Arroyo Monthly February 2007 by Southland Publishing

arroyo M O N T H L Y

FEBRUARY 2007

Crown City

valentine Suad and Selma Cisic traveled the world —

then

‘fell in love with Pasadena’

Your ticket to the Sierra Madre Playhouse The love story behind the Huntington’s new exhibit Mojácar Flamenco brings the passion of Spain to South Pas

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E D I TO R’ S N OT E

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“BEST EYEWEAR” ome may say that Valentine’s Day is nothing but a “Hallmark holiday,” created for the pure economic gain of those peddling cards, flowers and candy. To those cynics, I argue that Valentine’s Day is actually a good idea; look at it as a reminder to honor your loved one. There are many ways to do that without a big financial investment: write a poem, serve a candlelit dinner at home. Be creative. A friend told me she had bought flowers for her husband for a special occasion, and he was blown away because he’d never gotten flowers from a woman; he thought the man was always supposed to buy them. Well, so much for rules. For instance, who said, “Don’t mix business with pleasure”? Carl Sagan’s wife Ann Druyan told me that “there was no dividing line between work, happiness and fun” in her marriage with the world’s most popular scientist, founder of The Planetary Society and distinguished visiting scientist at JPL/Caltech. As husband and wife, they collaborated on science writing projects for 20 years. It was inspiring to hear about her personal relationship with him as she discussed the lectures she edited for a new book, “The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God.” Druyan said, “We lived and treated each other in a way that was mindful of every day being precious.” Other couples-themed stories this month include the continent-hopping Cisics on our cover; the love story behind John Constable’s incredible six-foot paintings at the Huntington; and Stephen Dick and Katerina Tomás, the couple who started Mojácar Flamenco to bring the passion of Spain to South Pasadena. Plus, we look at the latest offering at the Sierra Madre Playhouse located in the romantic town that is home to the world’s largest wisteria vine. So what will you do to celebrate the most romantic month of the year? —Julie Riggott

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ARROYO MONTHLY PUBLISHER Dale Tiffany • EDITOR IN CHIEF Julie Riggott • ART DIRECTOR Agnes Carrera CONTROLLER Michael Nagami • HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Andrea Baker ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Leslie Lamm • ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Linda Martin ACCOUNTING Laila Abdanan, Tracy Lowe, Angela Wang, Ginger Wang ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Fred Bankston, Carolyn Dyer, Elizabeth Guzman, Rebecca Haussling, Bill McBee, Hillorie Rudolph, Charlie Spradling ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Jake Belcher, Stephanie Piechowski ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Jackie Gibson CONTRIBUTORS Teena Apeles, Jenine Baines, Jacqueline Fox, Greg Gillooly Stephanie Kinnear, Carl Kozlowski, Brenda Rees, Hank Schlinger, John Sollenberger EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Tracy Spicer • COPY EDITORS Bliss, John Seeley ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Yvonne Guerrero, Jay Cribas, Maricela Estrada, Aaron Piña, Duke Raul PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Germana, Christopher Rainone, Evans Vestal Ward GROUP PUBLISHER David Comden

CONTACT US ADVERTISING publisher@arroyomonthly.com • EDITORIAL editor@arroyomonthly.com PHONE (626) 584-1500 • FAX (626) 795-0149 MAILING ADDRESS 50 S. De Lacey Ave., Ste. 200, Pasadena, CA 91105 www.ArroyoMonthly.com

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ARROYO VOLUME 2 ~ NUMBER 11

M O N T H LY

14 CULTURE “Grand Ambitions”: The love story behind the Huntington’s landmark exhibit, “Constable’s Great Landscapes: The Six-Foot Paintings.” — By Stephanie Kinnear

18 CHARITY “A Small Theater With Big Heart”: Members of the Sierra Madre Playhouse find the community’s small-town charm makes it the perfect setting for theater. — By Carl Kozlowski

48 PERSONALITY Stephen Dick and Katerina Tomás make passionate music with Mojácar Flamenco. — By Bliss

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60 REAL ESTATE The sky is not falling 62 NESTING Suad and Selma Cisic transform a Pasadena condo into a showcase home Cover Photo: Continent-hoppers Suad and Selma Cisic at home in Pasadena Cover photo by Skye Moorhead

6 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

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ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ 7

giving back Coach Pete Carroll spreads some sunshine into PRMH resident “Supergirl” Elizabeth‘s day

USC Head Football Coach Pete Carroll addresses his special guests

Director of Football Operations Dennis Slutak escorts a child around the USC practice field

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA invited the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House to its campus to observe the football team’s final practice for the 2007 Rose Bowl. On Dec. 29, the children had lunch at the team training table, received hats and posters and watched two hours of high speed athletics. “Any chance you have to give back to these kids is always worth it; just getting to put some sunshine into their lives means so much to us,” said head coach Pete Carroll. Tossing the football and letting the kids try on their uniforms, the players went out of their way to make it an unforgettable event. Marchelle Sellers, executive director of the PRMH, said, “Watching the way that the team interacted with our kids was so amazing. We are honored to have been chosen to participate here today.” The PRMH provides a community supported “home away from home” for families seeking advanced medical treatment for their critically or terminally ill children. For more information, call (626) 585-1588 or visit www.pasadenarmh.org.

PRMH’s Cole trying on the helmet of center Ryan Kalil Photos by Jake Belcher

PRMH’s Cole playing on the lap of all-American first team center Sam Baker

8 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

John David Booty leads the USC offense during the special practice

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Trustees Sandy Morris, Marilyn Peck, Gene Weisenberg and Billie Youngblood-Knolle

ANYONE WHO HAS DRIVEN DOWN HUNTINGTON DRIVE in San Marino can’t help but notice that something is missing … the former San Marino Public Library! Construction cranes and crews have replaced card catalogs and computers. But the library, while demolished, is not destroyed. Thanks to the hard work of the San Marino Public Library Foundation, City Librarian Carolyn Crain with over $13 million of the $17 million Construction Manager Alex Main necessary to build the library’s new facility has been raised. Meanwhile, a temporary library is thriving, right next door, in the San Marino Center. “Come ‘check out’ what we’re up to,” urges City Librarian Carolyn Crain. For Indymac Bank board members Hugh Grant more information, visit and Pat Hayden, San Marino Public Library www.sanmarinopl.org. Foundation President Bob Sievers, San Marino city council member Betty Brown, Mayor of San Marino Matthew Lin, Indymac Bank CEO Michael Perry and San Marino city council member Vince Filutze

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ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ 11

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C U LT U R E

Grand

ambitions

The love story behind the Huntington’s landmark exhibit, ‘Constable’s Great Landscapes: The Six-Foot Paintings’

BY STEPHANIE KINNEAR John Constable, “Salisbury Cathedral From the Meadows,” 1831. Oil on canvas, 59 3/4 x 74 3/4 inches.. Private collection. T THE CENTER OF ALMOST ALL OF THE mythologies that surround legendary artists, there is a great and often tumultuous love story: Jackson Pollock had Lee Krasner; Frida Kahlo had Diego Rivera; and John Constable, long considered one of the greatest painters of the English landscape, had Maria Bicknell. Constable was born in 1776 in East Bergholt, a village on the River Stour in eastern England. As a young man, he expressed great interest in drawing and painting, but his father expected him to take over the family’s milling business, which he did for a short while. After some time, however, his family acquiesced and allowed him

14 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

to pursue his artistic aspirations. In 1799, he arrived in London to join the Royal Academy Schools. The Academy, at that time, was holding annual exhibitions of works by living artists, which were selected by a jury made up from the members. The exhibitions were the main venue for new artists to make a name for themselves, and a living. Constable, more than anything, wanted to be recognized as a great landscape painter and, in 1802, had his first painting hung in the Royal Academy exhibition. Money did not follow quickly, but he diligently studied the works of old masters such as Peter Paul Rubens and worked tirelessly at his craft. Despite his desire for

recognition, he was not driven solely by ego; he was in love, and in order to make Maria Bicknell his wife, he needed to achieve some sort of financial security. Maria’s grandfather, the rector of East Bergholt, disapproved of her relationship with a poor, struggling artist — but Constable was relentless. In 1816, when his father passed away, Constable took the money that was left to him and married Maria despite her family’s opposition. Finally settled in a small rented house in London, with the love of his life expecting their first child, Constable was able to embark on the most important years of his artistic career.

The Six-Foot Paintings “Constable was a tremendously ambitious artist. He painted his unusually large, six-foot landscape paintings to compete for professional recognition in the densely packed hang at the annual Royal Academy of Art exhibition,” explains Shelley M. Bennett, curator of British and European art at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino. “He was taking a big risk — breaking away from traditional modes of landscape paintings.” For quite some time, Constable had toyed with the idea of painting on an extraordinarily large canvas, but it wasn’t until 1818 that he tackled his first six-foot painting, “The White Horse” — the first in a series of six paintings that depict scenes

from his childhood along the River Stour. These paintings, admired for both their size and their intensely personal, emotive nature, are what many consider to be his masterpieces. The works are majestic, incredibly detailed and, unlike most great landscape painting of the day, usually depict some aspect of rural, workaday life in the foreground. Constable was desperate to attract the attention of the Academy as well as the buying public. As John Murdoch, the Huntington’s director of art collections, explains, he turned to the six-foot paintings because they were large enough to be seen as monumental, but still on a scale that could be easily hung at Academy exhibitions. At the same time he began his six-foot paintings, Constable also began painting full-size sketches that coincided

Artwork © The Huntington

with his more finished pieces. The sketches were not discovered until after Constable’s death in 1837 — and then they were sold for next to nothing. But by the late 19th century, critics began referring to the sketches as proof of Constable’s true genius, because they were arguably more in touch with the Modern movement. “Constable’s Great Landscapes: The Six-Foot Paintings” will be on display at the Huntington from Feb. 3 to April 29, marking the first time Constable’s legendary six-foot paintings have all been shown together. The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Tate Britain museum in London have joined forces with the Huntington to organize the exhibit. It is, according to Murdoch, —Continued on page 16 “a project the whole world ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ 15

{

C U LT U R E

Grand

ambitions

The love story behind the Huntington’s landmark exhibit, ‘Constable’s Great Landscapes: The Six-Foot Paintings’

14 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

Artwork © The Huntington

John Constable, “View on the Stour Near Dedham,” 1822. Oil on canvas, 51 x 74 inches. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens.

GRAND AMBITIONS —Continued from page 15

of art history has wanted to see.” The exhibit is also the first time that all six of Constable’s Stour Valley landscapes have been exhibited alongside their full-size oil sketches. “It is a cultural oddity,” explains Murdoch, “to have these great paintings, and to have two separate versions of each one: one well-finished, polished version for exhibitions of the 1820s and ’30s and then a parallel piece, with aggressive sketch style, with bold, expressive brush work.” It is unclear exactly why Constable felt the need to produce full-scale sketches, and, to this day, much controversy and mystery surround their origins as well as their purpose. However, one thing is clear: The finished piece and the 16 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

sketch reveal two sides of the same artist. While the pieces Constable hung at the Academy exhibitions were flawless and polished, the sketches were stormy, unpredictable and completely unconventional — revealing a painter who was perhaps even more ahead of his time than anyone realized. While the six-foot paintings eventually brought Constable the acclaim he so desperately wanted, that happiness was fleeting, as his wife Maria died in 1828 of tuberculosis. Many claim that her death cast a shadow over the rest of Constable’s life, a shadow visible in many of his later, darker works. However, Murdoch believes that although “her loss was a grievous, life-changing experience for Constable and it is reasonable to suggest it would show in his work,” as an artist, Constable was concerned first and foremost with creating

Artwork © The Huntington

great, serious paintings that the public would admire. He would not, Murdoch believes, have been concerned with projecting his personal grief onto the canvas. Whether or not Constable let his mourning seep into his paintings, he was certainly crushed. Shortly after Maria’s death he wrote to a friend: “A void is made in my heart that can never be filled again in this world.” AM “Constable’s Great Landscapes: The Six-Foot Paintings” will be on display from Feb. 3 to April 29 at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Call (626) 405-2100, or visit www.huntington.org. STEPHANIE KINNEAR is a freelance writer based in Ventura.

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CHARITY

A small theater with

bigheart The Sierra Madre Playhouse’s ‘Bad Heir Day’ is just the ticket for an intimate night of theater. BY CARL KOZLOWSKI ~ PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GERMANA

l 18 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

IVING AMID THE NONSTOP HUSTLE OF LOS Angeles, it can be hard to find a truly romantic venue to settle into for an evening of live theater. But the Sierra Madre Playhouse is just the ticket. Nestled in a peaceful community of just under 11,000 people, the Playhouse evokes the spirit of Norman Rockwell’s small-town America — befitting a place most famous as the home of the world’s largest wisteria vine, and as the setting for countless Hollywood productions over the past several decades, including 1956’s “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” Yet the Sierra Madre Playhouse’s active slate of seven productions per year proves that even with a 99-seat house, its members are committed to competing with the most famous theaters in the region. “There’s something special about live theater, and in community theater you’re so close to everything,” says Ward Callaway, vice president of the Playhouse’s governing board. “With community theater, generally actors come out and mingle with the audience of the show, letting you see them up close and personal, which is very enjoyable.” The Playhouse was founded in 1979 by Charles

Andrese and Cheryl Pertile, two actor friends who operated under the name the Playback Players and debuted with a production of Orson Welles’ “Moby Dick – Rehearsed.” From the beginning, the theater maintained an ambitious schedule of six to eight plays annually, but for the first 15 years the theater troupe’s passion outraced its funding until it landed on the brink of bankruptcy in 1995. Stan Zalas replaced Pertile shortly after the theater’s founding, but he and Andrese proved to be better at the creative arts than at monetary matters. When the Sierra Madre City Council couldn’t help provide operating funds, a citizens’ group led by resident George Enyedi stepped in to save the day by turning the Playhouse into a nonprofit organization and starting a successful fund-raising campaign. The money brought home the magic, as the theater was lovingly restored inside and out to evoke a timeless mood, with a spacious oak-floored lobby, plusher seats and carpeting, and vastly improved lighting and sound. A full curtain, new roof, state-of-the-art air conditioning and fully restored neon-lit movie marquee (added after another 1998 fund-raiser) also contribute to making the —Continued on page 20 Playhouse a classy experience at

Front row (from left to right): Joanna Houghton, David Calhoun, Jinny Wilcott, Jack Chansler, Daniel Espeseth and Judith E. Back row (from left to right): David McGee, Nathan G. Johnson and Natalie Lipka

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CHARITY

A small theater with

bigheart The Sierra Madre Playhouse’s ‘Bad Heir Day’ is just the ticket for an intimate night of theater. BY CARL KOZLOWSKI ~ PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GERMANA

l 18 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

Left to right: David Calhoun, Joanna Houghton, Natalie Lipka, Jinny Wilcott, Judith E. and David McGee

A S M A L L T H E AT E R W I T H B I G H E A RT —Continued from page 18

prices any class can afford — and anyone can attend without fear of being offended. “Our audience is primarily an older audience, so we look for family plays and edit out bad words or other things superfluous to the story if necessary,” says Callaway. “I like to say you can bring your mother and bring your daughter and not have to explain anything.” A perfect example of the Playhouse’s repertoire is the current play “Bad Heir Day,” which is running through Feb. 17. It’s one of the few original plays the theater has attempted due to its frequent use of such classic fare as “The Sound of Music.” The comedic murder-mystery was first performed there in 1995 — and its revival stars author Jack Chansler as Burgess the Butler. The play is set at a family gathering for the 75th birthday of its matriarch. When she collapses and dies, it appears that she’s a murder victim and everyone becomes a suspect. Chansler directed the original run of the show, but he didn’t act in the ’95 production because he worried that his focus would be too divided for him to be effective. Now, thanks to his friend Tom Moses stepping in as director for this run, Chansler is finally able to recite his best lines himself. “The first time, Jack directed and I acted in the play, but this is my first time directing for the Playhouse. I always felt we missed something by not having Jack play the lead since the main role is filled with his personality,” says Moses. “I 20 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

haven’t directed anywhere in 25 years, but I decided this would be the perfect way to start up again because it’s a great show in a great theater.” Moses appreciates a colorful show because his own life has been colorful, including acting studies at the American Conservatory Theatre, followed by a two-year stint on Alaska’s Kodiak Island. When he realized he was “the only actor on the island” and that the theater, rather than fishing, was truly his calling, he returned to the L.A. area and launched a lengthy and varied career that has seen him tread the Playhouse stage in such shows as “The Unexpected Guest,”“Run for Your Wife” and “Monique.” Moses was born in Monrovia and has maintained deep roots in the area throughout his life, while Callaway has lived in Sierra Madre since 1963. Like other Playhouse volunteers, they express real love for the town, which carries over into their commitment to the theater. “This is a small theater with an Equity [actors’ union] waiver, so even if we use union actors, they’re working for less than $10 a performance, and our nonunion actors are working for free,” says Moses. “People also have to be committed to rehearsing on top of their day jobs rather than as their main gig. But actors have to do live theater every couple of years or they lose their skills, and this is the kind of place to stay polished with every skill you have — because the people out there really appreciate it.” AM CARL KOZLOWSKI writes regularly for the Pasadena Weekly, the national business magazine Motto and the Web magazine ArrivistePress. He also has had articles published in the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and The Progressive.

2007 production schedule Jack Chansler’s “Bad Heir Day,” directed by Tom Moses, runs through Feb. 17. Ivan Menchell’s “Cemetery Club,” directed by Kim Smith, runs from March 2 to April 14. Patrick Hamilton’s “Angel Street,” directed by Stan Kelly, runs from April 27 to June 9. Stephen Sondheim’s “Putting it Together,” directed by Bob Hakman, runs from June 22 to Aug. 4. Neil Simon’s “The Gingerbread Lady,” directed by Linda Rand, runs from Aug. 12 to Sept. 22. Neil Simon’s “The Good Doctor,” directed by June Chandler, runs from Oct. 5 to Nov. 10. Victor Herbert’s “Babes in Toyland,” directed by Allison Kalmus, runs from Nov. 23 to Dec. 22. The Sierra Madre Playhouse also offers adult acting workshops and a children’s acting workshop. Volunteers are always welcome to serve as ushers and serve refreshments; to sign up, call (626) 376-2659. To volunteer backstage in the light booth or with publicity or set building, call (626) 403-1521. The Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. For more information or to make reservations, call (626) 256-3809, or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

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Newborn to Teenagers

THE SECRETS OF THE RICH Thinking of Buying, Selling or Investing in Real Estate? Attend our Free Seminar at the La Canada Flintridge Country Club on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:00 PM. Topics for Investors and Home Buyers: Should I buy now or will prices go down? What should I buy, a single family home, triplex, multi-unit apartment or office building? How can I use leverage to control the largest asset for the greatest return? What are the four principals of wealth building? You’ll learn successful, proven strategies for investing and why owning real estate is the “Ultimate Tax Shelter.” Topics for Sellers: You’ll learn fast simple fix-ups that will help you sell your home or investment property for the highest possible price….how to stage your property and attract buyers for maximum profit…how to avoid common mistakes….how to minimize liability risks and so much more.

Special Guest Speaker Topic: How we used IRS 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges and Capital Gains Tax Exclusions to multiply our wealth. You will learn how to build a substantial real estate portfolio and take advantage of the most powerful wealth building techniques available today.

Please Be Our Guests for refreshments, prize giveaway and wealth building knowledge. Seating is limited….

Call Now For Your Personal Reservation Call Heather at 818-790-8300 and register for this one of a kind seminar hosted by local experts and local real world, real estate wealth builders. The speakers are Barbara and Tim Conroy, the #1 MacGregor Realtor® Team, entrepreneurs and educators devoted to building wealth for their clients through home ownership, income and commercial property ownership. Special guest speakers will be Judy and Dan MacGregor, broker owners of the most successful realty company in the Foothills and multimillionaire real estate investors. ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ 21

B E H AV I O R A L H E A LT H

Love opens doors Give good behaviors the proper attention. BY HANK SCHLINGER, Ph.D. THERE IS A STORY ABOUT PRINCE ALBERT and Queen Victoria that, although not verified as historical fact, illustrates the tenor of their relationship. One day, shortly after their marriage, the two had a quarrel. Albert walked out of the room and locked himself in his study. Victoria ran after him and pounded on the door. “Who's there?” called Albert. “The Queen of England, and she demands to be admitted,” Victoria answered. Albert did not respond. Victoria pounded again. One version of the story has it that Victoria shouted, “I am the Queen of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, the Empress of India and of the entire British Commonwealth. I am the commander in chief of all the British armed forces, and I hereby order you to open this door!” Albert still did not respond. More furious knocking was followed by a pause. Then there was a gentle tap. “Who's there?” Albert asked. “Your wife, Albert,” the Queen replied. The prince immediately opened the door. Various Internet sites relate this story to extol the virtues of love or to make the point that it is more important to resolve conflict through nonviolent than violent means. But more practically, it’s a fairly simple example of Prince Albert ignoring Queen Victoria’s demanding behavior and instead rewarding her more contrite behavior. Regardless of the veracity of the story, it illustrates how we often get others to do what we want without being aware of how we did it. This column, however, is intended to teach you how to get the behavior you want knowingly. The most emailed New York Times article in June was titled “What Shamu Taught Me About a Happy Marriage” (www.nytimes.com/2006/06/25/ fashion/25love.html?ex=1167714000&en=acfecf9b3 48de734&ei=5070). In it, journalist Amy Sutherland describes how she was able to change her husband’s behavior by using behavioral principles she learned while working on a book on exotic animal training at America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College near Simi Valley. Sutherland’s usual method for trying to get her husband to do what she wanted was the same method used by many spouses and parents: nag22 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

ging. It dawned on her that the same techniques that worked with exotic animals “might work on that stubborn but lovable species, the American husband.” Her insight: “The central lesson I learned from exotic animal trainers is that I should reward behavior I like and ignore behavior I don't. After all, you don't get a sea lion to balance a ball on the end of its nose by nagging. The same goes for the American husband.” The techniques used by Prince Albert and by Amy Sutherland are the same scientifically established techniques that I have been describing in this column for more than a year. You can get your significant other to do almost anything — put clothes in the hamper, dirty dishes in the dishwasher — by first asking him or her (we often erroneously assume they know what we want them to do) and then by noticing when they do what you’ve asked and rewarding the behavior by thanking them, smiling or simply talking to them. Of course, if they

don’t do what you want when the opportunity arises, you must ignore that. Yes, that’s right: Ignore the failure to do what you’ve requested. Most of us find this almost impossible to do. But as Amy Sutherland learned, nagging doesn’t work; in fact, it often has the opposite effect because it actually attends to the very behavior you don’t want. If you follow this advice, your loved one will learn, although not necessarily consciously, that performing certain behaviors will get smiles and attention and not doing them will get no interaction. What you’ll come to realize is that love opens doors when you pay proper attention and reward the behaviors that you want, and ignore the behaviors you don’t want. AM Dr. Schlinger, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), is a faculty member in the psychology department at California State University, Los Angeles. Contact him at hschlin@calstatela.edu.

YOU’LL LOVE YOUR NEW SMILE

• High-tech Equipment and Techniques for Your Comfort • Warm, Friendly Atmosphere • Low-radiation X-rays • Full Service Dentistry for the Whole Family • Treatments for Halitosis (bad breath)

Giftt Certificates Available As seen on ABC’s Extreme Makeover

Plastic Surgery without a scalpel. Come in for complimentary consultation on how we can sculpt your smile with cosmetic dentistry.

Veneers

Fillings

teeth whitening special! $299 (reg. $600) We also offer Invisalign We are dedicated to the highest level of individualized patient care. Dr. V. Bilemjian

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212 South El Molino Ave. • Pasadena

626-792-6131

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ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ 23

UP CLOSE

Name: Lorenz Gamma and Ming Tsu

Luxury to Limit Serving Pasadena and San Marino for over 15 years

Home: Los Angeles Since: 2001 Occupation: Musicians with the Grammy Award-winning Southwest Chamber Music since 2002 How long together: 9 years Childhood homes: Switzerland and Taiwan First jobs: Principal second violin, Opera Orchestra Zurich, and piano faculty at Pacific Lutheran University, Seattle Favorite movies: Charlie Chaplin’s “The Great Dictator,” and Richard Donner’s “The Omen” Desert-island albums: Edward Elgar’s “Sea Pictures” with Janet Baker, and “Hang on, Little Tomato” by Pink Martini What we’re reading now: “Kopfgeburten” by Günter Grass, and “How to Meditate” by Lawrence LeShan Favorite cause: Diplomacy between human beings

State of the Art Facility • 150 Loaner Cars Mobile Flatbed Trucks Available Internet Café • Flat screen • Complimentary Food and Beverages Excellent Customer Service • Family Owned 12211 South h Brand d Blvd. Glendale,, CA

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www.lexusofglendale.com 24 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

Favorite destination in San Gabriel Valley: Food Cabin on Valley Boulevard in Rosemead — the greatest home-style Chinese food! What we love: Friends, hikes and good food and wine Something surprising about us: Despite our differing backgrounds, we have surprisingly many things in common. Dream goal: A life without boredom, and a little less stress

Your home...

Y O U R C A S T L E

new construction innovative kitchen and bath design 2005 Pasadena Showcase House of Design

Cynthia Bennett & Associates — This celebrated designer and general contractor, along with her staff of 11 designers, architects and project managers, brings both innovation and practicality to all your building, remodeling, restoration and renovation projects. They can take any project from concept, plans, construction and completion through interior design. The design and build focus of Cynthia Bennett’s team is the Southern California lifestyle of light, open spaces, accessible patios and garden areas and kitchen great rooms. With an emphasis on kitchen, bath, room additions and space

planning, this 25-year-old design firm is one of the most sought after in the San Gabriel Valley. 501 S. Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena. Call (626) 799-9701. Expression in Wood — Since 1977, this exceptional manufacturing company has specialized in magnificent traditional cabinetry, priding itself on customer service, attention to detail and quality that exceeds the expectations of its clients. Kitchen cabinetry is a specialty. It also designs and builds bathrooms, libraries, entertainment centers and every type of cabinetry for your home or office. The finished product is an “expression in wood.” 248 Kruse Ave., Monrovia. Call (626) 3038000, or visit www.expressioninwood.com. “Your Personal Shopper Team” — Amy Lee, with Countrywide Home Loans, and Shannon Ewing, with Re/Max Tri-City, serve

clients in the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles County. With nearly two decades of expertise in lending and real estate transactions, “Your Personal Shopper Team” will deliver results and service you can count on. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real estate investor, their objective is to make their clients’ dreams come true: from condos to castles, vacation homes, investment properties and commercial properties. Call for pre-approval for new purchases, refinance, equity line of credit and complimentary consultations and market analyses. Contact Shannon (Realtor) at (626) 737-2053, or Amy (loan consultant) at (626) 272-7449. Plaza Kitchen & Bath — Finally, a large, gracious showroom of semi-custom to custom cabinets, plumbing fixtures, lighting, counter tops and hardware is here! Experts —Continued on page 28

Introducing your

Personal Shopper Advantage

Specializing in the acquisition and representation of Condos — Castles.

we take your project from concept through construction to complete interior design

Amy Lee Home Loan Consultant

gen. contractor lic. #676471 - cid #801

801 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 190 Glendale home.countrywide.com/amylee amy_lee@countrywide.com

Colorado Green

CABINETS AVAILABLE FROM RON BOW (VANITY CABINETS), ROBERN (MEDICINE CABINETS), OMEGA, DURASUPREME AND MORE

Shannon J. Ewing

676 East Green Street. Pasadena, CA 91101

Realtor

(corner of El Molino and Green)

TRI-CITY 818.265.2402 or 626.272.7449

501 fair oaks avenue south pasadena, ca 91030 626 799-9701

FAUCETS AVAILABLE FROM MICO, HANSGROHE AND MORE

210 Fwy

interior design

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• COUNTER TOPS • LIGHTING • PLUMBING FIXTURES • APPLIANCES • HARDWARE

KITCHEN CABINETS

Lake

residential remodeling and additions

extraordinary masterpieces of mystery and romance. Barry Magness and Melissa Carson were selected as designer advisers at the 2006 Pasadena Showcase House of the Arts. Call (818) 241-2128, or visit www.carson-magness.com.

El Molino

2005 Pasadena Showcase House of Design

Carson-Magness Landscaping — From the overall exterior vision to the implementation and construction, this magnificent team makes a name for itself with its handcrafted, hands-on detailed approach. Complete exterior design services include horticulture to structures, such as pergolas, loggias, outdoor kitchens, pool house, bar and bath and even outdoor furnishings! In the spirit of being commissioned to create a piece of artwork, Melissa Carson, Barry Magness and their team bring their rich and varied backgrounds in painting, sculpture, water design and lighting to each one-of-a-kind project. Barry specializes in the lusty organic with walkways, walls and original water features of metal, glass, wood and fire. The clean, understated elegance of Melissa’s artistic studies reflect her brilliantly placed foliage, flowers and trees for the deepest and most subtle impact. Together they create the most

Your ultimate source for fine home products

626.737.2053 740 E. Green St. Pasadena www.shannonjewing.com shannonjewing@charter.net

Countrywide Financial Corporation is America’s #1 home loan lender* and a member of the prestigious Standard & Poor’s 500 and Fortune 500.Equal Housing Lender. © 2006 Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. 4500 Park Granada, Calabasas, CA 91302. Trade/servicemarks are the property of Countrywide Financial Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. For California residents and properties only. Some products may not be available in California. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. *Source: As ranked for 2004 by Inside Mortgage Finance (Jan. 28, 2005), Copyright 2005.

Phone: (626) 396-1772 Fax: (626) 396-0963 www.plazakitchenandbath.com

O mega Cabinetry

Your home...

Y O U R C A S T L E

new construction innovative kitchen and bath design 2005 Pasadena Showcase House of Design

Introducing your

Personal Shopper Advantage

Specializing in the acquisition and representation of Condos — Castles.

we take your project from concept through construction to complete interior design

Amy Lee Home Loan Consultant

gen. contractor lic. #676471 - cid #801

801 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 190 Glendale home.countrywide.com/amylee amy_lee@countrywide.com

Colorado Green

CABINETS AVAILABLE FROM RON BOW (VANITY CABINETS), ROBERN (MEDICINE CABINETS), OMEGA, DURASUPREME AND MORE

Shannon J. Ewing

676 East Green Street. Pasadena, CA 91101

Realtor

(corner of El Molino and Green)

TRI-CITY 818.265.2402 or 626.272.7449

501 fair oaks avenue south pasadena, ca 91030 626 799-9701

FAUCETS AVAILABLE FROM MICO, HANSGROHE AND MORE

210 Fwy

interior design

SEASON SALE

• COUNTER TOPS • LIGHTING • PLUMBING FIXTURES • APPLIANCES • HARDWARE

KITCHEN CABINETS

Lake

residential remodeling and additions

El Molino

2005 Pasadena Showcase House of Design

Your ultimate source for fine home products

626.737.2053 740 E. Green St. Pasadena www.shannonjewing.com shannonjewing@charter.net

Phone: (626) 396-1772 Fax: (626) 396-0963 www.plazakitchenandbath.com

O mega Cabinetry

Fedde Furniture,

Large Selection of Quality Home Furnishings at Exceptional Savings. Family Owned Since 1937 Featuring, Stickley Sherrill Century French Heritage Pennsylvania House Drexel Heritage Stanley Hooker …and much more!

Your home...

Y O U R C A S T L E —Continued from page 27

Nick Eden and Peter Bedros with 18 years experience a piece cater to a wide variety of tastes, from very contemporary to elegant traditional. The manufacturers on display include cabinets from Dynasty, Omega and Durasupreme; plumbing fixtures by Mico Designs and Jado; bath tubs by Water Dance, Finishing Touch and Aquatic Industries; as well as counter tops of granite, limestone and travertine. Designers welcome. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. 676 Green St. Call (626) 396-1772, or visit www.plazakitchenandbath.com. Fedde Furniture — Fedde Furniture has been selling quality home furnishings at exceptional values for more than three generations in Pasadena. Since 1937, Fedde’s has featured some of the best names in classic traditional, transitional and Arts & Crafts style

Large Selection, Mission Furniture Custom Leather Casual Dining Home Theater Children’s Furniture Home Office Recliners …and much more!

furniture and custom upholstery. Fedde Furniture features a large selection of home office, casual dining, entertainment systems, leather seating and children’s furniture for your home. Fedde’s complimentary Interior Design service and experienced staff will help you find exactly what you need for your home and office. Free local delivery and full-service delivery staff will assure your furniture delivery. Come in today and visit their two showrooms in Pasadena, located at 2350 E. Colorado Blvd., (626) 796-7103, and 32 N. Sierra Madre Blvd., (626) 844-1160. You’ll be surprised just how much money you will save on new furniture for your home. Lee Mink & Associates brings an experienced design team to your home to help your dreams become a reality. Their signature style is good taste — interpreted with your lifestyle in mind. Whether the project

encompasses an entire property or one room, the designers seek out inspiring and varied design concepts. Clients also enjoy beautiful custom designed furniture, bedding and window treatments, as well as an offering of furniture from Europe, the United States and around the world. For your home remodel, office interior, vacation property or refurbishing, call Lee Mink & Associates at (626) 7963900. Suzy’s Design Furniture — Whether you’re style is traditional or modern, Suzy’s 25,000-square-foot showroom is filled to the brim with thousands of stylish pieces. This is the month to shop there as well. Suzy’s is having their clearance sale with up to 50 percent off, with an additional 10 percent off additional items. Their fabulous furniture store can create one-of-a-kind upholstered sofas or a sofa designed to your specifications,

SUZY’S design furniture

any size any style, including a sleeper bed! Custom-stained pieces in a matter of 10 days and furniture from around the world make this the first stop on your redecorating list. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. 4111 San Fernando Road, Glendale. Call (818) 956-9060, or visit www.suzysdesign.com. Gerald Sowell Interior Design — The goal of Gerald Sowell Interior Design is to develop a design that suits each individual client, in a very personal way. In consideration of that goal, there is a watchword at GSID and it’s communication. Beginning with the extensive client interview Gerald Sowell Interior Design determines the scope of the project, arranges contractor meetings, coordinates the delivery of materials, furnishings and accessories and sees to all the finishing touches, even to the —Continued on page 30

High Quality Furniture at Affordable Prices CLEARANCE

SALE

• Experienced Design Staff • Complimentary Design Service

Divine’s Est. 1932

Largest Selection of Tiffany Style Lighting

UP TO

50% OFF

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SAVE AN ADDITIONAL

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ON SELECTED ITEMS

• Financing Available

VALID THROUGH 2/27/07

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Visit Our Website at

www.Fedde.com

fine homefurnishings since 1937 • interior design

25,000 sq.ft. Showroom Custom Made on Site Modern,Traditional and Youth Furniture

Open 7 days a week M-Sat: 10:30 — 7pm • Sun: 11am — 6pm

2350 EAST COLORADO BLVD. PASADENA • 626-796-7103 Open Daily 10:00-6:00 Sunday 12:00-5:00

32 NORTH SIERRA MADRE BLVD. PASADENA • 626-844-1160 Open Daily 10:00-6:00 Sunday 12:00-5:00

Open 7 days a week 802 E. Garvey Ave., Monterey Park

4111 San Fernando Rd.

626-280-8484

Glendale, CA 91204

divinefurniture.com

818-956-9060

designers welcome

Fedde Furniture,

Your home...

Y O U R C A S T L E —Continued from page 27

Large Selection, Mission Furniture Custom Leather Casual Dining Home Theater Children’s Furniture Home Office Recliners …and much more!

SUZY’S design furniture

High Quality Furniture at Affordable Prices CLEARANCE

SALE

• Experienced Design Staff • Complimentary Design Service

Divine’s Est. 1932

Largest Selection of Tiffany Style Lighting

UP TO

50% OFF

• Fedde Furniture Low Price Guarantee

SAVE AN ADDITIONAL

10% OFF

• Free Local Delivery

ON SELECTED ITEMS

• Financing Available

VALID THROUGH 2/27/07

FINANCING AVAILABLE

Antiques and Fine Quality Pre-owned Furniture • Drexel • Karges • Henredon • Baker • John Widdecomb • Stickley • and many more

Visit Our Website at

www.Fedde.com

fine homefurnishings since 1937 • interior design

25,000 sq.ft. Showroom Custom Made on Site Modern,Traditional and Youth Furniture

Open 7 days a week M-Sat: 10:30 — 7pm • Sun: 11am — 6pm

2350 EAST COLORADO BLVD. PASADENA • 626-796-7103 Open Daily 10:00-6:00 Sunday 12:00-5:00

32 NORTH SIERRA MADRE BLVD. PASADENA • 626-844-1160 Open Daily 10:00-6:00 Sunday 12:00-5:00

Open 7 days a week 802 E. Garvey Ave., Monterey Park

4111 San Fernando Rd.

626-280-8484

Glendale, CA 91204

divinefurniture.com

818-956-9060

designers welcome

Your home...

Y O U R C A S T L E —Continued from page 29

hanging of your artwork. Gerald Sowell Interior Design is there for the client with the skill of planning, design, function and artistic value. With his Project Manager/Designer Emory Story, Gerald Sowell Interior Design is a vital force in establishing a sense of security and comfort in the home. Call (310) 8803042, or visit www.designsbygerald.com. Carol Cobabe Design — With a philosophy of “good design resulting in the creation of harmony in one’s environment,” Carol’s goal is to enrich, inspire and instill feelings of comfort. With an extensive career since 1988, her disciplined usage of the basic elements of space, color, texture, light and nature succeeds in reflecting the unique style and purpose of each client. Carol’s work has been published in Designers West, Better Homes and Gardens, Window and Wall Ideas and F. Schumacher’s Classic

I wonder how many contractors Jim hired to pull this off?

Emerald Landscape — “Everything we do begins with a client’s vision, and ends with their peace of mind.” For more than 20 years, with this all encompassing, yet simple, philosophy, Emerald Landscape has created, built and maintained environments their clients have fallen in love with. Owner Patrick Gelwicks is superbly proficient in design, exterior construction, softscape and maintenance, having provided services to hundreds of residential and commercial properties. Whether it’s for your home or

business, now’s the time to make those landscaping dreams a reality. Call (626) 7949532, or visit www.emeraldls.com Tile NCounters Inc. — If you’re in the mood to redesign your kitchen or bathroom, then Tile NCounters has you covered, specializing in granite, marble and quartz. Choose from a variety of ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass mosaic and handmade tiles. This store offers free estimates, granite and marble installation and fabrication and access to granite yards with qualified staff. There are plenty of samples in the amazing new showroom to help you select just the right ambiance. Tile NCounters also features shower enclosures and heated floor systems you may want to consider for that extra bit of luxury! Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.; and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sat. 3512 N. Verdugo Road,

Glendale. Call (818) 957-7069. RSolutions is a professional organizing service for making your life easier! Being organized is critical in our fast-paced world. RSolutions is ideal if your areas of concern are lack of closet space, a home office that needs efficiency or a garage so cluttered that it has never seen a car! By applying strategies and systems that find a logical “home” for everything, you’ll be able to accomplish more, save time and enjoy life! Call Randy Sandiforth at (626) 403-9052, or email rsandi4th@aol.com. Member: National Association of Professional Organizers. Michele Hughes Hayes is best known for her light-filled, highly personalized spaces that are relaxed but sophisticated, comfortable yet refined. This award-winning designer’s work is thoughtfully articu- —Continued on page 32

One.

We provide everything from the ground up and adhere to one simple rule: create, build and maintain an environment our clients will fall in love with. Design, exterior construction, softscape, and maintenance are beginning to end services we have provided hundreds of residential and commercial properties during our 20 years in business. Everything we do begins with a client’s vision. And for more than fifteen years, it has ended with their peace of mind. For a free consultation call us or visit our website for more information.

626.794.9532 | emeraldls.com

Directions. She has participated in several showcase houses, the Los Angeles Assistance League Design House, the Venice Family Clinic Design House and Little Company of Mary Design House in Palos Verdes. Carol is also the winner of the coveted First Place Award of the L.A. Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. Call (626) 441-6052.

• CLOSET SYSTEMS • CLUTTER CONTROL • SPACE PLANNING • STORAGE SOLUTIONS “GAIN CONTROL OF YOUR CLUTTER...

GAIN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE”

Randy Sandiforth Organization Consultant ph 626.403.9052 | fax 626.403.9072 |rsandi4th@aol.com Member: National Association of Professional Organizers

Recovered from period homes and buildings, each piece embodies craftsmanship and PASADENA SALVAGE materials not ARCHITECTURAL available today. 30 S. San Gabriel Blvd. (at Colorado Blvd.) Pasadena, California 91107

• Doors • Furniture • isHardware •OurLighting architectural merchandise salvaged from period homes and buildings and can be used in a restoration, remodel or add charm and character • Mantels • Stained Glass to any home or business. Doors, hardware, mantels, columns, furniture, lighting, stained glass, • Iron Gates •ironwork Columns and garden decor; each embodies craftsmanship and materials notColorado available today. 30 S. San Gabriel Blvd. (at Blvd.)

Pasadena, CA 91107 pasadenaarchitecturalsalvage.com 626.535.9655 or 877.535.9603 10 to 6 Tuesday - Sunday tel 626.535.9655 Tues.toll– free Sun.877.535.9603 10 to 6

Your home...

Y O U R C A S T L E —Continued from page 29

I wonder how many contractors Jim hired to pull this off?

One.

626.794.9532 | emeraldls.com

• CLOSET SYSTEMS • CLUTTER CONTROL • SPACE PLANNING • STORAGE SOLUTIONS “GAIN CONTROL OF YOUR CLUTTER...

GAIN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE”

Randy Sandiforth Organization Consultant ph 626.403.9052 | fax 626.403.9072 |rsandi4th@aol.com Member: National Association of Professional Organizers

Pasadena, CA 91107 pasadenaarchitecturalsalvage.com 626.535.9655 or 877.535.9603 10 to 6 Tuesday - Sunday tel 626.535.9655 Tues.toll– free Sun.877.535.9603 10 to 6

For all of your Home Design and Construction Needs AMERICAN

H O ME REMODELING

Your home...

Y O U R C A S T L E —Continued from page 31

lated through clean lines and her belief that the finer things in life don't have to be experienced in an overly formal environment. Her interiors are uplifting, authentic representations of her clients, that balance timeless surroundings with artful furnishings. Hayes’ work has been featured at the Long Beach Museum of Art, Avenues of Art and Design in West Hollywood and on HGTV. Visit www.michelehughesdesign.com, or call (626) 578-9700. Pasadena Architectural Salvage — Owner, Cary Pasternak, honored his passion for period homes and buildings, particularly Craftsman, by opening a store that directly caters to homes & buildings that need renovation and restoration. You'll find stained glass windows, oak mantels, etched glass doors, columns, door knobs and knockers and so much more! The vast inventory dates from the 1880s to the 1930s and adds

Kitchens Bathrooms Room Additions New Construction Driveways Serving the community for 20 years. Experts in design and construction, with personal service guaranteed.

Walkways & Patios Windows & Doors Tex-Cote & Painting Roofing & Gutters

Plans and Drawings with any addition Call today for your

Free Estimate and Consultation

1-800-771-9805 Family Owned and Operated for over 20 years Lic# 868370

charm and a unique architectural statement to any design job or home renovation. The quality and craftsmanship of the materials are offered at the reduced cost of buying salvaged items. Designers and their clients welcome. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. 30 S. San Gabriel Blvd. (at Colorado Blvd.) Call (626) 535-9655. YNZ Construction — Does the winter’s cold make you think about spring and possibly some sprucing up around your abode? Maybe adding on a new patio terrace or expanding your kitchen to fit that granite top work island you have been dreaming of? Nicki Zvik and his people have 15 years of experience behind them doing room additions, kitchen re-models , patios and much more. They pride themselves on their customer service and attention to detail. They offer a full range of services including construction management, design/build and

general construction. They have a great website showing a complete view of their capabilities, history and a portfolio of their recent and past construction projects. Presently, one of their commercial projects has them remodeling the Little Caesar Pizza Chain locations in Southern and Northern California. 3151 Cahuenga Blvd. #204, Los Angeles. (800) 771-3757. www.ynzconstruction.com. Basic Chic — Basic Chic is a furniture design warehouse that features fashion-forward styles and prices up to 50 percent less than retail. If you like the home furnishings you see at popular stores, you'll love what you find at Basic Chic and the money you will save. The showroom highlights fashionable collections of sofas and tables, bedroom suites, dining furniture, armoires and more! They offer the classic stylings of traditional favorites and sleek, contemporary moderns. Designs at Basic Chic can

furnish the country cottage or California bungalow. Bring in your window shopping wish list and catalogs and they’ll help you find the right styles for you. Style+Value=Basic Chic World Caravan — Enter this magnificent store and discover another world. World Caravan offers eclectic furniture and accessories from every corner of the globe. The choices are endless! Hand-knotted rugs and unique accent pieces are arranged in artful vignettes that make it easier to visualize. Reasonable prices. 170 S. Lake Ave. Call (626) 578-1137. Pacific Pavingstone — For more than nine years Pacific Pavingstone has been adding beauty and value to its customers’ homes with the use of paving stones. Its commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in more than 1,000 customer referrals. This —Continued on page 34 family-owned

For all of your Home Design and Construction Needs AMERICAN

H O ME REMODELING

Your home...

Y O U R C A S T L E —Continued from page 31

Kitchens Bathrooms Room Additions New Construction Driveways Serving the community for 20 years. Experts in design and construction, with personal service guaranteed.

Walkways & Patios Windows & Doors Tex-Cote & Painting Roofing & Gutters

Plans and Drawings with any addition Call today for your

Free Estimate and Consultation

1-800-771-9805 Family Owned and Operated for over 20 years Lic# 868370

Your home...

Y O U R C A S T L E

• Kitchen Design • Bath Design

—Continued from page 33

• Space Planning • Accessorizing • Color Selection • Material & Fabric Selection

Your project. Your needs. Six hours of design. 321 Magellan Road Arcadia, CA 91007 ph 626.447.5370 fax 626.446.0066 tajdesigns@aol.com Allied Member ASID

GLENDALE TILE & Tops

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company’s professionalism and customer dedication have been recognized in the Inc. 500 as one of the fastest-growing companies in America two years in a row. Pacific Pavingstone uses only highly trained and experienced crews — no subcontracting. What this means to customers is the absence of the ordinary nightmares that can occur when dealing with home improvement contractors. Pacific Pavingstone’s artistry has been featured on Home and Garden TV and at the House Beautiful’s Celebrity Showcase Design House and the Pasadena Showcase House of Design six years in a row! Call (818) 244-4000, or visit www.pacificpavingstone.com. Day of Design With Terri Julio — “My mission is to offer more people an opportunity to consult with a professional designer and

afford them a service that fits into their budget.” Those words capture Terri Julio’s practical and thoughtful approach to her profession. A full day of design consultation (six hours for one flat fee) is a great way to begin any project. The job will run smoothly, and, most importantly, Terri will help you avoid costly mistakes. Terri’s philosophy also extends to “putting the client’s wants first.” She simply guides those desires to a beautiful conclusion. Call (626) 447-5370. Glendale Tile and Tops — Clients who expect the best possible customer service will not be disappointed when they consult the experts at Glendale Tile and Tops, who listen to the needs of their customers and provide just the right blend of services, products and customer guidance. They specialize in prefabricated granite kitchen and vanity tops, as well as custom flooring including travertine,

granite, marble and porcelain and custom cabinetry, and they happily offer free estimates. Stop by the showroom and let the experts at Glendale Tile and Tops walk you through the steps of choosing just the right product for you. Call (818) 242-2988. Alpha Structural Inc. — Having done thousands of inspections of residential properties, Alpha Structural is a leader in every type of foundation and hillside repair. With all the recent rains, as well as just wear and tear of your home, they are equipped with the trained manpower and management to handle the engineering and construction of earthquake retrofitting, foundation repair, underpinning, caissons, grade beams, drainage problems, retaining walls, landslide remediation and hillside repair. Specializing in construction engineering designs, Alpha Structural does repair jobs from the very small to the very large. So call them

today. You’ll sleep better! Call (323) 258-5482. Pashgian Brothers — To enter the gracious, two-story showroom of Pashgian Brothers is to enter the complete world of efficient contemporary resources, with the tradition of a “customer comes first” business. Pashgian Brothers was established in the United States in 1889, thus making it, legitimately, the oldest Oriental Rug Company West of the Mississippi River. Their luxurious wares come from such countries as Iran, Pakistan, India, China and Afghanistan, to name a few. Also, because Pashgian Brothers own several factories around the world, they can custom order rugs, to your specifications, from traditional to contemporary designs. Cleaning and repair of your treasures are also available. Designers and their clients welcome. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 11 a.m. to 5p.m. Sat.; and by appt. Sun. 993 E. Colorado Blvd. Call (626) 796-7888 or (323) 681-9253.

Southern California’s

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2005 Lincoln Ave. • Pasadena (626) 296-7700 • (626) 797-7848 Fax • www.bostonbrick.com

Your home...

Y O U R C A S T L E

• Kitchen Design • Bath Design

—Continued from page 33

• Space Planning • Accessorizing • Color Selection • Material & Fabric Selection

Your project. Your needs. Six hours of design. 321 Magellan Road Arcadia, CA 91007 ph 626.447.5370 fax 626.446.0066 tajdesigns@aol.com Allied Member ASID

GLENDALE TILE & Tops

PRE-FABRICATED GRANITE KITCHEN & VANITY TOPS

Southern California’s

Most Respected Masonry Specialists!

Chimneys • Walls • Driveways • Planters • Patios • Walkways • Landscaping Brick • Block • Stone • Concrete

• Custom Cabinets

Available Flooring • Travertine • Ceramic • Granite • Porcelain Visit our Showroom Glendale Tile and Tops 113 West Los Feliz Road Glendale 91204 818-242-2988

General Contractor Lic # 783578 B, C-29

2005 Lincoln Ave. • Pasadena (626) 296-7700 • (626) 797-7848 Fax • www.bostonbrick.com

SURPRISE

YO U R

SWEE THEART

Sexy Lingerie at

Perfect Curves boutique

Perfect Curves Boutique — Looking for the “perfect” Valentine’s Day gift for your “voluptuous sultry siren”? Be sure to stop in at the Perfect Curves Boutique that carries a spectacular collection of “Boudoir Lingerie” to please your big, beautiful woman. Shop owner Mary Lou, a big, beautiful woman herself says with confidence and personality,“Plus-size big, beautiful women who have a style of their own, should be proud and not have to take second stage to anyone! With this in mind, and with great pleasure and pride, I provide the plus-size community with this greatly-needed clothing line and lingerie.” She carries sizes ranging from L, XL-5X and 12-24. Classy, feminine, sexy and reasonably priced. 2310 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. Open 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

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2310 E. Colorado Blvd. • Pasadena (between Sierra Madre & Roosevelt)

626-796-3136 Mon-Sat 10 AM – 6:30 PM • Free Parking in Rear

Mignon Chocolate — What better way to honor your ”Queen,” on Valentine’s Day than to present sweets from the “King of Chocolate,” Mignon — the finest, local handmade chocolates following original family recipes since 1935. Present your valentine with a classic Mignon assortment, the “Tigress” or “Amour Heart Box.” Top off your romantic evening with the luscious dark chocolate liquor cups filled with your

favorite liqueurs. Indulge your “King of Hearts” with a dozen hand-dipped mixedflavored strawberries, guaranteed to make a “berry, berry” special evening. Wedding bells in the near future? Be sure to see their specialty “Wedding Bride and Groom Berries.” Love at first bite! Sugar-free chocolates are also available. Free local delivery with $40 minimum purchase. 315 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale. Call (877) 9-MIGNON, or visit www.mignonchocolate.com.

Il Capo — Reminiscent of walking down Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco and Little Italy in New York, Il Capo’s outdoor seating invites you in for an espresso or afternoon wine. They feature Argentinian sandwiches, Spanish Tapas, paella and pastas; a wonderful delicatessen and featured wines from Argentina, Italy, France and California. Owners Pablo and Cicilia want their customers to enjoy freshly made dishes and to make them feel at home,“la mia casa e la sua casa.” 1001 E. Green Street. Open 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.–Sat. and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Call (626) 683-0550. Mangiare buono!!! Violet’s Cakes — Denise Weber, with her sister, husband and daughter, prepare their

awesome cupcakes before your eyes at the family-owned and operated bakery, which has an old world European-looking facade. Denise describes the cupcakes “as a little bite of heaven.” Choose from 40 different types of customized cakes and fillings for children’s birthdays, weddings and daily splurging. 21 E. Holly St. Open Tues.-Sat. Call (626) 395-9821. The San Gabriel Bead Company — When Kelly Thompson graduated from college and began working at the original San Gabriel Bead Company nine years ago, little did she realize that someday she would be the owner of the most comprehensive and largest selection of specialty vintage and one-of-a-kind bead shop. The company also offers workshops for all levels — beginners, intermediate and advanced. Learn to create holiday bracelets, garland necklaces, charmed headbands; explore glass fusing and make decorative tiles and mosaic tabletops. They also offer “Business Plan 101,” a class for passionate artists on how to turn their hobby into a business. 325 E. Live Oak, Arcadia. Open 12-9 p.m. Tues.-Fri., 10-6 p.m. Sat. and 12-5 p.m. Sun. Closed Mon. Visit www.beadcompany.com.

Holly Street Bar & Grill makes February fabulous! For more than 20 years, Chef Humberto has served lovers exquisite cuisine on Valentine’s Day in Pasadena’s most romantic spot. This year, he serves up the magic and mystery of Mardi Gras. Be at Holly Street Bar and Grill on Tuesday, Feb. 20, for great food and Jazz — New Orleans style! Call (626) 440-1421 to make reservations for these special events and all other special nights at Holly Street Bar & Grill, 175 E. Holly St., Pasadena. Golden Era Gifts — Come to Golden Era Gifts in Arcadia and experience France, Sweden, and Japan with its unique imported home décor, accessories, tableware and gourmet food. Stop by and they’ll help you find the perfect gift for someone from our fabulous gifts selection. Golden Era Gifts provide gift wrapping and special arranged gift baskets for different occasions. Shipping is also available. Visit the store and make your Valentine’s Day special for that special someone in your life today! Located in Downtown Arcadia at 200 S. First Avenue. Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues.–Fri. and 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Call (626) 254-8855, or visit www.golden-eragifts.com.

Everyday is Valentine’s Day with Mignon • Locally handmade without preservatives • Free local delivery with $40 minimum purchase • Sugar Free Gift Boxes Available • Chocolate Fountains for your parties.

Mignon Chocolate • 315 N. Verdugo Rd., Glendale, CA (Corner of Chevy Chase)

Call us for our latest Gift Box catalog Since

Voted Best Bakery 2006

Pasadena Weekly

1935

(877)) 9-MIGNON “Shop Online” www.MignonChocolate.com

Italian Spanish Argentinian Cuisine

You’ll Love Our Beads!

We carry a large selection of Swarovski crystals, vintage German glass, handmade artisan beads, semi precious gemstones, sterling silver and more! For the beginner or the advanced. We offer over 100 workshops each quarter. Call us for a current workshop schedule! 325 E. Live Oak Ave., Arcadia 626.447.7753 www.beadcompany.com Tu-Fri 12-9pm, Sat 10-6pm, Sun 12-5pm Bring in this ad for 15% off your purchase of beads Expires 02/28/07

Shoes For Women And Girls

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SURPRISE

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SWEE THEART

Sexy Lingerie at

Perfect Curves boutique

10 OFF %

purchases of $50 or more

PLUS SIZE

CLOTHING & LINGERIE

S P E C I A L

Assistance for Gentlemen Shoppers

Treat Your Sweet

BABY DOLLS GARDER BELT S STOCKINGS CORSETS BUSTIERS SWIMWEAR YEAR ROUND

2310 E. Colorado Blvd. • Pasadena (between Sierra Madre & Roosevelt)

626-796-3136 Mon-Sat 10 AM – 6:30 PM • Free Parking in Rear

Mignon Chocolate • 315 N. Verdugo Rd., Glendale, CA (Corner of Chevy Chase)

Call us for our latest Gift Box catalog Since

Voted Best Bakery 2006

Pasadena Weekly

1935

(877)) 9-MIGNON “Shop Online” www.MignonChocolate.com

Italian Spanish Argentinian Cuisine

You’ll Love Our Beads!

Shoes For Women And Girls

Party Platters International Wine Selection Deli New York Style Sidewalk Dining 1001 E. Green Street • 626-683-0550 Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30AM-9PM • Sun 10AM-2PM

“ BRING IN THIS AD FOR 15% OFF ”

Presented By

Victor Vener photo: Christopher J. Ramirez

Ambassador Auditorium photo: © Harvest Rock Church

ZEILSTRA FOUNDATION

Maestro Victor Vener

Music— Experience It! February 17, 2007

FOUR VISIONS OF ROMEO & JULIET March 24, 2007

TWO FIFTHS OF BEETHOVEN April 28, 2007

FANTASIA Timeless Music Legendary Location Saturdays at 8:00 pm Ambassador Auditorium Old Pasadena

calphil.org 626 300 8200 All programs, artists, dates and prices subject to change. No refunds or exchanges. Rain or shine. Tax-deductible donations of unused tickets available up to 48 hours prior to concert only. 40 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ 41

A RT,

A N T I Q U E S

John Moran Auctioneers — Expertly serving clients since 1969, John Moran Auctioneers is a full-service auction house offering quality objects and complete personalized dedication. Monthly estate and fine furniture auctions are where collectors, dealers, decorators and others gather to buy the finest antiques, silver, American Indian, oil and watercolor paintings, jewelry, unusual accessories and much more! They also hold an auction (three times per year) for exceptional California and American paintings. Consignment and the purchasing of estates. 735 W. Woodbury Road, Altadena. Call (626) 793-1833, or visit www.johnmoran.com. G. H. Wilke & Co. was founded in Arlington Heights, Ill., in 1929, during the Great Depression. Depending on chickens and produce as payment from the local farm community, the store thrived and grew. Through successive generations, the store has remained steadfast in its commitment to quality and honesty. Dario Pirozko’s finesse at the goldsmith bench has won him many fans. Tracy Wilke maintains the family connection and assists with selections. G.H. Wilke has been in San Gabriel since 1946 and welcomes any questions you may have concerning their favorite topic: jewelry. 612 W. Las Tunas Drive, San Gabriel. Call (626) 284-9444. Tirage Gallery — Located in the heart of Pasadena’s art and antique district, Tirage Gallery features one of the largest selections of plein air paintings and representational fine art in the Western states. With more than 60 nationally recognized artists in scheduled, themed exhibitions, Tirage Gallery offers an extensive variety of oil paintings, pastels and watercolors of landscapes, urban impressionism, still life, interiors and figurative imagery, along with sculpture and fine art commissioned portraiture. As a full-service gallery, Tirage is a specialist in corporate collections and site-specific artwork. It also provides custom framing, fine art restoration and curatorial services. One W. California Blvd., Pasadena. Call (626) 405-1020, or visit www.tirageart.com.

FEATURING ONE OF THE LARGEST SELECTIONS OF TRADITIONAL FINE ART IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

"Evening Light" by Martha Saudek, oil on canvas 18" x 24" "Peonies" by Brent Jensen, canvas “Reflections”, Arthur Egeli,oil oil on on canvas 30” 16" x 30” x 20"

www.tirageart.com One West California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105 (626) 405-1020

J E W E L RY

Wayne Jason Jewelry Designs — With a strong background in design, Wayne Jason opened his store in 1987 and realized he could give his customers magnificent jewelry at better prices by manufacturing on the premises. As an expert at his own designs, Wayne takes great pride in his ability to transform your old jewelry into new pieces to enjoy! He carves wax molds to alter them before casting, guaranteeing your complete satisfaction. From $30 sterling silver earrings to an $8,000 diamond and tanzanite pendant, Wayne Jason Jewelry Designs is your one-stop shop for all occasion gifts. 105 W. California Blvd. (tucked away in the Orangewood Shopping Center). Call (626) 795-9215, or visit www.wjasondesigns.com. Thomas R. Field — The most beautiful room settings of American antiques and folk art are found here. Field’s national clientele knows this furniture complements many styles — English, French and more — giving an eclectic feel to traditional as well as the most modern of homes. The company’s philosophy is “objects of art fit anywhere.” Celebrate the American Heritage with grandfather clocks, paintings, sculptures and weathervanes. Certified appraisal services and estate dispositions. 1127 Mission St., South Pasadena. Call (626) 799-8546. Aarnun Gallery Fine Picture Framing — Located in a charming “Boston Row House,” Ed and Marcia Nunnery have provided expert design solutions (for over 30 years) in a professional, creative environment. Every imaginable frame is available from hand-carved wood, handcrafted leather, “Craftsman,” 22KT gold and traditional French to clean contemporary. There’s also art restoration, a selection of desk frames, decorative stands and lighting accessories. Designers and their clients welcome. 603 E. Green St. Open Wed-Sat 10-5. Call (626) 793-4805.

THOMAS R. FIELD American Antiques

www.thomasrfieldantiques.com The only shop in Southern California offering a full range of 18th and 19th century American antiques and folk art. Certified appraisal services...estate dispositions Purchasing and brokering fine examples of American antiques and folk art. 1127 Mission St. South Pasadena 91030 (626) 799-8546

A RT,

A N T I Q U E S

FEATURING ONE OF THE LARGEST SELECTIONS OF TRADITIONAL FINE ART IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

"Evening Light" by Martha Saudek, oil on canvas 18" x 24" "Peonies" by Brent Jensen, canvas “Reflections”, Arthur Egeli,oil oil on on canvas 30” 16" x 30” x 20"

www.tirageart.com One West California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105 (626) 405-1020

J E W E L RY

THOMAS R. FIELD American Antiques

44 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

BOOKS

An inspiring gift Ann Druyan gives the world Carl Sagan’s ‘The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God.’ BY JULIE RIGGOTT TEN YEARS AFTER CARL SAGAN’S UNTIMELY death at the age of 62, his widow and longtime collaborator Ann Druyan offers the world the gift of another inspiring book by the preeminent astronomer and astrophysicist. Druyan has edited the transcripts of Sagan’s 1985 Gifford Lectures at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and published them as “The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God.” Sagan, a professor of astronomy and space sciences and director of the Laboratory for Planetary Studies at Cornell University, consultant and adviser to NASA and distinguished visiting scientist at JPL/Caltech, was arguably the world’s most popular scientist. He received innumerable awards and honors for both his research and his success in communicating the wonders of science to the public, perhaps most memorably with the television series “Cosmos” and the book and film “Contact.” He was also one of the founders of The Planetary Society in Pasadena, the largest spaceinterest group in the world. Druyan, who remains an active board member of The Planetary Society, is herself a powerhouse in the field of science. An author, lecturer and television and motion picture writer and producer, she collaborated with her husband for 20 years on books such as “Contact,” “Pale Blue Dot” and “Demon-Haunted World.” She was also co-writer of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television series “Cosmos” and co-writer and co-producer of the 1997 film “Contact.” Druyan and Sagan had planned to write a book together about religion on the scale of “Cosmos” — the best-selling science book ever published in English. “The Varieties of Scientific Experience” is as close to that as the world will see. The book is a series of nine lectures on the topic of natural theology, which Sagan defined as “theological knowledge that can be established by reason and experience alone. Not by revelation, not by mystical experience, but by reason.” It’s an infinitely thought-provoking collection of Sagan’s views on everything ranging from the Earth-cen-

our recollections on the history of religion and the search for God, but also on the kind of spiritual values that we derived from the little we knew about science. … Carl points out so poetically that in each and every one of us, every bone, every atom, every cell can trace its origins back to the fiery depths of distant stars. We are starstuff, as Carl said. That struck me and Carl — struck us both — as being an intensely spiritual insight, and yet it seems that science has made a kind of pact with religion not to express the wonder and the awe that its deepest insights reveal. So we wanted to break down that wall and write about how science had inspired our most spiritual experiences.

Ann Druyan and Carl Sagan in Hollywood during the filming of “Cosmos” Photo courtesy of Ann Druyan

tric worldview of most religions (he made a study of world religions) to the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe — something close to his heart, as he set up the SETI program at The Planetary Society. During her November visit to The Planetary Society to promote the book, Druyan said it felt like coming home. She said that the society meant so much to Carl and spoke about him in glowing terms, having known him as both a loving husband and respected colleague. Arroyo contacted Druyan at the home she shared with Sagan in Ithaca, N.Y., to talk more about their life and work together. You mentioned in the introduction that you and your husband were going to write a book about religion together. What was that going to be like? Well, we called it “Ethos,” and it was going to be not only the sum total of

The book’s subject, spirituality and science, is obviously complex, but how would you best encapsulate your and Carl’s view of what religion should be? Carl and I both very much liked William James’ description of religion as a sense of being at home in the cosmos. It’s a beautiful thought, and it certainly says what religion has meant to us. I guess the intervening God of conventional religion, which is so often a punitive figure, held no appeal for either of us. We were interested in the god of Spinoza and the god of Einstein, mainly the god who’s the sum total of the physical laws of the universe. ... So for us, science made certain spiritual experiences possible that would have been otherwise inaccessible to us — we were very conscious of that. We didn’t believe in fate or any kind of supernatural intervention, and we knew that we were the beneficiaries of blind chance — yet we felt a sense of tremendous good fortune to have found each other in the immensity of space and the vastness of time and the sheer expanses of all the billions of years in the history of cosmic evolution. And just the sheer number of worlds in the universe, 400 million stars in the Milky Way galaxy alone, and millions of galaxies; just to be together in such a big universe was a never-ending source of amazement for both of us. —Continued on page 46 ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ 45

™

AN INSPIRING GIFT —Continued from page 45

Often Imitated But Never Duplicated!

Linda Taix, Owner & Trainer

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46 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

You said about Carl that “the varieties of his scientific experience were exemplified by oneness, humility, community, wonder, love, courage, remembrance, openness and compassion.” Can you elaborate on those qualities a little and how they affected him as a scientist? Well simply, he was one of the greatest people I’ve ever known and the most decent. There are so many stories that I’ve heard over the years. People will come to me since Carl died and talk about how they wrote to him never dreaming they would get back a detailed, thoughtful answer to their questions. For instance, Neil Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, contacted Carl when he was a 16-year-old high school student from the Bronx, and Carl’s response was “Come to Ithaca, come to Ithaca,” and they spent the day together here. Neil said as recently as last month in New York that … he was already on his way to having a scientific career, he knew he wanted to be a scientist — but when he met Carl, he realized the kind of human being he wanted to be. This is a guy who would go to immigration or naturalization ceremonies where people would be inducted into citizenship of the United States, and he would go and plead with them to remember the most significant part of being a citizen of the United States was to question authority. He would go to kindergarten the day before the new term began, and he would talk to the local science teachers in Tompkins County where we live in Ithaca, N.Y., inspiring them and telling them how important it was, what they were about to do, and what a sacred honor it was to be a teacher. Kind of a pep rally. He was a completely fully integrated human being, somebody with the capacity for fellowship, for love, for commitment. You could say that his entire career of science education was anathema to the scientific community at the time — it was considered beneath the serious scientist to go on the Johnny Carson show or write for PARADE magazine. [He was] willing to go to all these places and try to spread the importance and beauty of science and the great liberating quality of a life in science. He did this even though this caused all kinds of problems for him professionally, but it was an act of citizenship. … He was truly, without qualifiers, the finest human being I’ve ever met. AM

Serving Nuevo Latino Cuisine

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Open Daily for Breakfast and Lunch Dinner Served Thurs, Fri & Sat ~Guitarists on Fri & Sat Evenings ~Monthly Art Exhibits ~Serving Beer & Wine

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{

PERSONALITY

Passion and

pragmatism

Over the past decade, husband-and-wife team Katerina Tomás and Stephen Dick have figured out how to make passionate music as Mojácar Flamenco — and then go home and peacefully make dinner. BY BLISS LORID REMINDERS OF VALENTINE’S DAY ARE ALL BUT impossible to escape these days, along with gushing talk of “romance”: where to find it, how to rekindle it, etc. Romance is far more than an incidental concern, however, for artists who work as well as live together. Creativity is itself a kind of life force, and the channeling of it would seem, on the surface, to be a rather romantic enterprise, particularly if the art form in question is, by Webster’s definition, “emotional and mournful.” But talk to dancer Katerina Tomás and guitarist Stephen Dick, a husband and wife who anticipate celebrating their 20th anniversary in September and who comprise the core of the South Pasadena-based ensemble Mojácar Flamenco, and it becomes clear that the composition and presentation of their music, while fulfilling, requires a lot of hard, disciplined work. “It’s this mixture of back-and-forth [negotiation],” Dick explains, “and [asking], ‘Where do you need this piece to go?’ ‘Where do you need this piece to go?’”

Modern to Mojácar When Dick and Tomás formed Mojácar Flamenco in 1996, it seemed an unlikely direction for them to take, since both came from decidedly modern musical backgrounds. In 2002, they stepped into the national spotlight while opening for L.A. rock band Concrete Blonde’s 22-city reunion tour. 48 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

Mojácar’s profile has risen slowly but steadily since. Dick and Tomás most often perform with a bassist and drummer, Johnny Sandoval, but bring out a troupe of dancers for bigger productions. When not performing, they teach flamenco dance and guitar in South Pasadena. In October, they received a $5,000 grant from the Spanish Ministry of Culture to underwrite “Cantan Los Fuegos,” a suite choreographed by Tomás and composed by Dick that takes movements from Manuel de Falla’s classic dance “El Amor Brujo” and arranges it with elements of flamenco, jazz, ballet and classical music. They performed it in a splashy concert in December at Canoga Park’s Madrid Theatre and hope to take that show on tour. The grant was part of a program to promote understanding and awareness of Spanish culture in the United States. According to Dick, it was the fifth such grant Mojácar has received. While ostensibly preserving flamenco’s traditions, the program is also part of an international resurgence of flamenco that’s revitalizing the genre.

Roots Rooted in Spain’s Andalusia region, flamenco’s specific origins are murky, but musicologists generally agree it’s been in existence for at least a few centuries, the fruit of a complex fusion of Spanish, Gypsy, African and Moorish cultures. Foot

stamps, handclaps, castanets and exhilarated shouts of “Olé!” punctuate dances that accompany the furiously percussive music, which is distinguished by baroque stylings, 12-beat meters and improvised melodies. Its lead instrument is the six-string, nylon-string guitar, which has transcended its original role as background to dancers and singers. Percussion instruments such as tambourine, dumbek and wooden cajón (a modern addition) are also typically employed. The music is passionate, even volatile — yet, paradoxically, structured around a strict, demanding series of poses, forms and rhythms. “You can intuit each other a little bit,” Tomás allows, but flamenco practitioners have to take time to learn the underlying forms. Some artists live and train with mentors for years before performing in public. It can take 10 years, she says, to develop just one flamenco dance. Throughout the 20th century, traditionalists leveled charges of commercialism as solo guitarists like Carlos Montoya, Spanish visionary Paco de Lucía and Ottmar Liebert introduced flamenco to the musical mainstream, while vocalists such as Enrique Morente contemporized flamenco singing.

By the 1990s, nuevo flamenco — an instrumental format incorporating elements of rock, jazz and world music — was being co-opted by the smooth jazz camp, but the past decade ushered in inventive upstarts such as Ojos de Brujo and Los Activos who are modernizing the genre with infusions of folk, funk, reggae, hip-hop and classical music. It’s not uncommon now to hear bands described as “flamenco rock” or “flamenco jazz.” “I love that there are so many kinds of flamenco,” Dick says. “It’s like flamenco wakes up hungry every morning and says, ‘What am I going to eat now?’ … A friend of mine once told me, ‘As you get older in life you should add pleasures, not subtract them.’”

Branches Mojácar Flamenco, which Dick generally describes as “flamenco jazz,” is one of the few fla-

menco groups to regularly play clubs in the L.A. area; Altadena’s Coffee Gallery Backstage and Santa Monica’s Temple Bar pop up on Mojácar’s itinerary several times a year. (They’re scheduled to return to the Temple Bar at 9 p.m. on Feb. 23.) L.A.’s flamenco scene, such as it is, revolves around dinner theater performances and individual teachers like Tomás. Tomás, a dancer and choreographer trained in modern dance and ballet, teaches flamenco dance at Point by Point and in the South Pasadena home studio she shares with Dick, an intellectually curious guitarist who likewise —Continued on page 50 ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ 49

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PA S S I O N A N D P R A G M AT I S M —Continued from page 49

gives flamenco lessons. They sell an instructional CD for dancers, singers and musicians, “Flamenco Básico II: Bulerías,” via their Web site (www.mojacarflamenco.com) and they’re planning a companion DVD. (Their recent CD “Al Que Quiere” is also available through their site.) Dick says they are in the “business plan stages” of launching a facility they’ll call Studio Flamenco, “a dance and music studio specifically devoted to flamenco,” that will hopefully be located in Pasadena or South Pas and allow them to bring their students, studies and rehearsals together in one place. They remain excited by flamenco and inspired by its inherently collaborative nature. They both prefer “ensemble approaches to composition,” explains Dick, whose background is in experimental music. “Both of us came from this background of collaborative creation, but then finding out how to do it in the context of a relationship — how to make art, and then go make dinner [laughs] — that took a while. What it takes is going through the cycle often enough to see that the results are going to work.” Their back-and-forth interplay within what Tomás calls flamenco’s “structured improvisation” gets juicier when both players think they’re taking the lead role. “When you’re a flamenco dancer, usually you’re taught that if you’re dancing, you’re the one who calls all the shots,” she comments. “But that’s not really true at all. The singer might want to sing a little bit longer, or they might bring a verse in at a part you don’t expect, or a guitarist might bring in a melody, and you just have to hang out onstage and perform on the spur of the moment with them.” “Take a soleares,” Dick says. “It has four lines in the verse, and there’s accompaniment that fits each of those lines. But the singer might decide to stretch out one line to make it twice as long, and so you have to find a way to support that extended harmony. And the singer’s going on a little free and relies on the guitarist to hold the underlying compás, the underlying rhythm, together, so that everything doesn’t just fall apart into simple improv. It’s the ongoing question in any kind of group improvisation, … but flamenco has managed to bring up all these very, very complex forms that you really have to study over years to understand the possible directions. There are changes and sections that the other performers expect you to be able to work toward and respond to when they signal those things.” “Sometimes I’ve been fortunate to be really in the moment and just improvise the whole dance,” Tomás says, “and that really is fun to do. [But] you have to follow the basic structure so your musicians don’t just go crazy.” Inevitably, tensions can arise — not just from individual players getting carried away by the romance of the moment, but also from balancing creative partnership with marital roles. “That’s where the passion comes in,” Dick chuckles when asked how they resolve such conflicts. “It’s like modeling clay together,” he says seriously, offering a comparison applicable to relationships in general, whether in or out of the creative arena. “You know what form you’re going for, and you react to what each other is putting into it as the piece develops. In a fairly composed piece like the alegrías, it tends not to be very improvised just because it has so many sections. Over a number of years of working on it and just trying different versions, we found the form that works.” AM BLISS is a freelance writer and editor based in Sierra Madre. She is the contributing music editor for the Pasadena Weekly.

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He may be a salt-of-the-earth type, but Minx’s Joseph Antonishek definitely doesn’t lack flavor. BY STEVE COULTER ~ PHOTO BY MICHAEL GERMANA I FIRST INTERVIEWED JOSEPH ANTONISHEK in the weeks leading up to the opening of the successful Glendale restaurant/nightclub Minx last September. At the time, he seemed more than a little overwhelmed. But even then, when everything was on the line for the young executive chef, there was something about his easygoing effusiveness that piqued my interest. Touching base with him months later, I realized that it definitely wasn’t a temporary state of mind. At 33, Antonishek has already had the kind of career that young cooks must dream about. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, he quickly went on to work with some of the most renowned chefs across the country, including Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Charlie Palmer and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. He sums up those invaluable experiences in his own inimitable way: “I’ve always tried to work with the best people possible, and I can honestly say I’ve never made a club sandwich before.” For Valentine’s Day, Antonishek is putting together a pre-set, five-course menu that is “aphrodisiac-inspired.” Among the many appetizer choices is an oyster sampler that includes raw, grilled and baked versions of the mythical libido enhancer. Meanwhile, arugula with fig-andalmond beggars purses, and grilled octopus top the list of salad options. And for the main course, there is lobster steamed with hot basil and vanilla beans, or bone-in prime filet with twice-baked Yukon gold potatoes stuffed with white cheddar. We caught up with this charismatic cook in between trips to the Kern River.

has been so overused that nobody knows what it means anymore. We’re not a “fusion restaurant,” we’re “globally inspired.”

Tell me about your concept for the Minx menu. I’m best known for my French-Asian cooking, but I was excited about expanding my horizons by bringing in other cuisines. There are some Italian and Southwestern elements on the menu, but I wanted to keep it all focused so that it wasn’t “confusion fusion.” That’s a term I like to use because there are not too many people out there who do fusion well. “Fusion” is a term that

Where do you get the inspiration for your dishes? I go camping a lot. I love to escape the grind of living in the city and cranking out well over a thousand meals a week by getting out into the woods and doing some primitive cooking over an open fire. It’s on those long drives up to the Kern River where it’s just you, your dog and your girlfriend that ideas start to flow. You clear your head, and it makes more room for other things to

52 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

inspire you. I also get my entire staff involved in creating specials. I guide them so that it falls under the guidelines of my cooking style and the guidelines of what we have set out as “Minx food,” but we’ve had some great dishes come out of that. I learn from my staff as much as they learn from me, and it took me many years to figure that out. I’ve checked my ego, and I just cook from the heart now. I’m a lot happier doing it that way. Speaking of hearts, what makes a meal romantic? I would say that the most important thing is to avoid intrusive —Continued on page 54

MERRIMENT

Aging wine Know when to hold ’em … BY GREG GILLOOLY MANY WINE DRINKERS ARE CONFUSED about aging their wines. The rules are complex, and multiple exceptions exist for each rule. The good news is that the topic of aging is not relevant for most wine drinkers and most wines. The reason is that between 90 and 95 percent of all the wine produced in the world each year is meant to be consumed within two years of when it’s produced. This leaves only a small fraction of the wines available in the marketplace for wine drinkers to be concerned about. Chances are that if you paid less than $25 per bottle, you shouldn’t worry about the age of the wine. But if you’re in that rarified air of wines over $25, what should you be concerned about? It may surprise you to learn that you should be more concerned about hanging onto your wines too long, rather than drinking them too soon. Extended aging (beyond two years) affects the flavor of all wines, and not always for the better. Complex chemical changes occur in the bottle, which disguise certain flavors and reveal others. In general, both white wines and red wines lose fruitiness as they age in the bottle. Tannic red wines also mellow as they age. Tannin is a substance that comes from the seeds, stems and skins of grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah are grape varieties rich in tannin; Pinot Noir and Merlot are less so. Additional tannin can come from the wood during barrel aging in the winery. Tannin is a natural but acidic preservative important to the long-term maturing of wine. Over time, tannin (which has a bitter flavor) will precipitate out of the wine, becoming sediment in the bottle. As this happens, the complexity of the wine’s flavor — from fruit, acid and myriad other substances that give the wine character — will become evident. Oxidation (the effect of air on the wine) also occurs over time, changing the color of both white and red wines. The color of white wines changes from green to gold to brown; reds change from ruby red to brick red to brown. Red wines get their color from the skins of the grape, which also give the wine tannin and aging capacity. White wines may have little or no contact with the skins and will have little tannin (though some can be added, again, through barrel aging). Therefore most white wines don’t age well. If you choose to age some of your wines, you will need to find a special place to store them. The most important thing is to maintain a constant cool temperature; wines do not react well to extreme variations. Dampness is also important, but it’s OK if your storage area is not overly dry. Keep all bottles lying on their side, so that the wine stays in contact with the cork, thereby keeping the cork moist and expanded to hold a tight seal. AM Greg Gillooly is proprietor of Heritage Wine & Spirits in Old Pasadena. For a chart with general guidelines for aging wines, contact Greg at greg@heritagewinecompany.com.

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F RO M T H E H E A RT —Continued from page 52

Minx Restaurant & Lounge 300 Harvey Drive, Glendale (818) 242-9191 www.minx-la.com (online reservations) Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily Dinner: 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday Happy hour: 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday Brunch: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Red Snapper with Five Spice and Star Anise-Braised Baby Carrots 4 red snapper filets 1 tbsp. five-spice powder 2 bunches baby carrots, peeled and stemmed 3 c. carrot juice 3 in. gingerroot, peeled and sliced thin 2 star anise 1 cinnamon stick 2 limes, cut in half 2 Thai red chiles, stemmed and sliced thin Salt and white pepper to taste

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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season each snapper filet evenly with the five-spice powder, and season with salt and white pepper to taste. Reserve. In a heavy-bottomed baking dish, place the baby carrots, carrot juice, sliced ginger, limes, chiles, star anise and cinnamon sticks. Season lightly with salt and white pepper. Place on top of the stove, and bring up to a simmer over medium heat. Place the snapper skin side up on top of the baby carrots. Cover with aluminum foil, and place in the oven for approximately 15 minutes or until the fish is cooked and looks opaque. Remove from the oven. Try to separate the ginger and spices from the broth. Place the fish and baby carrots on a dish and top with the carrot broth.

service. You don’t want a waiter hovering over your table when you’re trying to say “I love you.” You want to be served and taken care of, but you want your privacy as well. You can have a romantic meal at McDonald’s if you’re with the right person — we just hope to deliver a much higher experience. What’s the most romantic meal you’ve ever prepared? The one that comes to mind is my then-girlfriend’s birthday when we found my favorite camping spot. We went up there with my dog, and I had packed the cooler with her favorite cheeses and a beautiful bottle of wine. I made filet mignon kebobs with a peanut-hoisin sauce because she loved Asian cooking, and I made a Georgia peach cobbler with pecan-streusel crumble out there as well. We just had this beautiful, leisurely birthday dinner for her in front of the fire. We were just being together outdoors. It was really special. AM STEVE COULTER is director of operations for Culinary Staffing Services in Los Angeles and a freelance caterer with more than 20 years of experience in the food-and-beverage industry. He is a regular dining columnist for Verdugo Monthly, a sister publication of Arroyo, and his restaurant reviews and features can be found in current editions of “Hungry? Los Angeles” and “Hungry? Family: Los Angeles” from Glove Box Guides.

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{

SHOPPING

all you

need is

lnve!

BY TRACY SPICER

Follow that well-known Beatles mantra and express your affection for that certain someone with these romantic gifts.

COUPLES THERAPY No time for a romantic getaway? Then enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation at Z Med Spa, which is conveniently open seven days a week. The Couples Massage is designed for two guests and includes two professional massage therapists in one treatment room. Z Med Spa also offers its new Couples Massage and Facial Mix and Match, where one guest is treated to a massage by a therapist while the other enjoys a facial by an aesthetician in the same treatment room. Both packages are available Thursday through Sunday for a special February rate of $127.50. Z Med Spa, 1167 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. Call (626) 441-4906, or visit www.zmedspa.com.

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"Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness." — OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES

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DO THE DIP With the Melting Pot’s Entrees for Two offerings, couples can revel in the ultimate three-course cheese fondue experience. Choose from the Signature Selection ($62), which includes tenderloin, shrimp, teriyaki-marinated sirloin, boneless chicken breast and fish filet; the Pacific Rim ($62), with teriyaki-marinated sirloin, shrimp, peppered pork tenderloin, duck breast, chicken breast and potstickers; or the Surf & Turf (market price), which comes with two lobster tails, filet mignon medallions and portobello mushrooms. And don’t forget to save room for a chocolate fondue dessert ($16 small; $32 regular) with flavors like Amaretto Meltdown, Chocolate S’mores and Yin & Yang. The Melting Pot, 88 W. Colorado Blvd., 2nd Floor, Pasadena. Call (626) 792-1941, or visit www.meltingpot.com.

56 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

ROMANTIC RAYMOND With a new look and new Executive Chef Christian Felippa, the Raymond is experiencing a refreshing rebirth. Though the historic cottage still has its undeniable classic charm and exceptional service, seasonal Raymond recipes have been revamped, incorporating topnotch American and European flavors. This Pasadena staple offers intimate seating in three dining rooms and on three scenic garden patios for an enjoyable brunch (10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday), lunch (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday), afternoon tea (noon to 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday) or dinner (5:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday). The Raymond, 1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. Call (626) 4413136, or visit www.theraymond.com.

AFFECTIONATE ACCESSORY If a certain question might be popped this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Single Stone for your engagement ring needs. Specializing in original antique jewelry and old-cut diamonds, Single Stone offers one-of-a-kind customized pieces fit to your liking by its in-house design experts. These vintage rings and wedding bands (prices vary) cleverly combine Old World charm with sophisticated detailing. Single Stone, 2527 Mission St., San Marino. Call (626) 799-3109, or visit www.singlestone.com.

LET’S DANCE Dust off your dancing shoes, grab your partner, and spruce up your moves with dance classes from the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Choose from swing courses, like the jitterbug, Lindy Hop and Balboa, or go the more traditional route with ballroom dancing or freestyle fox-trot lessons. Single sessions are $15 per person, or $60 for a five-week series. Taught by experienced dance instructors, each hour-long session takes place on either weeknights or weekend afternoons, depending on the selected course. Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association meets at Fellowship Hall, 997 E. Walnut Ave., Pasadena, and at Throop Hall, 300 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. Call (626) 799-5689, or visit www.pasadenaballroomdance.com.

his & hers These high-end designer items exude stylish sophistication for both men and women.

SEDUCTIVE SCENTS Aromas can trigger certain memories, and Armani Code by Giorgio Armani offers the ideal unforgettable scent for both women and men this Valentine’s Day. Armani Code for Her ($39.50 for 1 oz., $55 for 1.7 oz., $72.50 for 2.5 oz.) contains hints of orange flower, ginger, jasmine and seringa flower, along with lavender, honey, sandalwood and vanilla. Armani Code for Him ($52.50 for 1.7 oz., $62.50 for 2.5 oz.) includes clean tinges of lemon, bergamot, olive flower, pepper, tonka bean and guaiacum wood. Ulta, 3393 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Call (626) 351-3297, or visit www.ulta.com.

TIME FOR STYLE Add some top-notch sophistication to your wrist or your loved one’s by sporting a classic timepiece from the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Collection. As the first wristwatch to feature date display with a magnifying Cyclops lens, the Oyster Perpetual Datejust and Lady Datejust are both self-winding and waterproof to a depth of 330 feet. Prices vary for each Oyster Perpetual Datejust style. Le Bijou, 20 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. Call (626) 796-6886, or visit www.lebijouluxury.com.

ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ 57

{

SHOPPING

all you

need is

lnve!

BY TRACY SPICER

Follow that well-known Beatles mantra and express your affection for that certain someone with these romantic gifts.

{

"Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness." — OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES

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56 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

his & hers These high-end designer items exude stylish sophistication for both men and women.

ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ 57

{ List THE

A highly selective preview of upcoming events

“DEFIANCE” Through Feb. 18 — The Pasadena Playhouse kicks off its 2007 season with playwright John Patrick Shanley’s “Defiance,” which follows his Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award- winning work, “Doubt.” Directed by Andrew Robinson and starring Kevin Kilner and Jordan Baker, “Defiance,” set in 1971, revolves around North Carolina’s Camp Lejeune military base, which is permeated with racial tension. When a colonel invites a black officer to his home to discuss the friction, their encounter becomes deeper and more touching due to a number of unexpected events.“Defiance” runs until Feb. 18 at the Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. To purchase tickets, call (626) 356-7529, or visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR! Feb. 24 — The Huntington’s Chinese Garden provides the ideal setting to ring in the Year of the Pig. Lion dancers, skillful artists and traditional Chinese music and dance will be showcased from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Chinese New Year Festival. Children’s book readings and a variety of crafts are also scheduled throughout the all-day event. General admission rates apply. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Call (626) 405-2100, or visit www.huntington.org.

Jordan Baker and Kevin Kilner Photo by Ed Krieger

A UNIVERSE OF DREAMS Feb.2 — Caltech presents “A Universe of Dreams,”a unique performance combining music, poetry and stories. NPR’s “Talk of the Nation”host Neal Conan narrates text by Stanley Kunitz, Jim Harrison, Michael Glazer and William Shakespeare while Ensemble Galilei provides fitting Celtic music. General admission ranges from $17 to $25;$10 for youths high school-age and younger. “A Universe of Dreams” begins at 8 p.m. in Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 395-4652, or visit http://events.caltech.edu.

GUITAR WORKS Feb. 4 — Argentinean, Brazilian, Cuban, Paraguayan and Venezuelan works will exude the variety and sheer beauty of the guitar at Pasadena Conservatory of Music’s “Magic Realism: South American Music for Guitar,” part of the Mansions & Music series. Enjoy Astor Piazzolla’s “Tango Suite” and Heitor Villa-Lobos’ “Five Preludes” in a Tuscan-style villa with breathtaking frescoes, glasswork and woodcarvings in the foothills of La Cañada Flintridge. Tickets are $60 and must be purchased before the concert. For information, call (626) 683-3355, or visit www.pasadenaconservatory.org.

VOCAL SHOWCASE & MOOD MUSIC Feb. 5 — Jazz diva Sandra Booker and Los Angeles Opera Resident Artist bass baritone Cedric Berry will be on hand for “The Art of Fine Vocals,” part of the Pasadena Symphony’s free “Clazzical Notes” series, beginning at 7 p.m. The evening 58 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

includes dazzling performances, as well as a discussion between performers. Caltech’s Ramo Auditorium, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 793-7172, or visit www.pasadenasymphony.org. Feb. 10 — Enjoy an evening of light, carefree music as the Pasadena Symphony explores different moods and one’s inner child. The performance includes Beethoven’s cheery Symphony No. 4 in B flat major, Hindemith’s “Theme & Variations (Four Temperaments)” and Ravel’s “Mother Goose Suite.” The concert begins at 8 p.m., with a pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $16. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. Call (626) 584-8833.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NORTON SIMON! Feb. 9 — To celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founder’s birth, the Norton Simon Museum is dedicating 2007 to Simon by unveiling “A Centennial Celebration: The Life of Norton Simon.” The exhibit, to run throughout the year, showcases Simon’s love of art through a graphic timeline chronicling his achievements in the business and art worlds and pairs informative text with rare photographs from the museum’s archives. In addition, visitors can experience the Norton Simon free of charge from Feb. 5 to 11 in honor of Simon’s birthday, Feb. 5, 1907. Norton Simon Museum, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Call (626) 449-6840, or visit www.nortonsimon.org.

SWING FOR SCHOOL Feb. 9 — Grab your clubs and head to the greens to help

raise money for St. Philip the Apostle School at the 11th Annual St. Philip the Apostle Golf Tournament. Individuals and groups of all ages are invited to play for $170 per golfer, which includes a gift bag and on-course beverages. The tournament begins at 11:45 a.m., with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m. followed by live music and dinner at 6 p.m. Brookside Golf Club, 1133 Rosemont Ave., Pasadena. For more information and to reserve a space, call (626) 568-1796, or register online at www.stphiliptheapostle.org/golf.

FABULOUS FABRICATIONS Feb. 9 & 10 — More than 20 Southern California jewelry artists will be displaying and selling their handmade creations at “Fabulous Fabrications,” a two-day showcase event. Whether you prefer delicate or bold baubles, each designer offers a wide array of choices, including gold, sterling silver, gems, glass beads and even paper and resin. Hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 9 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 10. “Fabulous Fabrications” will be held at Creative Arts Group, 108 N. Baldwin Ave., Sierra Madre. For more information, call (626) 355-8350, or visit www.creativeartsgroup.org.

“DANCING THROUGH THE AGES” Feb. 11 — Both Lineage Dance performers and selected community members who have attended workshops will take part in “Dancing Through the Ages,” choreographed by Artistic Director Hilary Thomas. This multigenerational

dance begins at 3 p.m. and includes original music, multimedia images and an inspiring take on moving through the stages of life with grace and beauty. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 449-7360, or visit www.lineagedance.org.

GOLDEN HARMONY Feb. 11 — The San Marino Guild of the Huntington Hospital hosts the 16-member a cappella ensemble VoCA as part of the 2007 San Marino Celebrity Series. “Singing With Golden Harmony” will feature the singing group performing favorites like Nat King Cole’s “There Will Never Be Another You” and the Oscar-winning “Secret Love,” as well as barbershop quartet numbers. This charity event, which begins at 4 p.m., hopes to raise funds to purchase new equipment for newborn babies who experience respiratory failure. Tickets are $25. Lake Avenue Church, 393 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena. Call (626) 799-9440 or (626) 792-3895.

A NIGHT IN WHITE SATIN Feb. 15 — With 16 studio albums to their credit, the Moody Blues are best known for intertwining classical music with rock ‘n’ roll for a truly innovative sound that’s still popular today. Don’t miss this inventive British rock band hitting the Pasadena Civic Auditorium stage at 8 p.m. for a one-nightonly performance as part of a 2007 U.S. tour. Tickets range from $43 to $73. The Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E.

Green St., Pasadena. Call the box office at (626) 449-7360, or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

SCHINDLER STYLE Feb. 20 — The Gamble House Lecture Series presents “Rudolph M. Schindler: Architect, Builder, Theorist, Utopian,” in which Director of the MAK Center for Art and Architecture Kimberli Meyer discusses the innovative architect’s legacy at 7:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena. Schindler is responsible for more than 400 projects, 150 of which were built during his career. A light reception will follow at the Gamble House. General admission is $25; $20 for Friends of the Gamble House; $15 for students. Neighborhood Church, 2 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena. Feb. 24 — An architecture tour, “Art and Geometry,” will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, exploring composer Jose Rodriguez’s Verdugo Woodlands abode in Glendale, known as one of Schindler’s least-altered homes. General admission is $25; $20 for students and Friends of the Gamble House. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Gamble House at (626) 793-3334, ext. 52, or visit www.gamblehouse.org.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Feb. 23 — A quaint little town nestled in the foothills, Sierra Madre celebrates its 100th anniversary with a festive array of activities throughout the year. The Opening Night Gala, which includes champagne, a wine bar, a buffet and period costumes, will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the his-

toric Villa del Sol at Alverno High School, 200 N. Michillinda Ave., Sierra Madre. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased at the Sierra Madre Public Library, 440 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. For more information, call the Sierra Madre Centennial Committee at (626) 355-7186.

SPANISH FLAVOR Feb. 24 — Go on a culinary adventure with the “Spanish Tapas” cooking class from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chef instructors from the California School of Culinary Arts will teach students of all skill levels to cook seared scallops with a spicy aioli and Spanish tortilla, as well as grilled asparagus wrapped in Serrano ham and marinated mushrooms and olives. Wine pairings will also be suggested. The course is $95 and open to adults 18 and older. CSCA, 521 E. Green St., Pasadena. To register, visit or call the CSCA Campus Cookstore at (626) 683-1354, or visit www.csca.edu.

DARKNESS AND LIGHT Through March 11 — The Armory Northwest/965 hosts “Darkness and Light,” a juried exhibition with works from 12 Southern California artists, showcasing videos, sculptures, paintings, photographs and installation-based works focusing on the physical qualities of light and dark. Admission is free. Gallery hours are from noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Armory Northwest/965, 965 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 792-5101, or visit www.armoryarts.org. ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ 59

{ List THE

A highly selective preview of upcoming events

Jordan Baker and Kevin Kilner Photo by Ed Krieger

SWING FOR SCHOOL Feb. 9 — Grab your clubs and head to the greens to help

Green St., Pasadena. Call the box office at (626) 449-7360, or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

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Now is a good time to buy a home BY TIM AND BARBARA CONROY RECENTLY, WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A CHILLING EFFECT on home sales created by exaggerated news reports hyping the demise of the real estate market. This mild chill really should warm the hearts of astute home buyers and, for that matter, savvy home sellers.

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Perception can be reality. Many buyers and sellers are caught up in a psychological standoff. Many are fearful to make the first move, leading to a build-up of homes for sale with inventories rising to their highest levels in the last eight years. Home buyers are fearful that they will pay too much for homes and are worried that the market is about to collapse. And some home sellers have unrealistic expectations setting prices as if the dramatic upward momentum over the last five years continues. In fact, price increases of 25 to 35 percent per year simply could not be sustained forever. Now, savvy sellers are setting realistic prices in line with current market conditions. It’s not Kansas, Toto! The last downturns in real estate prices in the Southland occurred during the early 1990s. At that time, the U.S. economy was experiencing a recession and California was battered by a local economic crisis. Many aerospace companies were closing. Many thousands of high-paid workers put their homes on the market and left Southern California. This had a devastating effect on the region’s home sales market. In contrast, the California and U.S. economies are very strong today, with about 200,000 people moving into California each year — and they need homes. The median price in Los Angeles County is about $580,000 (6 percent above a year ago) and the California Association of Realtors forecasts a 7.5 percent increase during the coming year. Between November 2005 and November 2006, some of our local neighborhoods have seen prices rise from 5 to as much as 20 percent. The window of opportunity for home buyers is now. Ironically, steady price increases are equally good for home buyers and home sellers as the market finds its rhythm and prices stabilize. Instead of runaway price increases, we are now experiencing slower growth rates for prices. We are not experiencing a market crash. Think of it as a leveling of the playing field. Quality homes in good locations still stand out from the crowd. Home loan rates are low and inventories are up, meaning more choices for home buyers. AM TIM AND BARBARA CONROY, the Conroy Team, MacGregor Realty Inc. Realtors®, with more than 30 years of entrepreneurial and real estate marketing experience, can be reached at (818) 952-1496.

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NESTING

Settling down Suad and Selma Cisic are continent-hoppers who’ve transformed a Pasadena condo into a showcase home. BY JACQUELINE FOX ~ PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GERMANA

ROM THE CURB, IT’S IMPOSSIBLE to imagine what the inside of Suad and Selma Cisic’s third-floor condominium has to offer. Their Los Robles Avenue complex features many expected 1960s elements of condo design: a canvas awning stretching from the sidewalk to the buzz-in doorway; a low, “popcorn”-style ceiling in the lobby leading to long, narrow corridors lined with salmon pink wallpaper. But things change so dramatically once you’re inside the Cisics’ 1,750-square-foot condo that you have to go to a window to remind yourself that the elevator didn’t miraculously transport you to a five-star hotel. Bare oak floors, dark wood furniture, rich satin drapes, chrome spotlights and custom-col62 ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ ARROYO

ored walls transform what was once a run-of-themill three-bedroom living space into a designers’ showcase. “It was supposed to be our vacation home,” explains Selma, an architect and designer who oversaw the condo’s renovation from top to bottom and designed most of the furniture. The couple did not choose this condo or Pasadena by accident. Suad’s graduate studies in engineering brought them from Sarajevo to Tennessee in 1990. They meant to return to Sarajevo afterward, but the outbreak of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992 called for the creation of a Plan B. That’s when Suad’s employer in Tennessee transferred him to an office in Pasadena, marking the beginning of a love affair with the city that would last through several subsequent years of

continent-hopping that included stays in Brazil, Argentina, Northern California and Egypt. “We fell in love with Pasadena when we first laid eyes on it and always thought it would be a great place to come to visit,” says Suad. “We think it’s the closest thing to living in Europe you can find in this country.” While living in Alexandria, Egypt, the Cisics decided to purchase the Pasadena condo, gut it and remodel it as a getaway spot. That was in 1993. Suad and the couple’s two sons, Miran and Daniel, remained in Alexandria, while Selma lived near the condo with Suad’s parents during the four-month renovation process. Because of its third-floor location and narrow hallways, there was no shortage of design challenges. For example, a 10-foot slab of black granite cut for the kitchen’s new countertop had to be

hoisted through the couple’s bedroom window by crane. “The crane was just dropped off for us in the middle of the street down below,” said Selma. “We had to laugh because we didn’t realize we were expected to get a driver.” Although renovated, the condo stood vacant for much of the next two years. But the Cisics’ passion for the finished project, not to mention Pasadena, was simply too powerful to resist. In February 2005, they made it official: This was no longer a place they would escape to, but rather a perfect space to call “home.” “We spend so much of our time outside of our home anyway, it made sense to us that this place was going to be enough,” says Selma. There was, however, one little hitch: The condo was simply not big enough for a pair of nomadic

collectors of antiques, furniture and fine artwork. “We came back to Pasadena with two 40-foot containers of our things,” says Selma. “Then, we shipped over four more.” In November 2005, the couple opened Adesso Eclectic Imports on Holly Street in Pasadena, where they began selling what they couldn’t keep. Adesso now offers an evolving line of 18th- and 19th-century antiques, as well as mid-century collectibles and art pieces. It has become not only a thriving family business, but a second home. Suad and Daniel both work in the store part-time. Miran is attending school in Northern California. “We have small intimate gatherings [in the condo],” says Selma, “but when we want to have larger parties, we use the store.” In addition to the 2,500 feet of display space, Adesso has an 800-square-foot kitchen.

“Customers ask us if we live here,” says Suad, who also works as an engineer at Parsons Corp. “It has become an extension of our home.” The couple’s remodeling job at home didn’t stop at their doorway. Selma redecorated the thirdfloor hallway and community pool area. She is preparing to tackle the lobby next, all with the blessing of the approximately 30 other residents in the complex. “We have people knock on our door asking to see what we’ve done in here all the time,” says Selma. “It’s a real compliment.” AM JACQUELINE FOX is a native Angeleno and freelance journalist who lives in Highland Park. She writes for a number of publications and nonprofit organizations across the country, specializing in business issues, arts and entertainment. ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2007 ~ 63

NESTING

Settling down Suad and Selma Cisic are continent-hoppers who’ve transformed a Pasadena condo into a showcase home. BY JACQUELINE FOX ~ PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GERMANA

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Florencita Ave

—Charlie

2) Teresa Woolsen creates memorable stationery, announcements and invitations with exquisite handmade fabrics and materials. She and her staff whip up unforgettable cards to announce the arrival of a new baby, an upcoming wedding or shower or a fabulous charity event. Best of all, they make their creations within your budget! The selection is huge and well worth the trip! Brides put Teresa on the top of their list and know that their invitations are the first impression and rely on Teresa to make their big day perfectly presented. An Occasion to Celebrate also offers a wonderful selection of invitation lines from around the country. Event planners have come to depend on An Occasion to Celebrate for faster, easier and more cost-effective services, and now you can too!

3) Merle Norman — Spring has arrived with our Zen-Sations Collection. Call us to come experience this illuminating collection and our new Purley Mineral Makeup. You will also receive a free gift. Kim Kelly and Kris Kline in Montrose and Olga West in Monrovia have all your beauty needs covered; it’s like having a personal makeup artist, skin consultant and beauty magazine editor all under one roof! Sharing information on the latest skin care and the newest trends in makeup, you will not find a more beautiful, fun place to relax. You should never be too busy to be beautiful, and now Kim, Kris and Olga make it convenient and affordable. Merle Norman,

2341 Honolulu Ave., Montrose. Call (818) 249-1743. Merle Norman, 407 South Myrtle Ave., Monrovia. Call (626) 357-2299. 5) Kimmel-Meehan — The Sale of the Year starts Feb. 7 through Feb. 10 and believe me you do not want to miss it! The men in your life can sport all the hottest labels from an amazing selection of casual and corporate styles. Perfect for your favorite Valentine, Reyn Spooner’s hot line of shirts keeps the regulars coming back, Bryans selection is the biggest. Easygoing pieces from Tommy Bahama and Tori Richards are the must-haves for serious fashion fans. There’s Ryan Michael’s hip Western styles and sleek striped shirts from Tailor Byrd that are sure to make a fashionable impression at any occasion. Kimmel-Meehan offers one-of-a-kind personal service, and gets to know each client by name and style preference. So spruce up your man’s wardrobe by hitting “The Biggest Sale of the Year!”. KimmelMeehan, 2227 Honolulu Ave., Montrose. Call (818) 249-5085.

Ocean View Blvd

ontrose Founders Day celebrates the founding of Montrose on Washington's Birthday in 1913. Since this date, Montrose has flourished as a strong business district. Montrose has retained its "Main Street, USA" charm serving as the center of local commerce for its 75,000 locals. The Montrose 93rd Birthday Celebration will feature Gremoli New Orleans Jazz Band, the Russ Turner Trio, an old time photo exhibit, a grand nine-tier birthday cake representing the ninth decade since the original Montrose land sale, presentations, public speakers and the honoring of Montrose business pioneers. Please join us in Montrose for this amazing family gathering Feb. 26th. And don’t forget about the Montrose Harvest Market, which features 45 food and produce booths that offer a variety of antiques, toys and arts and crafts, Sundays rain or shine.

Honolulu Ave

7) Tender Treasures — This store for women and children is celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2007! Technology has brought Tender Treasures to homes near and far with their comprehensive Web site www.tendertreasures.com. Of course, you can still shop at the store, conveniently located in Montrose for the latest in clothing and accessories for babies, toddlers, moms and grandmothers. They feature brands, such as Le Top, Zutano, Tea Collection, Rabbit Moon, Kushies, Shilav and more for kids, plus the largest selection of FLAX clothing for women you can find in California. Tender Treasures, 2280 Honolulu Ave., Montrose. Call (818)248-2260.

An Occasion To Celebrate, 2409 Honolulu Ave. Ste. 4, Montrose. Call (818) 248-9991, or visit www.invitations.la.

4) Given up on your New Year’s resolution? Check out the Vibe’s exciting winter and spring programs, which are both healthy and fun forms of exercise. The Vibe staff is caring, fun and skilled in their field. The ballet program is headed by Anne De’Ath and Eric Conrad, artistic directors of Ballet 21st Century. De’Ath is a recipient of the Vanguard Award for Choreography and the Award for Excellence from Women in Film. Conrad, founder of Prodigy Ballet and guest choreographer and teacher at the Bolshoi Academy in Moscow. The adult programs include ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop. Intensive courses are offered Tuesday and Thurday in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop. Vocal lessons from 9 years old to teens are also offered in a six-week program.

The Vibe, 227 Honolulu Ave., Montrose. Call (818) 248-8838, or visit www.catchthevibestudio.com.

Reyn Spooner

6) "Got real skin problems? Get real results." Tuscany Spa offers a broad range of customized and personalized skin care services for the face and body in a relaxing, peaceful environment. While indulging on your complimentary tea and biscuits, imagine yourself at an old world, hidden away spa, after sampling their Signature Apothecary facial, which incorporates organic herbs, clays and teas infused with enzymes of exfoliants and deep pore cleansing lasting one and a half hours. Indulge yourself with the Customized Eminence Organic Head to Toe Body Bliss Wrap. First, your specific skin needs are determined and a custom blend of natural exfoliates, treatment masks and an herbal tisane infusion are applied from your neck to your toes. You will then, be swaddled and wrapped and a special organic facial massage mask is then applied. You are left to relax and drift off until the days stress is rinsed off with infused lavender waters. Luxuriate in their old world Tuscan ambience offering state of the art skin rejuvenation, hair reduction; make up, body indulgences and therapeutic treatment packages. They also offer Epicurean Non-Surgical Face Lift, Chromolite IPL laser Treatment, which removes hair permanently, Champagne and Golden Caviar Skin Indulgence, waxing, make up application, full hour massage and many more custom skin services.

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1) This quaint European bakery is like the ones you’d find strolling down the streets of Paris, Brussels or Stockholm! And you’re in luck because Berolina’s is right in your backyard in Glendale! With various brioche, pastries, muffins, scones and croissants, this is the place to go for one delicious breakfast! And Berolina also offers mouthwatering lunch options like sandwiches, paninis, soup of the day and salads, as well as delectable European-style cakes and other desserts. Berolina features a daily list of handcrafted artisan bread made with the finest ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatos and kalamata olives. The bakery also creates specialty items like a hand-baked, all-butter stollen. Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Berolina, 3421 Ocean View Blvd., Glendale. Call (818) 249-6506, or visit www.berolina.com.

Florencita Ave

—Charlie

Ocean View Blvd

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