Arroyo Monthly February 2009

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ARROYO VOLUME 5 ~ NUMBER 2

M O N T H LY

38 10 THEATER: Blues in the Night: Leslie Uggams returns to the Pasadena Playhouse for the West Coast premiere of “Stormy Weather,” a musical based on the life of legendary chanteuse Lena Horne.

–By Jenine Baines

14 L’AMOUR: The Love Lab: Our intrepid reporter goes behind the doors of eHarmony Labs to find out whether researchers can illuminate the mysteries of the human heart.

–By Ilsa Setziol

32 HISTORY: Signatures With a Sentiment: Abraham Lincoln’s autographed papers join photos, campaign literature, even funeral orations in a new exhibition at the Huntington.

–By Gary Dretzka

35 PERSONALITY: A Soldier’s Tale: TV actor James Reynolds leads a national campaign to rally the troops — of citizens — to visit hospitalized veterans.

–By Carl Kozlowski

DEPARTMENTS 8 FESTIVITIES The Pasadena Conservatory of Music, Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services, Five Acres

38 TRAVEL A weekend in Laguna Beach includes visits to an eco-friendly hotel, a seal sanctuary and a restaurant swooningly close to the waves.

40 THE LIST “Matisse’s Amours” at the Norton Simon, Valentine’s Day dinner at Descanso and more

42 KITCHEN CONFESSIONS New Orleans’ spicy cuisine isn’t all that hot — but oh, the joys of the muffaletta.

ABOUT THE COVER: PHOTO: Melissa Valladares

ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 5

NIGHT OF ROMANCE!

EDITOR’S NOTE

Perhaps you think it’s better to let Einstein’s successors unravel such conundrums of today’s economy as derivative securities and solutions to the meltdown. In that case, you’d have plenty of company. If you think that’s tough, how about cracking this nut – the mysteries of the human heart? Now that we’re closing in on Valentine’s Day, a young man’s fancy naturally turns to thoughts of love – and so does an editor’s, as it turns out. So I was interested to learn what Ilsa Setziol would find when she went behind the doors of eHarmony’s love lab, where the Pasadena-based dating service explores the science underlying relationships. See for yourself in this issue.

February also brings diva Leslie Uggams to the Pasadena Playhouse to reprise her heralded performance as Lena Horne in the new musical “Stormy Monday.” On the eve of the show’s West Coast premiere, Jenine Baines sat down with Uggams to discuss her onstage transformation into her childhood idol.

Also this month, Jana Monji visits Altadena’s homegrown auction house, John Moran Auctioneers; Carl Kozlowski tags along with TV actor James Reynolds as he

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visits hospitalized veterans to spread the word about a national campaign to support our ailing former troops; and Gary Dretzka examines the paper trail left by the morerelevant-than-ever 16th president in “The Last Full Measure of Devotion: Collecting Abraham Lincoln,” a new exhibition at the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens.

— Irene Lacher

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Irene Lacher PRODUCTION MANAGER Yvonne Guerrero ART DIRECTOR Joel Vendette • JUNIOR DESIGNER Evelyn Duenas WEB DESIGNER Maricela Estrada COPY EDITOR John Seeley STAFF WRITER Carl Kozlowski CONTRIBUTORS Karen Apostolina, Jenine Baines, Leslie Bilderback, Michael Burr, Michael Cervin, André Coleman, Caroline Cushing, Mandalit del Barco, Gary Dretzka, Brad Eastland, Jessica Hamlin, Lynne Heffley, Bettijane Levine, Jana Monji, Arlene Schindler, Kirk Silsbee, John Sollenberger PHOTOGRAPHERS Johnny Buzzerio, C.M. Hardt, Melissa Valladares ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Dina Stegon ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Fred Bankston, Dana Bonner, Elizabeth Guzman, Leslie Lamm, Rochelle Reiff, Alison Standish ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Maricela Estrada, Carla Marroquin VP OF FINANCE Michael Nagami • HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Andrea Baker BUSINESS MANAGER Angela Wang ACCOUNTING Alysia Chavez, Archie Iskaq OFFICE ASSISTANT Emma Luna PUBLISHER Jon Guynn

CONTACT US ADVERTISING dinas@pasadenaweekly.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 ©2008 Southland Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

6 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

FESTIVITIES

1

2

More than 200 supporters of the Pasadena Conservatory of Music converged on Castle Green on Jan. 11 to celebrate the school’s 25th anniversary.

Notables included Jane Kaczmarek, who served as emcee, and Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard and Teresa Lamb from the office of U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), who jointly presented a commendation to the conservatory’s executive director, Stephen McCurry. Topping off the evening were performances by individual students, a chamber ensemble and the youth guitar and cello orchestras.

1. Jane Kaczmarek and members of the orchestra 2. Executive Director Stephen McCurry with board member Gretl Mulder, Adelaide Hixon and board Chairman Linda Dickason 3. Advisory board member Julie Campoy with board member Jennifer Johnson 4. Mary Lois Nevins with board member Henry Eversole and Mary Eversole 5. The youth guitar orchestra with faculty member Felix Bullock

3 4

5

supporters of Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services to compete in flag football at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 10. This year’s event, which pitted the red-shirted Benefactors against the Patrons in blue, raised more than $25,000 for the Pasadena-

Danny’s Shoes Foundation donated 90 toys to Five Acres’ abused and at-risk children at the residential treatment center’s holiday party in Altadena on Dec. 16. The nonprofit foundation was launched by Andrew Macias of Winnetka and his daughter, Stephanie, in honor of Macias’ father.

based charity. The benefit’s founder, Todd Doney, vice chairman of CB Richard Ellis, thanked the crowd, which included many of his colleagues. “It was great to see all these big players in the real estate industry come out and literally put their bodies on the line to support this event,” Doney said.

Todd Doney with Patron teammates

8 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

Five Acres board members Michele Hall, Ryan Dietz and Pamela Scott

PHOTOS: Pasadena Conservatory by Rick Meyer; Hathaway-Sycamores by Orly Olivier

The fourth annual Battle of the Bowl brought out 50

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ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 9

THEATER

BLUES IN THE NIGHT LESLIE UGGAMS RETURNS TO THE PASADENA PLAYHOUSE FOR THE WEST COAST PREMIERE OF “STORMY WEATHER,” A MUSICAL BASED ON THE LIFE OF LEGENDARY JAZZ SINGER LENA HORNE.

BY JENINE BAINES PHOTOS BY MELISSA VALLADARES

Black Magic

LESLIE UGGAMS RECALLS GROWING UP IN A HOME WHERE LENA HORNE WAS “LIKE A GODDESS.” “IT WAS LENA, LENA, LENA, LENA,” THE TONY AND EMMY AWARD–WINNING SINGER AND ACTRESS SAID NOT LONG AGO. “ANYTIME SHE WAS IN A MUSICAL, I WENT TO THE THEATER TO SEE LENA HORNE. WHEN SHE WAS IN A MOVIE, I WAS THERE. TO THIS DAY, I WATCH LENA’S MOVIES WHENEVER AMERICAN MOVIE CLASSICS RUNS THEM.” Naturally, Uggams’ childhood idol was deeply imprinted on her artistic memory when she signed on to portray Horne in “Stormy Weather,” the new musical chronicling the life of the iconic entertainer, which runs through March 1 at the Pasadena Playhouse. And yet that was only the beginning of her transformation for the role. “I read every book [about Horne] that was out there,” she says. “I studied what made her who she is. And, then, through what I learned, I strive to capture the essence of Lena.

“Of course, no one can be Lena,” she adds with a smile. “I’m not Tina Fey.” Horne crafted a career from popularizing great American standards by Cole Porter, Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer and Rodgers & Hart; in the show, Uggams feasts on such classics as “The Lady is a Tramp,” “They’ll Be Some Changes Made,” “From This Moment On,” “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man O’ Mine,” “That Old Feeling,” “Come Rain or Come Shine” and, of course, “Stormy Weather.” Uggams’ performance in the world premiere production in Philadelphia a year ago had critics singing her praises. “Uggams gives us the flashing smile, the widening eyes and the sensational phrasing of Horne’s legendary delivery,” Toby Zinman wrote in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

It was Horne’s charismatic stage presence that inspired playwright Sharleen Cooper Cohen to write “Stormy Weather” after catching a PBS documentary on the chanteuse in 1995. The show, which has its West Coast premiere in Pasadena, traces the singer from her history-making career at MGM, her disenchantment with Hollywood and subsequent comeback and her experiences with interracial marriage and the blacklist.

“We see Lena reliving moments of her life, coming to terms with its mistakes and successes and realizing what she has to do to move on,” says Cohen, who has not met Horne, now a recluse in New York City, although she did receive a nod from Horne’s daughter, journalist Gail Lumet Buckley. “It’s the story of a survivor who found the strength, during a very difficult time in her life, to go on and have her hugest success ever.”

That success was her 1981 one-woman show on Broadway, “The Lady and Her Music,” which ran for 333 performances. Not only did Horne receive a special Tony award for the production, but at 91, she still holds the record for the longestrunning solo performance in Broadway history. “Lena not only pulled herself up but, at 64 years old, sang better than she ever had before,” Uggams says. “You’re going, ‘Oh my God, Lena’s singing her behind off.’ This is amazing.”

Uggams, 65, won the role in 2004, after Wendy Franklin, Barbara McNair and Phylicia Rashad tackled it in readings while the musical was being developed. She participated in a workshop and two readings at the Manhattan Theatre —CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

10 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 11

THEATER

BLUES IN THE NIGHT LESLIE UGGAMS RETURNS TO THE PASADENA PLAYHOUSE FOR THE WEST COAST PREMIERE OF “STORMY WEATHER,” A MUSICAL BASED ON THE LIFE OF LEGENDARY JAZZ SINGER LENA HORNE.

BY JENINE BAINES PHOTOS BY MELISSA VALLADARES

Black Magic

LESLIE UGGAMS RECALLS GROWING UP IN A HOME WHERE LENA HORNE WAS “LIKE A GODDESS.” “IT WAS LENA, LENA, LENA, LENA,” THE TONY AND EMMY AWARD–WINNING SINGER AND ACTRESS SAID NOT LONG AGO. “ANYTIME SHE WAS IN A MUSICAL, I WENT TO THE THEATER TO SEE LENA HORNE. WHEN SHE WAS IN A MOVIE, I WAS THERE. TO THIS DAY, I WATCH LENA’S MOVIES WHENEVER AMERICAN MOVIE CLASSICS RUNS THEM.” Naturally, Uggams’ childhood idol was deeply imprinted on her artistic memory when she signed on to portray Horne in “Stormy Weather,” the new musical chronicling the life of the iconic entertainer, which runs through March 1 at the Pasadena Playhouse. And yet that was only the beginning of her transformation for the role. “I read every book [about Horne] that was out there,” she says. “I studied what made her who she is. And, then, through what I learned, I strive to capture the essence of Lena.

“Of course, no one can be Lena,” she adds with a smile. “I’m not Tina Fey.” Horne crafted a career from popularizing great American standards by Cole Porter, Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer and Rodgers & Hart; in the show, Uggams feasts on such classics as “The Lady is a Tramp,” “They’ll Be Some Changes Made,” “From This Moment On,” “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man O’ Mine,” “That Old Feeling,” “Come Rain or Come Shine” and, of course, “Stormy Weather.” Uggams’ performance in the world premiere production in Philadelphia a year ago had critics singing her praises. “Uggams gives us the flashing smile, the widening eyes and the sensational phrasing of Horne’s legendary delivery,” Toby Zinman wrote in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

It was Horne’s charismatic stage presence that inspired playwright Sharleen Cooper Cohen to write “Stormy Weather” after catching a PBS documentary on the chanteuse in 1995. The show, which has its West Coast premiere in Pasadena, traces the singer from her history-making career at MGM, her disenchantment with Hollywood and subsequent comeback and her experiences with interracial marriage and the blacklist.

“We see Lena reliving moments of her life, coming to terms with its mistakes and successes and realizing what she has to do to move on,” says Cohen, who has not met Horne, now a recluse in New York City, although she did receive a nod from Horne’s daughter, journalist Gail Lumet Buckley. “It’s the story of a survivor who found the strength, during a very difficult time in her life, to go on and have her hugest success ever.”

That success was her 1981 one-woman show on Broadway, “The Lady and Her Music,” which ran for 333 performances. Not only did Horne receive a special Tony award for the production, but at 91, she still holds the record for the longestrunning solo performance in Broadway history. “Lena not only pulled herself up but, at 64 years old, sang better than she ever had before,” Uggams says. “You’re going, ‘Oh my God, Lena’s singing her behind off.’ This is amazing.”

Uggams, 65, won the role in 2004, after Wendy Franklin, Barbara McNair and Phylicia Rashad tackled it in readings while the musical was being developed. She participated in a workshop and two readings at the Manhattan Theatre —CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

10 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 11

THEATER

—CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Club and went on to the world premiere at Philadelphia’s Prince Music Theater last February. “It was then we knew we had found the one woman who could fulfill this role,” Cohen says.

When the show snagged Uggams (who last appeared in Pasadena in “Blue” in 2002), that sealed the deal for the Pasadena Playhouse. (The production, directed by Michael Bush, also features Nikki Crawford and Dee Hoty.) “One of my early concerns about the project was that it would be difficult to find someone who could embody the musical power, beauty, emotional complexities and theatricality of Miss Horne,” says Sheldon Epps, the playhouse’s artistic director.

“That concern was erased by the knowledge that Leslie would play the role.”

And has Horne herself seen “Stormy Weather”? Uggams is asked the question after a recent rehearsal at Screenland Studios in North Hollywood. The singer takes a sip of tea, then laughs deeply. “According to Sharleen, when she first put the musical together many years ago, she sent a message inviting Lena to come see it. The message she got back was: I lived it.”

When Horne signed with MGM in 1942, she became the first African American performer to sign a longterm contract with a major Hollywood studio, but it never cast her in a leading role. She was relegated to scenes that could be edited out, to accommodate the studio’s fears that Southern audiences would not accept blacks playing non-menial roles.

On loan to 20th Century Fox the next year, Horne starred in the allblack musical “Stormy Weather.” Both the film and title song, sung by Horne toward the end of the movie, became huge hits. Nevertheless, Horne grew –MICHAEL BUSH disenchanted with Hollywood and left to perform primarily in nightclubs and on television, including her own special in 1969. “Finally, I wouldn’t work for places that kept us out,” she told Brian Lanker in “I Dream A World: Portraits of Black Women Who Changed America” (Stewart Tabori & Chang; 1989). “It was a damn fight everywhere I was, every place I worked, in New York, in Hollywood, all over the world.”

The singer also grappled with prejudice in her personal life, blacklisted because of her association with actor and outspoken leftist Paul Robeson. She also kept her marriage to her second husband, MGM conductor and arranger Lennie Hayton, a secret for three years because Hayton was white. “We look at people and we go, ‘Oh God, they’re so fabulous, what a life they must have,’” says Uggams, who has encountered Horne “lots of times,” including at the jazz singer’s 80th birthday celebration at Lincoln Center. “But we don’t really know what’s going on in their lives. One of the things I hope audiences gain from ‘Stormy Weather’ is to learn to love yourself and really know who you are.”

From an early age, Uggams knew the “the-a-ter,” as she will sometimes deliberately, over-elegantly pronounce it, was where she belonged. In 1967, fresh from rave reviews in a Berkeley, California, production of “The Boyfriend,” Uggams was cast in the lead of “Hallelujah, Baby!,” the Broadway musical that made her a star. Ironically, Jule Styne wrote it for Lena Horne.

“Hello? What’s that about six degrees of separation?” says Uggams. She was asked to audition after Horne left the project and its producers decided to cast an unknown. The part earned Uggams a Tony for best leading actress in a musi-

“LENA LED THE WAY; LESLIE FOLLOWED. WATCHING LESLIE PLAY LENA, YOU WITNESS THE TORCH BEING PASSED.”

12 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

cal. She went on to other leading roles on Broadway in “Blues in the Night,” “Jerry’s Girls,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “King Hedley II,” for which she received a Tony nomination.

Her most recent Broadway appearance was in 2005’s “On Golden Pond” opposite James Earl Jones, for which she had less than two weeks to prepare.

That didn’t stop her from dazzling the critics. As Variety wrote, “Uggams is startling, learning the role in only seven days [she] was truly convincing with only three previews under her belt.”

She had plenty of professional cred to draw on. By age six, she was already appearing on television as the niece of vocalist Ethel Waters on Waters’ ABC show, “Beulah,” the first sitcom ever to star an African American. (While Horne made the song “Stormy Weather” famous, Waters first recorded it in 1933.)

Uggams’ later television credits included early appearances on such mainstays as “The Milton Berle Show” and “Sing Along With Mitch,” as well as guest appearances on variety shows and specials hosted by a veritable Who’s Who of mid-century entertainment, including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Carol Burnett. In 1969, Uggams hosted a show of her own, “The Leslie Uggams Show.”

Her appearance as Kizzy in the 1977 miniseries “Roots” earned her the Critics Choice Award for best supporting actress, as well as Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

But, as Uggams learned, after appearing as Rose Keefer — a deadbeat mother who’d abandoned her children but now suddenly reappeared in their lives married to a hit man — in a 12-week run on ABC’s “All My Children” in 1996, there’s no business like the soap opera business.

“I had such a good time doing that,” Uggams recalls. And soap opera fans are the best fans you could ever want.

I never was so popular.”

So, if she had to make a choice, which would she pick — television or the stage? “I enjoy it all,” replies Uggams. “But straight plays come to me very interestingly. When I moved back to New York after living here in L.A. for a while, opportunities opened up for me to do dramatic roles that I could never get when I was living in Los Angeles. You’d think that after doing “Roots,” I’d be offered opportunities, but I wasn’t.”

Still, she’s the first to admit that she has had a great run: a successful career, a happy marriage to her Australian-born manager, Grahame Pratt, since 1965; and two children, Danielle and Justice Pratt, who have inherited their mother’s love of performing. But for Uggams, retirement is not an option. After all, she’s scarcely a year older than Horne was when she starred in one of her greatest triumphs, “The Lady and Her Music.”

And with “Stormy Weather,” Uggams has done well to follow Horne’s lead.

“Leslie came of age during the 1960s, at the same time as Lena’s involvement with the civil rights movement,” says director Bush. “Lena led the way; Leslie followed. Watching Leslie play Lena, you witness the torch being passed.” AM “Stormy Weather” runs through March 1 at the Pasadena Playhouse, located at 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Tickets range from $63 to $73. A “Conversation with...Leslie Uggams” takes place on the playhouse patio Wed., Feb 11, from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

Admission is $10. Call (626) 356-7529 or visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.

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L’AMOUR

I THINK MY HUSBAND AND I ARE SOMEWHAT SIMILAR. HE’S SURE WE’RE VERY DIFFERENT. WE ACTUALLY ARGUED ABOUT THIS ONCE ...

SO I GUESS THAT MAKES HIM RIGHT. WE’RE BOTH INCREDIBLY STUBBORN. IT’S JUST THAT HE’S UNYIELDING IN A PASSIVE, PROCRASTINATING WAY, WHEREAS I SPORT PIG-HEADEDNESS IN A TYPE A, IN-YOUR-FACE MANNER. Are we beating the odds or are we doomed to failure? Hoping to find the answer, I’m waiting in eHarmony’s softly lit lobby. I’m here because I was intrigued by a study I found online that was conducted by eHarmony Labs, the research arm of the Pasadena-based dating website that claims to match couples using “scientifically based predictors of long-term relationship success.” The study, published in the July 2008 issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, had concluded that the more similar partners were in their personality and the ways they responded to emotional situations, the more satisfied they were in their relationships.

I’m a relentless self- and spouse-improver, so I’ve come to speak to one of the study’s authors. Nearby are four windowless rooms outfitted with video cameras, couches and comfy chairs. An adjacent room houses computers, large monitors and recording equipment. When eHarmony installed the set-up a year ago, the company was about to zoom in for a closer look at couples’ interaction.

It hired five research scientists with Ph.D.’s in psychology from various California universities and asked them to advance the scientific understanding of what makes relationships succeed or fail. It was the beginning of eHarmony Labs.

OUR INTREPID REPORTER GOES BEHIND THE DOORS OF EHARMONY LABS TO FIND OUT WHETHER RESEARCH CAN ILLUMINATE THE MYSTERIES OF THE HUMAN HEART.

BY ILSA SETZIOL

14 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

Illustration: Erik Cyree

The Love Lab

As I wait to be called, I look around the waiting room. On a nearby flat screen, attractive couples talk about how eHarmony’s patented matching system helped them find the loves of their lives. They had filled out the company’s extensive survey about their personalities and predilections, rating themselves on everything from physical appearance to how easily they get upset.

Interesting. I met my husband when computers were barely networking among themselves, let alone helping others. There was nothing rational about

the selection process. I caught his eye when I ripped off some of my clothing in a performance of “The Crucible” in downtown Los Angeles.

I’m contemplating the silver lettering on the lobby wall — “dreamintellectenergymotionchemistryromance” — when an eHarmony publicist breezes in and introduces me to the company’s senior research scientist, Gian Gonzaga, who holds a doctorate in personality /social psychology from UC Berkeley. We duck into one of the lab’s observation rooms. As we settle into red armchairs, I blurt out, “Why is being similar better?”

“When someone else is like you and has the same attitudes,” Gonzaga explains, “that validates the attitudes that you have …They’re making you feel better about yourself. The second reason — I think this is the most powerful thing for long-term relationships — is that people get each other. If we are the same kind of person and we see the world in the same ways, we can actually coordinate our behavior to deal with things because we can anticipate and understand what the other person is going through.” And you can’t say Gonzaga doesn’t walk the walk: Last June, he married fellow researcher Heather Setrakian. eHarmony’s research, backed up by several academic studies, indicates that it’s important for couples to share personality traits and values. The company also matches couples based on attitudes and interests. The lab’s research is designed to improve its matching service, inform its advice websites and spur the development of new products and services. One of the main ways it gathers information is by observing how people behave when they’re together. “If you want to understand couples,” Gonzaga says, “you have to see them interact with each other — how they resolve conflict, comfort each other during hard times, celebrate during good times — to understand what makes the relationship work.”

Gonzaga, 38, has the ebullience of someone getting paid to do cool stuff, like eavesdrop on people. He ushers me down a hall into the control room and clicks on a video file stored on a computer. On the screen, a researcher asks a slim, young man we’ll call “Steve” to tell his fiancé about something good that happened to him recently. It’s an interaction scientists call “capitalization” — sharing and validating good news — and new research has shown it to be an important predictor of relationship success. The researcher leaves the room, and Steve, a warehouse worker, tells “Maria” about being complimented at work.

STEVE: I did two pallets. I had to build it and wrap it. I brought it to him. He liked the way I stacked it. He’s like, “These are almost perfect.”

MARIA: You always do a good job at everything. That’s why I think you can do greater things with your abilities.

Gonzaga pauses the video and comments on it: “The great thing she does in this interaction is she doesn’t just compliment, she draws the line from what he did and links it to the fact that he has a good ability. That’s a powerful example.”

This pair is part of a large — and expensive, although the company declines to disclose the cost — five-year study of marriage. A year ago, Steve and Maria were among some 400 engaged couples who filled out extensive questionnaires. eHarmony researchers hope to correlate survey answers with interactions later observed in the lab. “Can we predict if they’re going to provide each other really good social support?” Gonzaga says. “Can we predict when they’re going to solve conflict better? If we can do that, we can offer a better product to people.”

This is fascinating and significant research, but I’m still hung up on the importance of similar personalities. Could I tolerate another me in the house?

—CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 15

L’AMOUR

I THINK MY HUSBAND AND I ARE SOMEWHAT SIMILAR. HE’S SURE WE’RE VERY DIFFERENT. WE ACTUALLY ARGUED ABOUT THIS ONCE ...

SO I GUESS THAT MAKES HIM RIGHT. WE’RE BOTH INCREDIBLY STUBBORN. IT’S JUST THAT HE’S UNYIELDING IN A PASSIVE, PROCRASTINATING WAY, WHEREAS I SPORT PIG-HEADEDNESS IN A TYPE A, IN-YOUR-FACE MANNER. Are we beating the odds or are we doomed to failure? Hoping to find the answer, I’m waiting in eHarmony’s softly lit lobby. I’m here because I was intrigued by a study I found online that was conducted by eHarmony Labs, the research arm of the Pasadena-based dating website that claims to match couples using “scientifically based predictors of long-term relationship success.” The study, published in the July 2008 issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, had concluded that the more similar partners were in their personality and the ways they responded to emotional situations, the more satisfied they were in their relationships.

I’m a relentless self- and spouse-improver, so I’ve come to speak to one of the study’s authors. Nearby are four windowless rooms outfitted with video cameras, couches and comfy chairs. An adjacent room houses computers, large monitors and recording equipment. When eHarmony installed the set-up a year ago, the company was about to zoom in for a closer look at couples’ interaction.

It hired five research scientists with Ph.D.’s in psychology from various California universities and asked them to advance the scientific understanding of what makes relationships succeed or fail. It was the beginning of eHarmony Labs.

OUR INTREPID REPORTER GOES BEHIND THE DOORS OF EHARMONY LABS TO FIND OUT WHETHER RESEARCH CAN ILLUMINATE THE MYSTERIES OF THE HUMAN HEART.

BY ILSA SETZIOL

14 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

Illustration: Erik Cyree

The Love Lab

As I wait to be called, I look around the waiting room. On a nearby flat screen, attractive couples talk about how eHarmony’s patented matching system helped them find the loves of their lives. They had filled out the company’s extensive survey about their personalities and predilections, rating themselves on everything from physical appearance to how easily they get upset.

Interesting. I met my husband when computers were barely networking among themselves, let alone helping others. There was nothing rational about

the selection process. I caught his eye when I ripped off some of my clothing in a performance of “The Crucible” in downtown Los Angeles.

I’m contemplating the silver lettering on the lobby wall — “dreamintellectenergymotionchemistryromance” — when an eHarmony publicist breezes in and introduces me to the company’s senior research scientist, Gian Gonzaga, who holds a doctorate in personality /social psychology from UC Berkeley. We duck into one of the lab’s observation rooms. As we settle into red armchairs, I blurt out, “Why is being similar better?”

“When someone else is like you and has the same attitudes,” Gonzaga explains, “that validates the attitudes that you have …They’re making you feel better about yourself. The second reason — I think this is the most powerful thing for long-term relationships — is that people get each other. If we are the same kind of person and we see the world in the same ways, we can actually coordinate our behavior to deal with things because we can anticipate and understand what the other person is going through.” And you can’t say Gonzaga doesn’t walk the walk: Last June, he married fellow researcher Heather Setrakian. eHarmony’s research, backed up by several academic studies, indicates that it’s important for couples to share personality traits and values. The company also matches couples based on attitudes and interests. The lab’s research is designed to improve its matching service, inform its advice websites and spur the development of new products and services. One of the main ways it gathers information is by observing how people behave when they’re together. “If you want to understand couples,” Gonzaga says, “you have to see them interact with each other — how they resolve conflict, comfort each other during hard times, celebrate during good times — to understand what makes the relationship work.”

Gonzaga, 38, has the ebullience of someone getting paid to do cool stuff, like eavesdrop on people. He ushers me down a hall into the control room and clicks on a video file stored on a computer. On the screen, a researcher asks a slim, young man we’ll call “Steve” to tell his fiancé about something good that happened to him recently. It’s an interaction scientists call “capitalization” — sharing and validating good news — and new research has shown it to be an important predictor of relationship success. The researcher leaves the room, and Steve, a warehouse worker, tells “Maria” about being complimented at work.

STEVE: I did two pallets. I had to build it and wrap it. I brought it to him. He liked the way I stacked it. He’s like, “These are almost perfect.”

MARIA: You always do a good job at everything. That’s why I think you can do greater things with your abilities.

Gonzaga pauses the video and comments on it: “The great thing she does in this interaction is she doesn’t just compliment, she draws the line from what he did and links it to the fact that he has a good ability. That’s a powerful example.”

This pair is part of a large — and expensive, although the company declines to disclose the cost — five-year study of marriage. A year ago, Steve and Maria were among some 400 engaged couples who filled out extensive questionnaires. eHarmony researchers hope to correlate survey answers with interactions later observed in the lab. “Can we predict if they’re going to provide each other really good social support?” Gonzaga says. “Can we predict when they’re going to solve conflict better? If we can do that, we can offer a better product to people.”

This is fascinating and significant research, but I’m still hung up on the importance of similar personalities. Could I tolerate another me in the house?

—CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 15

When it comes to your pet – Only the Best!

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can really help us understand something as ephemeral as love, something as ephemeral as what makes a relationship good. And you can actually use science in a way that helps make relationships better.”

He shows me a video of two researchers role-playing the capitalization interaction. It’s part of a study in which eHarmony scientists tried to teach people skills that make a relationship work.

schools. He says he’s impressed with the research team at eHarmony Labs but adds: “There’s a certain complexity and magic that happens in relationships that are very hard to limit to a psychological test. I don’t know that you could truly measure what makes a relationship work. I think what makes relationships interesting are the differences, in complementary ways.” Pylko does, however, believe that similar values and intellectual abilities — and my husband and I are alike in those respects — are helpful.

According to eHarmony, similar people are more likely to get together in the first place because their attraction is stronger. In another study, eHarmony scientists brought together strangers for quick chats, similar to a “speed dating” arrangement. They evaluated what made couples want to meet again and tried to project whom someone would click with. “It isn’t a perfect prediction,” Gonzaga says, “but that sort of clicking at the beginning — which we think is a lot about people understanding each other really quickly — that does seem to predict that, if a relationship occurs, it seems to make [it] strong.”

ARC

@ Rose City Veterinary Hospital

“THERE’S A CERTAIN COMPLEXITY AND MAGIC THAT HAPPENS IN RELATIONSHIPS THAT ARE VERY HARD TO LIMIT TO A PSYCHOLOGICAL TEST. I THINK WHAT MAKES RELATIONSHIPS INTERESTING ARE THE DIFFERENCES, — IN COMPLEMENTARY WAYS.” eHarmony researcher Gian Gonzaga

Physical Rehabilitation Therapy Acupuncture Chiropractic Hydrotherapy – Underwater Treadmill / Above Ground Pool Pulsed Signal Therapy (PST)

Animal Rehabilitation & wellness Center

Two of us pacing the hallway at 3 a.m.? What if my husband were married to someone as absent-minded as he is? Would he have a career? Any undecayed teeth? More to the point, I wonder if it’s a good idea genetically. I pity the kid with two depressed parents or more than one Type A parent. And I worry about a world where different people are discouraged from commingling. My husband is the son of migrant farm workers; I’m the offspring of two people with graduate degrees. I like to think it will give my son a richer understanding of the world.

Am I out of touch? Deluded? Maybe I should see a shrink … or at least meet one for coffee. I catch up with psychiatrist Timothy J. Pylko at Peet’s on Lake in Pasadena. He confesses he’s also a bit surprised by some of the research.

“I can only talk anecdotally,” he said, “but I see complementary personalities” working well. He means complementary, but different; “Oftentimes, someone who is very gregarious and outgoing is balanced by someone who is a little bit more introverted.”

Pylko counsels individuals and couples at San Marino Psychiatric Associates and is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA and USC medical

–TIMOTHY PYLKO

Your Pet Can Benefit From Our Special Therapeutic Services · · · · ·

match so much as rule out certain choices. “And they’re not as accurate as one would like to believe,” he adds. He sees similar political and religious views as helpful, although not necessary. “What’s most significant is an X factor that no one has been able to put their finger on. It’s outside of awareness.”

Therapy patients, of course, don’t typify a cross-section of the population.

These couples are having trouble — and are willing to get help. Still, I’m not convinced researchers have come up with an algorithm for love. And I’m wondering about an eHarmony ad in which an off-screen voice intones: “With our in-depth questionnaire, we get to know the real you.”

Pasadena psychologist Barbara Janetske says she has studied the methodology behind psychological surveys. Perusing the eHarmony matching questionnaire, she says, “A survey of oneself is just that — an estimate of how individuals view themselves.” She says that a true scientific evaluation of personality would include methods for checking accuracy, something too invasive for a dating service.

Gonzaga says eHarmony instructs people to be honest at the beginning of its survey. He thinks most people are fairly self-aware and generally honest but adds “that’s part of why we want to bring people into the laboratory. Science

—CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

626.796.VETS (8387)

“I just don’t believe it,” says Walter E. Brackelmanns, a clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA. He says he has reviewed several of the studies, but “my experience — in 25 years as a couples expert — says similarity is not what attracts people.” Brackelmanns recommends dating services, but he says they don’t

SHE: I called up TIVO today and convinced them to drop off our TIVO box a whole week early.

HE: That’s great!

SHE: I was able to figure out how to get all of our shows.

HE: No way!

SHE: I figured out how to download the new pilots.

HE: I can’t believe you figured that out. I’m so proud of you!

Photo: Ilsa Setziol

• Dogs & Cats

L’AMOUR

I laugh. It’s so over the top. Still, I’m thinking, Hey, I could do a better job of capitalizing. It’s a way to demonstrate respect. Research — undisputed, in this case — has shown respect to be a key ingredient in successful relationships.

It has certainly helped this person who’s sure she’s right live with another who often knows she’s wrong. AM ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 17

When it comes to your pet – Only the Best!

Rose e City y Veterinary y Hospital

• Full Medical Services • Surgery • Dentistry • Routine Care & Vaccinations • X-rayy & Ultrasound • Wellness Exam

Extended Hours!!!

Mon. & Wed. 9am – 8pm Tues., Thurs., & Fri. 9am – 6pm Sat. 9am – 4 pm, Sun. 9am – 3pm

626.796.VETS (8387) 2695 E. Foothill Blvd. • Pasadena (near San Gabriel Blvd.)

Give Your Pets

The Quality of Life They Deserve Does Your Pet Suffer From Any of These Conditions? · · · · · · · · · ·

Stiffness / Pain / Spasm Muscle Atrophy Paralysis Trouble getting up and down Lack of Endurance / Stamina Post Surgical Complications / Recovery Arthritis / DJD Hip / Elbow / Shoulder Dysplasia DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) Obesity

2695 E. Foothill Blvd.

Pasadena 16 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

can really help us understand something as ephemeral as love, something as ephemeral as what makes a relationship good. And you can actually use science in a way that helps make relationships better.”

He shows me a video of two researchers role-playing the capitalization interaction. It’s part of a study in which eHarmony scientists tried to teach people skills that make a relationship work.

schools. He says he’s impressed with the research team at eHarmony Labs but adds: “There’s a certain complexity and magic that happens in relationships that are very hard to limit to a psychological test. I don’t know that you could truly measure what makes a relationship work. I think what makes relationships interesting are the differences, in complementary ways.” Pylko does, however, believe that similar values and intellectual abilities — and my husband and I are alike in those respects — are helpful.

According to eHarmony, similar people are more likely to get together in the first place because their attraction is stronger. In another study, eHarmony scientists brought together strangers for quick chats, similar to a “speed dating” arrangement. They evaluated what made couples want to meet again and tried to project whom someone would click with. “It isn’t a perfect prediction,” Gonzaga says, “but that sort of clicking at the beginning — which we think is a lot about people understanding each other really quickly — that does seem to predict that, if a relationship occurs, it seems to make [it] strong.”

ARC

@ Rose City Veterinary Hospital

“THERE’S A CERTAIN COMPLEXITY AND MAGIC THAT HAPPENS IN RELATIONSHIPS THAT ARE VERY HARD TO LIMIT TO A PSYCHOLOGICAL TEST. I THINK WHAT MAKES RELATIONSHIPS INTERESTING ARE THE DIFFERENCES, — IN COMPLEMENTARY WAYS.” eHarmony researcher Gian Gonzaga

Physical Rehabilitation Therapy Acupuncture Chiropractic Hydrotherapy – Underwater Treadmill / Above Ground Pool Pulsed Signal Therapy (PST)

Animal Rehabilitation & wellness Center

Two of us pacing the hallway at 3 a.m.? What if my husband were married to someone as absent-minded as he is? Would he have a career? Any undecayed teeth? More to the point, I wonder if it’s a good idea genetically. I pity the kid with two depressed parents or more than one Type A parent. And I worry about a world where different people are discouraged from commingling. My husband is the son of migrant farm workers; I’m the offspring of two people with graduate degrees. I like to think it will give my son a richer understanding of the world.

Am I out of touch? Deluded? Maybe I should see a shrink … or at least meet one for coffee. I catch up with psychiatrist Timothy J. Pylko at Peet’s on Lake in Pasadena. He confesses he’s also a bit surprised by some of the research.

“I can only talk anecdotally,” he said, “but I see complementary personalities” working well. He means complementary, but different; “Oftentimes, someone who is very gregarious and outgoing is balanced by someone who is a little bit more introverted.”

Pylko counsels individuals and couples at San Marino Psychiatric Associates and is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA and USC medical

–TIMOTHY PYLKO

Your Pet Can Benefit From Our Special Therapeutic Services · · · · ·

match so much as rule out certain choices. “And they’re not as accurate as one would like to believe,” he adds. He sees similar political and religious views as helpful, although not necessary. “What’s most significant is an X factor that no one has been able to put their finger on. It’s outside of awareness.”

Therapy patients, of course, don’t typify a cross-section of the population.

These couples are having trouble — and are willing to get help. Still, I’m not convinced researchers have come up with an algorithm for love. And I’m wondering about an eHarmony ad in which an off-screen voice intones: “With our in-depth questionnaire, we get to know the real you.”

Pasadena psychologist Barbara Janetske says she has studied the methodology behind psychological surveys. Perusing the eHarmony matching questionnaire, she says, “A survey of oneself is just that — an estimate of how individuals view themselves.” She says that a true scientific evaluation of personality would include methods for checking accuracy, something too invasive for a dating service.

Gonzaga says eHarmony instructs people to be honest at the beginning of its survey. He thinks most people are fairly self-aware and generally honest but adds “that’s part of why we want to bring people into the laboratory. Science

—CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

626.796.VETS (8387)

“I just don’t believe it,” says Walter E. Brackelmanns, a clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA. He says he has reviewed several of the studies, but “my experience — in 25 years as a couples expert — says similarity is not what attracts people.” Brackelmanns recommends dating services, but he says they don’t

SHE: I called up TIVO today and convinced them to drop off our TIVO box a whole week early.

HE: That’s great!

SHE: I was able to figure out how to get all of our shows.

HE: No way!

SHE: I figured out how to download the new pilots.

HE: I can’t believe you figured that out. I’m so proud of you!

Photo: Ilsa Setziol

• Dogs & Cats

L’AMOUR

I laugh. It’s so over the top. Still, I’m thinking, Hey, I could do a better job of capitalizing. It’s a way to demonstrate respect. Research — undisputed, in this case — has shown respect to be a key ingredient in successful relationships.

It has certainly helped this person who’s sure she’s right live with another who often knows she’s wrong. AM ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 17

ARROYO

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Dreammaker Bath & Kitchen Owner Steve Clemens has successfully serviced the San Gabriel Valley since 1992 as Canyon Oak Construction, Inc. We're committed to creative excellence coupled with the top-quality products and services you expect.

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Kitchen Tune-Up is one-stop shopping if you’re looking to change your kitchen. A Tune-Up is a process in which existing wood cabinets are made to look as close to new as possible. We also offer refacing, custom cabinets, bathroom vanities and cabinets as well as home entertainment centers and closets. We have a wide selection of popular countertops, including Livingstone, Corian, Caesarstone and Silestone. We can add pullout drawers, spice cabinets, even that island you’ve been dreaming about and we have in-house designers who can help transform your vision into reality. We are Steve and Megan Morelock. Please call for a complimentary consultation at (626) 533-4402.

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Nott & Associates The “Design/Build” team of Tom and Jeffrey Nott specializes in custom homes in Pasadena. Tom Nott received his Bachelor of Architecture at USC, and has worked for decades on major projects, including some for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, the L.A. Subway and countless commercial parks. Jeff began in the field at age 12, attended UCLA and UCSB and has built custom homes with distinguished designers in Beverly Hills and Bel-Air. Together they have completed over 130 projects in South Pasadena alone. Nott and Associates provides complete design through construction services, fulfilling your vision and appreciating your budget. Visit www.NOTTASSOCIATES.com or call (626) 403-0844.

Prime Building Materials a family-owned business serving the Southern California building industry for over 20 years with pride and traditional values. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff works with homeowners, developers, landscape contractors, general contractors, designers and architects alike to achieve your exact goals and dreams.

Our huge supply yard features materials for all phases of building and home improvement, with a specialty showroom. From formal residential landscapes and masonry to large tract home developments, we can provide everything needed for the perfect living environment. Five locations to serve you. Call us at (626) 284-2222 for a free consultation or estimate.

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HISTORY

Signatures with a Sentiment

(This page) Abraham Lincoln posed for a portrait with his White House secretaries, John G. Nicolay and John M. Hay, circa 1863.

(Opposite) A handwritten sentiment about slavery was signed and dated by Lincoln on Mar. 22, 1864, little more than a year before his death.

(Opposite background) A broadsheet offering a reward of $100,000 for information leading to the capture of Lincoln’s assassins, issued by the War Department on Apr. 20, 1865 Photos courtesy of the Huntington Library Art Collections and Botanical Gardens

ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S AUTOGRAPHED PAPERS JOIN PHOTOS, CAMPAIGN LITERATURE, EVEN FUNERAL ORATIONS IN A NEW EXHIBITION AT THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY.

BY GARY DRETZKA

EVEN BEFORE THE FIRST COMPARISONS WERE DRAWN BETWEEN BARACK OBAMA AND ILLINOIS’ MOST ICONIC ELECTED OFFICIAL, THE BICENTENNIAL OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S BIRTH WAS SHAPING UP AS A MAJOR EVENT FOR DOZENS OF MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. AFTER ALL, IT ISN’T EVERY DAY THAT A POLITICIAN’S JOURNEY FROM A LOG CABIN TO THE WHITE HOUSE — FROM RAILThe historical confluence has been a cheering development for the SPLITTING TO MARTYRDOM — TURNS 200.

Then the election of the 44th president made connecting the dots with the 16th virtually a national sport. Among the Huntington Library, Art Collections things they held in common were their humble roots and tours of duty in Springfield, Chicago and the nation’s capital. and Botanical Gardens, one of the Both would be required to use their considerable oratorical skills to counter criticism that they lacked the experience needcountry’s most important repositoed to navigate the choppy waters of Washington politics and national crises. ries of Lincoln materials. On Feb. 7, If such historical symmetry could be bottled, the 2009 vintage promised great things for the combined legacy of the Huntington unveils its bicententhe Prairie State’s favorite sons. The same Bible on which Lincoln took the oath of office was borrowed from the nial exhibition, “The Last Full Library of Congress for the swearing in of Illinois’ former junior senator. Because of the inauguration’s proximity to Measure of Devotion: Collecting Lincoln’s birthday, anticipation of one landmark occasion served as a promotional tool for the other. The optimism of Abraham Lincoln,” which runs curators, museum administrators and Lincoln scholars was further validated when Obama quoted from Lincoln’s first through April 27. But Olga Tsapina, inaugural address in his victory speech: “We are not enemies, but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must the Norris Foundation curator of not break our bonds of affection.”

American Historical Manuscripts at the Huntington, is reluctant to hang hopes for the show’s draw on such an intangible hook as coincidences of history — not that she thinks Lincoln needs the help.

“I don’t particularly like political analogies,” allowed Tsapina, sitting in a room dominated by the musty odor of books written before most living Americans were born. “There are certain physical similarities, but, otherwise, everything about the two men is different. For one thing, Lincoln was given a narrow mandate, while Obama’s was overwhelming.” Still, she adds, “By quoting from the speech, he was bringing Lincoln to life for those who were listening to it. He saw Lincoln as a living mind, not just a monument.”

The material compiled for “The Last Full Measure of Devotion” demonstrates how much our collective understanding of Lincoln differs from the man who struggled as much with his own conscience and core beliefs as he did with those who opposed his views on slavery.

“Today, people tend to be reverential … [They] get down on their knees and genuflect before images of Lincoln,” Tsapina says. “I was always suspicious of the textbook image of the man. I became fascinated by how shrewd he was and his moral convictions. He didn’t form his principles easily, but, once he did, he pushed them very hard … bargaining and promising things to people in

32 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

exchange for their votes.” Indeed, the horse-trading that preceded the passage of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery so offended Rep. Thaddeus Stevens — an ardent supporter of the measure — that he declared: “The greatest measure of the 19th century was passed by corruption, aided and abetted by the purest man in America.”

Tsapina, whose primary interest is 18th-century history, points out that Lincoln’s sterling reputation took time to flower. “It wasn’t until the first centennial of his birth that Lincoln’s image would become an all-pervasive symbol for good, here and around the world,” she says. “It would then be used to promote political candidates and an array of products — including Liberty Bonds — as well as opposing sides of a controversial cause, like Prohibition.”

Evidence of such exploitation is presented in the Huntington’s exhibition, which also includes letters, manuscripts, printed works, photographs, posters, funeral-service orations, campaign literature and other ephemera. The material is taken from the Huntington’s encyclopedic holdings, which rank with the collections of the Library of Congress and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, Illinois, as the nation’s most important. The exhibit also pays tribute to friends and aides whose deep love of the president was reflected

in their obsession with saving souvenirs and key documents from his campaigns and administration.

Their foresight would be rewarded by more serious collectors of Lincolniana, who, in turn, would provide source material for private and public research collections. Between 1914 and 1924, Henry E. Huntington aggressively pursued the repositories of William H. Lambert and Judd Stewart, two of the top collectors known as the “Big Five.” Through his agent, George D. Smith, Huntington also was able to cherry-pick lots from other collections put up for auction by private archivists, such as Lambert, who “lived for the thrill of the hunt,” Tsapina says.

“Mr. Huntington was an Anglophile whose interests ultimately led to the colonies and Civil War,” she says. “He wasn’t interested in relics or memorabilia.

He wanted to build a museum that would house important research collections and fit into his concept of this being the Athens of the West. Unlike our blockbuster, ‘The Last Best Hope of Earth: Abraham Lincoln and the Promise of America,’ in 1993, this is an unsponsored library exhibit, in a smaller venue.

Expect a lot of reading.”

—CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 33

HISTORY

Signatures with a Sentiment

(This page) Abraham Lincoln posed for a portrait with his White House secretaries, John G. Nicolay and John M. Hay, circa 1863.

(Opposite) A handwritten sentiment about slavery was signed and dated by Lincoln on Mar. 22, 1864, little more than a year before his death.

(Opposite background) A broadsheet offering a reward of $100,000 for information leading to the capture of Lincoln’s assassins, issued by the War Department on Apr. 20, 1865 Photos courtesy of the Huntington Library Art Collections and Botanical Gardens

ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S AUTOGRAPHED PAPERS JOIN PHOTOS, CAMPAIGN LITERATURE, EVEN FUNERAL ORATIONS IN A NEW EXHIBITION AT THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY.

BY GARY DRETZKA

EVEN BEFORE THE FIRST COMPARISONS WERE DRAWN BETWEEN BARACK OBAMA AND ILLINOIS’ MOST ICONIC ELECTED OFFICIAL, THE BICENTENNIAL OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S BIRTH WAS SHAPING UP AS A MAJOR EVENT FOR DOZENS OF MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. AFTER ALL, IT ISN’T EVERY DAY THAT A POLITICIAN’S JOURNEY FROM A LOG CABIN TO THE WHITE HOUSE — FROM RAILThe historical confluence has been a cheering development for the SPLITTING TO MARTYRDOM — TURNS 200.

Then the election of the 44th president made connecting the dots with the 16th virtually a national sport. Among the Huntington Library, Art Collections things they held in common were their humble roots and tours of duty in Springfield, Chicago and the nation’s capital. and Botanical Gardens, one of the Both would be required to use their considerable oratorical skills to counter criticism that they lacked the experience needcountry’s most important repositoed to navigate the choppy waters of Washington politics and national crises. ries of Lincoln materials. On Feb. 7, If such historical symmetry could be bottled, the 2009 vintage promised great things for the combined legacy of the Huntington unveils its bicententhe Prairie State’s favorite sons. The same Bible on which Lincoln took the oath of office was borrowed from the nial exhibition, “The Last Full Library of Congress for the swearing in of Illinois’ former junior senator. Because of the inauguration’s proximity to Measure of Devotion: Collecting Lincoln’s birthday, anticipation of one landmark occasion served as a promotional tool for the other. The optimism of Abraham Lincoln,” which runs curators, museum administrators and Lincoln scholars was further validated when Obama quoted from Lincoln’s first through April 27. But Olga Tsapina, inaugural address in his victory speech: “We are not enemies, but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must the Norris Foundation curator of not break our bonds of affection.”

American Historical Manuscripts at the Huntington, is reluctant to hang hopes for the show’s draw on such an intangible hook as coincidences of history — not that she thinks Lincoln needs the help.

“I don’t particularly like political analogies,” allowed Tsapina, sitting in a room dominated by the musty odor of books written before most living Americans were born. “There are certain physical similarities, but, otherwise, everything about the two men is different. For one thing, Lincoln was given a narrow mandate, while Obama’s was overwhelming.” Still, she adds, “By quoting from the speech, he was bringing Lincoln to life for those who were listening to it. He saw Lincoln as a living mind, not just a monument.”

The material compiled for “The Last Full Measure of Devotion” demonstrates how much our collective understanding of Lincoln differs from the man who struggled as much with his own conscience and core beliefs as he did with those who opposed his views on slavery.

“Today, people tend to be reverential … [They] get down on their knees and genuflect before images of Lincoln,” Tsapina says. “I was always suspicious of the textbook image of the man. I became fascinated by how shrewd he was and his moral convictions. He didn’t form his principles easily, but, once he did, he pushed them very hard … bargaining and promising things to people in

32 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

exchange for their votes.” Indeed, the horse-trading that preceded the passage of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery so offended Rep. Thaddeus Stevens — an ardent supporter of the measure — that he declared: “The greatest measure of the 19th century was passed by corruption, aided and abetted by the purest man in America.”

Tsapina, whose primary interest is 18th-century history, points out that Lincoln’s sterling reputation took time to flower. “It wasn’t until the first centennial of his birth that Lincoln’s image would become an all-pervasive symbol for good, here and around the world,” she says. “It would then be used to promote political candidates and an array of products — including Liberty Bonds — as well as opposing sides of a controversial cause, like Prohibition.”

Evidence of such exploitation is presented in the Huntington’s exhibition, which also includes letters, manuscripts, printed works, photographs, posters, funeral-service orations, campaign literature and other ephemera. The material is taken from the Huntington’s encyclopedic holdings, which rank with the collections of the Library of Congress and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, Illinois, as the nation’s most important. The exhibit also pays tribute to friends and aides whose deep love of the president was reflected

in their obsession with saving souvenirs and key documents from his campaigns and administration.

Their foresight would be rewarded by more serious collectors of Lincolniana, who, in turn, would provide source material for private and public research collections. Between 1914 and 1924, Henry E. Huntington aggressively pursued the repositories of William H. Lambert and Judd Stewart, two of the top collectors known as the “Big Five.” Through his agent, George D. Smith, Huntington also was able to cherry-pick lots from other collections put up for auction by private archivists, such as Lambert, who “lived for the thrill of the hunt,” Tsapina says.

“Mr. Huntington was an Anglophile whose interests ultimately led to the colonies and Civil War,” she says. “He wasn’t interested in relics or memorabilia.

He wanted to build a museum that would house important research collections and fit into his concept of this being the Athens of the West. Unlike our blockbuster, ‘The Last Best Hope of Earth: Abraham Lincoln and the Promise of America,’ in 1993, this is an unsponsored library exhibit, in a smaller venue.

Expect a lot of reading.”

—CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 33

Michael S. Yung, DDS

HISTORY

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That isn’t to say, however, that people attending “The Last Full Measure of Devotion” need to bring along a bottle of Visine to fully enjoy the show. Among the noteworthy specimens on display are a “souvenir” copy of the 13th Amendment signed by Lincoln; speeches on “Negro equality” prepared for his debates with Stephen Douglas; his notebook on slavery; a pass that was issued to friend and self-appointed bodyguard Ward Hill Lamon, sending him to Richmond the week the president was assassinated; a piece of rail purportedly split at a Republican fundraising gathering; a letter to Ulysses S. Grant, dated April 14, 1864 (“And now with a brave Army and a just cause, may God sustain you”); a handwritten, state-by-state estimate of Electoral College votes from 1864; a bronze life mask; casts of his hands; and a strand of hair taken from his dead body.

Souvenir collecting was as popular a hobby in the 19th century as it is today, and Lincoln and his personal secretaries contributed to the fervor by giving away his autograph to nearly everyone who Often referred to as Lincoln’s “death warasked for it. The first request for a “signa- rant,” this handwritten pass dispatched ture with a sentiment” came in December, Ward Hill Lamon, Lincoln’s friend and selfappointed bodyguard, to Richmond, Va., on 1848, when he was still a congressman.

April 11, 1865. Lamon was still away from Amused by the gesture, Lincoln sent a let- Washington three days later, when the president was fatally shot at Ford’s Theater. ter to the correspondent, a Philadelphia clerk, with a note attached: “I am not a very sentimental man, and the best sentiment I can think of is that if you collect the signatures of all persons who are no less distinguished than I, you will have a very undistinguishing mass of names.”

So little intrinsic financial value was accorded Lincoln ephemera at the time that many important items were freely given. Souvenir collectors were encouraged to keep chunks of wood chipped off the gallows used in the executions of conspirators in the assassination. At the time, prison authorities felt that was a more cost-efficient way of dismantling the gallows. If this was an extreme example of the craze, it was far less unusual to find Lincoln and other elected officials autographing documents at fairs and benefits to raise money for their political parties and relief organizations.

But no such luck for contemporary souvenir hunters. It’s extremely unlikely the Bible used by Lincoln and Barack Obama will ever be sold to a collector, let alone wind up on eBay. Indeed, people are already hording Obamiana, with a clearer eye for profits down the road. AM “The Last Full Measure of Devotion: Collecting Abraham Lincoln” runs from Feb. 7 through April 27 in the Library West Hall of the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens. Curator Olga Tsapina will lead a private tour of the exhibition on Feb. 26 at 4:30 p.m. Tour tickets cost $25, $15 for members; call (626) 405-2128 to register. The Huntington is located at 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino. Visit www.huntington.org or call (626) 405-2100.

34 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

PERSONALITY

TV ACTOR JAMES REYNOLDS LEADS A NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO RALLY THE TROOPS – OF CITIZENS – TO VISIT HOSPITALIZED VETERANS.

Photo: Lesley Bohm

BY CARL KOZLOWSKI

On a recent winter afternoon, Jeanne Crosby was savoring two reasons for celebration. For starters, the 88-year-old World War II veteran was anticipating a bedside visit from Emmy Award–winning actor James Reynolds at Wadsworth Hospital on the grounds of the Veterans Administration complex in Westwood. When the star of NBC’s long-running soap opera, “Days of Our Lives,” came by to sign a headshot and pose with her for a photo, she proudly waved a copy of the flyer announcing his visit and revealed the second reason.

“The flyer had the right date, but it said you were coming on Tuesday, not Thursday,” Crosby, who’d served as a supplies clerk in New Guinea, said with —CONTINUED ON PAGE 36 ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 35

PERSONALITY

—CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

36 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

Top: Wesley Staples shakes Reynolds’ hand. Bottom: Reynolds visits Jeanne Crosby. Opposite: Reynolds poses with Brad Christensen.

of Our Lives.” Reynolds has portrayed Salem’s mayor and sheriff for the past 25 years, making Carver the longest-running role played by any black actor in the history of television. Not only has the part given his career stability — a rare treasure for an actor — it provided him with the wherewithal to launch the Fremont Centre Theatre with his wife, actress Lissa Layng.

In addition to mounting its own slate of shows, the 11-year-old theater presents a couple of plays each year by Ray Bradbury’s Pandemonium Theatre Company, with which it has an exclusive contract. Also coming to the Fremont Centre on Feb. 24 is a panel discussion on the historical role of African American soldiers, moderated by Reynolds and presented by the Pasadena Museum of History.

As Reynolds walked the halls of Wadsworth Hospital one last time before heading to his car, he expressed admiration for generations of American soldiers and optimism that, in the wake of the recent scandal about veterans’ shoddy care at Walter Reed Hospital, they will fare better under the new Obama administration.

“I think the incoming administration is making it a high priority to take care of our servicemen and women, both in service and long after,” he said.

“The controversy at Walter Reed Hospital and proposals to cut back on veterans’ care are unconscionable anytime, but especially in time of war. We should always take care of our veterans. It’s something we have to do.” AM To mark Black History Month, the Pasadena Museum of History presents a panel discussion moderated by James Reynolds on “Facing Two Wars — One Against the Enemy, One Against Prejudice: Chapters from African-American Military History” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Fremont Centre Theatre. Panelists include Altadena residents O. Oliver Goodall, a former pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen, and Bruce Dennis, who served with the Buffalo Soldiers during World War II. Tickets cost $20, $15 for museum members. The Fremont Center Theatre is located at 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. Call (626) 577-1660, ext. 10, or visit www.pasadenahistory.org.

Photos: Petet Mitchell

feisty charm. “I’m the one who pointed it out and had them fix it. My mind still works!”

The anticipation of such rewarding moments persuaded Reynolds to serve as this year’s U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs spokesman for hospitalized veterans. Under the auspices of the federal Armed Forces Entertainment agency, he makes regular visits to local veterans and soldiers at military bases and hospitals around the world. In so doing, he hopes to encourage others to honor veterans with their own visits to VA hospitals.

In his recent three-hour tour, the 62-year-old actor led by example, dropping in on dozens of veterans. He said his goal was not only to lift the spirits of patients but to publicize the Tribute to Hospitalized Veterans’ Week, which runs from Feb. 11 through 17.

The overlap with Valentine’s Day “makes it the perfect time to honor the soldiers,” said Reynolds, also co-artistic director of South Pasadena’s Fremont Centre Theater.

“It’s relatively new for me to help through the VA, but I’ve been involved with veterans for quite some time,” he added. “I just got back 18 hours ago from a 21/2-week trip to bases in Kosovo and Germany. [I visited] injured troops who were being transferred to further care at home in the States. I usually do handshake tours, just greeting people, but you will never find a more appreciative audience.”

Indeed, Reynolds’ warm presence sparked a bonfire of smiles, handshakes and autograph requests at Wadsworth. He went from room to room — some housing as many as four veterans, most of them elderly and suffering from an array of health issues.

Reynolds said it’s important that other people follow suit. “The truth is, everybody needs more volunteers,” he said. “We’ve found out government is limited in what it can do. Just sitting and talking, reading to people [is helpful]. I’m always impressed with how veterans just want to talk to you and tell you their stories. I listened to a guy today who served with Audie Murphy [the much-decorated World War II soldier] as his platoon commander. It can be extremely rewarding for volunteers — not just feeling good for having done something, but [the vets] enrich your lives.”

Reynolds’ sympathy for veterans’ issues sprang from his personal experience as a Vietnam vet who served during the mid-’60s. “I grew up in the small farming town of Oskaloosa, Kansas, and I joined the Marine Corps after high school because I wanted to learn how to become a reporter,” he recalled. “I was a combat correspondent for eight months, which were full of dangerous moments. I did everything from cover small-scale actions to large-scale, to escorting civilian correspondents. That was great experience because I was a kid, barely 18.”

When Reynolds returned to the U.S., he attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, where he changed his career plans. He decided to go “where all the girls were,” and he found them in the theater department. After graduation, he quickly landed acting roles in local and regional theater and reported on entertainment for small newspapers in Kansas and Colorado.

Reynolds’ acting career shifted into high gear in 1974, when he landed a supporting role in the Charles Bronson action film “Mr. Majestyk,” portraying an African-American prisoner who helps Bronson’s character break out of jail.

His performance led to other offers, including the role of Abe Carver on “Days

EDUCATION AND ENRICHMENT Huntington Learning Center The Huntington Learning Center is a nationally recognized leader in the field of improving a child’s basic study skills through remediation and enrichment programs. Students are given individual attention by certified teachers, using personalized programs tailored to improve skills in a child’s trouble areas. Huntington offers individual testing and tutoring in reading, math, study skills, writing and SAT/ACT preparation to students of all ages. Parents who would like additional information, or who are concerned about a specific aspect of their child’s academic performance, are encouraged to contact the Huntington Learning Center at 1832 E. Washington Blvd. in Pasadena or call (626) 798-5900.

Japanese American National Museum Come and explore at the Japanese American National Museum! Come for Target Free Family Saturdays and celebrate shared Asian American traditions with fun, theme-filled activities for kids of all ages.

Admission is FREE all day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Target Free Family Saturdays are a great way for families to learn, play, and grow together. Your visit to the National Museum will inspire you to discover your cultural heritage. The National Museum is dedicated to promoting a better understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by preserving and sharing the Japanese American experience.

Visit janm.org for more information, or call (213) 625-0414. ■

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ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 37

TRAVEL The toasty lobby lounge at Seven4One. (Top right) Splashes’ panoramic view surrounds the dining room. (Bottom right) Aquaterra Spa’s couples’ treatment room

Days before I left town for a brief idyll at Seven4One in Laguna Beach, the sleek new boutique hotel emailed me a questionnaire, asking about the kinds of things that might come up on a first date: Did I like cool jazz? How did I take my coffee? What newspapers did I read? Then there were questions suitable for dates farther down the road: Down feather pillows or foam?

Seven4One (www.seven4one.com) prides itself on its ability to anticipate

38 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

gled by gill nets, maimed by sharks or stricken with illness or malnutrition.

Outside the facility are several large pools, where a couple of elephant seals eyed us warily and half a dozen seals on the mend lay in the sun, piled on top

sustainability. Former banker and co-owner Daniel Sussman, who turned to a sec-

of each other like a tangle of kittens.

We drove down Laguna Canyon Road to the Laguna Canyon Winery, which

was a natural strategy for the hotel’s location. “Laguna Beach is a very earthy,

sources grapes from vineyards in California, Oregon and Washington. It’s owned by a

environmentally conscious city,” he says. “We have the ocean, the Surfrider

couple of Canadian brothers, Marlowe and Darren Huber, who decided to locate their

Foundation [which battles ocean pollution]. We’re in the heart of this art colony. We

winery close to their end users of choice — fine wine enthusiasts with means. The

need to be green.”

Hubers have collaborated with local celebrity marine-life artist Wyland on a limited edition of wines — Wyland lends his name and designs the labels — to benefit ocean

stamp on everything from its custom-made memory-foam mattresses and four-

preservation. We were particularly impressed with the collection’s full-bodied 2004

inch pillow toppers to low-flow, dual-flush toilets, carafes of ice water instead of

“Oceano,” a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah with a nice balance

bottles and refillable dispensers of Molton Brown bath treats.

between fruit and oak.

Sussman and Brent Eneix, his partner in Seven4One’s parent company, the

BY IRENE LACHER

sea lions who have been nearly stran-

hotel’s pampering — so is the planet, thanks to its commitment to environmental

To that end, Seven4One follows a stringent eco-friendly regimen that leaves a

A WEEKEND IN LAGUNA BEACH ENCOMPASSES VISITS TO AN ECOFRIENDLY HOTEL, A SEAL SANCTUARY AND A RESTAURANT SWOONINGLY CLOSE TO THE WAVES.

Center, which rescues ailing seals and

guests’ needs, and people who stay there aren’t the only beneficiaries of the

ond career as a hotelier after the thrills of early retirement paled, says going green

A Coastal Retreat

The next morning, we visited the nonprofit Pacific Marine Mammal

After all that effort tasting wines, clearly a massage was in order, so we headed

Brendan Group, bought the property in January. It used to be Eiler’s Inn, which

to the Aquaterra Spa at the Surf & Sand Resort (www.surfandsandresort.com). The

had been shuttered after 60 years as a bed and breakfast (Eiler’s was named after

Surf & Sand is a longtime fixture of the Laguna Beach coastline, but it makes a point

a local guy with flowing white hair, who was legendary for standing on the side of

of surfing the wave of contemporary design and amenities. Indeed, my “hot shell

the Pacific Coast Highway, greeting people whizzing by in their cars). Sussman

massage” was a revelation and a welcome variation on the more common hot stone

and Eneix gave the place a complete overhaul, decorating it in minimal chic,

massages. I’ve found the latter to be warm and relaxing, but they tend to come up

using a palette of cool pale gray and white punctuated by splashes of color from

short when it comes to the therapist’s manual contact with muscle. This 75-minute

work by local artists.

massage — which used smooth shells heated with an insert of dried kelp and algae

The place feels like a miniature version of the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood, without the noise and the attitude. The hotel’s 12 rooms are built around an outdoor courtyard designed for gatherings, with a cozy fireplace and

— was a liquefying blend of both, with the therapist warming the skin with a shell in one hand and then kneading it with the other.

So much leisure whetted our appetites, so we crossed the courtyard to the

lounge furniture. It was uninhabited during my midweek visit, so I couldn’t tell

resort’s Splashes Restaurant, where Executive Chef Lewis Butler presides over a

whether a lively party could pose a headache for guests, but hotel staff assured

fusion-style menu described as American Coastal Cuisine. The venue alone is

me that the surrounding rooms’ Milgard energy-efficient windows muffle sound.

worth a visit. Its outdoor terrace is swooningly close to the waves, unlike many

My room, the Sky Suite, overlooks the back terrace, which offers a fine view of

eateries set back from the Los Angeles coastline. We selected the tasting menu

the ocean and setting sun. But since I arrived on a news-filled day, my companion

which, on our evening, consisted of richly flavorful dishes of parmesan-crusted

and I only had eyes for the 42-inch flat-screen TV in the airy sitting room. As we

salmon over lobster angel hair pasta, braised beef short rib with lump-crab gnoc-

flipped from CNN to MSNBC, hotel staff brought up a fine platter of cheese and

chi and scallops with a salt-cod croquette.

sausages sourced locally by Chef de Cuisine Jessica Alexander, formerly a sous

After such a satisfying meal, we yearned to be horizontal. So back we went to

chef at the Montage Resort. (Seven4One doesn’t have a designated dining room,

the Seven4One, where we fell into a sound sleep, knowing we’d done our part that

but Alexander’s small-plate menu is also served in the intimate lobby lounge.)

day to protect the planet. AM ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 39

TRAVEL The toasty lobby lounge at Seven4One. (Top right) Splashes’ panoramic view surrounds the dining room. (Bottom right) Aquaterra Spa’s couples’ treatment room

Days before I left town for a brief idyll at Seven4One in Laguna Beach, the sleek new boutique hotel emailed me a questionnaire, asking about the kinds of things that might come up on a first date: Did I like cool jazz? How did I take my coffee? What newspapers did I read? Then there were questions suitable for dates farther down the road: Down feather pillows or foam?

Seven4One (www.seven4one.com) prides itself on its ability to anticipate

38 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

gled by gill nets, maimed by sharks or stricken with illness or malnutrition.

Outside the facility are several large pools, where a couple of elephant seals eyed us warily and half a dozen seals on the mend lay in the sun, piled on top

sustainability. Former banker and co-owner Daniel Sussman, who turned to a sec-

of each other like a tangle of kittens.

We drove down Laguna Canyon Road to the Laguna Canyon Winery, which

was a natural strategy for the hotel’s location. “Laguna Beach is a very earthy,

sources grapes from vineyards in California, Oregon and Washington. It’s owned by a

environmentally conscious city,” he says. “We have the ocean, the Surfrider

couple of Canadian brothers, Marlowe and Darren Huber, who decided to locate their

Foundation [which battles ocean pollution]. We’re in the heart of this art colony. We

winery close to their end users of choice — fine wine enthusiasts with means. The

need to be green.”

Hubers have collaborated with local celebrity marine-life artist Wyland on a limited edition of wines — Wyland lends his name and designs the labels — to benefit ocean

stamp on everything from its custom-made memory-foam mattresses and four-

preservation. We were particularly impressed with the collection’s full-bodied 2004

inch pillow toppers to low-flow, dual-flush toilets, carafes of ice water instead of

“Oceano,” a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah with a nice balance

bottles and refillable dispensers of Molton Brown bath treats.

between fruit and oak.

Sussman and Brent Eneix, his partner in Seven4One’s parent company, the

BY IRENE LACHER

sea lions who have been nearly stran-

hotel’s pampering — so is the planet, thanks to its commitment to environmental

To that end, Seven4One follows a stringent eco-friendly regimen that leaves a

A WEEKEND IN LAGUNA BEACH ENCOMPASSES VISITS TO AN ECOFRIENDLY HOTEL, A SEAL SANCTUARY AND A RESTAURANT SWOONINGLY CLOSE TO THE WAVES.

Center, which rescues ailing seals and

guests’ needs, and people who stay there aren’t the only beneficiaries of the

ond career as a hotelier after the thrills of early retirement paled, says going green

A Coastal Retreat

The next morning, we visited the nonprofit Pacific Marine Mammal

After all that effort tasting wines, clearly a massage was in order, so we headed

Brendan Group, bought the property in January. It used to be Eiler’s Inn, which

to the Aquaterra Spa at the Surf & Sand Resort (www.surfandsandresort.com). The

had been shuttered after 60 years as a bed and breakfast (Eiler’s was named after

Surf & Sand is a longtime fixture of the Laguna Beach coastline, but it makes a point

a local guy with flowing white hair, who was legendary for standing on the side of

of surfing the wave of contemporary design and amenities. Indeed, my “hot shell

the Pacific Coast Highway, greeting people whizzing by in their cars). Sussman

massage” was a revelation and a welcome variation on the more common hot stone

and Eneix gave the place a complete overhaul, decorating it in minimal chic,

massages. I’ve found the latter to be warm and relaxing, but they tend to come up

using a palette of cool pale gray and white punctuated by splashes of color from

short when it comes to the therapist’s manual contact with muscle. This 75-minute

work by local artists.

massage — which used smooth shells heated with an insert of dried kelp and algae

The place feels like a miniature version of the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood, without the noise and the attitude. The hotel’s 12 rooms are built around an outdoor courtyard designed for gatherings, with a cozy fireplace and

— was a liquefying blend of both, with the therapist warming the skin with a shell in one hand and then kneading it with the other.

So much leisure whetted our appetites, so we crossed the courtyard to the

lounge furniture. It was uninhabited during my midweek visit, so I couldn’t tell

resort’s Splashes Restaurant, where Executive Chef Lewis Butler presides over a

whether a lively party could pose a headache for guests, but hotel staff assured

fusion-style menu described as American Coastal Cuisine. The venue alone is

me that the surrounding rooms’ Milgard energy-efficient windows muffle sound.

worth a visit. Its outdoor terrace is swooningly close to the waves, unlike many

My room, the Sky Suite, overlooks the back terrace, which offers a fine view of

eateries set back from the Los Angeles coastline. We selected the tasting menu

the ocean and setting sun. But since I arrived on a news-filled day, my companion

which, on our evening, consisted of richly flavorful dishes of parmesan-crusted

and I only had eyes for the 42-inch flat-screen TV in the airy sitting room. As we

salmon over lobster angel hair pasta, braised beef short rib with lump-crab gnoc-

flipped from CNN to MSNBC, hotel staff brought up a fine platter of cheese and

chi and scallops with a salt-cod croquette.

sausages sourced locally by Chef de Cuisine Jessica Alexander, formerly a sous

After such a satisfying meal, we yearned to be horizontal. So back we went to

chef at the Montage Resort. (Seven4One doesn’t have a designated dining room,

the Seven4One, where we fell into a sound sleep, knowing we’d done our part that

but Alexander’s small-plate menu is also served in the intimate lobby lounge.)

day to protect the planet. AM ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 39

THE

LIST COMPILED BY JOHN SOLLENBERGER

A HIGHLY SELECTIVE PREVIEW OF UPCOMING EVENTS FACES OF INTIMACY Feb. 1 — Project 210 Gallery features the work of seven artists in a new exhibition, “Drawn to You: Intimate Portraits.” Artists include Abel Alejandre, who creates images using crosshatched graphite lines; Kristi Lippire, known for humorous cat drawings; Brian Mallman, who draws on wood; Claudia Nieto, whose drawings explore intimacy in relationships; Mei Xian Qui, who constructs dream scenarios; Nicola Vruwink, whose “Sad Men” series portrays troubled stock market traders; and Megann Zwierlein, who contributes graphite portraits of her daughters. The opening reception runs from 4 to 7 p.m. The exhibition, curated by Quinton Bemiller, continues through Feb. 21.

Project 210 is located at 2888 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Call (323) 225-2229 or visit www.project210.org.

FROM JEWELRY AND ART SALES TO REBELLIOUS PUPPETS AT THE AUTRY Feb. 6 and 7 —The Autry National Center presents a sale of Western and Native American jewelry — “Beauty and the Best: The Bohlin Silver Company and Waddell Trading Company” — from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Feb. 7 and 8 — The “Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale” features paintings, sculpture and drawings by 75 contemporary artists. The exhibition opens Saturday and continues through March 8. The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Feb. 14 — As part of the “Bold Caballeros y Noble Bandidas” exhibition, the Títeres Rebeldes (Rebellious Puppets) perform a tale inspired by the Mexican Revolution at 12:45 p.m. Afterward, the museum sponsors a related Let’s Make History craft activity.

The Autry National Center is located at 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park. Call (323) 667-2000 or visit www.autrynationalcenter.org.

A TURKISH SERENADE

“MATISSE’S AMOURS” OPENS AT THE NORTON SIMON Feb. 13 — “Matisse’s Amours: Illustrations of Pierre de Ronsard’s Love Poems” opens at the Norton Simon Museum. The exhibition features a selection of lithographs from Henri Matisse’s “Florilège des Amours de Ronsard” (Anthology of Ronsard’s Love Poems). The collection includes 25 pages, spreads and folios from a rare copy of the volume reserved for the artist, the publisher and others who collaborated on the project. The exhibition is on display through June 8.

The Norton Simon Museum is located at 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Call (626) 449-6840 or visit www.nortonsimon.org.

THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY AS ARTISTIC EDEN Through April 11 — Paintings of the San Gabriel Valley by 47 artists are on view at the Pasadena Museum of History. The show, “Contemporary Masters, Artistic Eden II: Scenes of Contemporary Life in the San Gabriel Valley,” was jointly curated by the six galleries comprising the Pasadena Area Gallery Association — Galerie Gabrie, Michael Hollis Fine Art, San Marino Gallery, Segil Fine Art Source, Frederick Stern Gallery and Tirage Fine Art Gallery — which bought a piece for the museum’s California plein air collection. The 58 works on view (by artists including Shirley Pettibone, Larry Brooks and Eugene Federov) were culled from submissions by more than 225 invited artists. Exhibition hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. General admission is $5 ($4 for seniors and students, free for museum members and children under 12).

The Pasadena Museum of History is located at 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena. Call (626) 5771660, ext. 10, or visit www.pasadenahistory.org.

40 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

Feb. 8 — The Pacific Serenades chamber music ensemble presents “The World is Our Community,” at the Neighborhood Church. The 4 p.m. concert features the group’s 91st commissioned world premiere of a new work — a piece by Istanbul-born composer Münir Beken, who performs on the ud alongside Kathleen Lenski, violin; David Speltz, cello; Carlson, flute; and Roland Kato, viola. Also included are works by Beethoven and Mozart.

The Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena. Call (213) 534-3434 or visit www.pacser.org.

HURDLING OVER DISABILITIES IN SOUTH PASADENA Feb. 12 — Author Amalia Starr speaks at 7 p.m. about her memoir, “Raising Brandon: Parenting My Son to Live Successfully with Autism, Epilepsy and Learning Disorders.” The book chronicles her 34-year journey with her son, who has lived on his own for more than 11 years.

The free event at the South Pasadena Public Library also includes a screening of “Inside Looking Out,” a brief documentary about Asperger Syndrome by 23-year-old South Pasadena resident Nick Simone. The evening launches a new project, Raising Abilities, a partnership among the library, Kiwanis, Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library and the nonprofit Institute for the Redesign of Learning, also known as the Almansor Center. The event is also sponsored by Poets & Writers, Inc., with financial support from the James Irvine Foundation.

The South Pasadena Public Library is located at 1115 El Centro St., South Pasadena.

Call (626) 403-7330 or visit www.ci.south-pasadena.ca.us/library.

SHE LOVES ME, SHE LOVES ME NOT...

The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens celebrates Valentine’s Day with events showcasing some of celebrants’ favorite offerings —- flowers.

Feb. 12 — Landscape architect and herb folklorist Shirley Kerins discusses “The Romantic Language of Flowers” at 2:30 p.m. in Friends’ Hall.

Feb. 14 and 15 — Southern California growers display their prize-winning blooms at the 37th annual Camellia Show and Sale, co-sponsored by the Southern California Camellia

ON YOUR TOES

Feb. 21 — Lineage Dance presents the second annual Pasadena Dance Festival at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event offers dance classes, workshops, showcases and an 8 p.m. performance, featuring Lineage Dance, Lula Washington Dance Theatre, Lux Aeterna, California Contemporary Ballet, Terri Best Dance, L’Esprit D’Afrique, Antics Performance and more. Tickets, available online, range from $20 to $40. Proceeds benefit the Pasadena Educational Foundation Arts Fund.

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium is located at 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. Call (626) 399-3676 or visit www.lineagedance.org.

For information on group rates and scholarships, contact pasadenadancefestival@gmail.com

Society. Also on view are demonstrations of pruning, disbudding, grafting and other horticultural techniques. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days.

The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens is located at 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino. Call (626) 405-2100 or visit www.huntington.org.

DINNER AT DESCANSO Feb. 14 — Descanso Gardens hosts a three-course dinner catered by Patina in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The prix-fixe meal at the Boddy House will be $66 ($59 for members); seatings are at 6 and 8 p.m.

Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Call Patina at (818) 790-3663 for reservations. For information about Descanso Gardens, visit www.descansogardens.org.

ART CENTER HOSTS A SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY SUMMIT Feb. 17 through 19 — Art Center College of Design hosts a summit on the future of transportation design: “Expanding the Vision of Sustainable Mobility.” The event at the Pasadena Convention Center brings together experts in urban planning, government, education, science, business and transportation design to share strategies for transporting people and goods in environmentally sound ways.The program runs from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

Seats are limited. Call to register.

The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. Visit www.artcenter.edu/summit or call (626) 396-2473.

A FEAST OF FANTASY AT FREMONT CENTRE THEATRE Feb. 21 — The Los Angeles premiere of Ray Bradbury’s new show, “The Illustrated Bradbury,” opens for a three-week run. Actor Tobias Andersen appears in this one-man “feast of fantasy” inspired by Bradbury’s “The Illustrated Man.” The title character of the 1951 book possessed tattoos that sprung to animated life and depicted stories of the past and future. The non-tattooed Andersen performs nine of the fantasy master’s published tales. David Smith-English directs. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets cost $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors and $10 for students.

Fremont Centre Theatre is located at 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. Call (323) 960-4451 or visit www.plays411.com/raybradbury.

ART AND SCIENCE CONVERGE AT THE PMCA Feb. 22 — The Pasadena Museum of California Art hosts Family Day, featuring arts and crafts projects inspired by the museum’s current child-friendly exhibitions. Those shows look to the stars, as art and science converge in “Data + Art: Science and Art in the Age of Information,” as well as in the accompanying show, “Eye in the Sky: JPL’s Mars

Reconnaissance Orbiter.” In “Data + Art,” artists translate scientific data into new, startling forms, challenging the viewer to see science in a new light. “Eye in the Sky” focuses on the new JPL-built satellite that looks at the surface of Mars through a high-powered imaging spectrometer; the resulting images expand the traditional boundaries of art. Family Day runs from 3 to 5 p.m.

Pasadena Museum of California Art is located at 490 E. Union St., Pasadena. Call (626) 568-3665 or visit www.pmcaonline.org.

THE GARDEN CONSERVANCY SPOTLIGHTS REGENERATION Feb. 27 and 28 — The Garden Conservancy and the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden present a two-day program on “Gardens that Re-Make Themselves.”

The seminar and study tour focusing on regeneration, sustainability and preservation is the seventh in the landscape design and history series, “Gardens to Match Your Architecture.” The seminar meets from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday at the Arboretum’s Ayres Hall; the study tour runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, starting with a visit by bus to architecture and planning firm Johnson Fain Partners in downtown Los Angeles: it continues on to the Los Angeles State Historic Park (also known as “The Cornfields”) and Vista Hermosa Park, then visits historical gardens along Pasadena’s Arroyo Seco. Presentations focus on new public and residential landscapes and mature residential gardens. The all-inclusive fee is $270 for Garden Conservancy and Arboretum members, $285 for Pacific Horticulture subscribers and $300 for the general public. Tickets for the seminar cost just $135 for Garden Conservancy members, $145 for Pacific Horticulture subscribers and $155 for the general public.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is located at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. To register, call the Garden Conservancy at (415) 441-4300, email wcprog@gardenconservancy.org or visit www.gardenconservancy.org.

THE CAL PHIL CELEBRATES JOHN WILLIAMS Feb. 28 — The California Philharmonic presents “John Williams: Music for the Movies” at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Cal Phil founder and Music Director Victor Vener leads the orchestra in a performance of excerpts from Williams’ soundtracks from such films as “Jaws,” “Far and Away,” “Catch Me if You Can,” “Jurassic Park” and “Star Wars.” The program also includes John Corigliano’s Oscar-winning Chaconne for the 1997 film “The Red Violin,” featuring 23-year-old violinist Lindsay Deutsch as guest artist in her third appearance with Cal Phil. A pre-concert lecture starts at 7 p.m.; the concert begins at 8 p.m.

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium is located at 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. Call Ticketmaster at (213) 365-3500 for tickets. For information, call (626) 300-8200 or visit www.calphil.org. AM ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 41

KITCHEN CONFESSIONS

The Good, the Bad and the Overrated NEW ORLEANS’ SPICY CUISINE ISN’T ALL THAT HOT — BUT OH, THE JOYS OF THE MULTI-LAYERED MUFFALETTA.

BY LESLIE BILDERBACK

Mardi Gras (which means Fat Tuesday, a moniker that could easily apply any week of the year in my house) is quickly approaching.

No other pre-Lent festivity has quite the je ne sais quoi of the one in New Orleans, even though the week is celebrated from Rio to Nice.

And while I do not give up so much at Lent that I feel the need to go crazy beforehand, I usually end up at a Mardi Gras party or two.

New Orleans is also the home of the po’ boy, whose creators were so poor they couldn’t afford the extra “o” or “r.” This is simply the South’s version of a sub/hero/grinder/hoagie sandwich. (Note to self: When stealing a recipe and staking claim to it, pick one that has not already been stolen.) For the record, I would like to see a “Smack-Down Iron Chef,” in which sandwich makers from Philly, New York, Connecticut, Maine, Chicago and New Orleans would beat the tar out of each other with their sandwiches. That would be TV worth watching.

Oysters Rockefeller, the epitome of 19th-century culinary snobbery, originated There, at Antoine’s. In this dish, oysters on the half-shell are topped with spinach,

New Orleans’ Mardi Gras pleasures are the stuff of legend. The extravagant floats,

anise liqueur, a rich butter sauce (rich like the Rockefellers...get it?) and bread

signature jazz and Dixieland music are pure Americana and lets’s not forget the beads.

crumbs, tastefully broiled to a beautiful golden brown. It is a bit antiquated and

The Crescent City is also touted as a big food-loving town, and while I have enjoyed a

labor-intensive for the modern epicurean, although I have always been a fan of

few great tastes there, it’s not what I would call a culinary epicenter. It might be better

foods named after economic powerhouses. I am going to try to my hand at this,

described as a culinary mongrel. Louisiana’s Creoles are people of mixed descent, and

possibly with T-Bone Pickens or Microsoft Shell Crabs à la Gates, served, of course,

the town is indeed a celebration of cross-breeding. Historical forays into free love have

at the All-You-Can-Eat-Warren Buffet.

bred a rich culture, but I have never quite understood the gastronomical hoopla.

I am not at all impressed by jambalaya, étoufféé and gumbo — three dishes most

Antoine’s vies for historical attention with Brennan’s, home of Bananas Foster, an ingenious concoction of bananas, butter, sugar, rum and fire. Commander’s

people cannot distinguish from one another. All three bear a striking resemblance to

Palace tries to muscle into the recipe annals with its Bread Pudding Soufflé doused

every other peasant food in the world, including paella, arroz con pollo, menudo,

with Bourbon sauce. Frankly, no amount of Bourbon can dress up a bread pudding,

goulash and any number of curries and pilaf dishes. It’s not that I have anything

and without fire or a catchy name, the most I can give it is a C+.

against peasant food, because I don’t. Even if I did, I would keep it to myself, as there is a strong possibility we may all end up as peasants in the near future.

The beignet is another pretentiously named food associated with the Big Easy

The renowned — and much-feared — spiciness of the Cajun kitchen is not just overrated, but historically inaccurate. Hot peppers were subtly integrated into local dishes by the Spanish, but not to the extent we see today. I blame the Tabasco com-

(why one town needs so many nicknames is beyond me). It’s nothing but a square

pany for our hot-sauce-crazed palates. Somehow, everyone brings home Tabasco-

donut doused in powdered sugar. Not that I would turn it down — I’ll eat donuts

related paraphernalia from Louisiana, even though it can be bought anywhere. I think

anywhere, anytime.

the New Orleans airport security guys slip Tabasco junk into bags as they pass

Another mysteriously exalted N’awlins food item is the pecan praline, popularized, no doubt, by the Southeastern Louisiana Dental Association. I get the same

through the X-ray machine.

New Orleans’ most recent culinary claim to fame has been Emeril Lagasse.

amount of pleasure eating a sugar cube. I like the cube a little more, actually. It’s

At the risk of alienating one of my three readers, I will refrain from my well-

cheaper, and I don’t have to brave streets of disorderly drunks to get it.

rehearsed rant and state simply that it was Paul Prudhomme — not Emeril — who

42 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

MUFFALETTA

Ingredients 1 cup large pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced 1/2 cup pickled cauliflower, sliced 1/2 cup pepperoncini, chopped 1/2 cup cocktail onions, chopped 1/4 cup capers, drained 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced 1 carrot, grated 1 tablespoon celery seed

1 tablespoon dried oregano Salt and pepper to taste 2 cups olive oil 1 large, round loaf of Italian bread 1/4 pound sliced mortadella 1/4 pound sliced ham 1/4 pound sliced Italian salami 1/4 pound mozzarella cheese 1/4 pound provolone cheese

Method 1. In a large bowl, combine the olives, cauliflower, pepperoncini, onions, capers, garlic, celery, carrots, spices and olive oil. Stir together and refrigerate overnight.

2. Slice the Italian loaf in half horizontally, and on each open half, spread a generous amount of olive salad. On the bottom half, pile on the meats and cheeses, then replace the top of the bread.

3. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place it on a large pie plate. Invert another pie pan on top, and weight it down with some canned foods. Refrigerate for 1 hour. To serve, unwrap the sandwich and slice it into wedges.

put New Orleans on the culinary map. A true Cajun, Prudhomme’s cuisine is French provincial cooking adapted to regional ingredients. When Prudhomme opened his restaurant, K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen, in 1979, it quickly became an international hit, and he was able to bring Cajun and Louisiana Creole cooking to the American mainstream. Both were virtually unknown outside the area until the 1980s (unless you listened to a lot of Hank Williams); that decade saw an upsurge in the number of Louisiana-style restaurants, where blackened redfish was the biggest thing to hit the culinary scene since the kiwi fruit. (Sadly, blackened food also became the default excuse for searing-gone-wrong.) Over the years, Prudhomme has become an internationally renowned culinary figure and a symbol of American culinary art and philanthropy.

I suppose New Orleans is culturally important. It’s a place full of history, music, art and perhaps even vampires. But there is only one food for which I will brave throngs of beaded, bare-chested ladies: the muffaletta. This work of epicurean artistry was the creation of the local Italian community. Based on a Sicilian recipe,

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the sandwich combines sliced meats, cheeses and marinated vegetables in mouthwatering layers. I always place orders with my Mardi Gras–loving friends and wait patiently at home until they’re delivered by hand. (I actually think they taste better after eight hours of travel.) If you can stand the lines, get yours in the French Quarter at the muffaletta’s alleged point of origin, Central Grocery on Decatur

A Retirement Oasis

1420 Santo Domingo Avenue, Duarte, CA 91010

(626)358-2569 ext.151 WestGardens.org

Street. Then come home and replicate it. AM Bilderback is a certified master chef and baker, a former executive chef of Pasadena’s California School of Culinary Arts and the author of five volumes in Alpha Publishing’s “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to...” series, including “...Snack Cakes” (June 2008) and “...Good Food from the Good Book” (March 2008). A South Pasadena resident, Bilderback teaches her techniques online at www.culinarymasterclass.com.

ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 43

GREEN STREET YOUR SHOPPING AND DINING DESTINATION

Connecting the World One Phone at a Time

CALL THE PHONE GUY • Phone Systems

When most shoppers think of Old Pasadena, their minds likely turn to Colorado Boulevard and its vibrant array of top-name local and national shops and restaurants. Yet just one block south lies a tree-lined street of other fine establishments that offer great goods and fine dining with only a fraction of the traffic congestion and sidewalk crowding. In other words, it’s time to expand your buying and dining horizons. Green Street and its adjoining side streets of DeLacey, Fair Oaks and Raymond offer everything from top-notch electronics to the latest fashions.

For those who are looking for a new do for the New Year, there are two fantastic salons that will exceed your expectations. Share the love in February. Bring a friend to Tangles Salon and you will both receive 20 percent off any service. (First-time clients only; Hurry, the offer expires 2/28/09.) Crowned Studio, a boutique salon, does hair and only hair. They color it, cut it, groom it, fluff it, make it longer, condition it, up-do it, roll it….well you get the idea. They know what they do best and that’s hair.

Once you’re done shopping and getting your hair done, there’s some terrific places to unwind as well; the popular Daily Grind chain of coffee shops is now open at the corner of Green and DeLacey, offering a much-needed alternative to the longtime caffeine outposts like Starbucks and the Coffee Bean.

• Sales / Service • Installation • Voice Mail • Adds / Moves / Changes

For lunch, you can relax amid the casual splendor of the La Grande Orange Café located in the historic Del Mar Station, where you can feast on everything from original appetizers like a tender Brussels sprout salad to their very popular made-to-order tortillas.

• Computer Cabling

Food, fashion and fun…the three key words to a truly fantastic Green Street experience! ■

• Fiberoptic Cabling • Overhead Paging

RAYMOND

FAIR OAKS

DE LACEY

B&O

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GREEN

DEL MAR

NOW OPEN

Share The Love

Come in and Unwind with us! Bring in this coupon for a

Bring a Friend & Both Receive

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*First time clients only – exp.2/28/09

1455 W.. Green n St.. Pasadena | 626.792.2948 | www.tanglespasadena.com m

n

n

n

Look Your Best on Valentine’s bou • tique bu tik [boo-teek]

. . . a boutique salon –noun 1. any small, exclusive business offering customized service: Hair is all we do at Crowned Studio … a boutique salon.

–adjective 2. of, designating, or characteristic of a small, exclusive producer or business: Crowned Studio is Pasadena’s best boutique salon.

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z Personalized service in a relaxed, cozy atmosphere. z East Coast Luster | West Coast Attitude. z Complimentary fine wines, cappuccino, lattes & specialty coffees. z Complimentary color care kit with any cut or color.

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44 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

PASADENA AVE.

On& Around

COLORADO

Please send your tax deductible donations to: Discover The World, Inc., Shepherd's Home, 3255 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107

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89 East Green Street | Old Pasadena | 626.844.5042 www.crownedstudio.com

Hair is all we do! | ADVERTISEMENT |

ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 45

RAYMOND

FAIR OAKS

PASADENA AVE.

DE LACEY

COLORADO

N

GREEN

DEL MAR

NOW OPEN

Share The Love

Come in and Unwind with us! Bring in this coupon for a

Bring a Friend & Both Receive

25% OFF

FREE 12oz drip coffee when you buy one breakfast or lunch sandwich Daily Grind Unwind Pasadena location only.

any y Service

Offer cannot be combined with other offers. offer expires 2/28/09.

*First time clients only – exp.2/28/09

1455 W.. Green n St.. Pasadena | 626.792.2948 | www.tanglespasadena.com m

n

n

n

Look Your Best on Valentine’s bou • tique bu tik [boo-teek]

. . . a boutique salon –noun 1. any small, exclusive business offering customized service: Hair is all we do at Crowned Studio … a boutique salon.

–adjective 2. of, designating, or characteristic of a small, exclusive producer or business: Crowned Studio is Pasadena’s best boutique salon.

ward-winning stylists. z AFeatured in Elle, Marie Claire & Washingtonian.

z Personalized service in a relaxed, cozy atmosphere. z East Coast Luster | West Coast Attitude. z Complimentary fine wines, cappuccino, lattes & specialty coffees. z Complimentary color care kit with any cut or color.

89 East Green Street | Old Pasadena | 626.844.5042 www.crownedstudio.com

Hair is all we do! | ADVERTISEMENT |

ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 45

You Deserve to Feel Great!

Relax and Enjoy a

VOTED BEST DERMATOLOGIST Pasadena Weekly Reader Poll 2007

90 Minute Massage for $65*

Health &Beauty

Marilyn n A.. Mehlmauer,, M.D.

*on your first visit

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626.441.1888

SERVICES:

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Adult & Pediatric Dermatology / Skin Cancer Treatment Restylane / Artefill Sculptra / Juvederm / Botox® Fraxel / Laser For Red & Brown Spots And Hair Removal Acne & Pigmentation Treatments

Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Spinal Decompression 1605 Hope St. Ste. 350 South Pasadena, CA 91030 (in the white brick building, next to Gus’s BBQ)

626.441.1888

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Presents an Original Ballet

The Little Mermaid

San Gabriel Playhouse | 320 S. Mission Dr. | San Gabriel Saturday Feb. 21st at 7pm & Sunday, Feb 22nd at 2pm For tickets and information, call or visit 626.792.0873 or www.pcballet.com Attend the Under the Sea Tea prior to the ballet at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse.

Saturday Feb. 21st, at 5:30 pm & Sunday, Feb. 22nd at 12:30 pm.

Space is limited. Tea pricing - $20 for adults & children.

Banik Chiropractic – Isn’t some back pain normal? Pain of any kind is a sign that something isn’t right. Pain is the way your body signals that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. Since we can adapt, minor aches and pains are often shrugged off.

Chiropractic adjustments add motion to these stuck joints, reducing nervous system disruption. Then, health can return. Newborns, pregnant women, seniors and even back surgery patients can get adjusted. All adjustments are tailored to your size, age and particular health issue. Consult Dr. Banik today to see if you’re a candidate for chiropractic care.

Dr. Marilyn Mehlmauer - Having smooth, youthful skin is the first step to feeling great about your appearance. Dr.Marilyn Mehlmauer offers a wide variety of solutions for any problem areas on your face. Whether you have lines, wrinkles, or acne, we have a remedy to restore the elasticity and refine the appearance of your skin. Visit us and explore our facial rejuvenation treatment options. Call and schedule your consultation today.

(626) 585-9474.

COMPLIMENTARY COSMETIC CONSULTATION WITH STAFF

BEFORE

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AFFIRM LASER RESULTS

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"Look well to the spine for the cause of disease."

Hippocrates Father of Medicine 460-377 B.C.

1151 El Centro Street, Suite A South Pasadena, CA 91030

ALL PROCEDURES ARE DONE ON-SITE.

WWW.MEHLMAUER.COM BEFORE

AFTER

10 CONGRESS ST

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At Elements, we provide natural solutions for your health issues. We understand that health care is about more than just masking symptoms. It’s about re-balancing the body.

Our caring doctors will tailor a specific plan of treatment to match your body’s needs. Dr. James Kazandjian D.C., L.Ac., specializes in the treatment of chronic neck, and low back pain. He uses an advanced medical technology called Spinal Decompression for disc herniation and spinal stenosis. Roxy Han, L.Ac., utilizes acupuncture and Chinese medicinal herbs to treat a variety of ailments. Call our center today to make your appointment (626) 441-1888.

At My Look Surgery we offer many services for your overall enrichment and care for your beauty needs. There is a wide spectrum of rejuvenation techniques, ranging from basic skin care to chemical peels to plastic surgery. We specialize in aggressive acne care & laser photo rejuvenation and have worked with a variety of products to determine the best combination for you. Hand in hand with the skin care are specialized plastic surgeons to conduct minimally invasive breast surgery & body contouring. Come by and experience the difference. We are located at 333 S. Arroyo Parkway, Suite 200, in Pasadena.

(626) 486-3000. ■

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Valentine’s Specials

LIC # FD341 46 ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ ARROYO

| ADVERTISEMENT |

| ADVERTISEMENT |

ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 47

You Deserve to Feel Great!

Relax and Enjoy a

VOTED BEST DERMATOLOGIST Pasadena Weekly Reader Poll 2007

90 Minute Massage for $65*

Marilyn n A.. Mehlmauer,, M.D.

*on your first visit

Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology & American Board of Dermatopathology

Call to Schedule Your Appointment.

Sogoll Sagharii M.D.

626.441.1888

SERVICES:

ELEMENTS TOTAL HEALTH CENTER

Adult & Pediatric Dermatology / Skin Cancer Treatment Restylane / Artefill Sculptra / Juvederm / Botox® Fraxel / Laser For Red & Brown Spots And Hair Removal Acne & Pigmentation Treatments

Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Spinal Decompression 1605 Hope St. Ste. 350 South Pasadena, CA 91030 (in the white brick building, next to Gus’s BBQ)

626.441.1888

SURGICAL SERVICES:

elementstotalhealth.com

Liposuction / Eyelid / Mini Face / Neck Lift

Introducing The Affirm Laser for Anti-Aging and Skin Tightening.

LIPOSUCTION RESULTS COMPLIMENTARY COSMETIC CONSULTATION WITH STAFF

BEFORE

Don’t panic, call Dr. Banik.

AFTER

AFFIRM LASER RESULTS

626.585.9474

"Look well to the spine for the cause of disease."

Hippocrates Father of Medicine 460-377 B.C.

1151 El Centro Street, Suite A South Pasadena, CA 91030

ALL PROCEDURES ARE DONE ON-SITE.

WWW.MEHLMAUER.COM BEFORE

AFTER

10 CONGRESS ST

STE. 320

PASADENA

CA

91105

www.BanikChiropractic.com

n

Valentine’s Specials

| ADVERTISEMENT |

ARROYO ~ FEBRUARY 2009 ~ 47