Southern California Life_July.Aug 2015 by Antoni Pham

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UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

ANNIVERSARY

RECTIFY’S ON

SPENCER THE BIG GIRL STUFF

JULY/AUGUST 2015

SUMMER IN THE SOUTHLAND

SO CAL BED & BREAKFASTS SCENIC COASTAL BIKE RIDES TRAIL HIKING

LISA

VANDERPUMP’S WEST HOLLYWOOD

HOT SPOT PUMP

HAPPY HOUR BEACH BARS // BEST PARKS FOR PICNICS // SEASIDE CITY OF VENTURA //HOW TO WEAR WHITE //THE SOUTHLAND’S SIGNATURE MUSEUMS // HEALTHY JUICE BARS // SO CAL’S PEOPLE OF DISTINCTION: SCULPTOR DELESPRIE; GOLD MEDALIST RAFER JOHNSON; CNBC’S JANE WELLS AND MORE

JULY/AUGUST2015

CONTENTS Features + Profile SO CAL’S

PEOPLE OF

“I’m so grateful to be an artist where there’s a healthy place to express feelings.”

DISTINCTION

47 SO CAL’S PEOPLE OF DISTINCTION

48 RAFER JOHNSON

Keeping the Flame Alive By LYNN MORGAN

50 JANE WELLS

The Business of Business Reporting By ROBYN FLANS

51 DAVID COLTURI Red Bull Cliff Diver

By MACKENZIE MILLER

52 DELESPRIE

Sculptor, Teacher, Humanitarian

66 ABIGAIL SPENCER

By LINDA LANG

54 CAROLINE CALVIN AND JOIE RUCKER

On Friendship and Fashion By ROBYN FLANS

55 SHANNON GABOR Clever Creative

By ERIKA THOMAS

55 KEIRA HENNINGER Patagonia Ultra Runner By MACKENZIE MILLER

MODEL 56 RUNWAY Bob Hope – Burbank Airport Celebrates 85 Years By ERIKA THOMAS ABIGAIL SPENCER Photographed by Stephen Morales. Location Courtesy of Epona Estate, Hidden Valley, California

SPENCER 66 ABIGAIL Her Joy, Her Pain and Her Calling

By ROBYN FLANS

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - JULY.AUGUST2015

SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

JULY/AUGUST2015

CONTENTS

Departments

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER/EDITOR.IN.CHIEF

AFFAIRS TO REMEMBER

ENCHANTING ESCAPES

Style at Stonehaus

Safety Harbor Kids 8th Annual Concert Fundraiser and Party Southern California B&B Escapes By LINDA LANG

SIGNATURES & LANDMARKS

Universal Studios’ Century-Long Legacy of Entertainment

DARIO MALDONADO / PICTURE IT PERFECT

By ERIKA THOMAS

SO CAL CULTURE

Taking Sight of Our Southland Museums By IMAAN JALALI

TRENDING TALK

Preventing Travel Trouble By ESTHER C. BLEUEL, MA, MFT, MDR

FAB FINDS

Summer Essentials By NICOLE SCHMIDT

LISA VANDERPUMP

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Train Access to Easy and Scenic Coastal Bike Rides

bars that offer a “happy hour” worthy of a hard day’s work.

By RICHARD FOX

BUBBLES & BREWS

Get Jump-started with Invigorating Juice Bars By IMAAN JALALI

THE GOURMAND

Vanderpump Reigns at “Pump” By LYNN MORGAN

FIVE FAVES

Beach Bars and Happy Hour By IMAAN JALALI

THE HOOD

The Seaside City of Ventura By LINDA LANG

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TO-DO-LIST

By SCOTT HARRIS

The Hiking Trails

FAMILY FUN

Picnics in the Park By LINDA LANG

PERFECT PICKS How to Wear White By NICOLE SCHMIDT

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - JULY.AUGUST2015

ON THE CALENDAR

One of Southern California's most distinguished Victorian estates is Simpson House Inn dating back to 1874.

SOOO CAL

So Cal’s Time-Honored E Ticket! By SCOTT HARRIS

MY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Sunset in La Jolla, California

ON THE COVER ABIGAIL SPENCER Trolley courtesy of: “Hop Aboard Trolley” Elegant vintage-style trolley available for private parties, corporate events, wine tours and sightseeing. www.HAtrolley.com / 818-351-6242 / facebook.com/hopaboardtrolley

72 Five beach

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MONIQUE REIDY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CREATIVE DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR CALENDAR OF EVENTS EDITOR COMMUNICATION AND ADVICE EDITOR ENTERTAINMENT AND PROFILES EDITOR LANDMARKS AND HISTORICAL FEATURES EDITOR SPORTS & "SOOO CAL” EDITOR STYLE AND BEAUTY EDITOR TRAVEL EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER WEBSITE DESIGN | DIGITAL SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT INTERN

Antoni Pham Benny Haddad Imaan Jalali Janine Goldberg Esther Bleuel Robyn Flans Erika Thomas Scott Harris Nicole Schmidt Linda Lang Richard Fox, MacKenzie Miller, Lynn Morgan Erica Goddard, Garen Hagobian, Stephen Morales Jennifer Hurless Mike Kaiser, Karen Kaiser I www.searanchimages.com Lindsay B. V. Pincus

PUBLISHED BY

PUBLISHER | PRESIDENT SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, SALES AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, DIRECTOR OF SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES BOOKKEEPER CIRCULATION CONSULTANT LEGAL COUNSEL ADVISORY BOARD

SUBSCRIPTIONS EDITORIAL ADVERTISING

Monique Reidy Cheryl Dalton Hilary Bateman, Michelle Earnhart, Jenifer Lemon, Beth Penter Janine Goldberg Connie Schuh Doug Bitto Edward Corey, Esq. Catherine Jayne, Ph.D, Steve Bardwil, Esq., Bill Bleuel, Ph.D, Patty Macmillan, Elena Nikitina, Doug Sylvester, Mary Wagstaff, Debbie Widerøe, Kelly Trevethan, Scott Harris Info@SoCalLifemag.com Editorial@SoCalLifemag.com Ads@SoCalLifemag.com

Southern California Life magazine is published by Elysian Media Group, LLC. ©2015 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.

socallifemag July/August 2015 Printed in the USA.

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FROM THE OU CAN’T GO TOO FAR AROUND THE SOUTHLAND WITHOUT BUMPING INTO THEM. CELEBRITIES ARE A STANDARD FEATURE OF THIS PART OF THE COUNTRY AND THOSE WHO HAVE GROWN UP IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ARE ACCUSTOMED TO SPOTTING THEM AND MOVING ALONG. Visitors who are unaccustomed to catching sight of actors “in the flesh” can occasionally get star-struck, which of course makes them easy to spot (the tourists, not the celebrities). Most celebs are down-to-earth and kind, some can be rude and not so kind, which I suppose is the case with humans in any profession.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Bottom row:

Actress Abigail Spencer, Publicist Joey Monroe, Photographer's Assistant Team Taline and Garen Hagobian Middle row:

Make-Up Artist Terri Apanasewicz, Wardrobe Stylist Nicolas Bru Back row:

Hair Stylist Craig Gangi

Actress Abigail Spencer, who bounced into our cover shoot venue chronicling how she’d spent her

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PUBLISHER/

EDITOR .IN.CHIEF

We also feature another amazmorning as though we were longing woman with a long list of her time friends, falls into the first catown talents and exploits in our egory. Sensible, sweet and com“Gourmand” section, Lisa pletely unfazed by her stardom, she Vanderpump. Her restaurant, made an immediate connection Pump, is currently with the procesone of the trendiest sion awaiting her “THE MOST hot spots in Los as they began SPLENDID Angeles. primping, dressACHIEVEMENT OF In addition to ing, styling, posALL IS THE CONthe motivational ing, shooting, STANT STRIVING personalities you’ll interviewing and TO SURPASS read about in this, invading her our summer issue, space the rest of YOURSELF AND we also offer an the afternoon. TO BE WORTHY array of recreation Because a photo OF YOUR OWN options to appease shoot can cause a APPROVAL.” both locals and visibit of a distur! DENIS WAITLEY ! tors. Read about the bance, we assortment of scenic attracted groups trail hikes from Santa Barbara to of onlookers who were curious San Diego and where the happiest about what was happening. The beach bars and happy hours hapartists and photographers were pen. We outline the exceptional focused and undistracted, while “must-not-miss” museums in So Abigail, warm and social, interactCal, suggest where to find the best ed with the crowd, quipped with parks for picnics and direct you to them as she posed and made them the healthiest juice bars around. feel welcome. Pretty darn cool. We reveal nearly everything you’ll There is an abundance of cool want to know about the historic Southern Californians – not just seaside town of Ventura, and film and TV celebrities but stars in uncover some of the best Bed & their own designated specialties. Breakfasts in Southern California. These champs have earned an attiWe at Southern California Life tude but refuse to carry one. They magazine wish you a fun and relaxare winners in sports, business, ing summer and hope this issue philanthropy, art, fashion and can provide ideas and suggestions more, not just because of the tribto make that wish a reality. And if utes or medals they’ve collected, you’re just passing through and but because they have changed happen to spot some of our celebritheir world and that of many othties, remember … you’re just as ers’ by their diligence and dedicaspecial as they are. tion. We honor these men and women in a section titled “People of Distinction” to recognize them Warmest wishes, and applaud their worthy achievements and contributions.

MONIQUE REIDY,

Publisher/Editor.in.Chief

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - JULY.AUGUST2015

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AFFAIRS TO REMEMBER

➺

STYLE AT STONEHAUS Professional Image Expert and Stylist Jennifer Shultz’s Spring Style Fashion and charity event featured the latest from Marisa Kenson, MK Collab, J. Hilburn, What a Betty, Lozanos Jewelry, and Love Salt Shoes. Celebrity hair and makeup artist Allen Edwards created stunning looks for local men and women who walked the runway at Stonehaus in Westlake Village, while Shultz inspired the audience with ideas for looking and feeling great head-to-toe. The April 14 event benefitted the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley. www.jennifershultzstyles.com/events

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CONGRATULATIONS to our Director of Photography, Benny Haddad on his marriage to Blair White, May 16, 2015. We at Southern California Life magazine wish you both a lifetime of joy and cherished memories.

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AFFAIRS TO REMEMBER

Fred Tackett and Paul Barrere of Little Fred

Albert Lee and Peter Asher

Van Dyke

SHK Music Programs 2010 Guitar Lessons

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SAFETY HARBOR KIDS

A musical gathering took place to benefit Southern California nonprofit, Safety Harbor Kids Santa Barbara, on Saturday, April 18th, at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. The enchanted evening began with a stark look at reality through a Safety Harbor Kids video narrated by local resident Malcolm McDowell, depicting the struggles of teen foster children and the reason for the concert. The opening of the show brought the beautiful harmonies of Inara George (daughter of famed Little Feat founder Lowell George) with humorist and musical genius Van Dyke Parks on keys, and bassist David Piltch. Next up came platinum selling, award winning, alt-rock band Dishwalla, Rodney Cravens, Justin Fox and George Pendergast. The evening continued as Albert Lee took the stage and performed an amazing set with John Thomas, AKA JT, and Will MacGregor. He was joined by music legend, guitarist, singer, songwriter and record producer, Peter Asher who also MC’d the entire show for the charity. Headlining the event were longtime supporters of the charity, Fred Tackett and Paul Barrere of Little Feat along with Hani Naser on Percussion/Oud. The set included

Albert Lee, Ferd Tackett, Paul Barrere and Kenny Gradney

Dishwalla

Honest Man and Sailin’ Shoes with Fred and Paul, joined by Little Feat bassist, Kenny Gradney, and the evening’s performers for the finale, Dixie Chicken. Safety Harbor Kids’ mission is to help educate orphans, foster and homeless children in the areas of college, career, music and the arts. Our “Expressions in the Arts Program” sponsors include Neiman Marcus and Southern California Edison. To join, or sponsor a child today please go to www.SafetyHarborKids.org or call 800-277-0497.

THE MISSION is to enrich the lives of disadvantaged children through education in the areas of College, Career and the Arts. Our long-term goal is to build a College, Career and the Arts Center. We focus on improving the lives of orphans, foster, parentless and homeless in Los Angeles, Ventura County, Santa Barbara, United States and Worldwide.

Inara George

A special thank you to event partners: Southern California Life magazine, StarPower, Dama Tequila, Longshot Coffee, Crawford Family Wines, Capri Hotel Ojai, Rocco's Palisades, McCabe’s Guitar Shop, The Deer Lodge, Lisa S. Johnson, Ojai Business Center, Remo, Soule Park Golf Course. “It Only Takes one Touch to Heal a Heart” ABOUT SAFETY HARBOR KIDS: Founded in 2007 by John Williams, a parentless child at age 9, SHK has helped thousands of children learn that they can accomplish their goals and dreams.

JULY.AUGUST2015 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE

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ENCHANTING ESCAPES

Southern C BED AND BREAKFAST INNS, OFTEN UPDATED 19TH AND 20TH CENTURY RESIDENCES, GENERALLY TAKE US BACK TO A SIMPLE TIME OF GRACE, SOMETIMES GRANDEUR, ENHANCED WITH TODAY'S COMFORT STANDARDS. THERE'S SOMETHING TO BE SAID ABOUT CHECKING YOUR TABLET OR SMART PHONE FOR EMAILS WHILE SEATED ON AN ANTIQUE QUEEN ANNE CHAIR IN THE DRAWING ROOM OF AN EARLY 1900S VICTORIAN HOME.

Today's B&B amenities generally feature stylish, individually-designed rooms with beautifully-appointed bathrooms, TVs and DVD players, cozy libraries, sitting and dining areas, wireless Internet, and many loan books and movies for your in-room viewing pleasure. Each inn's signature full buffet or sit-down breakfast and afternoon refreshments such as tea and cookies and wine tastings with hors d'oeuvres are also standard. Above all, B&B service is very personalized as the staff is always there when you have any requests or need recommendations for dining, shopping, sightseeing and other activities.

ON THIS PAGE:

1. Some of the Simpson House Inn accommodations have their own patios. 2. Each guest room has its own sitting area with reading lamps. 3. The Inn is one of California's most distinguished Victorian-era estate B&Bs. Courtesy of David Young-Wolff

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alifornia B&B Escapes BED & BREAKFAST

â&#x153;&#x2019; BY

LINDA LANG

SIMPSON HOUSE INN

in Santa Barbara

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3 One of Southern California's most distinguished Victorian estates is Simpson House Inn dating back to 1874. The buildings, all meticulously restored, are nestled within an acre of award-winning English gardens protected by high hedges. Just minutes from historic downtown Santa Barbara, the inn offers the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the surrounding area also known as "The American Riviera." Lots of food and film festivals, exhibitions, and other events enhance the long list of diverse dining spots to try, boutiques and galleries to peruse, historic monuments to explore, stunning panoramas and sunsets to view, as well as beach activities, biking and hiking, all creating the unique Santa Barbara lifestyle. Honored with a Structure of Merit Award and Historic Landmark Status, Simpson House Inn features 15 beautifully furnished manor house guest rooms, carriage house suites and garden cottages. Each has its own exquisite dĂŠcor complete with classic furnishings, discreetly placed cable TVs, DVD players, wireless Internet and complimentary streaming movies. Some have private porches or patios, fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, antique clawfoot tubs and one has a full kitchen. A generous gourmet breakfast, evening wine tasting with hors d'oeuvres buffet, in-room spa services and a most cordial staff headed by manager Gillean Wilson will add to your pleasure. 805-963-7067 | www.simpsonhouseinn.com CONTINUED

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ENCHANTING ESCAPES BED & BREAKFAST

Channel Road Inn is on a winding road just a block from the beach. Recently ranked as a top bed and breakfast in Los Angeles by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, this is the ideal locale for those wanting to be near beach city activity and nightlife with Santa Monica's pedestrian shopping mall and great restaurants just minutes away, and Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip and West L.A. scene within a short drive. Built in 1910 by Thomas McCall for his large family, a third floor was added to the elaborate wood-shingled home to accommodate 15 guest rooms which come in various sizes and locations throughout the house. Bikes are also available for exploring the strand and surrounding eclectic neighborhoods. Manager Heather Suskin and her team can point you in the right direction. Its signature breakfast buffet features hot entrées such as blueberry pancakes, artichoke quiche, Grand Marnier French toast as well as freshly-baked buttermilk muffins, blueberry sour cream scones and pumpkin muffins. A complimentary glass of wine, assorted cheeses and hors d’oeuvres are offered each afternoon. Different cookies are also baked fresh daily — a tradition found in most of the 15 California boutique inns in the elite Four Sisters Inns collection.

CHANNEL ROAD INN

in Santa Monica

310-459-1920 | www.channelroadinn.com

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4. Channel Road Inn is located a few hundred feet from Santa Monica Beach. 5. The living room is a great place to relax with a glass of wine and discuss the day's adventures. 6. The property has 15 individuallydecorated guest rooms. Courtesy of Four Sisters Inns

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9 BLUE LANTERN INN

in Dana Point

Although many B&Bs are renovated historic structures, Blue Lantern Inn was designed and built in timeless Nantucket style to enhance the enjoyment of this extraordinary coastal setting. Listed on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List and as a Top U.S. Seaside Inn by Travel + Leisure, the building sits high on a bluff overlooking Dana Point Yacht Harbor with panoramic ocean, harbor or city views from almost every window Also featured on the “Today Show” as one of the most affordable beach resorts, each of the 29 spacious guestrooms have a fireplace, sitting area, oversized bath with a jetted spa tub, HD TV with premium movie channels, refrigerator and high speed Internet. There's also an on-site spa, fitness room, two small meeting rooms, and you can borrow bicycles, beach chairs, towels and umbrellas. Books and games are also on loan at the front desk. Parking is complimentary. Also at Four Sisters Inn, you'll find the same basic signature breakfast, afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres, and freshly-baked cookies served at Channel Road Inn. Don't hesitate to ask long-time manager Lin McMahon and her concierge team for sightseeing suggestions including theme parks such as Legoland and Disneyland as well as restaurants, shops, galleries and other interests. You might also want to get tickets for the internationally-renowned Laguna Beach Pageant of the Masters held July 8-August 31. 800-950-1236 or 949-661-1304 www.bluelanterninn.com CONTINUED

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7. Blue Lantern Inn has its own spa. 8. The tower suite boasts magnificent views. 9. The award-winning property overlooks the Dana Point Harbor. 10. The Inn reflects the timeless Nantucket style. Courtesy of Four Sisters Inns

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ENCHANTING ESCAPES

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BED & BREAKFAST

THE 1906 LODGE

at Coronado Beach

12 ON THIS PAGE:

11. The award-winning 1906 Lodge is near all activities in Coronado. 12. The main sitting area offers a cozy spot to relax and meet other guests. 13. All guest rooms are individually decorated. 14. Beautifully-landscaped gardens bordering winding walkways add charm to the tranquil property. 15. One of the breakfast options features pancakes and fresh fruit. Courtesy of 1906 Lodge

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Across the bay from San Diego lies Coronado, a sunny isle of small shops, galleries, restaurants, historic buildings and parks, all rimmed by an award-winning beach packed with water sports options and even its own golf course. With idyllic weather year-round, everything is within comfortable walking or biking distance of the award-winning 1906 Lodge at Coronado Beach, built eight years after the legendary Hotel del Coronado. The Lodge opened in 2009 following a major renovation, adding 11 luxury spa suites, secure underground parking, small conference and business centers, décor throughout celebrating the island's history. The 17 guest rooms, each with private entrance, balcony, spa tub, wet bar and fireplace, commemorate a noted person or place from the early 1900s such as “Kate’s Garden,” honoring local horticulturist Kate Sessions, and “Polo Field,” saluting Coronado's polo fields of long ago. Amenities also include plush spa robes, complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, and loaner bikes, beach cruisers, towels and chairs. A sumptuous rotating breakfast menu of carrot cake pancakes, savory egg dishes and freshly baked items is served daily in the dining room and adjacent terrace, while the afternoon happy hour takes place in the parlor. Don't hesitate to ask manager Susan Nelson and her staff for any assistance. 619-437-1900 | www.1906lodge.com ❖

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SIGNATURES & LANDMARKS

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

FROM TALKIES TO TRANSFORMERS

Universal Studios’ Century-Long Legacy of Entertainment ✒ BY

ERIKA THOMAS

IN THE EARLY 1900S, FILMMAKERS SUCH AS D.W. GRIFFITH AND ADOLPH ZUKOR BEGAN MIGRATING WEST TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TEMPERATE WEATHER SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HAD TO OFFER. YEARROUND SUN, COM-

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - JULY.AUGUST2015

BINED WITH VERSATILE TERRAIN (WHICH WAS ABLE TO DEPICT EVERY LOCALE FROM MONGOLIA TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC) PROVED TO BE A MUCH MORE PROFITABLE OPTION FOR MOVIE-MAKING THAN THE FREEZING (AND AS A RESULT LIMITING) TEMPERATURES OF THE EAST.

In 1912, German-born Carl Laemmle and a handful of other up-and-coming moguls established the Universal Film Manufacturing Company in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Giving himself the title of president, Laemmle would venture out to Los Angeles and move his motion picture company onto a 235acre chicken farm in the

San Fernando Valley. To gain a following and generate extra cash, Laemmle opened up to the public. Visitors could pay 25 cents for admission (and five cents more for a boxed chicken lunch) to sit on the grassy hillside and watch movies being made. Although it had become a popular attraction, Laemmle would eventually have to close the sets. With the advent of “talkies” the clamoring effect of often-excited onlookers who were quickly becoming fans of their favorite players (Rudolph Valentino and Mary Pickford among them), would prove to be a distraction for actors trying to recite their lines; soundproofing and privacy had become necessary. Universal would close for nearly five decades, but would not lose the public’s interest during that time. SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

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Upon its 1961 re-opening, the studio would offer bus rides (to accommodate the vast amount of visitors) hosted by the Gray Line Company. The idea seemed to work in the beginning, but when executives consulted theme park wizard Buzz Price (who’d worked his magic on Disneyland and Walt Disney World by finding strategic locations for the parks) about the success of a contracted bussing method, Price couldn’t ensure that it would be a winner. Universal would close to the public once again, this time for three years. Re-opening on July 15, 1964, and no longer outsourcing to Gray Line, Universal began operating their own tram tours. Cashing in on the glamour of Hollywood and its stars, the studio offered its visitors rides on a pink and white striped “Glamor Tram” for $2.50. Tooling through the back lot, the tram stopped at

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makeup and hair demonstrations, celebrities’ dressing rooms and offered a peek inside the costume collection of legendary designer, Edith Head. Other attractions included a western stunt show and visitors even had the chance to dine inside the studio’s famed commissary, something that

would prove to be a huge draw; just the thought of running into one of their favorite stars having lunch made the attraction one of the most exciting for visitors. And although the unpredictability of filming caused frequent schedule and route changes with the Glamor Trams (something that still happens at Universal Studios even today), it offered a slice of movie-making authenticity to park guests, further adding to their experience. By the end of the 1960s, Universal would follow in the footsteps of Disneyland and other theme parks by installing permanent fixtures (including a treacherous collapsing bridge and a parting of the Red Sea from the film “The Ten Commandments”). By 1976 the park would add the most successful attraction to date, “JAWS”. The

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mere idea of a 25-foot tram-eating shark emerging from the water to swallow visitors whole would secure Universal’s place in theme park history, only being outdone in 1986 when they opened “King Kong.” Both attractions remain among the park’s most popular to this day. Today Universal Studios offers the newest in hightech, state-of-the-art attractions and entertainment. Guests come from all around the world to enjoy multi-billion dollar attractions and rides that range from perennial favorites (“JAWS”, “E.T.” and “The Simpsons”), to the latest and greatest that Hollywood has to offer (“Fast and Furious”, “Shrek 4-D”, “Transformers 3-D” and “Despicable Me”). Although much has changed since the days of 25-cent admission, Carl Laemmle’s vision to offer people the chance to see movie-making up close — and even become a part of it — has created a legacy that’s still apparent when you visit Universal Studios an entire century later. ❖

JULY.AUGUST2015 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE

Yes, You You Can Reach Y Your our Fitness Goals! G

ProActive A

Pilates Studio

Call to oday for more inffor mation

805-55 54-1524

860 Hampsshire Rd. #V Westlake Villa age, CA 91361 www.proactivepilates.com

• Expert master instructors structors • Certified training centerr for instructors • One-on-one or group up sessions

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SO CAL CULTURE

MUSEUMS

TAKING SIGHT OF OUR

SOUTHLAND MUSEUMS â&#x153;&#x2019; BY

IMAAN JALALI

MUSEUMS ARE TIME-CAPSULED REMINDERS OF HUMANITY'S MOST MEMORABLE EFFORTS, WHILE ALSO SIGNALING PERHAPS THE CREATIONS, INVENTIONS, AND BREAKTHROUGHS OF OUR YET-TO-BE-WRITTEN FUTURE. Museums also serve as an engrossing way to learn about art, science, natural history, aeronautics, and music in a manner that combines the visual with the aural inside well-maintained, palatial-like structures. Museums, too, are places of peace, holy grounds unto themselves that appeal to the

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meditative soul, as much as they do to the inquisitive mind. Truly, they are classrooms for all ages that come to life, offering an interactive domain that compel feelings of respect and awe out of the observer. In Southern California alone, there are myriad signature museums that would, if not inspire appreciation, at least serve as learning opportunities about several subjects. In fact, there are exhibits at each of the following seven museums, including one that is multi-part museum, that may stir passion about topics that would have otherwise been unrealized. H JULY.AUGUST2015 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE

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SO CAL CULTURE

MUSEUMS

1 COURTESY CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER

California Science Center

700 Exposition Park Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 724-3623 CaliforniaScienceCenter.org *Exhibit to Check Out: Space Shuttle Endeavour x Interested

in outer space, especially the objects built to navigate it? The history of the Endeavour is as good as any to get you up to near-light speed with images and videos of its 25 missions and ties to Southern California (where it was constructed). For instance, many don't know this, but one of its missions was to correct a defect in the Hubble Space Telescope in 1993, which has since taken incredible photographs of our planet from space. Other notable things about the space shuttle include its galley, which answers the question of how meals are prepared, heated, and/or cooled in space. Its nitrogen-filled tires, as well, which were specially made to withstand abrupt temperature and altitude changes without leaking or bursting, are worth beholding.

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Museum of Flying

3100 Airport Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 398-2500 • MuseumofFlying.org *Exhibits to Check Out: The Maxflight Simulator, the California Aviation Hall of Fame and all the exhibits on the aircraft. xA

utopia for aviation enthusiasts or those who have the desire to become airborne (not counting commercial airplanes), the Museum of Flying offers a plethora of aircraft examples throughout the industrial age. One of these is the Cessna 172 from 1955, a single-engine plane that went on to be the most mass-produced aircraft of its kind. Next, the MaxFlight Simulator will please even the most hardcore of post-modern video game junkies, and/or “Top Gun” mavericks, with its way-too-realistic sensations when piloting or going nose-to-nose with other jets. And it goes without saying that the Hall of Fame is a suitable attraction because it apprises one of the individuals who mechanized or flew some of the most storied aircrafts in history.

COURTESY MUSEUM OF FLYING

Grammy Museum

800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 765-6800 • GrammyMuseum.org *Exhibits to Check Out: “The Taylor Swift Experience” through October 4, and “All Eyez on Me: The Writings of Tupac Shakur” through January 10, 2016. x Music

COURTESY R. SAPP AND WIREIMAGE

gives shape to our senses, sparks the imagination, and revitalizes the downtrodden spirit. Although not everyone shares the same taste for what genre of music gets them going when the speakers are pulsating, the Grammy Museum highlights a spectrum of bands and artists who are both popular and critically acclaimed. Two solo stars, who couldn't be further separated by genre, but are respected for their ingenuity all the same, are celebrated at the museum. The Taylor Swift exhibit features the singer's most candid photos, costumes, hand-written lyrics, tour props, and much more. Similarly, the Tupac Shakur exhibit also has hand-written pieces by the deceased rapper, but in much greater quantity, in addition to outfits he wore in the mid-1990s. CONTINUED

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SO CAL CULTURE

MUSEUMS

Balboa Park Museums 1549 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-0512 BalboaPark.org/in-thepark/museums

*Museums Inside Balboa Park to Check Out: Museum of Photographic Arts and the San Diego Automotive Museum. to a series of minimuseums, Balboa Park, for sheer fact that it covers practically every aspect of nature or human accomplishment, may be the one destination worth visiting above all the others. Furthermore, two sights in particular are difficult to find anywhere else. The Museum of Photographic Arts, for example, is a photojournalist or videophile's dream, housing more than 7,000 images spanning the seminal age of photography and video until today's era of HD capabilities. The Automotive Museum, likewise, is of unique quality, given its 80 motorcycles and cars, one of which belonged to Frank Sinatra. In addition, books and magazines on automobiles are organized there in library-similar fashion, many of which date back to 1901.

x Site

COURTESY RICHARD BENTON SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS

5 COURTESY GETTY CENTER

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Getty Center

1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310) 440-7300 • Getty.edu *Exhibits to Check Out: “Andrea del Sarto: The Renaissance Workshop in Action” through September 13, and “Power and Pathos: Bronze Sculpture of the Hellenistic World” from July 28-November 1. x The

Getty is arguably the most prestigious museum on this list, concerning itself with only the most historically coveted human affairs. And, unequivocally, before technology started its exponential ascent, the Renaissance era yielded mankind's most commemorated artworks. One of those responsible was Andrea del Sarto (14861530), who imbued his drawings with a sobering realism using mostly red chalk, which can now be viewed in person. Going further back to the period between 323 B.C. and 62 B.C., there were artists in the Mediterranean region who used bronze to create evocative sculptures depicting the grace and naturalism of the human body. This exhibit, titled “Power and Pathos,” is a reminder of humanity's heightened affinity for artistic expression.

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Norton Simon Museum

411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105 (626) 449-6840 NortonSimon.org

*Exhibits to Check Out: “Human/Nature: Photographers Constructing the Natural World” through August 31, and “Fragonard's Enterprise: The Artist and the Literature of Travel” from July 17-January 4, 2016. x Renowned

for curating sculptures and paintings by artists the caliber of Rembrandt and van Gogh, the Norton Simon Museum is a tour de force as an attraction in its own right. Adding to the museum's upstanding reputation is an exhibit of the best photos of the natural environment from the 1960s until now. Landscapes and views galore, this exhibit commends the triumvirate between human, technology (cameras), and mother nature in its uninhibited state. Similarly, the exhibit about Jean-Honoré Fragonard's drawings also symbolizes the melding between man/woman and his/her environment. Instead of chronicling his travels through Italy with a camera, Fragonard sketched them, doing so splendidly.

COURTESY NORTON SIMON ENTITIES

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History 2559 Puesta Del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (805) 682-4711 • sbnature.org

*Exhibits to Check Out: “Deep” through September 7; and “Bee Cell: A Video Environment by Jonathan PJ Smith and Ethan Turpin,” ongoing. x The

COURTESY SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

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splendor of nature — from the air, to the sea, to the land — is spotlighted with the utmost reverence at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Rich with the roots of our origins, patrons will find themselves ridden of extraneous baggage, feeling wholesome again in no time. Two exhibits that have the potential to provide nature-heavy experiences are “Deep,” which offers an enthralling overview of how modern oceanographic principles came to be, in connection with engravings and lithographs inspired by the primordial deep sea; and, “Bee Cell,” which puts visitors in a giant-scale bee hive, literally, where the complex, ordered life of bees can be seen and felt. ❖

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TRENDING TALK

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PREVENTING TRAVEL TROUBLE ✒ BY

SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

ESTHER C. BLEUEL, MA, MFT, MDR

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HAVE YOU EVER HAD A GOOD DAY SPOILED BY A BAD ATTITUDE? FOR MOST, TRAVELING IS ABOUT DISCOVERING NEW PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS. THE ABILITY AND WILLINGNESS TO BE FLEXIBLE AND SPONTANEOUS MAKES TRAVELING FUN AND INTERESTING... UNTIL IT DOESN’T.

Traveling also challenges us to discover truths about our fears, our blind spots and other insights about ourselves. Since many aspects of travel are unpredictable and because conflict is inevitable when traveling with others, it’s important H

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to take steps to anticipate possible trouble spots before you board the plane or pack up the car. We all have different tolerance levels for new environments, foods, close quarters or confined spaces. We also need to recognize that we have different internal clocks, and some of us fear unfamiliar routines, or may even be uncomfortable with the need to compromise or negotiate with others. Be wise and knowledgeable about the people with whom you plan to travel. Of course, wherever there are people, there will be some conflict. Whether it is with your travel-mates or with others, don’t be naïve or surprised when it occurs. Be prepared to choose your response rather than to react without thinking about the consequences. Don’t allow your trip to be ruined by a spat, a fight or a negative attitude. Realize that no amount of planning can account for every eventuality. Because

pretty much everyone needs a level of security about transportation and lodging, it’s best to start with confirmed reservations. Here are a few additional tips to help you enjoy your trip.

Conflict prevention TIPS 1. Communicate with everyone in your party about where they would like to go and what they would like to do. In addition, find out what each of you really does not want to do. 2. Be certain about your level of comfort with your travel mates.

3. Acknowledge everyone’s expectations and intentions in advance in order to prevent disappointment and misunderstanding. 4. Clarify financial arrangements and expectations for spending and sharing costs before you go. 5. Ensure that everyone is honest and forthcoming about their wishes before leaving. During the trip it is not fair to agree to something then resent it afterward. Don’t say “yes” if you really mean “no.” 6. Discuss in advance how to resolve small differences such as: • I want to go the museum and you don’t. • I get up at 7 a.m. and you like to sleep late. • I want to walk and you want to take the bus. 7. Find time to be alone.

8. Agree to discuss and resolve issues quickly. 9. Know your own idiosyncrasies and how to manage them. Do you get grumpy when you’re tired or hungry? If you are with good friends, agree to give or receive feedback about individual needs or behavior. 10. Talk with travelers in advance to learn about specific needs or preferences such as food allergies or a tiny bladder, who’s a morning person, or who has exercise or rest requirements.

While every vacation has its ups and downs, most of the downs are avoidable. A cheerful, flexible and open attitude will serve you well. Keep a sense of humor and lots of hugs handy for your trip. These two ingredients will help you avoid (or at least cut short) any issues that may arise. And remember, you're on vacation; have FUN! ❖

Got a tough question or delicate dilemma you want Esther to help you solve? E-mail her at Ecbleuel@toughtalkcoach.com and she may address it in her Trending Talk column in an upcoming edition.

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FAB FINDS

Summer Essentials

SUMMERS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CARRY ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUN IN THE SUN. WE HAVE PICKED OUT OUR TOP PRODUCTS TO KEEP YOU LOOKING SUMMER FRESH WHILE SOAKING IN THAT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFESTYLE. ✒ BY

NICOLE SCHMIDT

4 1

1. The Wet Brush is made with natural waterproof materials for use in the shower or at the beach for detangling and damage-free brushing. TheWetBrush.com, $24.99 2. Create the perfect beach-blown finish with Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. This salt-infused styling spray creates a perfect wavy texture. BumbleAndBumble.com, $27 3. Bobbi Brown Beach Body Oil has captured the essence of a Southern California summer with this clean and simple beachy fragrance. BobbiBrownCosmetics.com, $37 4. Chanel Lumiere D’Ete Illuminating Powder is a soft and natural bronzer that adds a sun-kissed highlight to the skin. Chanel.com, $65 5. Shaka People celebrates the Southern California lifestyle by “sharing their stoke” through a variety of hats, surf products and shaka embossed accessories. Shakapeople.com 6. EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 has UVA and UVB protection with the highest percentage of zinc oxide and antioxidants to fight free radicals and protect your skin this summer. The micronized zinc oxide goes on clear and boasts a true 80-minute water resistant coverage. Dermstore.com, $22 7. Skin Authority Super-C Serum is a highly concentrated vitamin C serum packed with antioxidants to encourage collagen production, fade discoloration and boost UV defense. SkinAuthority.com, $99.00 8. NexGen Extra-Long Barrel Digital Curling Iron gently seals in moisture and forms a smooth and glossy curl using a combination of titanium nano ceramic infrared heat and a revolutionary formulation of coconut and jojoba extracts. Ulta.com and Ulta Stores, $109.99

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OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Railroad Bridge Over Iron Horse Trailhead

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CHOOA TRAIN CHOOZ TO ACCESS EASY AND

SCENIC COASTAL BIKE RIDES ✒ BY

RICHARD FOX

WHEN YOU TAKE A TRAIN TO YOUR BICYCLING DESTINATION, THE FUN BEGINS AS YOU ARRIVE AT THE STATION AND AWAIT YOUR IRON HORSE, THEN WATCH THE SO CAL SCENERY WHIZ BY AS THE TRAIN CLICKETY CLACKS DOWN THE TRACKS. IT STOPS AT A VARIETY OF SO CAL DEPOTS, MANY OF WHICH ARE REVITALIZED MASTERPIECES OF YESTERYEAR. THE RAIL LINES THAT

CRISSCROSS THE REGION ENCOURAGE CYCLISTS TO USE THE TRAINS FOR A DAY’S EXCURSION, A GREEN WEEKEND GETAWAY OR A ONE-WAY RIDE BETWEEN STATIONS.

Amtrak’s Surfliner line (AM) runs the length of So Cal from San Diego to San Luis Obispo (SLO), and requires a free reservation for each train’s six bike spots; www.amtrak.com. The Metrolink commuter line (ME) shares Amtrak’s tracks, and offers additional local stops between Oceanside, Los Angeles, and Oxnard; www.metrolinktrains.com. The Coaster line (CO) meets Metrolink in Oceanside and runs to downtown San Diego; www.gonctd.com. Metrolink and Coaster have room for plenty of bikes, while bike rentals are available near some of the stations. My ideal bike ride is one that that excites with exhilarating scenery, is not too difficult so everyone can enjoy the experience and is mostly away from traffic and high crime areas to keep the activity as safe as possible. To follow are my favorite coastal stops with great rides right from the stations. H

Diesel Locomotive San Diego

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OFF THE BEATEN PATH

CHOO-CHOOZ A TRAIN

Downtown San Diego

STOP: San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot (AM, CO) offers fabulous options. 1) MLK Rail Trail heads south through downtown to 5th Avenue and the Gaslamp Quarter for your dining pleasure. 2) Ride a new city bike route, using Ash - Kettner - A - 5th, to Spanish-themed Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo and the Hillcrest neighborhood. 3) San Diego’s harborside pathway can be crowded but always stimulating, with art installations, USS Midway Museum and tall ships of the Maritime Museum. Ped traffic thins out as the path extends northwest around the harbor. 4) Ferry across San Diego Bay to Coronado for scenic cycling along its waterfront paths. Visit some of the area’s best ocean beaches and the storied Hotel del Coronado. Cruise down a rail trail along the sandy Silver Strand isthmus, with an optional 26-mile loop around the bay. 5) Mission Bay, San Diego’s watery playground, is surrounded by bike trails and routes that combine for a scenic 14-mile ride connecting to a 3-mile boardwalk along the ocean at Mission and Pacific Beaches. From San Diego Harbor, pedal up Class II (bike lanes) Nimitz Blvd. to Mission Bay, or take the MTS Trolley to Morena/Linda Vista and cycle the Friar Road bike path. From Mission Bay, try a bike trail to laid back Ocean Beach or bike routes to spectacular La Jolla.

San Diego’s Harborside Pathway

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STOP: Oceanside (AM, ME, CO): Ride next to the beautiful beach, around Oceanside Harbor, and up the 9-mile San Luis Rey River Trail along a scenic riparian basin. Road cyclists can head south along the coast highway, making use of the train stations at Carlsbad (CO), Encinitas (CO), or Solana Beach (AM, CO). Or, ride north through Camp Pendleton Marine Base to San Clemente.

Surfliner Trestles Beach San Clemente

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Metrolink Bike Car, San Juan Capistrano

Metrolink Moorpark

Dana Point Whale Watching

STOP: San Clemente’s Pier (AM) and North Beach (ME); San Juan Capistrano’s Historic Depot (AM, ME): Both San Clemente stations are along the Beach Trail next to beautiful beaches. Ride along protected bikeways to Dana Point and explore Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor. San Juan Creek bike path leads inland to historic San Juan Capistrano with its mission and Los Rios district.

STOP: Ventura, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta (AM): Amtrak’s station is between Ventura’s historic downtown and promenade beach trails. The Ventura River/Ojai Valley rail trails travel inland to the resort town of Ojai. Heading northwest out of town, coastal Class II Rincon Parkway leads to the exciting new 3.6-mile oceanfront Rincon Bike Trail adjacent to Hwy 101. The coastal bike route continues through quaint Carpinteria and on to Montecito and Santa Barbara’s downtown station. Enjoy an easy pedal along the scenic Cabrillo Beachway path, ride through the rejuvenated downtown district on State Street, or follow the Coastal Route to Goleta’s Obern Trail and the dramatic oceanfront paths around UC Santa Barbara. Goleta’s station is north of the airport. The train ride to San Luis Obispo passes spectacular unspoiled coastline around Point Conception and Vandenberg Air Force base.

STOP: Pismo Beach/Grover Beach; San Luis Obispo (AM): Ride the firm sands of Pismo Beach, watch Monarch butterflies congregate in winter, and cycle a scenic coastal route to Avila Beach and the Bob Jones Trail, that will someday connect to SLO. Until then, a Class II route leads inland to SLO’s inviting downtown district and depot. ❖

Details of these and many other SoCal Rail ‘n Rides are found in Richard Fox’s book enCYCLEpedia Southern California – The Best Easy Scenic Bike Rides (2014) available from booksellers on line and across SoCal. Web: www.enCYCLEpedia.net Blog: www.enCYCLEpedia.wordpress.com

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BUBBLES & BREWS

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GET JUMPSTARTED WITH INVIGORATING JUICE BARS ✒ BY

IMAAN JALALI

WE'VE ALL HEARD ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF ORGANIC JUICING. MORE VIBRANCY, ENERGY AND PEP IN YOUR STEP. THE RELEASE OF THOSE CUMBERSOME TOXINS OVER TIME, AS YOUR SKIN BEGINS TO GLOW AND YOUR RECURRING DAILY FATIGUE IS NO MORE. EVEN YOUR TASTE BUDS WILL BE MORE APT TO BECOME SENSITIVE AND RECEPTIVE TO FOODS. AND IT'S ALL A RESULT OF JUICING COMBINATIONS COMPRISED OF HEARTY GREENS, NUTS AND FRUITS.

In a lot of ways, it seems almost too good to be true, like a cunning marketing ploy. But the truth is in the pudding or, in this case, the

juice. And the truth is simple — experts, both from the nutritional realm and the medical world, have long established that we need an ample amount of fruit and vegetable servings per day in order to nourish our bodies with the necessary vitamins, minerals and fiber. Moreover, it's no secret that a regular consumption of such in our fast-paced lives, which is undoubtedly easier to do so in juice form, helps prevent cardiovascular inflammatory diseases, cellular damage, all the while aiding in the boost of our metabolism. So keep that in mind when you're out and about in Southern California, and wish to visit the following coldpressed juice bars not named Jamba Juice (note: Nothing against it; in fact, it's great, but we've all been there).

Pressed Juicery Locations: www.pressed juicery.com/loc ations w Arguably the most prominent on this list, Pressed Juicery can be found throughout a multitude of locations in Southern California. What makes this doubly impressive is that it has only been around for five years, yet has already earned the distinction of being California's foremost coldpressed juicery chain, as a result of the diligence of three friends who didn't believe failure was an option.

Now, what does “coldpressed” mean exactly? It entails the usage of a hydraulic press, capable of thousands of pounds of pressure, without heat, to cleanly extract and cull as many vitamins, minerals and enzymes in their purest form. Furthermore, what makes Pressed Juicery exceptional is that, besides its three cleansing programs, and juices that are literally categorized by greens, roots, citrus, fruits, signature nuts and specially-filtered water, it has the distinction of being the only juice chain with its own H

COURTESY PRESSED JUICERY

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JUICE BARS

line of gluten and dairy-free frozen yogurt using the same juices, but in soft-serve form. Given that, be sure to try the Citrus Freeze and Chocolate Almond Freeze.

COURTESY BEVERLY HILLS

you to sample the pleasures of South America without having to go there.

Sustain Juicery 548 S. Spring St. #114 Los Angeles, CA 90013 (213) 488-1989 4200 Chino Hills Pkwy #150 Chino Hills, CA 91709 (909) 606-1237 w Beginning with its launch in 2011, Sustain Juicery has prided itself on presenting an image that is stripped of all frills, leaving a bare and organically fresh core, front and center, for its customers. With a menu made up of cold-pressed detoxifying juices, whole fruit smoothies, power shots and wellness cocktails, this brand of juice, which can be found at two locations, has the advantage of melding the healthy with the creatively exotic. One instance of this is the “Supreme Being” concoction (grapefruit, pineapple, lime, ginger, beet, habanero), which is tastefully reminiscent of all corners of the Caribbean. Another, the “Endless Summer” (raw Ecuadorian cacao, Peruvian maca, cocunut, banana) will allow

Beverly Hills Juice 8382 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 (323) 655-8300 w Of all the juice bars, this one may have the oldest and most storied legacy, dating back to 1975, when proprietor David Otto decided to adopt a healthier diet, prompting him to experiment with his juicer. Beverly Hills Juice has been the manifestation of that vision which includes a less fanciful, but not any less effective, approach to quenching the thirst of its consumer base. For instance, the Apple Strawberry Coconut drink, despite having only three ingredients, manages to excite and even surprise a palette that thinks it knows what it's expecting. The Apple Lemon Ginger, too, sparks just the right amount of intrigue without overstaying its welcome. Though the prime reason to visit just might be the Banana Manna Shakes, which blends a vegan alternative to ice cream (manna) and any juice of your choice.

COURTESY SUSTAIN JUICERY

Orchard Flats

COURTESY ORCHARD FLATS

The variety of juices and amalgamations, like the Orchard 4 (watermelon and mint), which is rife with antioxidants, and the Groundworks 1 (beets, yams, carrot, bell pepper, beet greens, celery and ginger root), which detoxifies and bolsters organ function, make for a salubrious experience.

Kreation Locations: www.kreationjuice.com/ locations/juicery w All in all, the Kreation chain may offer the most opportunities for customers, who can familiarize themselves with an endless collec-

tion of cold-pressed delights not just at store locations, but via the Kreation Juice Truck, Juice “Kar” and Juice Bike. The juices, additionally, are divided into four levels for the juicing enthusiast: Reboot, Grounding, Flourish and Premium Detox for the wellversed. Thus, the first acts as a primer of sorts, the second as a cleanser, the third as a replenisher, and the last as a super-booster. If you're only in it for refreshment and taste, however, the Trinity Twist (beet, apple, carrot, lemon) and Protein Power (almonds, dates, vanilla extract) are recommended. Lastly, if you feel particularly open-minded, order a raw truffle pop. ❖

5 COURTESY KREATIONJUICE.COM AND KRISTEN TOLA HETTICH

Five locations: www.orchardflats.com/ pages/locations w Also famous for coldpressed juices, Orchard Flats offers a mix of antioxidant, detox and anti-aging options, as well as an entire group of juices that are made with a splash or two of honey (e.g. the Groundworks 3 drink made with carrot, spinach, cucumber, lemon, apple and honey), which is taken from a local bee farm.

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PEOPLE OF DISTINCTION

Ra fer Jo hnso n

WHEN OTHERS GIVE UP, THEY PERSIST. When others

Ja ne We ll s

De le s p ri e

cave in, they rise up. They are the consummate finishers. They’re not superhuman nor are they supernatural but they are extraordinary. These are men and women who have chosen to apply their God-given skills and talents to transform their lives from ordinary to remarkable. They have put forth the effort to help improve the lives of others and they have gone the extra, onerous miles to make the community and the world around them better. These are people whose lives make a difference and we at Southern California Life magazine wish to honor them as our JulyAugust People of Distinction. H

Car o line Ca lv i n an d J oie Ru cker S han no n Gabo r

Da v i d C o lt u r i

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K e ir a Hen ning e r

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PROFILE

Rafer Johnson KEEPING THE FLAME ALIVE

✒ BY

LYNN MORGAN

RAFER JOHNSON HAS LIVED LIFE ON A HEROIC SCALE:

breaking social barriers, setting records, witnessing history unfold in some of its most triumphant and tragic moments. It’s an unlikely life, but an utterly American one, with a dizzying trajectory, taking him from the tiny town of Hillsboro, Texas, to the gold medal platform at the 1960 Rome Olympics, and into the inner-circle of one America’s most powerful dynasties.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW D. BERNSTEIN

His association with the Kennedys began when Johnson, the first African American student body president at UCLA, introduced a senator from Massachusetts who was running for president: John F. Kennedy. It was the beginning of his relationship with the Kennedy clan. “When John Kennedy was elected, I was invited to the White House because I knew his brother Robert,” says Johnson. Inspired by the Kennedys’ optimism and their activism, it became foundational to his own character. Johnson played basketball at UCLA under John Wooden, and won a silver medal in the decathlon at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. In Rome he led the American contingent into the stadium, proudly carrying the flag. Ten days later,

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▲

Rafer with World Games medals and the Olympic flame in the foreground at the LA84 Foundation in Los Angeles. Johnson lit the cauldron to begin those historic Games 31 years ago this summer.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ▲ Rafer in the foreground with an image taken in the early 1970s.

he won the gold medal in the decathlon and was crowned “The World’s Greatest Athlete.” Johnson has remained affiliated with the Olympic movement, working with Mayor Tom Bradley to bring the Games back to Los Angeles in 1984. He became an icon of the wildly successful L.A. Games when Peter Ueberroth selected him to be the final torch bearer, lighting the Olympic flame at the top of the Coliseum. He is on the board of directors of the Southern California Olympic Committee. “Each of the Games, subsequent to 1984 has been chasing Los Angeles,” Johnson says proudly. “The only profitable Olympics were the two held in Los Angeles, the former being 1932.” Johnson’s friendship with the Kennedys also continued. In 1968, he was working as a sportscaster at KNBC when Robert Kennedy announced his candidacy for president. He didn’t hesitate to leave his broadcasting job to join the campaign. “I knew I wanted to work for him and support him,” he says. On June 5, 1968, after a grueling day of campaigning, the senator and his entourage returned to the Ambassador Hotel: Robert Kennedy had won the California primary. “I was behind him, escorting his wife, Ethel,” says Johnson. “I heard what I thought were balloons popping. People started to scream and run, and I saw Sirhan Sirhan with a gun in his hand.” Johnson quickly grabbed Sirhan’s gun. “Rosie Grier ran up, and put his hand over mine, and we took him down to the floor.” Robert Kennedy’s death plunged Johnson into despair. But another member of the Kennedy family gave him a renewed sense of purpose. “I got a call from Eunice Shriver,” he says. “She asked me to join her in Chicago for the first Special Olympics International Games. I hadn’t been out of the house in a month.” Johnson has been a supporter and advocate for the Special Olympics, and in 1969 helped start the program in California. The Special Olympics World Games will be held in Los Angeles this summer, beginning July 25th. Johnson is in demand as a motivational speaker, and supports programs for at-risk youth and sports programs for all ages. He wants to offer others the opportunities he was given in his youth. JULY.AUGUST2015 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE

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PROFILE

JANE WELLS THE BUSINESS OF BUSINESS REPORTING ✒ BY

ROBYN FLANS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BENNY HADDAD

AS THE CNBC BUSINESS REPORTER, Los

Angeles-born Jane Wells says she is inspired and invigorated by Southern California every time she covers new startups and innovations.

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Even though Wells says she was bitten by the journalism bug in high school due to a less than noble motivation after hearing about Barbara Walter’s million dollar ABC contract, the career has served her well and she has served her audiences by reporting great stories. During her attendance at USC for broadcast journalism, she landed an internship at Channel 5 and once she graduated, Wells wrote for news anchor Hal Fishman. On her days off, she’d tag along with reporters such as Stan Chambers and would buy the cameraman and editor dinner for helping putting together a tape she could eventually take around to stations.

She drove all over with tape in hand and got hired in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she worked for 15 months until she was recommended for a job in Miami where she remained for 2 1/2 years. She gained attention when she posed as a prostitute for a report on HIV, hoping “customers” stopped to pick up streetwalkers infected with the disease. “The funny thing is no one would stop,” Wells recalls. “The cameraman was sitting in the van, dying. When the first guy finally stopped, I wanted to kiss him. And he was a preacher.” When Fox saw the story, they brought her back to L.A. for her next job. SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

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RED BULL CLIFF DIVER

DAVID COLTURI ✒ BY

MACKENZIE MILLER

DAVID COLTURI PERFORMED IN HIS FIRST Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2012, and is among the top talents to watch in this year’s upcoming Series kicking off on April 25th in Cartegena, Columbia. It promises to be a spectacle for the ages, an event not to be missed.

What I like about busi“ness news and particularly what is happening in Southern California is everybody in business wants to be successful.”

For 17 years she was a news reporter and covered such stories as the O.J. Simpson civil case and the Rodney King trial for which she received numerous honors including a 1992 Peabody Award and duPont Award, as well as a Los Angeles Emmy Award for investigative reporting. “After Columbine, I decided I didn’t want to cover any more death,” Wells says. “What I like about business news and particularly what is happening in Southern California is everybody in business wants to be successful.” Wells has been masterful at juggling a career, a marriage and raising two children, now ages 24 and 22, although it has not come without tough choices. “When Princess Diana died and I was working for Fox News Channel, they wanted me to fly to London to be part of the team coverage, but my son was starting kindergarten the next day, so I did what I call the death bed test. ‘On my death bed, do I want to say I was at my son’s first day of kindergarten or do I want to say I covered Princess Diana?’ Two days after that, Mother Theresa died. She rewarded me. They said, ‘Will you go to Calcutta?’ And I said, ‘You bet. I’m on the next flight.’ It was, by far, the most moving, incredible story of my entire career.”

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“It gave me that adrenaline rush, that uncertainty, and that feeling of flight that I always loved about the traditional side of diving, but it gave me a new feeling I couldn’t find in traditional pool/deck diving where it’s often inside and has very calm conditions. So after that very first, I knew I was hooked and couldn’t wait for more,” Colturi says of his very first high dive as a kid. Years later, Colturi now just wants to enjoy the ride as he aspires for greatness. “As far as landmarks to hit, I would love to be World Champion one day. We’re pushing for the sport to get into the Olympics, so I would love to earn an Olympic Gold Medal,” he says. “Now that I’ve been involved with Red Bull Cliff Diving for a few years, and have seen how unique and amazing this series is, I really just want to walk away at the end of a long career healthy, safe, and enjoy the journey for what it is; not take it for granted, and really appreciate all the amazing people I get to work with and the places I get to see.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BENNY HADDAD

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PEOPLE OF DISTINCTION

PROFILE

Delesprie SCULPTOR, TEACHER, HUMANITARIAN ✒ BY

Delesprie with the Orange County Firefighters Memorial in clay before undergoing the bronzing process.

LINDA LANG

ONE OF THE SOUTHLAND'S TRUE ARTISTIC TREASURES IS BRONZE SCULPTOR DELESPRIE.

Her works grace parks, sports stadiums, large corporations, upscale shopping centers, hospitals, religious sites, celebrity homes, as well as political campaigns, festivals, film, TV and more.

Delesprie

Whether it be a 35-foot high monument or an 18-inch portrait, each piece evokes a strong emotional response to the painstakingly accurate depiction of the human form expressing joy, tranquility, enthusiasm or sorrow. She was recognized by Mayor Tom Bradley for her contribution to the Arts in Los Angeles and is one of the few living sculptors to be honored by the Laguna Pageant of the Masters. Her subjects include individuals, pairs, groupings of children at play, celebrities, Biblical figures, and animals — many life size or larger. Each sculpture is made here in Southern California, often with the assistance of apprentices on the large monuments. Born and raised in Montreal, Delesprie used clay from the riverbanks of the neighboring Mohawk Reservation to create her first statues. After earning her degree from Loyola University and attending Brandis Art Institute, she moved to Southern California. Her first sculpture of Gene Autry and his horse, Champion, for the Autry Museum in Griffith Park launched a successful career now spanning three decades. Today, her monuments are found at Angel Stadium, Eisenhower Medical Center, Los Robles Medical Center and the Orange County Firefighters Authority Memorial. She's also worked with leading upscale retail center developer Rick Caruso, founder of Caruso Affiliated, creating monuments for The Americana at Brand in Glendale, The Commons in Calabasas, The Promenade at Westlake and The Lakes at Thousand Oaks. She also created "The Spirit of Los Angeles" at The Grove next to Farmer's Market, which rises 35 feet above the courtyard.

Her work for private collections include: The John Wayne family, Sylvester Stallone, Dick Van Dyke, Burt Reynolds, Jimmy Stewart, Dick Clark as well as President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President Ronald Reagan, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Los Angeles Mayor Richard Reardon, Ross Perot, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and Ambassador to Jamaica Glen Holden. Her name in French, "from the Spirit," signifies appreciation of her creative talents, which she chooses to share with others by teaching 10-week sculpting classes in Westlake Village. Also deeply committed to using her gift to help the less fortunate, Delesprie donates a percentage of her sales to non-profit organizations and conducts healing art workshops for local at-risk and impoverished children, women and families. She also devotes weeks of her time and talent to helping the poor in other countries. In Nicaragua, she spent a month in a small primitive village teaching the women how to make handbags and buttons out of gourds. Today, extreme poverty has been replaced with a small, thriving cottage industry producing a variety of bags, pillows, and stuffed animals. She also went to Haiti following the catastrophic earthquake and helped young people reclaim their self worth and hope for the future through artistic expression. For more information on Delesprie’s commissions and sculpting classes, visit www.delesprie.com.

The artist with The Spirit of Los Angeles in The Grove near Farmer's Market.

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CAROLINE CALVIN AND JOIE RUCKER

PROFILE

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — DOWNTOWN L.A. TO BE EXACT — is where

the design and production all happens for the edgy, stylish, sexy, chic collection Calvin Rucker started by best friends Caroline Calvin and Joie Rucker in 2013.

Calvin, originally from Santa Barbara, was bitten by the fashion bug while traveling in Europe when she was 17 and exposed to forward-thinking fashion ideas. “When I came back to the U.S. with all these different styles that my friends hadn’t seen, I realized there was a way to dress to express yourself,” Calvin says. Creating made her feel unique and when she began to look for employment at age 21, she found her first job as a sample room design coordinator for a woman with a design studio in Santa Barbara. She swept the floor, ordered buttons, and did most of the grunt work before hitting New York with a couple hundred dollars. ROBYN FLANS Calvin met Rucker in 1995 while they were both working at Levi’s. A strong bond formed. “We were both passionate designers and wanted to change the face of the denim industry and one day we actually talked about starting our own brand,” Calvin said. In 1997, Rucker was hired as vice president of design and product development for Guess, Inc., where she began to get into the high-end denim market. Calvin led Levi’s European design team from 1996 until 2002. She then returned to the States and remained with the company until 2008 when she walked into her boss’ office one day and quit to spend the next part of her life surfing … until she and Rucker reconnected. “On 11/11/11, Joie and I confirmed our partnership via Skype as I was still living in Costa Rica and Joie in L.A.,” Calvin recalls. “11/11/11 is an important date for us. It is our stitch logo and is embedded in all our labels and trims. We officially launched the brand in Fall 2013.” Rucker says any new business is risky and a challenge, and doing it with her best friend did not frighten her. “We had worked together before,” Rucker says. “She was my boss at Levi’s.” Caroline Calvin and Joie Rucker Rucker says it may require balance, but she believes it can be done. “I’ve seen some great friendships and working relationships work,” Rucker says. “A good example of that is the guys who started Lucky Brand. They were best friends and they’re still best friends. It takes respect.” Calvin says she is proud of how they’ve accomplished their product. When asked what she loves about it, she says simply, “I love our clothes.” “We wanted to do beautiful fabrics in casual bodies,” Calvin says. “And offer the retailer and the woman something that’s not out there. I’m really proud of what we’ve created at a time when a lot of brands were either not growing or people were not going out there to start new ideas. I love getting up every day and working with an incredible team who is committed to creating something unique in the market and that will make a difference.”

O N F R I E N D S H I P A N D FA S H I O N ✒ BY

SO CAL’S

PEOPLE OF DISTINCTION

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GROWING UP IN THE FOOTHILLS OF SAN MATEO,

SO CAL’S

PROFILE

PEOPLE OF DISTINCTION

ALL THINGS RIGHT-BRAINED

Founder and CEO of Clever Creative, SHANNON GABOR

✒ BY

ERIKA THOMAS

FROM HER COMPANY’S PHILANTHROPIC

Creative Kids foundation to being a recent recipient of “GD U.S.A.” magazine’s Graphic Design Award, Clever Creative founder and CEO, Shannon Gabor, has had creativity in her blood since she was a child. The design maverick, whose mantra is “all things good” landed her first creative gig designing kids’ meal toys for Burger King after college.

Keira Henninger had to overcome many adversities including family abuse. Escaping into the wilderness and beauty of her California backyard is where she found peace. By 19 she was single and pregnant, but made a promise to raise her son better than she was raised. Loving the outdoors, she began running with Tyler in the baby stroller on the streets of California. Challenging herself, she entered her first race in 2006. That’s when everything changed. She won her first race in 2008, and went on to win the coveted AC 100 race in 2010 and 2012. Her experiences led her to manage races as she sought to help improve them. As race director, Henninger currently has eight races total. The Haunted Trails Race, Griffith Park Half Marathon, Griffith Park 10k, Paramount Ranch Trail Races, Sean O'Brien Trail Races, Griffith Park Marathon, Ray Miller and Leona Divide. “I specifically chose races to be in places that other people don't have races, and unique and beautiful courses,” she says. “I’m also looking forward to my third season of my ultra running women’s team The Dirt Divas. I’ve seen so many incredible women grow in confidence and skill on the course and it gives me great pride to be part of their journey.” Henninger has an MBA in organizational leadership and her mantra is "I am favored and blessed.” “I remind myself of that every single day. Life is such a gift.” ❖

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BENNY HADDAD

“When I graduated with a fine arts degree from the University of Southern California, it turned out that being a curator at a museum just wasn’t what I was passionate about. I liked working in advertising because creativity is acceptable within those realms, but I still had a desire to do more. I started Clever Creative with the idea that I wanted to bridge left-brained logic with rightbrained creativity,” says Gabor. And that’s exactly what she’s done with her agency, which launched one decade ago. “We build brands through the creative process,” she says. With a client roster that includes big-name companies such as Mattel, Warner Brothers and the Ritz Carlton, Gabor is realizing her dream of building and growing creative brands. “When I first started Clever Creative, I like to say I leapt and found my wings on the way down; but it all worked out. At the end of the day, Clever Creative is a lover of brands. We believe in our clients and their brands. There is a real passion for what we do; when you love what you do, there are no limits.” SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

JULY.AUGUST2015 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE

An Airport that Came of Age During the Golden Era of Aviation ✒ BY

ERIKA THOMAS

BURBANK/BOB HOPE AIRPORT

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - JULY.AUGUST2015

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Celebrates 85 Years

Burbank Airport Terminal

“The most frequent inquiry we get from travelers coming through the airport is about its history. They want to know about the old days when people flew bi-planes and they ask about the famous aviators that used the airfield as well,” says Victor Gill, Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Burbank / Bob Hope Airport.

On Memorial Day weekend of 1930, the brand-new, state-of-the-art air field dubbed “United Airport” celebrated its inaugural inception. Weekend-long festivities included a parade, an air show featuring stunts and speed races, and a dance on the rooftop of the SpanishColonial-style terminal building. “Thousands of spectators showed up for the opening. Pilots dropped flowers from the sky onto cemeteries and there were homing pigeons released; it was quite an affair,” says Gill. In 1934, it was renamed Union Air Terminal and by that time was the main airport for Los Angeles (LAX wasn’t constructed until 1947) and its surrounding cities, serving upwards of 95,000 passengers a year. It had also become a hub for many of the celebrated aviation pioneers of the day. “You didn’t have anywhere near the volume of air fields that you have today; so just about every airport — including Burbank — got a visit from Charles Lindbergh, Wiley Post and Howard Hughes, who’d all flown in and out of the air field numerous times,” he says. Trailblazing aviatrix Amelia Earhart would also become associated with the airport. “This airport has had a connection with Amelia Earhart since the beginning. H

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Amelia Earhart with stunt pilot Paul Mantz (circa 1930s). Some of the many young women who worked as Bonds Girls to support the war (circa 1940s). Lockheed's famed World War II P38 Fighter Plane (circa 1940s). OPPOSITE PAGE:

United Airport's inaugural opening on Memorial Day weekend May, 1930.

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The connection is that the aircrafts she flew were all manufactured by Lockheed. She flew the Lockheed Vega and the Lockheed Electra. Because Amelia spent a lot of time here, there are many, many photographs of her wearing mechanic’s overalls and working on her planes. One event that really connected her to this airport on a worldwide level was in 1937. She’d begun the first leg of her final flight around the world in Oakland and landed here in Burbank,” say Gill. In 1940, Lockheed (which had begun manufacturing planes on a strip of runway adjacent to the airport back in the 1920s) bought Union Air Terminal for $1.5 million. Just one year later, the United States went to war. “Lockheed had actually started designing and manufacturing fighter planes for World War II years before it started. One model they’d perfected was the P-38 — a twin-engine fighter plane — that dominated many of the battles in the European and South Pacific Theaters during World War II,” Gill says. And as one could imagine, women and men from all over Southern California went to work for the war effort. “There were lots of men and women, real-life Rosie the Riveters, from all over Southern California. They would come in on busses every day and go to work in the factories to support the war. During that time, Lockheed was so afraid of being bombed by the Japanese they brought in movie set builders from nearby studios to paint the entire airport and all of its surrounding buildings camouflage. The parking lots were completely covered in feathers and chicken wire and the houses and apartment buildings surrounding the airport were painted to look like farmhouses. The set builders had done such a good job that when American pilots tried to land, they could barely find the runway,” he laughs. Once the war was over, Lockheed continued to manufacture famous fighter aircrafts (such as the U-2 and the Stealth Bomber) until 1998 when they moved out of Burbank completely. It would become “Hollywood-Burbank Airport” in 1967 and change names again in 1978 to “Burbank Airport”. In 2003, it would be named after long-time Burbank resident, comedian Bob Hope. The original Spanish-Colonial structure, which had been expanded upon

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Bonds Girls shower a young soldier with admiration (circa 1940s).

Bob Hope Airport

“One of the things people love so much about using this airport is that you can still board and de-plane right on the tarmac. The 234-acre air field has never expanded in 85 years either.”

numerous times over the years (beginning in the 1960s) would evolve into the modern structure we see today, though there are some original parts of the 1930s terminal left. There are also aspects that remain unchanged. “One of the things people love so much about using this airport is that you can still board and de-plane right on the tarmac. The 234acre air field has never expanded in 85 years either. In the early days, most people flew bi-planes, so there didn’t need to be that much separation between the runway and the terminal. The building is actually 500 feet closer than it should be to meet modern design standards. But in all of the efforts to build a new terminal and lengthen the runways, people always say ‘Don’t mess with it! Keep it simple!’ We have a firm commitment to preserving that history; and that’s what we’ve done.” ❖

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THE GOURMAND

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA GODDARD

▲

RYAN FORBES

Pump Eggs Benedict

VANDERPUMP

REIGNS AT

“PUMP” ✒ BY

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - JULY.AUGUST2015

LYNN MORGAN

To make certain that the food lives up to the ambience, Vanderpump hired Penny Davidi, a recent contestant on “The Next Food Network Star” to create the menu for Pump.

LISA VANDERPUMP, DESIGNER, RESTAURATEUR AND REALITY STAR, SOLIDIFIED HER POSITION AS THE QUEEN OF UPSCALE NIGHT LIFE WHEN SHE OPENED P U M P L O U N G E IN WEST HOLLYWOOD. IT JOINED HER OTHER HOTSPOTS, VILLA BLANCA IN BEVERLY HILLS AND SUR, ALSO IN WEST HOLLYWOOD, AND NOW, A YEAR AFTER OPENING, PUMP IS ONE OF THE HOTTEST TABLES IN TOWN, ATTRACTING A DIVERSE CROWD OF CELEBRITIES, DEDICATED FOODIES AND GLAMOROUS BON VIVANTS EVERY NIGHT. H

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“In Los Angeles, we usually destroy gardens to build parking lots; I did just the opposite: I tore out the parking lot and turned it into a garden.”

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THE GOURMAND

“I was approached by the property owners who wanted to build something on a parking lot,” Vanderpump explains. “It was a kind of black hole: several businesses had been there before, but none had been successful. In Los Angeles, we usually destroy gardens to build parking lots; I did just the opposite: I tore out the parking lot and turned it into a garden.” Seeing a lack of outdoor dining spaces in Los Angeles, Vanderpump set out to transform an eyesore into an oasis, a lush outdoor patio that seats up to 250 people, sheltered by 100-year-old olive trees she had shipped in specially to form the central motif of her Mediterranean garden. “You feel as if you’re in Tuscany or Portofino,” she says. “As a designer, I want to create a different ambience for each project. I want the details to blend perfectly: the décor, the music, the table settings and linens. The wait staff is as much a part of the experience as the food.”

Vanderpump’s design point of view fuses a European sense of elegance and luxury with Southern Californian effortlessness. “I just got back from London,” she explains. “It’s so much more rigid there. There are set periods for tables to be occupied; then they want customers to finish up and leave. I want things to be more relaxed, more comfortable, so people will want to linger.” Even though she wants to foster an atmosphere of casual elegance in her restaurants, Vanderpump still hopes her clientele will contribute to the vibe of sexy glamour by dressing for dinner. “I don’t encourage people to come in shorts and tank tops,” she says slyly. “A little black dress is always appropriate and I love to see a man in a great suit.”

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COURTESY PUMP RESTAURANT (4)

VANDERPUMP

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“We treat everybody like a celebrity. The only problem we have is turning the tables. Once people settle in beneath the olive trees, they never want to leave.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA GODDARD

”

▲

To make certain that the food lives up to the ambience, Vanderpump hired Penny Davidi, a recent contestant on “The Next Food Network Star” to create the menu for Pump. “I had a strong vision of what I wanted,” she says. “I told her, ‘These are the dishes I want. I want your interpretation of them.’” The result is an eclectic assortment of Mediterranean-flavored delights, tweaked of course, to the local tastes. “In West Hollywood, we have a lot of health and body conscious guests, so we put a lot of high-protein dishes on the menu: chicken, salmon and shrimp for them. But, we also have a lot of indulgent dishes as well, like our Pinky Pump Burger with caramelized onions and feta cheese, and our brilliant pastas. The fresh papaya with shrimp and crab is also very popular.” Davidi playfully added some surprisingly homey dishes from Vanderpump’s own cookbook, including her “special” potato salad and fish and chips. The luscious desserts, including the “Vander Puff” cream puffs and the gorgeous, flower-topped pink rose mousse, are made especially for the restaurant. Pump has a lively bar scene, both inside and in the garden. There is an early evening happy hour that starts at 5 p.m. and Pump’s bar manager serves up an exciting menu of artisanal cocktails featuring fresh fruit and herbs, like their coconut monitor, Pump and Glory, champagnebased cocktails like La Vie en Rouge and the Vanderpump family’s signature red or pink sangrias, overflowing with tempraillo grapes and tropical fruit. Because Pump is open late (until 2 a.m.), it has become a popular drop-in spot for drinks after work or après-theatre. H

Penne with Tiger Prawns

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Naturally, Pump is a magnet for celebrities, attracting singers Lionel Ritchie and Lance Bass, Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence, and icon, Liza Minnelli. Lisa Vanderpump and her husband, Ken, hold court frequently at Pump, and they were recently joined by the “Mother Monster” herself, Lady Gaga, who loved the penne with tiger prawns. “We treat everybody like a celebrity,” Vanderpump insists. “The only problem we have is turning the tables. Once people settle in beneath the olive trees, they never want to leave.” ❖

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA GODDARD (2)

COURTESY PUMP RESTAURANT

VANDERPUMP

PUMP RECIPES Penne with Tiger Prawns Ingredients:

Pumptini Ingredients: • • • • • • •

3 raspberries ¾ ounce of simple syrup 2 ounces of Vanderpump Vodka ¾ ounce of Pavan liqueur ¾ ounce of grapefruit juice ¾ ounce of lime juice 1 raspberry or lime wedge for garnishing Instructions:

▲ Pump Signature Martini

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - JULY.AUGUST2015

Begin by muddling three raspberries and simple syrup in a shaker. Next, add in the Vanderpump Vodka, Pavan liqueur, fresh grapefruit juice and lime juice. Then, add ice and shake vigorously before straining the drink into a martini glass. Add sugar around the rim of the glass and finish by garnishing the drink with a raspberry or a lime wedge.

• • • • • • • • •

5 tiger prawns 1 ounce of sliced red onions 1 ounce of sliced tomatoes ¼ spoon of chopped garlic Chopped basil ¼ cup of heavy cream 1 spoonful of mascarpone cheese 2 ounces of white wine vinegar Extra virgin olive oil Instructions:

1 Place tiger prawns into a pan with one service spoon of extra virgin olive oil over a medium heat. Heat until shrimp are an orange color. 2 Add the red onions, tomatoes and sauté for 3-4 minutes. 3 Add a ¼ spoon of chopped garlic. Sauté until garlic turns brown. 4 Add a pinch of chopped basil. 5 Add 1 spoonful of mascarpone cheese followed by ¼ cup of heavy cream. 6 Stir constantly for 4-5 minutes. 7 Add 2 ounces of white wine vinegar. Stir for an additional 1-2 minutes before serving over pasta.

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Abigail S encer H E R

J O Y,

H E R

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{ cover story }

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“I REALLY WANTED

TO BE SURE IT WAS A

CALLING

AND NOT

SOMETHING I WAS

TRYING TO MAKE

H A P P E N .”

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R “

ECTIFY'S” ABIGAIL SPENCER HAS MADE TOUGH CHOICES. SHE'S TURNED DOWN A MOVIE SHOOTING IN MOROCCO AND ONE FILMING IN NEW ORLEANS TO STAY HOME WITH HER 6-YEAR-OLD SON, ROMAN. As a single mom, Spencer has priorities. “Rectify” takes her away to Georgia for four months, so if she’s not shooting that show she’s not willing to leave home base. “I decided if it doesn’t shoot in L.A., I’m not doing it,” Spencer says. “I don’t want to be away from him.” While in Georgia, she says Roman’s dad is great. “They get to be together,” Spencer says. “Being a single mom takes a village. As Amy Pohler says, ‘every woman needs a wife’ and my ‘wife’ is Blanca who has been with Roman since he was three. Roman has been on every set that I’ve been on and he’s comfortable and enjoys it.” When she’s home she she enjoys the Westside of L.A., the beach area and bicycling, but mostly she just loves spending time with Roman. He recently did his first play, “The Sound of Music,” which she says was a joy for her. “I spend a lot of time going to his baseball games,” she says. “Our big activity right now is playing Pokémon.” Thankfully, she’s gotten a couple of L.A. jobs recently, a “True Detective” and a film called “The Sweet Life” with Chris Messina that she describes as a “wonderful dark romantic comedy.”

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“It’s a road trip movie about two people who meet in Chicago and — here comes the dark comedy part — decide to go on a road trip to throw themselves off the Golden Gate Bridge together.” Spencer said they’ve been shooting all around L.A., which she says is great because there are so many landscapes that can double for other places. “It really looks like you are anywhere.” Considering her past, turning down jobs had to be daunting since there was a period of time ten years ago when Spencer says she simply could not land a role. In fact, she describes herself as a former “professional loser.” “One year I tested for so many shows — all shows where you could make money, shows that could change your life — probably 32 times,” Spencer says. She became accustomed to rejection until her big break in 2009. Spencer didn’t give up because acting was something her mother says she came out of the womb doing. At a young age in Florida, she was dancing and performing in community theater and on a trip to New York while auditioning for colleges, she met the casting director for “All My Children,” who pursued her as a new character on the show. Despite Spencer’s determination to go to school, the casting agent finally got her to acquiesce. Spencer moved to New York at 17 and took the role of Rebecca “Becca” Tyree on “All My Children” in 1999 for three years, but ultimately found she was unhappy and decided to leave the show so she could develop her craft. She exited the soap at age 20 and didn’t work again until she was 23. They were hard times. She moved to L.A. and took acting classes. “I’m really grateful for the time I got lost and I really felt like acting called me back,” Spencer says. “I really wanted to be sure that it was a calling and not something that I was trying to make happen.” At 23, she booked a big pilot for ABC and began to guest star on shows such as “CSI”, “Gilmore Girls”, “Ghost Whisperer” and “Bones.” But it wasn’t until “Mad

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Men” that everything changed. She had never seen the show when she was cast as Suzanne Farrell, but she became the catalyst in Season 3 in a very important storyline as audiences began to really catch on to the show. It was a career changer. “It was really a beautiful piece of literature that I got to be a part of,” Spencer says. “And everyone that season started watching the show and it was written about everywhere. It was amazing to be a part of something that good.” From that show she got a lot of other work, including “Rectify” now in its third season. She loves “Rectify” primarily because of creator Ray McKinnon

STYLING: BY NICOLAS BRU FOR THEONLY.AGENCY HAIR: BY CRAIG GANGI FOR EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS MANAGEMENT USING R & CO HAIR CARE MAKEUP: BY TERRI APANASEWICZ FOR CLOUTIER REMIX

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Spencer with Epona Estate’s “Sylvester”

“.... I’ve read five articles this week about how only 9 percent of the Directors Guild Association is comprised of women. It would be a shame if I didn’t try.”

who she says is unusual, authentic and has “unbelievable instincts.” “He’s not only an incredible writer, but he’s an amazing actor. Working with him you’re in the most loving, challenging hands because he knows what it’s like to be an actor, so he will push you in the right ways,” she says. “Everything flows from that.” Spencer has been in front of as well as behind the camera, producing and writing. “What got me interested in that side of it, even though it was hard to go through, was being an out-of-work actor those years of being up for parts and not getting them, or just working occasionally.” She produced two short films, one in which she performed and one she didn’t.

“I wrote a movie I would like to direct, and I also think there’s a real need in our industry for women to stand up and direct their own projects. I think it would be irresponsible for me not to keep going. I’ve read five articles this week about how only 9 percent of the Directors Guild Association is comprised of women. It would be a shame if I didn’t try.” No doubt that will all be part of her evolution. In the last few years Spencer says she’s grown up a lot — raising Roman, going through a divorce, going through the death of her father — what she calls “Big girl stuff.” “My life changed and so did my work,” Spencer says. “I’m so grateful to be an artist where there’s a healthy place to express feelings — your pain and your joy.”❖

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AS HARROWING AS THE RESPONSIBILITIES IN YOUR LIFE MAY SEEM, YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF TO TAKE TIME OUT OF YOUR AFTERNOON ONCE IN A WHILE, PREFERABLY ON A BEACH SOMEWHERE WITH A DRINK IN HAND. HERE ARE FIVE BEACH BARS THAT OFFER A “HAPPY HOUR” WORTHY OF A HARD DAY’S WORK.

Wonderland Ocean Pub

5083 Santa Monica Ave. San Diego, CA 92107 (619) 255-3358 Wonderlandob.com Happy Hour: MondayFriday 3-6 p.m., Monday 6-10 p.m., Wednesday 6-10 p.m., Thursday 8 p.m. to close, Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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The Brewhouse

229 W. Montecito St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 884-4664 Sbbrewhouse.com Happy Hour: Daily 4-6 p.m. x Tucked

a fair bit away from the tourist-heavy State Street, is the Brewhouse, which is one of those bars that attracts a wide spectrum of people, making for a wonderfully eclectic experience. It's an ideal place to chill, surrender your worries, and throw back an oyster shooter or two for only $1.95 each, get down with calamari for just $5.50, and experiment with prawns wrapped in bacon for $9.00 (you won't be disappointed). Additionally, if you end up visiting for the beer, as it is a beer bar after all, make sure to order the venue's most famous selection, its Habanero Pilsner.

x As

you've probably guessed by now, the name of this pub couldn't be any more suitable. It truly is a wonderland for happy hour surveyors and scavenger hunters. Notable deals include “Mussel Up Mondays” when you can get half off your mussels and oysters; “Taco Wednesday,” which will get you a fresh-pressed margarita for just $5; and on “Beards and Beer Club” Thursdays when the patrons can sam-

ple free beer tasters and get silly with real or aesthetic facial hair. In addition, you can chomp down on some juicy $4 carnitas tacos, revel in sassy live music and, overall, have your breath taken away with one of the best window-side ocean views in So Cal.

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FIVE FAVES

HAPPY HOUR

Belmont Brewing Co. 25 39th Pl. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 433-3891 BelmontBrewing.com

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m. , Everyday 9 p.m. to Close, Saturday-Sunday 3-5 p.m. x Tucked

deeply along the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is this nifty establishment well-known for its splendid service, flattering presentation of drinks/food, and an ambiance that will make you an avowed admirer of the sea. Generally, all appetizers are 40 percent off during happy hour and from 9 p.m. to close. You can get a pizza with generous helpings of cheese, sauce, and toppings for $7.95. Martinis are also a big hit, here, including the Long Beach Barbie (Malibu, Captain Morgan, pineapple juice, grenadine) and Cucumber Martini (cucumber vodka, dry vermouth, agave nectar, fresh cucumber) for $9. And if you're willing to plunk down some extra change, not subject to happy hour pricing, the Strawberry Blonde Beer is quite renowned.

The Deck on Laguna Beach

Pacific Edge Hotel on Laguna Beach 627 Sleepy Hollow Ln. Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 494-6700 DeckonLaguna.com Happy Hour: Monday-Thursday 4-6 p.m. (prices subject to change) x When

people talk about sitting relatively â&#x20AC;&#x153;nearâ&#x20AC;? the beach, it can mean many things. For instance, you can have a clear sight of the horizon, but be a football field away. Yet, as one of Orange County's jewels, The Deck offers customers a chance to sit, well, on a sand deck, with waves that are no more than 30-feet away. If it gets too breezy, you can turn on the closest heat lamp, and sip the So-Cal Mule cocktail (vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, mint), or the California Cooler ( gin, cucumber, pepper, lime sour, ginger beer, mint) in between bites of the popular grilled cheese and tomato soup appetizer.

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Duke's Malibu

21150 Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 317-0777 DukesMalibu.com Happy Hour: Monday 4 p.m. to close, Tuesday 4 p.m. to close, Friday 4 p.m. to close, Sunday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. x In

honor of gold-medalist swimmer and surfer Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, Duke's Malibu is dedicated to giving customers the Hawaiian experience, complete with Hawaiian Mule drink (vodka, ginger beer, pineapple juice, fresh lime) and Hawaiian dancers (on Fridays). Guests at the “Barefoot Bar” can go casual, and simply enjoy the great service of the friendly staff with even more loyalty-building deals like $4 off “favorite” food items and $2 off draft beers on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Though Tuesday in particular is an exceptional day of the week at Duke's due to the $3 fish tacos. Lastly, Fridays and Sundays will be days that you would be tempted to order the $5 Mai Tais, or Bloody Marys, respectively. Oh, and the aquatic vista (a fancy way of saying ocean view) will spiritually heal the most cynical and jaded. ❖

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THE HOOD

Ventura

The Seaside City of 76

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“Surrounded by rich agricultural land, you'll find fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables year-round, much of it organic and some pesticide-free, filling field stands and locally-owned markets.”

COURTESY OF VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE

BY BROC ELLINGER

✒ BY

FROM TOP LEFT CLOCKWISE:

1. A statue of mission founder Junipero Serra watches over the seaside town 2. Ventura Harbor Village attracts shoppers, diners, boating and water sports enthusiasts yearround. 3. Surrounded by fertile farmland, residents and visitors enjoy fresh seasonal veggies, fruits and flowers year-round.

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BY BRENDA DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY LINDA LANG

BORN OF A SPANISH MISSION OVERLOOKING THE ROLLING WAVES OF THE PACIFIC, THE CITY OF VENTURA AND VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE EMBODY THE IDYLLIC CALIFORNIA LIFESTYLE: THE BALMY YEARROUND CLIMATE, SUN GLISTENING OFF THE WHITE WALLS OF RED TILE-ROOFED BUILDINGS, SPARKLING HARBOR WATERS BUSTLING WITH BOATS AND MARINE LIFE, GLORIOUS PARKS, BEACHES AND A HISTORY RICH IN THE CULTURE AND ARTS OF TODAY AND YESTERDAY. The city grew up around Mission San Buenaventura, the ninth and last established in 1782 by Spanish missionary Junípero Serra. Its museum houses artifacts guarded by the iconic statue of Father Junipero in the mission gardens while the multi-cultural heritage of Ventura — its name derived from the mission, of course — is still reflected in districts displaying Art Deco, Craftsman, and Victorian architecture. Downtown, you'll find lots of new shops joining the classic boutiques stocked with everything from women’s and men’s vintage apparel and 18th century antiques to fine jewelry, furnishings and art galleries. Notables include Betty Belts for sea-inspired jewelry and accessories; Buffalo Exchange's new and recycled fashions; Copperfield’s Gift & Rarities; Pacific Ironworks, Patagonia's flagship store for eco-conscious outdoor apparel; fine jewelers such as Ormachea and Van Gundy; B On Main for beach art and décor; and Times Remembered, Ventura's largest antique and collectibles mall. New restaurants have also joined the scene. For a quick breakfast or lunch, the 1950s-style Busy Bee Café, complete with jukeboxes, is known for its chicken fried steak and eggs and classic Rueben. For dinner, there's New American cuisine at Watermark on Main listed by Zagat; Indian fare at Bollywood; Thai & Peru featuring spicy mint squid and pineapple fried rice; Café Fiore offering rustic Italian in an elegant setting; and Winchesters Grill & Saloon which serves up flat iron steak, elk and buffalo burgers. Surrounded by rich agricultural land, you'll find fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables year-round, much of it organic and some pesticide-free, filling H

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THE HOOD CITY OF VENTURA

BY BROC ELLINGER

the 20th century's biggest bands including Tommy Dorsey and artists such as guitarist, singer and songwriter Chuck Berry, one of the pioneers of rock and roll. Ventura’s famous Art Walks are also held twice a year in downtown as well as street fairs, holiday celebrations and parades. VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE

At the end of Spinnaker Drive, which can be reached by car or the new Downtown-Harbor Trolley, is Ventura Harbor Village & The Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. Built 50 years ago, the village offers 35 shops and dockside restaurants, Village Carousel & Arcade, boat slips, and a wide variety of water sports, boating and sightseeing cruise options. From Ventura Boat Rentals, you can rent electric boats, pedal boats, surf bikes, kayaks and paddleboards by the hour. Divers, novice and expert, can choose from charters offered by Raptor Dive Charters, Explorer Dive Boat, Spectre Dive H

BY MIKE LAAN

field stands and locallyowned markets. These carry everything from handmade tamales and fresh breads to free-range eggs, cheeses, sausages, fresh fish, organic beef, herbs, and wide varieties of flowers, fruits and veggies. Within walking distance of historic downtown is the Ventura County Fairgrounds, which attracts fans of seasonal horseracing, year-round concerts and music festivals. Further down is San Buenaventura State Beach's two miles of sand dunes and picnic tables adjacent to the historic San Buenaventura Pier. Here you can picnic, run, hike, bike, skate, find moped and electric cart rentals at Wheel Fun Rentals while surfers challenge the waves at famed Surfer’s Point. Public art is also an integral part of the Ventura landscape. Beneath the 101 freeway overpass is Tortilla Flats, a colorful collage of multimedia murals on four 15 X 66-foot panels celebrating the neighborhood's blended culture. It was also here that residents once gathered to listen to some of

ON THIS PAGE: 4. Olivas Adobe, Ventura's last remaining

Monterey-style adobe home, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 5. Busy Bee Café is a fun place for steak and eggs, classic Ruebens and Chicago Burgers with pastrami. 6. Watermark on Main, in a beautifully restored 1920s bank building, stores its liquor and wine in the original bank vault. 7. Kayaks and other water craft can be rented by the hour.

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COURTESY OF VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE

BY MIKE LAAN

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CITY OF VENTURA

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Boat and Peace Dive Boat. Channel Islands Kayak Center rentals of single or double kayaks include paddles, helmets and life vests. If you're looking to cast a line for whitefish, barracuda, halibut or sea bass, Ventura Harbor Sport fishing offers open and private charters now through December while Pacific Sailing Lessons & Charters’ has private three-hour seaventures. Shops and galleries include Beach Break Surf Shop for boards and accessories; Harbor Wind & Kite Company's some 1,000 kites, decorative flags and wind chimes; Hats Unlimited with 1,000 different head covers; Ventura Swimwear; and Barefoot 9

8. Coastal Cones serves its ice cream delights in homemade waffle cones. 9. Beach Break Surf Shop is stocked with surfboards and surfing accessories. 10. Boating is a favorite pastime at Ventura Harbor. 11. The Greek At The Harbor is one of the area's popular dining spots. 12. Anacapa is one of five islands in Channel Islands National Park.

Boutique's women’s apparel. If art is a passion, you can peruse Tina O’Brien Gallery & Studio's collection of fine landscape paintings and Ventura County Potters’ Guild, exclusive home of original works by 21 local artists. Also a working harbor with a thriving fishing industry, fresh catches are supplied daily to the markets and restaurants. Seafood enthusiasts enjoy wonderful waterfront dining spots such as Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market, voted "Best Seafood in Ventura" by the Ventura County Star and Ventura County Reporter; Brophy Brothers Restaurant & Clam Bar; and Rhumb Line Sunset Restaurant, ranked among the Top 100 Scenic

Ventura is off scenic Highway 101, 60 miles north of Los Angeles. For more info visit www.visitventuraca.com and www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

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View Restaurants by Open Table Diners, and known for its blackened sea bass, Southern shrimp and grits, and signature Prince Edward Island mussels. On the ethnic culinary front, you'll find The Greek At The Harbor, complete with belly dancing; Harbor Sushi; Margarita Villa Mexican Restaurant; and whenever the sweet tooth stirs, you can indulge in a French pastry or dessert at Le Petit Café & Bakery or a homemade waffle cone ice

cream treat from Coastal Cone. As the sun sets, Ventura nightlife dawns with live entertainment. At the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club, catch acts every Wednesday through Sunday with headliners from The Tonight Show, HBO, Comedy Central and David Letterman. And downtown are Music under the Stars Outdoor Summer Concerts at the historic Olivas Adobe on Saturdays, July 11 to September 5. To find out more about Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary, known as “The American’s Galapagos,” stop in at the park visitor center next to the village. Here you and the kids can learn about the five islands — home to some 2,000 plant species and animals — view a 25-minute video narrated by actor Kevin Costner, and check out Island Packers' sightseeing cruises and excursions to the islands, painted caves and more. ❖

BY DOUG MANGUM

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TO-DO-LIST

the

Hiking

✒ BY

Trails

SCOTT HARRIS

THERE ARE HUNDREDS, if not thousands, of great hikes to be found in Southern California, and regardless of your hiking experience and abilities, there is a perfect trail for you. CONTINUED

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TO-DO-LIST

HIKING THE TRAILS

SUMMER IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IS A GREAT TIME TO HIT THE TRAILS. EARLY MORNINGS AND LATE AFTERNOONS USUALLY BRING ENJOYABLY COOLER WEATHER, BUT AS LONG AS YOU PLAN CAREFULLY AND BRING PLENTY OF WATER, JUST ABOUT ANY TIME IS GOOD FOR A HIKE. WITH A CHOICE OF MOUNTAIN TRAILS, BEACHSIDE WALKS AND EVEN SOME TERRIFIC URBAN HIKES, THERE ARE ENOUGH OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TO FILL A BOOK. WE’LL HIGHLIGHT JUST A FEW YOU MIGHT ENJOY.

1 Let’s start with a relatively easy, beautiful beachside hike in Santa Barbara County, [1] Carpinteria Bluffs. It’s a simple, flat walk along the beach, and getting there is easy as well. Take the Bailard exit from the 101 Freeway, head toward the beach, and within a block you’ll see Carpinteria Avenue, parking and the ocean. Then, start walking. If you’re in Ventura County, head over to [2] Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks. Miles of trails lead you to two waterfalls, a variety of caves, a tepee and Lizard Rock (which is even better at sunrise).

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Los Angeles has many options, but if your calves are up to it, you’ve got to try the [3] Eldred Street Stairs in Highland Park. Eldred Street is thought to be the third steepest street in the world, and steeper than any that our northern cousin, San Francisco, can claim. You’ll start at 4864 Eldred St. and hike up 196 wooden stairs until you reach 790 Cross St. If conquering the 196 stairs is not enough for you, you’ll also be rewarded with spectacular views of the Los Angeles Basin. Be sure to look east, where if the day is clear enough, you’ll see Mount Baldy. As you’re looking at Mount Baldy, the San Gabriel Mountains’ best-known landmark, think about taking a drive and visiting [4] Switzer Falls. The 210 Freeway will get you to the Angeles Crest Highway exit and, just past the Clear Creek Ranger Station, you’ll find the Switzer Truck Trail. It’s a beautiful drive, ending in a relaxing hike to a gorgeous waterfall.

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5 Heading to Orange County? Drive straight to the El Moro Visitor Center at [5] Crystal Cove State Park. This is the trailhead for a 2-mile round trip hike that includes a stop at Moro Beach — where you’ll be tempted to take a long break and enjoy the view. [6] Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park (28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel) is the place to go if you’re looking for mountain views, wildlife, oak trees and beautiful sycamores. You’ll be sharing the trails with runners and mountain bikers, but with 4,500 acres of open space and mile after mile of trails, this is the place for anyone from beginning hikers to hard-core trail veterans. San Diego County also offers many trails that meet the needs of every hiker. But, for those who want to combine a strenuous workout with multi-country views, [7] Mount Woodson is the place to go. You’ll start in Poway at Lake Poway and perhaps be deceived by the ease of the beginning of this 6.4-mile round trip hike. But, as you approach the top, the route becomes steeper. On a clear day, however, your efforts will earn you the opportunity to look across the Pacific Ocean and into Mexico. If you’re willing to drive a bit (a little more than 60 miles

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from downtown San Diego), and are not deterred by the thought of potentially seeing mountain lions and rattlesnakes, head to [8] Palomar-Julian and the Palomar Mountain Observatory Trail. Moderately challenging and 4 miles round trip, you are rewarded at the end of this hike with a visit to the Palomar Observatory, which is open daily (except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of great hikes to be found in Southern California, and regardless of your hiking experience and abilities, there is a perfect trail for you. From paved walkways

7 and well-maintained trails, to off-road hikes that require some expertise, all are available. There are beaches, mountains, lakes and streams for those who love the outdoors and amazing, surprising hikes located in almost every city for those who want the exercise, but prefer views with a little less nature. Enjoy your hikes, know your limits, bring water and send pictures! ❖

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FAMILY FUN

PICNICS IN THE PARK LINDA LANG

IT'S TIME TO GET OUT THE SUN1 SCREEN, BEACH BLANKETS, FLIP-FLOPS, FLOPPY HATS, PICNIC BASKETS AND MAYBE YOUR FAVORITE PLAYLIST. NOW IS WHEN HIKING TRAILS ARE THEIR BUSIEST, AND FAMILIES AUGMENT BACKYARD BARBECUES WITH PICNICS AND FUN ACTIVITIES IN THE MANY MAGNIFICENT PARKS WE HAVE THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

Here, the kids can freely run around while grown-ups talk and relax in the shade, the family can play all sorts of games perhaps after exploring an historical site, amusement ride, the zoo, a hike, bike or horseback ride.

Santa Barbara

w A.C. Postel Memorial Garden, across the street from the Santa Barbara Mission, features impeccably manicured lawns and more than 1,000 glorious rose bushes in full bloom. The adjacent grassy field is a

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - JULY.AUGUST2015

favorite with both locals and visitors for soccer games, tossing balls and Frisbees, board games, and quiet moments with a book as well as picnics. Views over the lawns, roses, the mission and hills behind create spectacular visions. Parking is free and ample, including the mission's parking lot. Kid's World at Alameda Park, one of Santa Barbara's largest and most popular playgrounds, was conceived by kids and is perfect for birthday parties and all sorts of family gatherings. Its giant shark, pirate ship, eelshaped slide and various areas within the playground are geared for children 2-12 years of age. You can make reservations or opt for the drop-in picnic areas. Restrooms are conveniently nearby. For more information on these and other parks, visit www.santabarbara ca.com

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1. Kids World in Alameda Park was designed by kids. 2. Postel Memorial Garden, across the street from the Santa Barbara has over 1,000 glorious rose bushes in full bloom. ON THIS PAGE:

COURTESY OF DISCOVER LOS ANGELES

3. Views from Griffith Park Observatory span from the Pacific to downtown Los Angeles. 4. Families can ride on Travel Town's Melody Ranch Special once owned by Gene Autry.

Los Angeles w Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America spanning over 6.7-square miles, offers an endless variety of activities including miles of hiking, biking and horse trails, golf courses, tennis courts, museums,

childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playgrounds and more. It is home to the Hollywood Sign, Greek Theatre, Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Griffith Observatory and Travel Town. You'll find the Autry National Center of the American West, its Railroad Museum featuring 43

exhibits, and train rides including the Melody Ranch Special once owned by Gene Autry. It's been a favorite family picnic spot for generations. Facility rentals are available from the museum. Another popular picnic setting is the rolling lawn beneath the Griffith Observatory towering high above the sprawling city below. Also a famed L.A.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s film location, you may remember seeing it in "Rebel Without a Cause" starring James Dean and Natalie Wood. In addition to amazing views spanning from the Pacific to downtown Los Angeles, Observatory attractions include the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon, Zeiss Telescope and Gottlieb Transit Corridor. www.laparks.org/dos/ parks/griffithpk

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Down San Diego Way w Between Los Angeles and San Diego is Del Mar Powerhouse Park, one of the Southland's most gorgeous beachside playgrounds with stunning ocean views, picnic tables, play area, beach activities, generous carpet of grass, community center and some of the most beautiful California sunsets you'll ever see. You can bring your barbecue as well as blankets, lawn chairs and umbrellas. The Summer

Twilight Concerts from June 16-August 18 are packed and also great fun for the whole family. www.delmar.ca.us/203/B eaches-Parks Just minutes from downtown San Diego is Balboa Park, the largest urban park in the world. Home to 15 major museums, numerous performing arts venues, museums and other cultural attractions, a carousel, miniature railroad, playgrounds, and 1200 acres of lush gardens, it also encompasses the San Diego Zoo. There

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - JULY.AUGUST2015

ON THIS PAGE:

5. Del Mar Powerhouse Park is one of the most beautiful coastal parks in Southern California. 6. Del Mar Powerhouse Park offers spectacular ocean views and sunset. 7. Pepper Grove Playground has lots of activities to offer kids of all ages.

are lots of picnic options throughout with Pepper Grove Playground being one of the most popular. Separated into two main areas, one section for kids under five features a giant sandbox, cushioned flooring, slides and swings. For the older kids, there's a large jungle gym, faux zip line, things to spin on and green fields to play in. There are also lots of tables, amazing views, nearby restrooms and parking. www.balboapark.org/in-thepark/pepper-grove-playground. â?&#x2013;

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PICNICS IN THE PARK

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How to Wear White ✒ BY

NICOLE SCHMIDT

WHEN IT COMES TO SUMMER STYLE, FEW FASHION TRENDS ARE MORE SO CAL THAN THE CRISP, CLEAN LOOK OF WHITE. WHETHER YOU ARE WEARING A SIMPLE WHITE TEE WITH YOUR FAVORITE DENIM OR OPTING FOR THE MONOCHROMATIC LOOK, THE CLASSIC ELEGANCE OF A WHITE GARMENT CAN TURN JUST ABOUT ANYTHING IN YOUR WARDROBE INTO A FASHION FORWARD ENSEMBLE. THERE ARE, HOWEVER, A FEW DETAILS TO REMEMBER WHEN DONNING YOUR WHITE DUDS:

Do:

Invest in a good tshirt bra or camisole in a color that matches your skin tone. Accessorize your white! Pops of color are a welcome addition to wearing white. Statement jewelry, bold lipstick colors and a brightly hued bag are some of our favorites. Use white to accessorize! White bags, hats or accessories make great accent pieces. Aim for form-fitting styles as these are the most flattering. Pair white clothes with a nude heel to create the illusion of longer legs.

Don’t:

Splurge when shopping for white clothing. White is the least forgiving of all colors and you want to invest in the highest quality fabrics possible.

Wear lace, printed or colorful undergarments that will show through white fabrics and choose materials that match your skin tone.

Carry a pocket stain remover. Wearing white is an invitation for disaster. Try Goo Gone Mess-Free Pen ($4.50) or a Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Pen ($9 for three).

Choose clingy fabrics, especially if they’re the slightest bit see-through.

Apply your makeup and perfume prior to getting dressed so you don’t spill – white seems to be a magnet for stains. Then, be careful as you slip into your garments so you don’t transfer color on to your white fabrics.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - JULY.AUGUST2015

Wear a white baggy top with a white baggy skirt unless you want to look like a large white plastic bag. Wear white around kids – your clothes won’t stay white for long. Wear a white dress to a wedding. Only the bride is supposed to wear white, and you

never want to draw attention away from her. Parade around in a white swimsuit without making sure it won’t become seethrough once it gets wet. Wear whites that have become dingy or have even the tiniest permanent stains on them. Any variation in color becomes incredibly obvious against white and will become a focal point. Unless you want to look like an x-ray technician, avoid jackets or outerwear that remotely resembles a lab coat. SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

ON THE CALENDAR

july /august

22nd Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival July 25 - 26, Plaza Park www.oxnardsalsafestival.com

• Everything salsa – the food, the music, the dance – is on the menu of this popular regional festival. Event highlights include Main Stage entertainment with Salsa and Latin Jazz bands; the Salsa Tasting Tent; an eclectic vendor marketplace; international foods; Kids Korner; chef demonstrations; a salsa recipe contest and more. CONTINUED

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ON THE CALENDAR

Surf ‘N’ Suds Beer Festivall The Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach

August 15 Carpinteria State Beach www.surfbeerfest.com

July 8 - August 31 650 Laguna Canyon Road www.foapom.com

• Each night there is a 90-minute stage show of “living pictures” – incredibly faithful art re-creations of classical and contemporary works with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. An outdoor amphitheater, professional orchestra, original score, live narration, intricate sets and sophisticated lighting have won recognition for the Pageant as the best presentation of its kind. Comic-Con International: San Diego July 9 - 12 San Diego Convention Center www.comic-con.org

stages, a street fair, surfing contest and more. Seaward Avenue will showcase more than 70 vendors that specialize in unique products. The whole street will close down to celebrate. 128th Annual Santa Barbara County Fair July 15 - 19, Santa Maria Fair Park www.santamariafairpark.com

• The Fair showcases the community’s interests and talents, offering a unique assortment of activities including carnival rides, a Destruction Derby and petting zoo. Each night will feature a different Main Stage Concert. 125th Orange County Fair

• Comic-Con International: San Diego returns to the area and begins with a Preview Night on July 8. This year marks the show’s 46th year, making it the country’s longest continuously-run comics and popular arts convention. Surf Rodeo Ventura July 11 - 12, Pierpont Beach, Ventura www.surfrodeo.org

• Come and enjoy this unique music festival, with more than 20 bands, two 94

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July 17 – August 16 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa www.ocfair.com

• The OC Fair offers a wide variety of exhibits, food, entertainment, rides and hands-on activities. The event also includes the summer headline concert series, working farm and petting zoo, thrill rides, contests and games.

4th Annual Rubio’s CoastFest July 18, Oceanside Pier www.rubioscoastfest.com

• One of the largest organized beach cleanups in San Diego, the event includes live music, complimentary food and drinks, a beer garden, and dozens of activities for kids of all ages, including a mobile ocean education center, surf lessons, and disc golf. Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival July 18 - 19 Marine Stadium, Long Beach www.lbdragonboat.com

• In addition to being one of the largest dragon boat competitions in California, the event will host Chinese traditional art demonstrations, Chinese Acrobats, traditional dance, hip hop, music and martial arts performances. Vans US Open of Surfing July 25 - August 2, Huntington Beach www.vansusopenofsurfing.com

• Each year, over half a million people look on as the best surfers in the world compete for one of the largest prize purses in the industry, along with essential points in their bid to become crowned the world’s best surfer. SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

july/august Special Olympics World Summer Games July 25 - August 2 Various locations in Los Angeles www.specialolympics.org

august

• The 2015 Games will feature competitions in aquatics, gymnastics, track and field, basketball, soccer and many other summer sports involving 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world.

Surf ‘N’ Suds Beer Festival August 15 Carpinteria State Beach www.surfbeerfest.com

• This year’s festival features over 55 craft breweries and wineries, local surfboard shapers, food trucks, and live music.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ August 22 - 23, Oceanside Pier and Beach www.worldbodysurfing.org

August 23 Embarcadero Marina Park South www.bikethebay.net

• Bike The Bay is a fun ride for people of all riding abilities and is the only opportunity of the year for bikers to ride across the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. The 25-mile route finishes with a festive celebration.

Wings Over Camarillo Air Show August 22 - 23, Camarillo Airport www.wingsovercamarillo.com

• This year’s show will feature the MV22 Osprey Marine helicopter and more than 80 WWII Warbirds, vintage and experimental aircraft in flyby and aerobatic routines. A large custom auto and motorcycle display will also be on hand. World Bodysurfing Championships

World Bodysurfing Championships

8th Annual Ride The Bridge – Bike The Bay

August 22 - 23 Oceanside Pier and Beach www.worldbodysurfing.org

• Approximately 350- 400 international and U.S. body surfers will compete at the Oceanside Pier and beach in San Diego's North County.

Weird, Wild & Wonderful: The New York Botanical Garden Second Triennial Exhibition Through August 23 Huntington Library, Pasadena www.huntington.org

• The eccentric beauty of the plant kingdom will be celebrated in a traveling exhibition that includes 47 works, selected from a field of nearly 240 submissions from artists from Australia, Canada, India, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Long Beach BBQ Festival Idyllwild Park Jazz In The Pines August 15 – 16 Idyllwild Arts Academy www.idyllwildjazz.com

• Jazz in the Pines offers something for every jazz fan, all performed at the highest level by over two dozen bands. Performers and fans alike will have a breathtaking mountain campus to themselves and a limited number of VIP tickets are available. SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

August 22-24 Rainbow Lagoon, Long Beach www.longbeachbbqfestival.com

• The Long Beach BBQ Festival is a three-day BBQ Extravaganza featuring the world’s best BBQ ribs, pulled pork, tri-tip, sausages, chicken and more. The competition is fierce and the flavors rich as national award winning rib cookers of America and local grillers produce the best that their secret recipes have to offer.

To feature your upcoming Southern California event in our "On the Calendar" section, e-mail: calendar@socallifemag.com

JULY.AUGUST2015 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE

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SOOO CAL

LIVE

TRAVEL

DISCOVER

DISNEYLAND

So Cal’s Time-honored E Ticket! ✒ BY

SCOTT HARRIS

ALMOST EVERY HOME IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (IF NOT THE NATION) HAS A “JUNK DRAWER.”

It is the repository for all pens with no ink, unsharpened pencils, dull scissors, rubber bands, cracked and brittle with age, keys to long forgotten locks, locks with no keys, scraps of paper with phone numbers, but no names, odd screws and nails and those little notepads with pictures of local real estate agents. Historically, I think they have mostly been found in kitchens, but they have been found in desk drawers or dens.

When I was growing up, there was one thing that was certain to be found in every junk drawer: A, B and C tickets to Disneyland. Disneyland opened in Anaheim in 1955 and shortly after opening, converted to this “ticket” system. Guests would buy entry into the park, which included a book of tickets (initially A, B and C). A tickets allowed you to enjoy the tamest attractions (Sleeping Beauty Castle, for example); B tickets were a little more exciting and so on, until eventually an E ticket was added in 1959. These

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - JULY.AUGUST2015

were gold. These were why we went to Disneyland. An E ticket opened the door to the world of exciting rides, including the Jungle River Cruise, the Submarine Voyage, the Pirates of the Caribbean and the king of all rides: the Matterhorn Bobsleds. A and B tickets, thought to only be used by grandmothers and little sisters, were generally held in such low regard that you could often pick them up along Main Street and in the parking lot on your way back to the car after a long day of using E tickets. No 8-year-old boy would be caught dead on an A or B attraction (okay, maybe the Swiss Family Treehouse), but you could always use these tickets for trade. There was always at least one kid at school who valued quantity over quality and would trade an E ticket for a half dozen A tickets. There was always another kid who was afraid of most of the E ticket rides and was happy to dump them for some less exhilarating Disney adventures. Disney ended this ticket system in 1981, but well into the 90s, an E ticket was still part of Southern California’s

lexicon, often used to refer to anything exciting or scary. Although, as we turned the calendar on a new century, its use in conversations simply drew a blank stare from anyone not eating the early bird special at Sizzler. Today, E ticket stands for electronic ticket, so while I went through a few years of people not having ever heard of E tickets, now they have, but they’re using it wrong! If you grew up in Southern California, Disneyland was a part of your life. The first Disneyland (there are now five) opened here. Watching Sunday night’s “The Wonderful World of Disney” television show, experiencing Grad Night (an all-night trip to Disneyland ... no tickets required that night!) for generations of high school graduates and every out-of-town visitor of Southern California has asked to be taken to Disneyland. I still enjoy Disneyland and frankly, count on out-oftown guests to drag me there, once every few years. Recently I heard my wife say, “Do you have your E ticket?” My heart gave that little familiar jump of excitement and for a brief moment, I was 8-years-old and had stumbled across an E ticket buried among the others in the junk drawer. ❖

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My Southern California

Sunset in La Jolla, California BY CARLOS EDUARDO SANCHEZ RAMOS, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

e I call myself a renaissance man because I want to succeed on every playing field; from photography to filmmaking, from music to writing. I try to share what I see and experience in my photos so people feel inspired to go out, explore and take care of the world in which we live. If I could proclaim a positive message in my lifetime, it is that one should always follow his or her dreams no matter how crazy and unreachable they seem. Thanks to Shaka the People for being the first company to believe in me and my photographic eye. For event photography or video, follow me on my Instagram at Carlos_Sanchez94, email me at ava_car@hotmail.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, So Cal 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.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - JULY.AUGUST2015

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