Foothills
magazine
life | style | family | community
december 2011
❆
Seasonal delights What to see & do during the holidays
Martha’s cookies Gino’s wine list Dining
Snow wonders TIPS FOR PARENTS, MEET SOME OF THE BEST LOCAL BOARDers, B4BC & the Battle of the Sexes
Greensleeves and The Venue
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contents FOOTHILLS MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011
11 34 40
DEPARTMENTS
EMBRACE THE SEASON
From the sparkling Festival of Lights in Riverside to our own downtown parades and intimate community traditions, activities to warm your heart this holiday season.
SMALL BITES, BIG FLAVOR
SIPS IN TIME
63
THE LAST TREE ...
QUICK START
CALENDAR
Things to see and do. 18 KITCHEN
Easy gifts for friends and family. 20
& TASTE
TECH
OK, so there’s a lot to get done during the holidays, but there’s no excuse for putting up Christmas decorations on the heels of Halloween. Courtesy and etiquette suggestions from Maura Graber. ALSO ... Ideas for managing holiday parties. 42
44
We need more chortling. 6 The arts and retro geek, it’s all here for you. 8
Martha Green opened her kitchen early for a sampling of holiday cookies. A preview and her cooking tips.
GOOD NEIGHBORS
FROM THE EDITOR
What’s out, what’s hot — ideas for tekkies. 22 FITNESS
Shop healthy, eat healthy. Know what to buy and how to make it. 23 DINING
From Gino L. Filippi’s wine list: what to give, what to share and what to keep for yourself.
The Venue, sushi in the desert 48 Joe Greensleeves, a Redlands classic revisited 52 Restaurant listings 55 SEENS
What happens to that last Christmas tree on the lot? Carla Sanders offers a Christmas story.
Rancho Cucamonga Library Foundation 58 Helping Our Pets Everyday 58 Alzheimer’s Association Walk 59 Matthew Myers Memorial 5K Run/Walk 60 Fight for Air Walk 60 NONPROFITS
Where and how to volunteer 61 Nonprofit calendar 62 CARLA SANDERS
The miracle of music 66 COVER PHOTO AND PHOTO AT LEFT
By Lee Stockwell, Big Bear Mountain Resorts
24
BOARD COUNTRY What’s a parent to do? The hills beckon. Early snowfall promises a ripping season for snowboarders and other winter-sports enthusiasts. Tips for parents whose children are ready to ride the mountain. SLOPE STARS ... The local resorts — Wrightwood, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain — are breeding grounds for some top snowboarders. We meet a few to watch. 26 THROW DOWN ... This February, Bear Mountain will host the XOS Battle of the Sexes Winterfest, a snowboard-style-music event that will put the spotlight on women athletes as it raises breast cancer awareness. 29 GEAR PREVIEW ... Hit the slopes in style. A look at some of the new Vans and Nike gear for the season. 32
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CORRECTION The November issue of Foothills Magazine incorrectly said CMG Cosmetics were available at the Claremont Club. In fact, the products, including the Tina Gaudy lip gloss and signature quad shadow in fashionista, are available at Christina Goudy's website, www.cmgcosmetics.com. We regret any inconvenience or confusion caused by the error. FOOTHILLS MAGAZINE P.O. Box 9400, San Bernardino, CA 92427-9400, is produced by the Inland Custom Publishing Group of The Sun and Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. Single copy price: $3.95. Subscriptions $14.95 per year for 10 issues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to P.O. Box 9400, San Bernardino, CA 92427-9400. Copyright 2011 Foothills Magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Foothills Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos or artwork, even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope.
december 2011
PUBLISHER & CEO
PHOTO BY gabriel luis acosta
I
In the ’80s, a friend of mine wrote a Christmas column that suggested, as columnist Art Buchwald might have, that Santa was, in fact, a communist. He laid out a fairly simple case: the guy dispenses justice through gift-giving, handing out goodies to the poor (according to their needs), while the mean-spirited and greedy got lumps of coal. Santa, he suggested, also is the focus of a vague one-world unity movement (much like the EU), apparently has unlimited resources and ACCESS TO ANYONE’S HOME whenever he wishes it, and get this: HE KNOWS WHAT YOU ARE THINKING. If that’s not enough, the guy wears a red suit. End of story, he said. Can an invading horde of Blackhawk helicopters and red-nosed reindeer be far behind? So what if some call him “Saint” Nick. There’s no readily apparent connection to the church. Perhaps, he argued, Santa Claus is actually a pseudo-Soviet style replacement for church and religion. In short, a Pinko with a capital “P.” Sounds crazy silly, right? Did to me. But people were genuinely offended that a guy at a little five-days-a-week mullet wrapper would take his ink and smear it across a revered icon. His piece was intended to evoke a chuckle, a tongue-in-cheek chortle in the vein of Stephen Colbert’s “Co-bare Re-pour.” Instead, it hit raw nerves like a ballistic missile. Why? I suspect that even then people were too ready to be offended. More ready to “Bring it,” “Pop off on you” and “Throw down,” than they are to “Make it work,” in the words of another icon. So as we enter into this holiday season, in the spirit of the good St. Nick, we encourage you to “bring it” in a different way. Bring your fond memories and your good will. Bring the belly-laughs of recalling your dad — just a tree with legs — scraping everything in sight as he stuffed a Christmas tree through the front door. Bring the warmth you felt at a box of cookies sent from home during your first Christmas away. Or the evening spent with a church friend who needed company — when you likely felt better for giving your time. Bring it, indeed. We’ve been hearing a lot about the 99 percent and the 1 percent. I can tell you this — it takes just one kernel of any percent to make the day brighter, to make a child smile or to lift someone’s spirits. Be the one. And chortle some — it’s good to laugh. This issue is our season preview: holiday activities, snowboarding and gear, Martha Green’s cookies, etiquette and good neighbors, wine with Gino L. Filippi and more. Also, don’t miss a holiday story to share with your children and grandchildren from Carla Sanders. Be of good cheer!
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 7
Fred H. Hamilton MANAGING EDITOR
Don Sproul V.P. OF SALES & MARKETING
JJ Jones SALES DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Lynda E. Bailey RESEARCH DIRECTOR
Shawna Federoff CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & EDITORS
Allan Borgen, Debbie Council, Andrew Edwards Gino L. Filippi, Catherine Garcia, Jesse B. Gill Betts Griffone, Luanne J. Hunt, Jessica Keating Liset Marquez, Steve Ohnersorgen, Jerry Rice Carla Sanders, Suzanne Sproul PHOTO EDITOR
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Gabriel Luis Acosta, James Carbone Thomas R. Cordova SALES MANAGERS
Brad Gardner, Mary Hollenbaugh Jack Storrusten, Melissa Six SALES DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Jeannie Adair ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES
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Editorial: 909-386-3899; fax 909-885-8741 Advertising: 909-386-3936; fax 909-381-3976 To subscribe to Foothills Magazine call 909-386-3009 or visit www.myfoothillsmagazine.com Inland Custom Publishing Group produces Foothills Magazine with its sister publications — including Riverside Magazine, Redlands Magazine and The Rose in Pasadena — in conjunction with its MediaNews Group partners: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the San Bernardino Sun and Redlands Daily Facts. Other corporate partners include Scene Magazine, produced by the Bay Area News Group. Multiple product advertising arrangements are available.
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You’ve seen it, when the weather gets cool some students seem to think that flannel pajama bottoms are suitable to wear in public! But now college kids at Cal State San Bernardino are really taking PJs over the top — they are trying to collect 4,000 new pairs of pajamas for county foster children. The goal is to reach the total by Dec. 9. More info at https://sites.google.com/site/ecgsasite/.
Home for the Holidays tour The Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Auxiliary hosts its Home for the Holidays tour on Dec. 4 to benefit the Sick Baby and Hospital Assistance Fund; 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; $27 in advance or $30 at the door; theme basket raffles, gift shop, English tea with treats included at The Claremont Club. For info call 909-865-9669.
Catch the ‘War Horse’ Hollywood studios always unveil blockbusters and potential Oscar contenders for the holiday season and this year will be no exception. One major release that’s widely anticipated is Stephen Spielberg’s “War Horse,” which was already listed on the 2012 Oscar contender list by indieWIRE — even as it noted, no one has seen it yet. The movie features Jeremy Irvine, above, and his horse, Joey, in an adventure that stretches across the rural landscape of England and Europe during World War I. Expected release dates: “Sherlock Homes, Game of Shadows,” Dec. 16; “The Adventures of Tintin,” Dec. 21; “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” Dec. 21; “War Horse,” Dec. 25.
PHOTO BY DAVID APPLEBY COURTESY OF DREAMWORKS
Howdy pard’ner, Woody’s on ice That guy with the big head, Woody the pull-string toy cowboy, returns to Ontario with his buds as Disney On Ice presents Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3. Along with Woody, space ranger Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl and a variety of other Toy Story characters join in the all-new, ice spectacular; Citizens Business Bank Arena, 4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario; $16-$70; 909-244-5600. Also: Kirk Franklin Gospel Concert, Dec. 23; Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever!, Jan. 14-15; Nuclear Cowboyz, April 13-15.
Meet Charles Phoenix, our own retro geek
It’s our time: PST... Set the clock to catch every minute of “Pacific Standard Time” — an unprecedented collaboration of more than 60 cultural institutions throughout Southern California. • At the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, explore the rise of that city’s arts scene in “Crosscurrents in L.A. Painting and Sculpture, 1950-1970.” It continues through Feb. 5. • Picasso’s post-cubist women plus works by de Chirico, Leger and Picabia are featured in the “Modern Antiquity” exhibit at the Getty Villa through Jan. 16. • And through May 27, jump right into the “Backyard Oasis: The Swimming Pool in Southern California Photography, 1945-1982” at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Info on all three and more at www.pacificstandardtime.org.
Detail from Roberto Chavez, “The Group Shoe,” 1962, oil on canvas, at the Autry National Center. Courtesy of Anatol Chavez.
Heritage at the Autry
Charles Phoenix’s Retro Holiday Slide Show, Nov. 27, 7 p.m., Mission Inn Museum, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, 951-788-9556; Dec. 4, 7 p.m., National Hot Rod Museum at Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, 909-622-2133; $25. More information at www.charlesphoenix.com.
december 2011
myfoothillsmagazine.com
Rarely seen paintings, sculptures and other works by six Mexican-American artists are featured in the “Art Along the Hyphen” exhibit, at the Autry National Center through Jan. 8. It’s a unique opportunity to learn more about an overlooked generation of artists who made their careers in Los Angeles between the early 20th century and the rise of the Chicano art movement in the 1960s. And starting Feb. 4, the “Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale” — featuring the works of 76 artists — celebrates its 15th anniversary at the museum. Info: http://theautry.org.
Better watch out. Better not pout. Guess who’s coming to town? Graduates of Chaffey High in Ontario might remember a guy named Jim Stokke. Today he’s making a living by going retro, or more precisely celebrating moments of modern Americana as a pop culture humorist — and he’s known online, on TV and on stage as Charles Phoenix. On Nov. 27 at the Mission Inn in Riverside and on Dec. 4 at the National Hot Rod Museum in Pomona, Phoenix will be celebrating California kitsch narrating a vintage Kodachrome slide show that celebrates the way we decorated, dressed and drank during the holidays of the ’50s and ’60s. And Phoenix should know. He’s been at this gig a while — he’s taught Conan O’Brien how to make an Astro Weenie Christmas Tree, a wonderful holiday party centerpiece. He’s got a test kitchen where he explores delicacies including fried cereal, the Inchezonya, a combination lasagna and enchilada dish, and the Cherpumple, a three-layer cake with a pie baked in each layer. He also does Disney-style tours of downtown L.A. and explores classic locations around town on YouTube videos including a trip to Pann’s, where a cafe-robbery scene from “Pulp Fiction” was filmed. So what does this guy really do for a living? Surprise — Americana is his full time gig. “It’s not like I’m living in the past... I prefer living in today’s world as opposed to going back in time. Socially, things were pretty horrible there.” But it’s fun, he adds, to look at the past through today’s eyes. And it’s beyond history per se, Phoenix creates a fantasy past where “the mood is up, prosperity rules and the standard of living is flying high.” Who wouldn’t love that?
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Paradise Buffet Happy Holidays ~ Open Thanksgiving Day 11am-7pm
Come enjoy the flavors of Asia, America, Mongolia and more. Affordable • All you can eat • Made fresh your way Lunch starting at $849 ~ Dinner starting at $1099 Seniors (60 and older) 10% Off Now open 9059 Central Avenue, Montclair • 909.626.8967 Sunday -Thursday 11-9 ~ Friday and Saturday 11-9:30
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seasonal events
Holiday
happenings
a
There’s so much to enjoy now — the most wonderful time of the year Santa Claus, and enjoying hot cocoa and doughnuts at Mrs. Claus’ Cozy Kitchen. Kids should bundle up with mittens, gloves, boots and jackets, says Nikole Bresciani, La Verne’s community services supervisor. “We’ve added a lot more craft projects in the last few years, including bell and bead necklaces, which the kids really love,” she added. “And now, for the price of admission, children can enjoy unlimited activities and they even get a free doughnut and a cup of hot chocolate. For a whole day of play and a snack, we feel this is a great bargain.” Looking for affordable and unique holiday gifts? The Harvest Festival makes its annual visit to Pomona on Dec. 2-4 at the Sheraton Suites Fairplex, 601 W. McKinley Ave. The gathering of 200 exhibitors selling
myfoothillsmagazine.com
A new season of wintertime excitement is here, as Foothills communities have a variety of holiday activities planned for the entire family. Festivities include parades, festivals, gift fairs, tree lightings and living nativities. La Verne kicks off the holiday season with a lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in front of City Hall. Live entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus are scheduled. Then on Dec. 10, it’s time for the city’s annual Winter Wonderland at Heritage Park, 5001 Via De Mansion. Tickets are $20 per child, free for their parents. There will be lots of activities to enjoy: sledding on two 60-foot runs with real snow, playing in designated snow-covered areas, engaging in a variety of crafts, visiting with
STORY BY LUANNE J. HUNT
december 2011
11
Night lights, festive sights Riverside’s historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa — always a beautiful place to visit — becomes a spectacular holiday showplace during the Festival of Lights. Adorned with more than 3.6 million brilliant lights and more than 400 animated figures, the Mission Inn is the centerpiece of a celebration unlike any other. Entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, freshly fallen snow, ice skating and appearances by Santa Claus and his reindeer are among the highlights. The 19th annual festival opens Nov. 25 with a celebratory lighting ceremony and fireworks display, and continues through Jan. 8. Festival of Lights The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside 800-843-7755, www.festivaloflightsca.com
Photo by Gabriel Luis Acosta
FOX Performing Arts Center
Riverside, California
Holiday Season Shows You Don’t Want to Miss
Paul Rodriguez
with Special Guests
Los Lobos
Concert to benefit the Cesar Chavez Memorial Fund
Saturday, December 3 HOLIDAY SPECIAL MATINÉE
The Nutcracker
Eight-time International Chorus Champions
Masters of Harmony Sunday, December 4
December 9–11
Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside Tickets available at ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets and the Box Office. For Box Office Information call (951) 779 9800. Visit us on the web at foxriversidelive.com
“
It’s quite a feat to get the nativity up every year, but we really want to keep the tradition alive.
”
PHOTO BY Jennifer Cappuccio Maher
myfoothillsmagazine.com
Scenes depicting the life of Jesus will return to Ontario this month. It’s one of many Christmas-related presentations and activities in Foothills communities this month.
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gifts of all kinds has been described as the “shoppertunity” of the year. Live entertainment, strolling performers, a kid’s play area and a variety of specialty foods are also on tap at the Harvest Festival. An added attraction this year is the Kids Are First booth, where parents can pick up a free child ID kit that includes fingerprinting and a photo. The nonprofit’s mission is to create awareness about how to keep children and teens safe. In Ontario, a long-running tradition returns: living nativity scenes. They will depict the events surrounding the birth of Christ, from Nov. 21 to Jan. 7. The scenes made their debut on Dec. 4, 1959, with sculptures that were created by Rudolfo Vargas, who specialized in religious scenes and also was a sculptor for Disneyland and feature films. “It’s quite a feat to get the nativity up every year, but we really want to keep the tradition alive,” said Charla Lenarth, president/CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “I’m always struggling for december 2011
funding, but somehow we make it happen. And the community is so appreciative. It’s amazing how many people have hugged me and told me how important the nativity is to their town.” Ontario also will hold its annual Christmas on Euclid craft fair and expo on Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is held between Holt Boulevard and G Street, and features arts and crafts vendors, specialty foods, a business expo and a classic car show. Claremont also has a free living nativity, presented at 6 p.m. Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-18 at Granite Creek Community Church, 1580 N. Claremont Blvd. The nativity features local actors and animals re-creating authentic scenes from the Bible on 10 outdoor stages. Guests will be greeted by Roman soldiers as they enter. “Our event has really grown since it started 11 years ago,” said Jan Irwin, the pastor’s assistant at Granite Creek. “We’ve added a lot of multi-media effects and this year, we are even going to have angels flying on zip lines. It’s our goal
to deliver the same message but with all the new technology.” Dinner will be served in the church café, where a variety of gourmet foods and desserts will be offered for purchase. Additionally, there will be a Christmas boutique, which will benefit Kidcare International. Storybook Christmas, the 35th annual Christmas parade and craft faire in Upland, returns Dec. 3 at Second Avenue and Ninth Street in downtown. The craft faire will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the parade will start at 11 a.m. The event’s traditional features include crafts, specialty foods and an appearance by Santa Claus. Following a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Dec. 7, Fontana will present its yearly Festival of Winter on Dec. 10 at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 17161 Merrill Ave. The free festival is set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will include entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, arts and crafts vendors, a kids play area with real snow and an ice skating rink. For those in the mood for oldfashioned musical entertainment, Victoria Gardens will have Charles Dickens-type Christmas carolers, who will stroll around the shopping center. They will perform 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18. San Antonio Heights will hold its fourth annual San Antonio Heights Holiday Sing at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 24 on the lawn of San Antonio Heights Fire Station No. 12. Lyric sheets for 24 Christmas carols will be provided, and it’s free to take part. Participants should dress warmly and to bring a lawn chair, says Carla Sanders, event coordinator. “This event is especially nice because there’s always someone on call at the fire station that night and it really brightens their Christmas Eve,” she said.
Celebrating 5 years of da Vinci robotic surgeries Congratulations to our expert robotic surgeons At Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, our experienced surgeons have performed hundreds of robotic surgeries, making faster patient recoveries possible. As the first hospital in the Inland Valley to offer minimally-invasive, robotic-assisted surgery, we are proud of our experienced surgeons. To us, being first means putting you first. Here, you can expect the most advanced treatments and personal care to help you get back to your active life sooner. For more information or a physician referral, call the Robotic Surgery Center at 909-865-9105 or visit www.pvhmc.org.
calendar |
holiday events
‘Santa’s Christmas Wish’ through 12/27 The 26th annual Christmas spectacular for the entire family. Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre, 455 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont; 909-626-1254. www.candlelightpavilion.com
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ through 12/30 George Bailey and the folks of Bedford Falls come to life in a tribute to a beloved American tale. Performance interpreted for the deaf, Dec. 3. LifeHouse Theater, 1135 N. Church St., Redlands; 909-335-3037. www.lifehousetheater.com
Tibbies Holiday Follies 11/25-12/30 Updated arrangements of holiday classics as well as traditional melodies. Center Stage Theatre, 8463 Sierra Ave., Fontana; 7 p.m. Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 909-429-7469. www.centerstagefontana.com
Holiday Promenade and Tree Lighting 12/2 An afternoon and evening of holiday activities. Tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. at the Claremont Village Depot; Santa and Mrs. Claus 5-8 p.m. at City Hall; skating rink, 1-9 p.m., Indian Hill and Second Street. Free admission; 909-624-1681. www.ci.claremont.ca.us
‘A Christmas Carol’ 12/2-17 The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society puts a unique stamp on the holiday classic with an array of characters and audience participation. Seventh Street Theatre, 13123 Seventh St., Chino; $15, $12 students and seniors; 909-590-1149. www.chinocommunitytheatre.org
‘A Christmas Carol’ 12/3-11 Holiday classic based on the book by Charles Dickens and adapted
by John Jakes. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga; $16-$18; 909-477-2752. www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Christmas Is... 12/3-18 Annual choral concert featuring the Citrus Singers and a live orchestra performing holiday music. Haugh Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora; 2 and 8 p.m.; $15-$20; 626-963-9411. Also: Holidance!, Dec. 8-9; Candy Cane Corners, Dec. 10. www.haughpac.com
The Nutcracker 12/3-18 Inland Pacific Ballet’s yuletide ballet featuring more than 100 colorfully costumed dancers. Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont, at 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 3-18; Lewis Family Playhouse, Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, at 7 p.m. Dec. 15-16; 909-482-1590. www.ipballet.org
Dave Koz & Friends Smooth Jazz Christmas 12/9 Holiday show with Koz, Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler and Candy Dulfer. Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, near Temecula; 8 p.m.; 877-711-2946. www.pechanga.com
A Country Christmas 12/9-11 Enjoy a Christmas feast — with baked ham, chicken pot pie and all the trimmings — and sing carols around the tree with Riley’s Mountaineers. Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho, 39611 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen; 909-797-1005. www.losriosrancho.com
Journey To Bethlehem 12/9-11 Re-enactment of Biblical times offers a glimpse into what life was like 2,000 years ago. Pomona First Baptist Church (gymnasium and the commons), 586 N. Main St., Pomona;
Mariachi Christmas 12/10 Program features “the first ladies of mariachi music,” Reyna de Los Angeles, and the Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company. California Theatre of the Performing Arts, 562 W. Fourth St., San Bernardino; 7:30 p.m.; $21-$61; 909-885-5152. www.californiatheatre.net
6:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 5 p.m. Dec. 10-11; free; 909-629-5277. www.seebethlehem.org
Glendora Christmas Parade 12/10 Parade starts at Glendora and Bennett avenues, moving south on Glendora, then west on Foothill Boulevard, and north on Grand to Bennett. Glendora Village; 9 a.m.; free; 626-963-4128. http://villageglendora.com
The Nutcracker 12/10-11 Annual presentation by the California Riverside Ballet. Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10, 1 p.m. Dec. 11; $19-$49; 951-779-9800. http://crballet.com
Pomona Christmas Parade 12/11 The parade, with more than 100 entries, will travel west on Second Street and end at Pomona’s City Hall, where the annual Holiday at the Plaza will be. The parade starts at 10 a.m.
Holiday at the Plaza, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature games, vendors, entertainment, Santa Claus and more. Downtown Pomona; free; 909-620-2324 www.ci.pomona.ca.us
Nutcracker 12/14 Performed by the Moscow Ballet. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 888-999-1995. Also: Carol Channing Christmas Show, Dec. 21. www.hotwatercasino.com
Bob & Bing’s Holiday Road Show 12/18 Show formatted like a 1940s NBC radio broadcast, featuring seasonal jingles and actors portraying legendary guest stars such as Jack Benny, Red Skelton and Jimmy Durante. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga; 2 p.m.; $16-$20; 909-477-2752. www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Dale & Bill Holiday Celebration 12/18 Concert featuring holiday favorites. The Grove Theatre, 276 E. Ninth St., Upland; $25-$30; 909-920-4343. www.grovetheatre.com
myfoothillsmagazine.com
Messiah Community Singalong
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12/18 Annual holiday event featuring the Claremont Symphony Orchestra, with conductor Gina Shaw. Bridges Hall of Music, Fourth Street at College Avenue, Claremont; 3:30 p.m.; free. www.claremontso.org
Big Band New Year’s Eve Showcase
The Nutcracker 12/2-4 Holiday tradition presented by Inland Dance Theatre. California Theatre of the Performing Arts, 562 W. Fourth St., San Bernardino; 8 p.m. Dec. 2-3 and 2:15 p.m. Dec. 4; $20-$30; 909-885-5152 or 909-862-1390. www.californiatheatre.net
december 2011
12/31 New Year’s Eve performance that recalls America’s big band era. Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre, 455 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont; $99-$125; 909-626-1254. www.candlelightpavilion.com
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december-january
special events Apple season through 11/30 Visit orchards, taste fresh apples and cider, enjoy hot apple pie at one of the several family restaurants, feed the animals in the animal parks, or browse through some of the many specialty shops. Oak Glen, east of Yucaipa and north of Beaumont, off Interstate 10; 909-797-6833. www.oakglen.net
Apple Butter Festival 11/25-27 Apple butter making demonstrations and other activities that pay tribute to the customs of pioneer families, including an oldfashioned hoedown featuring music by Riley’s Mountaineers. Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho, 39611 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen; 909-797-1005. www.losriosrancho.com
HOTTICKETS
your guide to the hottest concerts, shows & events
Grammy Nominations Concert Live! Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, Nov. 30 • “Wicked” Pantages Theatre, Nov. 30-Jan. 29 • Brian McKnight Gibson Amphitheatre, Dec. 3 • Girls The Music Box, Dec. 6 • Andrea Bocelli Honda Center, Dec. 11 • Jay-Z and Kanye West Staples Center, Dec. 12 • Avenged Sevenfold X103.9 Party Citizens Business Bank Arena Dec. 17 • Stevie Wonder’s Toys Benefit Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, Dec. 17 • Bob Seger Staples Center, Dec. 28 • Katt Williams Kattpacalypse 2012 Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, Dec. 31 • People’s Choice Awards Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, Jan. 11 • Professional Bull Riders Honda Center, Jan. 14-15 • O.A.R. House of Blues Anaheim, Jan. 26; Sunset Strip, Jan. 27 • Lucinda Williams Royce Hall, Jan. 27 • Michael Jackson Tour by Cirque du Soleil Honda Center, Jan 24-25; Staples Center, Jan. 27-29 Girls
Brian McKnight
Avenged Sevenfold
Twilight Cruise 12/7 Open to all 1970 and earlier rods, customs, classics and muscle cars. Participants receive free museum admission. Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona; 909-622-2133. museum.nhra.com
Garden events 3/17 The third of four pruning and planting workshops. Work with experienced gardeners and ISAcertified arborist Rich Bado. Learn planting secrets and how to prune trees. Bring gloves and tools. Light refreshments provided. Next workshop: May 5. Maloof Foundation Discovery Garden, 5131 Carnelian St., Alta Loma; 8:30-11:30 a.m.; free; 909-980-0412. www.malooffoundation.org
performance Ballet Folklorico de Colombia 1/27 Musicians and dancers in an expression of Colombian folklore and its many manifestations in dance and physical theater. Haugh Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora; 8 p.m.; $14-$28; 626-963-9411. Also: Imago Zoo-Zoo, Jan. 21; Shanghai Acrobat Circus, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Jan. 28; The New Shanghai Circus, 8 p.m. Jan. 28; Celtic Nights, Feb. 12. www.haughpac.com
myfoothillsmagazine.com
‘Cinderella’
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4/21-22 Production featuring the Inland Pacific Ballet. Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont; 1 and 7 p.m. April 21, 1 p.m. April 22; 909-482-1590. www.ipballet.org
stage ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ 1/13-2/26 A poor dairyman tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his tight-knit Jewish community in this production of the musical classic. Candlelight Pavilion
december 2011
Dinner Theatre, 455 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont; 909-626-1254. Also: “The Drowsy Chaperone,” March 2-April 15. www.candlelightpavilion.com
‘A Little Princess’ 1/14-2/12 A young girl attending a boarding school believes that every girl is a princess. But that belief is soon put to the test when she receives news about her father. LifeHouse Theater, 1135 N. Church St., Redlands; 909-335-3037. Also: “Clara Barton of the Red Cross,” Feb. 7-10. www.lifehousetheater.com
‘Sleeping Beauty: The Time-Traveler’ 1/28-2/12 Based on the book by Janet Stanford, with lyrics by Andrea Dodds and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga; $14-$16; 909-477-2752. Also: “A Chorus Line,” March 9-18. www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
‘A Chorus Line’ 2/10-3/4 Musical-verite about a chorus audition for a Broadway musical. Center Stage Theatre, 8463 Sierra Ave., Fontana; 909-429-7469. www.centerstagefontana.com
‘Ring of Fire’ 2/17-18 A cast of multi-talented performers goes on a journey into the world Johnny Cash created in his songs, performing 38 of his hits including “I Walk The Line,” “I’ve Been Everywhere” and the show’s title track. Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; 951-779-9800. Also: “Miss Saigon,” May 11-12; “Peter Pan,”
featuring Cathy Rigby, June 29-30 and July 1. www.foxriversidelive.com
‘Cinderella’ 3/10 An all-new musical, presented by the American Family Theater. Haugh Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora; 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.; 626-963-9411. Also: “Are You My Mother?” March 31; “Sweeney Todd,” April 13-15. www.haughpac.com
music The Glass House through 1/8 Ozma, Nov. 26; Jedi Mind Tricks, Nov. 27; Unearth, Dec. 7; Peter Murphy, Dec. 9; Painted Palms, Jan. 8. The Glass House, 200 W. Second St., Pomona. www.theglasshouse.us
Frankie Valli 11/26 In concert. Primm Valley Casino Resorts, Interstate 15 at the California/Nevada state line; 8 p.m.; 800-745-3000. www.primmvalleyresorts.com
Claremont Symphony Orchestra 11/27 Guest artist David Washburn on trumpet. Robert Sage conducts a program that includes Albinoni’s Trumpet Concerto and Neruda’s Trumpet Concerto in E flat. Bridges Hall of Music, Fourth Street at College Avenue, Claremont; 3:30 p.m.;free. www.claremontso.org
Morrissey 11/28 In concert with Kristeen Young. The Fox Theater, 301 S. Garey Ave., Pomona; 7:30 p.m.; $75-$100. Also: Streetlight Manifesto, Reel Big Fish, Dec. 22. www.foxpomona.com
Fall Showcase 11/29 Concert featuring guitar soloist Michael Nigro. Cal State San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway; 909-537-7516. music.csusb.edu
Los Lobos 12/3 In concert, with comedian Paul Rodriguez also on the bill. Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; 951-779-9800. Also: Masters of Harmony, Dec. 4. www.foxriversidelive.com
Manheim Steamroller 12/7 In concert. California Theatre of the Performing Arts, 562 W. Fourth St., San Bernardino; 909-885-5152. Also: Brian Setzer Orchestra, Dec. 18; The Association, Jay and the Americans, Feb. 17. www.californiatheatre.net
Air Supply 12/10 In concert, with a party following the show. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 888-999-1995. Also: Patti LaBelle, Dec. 30; Foreigner, Jan. 13. www.hotwatercasino.com
Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix 12/10 The comic actor shares the stage with a tight-harmony quartet and performs music from his career and a library of favorites. Haugh Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora; 626-963-9411. Also: Night Fever, ABBA-Mania (Bee Gees and ABBA tribute bands), Jan. 14; Three Men and a Baby … Grand, Jan. 22; Lucie Arnaz, March 3. www.haughpac.com
Boyz II Men 12/16 In concert. Morongo Casino Resort and Spa, 4955 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 9 p.m.; $29-$39; 888-667-6646. Also: Tower of Power, Jan. 1. www.morongocasinoresort.com
demonstrate their crafts and sell fine work during this 12th annual event. Maloof Foundation Jacobs Education Center, 5131 Carnelian St., Alta Loma; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; free admission; 909-980-0412. www.malooffoundation.org
The Fab Four
Members’ Mini Exhibition
1/6-7 Beatles tribute group in concert. Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, near Temecula; 877-711-2946. Also: Aaron Lewis Solo and Acoustic, Jan. 21; Styx, Jan. 27; Cristian Castro, Feb. 4; Roger Hodgson (voice of Supertramp), Feb. 24-25. www.pechanga.com
ABBA-Mania, Night Fever 1/13 Concert featuring ABBA and Bee Gees tribute bands. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga; 909-477-2752. Also: Dionne Warwick, Jan. 14; Ticket to Ride (Beatles tribute), Feb. 18; Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Feb. 24; Jim Brickman, Feb. 25. www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
San Bernardino Symphony 1/15 Featuring works by Frank Martin (Concerto for 7 Wind Instruments) and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Sinfonia Concertante in E-Flat Major, K.297b). An “instrument petting zoo” will be held in conjunction with the concert. California Theatre of the Performing Arts, 562 W. Fourth St., San Bernardino; 3 p.m.; 909-381-5388. www.sanbernardinosymphony.org
Three Men and a Baby ... Grand 1/22 A tuneful afternoon that celebrates everything from the Great White Way to Tin Pan Alley. Haugh Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora; $22-$24; 626-963-9411. www.haughpac.com
12/2-1/29 Chaffey Community Art Association members present works small in stature, but big in spirit. CCAA Museum of Art at the J. Filippi Winery, 12467 Base Line Road, Rancho Cucamonga; noon to 5 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. www.ccaamuseum.org
‘The Working White House’ 12/22-2/26 Two centuries of stories and traditions are preserved in this exhibition, developed with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage and the White House Historical Association. Museum of History and Art, 225 S. Euclid Ave., Ontario; noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays; free; 909-395-2510. www.ci.ontario.ca.us
San Bernardino County Museum ongoing Special exhibits, the live animal discovery center, research collections and public programs. San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 N. Orange Tree Lane, Redlands; 909-307-2669. www.sbcountymuseum.org
comedy
Dec. 7; John Witherspoon, Dec. 8-11; Contagious Comedy, Dec. 13; Vagina Monologues, Dec. 14; Shang, Dec. 15; Billy Gardell, Dec. 16-17; Rob Stapleton, Dec. 18; Mike Cano’s Comedy Party, Dec. 20; Ocean Glapion & Friends, Dec. 22; The Dirty Show, Dec. 23; Jo Koy, Dec. 29-31 (two performances Dec. 31) and Jan. 1. The Improv, 4555 Mills Circle, Ontario; 909-484-5411. www.ontarioimprov.com
Paul Rodriguez 12/3 Comedian shares the bill with Los Lobos. Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; 951-779-9800. www.foxriversidelive.com
Cedric the Entertainer 12/8 San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino, 777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland; doors open at 6:30 p.m.; $40-$60; 800-359-2464. www.sanmanuel.com
Brad Garrett 12/16 Comedian and actor best known for his role on the hit sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond.” California Theatre of the Performing Arts, 562 W. Fourth St., San Bernardino; $38.50-$77.50; 909-885-5152. Also: Lily Tomlin, Jan. 29. www.californiatheatre.net
Ron White 12/17 Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, near Temecula; 877-711-2946. www.pechanga.com
George Lopez
The Improv through 1/1 Earthquake, Nov. 23, 25-27; Robert Zapata, Nov. 29; Spicy Latino Night, Nov. 30 and Dec. 28; Jeff Garcia, Dec. 1-4; Refried Wednesday,
1/28 Citizens Business Bank Arena, 4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario; 8 p.m.; $46-$70; 909-244-5600. www.cbbankarena.com
Melissa Manchester 1/27-28 Grammy Award winner in concert. Center Stage Theatre, 8463 Sierra Ave., Fontana; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4, 7 p.m. Nov. 5; 909-429-7469. Also: Face2Face, Billy Joel and Elton John tribute, March 16-17. www.centerstagefontana.com
sports
Ontario Reign through 1/31 Home games vs. Stockton (Nov. 30, Dec. 4), Las Vegas (Dec. 10, Jan. 11) and Bakersfield (Dec. 14, Jan. 3, 16), Colorado (Jan. 20-21) and Alaska (Jan. 31). Citizens Business Bank Arena, 4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario; $10-$50; 909-941-7825. www.ontarioreign.com
Warehouse Direct Pricing Open to the public every Friday 8am-5pm
Manufacturers of Memory Foam, Latex Mattresses, Air Beds and Waterbeds.
Lingerie Football League 12/16 L.A. Temptation vs. Seattle Mist; Temptation vs. Chicago Bliss, Jan. 19. Citizens Business Bank Arena, 4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario; 7 p.m.; $10; 909-244-5600. Also: Harlem Globetrotters, Feb. 20; WWE Raw, Feb. 25. www.cbbankarena.com
art & exhibits Common Ground
Happy Holidays
‘It Happened at Pomona’ through 5/13 Part I of the three-part exhibit with this tagline: Art at the Edge of Los Angeles, 1969-73. Pomona College Museum of Art, 330 N. College Way, Claremont; 909-621-8283. www.pomona.edu/museum
Mexican Folk Art Weekend 11/26-27 Artisans from many parts of Mexico
Boyd Specialty Sleep ~ Quality sleep for a better life. 7551 Cherry Avenue, Fontana, CA 92336 • 909-357-6400 www.boydspecialtysleep.com
december 2011
myfoothillsmagazine.com
through 3/31 Ceramics in Southern California, 1945-1975. American Museum of Ceramic Art, 340 S. Garey Ave., Pomona; noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, until 9 p.m. on second Saturday; 909-865-3146. www.ceramicmuseum.org
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» kitchen
JESSICA KEATING
for the holidays, from the kitchen
F
OR a number of years now, the holidays have been a mixed bag. The season always starts with me feeling like Santa Claus — jolly, heart full of good cheer, a bundle of perfect gift ideas for friends and family. But at some point after Thanksgiving and before Dec. 24, the holiday toil takes its toll. The shopping, the gift wrapping, the baking, the cooking, the get-togethers ... who doesn’t start to wonder if they’ve got anything left to give? That Grinchy feeling never lasts too long, thankfully, but this year I’m determined to ward it off completely with no-fuss gifts that are a step removed from those holiday faithfuls — cookies, fudge and love-it-or-hate-it fruitcake — but still come together quickly and can be dressed up in jars with pretty ribbons and patterned tins and boxes. Happy holidays to one and all!
AWA R D W I N N I N G
Restaurant & Bar
Enjoy a Tuscan-Style Experience. BUY ONE GET ONE FREE LUNCH ($10 MAXIMUM DISCOUNT) Not valid with other offers or Happy Hour. One coupon per table, per party. Offer expires 01-31-12. (Excludes New Year’s Eve)
myfoothillsmagazine.com
CALL FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
20
7945 Vineyard Avenue Unit D7 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 For Reservations, please call
(909) 941-0047 december 2011
cookies in a jar
spice it up
Layer the dry ingredients for your favorite holiday cookie (gingerbread are my fave) in a clear glass jar. Attach a cookie cutter and the recipe, noting the rest of the ingredients needed, to a ribbon wrapped around the jar.
Southern California is blessed with grilling weather year-round. Mix up a batch of your favorite spice rub for ribs, steaks and chops and package it in decorated tins for longer storage.
perfect pair Homemade biscotti dipped in chocolate ganache and a half-pound of quality espresso will help motivate parents of young children who insist on waking up the whole house at 5 a.m. Christmas morning.
family fun Assemble the materials needed for a gingerbread house, or if you’re short on time, buy a prepackaged kit.
salty sweet Almonds glazed with cinnamon-sugar, pretzel rods and dried fruit dipped in chocolate ganache or white chocolate, and homemade snack mixes with your host’s favorite crackers, nuts and candies are the perfect takealongs to a cocktail party.
movie night munch Try your hand at flavored popcorn and fill a huge decorated tin with the stuff.
keep it real Don’t let your friends ruin their turkey dinners with canned cranberry sauce! Give them the real stuff: Bring 2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 cup water, 2 3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice and zest of one orange to a boil, reduce heat to medium and cook until cranberries pop and sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Ladle sauce into glass jars; wrap with a pretty ribbon and refrigerate. Sauce will keep 1 week when refrigerated.
comfort in a cup Frosty nights call for a mug (or two) of warm cider. Assemble your own mulling spices — cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, cardamom pods and anise stars — and wrap into individual sachets before storing them in an airtight tin.
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» tech
andrew edwards
pick up the sword ... or the Kindle or the iPhone
L
isten up, tech lovers. The holidays are almost here: Time to drain your bank account. The world’s manufacturers and retailers are counting on those who celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Festivus to keep their companies in the black. They will stack the shelves (or online catalogs) with their newest and most up-to-date stuff. For technophiles who can’t get enough of games or gadgets, these are some of the most anticipated products of the season:
video games Game developers release many of their biggest and flashiest games in the fall and winter, just in time for the Christmas season. For families who own the Nintendo Wii console, “The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword” easily ranks as the season’s most anticipated game. The latest chapter of the 25-year-old franchise is expected to take full advantage of the Wii’s motion controls and is likely to be one of the more family-friendly games on shelves this year.
Other big titles include the PlayStation 3 exclusive “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception,” the latest chapter of the Indiana Jones-esque franchise. “Uncharted 3” is rated T for teen. The firstperson shooters “Battlefield 3” and “Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3,” as well as the role playing title “Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” also promise to be big sellers. These three games are rated M for Mature and are available for PC, PlayStation 3 and XBox 360.
and is available for AT&T, Verizon and Sprint customers. But the iPhone is not the only phone on the market. The reviewers at cNet include Apple’s newest phone as among their top-five cell phones, but their list also includes the HTC Sensation 4G, available on T-Mobile; the Motorola Droid Bionic (Verizon Wireless); Motorola Brute i686 (Sprint Nextel) and Samsung Galaxy S II (AT&T). For more information visit http://reviews.cnet.com/best-cell-phones/
cell phones Once a luxury, cell phones quickly became a necessity and now have evolved further into a social and entertainment phenomenon. Apple’s iPhone 4s is easily the most-hyped cell phone this year. The latest version of the iPhone features “Siri,” a voice-activated assistance feature, an 8 megapixel camera and a dual-core A5 chip. The iPhone 4s price starts at $199, depending on wireless plan,
tablets Tablet computers are another electronics category where Apple wears the most popular crown, and its iPad 2 retails at a starting price of $499. Apple invented the modern market for tablets, and so far no one has successfully challenged the company’s leadership in this product class. But that doesn’t mean no one is trying. Booksellers Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble are the latest to throw down the gauntlet, introducing new tablets that expand upon each companies’ respective e-reader products. Amazon’s new Kindle Fire is priced at $199 and its features include the Amazon Silk web browser, cloud-based storage for Amazonpurchased content and instant video streaming for Amazon Prime customers. Barnes & Noble has introduced its Nook Tablet with more features than the Kindle Fire, and a heftier price tag of $249.
» fitness
liset marquez
shop right, eat right
E
The grocery shopping experience takes about one hour and clients will leave with about a week’s worth of food as well as a one-week meal plan, Mata says. She says clients should be prepared to spend about $75 on their groceries during the session. To reserve a seat for the holiday cooking class or the personal grocery shopping class, call 909-477-3000 or email perfectionfitnessrc@verizon.net Personal shopping class
When: By appointment only Where: Grocery store locations vary Cost: $60 Includes: A healthy menu designed for your lifestyle for one week and
Courtesy photo
Chef Jae Williams, who has worked with Melissa Maher Mata for more than five years, shows students options for healthier cooking.
a one-hour clean eating/shopping session at the grocery store with your trainer. For more information or to reserve space for the next class, email info@perfectionfitnessrc.com or call 909-477-3000.
9047 ARROW ROUTE SUITE 190 RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730
myfoothillsmagazine.com
very year, Melissa Maher Mata, owner of Perfection Fitness gyms, hears the same concern from clients: How can they avoid weight gain during the holidays? This year, Mata decided to augment the dietary educational services already offered at her Rancho Cucamonga gym to include a one-day cooking session geared toward the holidays. “They can learn how to make holiday meals without the guilt or added pounds,” Mata said. For the one-day live cooking session, Mata has brought in Jae Williams, a health expert and chef. Williams holds a doctorate in chemistry and specializes in meal planning for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol reduction and for those with gluten-free diet needs. During the next class, scheduled for Dec. 19, attendees will learn how to make a holiday dish using a crockpot. Mata says her classes are not only healthy but they are also practical and simple, adding she knows her clients sometimes work 10-hour days. The one-day cooking session complements another service geared toward healthy eating: a personal grocery store shopping session that Mata has offered for the past five years. For a fee, trainers will go grocery shopping with a client to teach them how to shop. “I’ve been a trainer for 15 years, and I’ve found that people don’t have a problem doing their cardio but the food is always the big question,” she said. Which is why, since Mata opened her gym, she has paid extra attention to her clients’ diets. “A lot of them just don’t know the difference between regular peanut butter and organic and nonfat versions,” she said. “It can make a big difference.” The goal of the classes, Mata said, is for her clients to understand how to make better choices and how to incorporate them into their lifestyles.
december 2011
23
| | winter xxxx
xxxxxxx parenting, style & sport
Are your kids ready to
PEAK?
Snowboarding: What to know, ideas for parents ... With a chill in the air and snow in the mountains, it won’t be long before the kids will be bugging mom and dad to take them snowboarding — if they haven’t been doing that already. To get a handle on learning the sport, we went to an expert — Sean Moughan, assistant supervisor of snow sports at Bear Mountain.
myfoothillsmagazine.com
Is snowboarding safe? Snowboarding is safe if you take the necessary precautions. Wearing the correct safety gear and taking a professional lesson can help to make for a safe snowboarding trip.
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What are the main dangers — and how do my kids avoid them? One of the biggest dangers in snowboarding for a beginner is not being in control. The best way to overcome not being in control would be to take a snowboard lesson. It’s a great way to learn the basic fundamentals you need when snowboarding. We also suggest
december 2011
wearing proper safety equipment such as sunglasses or goggles, sunscreen and a proper fitting helmet.
If my kids want to snowboard, what’s the best way for them to learn? Hands down the best way to learn to snowboard is to get a professional lesson. How long does it take to learn how to snowboard, and when will my son and daughter be proficient enough to go up the lift on their own? This all depends on the rider
and how fast they catch on to the sport. On average I would say after two days of lessons your child should be good enough to go up the chair on their own or with a friend. We always suggest the buddy system when riding.
Do I need to buy anything at first, or is it best to wait? It’s always good to have the basic proper snow gear such as gloves, snow pants, sunglasses, sunscreen or goggles, helmet and a warm jacket. I would suggest renting the boots, snowboard or skis for your first
time just to see if this is the right sport for your child.
What are the top snowboarding events this winter that my family should check out as spectators? War of the Rails (Feb. 25-26), Transworld Trans Am Finals (March 10) and the Ultimate Boarder (March 17) are all great family friendly contest hosted at Bear Mountain this season. (The Ultimate Boarder is a
r , Big Bea tockwell by Lee s Photos ts in Resor Mounta
Meet some of the top local boarders.... A primer on lessons • Bear Mountain’s first-time beginner lessons (ages 4-12) includes four hours of instruction on the same day (two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon), a beginner lift ticket and a “continuing education coupon” worth $10 off the price of a four-hour beyond beginner package. The lessons are $59 during the regular season, and $10 extra during holidays and peak weekends. Information: www.bearmountain.com. • Mountain High has a Children’s Academy (ages 4-9) that offers full-day and afternoon sessions. All packages
include a lift ticket, rentals, snack or lunch, and an individualized progress card. Full-day enrollment is recommended for younger children as experience has shown they progress more rapidly and retain a greater amount with a full day of lessons. The cost is $99 most days, and $10 more on holidays and peak weekends. For ages 10-12, there’s a Grommet Freestyle Camp, an interactive training program with a major emphasis on safety and respecting the environment. The program is open to all levels, from firsttimers to advanced. Information: www.mthigh.com
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triathlon event, with 50 athletes competing for their share of the $150,000 prize purse, with $100,000 going to the champion. After snowboarding at Bear, the action shifts to surfing at Cardiff on March 19-23, then to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for skateboarding on March 24, when the champion will be crowned. Information: http:// ultimateboarder.com/welcome). (For upcoming snowboard events at Mountain High, visit www.mthigh.com.)
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Boarders to follow
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xxxxxxx
Aubriana Dunn
Age: 27 Hometown: Fallbrook Events/wins: 1st in multiple senior division events, Slopestyle, Half Pipe, Slalom, Giant Slalom; 2nd place, Boardercross, USAA Nationals, Copper Mountain, 2010; Open Board, Playstation Slopestyle Night Series Champion, Perisher, Australia, 2011 Notes: Aubriana moved into snowboarding only three years ago. With training in gymnastics and
10 years on the motocross circuit both here and in Europe, she converted her speed and balance skills into a rapid rise in snowboarding competition. She also works at Burton Snowboard Academy, Northstar at Tahoe, where she helps up-and-coming young athletes hone their skills for competition. Sponsors: S4 Optics and Burton Snowboard Academy, Northstar at Tahoe
Aubriana Dunn photos by Kevin Corcoran
Melissa Evans
Age: 23 Hometown: Crestline Events/wins: 1st in Hot Dogs and Handrails 2011; 6th in S3 Supergirl Jam, Snowboard Rail Jam, Venice Beach, 2011; 1st in Hot Dogs and Handrails in 2007, 1st in Beanies and Bikinis also in 2007 Video: Melissa has a number of instructional snowboading videos on YouTube. To find, enter Melissa Evans and expertvillage in the YouTube search menu. Notes: Melissa is another
Melissa Evans photos by LaFonzo Carter
boarder who picked a job that keeps her days free. She watched the sport evolve on the men’s side and is now excited to see more and more young women competing. Sponsors: 686, Academy Snowboards, Arnette, Bear Mountain, Continuous Line, Coal, Dakine, Etnies
arter
Photo by LaFonzo Carter
Melissa Spillman
Age: 32 Hometown: Big Bear Lake Events/wins: 1st overall national champion, Open Class, USASA Nationals, Copper Mountain, 2011; 3rd, Rail Jam, Open Class, USASA Nationals, Copper Mountain 2011; 1st, Chicken Wings Grape Kool Aid Rail Jam, 2010; 3rd Vans Girls Combi 2010 Amateur (skateboarding), Orange Website: www.facebook. com/skateboardmelissa Notes: Melissa is a multisport athlete and got into snowboarding and skateboarding because its what her brothers were always doing. She started boarding a couple of years ago and now can’t get enough of it — in fact, she got a job managing a coffeeshop that allows her to adjust her hours to be on the mountain. Sponsors: All Girl Skate Jam, Arctik U.S.A., The Continuous Line, Echelon Snowboards, Go Pro, S4 Optics, Thug Crew
Jamie Madrid
Age: 18 Hometown: Fontana Events/wins: 1st, TransWorld Trans Am, Bear Mountain, 2011; 1st, USASA National Championships, Slopestyle Open Class women, Copper Mountain, 2010; 1st, Gatorade Free Flow Tour, Mt. High, 2011; 3rd, U.S. Gran Prix, Slopestyle, Mammoth, 2011
december 2011
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Melissa Spillman photos by Cassandra Geiser Krypstilledge Productions
Notes: In addition to her performance on the mountain, Jamie’s fresh looks have put her in magazines. At press time, she was doing a catalog photo shoot with her outerwear sponsor L1 in Portland, Oregon. Five years from now, Jaimie wants to travel more for contests and filming and wants to be more involved with the inner workings of snowboarding and snowboard companies. Sponsors: Nitro Snowboards, L1TA Outerwear, Smith Optics, Neff Headwear, USASA Team, Utility Boardshop, Mt. High
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When your marketing communications bring as much value to your target audience as they do to your business, that’s custom publishing.
MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2011
12
RIVERSIDE ROSE CITY LIFE & FINE LIVING
SENIORS
Safety nets for golden years Life stories: 100 years well lived
Kaiser preps for Day One La Verne’s hidden wonder Joshua Tree: Splendor at 75
Team Spirit
{
2011
M AG A Z I N E | O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 011
IDEAS FOR SANTA
}
PARENTS STEP UP FOR PREP PROGRAMS
+
DINING
Koyla Indian Grill Dhat Island
Ghouls’ night out
GHOSTS WALK DOWNTOWN
PASADENA’S
+
EDUCATION
Students who dig classwork
RCC challenges, opportunities ENTERTAINMENT
The Fox’s new season
Surprises from The Phil
magazine
Foothills LIFE | STYLE | FAMILY | COMMUNITY
WINTER & FALL
DINING
»
» HOMEMADE BREAD & JAM » GOURMET CHINESE
happy hour
BEYOND PEANUTS
+
RESTAURANTS TURN UP THE HEAT ON AFTER-WORK EATS
WICKED LITERATURE PERFORMANCES THAT WILL MAKE YOUR SKIN TINGLE
s
plu
TO DOS
MUSIC, PLAYS, SHOPPING, LECTURES AND MORE
Contact us to find out how a custom product can connect a loyal and active audience to your brand.
909-386-3006 I inlandcustompublishing.com
Inland Custom Publishing Group magazines I books I brochures I catalogs I annual reports I newsletters
Battle of the ’boards It’s a showdown on the slopes to raise awareness about an important cause STORY BY JESSE B. GILL
t
new and different for the area,” said Erika Seward, B4BC’s development director. “It’s got kind of a festival environment, so it makes Big Bear (Lake) kind of a destination for the weekend.” B4BC started in the mid1990s after Monica Steward was diagnosed with breast cancer. The 26-year-old was frustrated at what she considered a lack of awareness among young women about the potentially deadly disease. Steward and other B4BC co-founders set out to create an event centered around the things they cared most about — snowboarding, music and communicating the message of breast cancer awareness — while raising funds for research. Steward died in 1996, three months before the inaugural B4BC snowboarding and music event. “Ever since then, we’ve been moving on in her honor,” Seward said. B4BC is now active yearround and sponsors mostly female snowboarders, surfers, skateboarders and wakeboarders, some of whom compete in the X-Games. During the XOS Battle of the Sexes, B4BC will do what it does best — educate women about the importance of selfexamination and early detection and provide the knowledge and power to fight breast cancer. “Any opportunity we have where we can be out on the mountain and sharing our message, that’s important to us,” Seward said. Though snowboarding will play a large part in the XOS december 2011
myfoothillsmagazine.com
The talents of female extreme sports athletes will be featured this winter during the inaugural XOS Battle of the Sexes Winterfest. The event — with snowboarding, music, fashion and more — is set for Feb. 3-5 at the Bear Mountain resort in Big Bear Lake. It will be the first in a planned series of annual events staged by Corona-based XOS Productions. The highlight will be female snowboarders showcasing their talents in a non-competitive atmosphere, according to XOS event planner and owner Marisa Lupo. “The set-up is really cool,” she said. “It’s not a head-tohead environment where you see who can jump the highest. It’s more of an obstacle course with a friendly environment.” When Lupo and her partner Vivania Salvia started XOS Productions earlier this year, their goal was to put on events that educate and uplift women. The Battle of the Sexes should go a long way toward accomplishing that objective. “The goal is to draw in more females to compete with males in a fun way,” Lupo said. “We want to spotlight female snowboarders and encourage them not to be intimidated. Snowboarding is very much a male-dominated world.” Also taking part will be Boarding For Breast Cancer (B4BC), a national foundation with the goal of raising breast cancer awareness while highlighting the value of active living. “We’re excited to be involved in this kind of event, which is
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december 2011
Boarding For Breast Cancer What: Boarding For Breast Cancer (B4BC) is a nonprofit, youth-focused education, awareness and fundraising foundation. Its mission is to increase awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection and the value of an active lifestyle. Information: www.b4bc.org
event, there will be more going on: namely, fashion shows during the day and ticketed musical events in the evening. “They’re pulling together a kind of hip, sexy event with sports, fashion and music,� Seward said. And just as the men and women will battle it out for fun on the slopes in the snowboarding events, the fashion shows and music performances also will be opportunities for males and females to showcase their talents against each other, Lupo says. “Everything is going to be male vs. female,� she said. “It’s all in fun. During the fashion show, the males will go up
against the females and there will be a DJ battle showcasing male DJs going up against female DJs.� Those wanting to watch the Battle of the Sexes contest or the fashion show may do so at no cost. Admission will be $19 to $40 for the evening ticketed events. XOS Battle of the Sexes Winterfest is XOS Productions’ maiden voyage, and Lupo says her new company is already
planning other events and intends to bring Winterfest back as an annual event. But first, the focus is on this year: “Basically, we’re going to take over Big Bear Lake,� Lupo said. XOS Battle of the Sexes Winterfest What: Sports, fashion and music at Bear Mountain When: Feb. 3-5 Information: www.xosbattleofthesexes.com
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31
style |
attire & accessories
See and be seen on the mountain: A look at some of the fashions that will be spotted during the XOS Battle of the Sexes Winterfest at Bear Mountain in February.
Warm
[ gear
preview ]
this winter
Women’s Annual Jacket
Men’s Abbot Crew Fleece
www.vans.com/girls
www.vansapparel.com
Women’s Anchorage Zip Hoodie www.vans.com/girls
Women’s Bracket Jacket www.vans.com/girls
m/girls
Women’s Bellevue Jacket
Women’s Hazelnut Cargo Pant (cannon)
Everett Jacket
C.L. Down Jacket
Gore Crowley Pant
Ruskin Pant
[www.nikesnowboarding.com]
Gore Juniper Jacket
Women’s Hazelnut Cargo Pant (iguana)
Nike Zoom Force 1
Women’s Aura Boot
Nike Women’s Zoom Force 1
Men’s Hi-Standard
www.nikesnowboarding.com
www.vanssnow.com
www.nikesnowboarding.com
www.vanssnow.com
» Russian tea cakes
Chillin’ with M ... and other cookie tips from Redlands’ bakery master Story by Jessica Keating Photos by Rick Sforza
» Macaturtle
» Treats not labeled are iced sugar cookies
h
Martha » Macaroon
» Swedish oatmeal
» Pumpkin cookie
» Death by chocolate
T
HE FIRST THING you need to know about baking the perfect sugar cookie — buttery yet light, crunchy yet crumbly — is that well-chilled dough is a must. An absolute must, says Martha Green. And she should know. Green, owner of The Eating Room restaurant and Dough’Lectibles bakery in Redlands, is the city’s reigning cookie queen. In her bustling and cozy restaurant, where the lunch hour is easily stretched into a two- or three-hour affair, Green invites me to pull up a chair as she chats with two longtime friends. “I love sweets,� she confesses, drawing out “love� an extra beat. “People say you get used to it being around it, but that’s not true.� Death by chocolate, a dense, brownie-like treat, was her favorite for years until a friend shared a recipe for Swedish oatmeal cookies. She describes the twice-baked cookie’s sugared almond topping with the reverence of a true connoisseur. “I’ve just never seen anything like it anywhere.� Green dusts our conversation with
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introductions to her friends, a visiting chef and her staff, and comments on her favorite holiday treats â&#x20AC;&#x201D; mini fruit cake bites she used to make for her son, Stollen, baked fresh each night, and two-bite rugelachs with chocolate chips or raisins sold in her bakery. She warns bakers to take note of the rising price of nuts â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;that is going to have an impact on holiday baking,â&#x20AC;? she predicts. Walnuts, pecans, almonds, even peanut butter â&#x20AC;&#x201D; anything made with nuts has doubled in price in recent months, she says. But back to that sugar cookie dough. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Probably the easiest cookie anybody could make is that one right there,â&#x20AC;? Green says, pointing at a box filled with frosted sugar cookies prepared by her bakery manager, Laura Neal. (Whether a novice home baker like myself could decorate reindeer cookies so they appear to have Christmas tree lights tangled in their antlers is another matter.) That first rule of successful sugar cookie baking â&#x20AC;&#x201D; keeping the dough cold â&#x20AC;&#x201D; prevents the dreaded cookie spread,
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when one cookie reaches out to another and sets off a chain reaction leaving you with a giant, misshaped mass of baked dough. Once you get that rule down, try to remember to line your baking pans with parchment paper. Nothing sticks to it and cleanup will be a snap, Green promises. Once baked, unfrosted sugar cookies will stay fresh about two weeks in a zip-top plastic bag on the kitchen counter, or your favorite hiding spot if your home is full of folks who get â&#x20AC;&#x153;sticky fingersâ&#x20AC;? whenever theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re around unattended baked goods. And if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still not sure your cookies will meet with success? Well, any baker worth his or her salt always has a backup plan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bake â&#x20AC;&#x2122;em, and then come get â&#x20AC;&#x2122;em from here,â&#x20AC;? Green says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nobody needs to know!â&#x20AC;?
GOURMET BISTRO & EUROPEAN BAKERY
Cookies 101
Martha Greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tips for cookie bakers. Make dough in advance. Freeze sugar cookie dough in rounds; thaw in the refrigerator before rolling dough. Dough for drop cookies can be dropped by spoonfuls on baking sheets, then frozen. Once dough is set, store in ziptop bags. The dough can go straight from freezer to oven. Keep dough cold prior to baking. This helps prevent cookies from spreading and losing their shape. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for nonstick baking and easy cleanup. Experiment with additions to your favorite drop cookie dough. Candies, nuts and dried fruits help dress up everyday cookies. Baked drop cookies can be stored in the freezer and thawed before serving. Baked, unfrosted sugar and crunchy cookies can be stored in zip-top bags for up to two weeks. Chewy cookies should be baked shortly before serving.
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Dolce is a neo-modern bistro serving quality Euro-Americana cuisine and delectable European pastries. Completely distinctive to the Inland Empire and a new concept for the West Coast, Dolce is the first restaurant and bakery to combine the convenience of quick service with the quality of gourmet cooking. We are the totally unique alternative to elaborate restaurants and unhealthy fast food chains.
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better living |
holiday ideas
» Maura Graber transforms the kids’ table into the no adults allowed table, and makes it more welcoming to the younger set.
Thankfully, people such as etiquette authority Maura Graber of Ontario are around to help, providing valuable knowledge in the manners department. For more than two decades, Graber has taught social graces to everyone from school children to heads of major corporations. She even hosted a dinner at her home one year for domestic diva Martha Stewart. Here, Graber offers a few helpful hints for the upcoming season.
Decorations
Mind your manners myfoothillsmagazine.com
A season to practice the art of etiquette
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The holidays are fraught with a minefield of etiquette challenges: who to invite to what event, how much to spend on gifts, what to do with that nasty bit of fruitcake now resting in your mouth. Some choices are not always obvious. STORY BY carla sanders
december 2011
PHOTO BY Thomas R. Cordova
Holiday decorations should not go up any earlier than Thanksgiving weekend, Graber says. “Let’s celebrate one holiday at a time. It drives people nuts when they go up earlier and earlier.” And, she’d wait “at least a week into December” before getting the house all aglow on the outside. She suggests turning any lights and sounds off by 9 or so every evening. “You can’t have things blaring at all hours. People need to be considerate of their neighbors.” On the other end, she likes to have all her decorations taken down and put away by Dec. 30, to begin the new year with a clean house. “It starts getting tacky to have the lights and everything still up after the first of the year,” she says.
Gift-giving Hooray! Manners maven Graber say “re-gifting” is OK, but it must be done carefully. “Make sure you’re not re-gifting in the same circle of friends as the person who gave it to you or you’re going to find out about it,” she says. Anyone who decides to re-gift should make a point of removing any original gift-giving tags and wrapping
â&#x20AC;&#x153;
Make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not re-gifting in the same circle of friends as the person who gave it to you or youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to find out about it.
it nicely. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A beautifully wrapped gift makes a big difference,â&#x20AC;? Graber adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The presentation is part of the present.â&#x20AC;? In general, a gift doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be expensive, as long as it comes from the heart and has some meaning for the recipient. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In this economy, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really in poor taste to go out of your way and spend way too much,â&#x20AC;? she says.
Holiday parties If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re attending a holiday gathering, the key to being a good guest is all in the details, Graber says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you walk in, look around and get a feel for the party. Is it loud, or dimly lit with soft music and low voices? Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to act accordingly.â&#x20AC;? Graber says there are also small actions that make a big difference. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re
â&#x20AC;?
setting down a drink, look for coasters. If you happen to go into another room, turn off the lights when you leave. If the lid was down on the toilet, put it back down when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done.â&#x20AC;? Some serious no-noâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Adjusting the hostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thermostat, using their computer and snooping. She encourages guests to bring a small gift, but not something that will force the hostess to interrupt what sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing. Flowers in a vase are OK; cut flowers where the hostess must go forage for a vase and then fill it with water and arrange the flowers are not. Other ideas: A wrapped candle, magazine subscription, movie theater tickets, certificate for a car-detailing service, a bottle of wine (with a note that says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for the hostess to enjoy later).
Family gatherings One final bit of advice relates to manners for children at holiday gettogethers. As with her own children, Graber suggests that when children arrive, they not be allowed to run off and play immediately. First, they should greet the host or hostess and then spend a few minutes talking to the elder members of the family such as grandparents, aunts and uncles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They can make small talk and then go play their computer games or watch TV,â&#x20AC;? she says. When leaving, the children are also expected to seek out the hosts and the older relatives to say goodbye. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a few minutes out of their whole day,â&#x20AC;? Graber says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But it really means a lot, and teaches them to think about others.â&#x20AC;? The R.S.V.P. Institute of Etiquette 909-923-5650, www.rsvp-etiquette.com
ď&#x20AC;&#x2026;ď&#x20AC;&#x2C6;ď&#x20AC;&#x17D;ď&#x20AC;&#x2039;ď&#x20AC;&#x20AC;ď&#x20AC; ď&#x20AC;&#x20AC;ď&#x20AC;&#x2020;ď&#x20AC;?ď&#x20AC;&#x201C;ď&#x20AC;&#x2039;ď&#x20AC;&#x20AC;ď&#x20AC;&#x201A;ď&#x20AC;&#x152;ď&#x20AC;&#x2018;ď&#x20AC;?ď&#x20AC;&#x2030;ď&#x20AC;&#x2039;ď&#x20AC;&#x20AC;ď&#x20AC;&#x201E;ď&#x20AC;&#x2018;ď&#x20AC;&#x2019;ď&#x20AC;&#x20AC;ď&#x20AC;&#x2021;ď&#x20AC;&#x2018;ď&#x20AC;&#x2022;ď&#x20AC;&#x2019;ď&#x20AC;&#x20AC;ď&#x20AC;&#x201A;ď&#x20AC;&#x152;ď&#x20AC;?ď&#x20AC;?ď&#x20AC;&#x160;ď&#x20AC;&#x2019;ď&#x20AC;&#x2039;ď&#x20AC;?ď&#x20AC;&#x2013;ď&#x20AC;&#x201C;ď&#x20AC;&#x20AC;ď&#x20AC;&#x192;ď&#x20AC;&#x160;ď&#x20AC;&#x2022;ď&#x20AC;&#x2030;ď&#x20AC;&#x2C6;ď&#x20AC;&#x201D;ď&#x20AC;?ď&#x20AC;&#x2018;ď&#x20AC;?
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Planning a party? Things to consider
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hen it comes to planning a get-together during the holidays, first consider what you truly want to do says Alice Lee, owner of Dolce Café and Bakery in Montclair. Decide on the type of party you want and your budget. After that, the other pieces generally fall into place. “Are you having a company party? Are you having many guests and are they invited to your home? Or is it more of an intimate gathering of family and friends? If it’s going to be a large event, I suggest having it catered. It will make your life easier,” Lee said. “Usually you should consider booking a caterer two to three weeks in advance of your party date.” If you’re taking care of the food, your schedule is more open but remember to have a schedule, she says. “A lot of people find themselves in the first or middle part of December saying, ‘Maybe I should do something.’ Then they scramble. Consider how much time that gives you and decide if you can get what you want done in the time frame.” Saturday continues to be the party day of choice for most people. The earlier a date is chosen, the sooner invitations can be sent. It used to be that sending an invitation two to three weeks in advance was common. Today, the early notice may be a matter of days — some invites coming by email. “E-vites are awesome,” said Barra Franklin, owner of A Day Remembered, an all-inclusive bridal service in Redlands. “People are on their laptops or smartphones all day, so you will have better success contacting them that way than by the traditional invitation in the mail. december 2011
» Thanksgiving flavors mingle in Robert Neri’s Harvest Purses.
Season’s eatings This recipe is for a holiday treat known as “a bite of Thanksgiving.” Robert Neri, the chef at Dolce Café and Bakery, calls them “Harvest Purses.”
Ingredients Stuffing 1 slice stale bread, cubed fine ¼ cup onion, finely diced 1 scallion, ribbon chop 2 mushrooms, finely diced 2 tablespoons celery, finely diced ¼ cup turkey stock ¼ cup turkey breast, finely diced pinch garlic powder Cranberry compote ¼ cup frozen cranberries ½ cup water 1 / 8 cup sugar orange zest pinch ginger 1 bay leaf
Also Phyllo dough sheets
Directions Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil until hot and fuse with 1 pat butter. Add ¼ cup onion and brown. Add scallions. Add ¼ cup celery. Add pinch of garlic powder. Add mushrooms, bread cubes and turkey. Saute mixture until thoroughly mixed. Deglaze with 1 tablespoon Chablis. Add ¼ cup turkey stock. Reduce over medium heat until moisture is absorbed. Add 1 teaspoon salt, pinch of pepper. Cranberry compote Add ¼ cranberries to hot
“But I would consider the party-going demographics. If they’re mostly people in their 40s or 50s, they tend to prefer a hard copy invitation. In the weddings I do, I find that many don’t respond to RSVP
pan. Deglaze with ½ cup water. Add 1/ 8 cup sugar. Add orange zest. Add pinch of ginger and 1 bay leaf. Reduce until compote is thick. Remove from stove and place in 330-degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 minutes. Cut phyllo sheets to 5-by-5 squares. Place 1 tablespoon stuffing mixture into center of each square. Dampen the edges. Starting from one corner, gather sheet into one bunch at the top and twist lightly. Bake in 350-degree oven for 15 minutes. Wrap each pocket with scallion twist for design. Serve immediately with cranberry compote on the side.
cards, but if you put an email or website address on the invitation, people seem to get back with you right away.” — Suzanne Sproul
P RO M O T ION
Threading the way to beauty
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n nine years, House of Beauty has grown from one 780-square-foot store in Riverside to 13 locations across the Inland Empire. The newest House of Beauty is next to the Rainforest Cafe at Ontario Mills. “As soon as we opened in Riverside, the response was tremendous, there was always a line out the door, and we decided to open other locations,” said co-owner Zafar Riasat. “We were close to UC Riverside, and a new generation came to try the services.” Co-owner Sadia Zafar is a cosmetologist who offers everything from eyebrow threading to body waxing to facials to piercings. She has more than 15 years of experience and has worked with foreign dignitaries, models, actors and executives. Eyebrow threading is the House of Beauty’s prime service. Taking just five to seven minutes, it is done with a piece
of thread that is knotted and creates a trap to remove hair by the roots. It removes even the finest of hairs. There are no side effects, according to Riasat. With eyebrow threading, the skin isn’t burned or pulled off, it doesn’t itch, and there is no rash. The business has grown thanks to referrals, especially from those who are pleased with the results of their eyebrow threading. “They come in and try it for the first time, and are happy with the shape and cleanness of their eyebrows,” Riasat said. “Some even say that this is the first time that they have been happy with their eyebrows.” Facials also are a popular service, with deep cleansing of the skin. Many people have congestion on their face, and break out, Riasat says, and don’t realize that their skin needs to have a break. Not only does a
facial help the skin look better, but there are very few side effects. Henna tattoos are another specialty. The paste used for henna tattoos is made from henna powder (from the leaves of a henna plant), strained lemon juice, coffee or tea and eucalyptus oil. In the summer, clients come in for the special henna tattoos, which last for about one week to 10 days, to show off at the beach. Throughout the year, other customers come in for henna in order to see how they like having a tattoo before doing anything permanent. “People say it will be good for them to see if they fall in love with it,” Riasat said. “If they don’t like it, it fades away, and they aren’t stuck with it.” Gift certificates are always available at the House of Beauty, and are valid at any of the 13 locations. They may be used for any service provided, in any denomination.
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taste |
wine
Share, give and cellar Cork-pullers delights — splendid wines and where to find them
t
This holiday season, there’s no shortage of wine retailers offering extensive selections of affordable to moderately priced bottles. Here’s a cluster of delicious pours ready to “share” with family, friends and neighbors for the holidays. Don’t forget unique stocking stuffers and “gifts” for the wine enthusiasts in your lives, or treat yourself to a few extra special “keepers” to cellar away!
STORY BY gino L. filippi
Share Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler, Germany Riesling QbA Amazingly flavorful and most food friendly. Golden in color, floral with strong mineral notes. Hints of stone fruit with a lingering honey finish. $9 at Total Wine & More, Rancho Cucamonga. Joel Gott, Cabernet Sauvignon This popular selling Cabernet Sauvignon is a nicely colored, medium body red with cherry and cedar notes. Pairs well with a wide range of foods. $16 at Gerrards Market, Redlands. Kaiken, Argentina Malbec 2009 A vivid ruby red color, this Malbec’s fresh black fruit and blueberry aromas are evident on nose, accompanied by chocolate and vanilla. Elegant floral scents enhance the complexity. Velvety and
harmonious tannins and good structure. $11 at Packing House Wine Merchants, Claremont. La Marca, Prosecco This unique Italian sparkler has a bouquet with flavors of flowers and apple. It’s elegant, dry, clean, and well-balanced. Serve as an aperitif or pair it with fish dishes, tropical fruit and light desserts. $16 at La Bodega Wine, Riverside. Leese-Fitch, Cabernet Sauvignon With deep garnet color and a lovely scent of cherries, blackberries and coffee, this red includes 5 percent each of Syrah and Tempranillo, and hint of Alicante
Bouchet and Petite Sirah. Smooth and round in the mouth, soft tannins and balanced acidity. $10 at Gerrards Market, Redlands.
Give Lafond, Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2008 The complexity of flavor found in Pinot Noir from Lafond Vineyard is a wonderful match with savory foods and a classic with grilled salmon or mushrooms. $23 at Liquorama Fine Wines & Spirits, Upland. Paul Hobbs, Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2007 Rich, creamy, tropical character
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Total Wine & More. The selection is ridiculous.
Each of our 78 superstores carries over 8,000 wines, 3,000 spirits and 2,500 beers. That’s a quarter of a million bottles in every store. BREA | NORTHRIDGE | RANCHO CUCAMONGA REDONDO BEACH | THOUSAND OAKS | TUSTIN
december 2011
45
punctuated by the crisp minerality for which the appellation is heralded. Aromas of pear, peach and white flowers burst from the glass in pale yellow hues with just a touch of green. Long finish. $47 at La Bodega Wine, Riverside. Rancho de Philo, Cucamonga Valley Triple Cream Sherry A multi Best of Class and Gold medal winner. Hints of golden raisins, butterscotch and nuttiness that attest to the sweetness and complexity that can only be achieved through the traditional Spanish-style utilizing a solera barrel aging technique. Limited production 2011 blend is $27 at Rancho de Philo Winery
in Alta Loma. Call 909-987-4208 for availability and points of sale. Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley Brut Crisp and elegant sparkler with complex pear, spice and hazelnut flavors. Fresh and lightly fruity. Great finesse and depth of flavor. Perfect with holiday appetizers! $24 at La Bodega Wine, Riverside. South Coast Winery, Sans Chêne, Temecula Chardonnay 2009 Sans Chêne (without oak) is very showy with tropical fruit aromas, luscious flavors and a crisp finish. Even though it is fresh and fruity, this popular white will
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continue to evolve in complexity as it ages. $15 at South Coast Winery, Temecula.
Keepers Blain-Gagnard, Bâtard-Montrachet Burgundy 2008 This white French Burgundy is riesling like, Alsatian, a touch of Gewurz bite, a good deal of tropical fruit and lush floral notes. Very good and interesting. $50 at Packing House Wine Merchants, Claremont. Brandt Family Winery, Ink, Santa Barbara, Petite Sirah 2009 Opaque ruby purple, deep, full-bodied
50 million Americans suffer from “ringing” in the ears known as tinnitus.
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effort by Upland winemaker Brian Brandt. Displays complex floral notes and supple mouthfeel. Enjoyable now, will age well through 2020. $30 at Pacific Wine Merchants, Upland. Château De Pez, Bordeaux 2006 Dense in color, retaining a purplish-blue hint typical of wines that are slow to develop. The slightly toasty nose has plenty of red- and blackberry fruit and a hint of jamminess mingled with aromas of spice and tobacco. Well-rounded substance lingers elegantly on the palate, with silky tannins and not a trace of harshness. This is truly an exceptional wine. A thoroughbred collector, elegant and rich. $35 at Liquorama Fine Wines & Spirits, Upland. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Artemis, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 It’s big and rich and frankly sensational. A collector! Massive in blackberries, currants and sweet dark chocolate. The tannins are fierce, but very fine, and the overall balance is impeccable. Too astringent now, even with decanting, but should easily improve in the bottle throughout the next decade. $50 at Liquorama Fine Wines & Spirits, Upland.
Gerrards Market 705 W. Cypress Ave., Redlands 909-793-2808, www.gerrardsmarket.com La Bodega Wine 3512 Central Ave., Riverside 951-683-3307, www.labodegawine.com Liquorama Fine Wines 901 W. Foothill Blvd., Upland 909-985-3131 www.liquorama.net Pacific Wine Merchants 210 E. A St., Upland 909-946-6782, www.pacificwinemerchants.com Packing House Wine Merchants 540 W. First St., Claremont 909-445-9463, www.packinghousewines.com Time in a Bottle 344 Orange St., Redlands 909-307-9463, www.timeinabottle.com Total Wine & More 8201 Day Creek Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga 909-463-5670, www.totalwine.com South Coast Winery Resort & Spa 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula 951-587-9463, www.wineresort.com Gino L. Filippi can be reached at Ginoffvine@aol.com
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Âť Engin Onural
» taste dining
Raw flavor, elegant setting
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Chef Onural brings creativity, sophistication to the sushi palate
» The Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge is a lean, sophisticated environment.
STORY BY debbie council
december 2011
myfoothillsmagazine.com
The next time you visit the Palm Springs area and have a yen for something cool and refreshing from the sea, mosey on over to El Paseo in Palm Desert to indulge in some sushi — those little handmade jewels of culinary art that are sometimes hard to pronounce but delightful to eat. A hip new new place to enjoy that quintessential Japanese snack is The Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge, and Engin Onural, owner and executive sushi chef, will make you feel right at home. Dining on sushi is as much a visual journey as it is a culinary experience at The Venue. And who knows better how to bring on the starring rolls but the head chef himself and his female sushi chef, Liesel. Sitting at the bar is where the show begins, and the sushi chefs are in the leads. Onural learned his craft the traditional way from hard-core Japanese teachers in 2006 at the Sushi Chef Institute in Los Angeles after moving to California from Ankara, Turkey. But the Turkish 27-year-old, a certified sake sommelier, does sushi his way. “This is a live show because it happens on the spot,” Onural said. “The interaction is there in front of you. It’s all about interacting.”
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The extensive menu — which includes 15 choices of nigiri sushi, 14 maki rolls, six hand rolls, six carpaccio, four tataki and other favorites — presents a challenge on where to begin. Onural’s creativity comes out in 13 specialty rolls, which are unique. Try the mouth-watering Mediterranean roll filled with spicy albacore, tempura asparagus and avocado, finished off with colorful dribbles of Mediterranean salsa and feta cheese for $16. Or the experiment roll, which features eight delicious mouthfuls of snow crab, mango, avocado and cucumber topped with tuna, thin slices of jalapeno, cilantro and yuzu aioli ($18). “All of my plates literally look like paintings,” Onural said. If there’s no room at the long, white marble sushi bar that seats 12, don’t despair because Lucky Perez, The Venue’s manager and mixologist, knows the nuances of each sushi creation and brings each bite to life as he sets the dish before you. What’s sushi without a little sake? Served cold, Hakutsuru draft sake, one of 17 sakes priced from $9 to $28, complements the sushi well, Perez says. Smooth with floral notes, it remains neutral on the palate as diners enjoy a variety of sushi selections. For the first course, try a crisp and clean cucumber salad, with micro greens, pickled carrot, and citrus ponzi sauce that prepares the palate to distinguish a variety of flavors in The Venue roll, a colorful creation of spicy tuna topped with seared salmon, spicy aioli, teriyaki sauce, micro greens and black tobiko caviar ($18). december 2011
The Venue is cozy enough for 30 intimate seatings with a décor that lends itself to the mood and ambience that Onural describes as a sushi bar you would find in New York or Los Angeles: sleek, modern and clean with high-end furnishings of black, white, chrome and marble with splashes of red and silver. There is also seating on the patio that fronts El Paseo, one of the trendiest streets in Southern California. The Venue opened in January, and Onural has attracted sushi fans from when he was head sushi chef at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert and later at the Renaissance
Esmeralda in Indian Wells. He knows his regular customers by name and what they like. It’s becoming a hang out for friends. “My followers are the reason I opened up here,” he said. “I see in their eyes that this is like the place to be and to be seen with their friends. We try to take care of everybody.” If eating raw fish isn’t on your culinary wish list, don’t worry because The Venue also offers cooked fare. “There’s always someone who doesn’t like sushi. I personally make sure that person leaves happy,” he said. “If I can crack that mindset the rest is history.” Onural’s personal touches at The Venue can be traced back to when he was a 10-year-old growing up in Ankara because that’s when he told his parents he wanted to be in hospitality, resorts or the restaurant industry. “One day the bulb got lit,” said Onural who has been in and out of kitchens and restaurants all his life. “I wanted to be a chef and owner as well.” He’s currently in negotiations to open a second sushi bar and hopes some day to go national. “I want to be the next landmark for El Paseo,” Onural said. “I really want to grow fast. I know what I want. This is my true passion. It really makes me happy.” The Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge
73-111 El Paseo, Suite 103, Palm Desert 760-346-1500, www.thevenuepalmdesert.com Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 5-9 p.m. Reservations recommended
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Savory, flavorful and steeped in tradition
New ownership raises the bar on a wonderful dining experience Âť Shrimp pasta
Story by ALLAN BORGEN photos by GABRIEL LUIS ACOSTA
t
The future of Joe Greensleeves rests with its past. The restaurant’s owners (brothers J.R. and Bryan Briggs) took over in February and are determined to make every dining experience both memorable and special with outstanding food, award-winning wines and impeccable service — qualities that were present when the Redlands landmark opened in 1982. Executive chef Guillermo “Memo” Mateo and his talented kitchen crew have developed a menu that is exciting and creative. There’s a multitude of prime steaks, fresh seafood, wild game, homemade pastas, chicken and other remarkable items you won’t find anywhere else. The stone-lined walls, polished wood keel of a sailboat and small lights on the curved ceilings give one the impression of dining in San Francisco. The soft music, comfortable booths and friendly, knowledgeable staff make this restaurant a great choice for a special occasion or for those who just want to get away and relax over delicious food and their favorite drinks and wines. Once seated, expect to be pampered by the highly professional and friendly serving staff including head waiter Seamus Cattaneo, the ultimate serving professional who has worked at Greensleeves for more than 20 years.
» A curved ceiling dotted with lights gives Joe Greensleeves an Old World feel.
» Executive chef Guillermo “Memo” Mateo
» Head waiter Seamus Cattaneo
His charming Irish accent and his vast knowledge of wines and how to take great care of guests are some of the reasons why customers keep returning. There are many delightful appetizers to consider, with the unique Greensleeves and the lamb and boar sausage (which is made on the premises and served with a sweet rich port wine sauce) leading the way. During a recent visit, I ordered
Greensleeves, which features a freshroasted pasilla chili and is stuffed with goat and mozzarella cheese, along with ground venison. It is served with a bold and assertive fresh zesty arrabbiata sauce. The chili had a nice light crunch when cut into, and the filling was delicious. The first two entrees were the grilled lamb chops, which were juicy and tasty and served with delicious mint jelly demi-glaze and a tangy
» Prime rib chop reduced balsamic sauce. The massive 22-ounce bone-in prime rib eye steak was simply sensational. As expected, the steak was tender and juicy, and the light delicate orangewoods smoky flavor made this steak quite special. Both of these entrees, as well as most of the others, are served with fresh broccoli and carrots and either roasted potatoes or white truffle oil-infused mashed potatoes.
Other entrees I sampled and highly recommend include the smoked duck a l’orange, the popular grilled Scottish salmon filet with a stunningly rich champagne and caper cream sauce, and, of course, the made-on-the-premises pastas including stuffed lobster ravioli, with a wonderful tomato garlic white wine cream sauce; and spaghetti, shrimp and arugula with a terrific fresh tomato garlic sauce. In addition to tantalizing entrees, wonderfully decadent desserts also are served. I highly recommend the impressive Sabayon (a cousin of the light, egg-based Italian dessert zabaglione), which is made with Marsala wine, mascarpone, egg yolks, pistachios and heavy cream, and served in a tall glass with fresh strawberries and pillars of puff pastry. What a great dessert to end a memorable dining experience. For those wanting a less formal experience, may I suggest going upstairs and letting Michael “Woody” Wood pour a nice glass of wine, brandy or any of your
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» Salmon with champagne and caper cream sauce
other favorite libations in one of the two casual rooms with flat-screen televisions. Order anything off the dining room menu and then sit back, relax and have fun. This wine bar/speakeasy is open Friday and Saturday at 3 p.m., Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and Monday at 5 p.m. I have eaten at Joe Greensleeves many times over the years and have always found it to be very good. But the Briggs brothers, as new owners, have raised the game, taking the restaurant to a level not seen in years. I’m looking forward to my next visit. Allan Borgen may be heard on Saturdays on the “Let’s Dine Out” radio show on KTIE (590 AM). His website is www.letsdineoutshow.com. Contact him via email at allan@ktie590.com or by phone at 909-910-3463. Joe Greensleeves
220 N. Orange St., Redlands 909-792-6969, http://joegreensleevesrestaurant.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 5-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday for dinner; closed Sundays Prices: $16.95 to $44.95 Full Bar
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» Bartender Michael “Woody” Wood
dining |
CUISINE
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Bua Thai Cuisine 7 &IRST 3T s 0AD 4HAI NOODLES SATE AND A VARIETY OF DISHES ALONG WITH 4HAI ART IN A SEMI INDUSTRIAL DECOR #LAREMONT 6ILLAGE 7EST ,UNCH AND DINNER DAILY $
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Hip Kitty Fondue Lounge 7 &IRST 3T WWW HIPKITTYJAZZ COM s ,OCATED IN THE 0ACKINGHOUSE IN #LAREMONT 6ILLAGE 7EST THE (IP +ITTY FONDUE DINNERS ON A PRIX FIXE MENU INCLUDE SALAD CHEESE AND MEAT FONDUE A DESERT AND WINE /PEN 4U 3U RS, FB, $$-$$$
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dining |
CUISINE
New York Grill 950 Ontario Mills Drive; 909-987-1928, http://newyorkgrill.com s #HICKEN DUCK SALMON !USTRALIAN LOBSTER TAIL LAMB RIBS AND QUALITY STEAKS ,UNCH - & DINNER - 3A RS, $$$
Rosaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s . 6INEYARD !VE www.rosasitalian.com s )TALIAN CUISINE SERVED IN INTIMATE SURROUNDINGS 0IANO PLAYER 4HURSDAY THROUGH 3ATURDAY ,UNCH - & DINNER - 3A RS, FB, $$$
Tokyo Tokyo /NTARIO -ILLS $RIVE 3UITE ( 909-987-7999, WWW TOKYOTOKYOSUSHI COM s *APANESE CUISINE SEAFOOD AND A FULL SERVICE SUSHI BAR $INING AREAS INCLUDE TRADITIONAL 4ATAMI ROOMS AND A TROPICAL GARDEN SETTING ,UNCH 4U & DINNER 4U 3U RS, $$
pomona Aladdin Jr. Restaurant & Cafe II 7 3ECOND 3T WWW ALADDINJRRESTAURANT COM s "RIGHT COLORFUL DINING AT !LADDIN *R )) INCLUDES BABAGHANOUJ A DISH OF ROASTED EGGPLANT WITH SESAME SEED OIL HUMMUS STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES FALAFEL AND
SHISH KABOBS ,UNCH AND DINNER - 3A FROM A M $
McKinleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grille 3HERATON 3UITES &AIRPLEX 7 -C+INLEY !VE WWW SHERATONFAIRPLEX COM DINING s 4RADITIONAL BREAKFAST FARE PLUS PASTA STEAK SEAFOOD AND MORE "REAKFAST LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY FB, $$$
Sakura Ichi 7 -ISSION "LVD HTTP SAKURAICHI COM s $INNER COMBOS COME WITH SALAD MISO SOUP STEAMED RICE AND DESSERT "EER wine and and cocktails are served. ,UNCH 4U & DINNER 4 3U FB, $$$
rancho cucamonga Antoninoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6INEYARD !VE WWW ANTONINOSRESTAURANT NET s .ORTHERN AND 3OUTHERN )TALIAN CUISINE SERVED IN A DINING ROOM WITH 2OMANESQUE PAINTINGS AND COMFY SEATING ,UNCH AND dinner daily. RS, FB, $
BJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant & Brewhouse &OURTH 3T WWW BJSRESTAURANTS COM s $EEP DISH PIZZAS SALADS SANDWICHES PASTAS STEAKS BABY BACK RIBS AND MORE ,UNCH AND DINNER DAILY RS, FB, $
Green Mango Thai Bistro Authentic Thai selections (drunken noodles above) without Chinese influences. Beer and wine are served. 11226 Fourth St., Rancho Cucamonga; 909-987 8885; www.greenmangothaibistro.com PHOTO BY THOMAS R. CORDOVA
Galliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant & Piano Bar
Haandi Indian Cuisine
#ARNELIAN 3T www.gallis.net s #ASUAL DINING WITH PASTA SANDWICHES AND SPECIALTY PIZZAS FOR TWO AMONG THE MOST POPULAR SELECTIONS ,IVE ENTERTAINMENT ,UNCH AND DINNER DAILY RS, $
(AVEN !VE WWW HAANDIINDIANCUISINE COM s .ORTHERN )NDIAN CUISINE WITH SOME ADJUSTMENTS FOR !MERICAN TASTES COOKED IN A TANDOOR CLAY OVEN ,UNCH AND DINNER daily. FB, $$
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Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greetings 56
from all of your friends at Our next magazine will publish February 19, 2012. To advertise with us call 909-386-3936. december 2011
Islamorada Fish Company Bass Pro Shop at Victoria Gardens, 7777 Victoria Gardens Lane; 909-922-5400, www.fishcompany.com s $ISCOVERED HERE BLACKENED TILAPIA TOPPED WITH GRILLED SHRIMP BROILED CATFISH MAHI MAHI AND YELLOWFIN TUNA ! GALLON SALT WATER FISH TANK IS QUITE THE CONVERSATION PIECE FB, $$
Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crab Shack &OOTHILL "LVD WWW JOESCRABSHACK COM s 3HRIMP Â&#x2C6; POPCORN CRISPY JALAPENO PLATTERS AND PASTA Â&#x2C6; AND AN ASSORTMENT BEACH FUN AS WELL AS SEAFOOD STEAKS AND SANDWICHES )T S ALL SERVED IN A CASUAL atmosphere. FB, $$
Lucilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barbecue . -AINSTREET 6ICTORIA 'ARDENS WWW LUCILLESBBQ COM s ,UCILLE S SERVES UP SLOW COOKED RIBS PULLED PORK AND CUE OF ALL KINDS FB $$
Magic Lamp Inn &OOTHILL "LVD WWW THEMAGICLAMPINN COM s 2OUTE LANDMARK SERVES PRIME RIB RACK OF LAMB SALMON FILLET AND CHATEAUBRIAND ,UNCH 4U & DINNER 4U 3U FB, $$$
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s (EARTY PASTA SEAFOOD STEAKS BURGERS BARBECUE AND OTHER !MERICAN FARE AND AWARD WINNING BEER BREWED ON THE spot. RS, FB, $$
TAURANT WHICH HAS A TOP SHELF WINE LIST AND HAS RECEIVED THE !!! &OUR $IAMOND AWARD EVERY YEAR SINCE $INNER - 3A BRUNCH 3U $$$
Richieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Real American Diner
Killarneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant & Irish Pub
6ICTORIA 'ARDENS -ONET !VE 909-899-8101, www.richiesdiner.com s !LL !MERICAN EGG DISHES AND PANCAKES FOR BREAKFAST PLUS BURGERS CHICKEN STEAKS AND DESSERTS $
Salsitas Mexican Grill "ASELINE 2OAD 3UITE ! !LTA Loma; 909-948-1158 s &RESHLY MADE TORTILLAS AND TRADITIONAL -EXICAN FARE MAKE THIS SPOT A LOCAL FAVORITE ,UNCH DINNER DAILY $
Sycamore Inn &OOTHILL "LVD www.thesycamoreinn.com s (OSPITALITY HAS LONG BEEN THE HALLMARK of the Sycamore Inn, which dates to the MID S $INNER NIGHTLY RS, FB, $$$
riverside Asahi 6AN "UREN "LVD 2IVERSIDE s !LL YOU CAN EAT FOR ONE PRICE OR INDIVIDUAL ORDERS ,UNCH - 3A DINNER DAILY $$ Duaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s !T THE -ISSION )NN -ISSION )NN !VE www.missioninn.com s 0REMIER STEAKHOUSE AND SEAFOOD RES-
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Las Campanas !T THE -ISSION )NN -ISSION )NN !VE WWW MISSIONINN COM s !UTHENTIC -EXICAN CUISINE SERVED IN A BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED OUTDOOR GARDEN ,UNCH - 3A BRUNCH 3U DINNER NIGHTLY $
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WWW MARIOSPLACE COM s #HEF ,EONE 0ALAGI S TAKE ON NORTHERN )TALIAN CUISINE HAS BEEN PRAISED FAR AND WIDE AND HIS CREATIVITY AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL SHOWS IN EVERY DISH ,IVE CONTEMPORARY JAZZ PERFORMERS &RIDAY AND 3ATURDAY NIGHTS .O COVER CHARGE
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upland Cafe Allegro . 3ECOND !VE s 2USTIC )TALIAN DINING IN DOWNTOWN 5PLAND WITH WONDERFUL BREADS AND A RANGE OF CLASSIC DISHES ,UNCH AND DINNER - 3A 3U P M $$
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Spaggiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7 &OOTHILL "LVD ( 909-579-0497, www.spaggis.com s )TALIAN CLASSICS AS WELL AS DISTINCTIVE DISHES INCLUDING A 3OUTH !FRICAN SEA BASS SERVED WITH SCALLOPED POTATOES SNAP PEAS AND ROASTED CORN ,UNCH - & DINNER DAILY FB, $$-$$$
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ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI LUNCH DINNER
Now Open For Dinner
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Library Foundation Fundraiser The Victoria Gardens Cultural Center was the site of the recent Music, Masquerade and Merlot fundraiser hosted by the Rancho Cucamonga Library Foundation. The annual event pairs music — this year performed by Rod Gilfry and his wife Tina — and delicious food from Impressions Catering along with wines to raise money for library operations. Guests were encouraged to come in costume.
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1) Chuck and Susan Buquet, left, Gino L. Filippi and Nicole Myerchin 2) Bill Alexander, left, Nancy Thouvenell, Marty Thouvenell and Jody and Bill Velto 3) Doug and Dee Morris 4) Robert Karatsu, left, and Michelle Perera 5) Lori Sommer, left, Deneen Taylor and Kathy Sommer 6) Paul and Diane Williams, left, and James Troyer
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HOPE Fashion Show
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myfoothillsmagazine.com
Supporters of Helping Our Pets Everyday, better known simply as HOPE, put their best paws forward at a recent Walking the Runway fashion show. Although the event at the Cooper Regional History Museum in downtown Upland was a great success, the real stars of the day were the animals. Some of the models were either foster or rescue dogs along with the people who saved them. The spotlight was on helping raise money to rescue abandoned cats and dogs.
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1) Stephanie Guida and Camille 2) Sharon Ellis, center, owner of Pine Haven Catering, with her staff 3) Councilman Gino L. Filippi, left, and Margaret Coffman, President of HOPE 4) Kimberly Saxelby with Evie 5) Chandler Holmes with Mila, left, and Claire Stockdale with Cody 6) Violet, a wire hair terrier, wears a party dress 7) Dogs wearing their attire walk to the stage. 8) Dogs with their owners Photos by James Carbone
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Alzheimer’s Association Walk Everyone participated for different reasons, but they all shared the same message: financial resources are needed so researchers can unlock what’s behind Alzheimer’s disease. This annual walk-a-thon was an event to remember those lost to or afflicted by the disease that robs individuals of their memories. Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park served as the backdrop for this event, which drew hundreds. 6
1) Syble Fischer, left, Liebe Staes, Rose Randolph and Lue Davillier 2) 2011 Miss Teen Citrus Valley Emily Delgado 3) Jill Hancock, left, Annie Corley, Stacey Turner and Susan Galeas 4) Arlene Reed, left, and Amy Gallaher 5) Jean Dickinson, left, and Jill Hancock 6) Diana Sacdalan, left, and Melissa Bentz 7) Leigh Hutchins, left, and Patricia Gutierrez 8) Vincent Coronado, left, Davon Hardy, Willie Sams and Javon Hardy 9) Participants begin the Alzheimer’s Association Walk.
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december 2011
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pomona
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Matthew Myers Memorial 5K Run/Walk
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Runners and supporters came out in force to remember Matthew Myers and to help others. They participated in Matt's Run at Cal Poly Pomona. Myers, who was an avid runner, was killed in an accident on campus in 2005. The memorial 5-kilometer run/walk honors his memory and raised money to provide scholarships to individuals striving to help others. 1) Aimee Carter, left, Luke Finalet and Julia Camarena 2) USC students from ROTC Detatchment 060 3) Kristin Cavanagh and Paul Nurre 4) John Schwatrz, front, and Chris and Kevin Myers, the parents of Matthew Myers 5) Kyle and Betsy Brown and their daughter, Ainsley 6) Mitchell Price, left, and Andrew Simpson 6) Esther Chou and Rodney Tanaka
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Fight for Air Walk
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Supporters of the American Lung Association laced up their shoes recently at Riversideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fairmount Park to participate in the Fight for Air Walk. The event attracted individual supporters and teams, and raised more than $50,000.
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1) Chelsea Curry, left, Donna Curry, Doyle Curry, Gabrielle Curry, Anthony Felix, with Chanel, front left, and Bella 2) Team Arrowhead Regional Medical Center 3) Erick Villalon, left, Charolette Stevenson, Michael Wright and Teresa Ramirez 4) Nicole Ramos, left, Allen Wild, Debra Lauricha, Robin Bose and Stephanie Bose, all from Omnitrans 5) Brittany Magill, left, Kelly Boyle, Stephanie Tutt, Tammy Magill and Sharon Livings, front, all from team Asthma Busters from Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Photos by James Carbone
december 2011
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volunteer
Ready to help? Many opportunities
M
n fruits Volunteers harvest locally grow Hope Partners.
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gh Inland Valley and vegetables for a program throu
Volunteers should think about what interests them and what they physically can do.
reading is a passion, then the library is a good place to start. If it’s children, then school districts are a good place to tutor. Many nonprofits need receptionists or clerical help. Think about how many hours per week, a month or a year that you want to volunteer.” RSVP, which partners with 130 agencies, works under the auspices of the Community Senior Services in Claremont. It matches individuals 55 years and older with volunteer positions throughout the area. In fact, one of its promotional taglines says,
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“An Invitation to Serve.” In addition to the RSVP database, the local Volunteer Match has a website offering many opportunities. “Most nonprofits have volunteer coordinators who will help place you in a role that fits what you are looking for within their organization,” Chavez said. “Ask friends or neighbors about their volunteering experience. Once you have thought about what fits into your life and find a cause that you support, chances are you will love volunteering there.” december 2011
myfoothillsmagazine.com
Many people think about volunteering, but never act. Maybe now’s the time to step up and follow through. Volunteers read to children, collect canned goods and clothing for the hungry and homeless, operate telephone hotlines at shelters, introduce both young and old to the beauty of nature, comfort those in need, act as tutors and much more. With so many options to get involved, where to start? One place is the Inland Empire United Way. “We have opportunities here on-site, and our HandsOn Inland Empire Volunteer Program serves as a volunteer gateway,” said Allan Collins, director of volunteerism. “We can work individually with a volunteer or volunteer group and personalize the experience.” A great resource is the organization’s website, www.handsoninlandempire.org. “The best way to find an opportunity is to do a quick self-assessment — what is my passion? What is my availability? What are my skills?” he said. Once that’s done, it’s time to act. “We have seen more individuals who are unemployed seek volunteer opportunities,” Collins said. “Additionally, nonprofit organizations are looking for more assistance since funding has decreased in this economic downturn. This reality has created greater opportunities for people who are skilled and/or unemployed to volunteer and meet that need.” Linda Chavez, director of the Foothill Communities RSVP, agrees. “Volunteers should think about what interests them and what they physically can do,” she said. “For example, do you want to work indoors or outdoors? Do you like to work independently or with a group? What are your passions? If
Story by Suzanne Sproul
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save the date
Events Nov. 21 — Veterans Celebration Golf Classic for all Upland veterans who have served overseas, hosted by the Landecena Family Foundation and the Upland Foothill Kiwanis Foundation. Free to veterans. Sierra Lakes Golf Course, 16600 Clubhouse Drive, Fontana; shotgun start at noon; 909-982-9563 or 909-982-4885. Nov. 24 — Fourth annual Turkey Trot 5K run/walk, with a 1K kiddy trot, presented by the Upland Recreation Department and the Upland High School boys and girls cross country teams. Registration begins at 6 a.m. with the 1K kiddy trot at 7:30 a.m. followed by the 5K run/walk at 8 a.m. Registration $30 for the 5K, $20 for the 1K. 909-931-4285. Dec. 3 — Pomona Fraternal Order of Eagles is having its annual Christmas Tree Lane fundraiser to benefit the Inland Valley Hope Partners food program for the homeless and hungry. 954 W. Mission Blvd., Pomona; 3:30 p.m. social reception, 5 p.m. dinner; $8 adults, $5 children; 909-762-3032. Dec. 3 — The Casa de Rancho Historical Society of Rancho Cucamonga’s Las Guias Auxiliary of docents will host an old-fashioned
Christmas at a Civil War-era home off Vineyard Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga. Hot cider and cookies will be served, and the house will be decorated. 3 to 8 p.m.; $3 for ages 12 and older, $2 for ages 5-11; 909-989-4970. Dec. 4 — Assistance League of the Foothill Communities will host its 33rd Christmas Tree Brunch, Home for the Holidays. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees will be on display. DoubleTree Hotel, 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario; $100; 909-484-1215, http://foothillcommunities. assistanceleague.org. Dec. 4 — The Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Auxiliary is hosting its annual Home for the Holidays tour of three residences in Upland and Claremont. Event benefits the Sick Baby and Hospital Assistance Fund. Theme basket raffles, gourmet shop and gift shop, English tea with treats included at The Claremont Club, 1777 Monte Vista Ave.,Claremont; 909-865-9669. Dec. 8-11 — 25th annual Elizabethan Dinner, presented by the Upland High School Choral Department and its Madrigals program. Pacific Christian Center, 800 W. Arrow Highway, Upland; 909-949-7880, ext. 560.
Winter Benefit Supporting Inland Empire United Way and Hope Reigns Foundation
JANUARY 26, 2012
CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA
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Join the entire roster of the Ontario Reign center ice for a VIP dinner as the arena is transformed into a Winter Wonderland. With the Ontario Reign by your side, you ZLOO KHDU ŕUVW KDQG WKH LPSDFW EHLQJ made for low income children and families LQ RXU FRPPXQLW\ $OO SURFHHGV ZLOO KHOS LPSURYH WKH OLYHV RI GLVDGYDQWDJHG NLGV LQ WKH ,QODQG (PSLUH 'RQÂW PLVV WKLV QLJKW to remember!
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www.ieuw.or g/benefit december 2011
At Inland Valley Hope Partners, which opened in 1968, families are provided two basic needs — food and shelter — along with hygiene products, diapers and other goods. “These may seem like simple items, but in fact they are a tremendous help to a family on a budget,” said Fran Robertson, the spokeswoman for Inland Valley Hope Partners, which is based in Pomona. Volunteers are important to the agency, assisting in all aspects of its programming and administration. They also help at one of the four food pantries and take part in the Gleaning program, which to date has harvested more than 3,000 pounds of fresh locally grown fruit and vegetables. Alicia Castro, the IVHP volunteer coordinator, can match any person who wants to help with the right position. “Volunteers are the heart of Inland Valley Hope Partners, and we could not serve more than 5,000 people a month without them,” Robertson said. “We are blessed to have them.” Volunteer opportunities A sampling of local agencies that can use a helping hand: CLASP — Tutoring in the Claremont School District, kindergarten through sixth grade. Maia Dean, 909-624-9693 Inland Hospice Association — Claremont agency that helps seniors with transportation, companionship; also provides programs and counseling for the bereaved and the dying. The Rev. Jim Covey, 909-399-3289 Learning Ally (formerly known as Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic) — Read and record books to help those with diminished sight, so they can continue to enjoy a book or further their educations. Maureen Ahrens, 909-949-4316 Habitat for Humanity Re-Store — Help at the Pomona store that sells household items and appliances, with proceeds going to build homes for families in need. Andrew Johnson, 909-399-0202 LeRoy Haynes Center for Children — In La Verne, provides homes for neglected, abused and abandoned boys and young men. 909-539-2581 Foothill AIDS Project — Helps with transportation, delivering food and providing general friendship to those suffering with the disease. Gail Polk, 909-482-2066 Steven’s Hope — Provides financial and emotional support to families with children suffering from life-threatening illnesses by offering food and shelter. Tony Cappelli, 866-3-STEVEN
Foothill Family Shelter — Provides food plus temporary and some permanent housing to homeless families with children, and tutoring, crafts, etc. Megan Nehamen, 909-920-0453, ext. 106 Pacific Lifeline — Provides food, counseling and shelter to women and children escaping domestic violence and homelessness. Kirsten Grubb, 909-931-2624 Camp Fire USA Inland Southern California — Promotes programs introducing boys and girls to the outdoors while advancing self-awareness and self-esteem. Sandra Rutherford, 909-466-5878 Rains House — A Rancho Cucamonga satellite of the San Bernardino County Museum; volunteers help with maintenance, fundraising and the docent student program. 909-989-4970 Empty Bowls — Glendora program provides food and counseling to the hungry and homeless; main fundraising tool is hosting soup suppers. 626-335-2240 David and Margaret Youth and Family Services — In La Verne, provides support and mentoring to troubled and abandoned young girls. 909-596-5921 Boys and Girls Club of Fontana — Provides afterschool activities, tutoring, crafts and friendship to youngsters. 909-822-4988
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Finding joy in the smallest places
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BY carla sanders ILLUSTRATIONs BY BETTS GRIfFONE
L
ast year, on the afternoon of Christmas Eve, as my daughter and I drove through our town and passed a tree lot, she wondered aloud, “What happens to the trees that aren’t sold? I think it would be so sad to be the last tree. It’s like the puppy that no one wants.” I told her that would make a nice story — and then proceeded to write it. So, in honor of this glorious season, here is the tale of one special little tree, a story inspired by the lovely thought of one special young girl. It’s already becoming a favorite in our family; perhaps yours will enjoy it too. The Last Christmas Tree The little tree swayed in the cold winter wind. The day was clear and bright, and the tree stood straight and proud on the city lot. For years, the little tree had watched as other, bigger trees were chosen to make the journey from the tree farm to the tree lot, where they would be bought, carried away and set up in cozy homes, surrounded by loving families. The little tree knew that the farm’s owner had passed it by year after year because he was hoping the tree would eventually grow tall, with thick, full branches. But that had never happened. The little tree remained a thin, willowy bit of noble fir — and every year it heard the same joke. “There’s nothing noble about that tree!” the tree cutters would say, and everyone would laugh. This year had been different. In late November, the cutters had headed straight for the little tree. Now, after a daylong trip in the big green truck, the tree stood with many others under the twinkling lights of the city lot. The little tree hoped the family that took it home had many children, who would dance all around it and sing happy songs. All day on Dec. 1, as the little tree watched, people came and went. They roamed from tree to tree, standing close, stepping back, and eyeing the trees from top to bottom. Some brought measuring sticks, others stood beside the trees to determine their height.
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The little tree was full of hope for a home of its own, but that day no one even came near to take a look. No one seemed to want a tree that was a little bit different, that was not quite perfect. And so it went, day after day, week after week. Each morning began with the glimmer of wonderful things to come, and each evening ended with the little tree still on the lot, slumping among fewer and fewer trees. By Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, only two trees remained. At noon that day, the little tree stood alone. In late afternoon, a man rushed onto the lot. “I need a tree!” he exclaimed. The little tree tried to perk up when it heard the words, but all heart seemed to have left its withering branches. “That’s the only one left,” the tree seller said, pointing to the forlorn little tree. The man glanced at the tree, so alone and sad, and his face softened. “It’s perfect,” he said. “I’ll take it.” The man carried the little tree gently on his shoulder as he made his way through the snowy streets. He stopped at the old brownstone with the red front door. “I’ve got the tree!” he hollered as he walked into the warm entryway. And to the little tree’s amazement, not one, not two, not even three children appeared. Instead, 20 boys and girls at the county Children’s Home gathered around the tree, laughing and giggling and chatting about how they would adorn it. “You children can start decorating while I chop more firewood,” the man said, heading to the rear of the house. Lights and tinsel were strung first, followed by ornaments made by all the children. There were strings of berries, paper garlands, popcorn strands and tiny painted mirrors. As the children worked, something quite remarkable began to happen. The little tree grew taller with each touch of a child’s hand. The branches spread thicker and firmer with each kind word. When the time came to place the Christmas Star at the top of the tree, the children were astonished to realize that the soft needles nearly touched the ceiling. This family of mismatched children had accepted the unwanted, pitiful little tree, and that unconditional love had helped it become the tree it was meant to be — tall and fine and flush with happiness. The man returned and did not seem at all surprised to find the scrubby little tree had blossomed
into a lush, full-grown, velvety noble fir. He knew, as the children did not, that with the twin gifts of kindness and love, along with the right family, they, too, would one day grow into tall, fine and, especially, kind young men and women. For now, though, for this Christmas Eve, it was enough for each of them to bask in the shared warmth and holiday spirit that filled the house — and the joy brought into their lives by one little noble fir, the last Christmas tree.
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Editor’s footnote: During this season, we encourage you to give your gifts to those in need and especially to those agencies that help children. Some ideas: Foothill Family Shelter, www.foothillfamilyshelter.org; the Salvation Army in Pomona and Ontario, www.salvationarmy-pomona.org and www.salvationarmyusa.org; the Children’s Fund of San Bernardino County, www.childrensfundsbcounty.org; and the Leroy Haynes Center, www.leroyhaynes.org. There are many more agencies doing good work; these are but a sampling. Find one, and reach out.
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carla sanders
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The miracle of music Music is magical. It has amazing powers — to soothe, to heal, to bring joy and offer reflection. We have a national anthem that is sung in schools, at sporting events and on the Fourth of July among many other occasions. As children we learned things in a sing-song manner (“A-B-C-D-E-F-G ... H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P...”) We jumped rope and clap-clapped to musical rhymes, and laid down our heads at night to the lilting strains of “Rock a Bye Baby.” We’ve advanced now to “Baby Mozart” and other tunes (“Following the leader, the leader, the leader...” was a favorite of my daughter, as was the soundtrack to “The Sound of Music.”) But Christmas carols and other holiday music seem to have the greatest hold over us. We know many of the songs by heart. They’ve endured for generations, grandmothers and grandsons singing the same tunes year after year. During the holidays, there are whole presentations devoted to the music of the season. In Redlands, the Feast of Lights, an extravaganza of song, poetry and drama will mark its 64th year. The Candlelight Pavilion dinner theater in Claremont will present its 26th Christmas spectacular, “Santa’s Christmas Wish,” as always an original show. Singers Dale Kristien and Bill Hutton will offer their annual Christmas concert at the Grove Theatre in Upland. The Haugh Performing Arts Center in Glendora will host “Christmas Is...” and “Holidance!” two shows overflowing with the sounds
of the season. The Claremont Symphony Orchestra will again be part of a community sing-along of Handel’s “Messiah.” Churches and community groups also put forth large holiday musical spectacles, among them the elaborate productions at Pomona First Baptist and several Calvary Chapels. Even the tiny community of San Antonio Heights gets in the spirit, hosting a sing-along on Christmas Eve in front of the local fire station. Just as some smells conjure up thoughts of days gone by, music does the same. While the aroma of freshly mowed grass on a warm evening recalls for me high school football games, Christmas carols evoke memories of childhood and family. I hear “White Christmas” and I’m in Arkansas, about 4 or 5, at my grandmother’s house for a snowy holiday. I hear “You better watch out, you better not cry...” and I’m about 10 in Indio, my grandmother laughing and teasing me with the words. I hear “Feliz Navidad” and I’m in high school, my sister — nearly fluent in Spanish — telling me what it means. I hear “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and I’m a 30-something editor in New York, driving down the Long Island Expressway, sighing because in reality, I wouldn’t be home for Christmas that year or many others to come. I hear “Silent Night” and I’m at Christmas Eve candlelight church services, my mother with the beautiful voice leading the music as we sing
this last song before heading out into the night. One year, when I was living across the country from my family and would not be spending the holidays with any of them because of work obligations, I decided it would cheer me up to do something for others on Christmas Day. I called around and made arrangements with two nursing homes to play my flute in their community rooms. When I arrived at the first one Christmas morning, the room was packed. Several dozen residents had been wheeled in while others were there with walkers. Some people were alert, a great deal were not. But as I began to play the old, familiar Christmas songs, the magic unfolded. The residents, many of whom had seemed nearly catatonic only moments before, began to hum or sing. They continued throughout my repertoire of 30 or so songs, from “Jingle Bells” to “The First Noel.” The staff was so amazed they asked me to play them all again. At the conclusion, there was silence once more. Some years later, I interviewed an expert on dementia for a story. I told him about that special Christmas morning and he was not surprised. He said some memories and thoughts are so ingrained, so deep, so long-term, that they can bubble up to the surface when least expected. I’ve never forgotten that day. The music proved magical indeed, and it provided, for me at least, a wondrous Christmas miracle.
Our
Marty Rodriguez
At CENTURY 21 Marty Rodriguez - The Difference Is Noticeable Walking into the CENTURY 21 Marty Rodriguez office in Glendora, Calif., is the ultimate customer experience. As you enter, you’re warmly greeted by the smiling, attentive reception staff. There’s a hum of excitement, enthusiasm, energy and expectation of excellence in the air. Wherever you look, from the polished cars in the parking lot, to the gleaming floors and countertops, to the luminous shine of the Realtors’ dress shoes, you know you’re in a place that highly values the customer. “When we were drawing up our business model,” said Shelley Dow, C21 Marty Rodriguez, broker and a USC business graduate, we built it around the customer. They had to be No. 1 and the focus of everything we do.” In turn, customers have made CENTURY 21 Marty Rodriguez No. 1.
Shelley Dow
The secret, of course, is not in the philosophy, but in the execution by the management team, comprising Dow, Ed Rodriguez, III, Marina Hernandez , and, of course, Marty Rodriguez herself, who started the company more than three decades ago. Although Marty is the owner and team’s inspirational leader, she handed off the daily management of the company long ago to Shelley (chief operating officer), Ed (sales management director) and Marina (sales support manager), so she could continue to pursue her first passion – sales and serving clients directly. “The management team works wonderfully together,” Marty said. “Each of us brings different and complementary talents to the table, which makes us stronger as a whole,” Marty said. “Because every management member knows and enjoys his or her role to the fullest, we can really get things done and keep the focus on driving excellence throughout the company,” Marina added.
Ed Rodriguez III
The management team has put in place clear, results-driven standards, systems, schedules and goals – a structure of success from the front office to the back office that any business would envy. Instead of cutting back staff during the recession, they’ve added key personnel. Look no farther than the reception desk, where three associates answer the phones from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends – a practice almost unheard of in any business or industry today. When they say, they value your call, they VALUE your call! “Our office stands for a level of excellence that we’ll never compromise,” Ed said. “We haven’t cut salaries or benefits or vacations. We’re never going to sacrifice quality; otherwise what do we have? People trust and do business with us because of our quality and what we stand for." Indeed, Marty’s top team of Realtors undergoes constant training and certification and always has at its disposal a wide range of company resources so they can provide their customers with ready answers and solutions. There's a deep, mutual respect between management and staff, and it shows. “We’re a family here,” Shelley added. “Yes, we have high standards, but more important, we work to live and uphold them every day. That's the secret. The trust we have in each other and our commitment to being the best has never wavered.”
Marina Hernandez
Put the CENTURY 21 Marty Rodriguez team to the test today! Traditional sales, short-sales, investment properties. Upsizing, downsizing? The C21 Marty Rodriguez team wants to serve you!
www.c21martyrodriguez.com Bus. (626) 914-6637 / (909) 985-2114 1030 E. Route 66, Glendora, CA 91740
DRE# 01206788