treasures of Southern California. From entertainment and recreation options, events, points of interest and profile features, Southern California Life magazine serves as a guide for residents and visitors to live, travel, and discover the Southern region of the Golden State.

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forts of a nice hotel, you just have to bring your own room.

If “RV resorts” aren’t your thing, there are a variety of other options available to you. You can try what is known as “dispersed camping,” which is generally on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or Corps of Engineers (COE) land, is usually quite remote and has costs ranging from free to very little. ere are no fancy extras; most offer little to nothing except dirt and a bit of peace and quiet. But for many of us, that’s worth a small fortune.

For me, I have a favorite little spot, just north of Ventura: Rincon Parkway Campground. It has 127 spots, no electricity, no running water and no sewer hookups. Each spot is 46 feet long and 20 feet wide, and you park on asphalt. e backside of your coach touches Pacific Coast Highway, and the trains run so close you can almost touch them and can certainly hear them throughout the night.

But, the front side. e front side makes it all worth it.

You’re so close to the Pacific Ocean that waves spray your coach during high tide. You look out at the Channel Islands all day long, and the lights from the oil derricks twinkle all night. Rare is the day dolphins aren't frolicking on your front porch, and the sunsets are spectacular. is million-dollar view is available for $30 a night and, to my way of thinking, is the best therapy money can buy.

Now that I’ve finished this column, it’s time to set up the hammock and grab a favorite book, a good cigar and a glass of bourbon. I can usually be found in spot 18 (my personal favorite), if you want to stop by. ❖

outhern California is well-known — and justifiably so — for being the car capital of the nation, maybe even the world. I have enjoyed writing about that previously in this column. However, within the category of moving vehicles, there is a sub-category that we have not yet looked at — recreational vehicles (RVs).

Research shows that Southern California, not surprisingly, has more RVs per capita than anywhere else in the world, not counting parts of Indiana where more than 90 percent of RVs are manufactured. RVs range from old camping vans (did the image of a VW pop top van just jump into your head?) and tent trailers to 45-foot rolling luxury apartments, which start at $500,000 and can quickly and easily climb to more than $1 million.

But the real attraction to Southern California for those who love RV camping (I know, is it really camping if you’re in an RV?) is the weather and the variety of camping options. If you love the beach, luxury and have $100-$300 a night for a spot, SoCal is the place to be. Starting in San Diego and winding all the way up the coast are beautiful campgrounds with amazing views. Prefer the desert? e greater Palm Springs area is full of RV parks, including some where you buy your own permanent site, build it out the way you like and use it as oen as you want. If your preference is the mountains, there are parks for you there as well. Many of these parks and resorts have clubhouses, pools, spas and movie rooms — all the com-

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MY SOuthern CALifOrniA

MORRO BAY judi buMSteAd

Judi Bumstead has been a professional photographer for 16 years. She is a photojournalist at heart and loves capturing candid

emotions. She is also a licensed Marriage and Family therapist and works with children experiencing loss using photography as a medium to enhance therapy. She can be reached at (805) 208-5492 or through her website at www.judibumsteadphotography.com.

While people around the world may only associate Southern California with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood or the laid back attitude of sunny San Diego, SoCal has so much more to offer. Just outside of its celebrated urban centers, it is a rugged place, a place of extremes, with hot red rock deserts, cold-water pacific islands with wild kelp beds, and snow capped mountain peaks.

At least, that’s how I see Southern California. How do you see it? We want to know! We at Southern California Life magazine are devoted to showing you all that it has to offer. We’ll close each issue showcasing the beauty of our region, with its landscapes, and landmarks. And we want you, our readers, to participate. For a chance to be published on our “My Southern California” photo page, follow us on Instagram (@socallifemag) and use these hashtags in your favorite photos of the landscapes, landmarks, and lifestyles that you think define our home:

#ThisIsMySoCal #SoCalLifeMagContest

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HERE, EVERY PLACE WILL BECOME

Y O U R N E W FAV O R I T E P L A C E .

LANA‘I BY FOUR SEASONS On an island of contrasts, you’ll find a world beyond compare.

Contact your Smart Flyer Travel Advisor to book your stay at Four Seasons Resort Lana‘i: Newport@Smartflyer.com

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BOOK YOUR STAY WITH A SMART FLYER TRAVEL ADVISOR. EMAIL: NEWPORT@SMARTFLYER.COM