Arroyo May 2012

FINE LIVING IN THE GREATER PASADENA AREA MAY 2012

Beat the Clock STRATEGIES FOR SAVVY AGING

11 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR BRAIN

DROP THE DYE Gray Is Beautiful PICK UP THE PACE Zumba Gives Fitness That Latin Sizzle

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arroyo VOLUME 8 | NUMBER 5 | MAY 2012

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SAVVY AGING 10 11 BRAIN BOOSTERS Reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s with these lifestyle habits.

— By Carole Jacobs

15 GRAY IS BEAUTIFUL Gray tresses are suddenly au courant in Hollywood, on runways and at your neighborhood Whole Foods.

— By Bettijane Levine

31 ZUMBA ON THE MOVE The Latin dance fitness craze is getting Pasadenans on their feet.

— By Noela Hueso

40 MIDNIGHT SPECIAL Altadena author Miles Corwin on his latest L.A. noir novel — Margery L. Schwartz

DEPARTMENTS 9

FESTIVITIES California Art Club, Cancer Support Community Pasadena and Glendale Memorial Hospital

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KITCHEN CONFESSIONS You can’t tell a chef by the Velveeta she was weaned on.

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WINING AND DINING A rare Spanish restaurant, Ración, adds zest to Old Pasadena’s foodscape.

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THE LIST A Derby Day party for Blinn House, railroad history at the Huntington and more

ABOUT THE COVER: Photo by Catherine Yeulet

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you've got to start young.

— Fred Astaire TO THE LATE LEGENDARY HOOFER’S LONG LIST OF ADMIRABLE QUALITIES, WE can add one more — prescience. As medical research continues to show, you do indeed need to start young if you want to ace your old age. Decades of virtuoso dancing doubtless helped Astaire tap his way to an impressive — and active — maturity, enabling him to work in film until he was an august 82.

You can dance your way toward your own centennial with Zumba, the Latin dance-workout craze that made the American College of Sports Medicine’s list of top 10 fitness trends this year. Because it is the public’s right to know, Noela Hueso sweated her way through Zumba class in Pasadena to bring you a ringside seat to — and eventually a leading role in? — this superfun and effective workout.

In “11 Brain Boosters,” new Arroyo contributor Carole Jacobs, a former veteran editor of Shape magazone, interviewed Alzheimer’s experts to find out what you can do to minimize your risk for the disease. Actually, their prescription will maximize your overall health and vigor, helping you savor your later years — and reap the hard-won wisdom that comes with it.

So if 70 is the new whatever, why hide it? More and more women — including some of the most stylish heads in Hollywood — aren’t. Bettijane Levine reports that they’re dumping the dye, letting their gray flag fly and enjoying the admiring glances that follow. Seriously.

— Irene Lacher

EDITOR IN CHIEF Irene Lacher ART DIRECTOR Kent Bancroft JUNIOR DESIGNER Carla Cortez PRODUCTION MANAGER Yvonne Guerrero COPY EDITOR John Seeley CONTRIBUTORS Joanna Beresford, Leslie Bilderback, Michael Cervin, Scarlet Cheng, Mandalit del Barco, David Gadd, Lynne Heffley, Noela Hueso, Carole Jacobs, Carl Kozlowski, Bettijane Levine, Brenda Rees, Margery L. Schwartz, Kirk Silsbee, John Sollenberger, Nancy Spiller, Bradley Tuck PHOTOGRAPHERS Claire Bilderback, Gabriel Goldberg, Christie Hemm, Melissa Valladares ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Dina Stegon ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Brenda Clarke, Leslie Lamm, Heidi Peterson, Jon Wheat ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Richard Garcia,Teresa Lopez HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Andrea Baker BUSINESS MANAGER Angela Wang

arroyo FINE LIVING IN THE GREATER PASADENA AREA

SOUTHLAND PUBLISHING V.P. OF FINANCE Michael Nagami V.P. OF OPERATIONS David Comden PRESIDENT Bruce Bolkin CONTACT US ADVERTISING dinas@pasadenaweekly.com EDITORIAL arroyoeditor@pasadenaweekly.com PHONE (626) 584-1500 FAX (626) 795-0149 MAILING ADDRESS 50 S. De Lacey Ave., Ste. 200, Pasadena, CA 91105 ArroyoMonthly.com

ACCOUNTING Alysia Chavez, Monica MacCree OFFICE ASSISTANT Gina Giovacchini PUBLISHER Jon Guynn 8 | ARROYO | 05.12

©2012 Southland Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

FESTIVITIES

Amy Scott, Autry National Center; Jean Stern,The Irvine Museum; Elaine Adams, executive director, California Art Club

More than 200 members of the California Art Club’s Collectors’ Circle and Corporate 100 had a first look at more than 250 artworks on March 30 as they celebrated

Peter Adams, president, California Art Club; Lynn Christopher, winner of the gold medal for sculpture; Christopher Slatoff, sculpture chair, CAC; David Gallup, vice president, CAC

the opening of the club’s 101st annual Gold Medal Juried Exhibition, held for the first time at the Autry NaRay Roberts, winner of the gold medal for best painting, and daughter Ali Kroll-Roberts

Meg Symes, director of events and special gifts, CSC; Michael Healy; Beverly Rouse, executive director, CSC

tional Center. The hallowed Pasadena-based club’s second-century kick-off continued on March 31 with an Artists’ Gala Awards Reception… Cancer Support Community Pasadena donors gathered at Tiffany & Co. on April 4 for champagne and toasts in anticipation of the organization’s 20th annual Angel Gala fundraiser,“Harmony & Halos,” at the Pasadena Convention Center on April 28… Glendale Memorial Hospital staff raised $1,300 to fight breast cancer on March 24, when they walked or ran in the Susan G. Komen 2012 Race for the Cure at Dodger Stadium.

Valerie Hoffman with Peter Adams, president, California Art Club

Stephen Leach, Nicole Peters, Nancy Leung, Henry Morita

BOTTOM ROW (From left):Annette Yuen, Asya Zikranova, Steve Fujinaka, Mirvat Hariri MIDDLE ROW: Lance Keene, Giada Muniz, Maryann Robertson, Cristine Khachaturova, Margarita Deroyan, Farah Saleh, Housni Hariri BACK ROW: Daniel Sarkissian, Amer Mourad, Vahan Ghazaryan

Annette Yuen

Angel Award honorees Alice and Loren Brodhead 05.12 | ARROYO | 9

GRAY IS BEAUTIFUL More women are tossing out their hair dye as gray tresses proliferate in Hollywood and the world of fashion.

BY BETTIJANE LEVINE

IS GRAY THE NEW BLONDE? Can silver-haired damsels pack potent sex appeal?

Can a woman be smart and seductive even with snow-white hair?

The answer to all the above is yes.

Proof has been piling up over the past two years as well-known beauties, both young and older, have started to publicly celebrate their silver strands. And this avant-garde group is growing every day. For them, dying one’s gorgeously gray hair suddenly seems oh-so-faux.

In a universe going greener by the minute, where we bring our own bags to the market and buy organic everything, the backlash against tinting tresses to banish nature’s gray seems to pack the same punch as tinting apples to make them look more red. It's just too phony, many sophisticates say. And the trend toward keeping what nature gives us has captured many of the world’s most famous and fashionable heads.

Since 2010, designers for Calvin Klein, Chanel, Lanvin, Viktor & Rolf and Maria Barros have all chosen alluring gray-haired (or gray-wigged) models to strut the catwalk in their fall collections. American and European editions of Vogue magazine have featured top designers’ clothes on models with silver or gray hair. Actresses and supermodels in various stages of maturity — Kate Moss, Helen Mirren, Judi Dench, Diane Keaton, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sharon Stone and Vanessa Redgrave — have all shown up onscreen or at public events with hair that was partly or completely silver, gray or white.

Even more unexpected, the very young celebrity set has been laying the groundwork for a new era in which gray hair will have none of the old connotations of dowdiness, frumpiness or (heaven forbid) old age. Lady Gaga, Pixie Geldof, Kelly Osbourne (all in their 20s)and the thirtysomething singer Pink have all sprouted temporarily dyed gray hair in public appearances — a statement that gray, silver and white are, after all, just part of the spectrum and can be just as young, punk or rock ’n’ roll as hair dyed pink or green.

Scientific research is helping debunk the myth that gray hair signifies decrepitude. Yes, gray hair does arrive as we grow older. But the time at which it arrives is not determined by age per se, but by heredity. A few individuals retain their original hair color well into advanced age, researchers say. Others start going gray in their late 20s or early 30s. About half of all 50-year-olds are at least 50 percent gray, according to a study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

So let’s face it: Half of us will be at least half-gray by age 50, which is decades before most of us stop having sex or even think about making a bucket list. (A study in The New England Journal of Medicine shows that healthy men and women remain sexually active well into their 70s and 80s these days — hair color notwithstanding.) Another study illustrates that gray hair is no indication of one’s physical vigor or health. “People with gray hair [are not less healthy] and don’t die any sooner than anybody else,” said Dr. Leo M. Cooney, chief of geriatrics at Yale University Medical School. continued on page 12 10 | ARROYO | 05.12

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Helen Mirren

Dame Judi Dench

Vanessa Redgrave

Actresses and supermodels in various stages continued from page 10

If hair color indicates nothing more than a genetic roll of dice, why buy into the fallacy that gray hair must be plucked, colored and deplored? Can we untether our attitudes about hair color from our attitudes about old age, since the two are not equivalent? Once you are past your 20s, it’s a crapshoot as to when those first white hairs will start sprouting on your head.

And what does it all mean? It could mean that Gray Pride is on its way in, and that icons like Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer will soon look more than a bit dated with their bottle-blonde coifs. Think Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada, and imagine how sassy Sawyer or Walters might look with hair just a tad more naturel.

A sampling of hair stylists in the San Gabriel Valley indicates that most women in our arrondissement still compulsively camouflage their grays. “I have clients who come in every two weeks for color touch-ups, who absolutely won’t have one single gray hair showing,” says Karen Milne, owner of Starr House The Salon in San Marino. “Even the 80 year olds still color their hair.” Milne does have one client in her 40s with shoulder-length dyed hair who has decided to go gray. “We’re using highlights to blend the colored hair as it grows out with the gray hair as it grows in, to make the transition look more natural,” Milne says.

But out among Arroyoland’s markets and shops it’s easy to spot women with radiant skin who look fabulously fit and who don’t give a hoot that nature changed their hair shade as they outgrew young womanhood. Alison L., a 59-year-old investment analyst and two-time cancer survivor, looks sensational with her blazing blue eyes, flawless skin, slim athletic figure — and white hair cut into a pixie style. “I started going gray at about 40,” she says. “Then, after a second round of chemo, my hair fell out and grew back stark white. There I was, wandering around town with this very short white hair, and I realized I wasn’t invisible any more. Suddenly all these hot, hunky, adorable men started striking up conversations with me. They liked how I looked, and so did I. My husband was intrigued. Now I wouldn’t change it. It’s great-looking and it's totally wash-and-wear.”

Gail Halper, a sixtysomething photographer, says her hair started going gray 30 years ago when she was a young clothing designer in New York. “My husband didn’t

of maturity — Nicole Kidman, Kate Moss,

Helen Mirren, Judi Dench, Diane Keaton, Jamie

Lee Curtis, Sharon Stone and Vanessa Redgrave — have all shown up onscreen or at public events

with hair that was partly or totally silver, gray or white.

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mind but I did, so I started using henna. Sometimes it came out deep burgundy or red, and I loved it. But as I got more gray, the henna didn’t cover. I got a short cut and let my natural color grow in. I was lucky because it was almost pure white. It looked thicker and healthier than in all those years I’d been coloring it. I think I look more attractive and individual this way.”

So should all women of the world stop coloring their hair? No way. A bit of tint may ratchet up anyone’s attractiveness quotient. But should they color their hair just to make the gray go away? Not necessarily, say beauty industry mavens. There are tints, glosses and shines made especially for shades of gray, silver and white hair, to give it a sleek, healthy and sexy finish. Combined with a great cut, gray simply doesn’t have to be dingy or dowdy.

As Nicola Moulton, British Vogue’s beauty and health director, told a reporter for The Daily Mail: “I think there’s beginning to be a backlash to this eternal quest for anti-aging. Stopping at nothing to look just a few years younger is starting to look dated itself… which is why I think we’re seeing models and younger celebrities embracing things like wrinkles and a smattering of gray. The bottom line is, it doesn’t stop a woman looking beautiful — on the contrary, it just makes her look more attractive by speaking volumes for her confidence.” ||||

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11BRAIN BOOSTERS Try these lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

BY CAROLE JACOBS

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#1. Exercise Your Brain Cells

LOST YOUR KEYS AGAIN? OR MAYBE YOU CAN’T REMEMBER THE name of the neighbor who has lived next door for the past 10 years? Your mother was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Is there a chance you have it, too?

“The greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is advancing age,” says Dr. Michael Harrington, an Alzheimer’s researcher and director of the Molecular Neurology Program at Huntington Medical Research Institute in Pasadena.

Most people with the disease are age 65 or older, with 13 percent of Americans diagnosed by 65, a percentage that climbs to 45 for adults 85 and older. Indeed, the chance of developing Alzheimer’s doubles about every five years after age 65; after age 85, the risk reaches nearly 50 percent, says Harrington. The disease will eventually strike one out of eight baby boomers, and by 2050, as many as 16 million Americans will have it.

Another strong risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is family history, says Dr. Yafa Minazad, a clinical neurophysiologist with Southern California Neurologist Consultants in Pasadena. People with a parent, brother, sister or child with Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to develop it as well, and the risk increases if more than one family member has the illness, according to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

But what if you’re younger than 65 and already forgetting names and phone numbers?

“It’s normal to lose some memory as we age,” says Dr. William Shankle, a neurologist, founder of The Shankle Clinic for Alzheimer’s Prevention and Management and program director of Memory & Cognitive Disorders at Hoag Neurosciences Institute in Newport Beach. “Episodic memory loss [affecting long-term recollections of specific events] naturally declines 40 percent between the ages of 60 and 85, but some people start to notice a decline in their late 40s,” he says. (Monitor your memory with three tests developed by Shankle at ocvitalaging.org.)

There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, although new drugs can slow its progression. The good news is that you can actually do things to prevent it. “You can’t change your genes, but by adopting healthy lifestyle habits and managing serious diseases, you can reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease,” says Chris Zarow, an Altadena-based Alzheimer’s researcher and assistant professor of research at USC’s Keck School of Medicine.

Read on for 11 ways to reduce your risk:

1. Exercise your brain cells.

“Your brain is like any other muscle in your body. If you don’t use it, you lose it,” says Harrington.

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#7. Exercise Regularly

#8. Reduce Stress

Read a book, take a course, play memory games and do crossword puzzles, travel somewhere new, engage in stimulating conversations, attend plays or lectures and do something that’s outside your norm and stimulates your brain,” says Zarow. “You don’t have to go hot-air ballooning. It can be as simple as trying a new machine at the gym.”

Or tackling online “brain games” at a site like Luminosity.com.

Encourage your kids to stay in school and go to college, she adds. “Research shows that people who get higher education early in life are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, although it’s not clear why.”

2. Stay in the loop.

Staying socially active helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells by reducing stress levels, says Harrington. “If you have close personal relationships and emotional support, you’re much less likely to feel stressed or depressed,” he says.

To keep brain neurons firing, choose activities that combine physical, mental and social elements, such as recreational sports, exercise, traveling, volunteering, dancing and cultural activities, Harrington adds.

3. Lower high cholesterol and blood pressure.

If you have high cholesterol and high blood pressure, you’re six times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. “Both diseases increase your risk for memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease by narrowing arteries and preventing enough oxygen-rich blood from nourishing your brain,” says Dr. Gustavo Roman, a neurologist and medical director of the Nantz National Alzheimer’s Center in Houston.

To nip high blood pressure or high cholesterol in the bud, get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly beginning at age 20, says Julie Bolick, a clinical nutritionist and clinical lipid specialist for the University of Utah’s Cardiovascular Genetics Research Center. She offers these suggestions for getting both conditions under control: To lower cholesterol, try the Mediterranean Diet, which revolves around hearthealthy omega-3 fatty acids (found in lean meats and poultry, fatty fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil) that flush arteries of bad fats. (Visit Mediterraneandiet.com.)

To reduce blood pressure, try the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which limits sodium, a leading cause of high blood pressure, says Bolick. Losing just five to 10 pounds can also help reduce high blood pressure. (Visit Dashdiet.org.)

#8. Shed excess pounds

#5. Manage Chronic Diseases

“Do something that’s outside your norm and stimulates your brain.

You don’t have to go hot-air ballooning. It can be as simple as trying a new machine at the gym.” ~ Chris Zarow, USC Keck School of Medicine 4. Feed your brain.

8. Reduce stress.

The jury’s still out on whether certain nutrients help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, says Harrington. “Turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants [found in fruits and vegetables] may have a protective effect, but we’re not really sure,” he says. Getting enough vitamin B12 [found in shellfish, seafood, beef, lamb, eggs and cheese] may also help reduce your risk of memory loss, says Roman. “Until we really know which nutrients help and why, the best advice is to eat a healthy diet that nourishes your body and brain,” says Harrington.

“Chronic stress triggers excess amounts of the stress hormone cortisol, which prevents your brain from creating new memories or accessing existing memories,” says Roman.

To reduce stress, get regular exercise, try yoga, tai chi or deep breathing, keep your mind busy and stay in the loop, says Harrington.

5. Manage chronic diseases.

Like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes damage your blood vessels and reduce the amount of blood that flows to your brain, says Harrington. People with heart disease and diabetes as well as high blood pressure and high cholesterol are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, according to 2011 research conducted at Third Military Medical University in Chongqing, China. “If you have any of these conditions, work with your physician to keep them well managed so they don’t affect your brain,” says Harrington.

6. Don’t smoke.

“Cigarette smoking damages the lining of the blood vessels and narrows them so you’re not getting as much oxygen and energy to the brain,” says Roman. “Your brain is like a carburetor that isn’t getting enough gas.”

“Smoking can also cause lung diseases like emphysema and lung cancer, which damage airways and restrict oxygen flow to the brain,” says Harrington.

Need two more reasons to quit? “Nicotine also raises blood pressure and depletes the body of vitamin B12, which is crucial for memory and learning,” says Roman.

7. Exercise regularly.

Just 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise (walking, jogging, yoga, cycling, working out at the gym) improves blood circulation to the heart and brain and encourages the growth of new brain cells, says Zarow. “Exercise can also reduce many risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, including obesity, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure,” says Minazad.

“You don’t have to run a marathon to get benefits,” says Zarow. “The most important thing is to pick something you can stick with and do it every day.”

9. Shed excess pounds.

Adults who are obese in middle age are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure — all risk factors for Alzheimer’s, says Harrington. Those who also have high cholesterol and high blood pressure have six times the risk, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. “To lose weight, try a low-fat diet that contains no more than 25 to 30 percent calories from fat and no more than 7 percent calories from saturated fat, and exercise regularly,” says Bolick.

10. Get help for depression.

“Untreated depression could result in loss of nerve cells that control episodic memory,” says Shankle.

“Depression doesn’t directly cause Alzheimer’s disease, but if you’re depressed you’re more likely to do things that increase your risk of it, such as not exercising, eating a poor diet, abusing alcohol or drugs and being stressed out,” says Harrington.

11. Don’t be a boozer.

“Moderate drinking is fine, but excessive drinking can be toxic to the brain neurons,” says Harrington.

“Drinking too much can also suppress the action of vitamin B12 and interfere with key receptors in the brain crucial to learning and memory,” says Roman. Even a single binge can impair memory by causing amnesia blackouts lasting up to a few hours, according to a 2011 study conducted at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

To prevent brain damage, women should consume no more than one drink per day.

Men should limit consumption to no more than two drinks daily. One drink is defined as one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine or 1½ ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. |||| 05.12 | ARROYO | 17

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arroyo

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DINING & NIGHTLIFE ZUGO’S CAFÉ Owners, Chez and Sherry Grossi have built their menus and food preparation using Chez's mother Palmira's ethos: fresh, quality ingredients prepared from scratch. All entrees are served with a side salad and fresh 18 | ARROYO | 05.12

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Visit Bonita Interiors at the Pasadena Antique Center. We’re the largest retail space on the 2nd Floor. Ask for Angela Dickerson-Lee. 480 S. Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, CA 91105.

(626)975-2714 angela@bonita-interiors.com www.bonita-interiors.com CYNTHIA BENNETT & ASSOCIATES, INC. Cynthia Bennett & Associates has been a celebrated design and build firm for almost 30 years. They specialize in innovative kitchen and bath design, general construction, historical renovation, project management and interior design. With all areas of residential design and construction being taken care of by Cynthia Bennett and Associates, Inc., each detail will be thought of and coordinated. Call for a consultation at (626)799-9701.

INTERIOR SPACES CAROUSEL FLOORS This family-owned, 38-year-old company provides a superb selection along with remarkable service. For hardwood, select from all the top names, including Appalachian Hardwood Floors, pre-finished or finished by expert craftsman. For linoleum, Marmoleum is a natural, eco-friendly, stylish flooring with multiple patterns. Carousel is a Mohawk Color Center, carrying Fabrica, Karastan, Masland and Schumacher to name a few. Free consultations; designers welcome. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat.; or by appointment. 676 E. Green St., Pasadena. Call (626)795-8085.

MODERN LIGHTING Modern Lighting has been serving Southern California’s lighting needs since 1946. With all types of fixtures in every price range, you’ll find what you want. If not, we do custom design. We have stocks of light bulbs to compliment your fixture and we continually watch the marketplace for the best buys. Our staff has decades of lighting experience. Feel free to contact us if our service is what you are looking for. Call (626)286-3262 WALLBEDS “N” MORE We are proud of our reputation for meeting and exceeding customers' expectations. We have the largest display of Murphy Wallbeds in California. We are your Murphy Wallbed specialists and will take you through every step of the purchasing process to ensure you choose a bed that matches all your requirements. We will work with you, from beginning, organizing the room layout, choosing the bed style, wood and added features, to final delivery and installation. Call (626)233-8544 or visit www.wallbedsnmore.com

ARNOLD’S FINE JEWELRY It’s a busy time at Arnold’s Fine Jewelry. Bruce Arnold and his seasoned staff work with patrons in choosing just the right gifts from diamond heart pendants to watches and rings.

They also personalize jewelry by engraving graduation gifts sure to please lucky high school and college grads. If you have something special in mind or an estate piece that needs updating, Bruce will custom design a piece of jewelry. 350 S. Lake Avenue. Hours are 10-6 Tuesday-Saturday. (626)795-8647.

GARDEN VIEW LANDSCAPE Specializing in landscaping, nurseries and pools, Garden View Inc. can take you from a design idea to a finished, detail-oriented garden. Garden View & their clientele are recipients of 60 awards from the California Landscape Contractors Association. The intent of the company is to provide high-quality interrelated outdoor services. The synergy between having their own designer/project managers, in-house crews, their own large nursery, and being a licensed pool builder provides for efficiency, competitive pricing, quality and schedule control. Call (626)3034043.

DIAMOND NET CORPORATION Diamond Net Corporation has been a leading international diamond wholesaler for over 20 years. We take pride in our professional and courteous manner which has built a clientele of return and referral customers.

We are actively seeking to pay premium prices for large, fine, and colored diamonds.

Diamond Net Corporation offers complimentary appraisals on diamonds and estate jewelry. Visit us online at www.yourdiamondbuyer.com or by appointment in Downtown Los Angeles.

310.667.6608.

HUNTINGTON POOLS & SPAS Huntington Pools & Spas designs and builds custom pools, spas, and outdoor spaces. We create spaces that complement your home’s overall landscape and architecture using a combination of engineering, form, and fit. Our philosophy is that each project should have a unique balance and connection to the property's overall landscape and architecture. We view each of our waterscapes as a unique work of art and use only top industry professionals, select finish products, and proven technologies. (626)3321527 www.huntingtonpools.com

JOHN MORAN AUCTIONEERS A full-service auction house for over 40 years, John Moran Auctioneers is internationally recognized as a leader in sales of exceptional antiques, fine art, jewelry and eclectic estate items. In addition to monthly Estate Auctions, Moran’s conducts tri-annual California and American Art auctions featuring top 19th and 20th century Impressionist and Western artists. For information about consigning, purchasing at auction, estate services, appraisals, and free walk-in Valuation Days, please call (626)793-1833 or visit johnmoran.com.

OLD CALIFORNIA LANTERN Recognized as one of the leading companies in the historical lighting business, Old California Lantern Company’s focus is decorative lighting inspired by the rich history and architecture of California. There are over 1,400 items in the Old California Lantern product line (including mailboxes, portable lamps, desk accessories and garden lighting) with many born through the company’s extensive experience in custom commercial and residential lighting projects. Their goal is to create lighting and accessories that will live for years as family heirlooms. (800)5776679/(714)771-5223 www.ldcalifornia.com

WAYNE JASON JEWELRY DESIGNS Wayne Jason Jewelry Designs has been in business since 1987, in the same location in the city of Pasadena, California. Wayne designs most of his own jewelry and manufactures it on the premises, eliminating a middleman. Wayne Jason Jewelry Designs offers unique, often one of a kind, top quality jewelry pieces at a value well below the competition. Most of our designs can be made in any color gold, 18-karat or 14-karat, with any stones. 105 W. California Blvd., Pasadena (626)795-9215

PASADENA PATIO The Ultimate in casual outdoor furnishings await your visit to Pasadena Patio. You will see a number of sample stone wall treatments using different types of stone and applications. Complete outdoor fireplaces can also be viewed and see several lines of outdoor furniture. While you visit Pasadena Patio you will see a complete outdoor room constructed right inside the store. We look forward to your visit and serving you all of your outdoor needs. 78 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena CA 91107 (626)405-2334 www.pasadena-patio.com

JEWELRY, ART & ANTIQUES

OUTDOOR LIVING A.SARIAN POOL CONSTRUCTION A pool builder that stays with you after the pool is built. There are many pool builders; however there is only one that backs up the pool after it is complete. With over 30 years of experience the Sarian brothers know how to construct a pool so it is not only superior in design but will ensure form will follow the function. With the help of their father Gary, Andy and John started a company that is based on three solid principles: high quality product, fair price and they deliver what they say. In the words of one customer,“I had no idea you guys were so good at such a reasonable price.” (818)625-2219

TEAK WAREHOUSE Today’s hottest outdoor trend is the outdoor living room ... a favorite for hotels & resorts for years and now available for residential settings. Why go to an expensive resort for the weekend when you can turn your back yard into one? Invest in something that will bring comfort and style for the long run! Teak Warehouse boasts over 16 varied collections of deep seating, offering teak and wicker at the best prices in California. 133 E. Maple Ave., Monrovia. Call (626) 305-8325 or visit www.teakwarehouse.com TOM’S PICTURE PERFECT LANDSCAPE We accommodate all size projects from the small backdoor patio to the estate garden. Your go to company for all jobs

such as construction, water, lighting, stone layout and irrigation. You will receive hands on customer service that includes daily visits to your project by Tom for optimum communication. Our goal is to ensure that the final project is exactly what you expect. No subs ever. All work is done from start to finish by Tom’s certified landscape professionals. Call (626)443-3131 for more information.

VEGA+BERNIER DESIGN GROUP Bringing Design to Life is our mantra for every landscape project. With your needs and desires in mind, our design team creates diverse landscapes, outdoor living spaces, container gardens, green roofs and living walls that allow you to escape the distractions of modern life and return home to heart of who you are. Specializing in Mediterranean, California native and drought-tolerant landscape design, Vega+Bernier uses sustainable design/build practices that are both budget-friendly and minimally invasive to our environment. Please visit us at www.vegabernier.com/land or call (626)795-5494 for a personal design consultation.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GROOM FOR LESS Groom for Less goes beyond mobile pet grooming to create the ultimate experience for your pet. Our experienced groomers will give your pet their undivided attention and will have him/her looking and smelling great. We offer a calm and safe environment which reduces stress and separation anxiety. Our mobile spa comes to you (home or office). Call us at (323)244-3307 to set an appointment.

Groomforless.com

REAL ESTATE DICKSON PODLEY Richard Langstaff is an effective Realtor who works hard for his clients. Representing clients in the sale of their Architectural and character homes for over 20 years in the Pasadena area. Richard Langstaff states "The greatest satisfaction in my Business comes from getting results for my clients. I believe that the client’s goals and needs are always the key and the first priority. Podley Properties Richard Langstaff (818)949-5750 PAT LILE, COLDWELL BANKER PREVIEWS Top 2% of all Coldwell Banker Agents in Sales. Previews International. Member President's Elite. 388 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101. (626) 827-5151.

SOTHEBY’S, LIN VLACICH Lin Vlacich of Sotheby’s, a 25-year veteran in the real estate profession, is known for her reputation and success as a leader in the San Gabriel Valley brokerage community, as well as for high professional ethics, superior negotiating skills, innovative marketing plans and extensive knowledge of real estate sales. Committed to excellence in representing buyers and sellers throughout Pasadena, San Marino, South Pasadena and the surrounding communities. Call (626)688-6464 or (626)396-3975 or email vlacichs@aol.com

SENIOR RESOURCES 1ST REVERSE MORTGAGE 1st Reverse Mortgage USA® is one of the top reverse mortgage lenders in the industry. We assist homeowners age 62 and older capitalize on the equity they’ve built in their homes to secure financial independence and peace of mind. 1st Reverse Mortgage USA® is dedicated to serving senior homeowners and business professionals in our communities. Our vision is to educate anyone who is sincerely interested in the well- being of seniors. For more information that explains your options, call (626)963-5918. 3500 W. Olive Ave., 3rd Floor Burbank, CA 91505.

FAIR OAKS BY REGENCY PARK Regency Park Senior Living, with over 40 years’ experience, is renowned in Pasadena for its luxurious, beautifully-appointed senior communities. The Fair Oaks by Regency Park is Pasadena’s most luxurious independent and assisted living senior community. Here residents enjoy a lifestyle of relaxed elegance and the opportunity to select from a broad array of services and activities—from fine dining and daily housekeeping to assistance with any of the activities of daily living.

951 S. Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena.

(626)921-4108. Visit us at www.regencypk.com for more information GOLDEN OAKS APARTMENTS We are located in the beautiful and historical town of South Pasadena. We offer contemporary lifestyles for seniors, families, and traveling professionals. We have both one and two bedroom floor plans that are available either furnished or unfurnished.

Whether you are a downtown professional looking for easy access to LA via the Metro Gold Line or a senior looking for a comfortable place to relax, the Golden Oaks Apartments is the community for you.

626-799-4164. 1000 El Centro St., South Pasadena. www.goldenoaks.biz PROVIDENCE ST. ELIZABETH (PROVIDENCE ST. JOSEPH’S) Providence St. Elizabeth Care Center is a 52 bed skilled nursing facility. We offer an array of health care services for residents to enjoy themselves with family and friends. To complement our reputation for caring, our specially trained staff works in partnership with residents, families, doctors, referring hospitals, and health professionals to make sure residents' needs are met. As a skilled nursing facility, Providence St. Elizabeth is staffed 24 hours a day by licensed professionals specially trained in geriatric medicine. For more information or to tour Providence St. Elizabeth Care Center, please call (818)980-3872.

SOUTH PASADENA SENIOR CENTER The South Pasadena Senior Center is a fullservice community center available for individuals 55 or older. Maintaining good health is the key to living a long, good life. Our goal is to continually encourage residents to stay healthy through activities. On May 24th, from 9-2, vendors will be available with various screenings & information to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For more information, please call (626) 403-7360. 1102 Oxley Street, South Pasadena. www.cityofsouthpasadena.us/seniorcenter 05.12 | ARROYO | 19

arroyo HOME & DESIGN SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

TRANSITIONS AND TRADITIONS: NAVIGATING THE ALTERNATIVES FOR ASSISTED LIVING

BY JOANNA DEHN BERESFORD

RECENTLY MY FRIEND JOHN’S MOTHER RELOCATED FROM HER SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE, WHERE SHE’S LIVED FOR NEARLY THREE DECADES, TO AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY IN THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY. SHE’S AN ALERT, ACTIVE OCTOGENARIAN WHO ENJOYS VIGOROUS MORNING WALKS, BOOK CLUBS, CHURCH AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, AND FAMILY DINNERS. JOHN AND HIS SIBLINGS ARE GRATEFUL FOR THEIR MOTHER’S ENERGY AND INDEPENDENCE, BUT THEY REALIZE THAT OCCASIONALLY SHE GETS CONFUSED DURING HER RITUAL PERAMBULATIONS THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND THEY WORRY ABOUT THE STAIRCASE AND UTILITIES IN THE HOME. AFTER MUCH THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION, THE FAMILY DECIDED TO MAKE A CHANGE. “Our mother doesn’t need full time medical care at this point,” John explains,“but we all, including her, want to feel that she’s safe, secure and surrounded by caring people. We want her to continue to enjoy all the activities and relationships that are important to her, but we know that she will eventually require a bit of assistance in order to do that. She’s very satisfied with the transition – partly because she participated in making decisions.”

The entire family consulted with friends, sought referrals and searched online for alternative living options for their mother. They discovered that asking questions and establishing specific definitions facilitated the process.

–continued on page 23 Villa Gardens 20 | ARROYO | 05.12

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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

TERMINOLOGY: Providence St. Joseph Medical Center provides a full range of diagnostic, treatment, care and support services for the San Fernando Valley communities. Jennifer Fagnani, a Providence public relations specialist, describes the facility’s “cradle to grave continuum of care.”

“At Providence we deliver babies, we offer orthopedic, neurological, cardiological and cancer treatments. We also provide palliative and long-term care for every age,” says Fagnani.

The Providence St. Elizabeth Care Center, in North Hollywood, focuses on partnership. A round-the-clock staff, specifically trained in geriatric care, works closely with residents, families, doctors, referring hospitals and other health professionals to provide for the total well-being of each individual resident.

The following definitions, drawn from the Providence website and other sources, may be useful for families like George’s, who seek an appropriate environment for parents or grandparents as they venture further into their golden years: • INDEPENDENT LIVING: Private dwelling in a circumscribed community for residents with few medical needs. Basic services and social activities are provided.

• ASSISTED LIVING: Residence in a long-term care facility for those who can’t live entirely on their own, but who don’t require a high level of care. Assistance with medications, meals and housekeeping, transportation and social activities usually provided. Nursing staff on site.

• NURSING HOME: Residential facility for people with chronic illness or disability, particularly the elderly, who require assistance for many daily living activities. 24-hour skilled staffing on site.

• HOSPICE AND/OR PALLIATIVE CARE: Care provided in home or at medical facility for patients of all ages with terminal, incurable, progressive illnesses. Most programs serve families and patients with physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.

–continued on page 25

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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

–continued from page 23 FINDING A PLACE CALLED HOME: “Typically adult children or other family members initiate finding a new home for an older family member,” says Rica Duff, Director of Marketing at Fair Oaks Regency, in South Pasadena.“But we encourage them to allow their parents to have ownership of the process.”

The California Assisted Living Association maintains a website that offers advice and lists licensed assisted living communities in the area. Many facilities offer a blend of care options to accommodate the changing needs of residents. The Terraces at Park Marino, nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, for example, provides a variety of unique services and a continuum of care that includes 10 levels of assistance. An initial, task-oriented health assessment at The Terraces helps determine the best environment for residents. Living arrangements range from studio apartments to one- and two-bedroom units. Like most communities, they also offer numerous community spaces and walkways for residents and their guests. The Terraces ethos centers around the wondrous alchemy that happens when individual residents become part of a shared community.

“What we believe,” explains Executive Director Kristina Watanabe, “what we truly are, is a community. We all come from different places and experiences, and we build bridges among all those experiences, to establish relationships in innovative ways.”

Staff at The Terraces, and at any premiere residential community, fiercely reject the notion that senior residential living is synonymous with institutionalized care.“We are not just a place with four walls,” says Watanabe.“We want to know the individuals who live here, to understand their history, their dreams, and to support them through the aging process as they continue to pursue those dreams, and that quality of life. Just because you’re 85 years old, doesn’t mean that your life story isn’t still being unraveled, still being written.”

Villa Gardens , a member of the Front Porch family of retirement communities, was founded in 1926, by the California Teachers Association. After a master rebuilding plan and visionary expansion that incorporates a Skilled Nursing Center, Assisted Living and Special Care Accommodations, Villa Gardens continues to embody a uniquely –continued on page 27

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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

Fair Oaks Regency

–continued from page 25 Pasadena-style focus on art, beauty, history and tradition.

The San Marino Skilled Nursing and Wellness Center, a compassionate caregiver for over 35 years, offers a continuum of nursing care from transi¬tional to custodial provisions, with the support of a full range of rehabilitation therapies, special services and activi¬ties. An individualized care plan is developed for each resident to ensure a beneficial and pleasant healthcare experience in the secluded surroundings of the facility.

Other communities in the region include Villa Gardens in Pasadena, San Marino Skilled Nursing and Wellness Center and Terraces at Park Marino. Rica Duff, of the Fair Oaks Regency suggests investigating these and other facilities, then narrowing the search to two or three appealing locations before introducing a senior family member to the decision-making process.

“Then it’s best to let Mom or Dad come and explore the lifestyle at their own pace,” she adds. “Introduce them to the place, let them speak to other residents, have a meal.

At Fair Oaks visitors walk the grounds and take in the ambiance, the beauty, the amenities. They see that many residents are enjoying the theatre, shopping, trips. They really feel the peace of mind and the wonderful continuity of people’s lives.”

Once a new home has been chosen, children or other relatives may help seniors decide what to take with them, and usually this involves significant downsizing, particularly if –continued on page 29

05.12 | ARROYO | 27

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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

continued from page 27 the senior has lived for many years in a single-family residence. Many facilities encourage residents to bring their own important pieces of furniture, linens, a few household items, photographs and collectibles. Rica Duff describes a woman whose father had hand-carved her entire bedroom set; this of course was a treasure that she brought with her to Fair Oaks.

“Most people find that it’s not the material things that they need so much,” according to Rica. “It’s the sentimental pieces, the memorable things that are so important.”

Many assisted living and senior communities provide families with referrals for moving consultants. Often the children of seniors wait until their elders have transitioned smoothly into their new home before undertaking the more stressful and strenuous aspects of deconstructing the old one. At this point it’s helpful to develop a schedule or checklist of tasks. Usually someone will want to coordinate estate sales, donations to family and charities, storage options, packing and unpacking. Seasoned veterans encourage family members to take their time, but try to adhere to schedules and goals. If the home will be sold, then someone should arrange for repairs, improvements, staging.Try to be sensitive to the senior’s level of interest and concern over these matters, without burdening him or her with too much information.

LET’S CELEBRATE! As much as possible, try to celebrate this phase of your loved one’s life. Savor the opportunity to remember, to honor the days and moments that have passed, and to cherish those that remain. When George C. and his siblings and their mother decide to advance to the next stage of her life, a friend has counseled them to accompany each other through the journey with joy and gratitude.

And there is reason to celebrate and be grateful. Says Rica Duff, “I admire our residents so much! They’re so optimistic and they really appreciate life day to day. It’s such a powerful statement, but growing old can be fun!”

She tells the story of a resident, a lady who thoroughly enjoyed her activities, and in fact, after one particularly invigorating event the lady cried out,“This is the best time of my entire life!”

May this time, and every time, be the very best one of our lives. AMHD

05.12 | ARROYO | 29

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ZUMBA ON THE MOVE

The Latin dance fitness craze is getting more and more people on their feet, from Pasadena to Patagonia.

PHOTO: Eleonora Ghioldi

BY NOELA HUESO

05.12 | ARROYO | 31

TONANTZIN “TONI” NUÑEZ STILL GETS EXCITED WHEN SHE TALKS ABOUT HER FIRST ZUMBA CLASS, AT GLENDALE’S HEARTBEAT HOUSE DANCE STUDIO IN 2008.“IT BLEW MY MIND,” SHE SAYS.“AT THE TIME, THERE WASN’T ANYTHING ELSE LIKE IT. THERE WAS JAZZERCISE AND SOME OTHER FUSION-Y CLASSES OUT THERE, BUT THIS WAS DIFFERENT — THIS KEPT FITNESS AS A CORE CONCEPT AND GAVE IT A TOUCH OF THE LATIN CLUB SCENE. I WAS HOOKED!” What Nuñez experienced was the latest fitness craze to capture the attention of gym rats and couch potatoes alike; in the four years since, the trend (which has its roots in Colombia — more on that in a minute) has only gotten bigger. Blending the music, rhythms and moves of salsa, cumbia, merengue, soca, belly dancing and even hip hop into an aerobic fitness format, Zumba has enthusiasts sweating, smiling and coming back for more. And this year, Zumba and other dance workouts cracked the American College of Sports Medicine’s list of top 10 workout trends.

According to the trademarked program’s website (Zumba.com), Zumba has grown into a global phenomenon with classes held at 110,000 locations in 125 countries. In Pasadena alone, they can be found at more than 15 locations — gyms, churches and dance and exercise studios — including Rock It Workouts on Green Street in Old Pasadena, where Nuñez now teaches the spirited fitness phenom. Rock It opened last October and features a live DJ mixing tunes for every class, which, owner Nicole Wincontinued on page 34 32 | ARROYO | 05.12

continued from page 32

naman says, only heightens the energy level. “The appeal of Zumba is that it’s not too choreographed and it’s super-high-energy,” she says. “If you get the right Zumba instructor, the energy in the room is seriously contagious as they’re coming up with moves on the fly. You’re sweating, you’re burning major calories and you’re just in the moment for that hour going at full speed.”

Zumba started somewhat serendipitously back in the mid-1990s when Colombian aerobics instructor Alberto “Beto” Perez arrived at a class he was about to teach in his native Cali without his usual aerobics tape. Improvising, he grabbed the only music he had in his backpack — some salsa and merengue — and worked out his students nonstop to the rhythmic beats, allowing the music to move them rather than counting reps, as in a traditional aerobics class. His students loved it and asked for more. Realizing he was onto something, Perez moved to the U.S. in 2001 and, teaming with Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion, formed Zumba Fitness. Americans got their first taste of a Zumba “fitness party” the following year, via infomercials selling the company’s DVDs. That led to a demand for classes and teachers, and by 2005 Zumba Academy was born to license Zumba instructors. In 2010, Zumba became the first branded fitness program to have video games on Wii, Xbox and PS3.

So what is it about Zumba that attracts dancers and non-dancers alike? It’s more than the obvious health benefits — “cardiovascular, leaner, firmer muscles, increased memory, increased flexibility,” says Sandy Portaro, owner of Pasadena dance and dancefitness studio Athletic Garage. “It’s a drug-free anti-depressant because it increases your endorphins, which give you a feeling of well-being.” Zumba devotees are legion because of the fun factor and easy-to-follow moves.

“I get a lot of students who say they don’t know how to dance. I tell them, ‘Just come 34 | ARROYO | 05.12

on in. You’ll be fine,’” says instructor Augustine Romero, who teaches Zumba at Breakthru Fitness in Pasadena. “At the end of the class they’re so excited because I made them move. It really doesn’t matter if they have two left feet. Anyone can do this.” Instructor M.J. Velasco, who teaches at Throop Unitarian Universalist Church in Pasadena, agrees.

“There’s freedom in Zumba’s movements — and the music really gets you going,” she says. “It’s an awesome way to get motivated and pumped up. It’s a fun exercise because it doesn’t feel like an exercise.”

Portaro has another take on why it has become so popular: “Latin dance is very sensual, and that aspect of Zumba makes women feel sexy,” she says. “It makes them feel like ‘It’s okay to move my hips in this setting, my instructor is telling me to do it.’ Most women are so inhibited they don’t normally move like that but they all want to move their hips and shake their shoulders. They all want to be sexy — if not for someone else, for themselves.”

But women aren’t the only Zumba fans. “You don’t see a lot of men in some of our other classes, but they come in to take Zumba because it’s such a great cardio workout for them,” Rock It’s Winnaman says. “Kids love it, too. We have had a number of schools with summer camp programs come to us asking if we can do Zumba with them, which we will be doing.”

Not all Zumba classes are created equal — and that’s by design. While the corporate office provides certified instructors with packaged music (e.g., Shakira, Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, Pitbull) and moves that correspond with it, instructors are encouraged to put their own imprint on their classes and aren’t required to go with Zumbasanctioned tunes. “As an instructor, it’s really fun to show people what samba is, for excontinued on page 37

36 | ARROYO | 05.12

Athletic Garage owner Sandy Portaro: “Zumba makes women feel sexy.”

continued from page 34

ample, but it’s also challenging because you’re trying to do it in a fitness format,” Nuñez says. “You have to keep it going but teach a new step at the same time. You’re trying to ease it together but keep the energy going and make sure that everyone gets a good workout. That’s why my style is way more aerobic than probably your average Zumba class.” Working out with a live DJ can give Nuñez a run for her money, but “it adds an element of surprise,” she says. “You don’t know what he’s going to play next. It adds a whole new level of fun, though, and it makes it more like a club party. That means every class is different.”

The demand for Zumba shows no signs of slowing, so the number of local classes has continued to grow. Portaro added a second Zumba hour to her roster of Athletic Garage classes when a group of young mothers asked her to form a mid-afternoon class while their children were in preschool. “I said, ‘If you get enough people for me, I will open a Zumba class for you,’” Portaro recalls. “They did, and so now they have a class that fits their schedule.” Athletic Garage also holds two Zumba classes at Huntington Hospital as part of the medical center’s employee wellness program.

For those on the fence about trying Zumba, Nuñez has this advice: “Whether you’re an advanced dancer, a cardio freak like me or just someone tired of the treadmill, you can find a home in Zumba,” she says. “I love giving people the awareness that fitness can be fun and doesn’t have to be boring. It’s something that will change people’s lives.”

Adds Winnaman, “Just get your booty to the dance floor and enjoy it. What have you got to lose — except weight and fat?” |||| 05.12 | ARROYO | 37

—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

Education

& ENRICHMENT AND SUMMER CAMPS

38 | ARROYO | 05.12

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ing and mathematics in preparation for

school continues to offer options for incom-

management education through our MBA,

the annual S.A.T. tests given to each grade.

ing kindergarteners during the summer.

05.12 | ARROYO | 39

Midnight Special Altadena author Miles Corwin draws on his L.A. childhood and crime reporter past for his latest Ash Levine detective novel, Midnight Alley.

BY MARGERY L. SCHWARTZ Los Angeles native son Miles Corwin, for many years a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times, knows the streets of his city all too well. And he’s no stranger to Pasadena. “The Santa Anas had blasted the smog out to sea,” he writes in his latest book, Midnight Alley (Oceanview Publishing). “When I exited [the 110] in Pasadena, the air was remarkably clear for Southern California, and I could see every crevice, canyon and shadow in the corrugated San Gabriels…

I parked on a rise, in a grove of live oak trees, with a sweeping view, from the foothills to the sea, the humpback silhouette of Catalina sharply etched on the horizon.”

Corwin shares his deep-rooted L.A. past with Ash Levine, the detective protagonist of his 2010 fiction debut, Kind of Blue, and the just-released follow-up, Midnight Alley. The novels followed three award-winning nonfiction books Corwin wrote about the Los Angeles Police Department, an outgrowth of his lengthy stint covering crime for the Times. For 2004’s Homicide Special: A Year with the LAPD’s Elite Detective Unit, he joined the remarkable detectives who handle the city’s most controversial and newsworthy cases, including organized-crime killings, serial murders and investigations that require great expertise or sophisticated technology. “I had this incredible opportunity — the chief of police gave me total access to the special unit,” recalls Corwin. “I went to all the murder callouts and autopsies and witnessed every step of the process from the detectives’ perspective.”

That year with real-life detectives was the 40 | ARROYO | 05.12

inspiration for his fictional detective, Ash Levine, and the Homicide Special unit became Felony Special of Midnight Alley. “I love fiction and always hoped to write a novel when the time was right,” says Corwin, who lives in Altadena with his wife, San Marino attorney Diane Corwin. “And nonfiction gave me great ideas for a novel.” It

was a natural. While shadowing the homicide detectives, he remembers, “I always carried around two steno pads: one for my nonfiction, and one for ideas for a novel — plot points, dialogue, interesting high-tech forensics, stuff I wouldn’t use for the nonfiction project. And as soon as I was finished writing Homicide Special, I started the novel.

I didn’t have to do any research. I had done it all.”

In Midnight Alley, Ash is assigned the case of the shooting murders in a Venice alley of two young black men, one the son of a city councilman. Though Ash shares with his hard-boiled predecessors a dogged determination to get to the truth and a fierce, allconsuming need to honor the dead by bringing their murderers to justice, he also shares more unusual characteristics with his creator. Like Corwin, Ash is Jewish, though the idea to make his protagonist a Jew came from another source. “James Ellroy was doing some research for a magazine article,” Corwin says, “and he took a group of detectives to lunch. I joined them, and he told this story about when he was young and had been arrested by a cop whose name was Moscowitz. Ellroy asked him, ‘What’s a Jew doing as a street cop?’ It got me thinking that maybe I should make my cop Jewish.

“My mom was a refugee who lost a lot of her family in the Holocaust,” he continues. “And I thought it was a natural to have a detective whose views on justice, revenge and redemption would be affected by that.” In the book, when a witness asks Ash, “What’s a nice Jewish boy doing as a police officer?” he responds: “Tikkun olam — to heal or repair the world. Everybody has their own talent. I guess this is mine.”

It was the author’s wife who suggested making –continued on page 42

05.12 | ARROYO | 41

“The juxtaposition of crime and danger with the good parts of life here, all the stunning natural beauty, I think that’s why historically L.A. has been a center of noir and crime fiction.” ~ Miles Corwin

–continued from page 40

Ash a surfer, which Corwin, himself a longtime surfer and former L.A. County lifeguard, particularly enjoyed. “It was fun to write. For a change, I got to write about something I actually knew about.”

Corwin’s familiarity with the city — its good, bad and ugly — also comes through strongly in the novel, as his detective crisscrosses the landscape, following hard-won leads.

“The juxtaposition of crime and danger with the good parts of life here, all the stunning natural beauty, I think that’s why historically L.A. has been a center of noir and crime fiction,” he muses. His detective shares the city’s mean streets with “toothless bag ladies, crackheads shouting to themselves, homeless men pushing shopping carts stuffed with cans, winos huddled in the entryways of buildings, swaddled in ragged blankets.” But he also appreciates the city’s hidden treasures, among them great little ethnic-food joints. “This really came from the year I spent with the Homicide Special detectives,” Corwin explains. “They handle such difficult, traumatic things, and lunch is a real respite from the rigors of the job.

They never went to fast-food places. They went to interesting ethnic places. Food was a big part of their day, so I wanted to make food a key part of my detective’s day.”

Corwin’s first book springing from the crime beat was the national bestseller The Killing Season: A Summer Inside an LAPD Homicide Division (1998). In his research, he learned that there were 400 murders a year in South Central L.A. at the time, but “nobody — not the justice system, not the police, not the media — was paying attention to this quiet genocide that was destroying a neighborhood. I wanted to shed some light on one part of city.” His second book, And Still We Rise: The Trials and Triumphs of Twelve Gifted Inner-City High School Students (2001), was a Los Angeles Times Best Book of the Year and winner of the PEN West award for nonfiction — and a particularly gratifying project for Corwin, who teaches in the Literary and Journalism department of UC Irvine.

He’s not certain what his next book will be, whether a third Ash Levine story or yet another novel or nonfiction project, but one thing is certain: With his deft prose — “Give me the dead. With their silences and their secrets and the vague hints and leads that they leave behind” — a strong literary voice has joined the contemporary American canon of hard-boiled detective fiction.|||| Miles Corwin discusses and signs Midnight Alley at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, on Sunday, May 6, at 4 p.m.

42 | ARROYO | 05.12

Blvd.,

05.12 | ARROYO | 43

44 | ARROYO | 05.12

KITCHEN CONFESSIONS

In Bread You can’t tell a book by its cover — or a chef by the Pop Tarts she was weaned on.

BY LESLIE BILDERBACK | PHOTOS BY CLAIRE BILDERBACK

People often ask me how I came to be a chef. Is this a question everyone gets about what they do? Does anyone actually care? I firmly believe it is a default question after intelligent conversation has run its course. What I should do is make up a story: "A family of geese found me as a baby, swaddled in a basket lodged in the cattails along the banks of the Rhône River. They raised me as their own, until the day Paul Bocuse came looking for foie gras. As my liver was not yet sufficiently fattened, I was sent to peel carrots at l'Auberge du Pont de Collonges in Lyon."

Less romantic was my actual culinary upbringing, at the foot of the boob tube. On weekends my mom and I would watch Julia or The Galloping Gourmet, then try to replicate the recipes we learned. I am not the product of a rich and colorful culinary heritage. My grandmother was a terrible cook --- a Miracle Whip on Jell-O type of cook.

Her gazpacho was cold Campbell’s tomato soup mixed with a packet of Lawry’s taco seasoning. She did, however, corner the market on my domestic training.

Her name was Mildred, and she was the epitome of the middle-class suburban housewife who rose to power in the late ’50s and early ’60s, when such skills were appreciated. She kept her Eichler home spotless and later, when my grandparents downsized to an apartment and finally an assisted living facility, those were spotless too.

Every morning, without fail, she went on patrol --- making the beds, dusting, doing the laundry, cleaning bathrooms and running the carpet sweeper across the floor. The last time I saw her, just before she died, her carpet sweeper was still standing at attention in the corner, with the dust rag draped over the handle like epaulets, the nearby can of Pledge a dutiful lieutenant awaiting orders.

Mildred could never sit still. She always had a project working on her lap, crossstitching tea towels, crocheting potholders and knitting afghans like Rumpelstiltskin turning straw into gold. She could knit a full-size afghan during one episode of The

Perry Como Show. She was a masterful bridge player who hosted weekly bridge parties for the ladies of the women’s club, complete with tiny plates loaded with Triscuit canapés that lined up perfectly with the corners of her card tables.

Her dinner tables always had the correct forks, glasses and plates, arranged just so.

There were matching table linens and centerpieces for every conceivable occasion.

She loved everything about entertaining --- except the cooking. That was the one thing she considered a chore, and she did everything imaginable to shorten the task. To Mildred, convenience food was manna from heaven. I never ate anything at her table that didn't come from a box, can or boil-in bag.

–continued on page 46 05.12 | ARROYO | 45

KITCHEN CONFESSIONS

–continued from page 45 She kept her recipes in a red-fabric-covered, three-ringed recipe file, into which she stuffed hundreds of recipes cut from food packaging. Anything that ever appeared on

time her cakes were bundts. (I am pretty sure she was singlehandedly responsible for the success of that pan.)

Grandma was dumbfounded when I decided to go to culinary school. “What,

the back of a Betty Crocker box or Cool Whip tub is in there. There are occasional

exactly, is the point of that?” My new skills were way outside her comfort zone. But like it

comments penned in Mildred’s gorgeous hand (she never let up on my crappy

or not, this is my culinary heritage. It’s the gastro-cultural ashes from which the phoenix

handwriting and was outraged over public schools’ abandonment of the Palmer

of my professional life arose.

Method of penmanship instruction), from which we can reconstruct her social calen-

I inherited Mildred’s things in waves. Each time Mildred moved to an increasingly

dar: “Alberta’s good pie,” “Frieda Olsen’s Hot Chicken Salad,” “For Bridge 8some.” They

compact living space, a box or two would arrive in the mail. After she died, I drove a U-

invariably call for fruit cocktail, Velveeta or corn flakes.

Haul of furniture and trinkets across two states. I rarely use any of it, but I frequently

Mildred hated cooking, but she did it every night, because that’s what a good wife and mother did. Her meals were always complete: soup or salad, meat, starch, veg-

enjoy thumbing through the culinary comedy gold that is her red recipe binder --- and her complete set of Cooking with Campbell’s Soup books. ||||

etable, bread and dessert, each served on the appropriate plate. If it was a festive occasion she’d whip a Betty Crocker cake to life with her harvest gold electric beaters

Leslie Bilderback is a certified master baker, chef and cookbook author. A South

that I was always allowed to lick. Frosting was only for special occasions. The rest of the

Pasadena resident, she teaches her techniques online at culinarymasterclass.com.

Pumpernickel Bridge Canapés Celebrate mothers, be they good cooks or bad, with these easy hors d’oeuvres. When serving canapés, count on at least two helpings of each type per person. These portions will serve your bridge party nicely, but recipes can easily be expanded for a larger soirée.

INGREDIENTS Dark sliced pumpernickel bread

For Smoked Salmon Canapés: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (reserve a few sprigs for garnish) 1 Persian or English cucumber, sliced in thin rounds 4 ounces smoked salmon, sliced thin ½ small purple onion, diced fine (and soaked in cold water 15 minutes) ¼ cup black olives, halved or sliced For Caprese Canapés: 6 ounces small buffalo mozzarella balls, sliced thin ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 cup fresh basil leaves 1 pint pear or cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup micro greens or sprouts ¼ cup toasted pine nuts For Deconstructed “Egg Salad” Canapés: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 or 3 hardboiled eggs, sliced (get yourself a nifty egg slicer for this) 5 or 6 radishes, sliced in thin rounds 1 small bunch of fresh chives, cut into 1-inch lengths ¼ cup capers For Ham-and-Cheese Canapés: 3 ounces thinly sliced Gruyère or other Swiss-style cheese, cut into small rounds or squares to fit bread 4 ounces smoked ham, minced very fine 1 teaspoon mayonnaise 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 to 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved ½ cup cornichons or gherkins, halved lengthwise

METHOD 1. Use small cookie cutters to cut decorative shapes from the pumpernickel.

(Or use a knife to cut triangles or squares.)

2. For Salmon Canapés, mix softened cream cheese with chopped dill. Place a small dollop on bread, then layer with a cucumber slice, a small slice of salmon, a pinch of diced onion and a slice of olive.

For Caprese Canapés, place a thin slice of mozzarella onto bread and sprinkle with olive oil. Next, layer with a basil leaf and a tomato half, then garnish with a few strands of micro greens and 2 or 3 pine nuts.

For “Egg Salad” Canapés, mix together mustard and mayonnaise and spread a small amount on each piece of bread. Next, layer a slice of egg, a slice of radish, 2 or 3 pieces of chives and 2 or 3 capers.

For Ham-and-Cheese Canapés, thoroughly mix minced ham with mayonnaise and mustard. Place a slice of cheese on the bread, top with a dollop of the ham mixture, a half grape cut-side up and a gherkin slice.

3. Arrange rows of like canapés on trays or platters, and serve with tiny napkins.

46 | ARROYO | 05.12

WINING & DINING Albondigas

Brave Old World

Ración 119 W. Green St. Pasadena (626) 396-3090 Raciónrestaurant.com Dinner hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 6 to 10 p.m.

A rare Spanish restaurant, Ración, adds zest to Old Pasadena’s foodscape.

BY BRADLEY TUCK As the writer Lawrence Block once said,“Our happiest moments as tourists seem to come

Located in a charming little bungalow on West Green Street, in the space that

when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else.” So it was that while

used to house the venerable Trattoria Tre Venezie, Ración would fit seamlessly in the

in pursuit of a certain pintxos (small plates) bar in San Sebastian, Spain, which happened

Old World, where it would have no trouble nestling among other cottages heaving

to be closed for a siesta, chef Teresa Montano, of recently opened Old Pasadena restau-

with red geraniums and jasmine. But thoughts of the Old World stop as soon as the

rant Ración, stumbled upon a “life-changing” txuleta, a bone-in ribeye steak, at another

door swings open onto a bright, simple interior. There’s a zinc-counter bar in front, over

restaurant.“It was the most perfect steak I’ve ever eaten, with golden marbling, served sim-

which looms an interesting wall of wine bottles that seems to be fashioned from vari-

ply with olive oil and some tomatoes,” she recalls. This was the inspiration — gleaned from

ous lengths of steel pipe welded into an undulating organic form. The décor suits the

10 days of savoring the specialties of San Sebastian, a renowned culinary destination in a

nature of the wine list as it undulates through the regions and denominacions of

country known for an embarrassment of great food — for Ración, which Montano and

Spain with aplomb. There are plenty of bottles under $50, and there’s a small range of

partner Loretta Peng opened at the beginning of March.

generously poured wines by the glass.

Los Angeles as a whole is underserved in the Spanish restaurant department, which is

The menu is divided into four sections, plus dessert: pintxos, which is a range of tapas

surprising when one considers the city’s great love of Spanish architecture, rooted in its

on bread, named for the tradition of skewering the components to the slice with tooth-

mission past. There are a few spots dotted here and there, but Ración, in taking the

picks or small wooden skewers (pintxos ); manos (hands), small bar snacks; tenedor

Basque road, treads a brave path. Just one block to the north are the chain restaurant be-

(fork), tapas to share; and cuchillo (knife), larger protein-laden plates.

hemoths on Colorado. And they have their place. But Pasadena could do with a few

I started with what turned out to be my favorite dish of the meal, a pintxo of setas

more souls willing to inject some passion into their endeavors rather than designing their

($6), wild mushrooms sautéed in olive oil and sweet sherry with a white bean purée on

menus through focus groups.

toasted house-made bread. Yes, they make their own excellent bread in-house, every 05.12 | ARROYO | 47

WINING & DINING

Croquettas

Fideua negra

Verduras asadas

day. The dish is vegan and lusciously umami (i.e. savory), with a hint of the sweet

bears no relation to any neighboring language, and it’s possible that much of the cuisine

sherry in the juice of those silken mushrooms. And it was a good size, too. I don’t es-

predates most European dishes. Marmita is a pot or casserole in Basque, and the suffix

pouse the “never mind the quality, feel the width” school of dining, but it’s always nice

“ko” indicates the genitive case, so marmitako means, quite simply,“from the pot.” San Se-

when people are generous, because isn’t that what hospitality is all about? Then I had

bastian has a rich seafaring tradition, and such a stew would traditionally be made from

a plate of soldaditos de Pavia, salt-cod fritters with a lemon aioli ($6) from the manos

the locally caught tuna, potatoes, onions, pimientos (featured heavily in Basque cooking)

part of the menu. Don’t let the words “salt” and “cod” in such close proximity deter you

and tomatoes. It would be eaten by fishermen on the boats. Chef Montano substitutes

from ordering this light and lovely snack. The bright aioli was a lively condiment for the

black cod for the tuna and adds shrimp and crab meat to a broth of tomato, saffron and

cod, which was in no way salty. If anything I’d have preferred a bit more seasoning, but

almond — almost a Basque bouillabaisse. The result is exquisite, though I’d say the bowl it

salt is as personal as religion, and almost as contentious.

was served in would benefit from being warmed, as my broth was substantially cooler

Albondigas show up on many a tapas menu, and they can be great or not. These were very good, robust globes of ground lamb, with a tangy tomato glaze. As I finished the albondigas, one of the servers noticed and offered me some bread “to mop up all

than my fish. That said, I’d smuggle my own loaf of bread in to mop up that sauce faster than you can say “jai lai.”

I didn’t get dessert, as by this point I was already in danger of snapping the legs on my

that sauce.” That’s a very European concept, and it was thoughtful and unexpected,

bar stool. My service was fast, courteous and professional. If anything, I’d say they can af-

as good hospitality often is.

ford to loosen up a bit. I hope Pasadena takes the chance to embrace this little place

From the cuchillo section of the menu, I opted for some seafood, the marmitako ($14),

and make it a big success. Because travel broadens the mind, and even a one-block

which is a fish stew. Basque is an interesting and incredibly complex language, quite pos-

walk can sometimes take one to unexpected treasures. And yes, the wondrous Spanish

sibly the oldest surviving language in the world, probably dating from the Bronze Age. It

steak that launched the project is on the menu. ||||

48 | ARROYO | 05.12

05.12 | ARROYO | 49

THE LIST

A SELECTIVE PREVIEW OF UPCOMING EVENTS COMPILED BY JOHN SOLLENBERGER

EQUESTRIAN FIESTA BENEFITS CANCER RESEARCH

pus on May 9 and Drag Queen Bingo at

on the Caltech campus, Pasadena. Call

of the tour. Proceeds benefit the Hunting-

a 1920s Gothic building in Pasadena

(626) 395-4652 or visit Events.caltech.edu.

ton Medical Research Institute, the hospi-

May 2 through 6 — The annual “Fiesta of

May 11. Tickets cost $250 for the recep-

the Spanish Horse Charity Horse Show

tion and one dinner party, $100 for each

and Spectacular” at the Los Angeles

additional dinner party and $125 for the

ALTADENA HOME TOUR HELPS HOSPITAL PROGRAMS

Equestrian Center benefits the USC Norris

reception only. Locations are provided to

May 6 — The Altadena Guild of Hunting-

Tickets can be purchased at various Al-

Comprehensive Cancer Center and Chil-

ticket-holders.

ton Memorial Hospital hosts its 61st an-

tadena businesses, at Altadenaguild.org

dren’s Hospital Los Angeles. Festivities for

Call the AIDS Service Center at (626) 441-

nual home tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The

or by calling (626) 304-4678.

the May 5 Spectacular start at 2 p.m.,

8495 or visit Aidsservicecenter.org.

walking tour, titled “The Heart of Midloth-

tal scholarship fund, the Appearance Center at the hospital’s Cancer Center and other Huntington Hospital programs.

MOZART BOYHOOD WORKS ANCHOR ALEX CONCERT

and the daily evening shows and equestrian exhibitions start at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $10 to $35 (free for children ages 4 and under).

May 6 — The Los An-

The Los Angeles Equestrian Center is lo-

geles Chamber Or-

cated at 480 Riverside Dr., Burbank. Call

chestra presents a

(818) 842-8444 for tickets and visit Fiestas-

family concert,

panishhorse.org for information.

“Mozart and Me,” at 2 p.m. at the Alex Theatre. The program features works

DERBY DAY PARTY FOR PRESERVATIONISTS

Mozart wrote as a boy, interspersed with

May 5 — The nonprofit Blinn House Foun-

poser wrote to his father. A featured per-

dation hosts a garden-party viewing of

former is Ray Ushikubo, a 10-year-old

the Kentucky Derby and a Kentucky-style

pianist at the Colburn School. Tickets cost

dinner, honoring two preservationists with

$12 and $20.

enactments of letters the young com-

the ninth annual Dr. Robert Winter Award,

The Alex Theatre is located at 216 N.

named after the noted Pasadena archi-

Brand Blvd., Glendale. Call (213) 622-7001

tectural historian. Recipients are John

or visit Laco.org.

Frederick Merritt of Berkeley and Dr. led to the preservation of Pasadena’s his-

A MUSICAL MOVIE NIGHT

toric Bungalow Heaven neighborhood.

May 11 — The Glen-

Robert Kneisel of Pasadena, whose efforts

The event runs from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Blinn House. Tickets cost $135, $125 for Women’s City Club members. The foun-

SIERRA MADRE ART FAIR VISITS MEMORIAL PARK

dale Pops Orchestra presents a concert, “A Night at the

dation is dedicated to the preservation of

May 5 and 6 — Friends of the Sierra Madre Library hosts the 50th annual Sierra

Movies,” at 8 p.m. at the Alex Theatre. Jazz

the historic Edmund Blinn House, home to

Madre Art Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in

saxophonist Dave Koz and vocalist Mon-

the Women’s City Club of Pasadena.

Memorial Park. The juried event features more than 80 artists’ work, including oil

ica Mancini join the orchestra in a musi-

The Blinn House is located at 160 N. Oak-

paintings, jewelry, watercolors, glass, wood, metal, photography, pottery, ceramics,

cal tribute to films ranging from classics

land Ave., Pasadena. Call (626) 796-0560.

mixed media, weavings and more. Proceeds from the fair go to support programs,

like The Wizard of Oz to more contempo-

materials and equipment for the Sierra Madre Public Library.

rary hits like Titanic. Tickets cost $26 to $80.

BIG WEEK OUT AIDS AIDS CENTER May 5 through 12 —

Memorial Park is located at 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Visit sierra-

The Alex Theatre is located at 216 N.

madrelibraryfriends.org.

Brand Blvd., Glendale. Call (818) 243-2539

AIDS Service Center

or visit Glendalepops.org or

launches “Big Week

Alextheatre.org.

DEMOCRACY (EMPHASIS ON “MOC”) IN SONG

ian — Home is Where the Heart Is,” is cen-

area dinner parties

tered on Midlothian Drive at the inter-

TERPENING TRIBUTE AT AUTRY

and entertainment,

May 5 and 6 — The comedy singing

section of Midwick Drive. Four unique

May 12 — The Autry National Center pres-

from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday with a gala re-

group Capitol Steps brings its special

homes, two built in 1930, sit on land that

ents a retrospective of the work of Ameri-

ception at the historic Greene & Greene--

brand of political humor to Caltech’s

was part of a 502-acre tract purchased

can West painter Howard Terpening,

designed Robinson House in Pasadena.

Beckman Auditorium for two shows, at

by Englishman William Allen in 1878. The

opening today and continuing through

Each night after that, dinner parties

8 p.m. Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

private homes include a Monterey Colo-

July 1. The artist is known for his respect

mostly at private historic homes in

Tickets cost $38, $33 and $28 for adults;

nial, a Monterey Spanish Revival by archi-

for the cultures and traditions of the

Pasadena and L.A. will benefit the center.

$10 for high-schoolers and younger.

tect Wallace Neff, a Georgian Colonial

Blackfoot, Crow, Lakota and other Plains

Highlights include a sunset soirée at Art

Beckman Auditorium is located on Michi-

Revival and a single-story contemporary.

tribes. A civilian combat artist during the

Center College of Design’s South Cam-

gan Avenue south of Del Mar Boulevard,

Tickets cost $25 in advance, $35 the day

Out,” a week of L.A.--

50 | ARROYO | 05.12

–continued on page 53

05.12 | ARROYO | 51

52 | ARROYO | 05.12

THE LIST –continued from page 50 Vietnam War, Terpening witnessed the

seniors. All tickets for the May 20 perform-

legacy of western railroads in “Iron Horse

Gamblehouse.org for tickets.

devastation of the indigenous popula-

ance cost $5.

in the Garden: Railroads and the Western

The Huntington Library, Art Collections,

tion, which fueled his interest in the treat-

May 18 — Music at Boston Court’s “Piano

Environment” in Friends Hall. Admission is

and Botanical Gardens is located at 1151

ment of Native Americans. The exhibition

Spheres” series launches at 8 p.m. with

free; no reservations are required.

Oxford Rd., San Marino. Call (626) 405-

features more than 80 pieces, some

“Playing to the Left,” a performance of

May 10, 17 and 24 — Curator Peter Blod-

2100 or visit Huntington.org.

never before displayed in public.

Twenty-Four Preludes for the Left Hand, by

gett leads a three-part lecture series on

CHILDREN’S CHORUS OFFERS OPERA AND CONCERT

The Autry National Center is located at

Mark Robson. The collection was com-

the exhibition “Visions of Empire: The

4700 Western Heritage Way, in Griffith Park.

posed for one hand only, dedicated to

Quest for a Railroad Across America,

Call (323) 667-2000 or visit Theautry.org.

pianist and author Christopher Brennan,

1840–1880,” exploring the first transconti-

May 12 and 13 —

whose stress injury undermined his two-

nental railroad’s construction, the influ-

The Los Angeles Chil-

handed performances. Tickets are $25

ence of railroads on America’s visual

dren’s Chorus pre-

general, $20 for students and seniors.

culture and the promotion of tourism in

sents its annual spring concert of

MODIFIED MEDEA AND ONEHAND PIANO AT BOSTON COURT May 12 — The Chil-

Boston Court Performing Arts Center is lo-

the 19th century. The talks run from 10 to

dren by playwright

cated at 70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena.

11:30 a.m. The cost is $65, $55 for mem-

Michael Elyanow

Call (626) 683-6883 or visit

bers. Call (626) 405-2128 to register.

traditional music at 4 p.m. Saturday and

opens at 8 p.m. This

Bostoncourt.com.

May 12 — Friends of the Gamble House

7 p.m. Sunday at Pasadena Presbyterian

presents a behind-the-scenes tour of the

Church. Tickets cost $26, $38 and $44.

Huntington’s Japanese Garden, which re-

May 12 through June 2 — LACC mem-

cently underwent a $6.8 million renova-

bers appear with the L.A. Opera in its production of Puccini’s La Bohème, the story

Rubik’s Cube of a fantasy explores what happens when a member of the

HUNTINGTON EXPLORES RAILROAD’S TIES TO WEST’S CULTURE

contemporary and

Greek chorus kidnaps Medea’s children

May 7 — Historian

tion, and a 9 a.m. lecture by Asian art

to save them from certain murder at her

Richard Orsi, author

professor Kendall Brown and architect

of six young bohemians finding love and

hands. The play is a mythical tale of sur-

of Sunset Limited: The

Kelly Sutherlin, whose firm oversaw the

heartbreak in Paris. Patrick Summers con-

vival and healing, and includes puppetry

Southern Pacific Rail-

conservation of the garden’s 19th-

ducts and Gregory A. Fortner directs. Per-

as well as live actors. The Children starts

road and the Devel-

century Japanese House. Lecture tickets

formances at the Dorothy Chandler

opment of the

cost $20, $15 for Friends of the Gamble

Pavilion begin at 7:30 p.m. May 12, 23, 26

days and 2 p.m. Sundays through June

American West, 1850-1930, leads a 7:30

House. Tour tickets cost $25, $20 for

and 31 and at 2 p.m. May 20 and June 2.

10. Tickets cost $34, $29 for students and

p.m. discussion on the environmental

Friends. Call (626) 793-3334, ext. 52, or visit

at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Satur-

–continued on page 54

05.12 | ARROYO | 53

THE LIST –continued from page 53

The Pasadena Senior Center is located at

entertainment. The last museum entry is

ment concert “Jazzy Jam 2012” in

Tickets cost $40 to $270.

85 E. Holly St., Pasadena. Visit pasadena-

at 4 p.m.

Pasadena’s Central Park benefits activi-

The Pasadena Presbyterian Church is lo-

mentalhealthday.org.

Visit Museumsofthearroyo.com or call the

ties for children and youth. Featured artist

hotline at (213) 740-TOUR.

is saxophonist Kirk Whalum, with a variety

cated at 585 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is located

PASADENA PLAYHOUSE PARTY

at 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Call (626) 793-

May 19 — The Pasadena Playhouse pre-

4231 or visit Lachildrenschorus.org for

of other acts performing traditional jazz, blues, R&B, salsa, Afro-Cuban music and

sents its biggest annual fundraiser, “Pre-

IMAGINARY DOUBLE LIFE

Pasadena concert tickets and informa-

miere Gala: Destination,” at 6:30 p.m. at a

May 25 through

perform musical tributes to Whitney Hous-

tion. For L.A. Opera performances, call

private home in San Marino. The dinner

July 7 — Woman in

ton, Vesta Williams and Teena Marie.

(213) 972-8001 or visit Laopera.com.

honors outgoing Playhouse board Chair

Mind opens at the

Gates open at 10:30 a.m. and the music

Michele Dedeaux Engemann for leading

Sierra Madre Play-

starts at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $25 for gen-

CELEBRATING HEALTHY MINDS AND FAMILIES

more. In addition, the Jazzy Jam All-Stars

the theater through a period of reorgani-

house and continues through July 7. The

eral lawn seating, $65 reserved seating and $1,000 for VIP table seating for 10.

zation. Single tickets cost $275.

Alan Ayckbourn comedy tells the story of

May 12 — The City of

For information on sponsorships and tick-

Susan, who seems to have two families,

Central Park is located at 219 S. Fair Oaks

Pasadena promotes

ets, call (626) 921-1156 or contact

two homes and two lives, but only one

Ave., Pasadena. Call the hotline at (626)

mental health aware-

gala@pasadenaplayhouse.org.

family is real, and her sanity is on the

744-8081 or visit Jazzyjampasadena.com.

brink. Christian Lebano directs. Tickets

ness with Pasadena Mental Health Day at

FREE ANNUAL MUSEUM FUN

cost $25, $22 for seniors and students,

BETHENNY DIPS A TOE IN FICTION

the Pasadena Senior

May 20 --- The 23rd annual Museums of

$15 for children 12 and under. The play

May 30—Bravo reality star Bethenny

Center.The event, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,

the Arroyo Day (MOTA) runs from noon to

starts at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

Frankel reads and signs her first novel,

offers stress management and post-

5 p.m., offering stops at five museums lo-

and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

skinnydipping (Touchstone), at 6 p.m. at

traumatic-stress disorder workshops, a

cated along the Arroyo Seco in L.A. and

The Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at

Vroman’s Bookstore. The new release fol-

Pasadena Unified School District art con-

Pasadena. The Gamble House, Heritage

87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Call

lows the adventures — and road bumps

test, an “Ask the Doctor” session with adult

Square Museum, the Los Angeles Police

(626) 355-4318 or visit Sierramadreplay-

— of Faith Brightstone, who comes to L.A.

ADHD specialist Dr. Dirk de Brito and pre-

Museum, the Lummis Home and Garden

house.org.

with dreams of becoming an actress.

sentations on depression, borderline per-

and the Pasadena Museum of History

sonality disorder, Alzheimer’s and more.

open their doors free to the public, with

A JAZZY JAM IN THE PARK

Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Call (626) 449-

Admission is free.

music, storytelling, art, crafts and other

May 26— The Education for Empower-

5320 or visit Vromansbookstore.com.

54 | ARROYO | 05.12

Vroman’s Bookstore is located at 695 E.