September 2020
Fine living in the greater Pasadena area
SAPORI DI 786 DEGREES
ALI HAIDER IS ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY—AND PIZZA
PASADENA MEALS ON WHEELS
ORGANIZATION FEEDS THOSE WHO CAN’T FEED THEMSELVES
Pairing THE PERFECT
MORGANA BLACKWELDER AND NOELLE VALENTINO ARE REDEFINING THE AUCTION WORLD
2 | ARROYO | 09.20
4 | ARROYO | 09.20
arroyo VOLUME 16 | NUMBER 09 | SEPTEMBER 2020
07 THE PERFECT PAIRING Morgana Blackwelder and Noelle Valentino are redefining the auction world —By Kamala Kirk
10 IT WAS ‘NOW OR NEVER’ Attorney Amy Sulahian finds her niche with law —By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
12 PIECING TOGETHER SUCCESS Saxum Tile’s Kim Gould is an extension of your design team —By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
13 PURSUING HER PASSION Aasia Kinney finds second career in real estate —By Connor Dziawura
14 A SACRED SPACE Karen Miller enjoys beaches, wine and landscape design —By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
16 DESIGNING TOGETHER Mother-daughter team is beautifying the San Gabriel Valley one house at a time —By Kamala Kirk
26 ‘WE’RE STILL HERE TO HELP’ Pasadena Meals on Wheels feeds those who can’t feed themselves —By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
28 UNPRECEDENTED BUT ESSENTIAL Pasadena Community Foundation responds to the pandemic —By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
32 HUMANITARIAN HEROES Fosters are helping Pasadena Humane through the pandemic —By Jana Monji
34 MODERN MASTERPIECE Altadena’s Callow home is on the trajectory of Los Angeles modernism —BY Kamala Kirk
36 SAPORI DI 786 DEGREES Ali Haider is all about community—and pizza —BY Nikhil Misra-Bhambri
D EPARTMENTS
18 HOME AND DESIGN Women Leading the Charge
25 CULINARY CUPBOARD Sweet, Sharp and Satisfying
arroyo
fine living in the greater pasadena area
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Christina Fuoco -Karasinski ART DIRECTOR Stephanie Torres CONTRIBUTORS Nikhil Bhambri, Connor Dziawura, Kamala Kirk, Annika Tomlin PHOTOGRAPHERS Luis Chavez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lisa Chase, Catherine Holloway, Michael Lamb ADVERTORIAL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Bruce Haring OFFICE MANAGER Ann Turrietta ON THE COVER: Morgana Blackwelder and Noelle Valentino photographed by Luis Chavez
TIMES MEDIA GROUP PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine V.P. OF OPERATIONS Michael Hiatt ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Zac Reynolds CONTACT US EDITORIAL christina@timespublications.com PHONE (626) 584-1500 FAX (626) 795-0149 MAILING ADDRESS 161 South Pasadena, Ste. B, South Pasadena, CA 91030 ArroyoMonthly.com ©2020 Times Media Group All rights reserved.
09.20 ARROYO | 5
6 | ARROYO | 09.20
The Perfect Pairing MORGANA BLACKWELDER AND NOELLE VALENTINO ARE REDEFINING THE AUCTION WORLD STORY BY KAMALA KIRK | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ continued on page 8
09.20 | ARROYO | 7
continued from page 7
A
uctions have played an important role in American culture, dating back to as early as 1662. The history of auctioneering goes back even further to ancient Greece, when auctions were held to sell off recently acquired spoils of war. Centuries later, modern-day auctions remain a lucrative business enterprise, and while historically it has been a male-dominated industry, nowadays more women are pursuing successful careers in auction houses. Morgana Blackwelder and Noelle Valentino are redefining the role of women in the world of fine art and personal property auctions. At John Moran Auctioneers in Monrovia, which employs a team comprised of more than 50% female staff, the two women have joined forces to create the trusts and estates department, a new division within the company where they combine their distinct professional backgrounds and industry experiences to offer clients high-quality boutique services. “When Noelle and I first walk into a room of mostly men, it can be surprising for some people to find out what we do, but then they quickly discover just how much we know about the industry,” Blackwelder says. “We enjoy getting to know people conversationally and talking about our hobbies. We’re very approachable once people get to know us, which is part of our shared dynamic.” Blackwelder grew up in Sierra Madre and worked as a dealer of fine and decorative art for her family’s art and antique business. She began working for John Moran Auctioneers as a teenager and has been with the company for 17 years. She worked her way up to senior vice president and fine art director, where she oversees all appraisals and the sale of thousands of artworks offered throughout the year in the company’s specialty auctions. “I’ve worn multiple hats at the company, from being a receptionist and graphic designer to handling property,” Blackwelder says. “I did fine art cataloguing and also helped develop our jewelry department. Fine art was always a natural fit for me, and when I was starting out I had a mentor who came from Christie’s who took me under her wing. One of the things I love most about this job is being able to walk people through what can be one of the most difficult times in their lives: letting go of personal items or family heirlooms because of a death, divorce, debt or downsizing. I provide information about our company, help them understand the sale process, and reassure them that their cherished items will be cared for.” An East Coast native, Valentino studied history and art history at George Washington University, then earned her master’s degree in art history at the University of California, Riverside while working as a lecturer at the Getty Museum. She became the academic programs coordinator for the UCLA Hammer Museum prior to working at Everything But The House, an estate sale auction company. Last January, Valentino joined the team at John Moran Auctioneers as department manager, where she facilitates the Trusts and Estates Department’s mission in building lasting industry relationships. She also conducts in-home walkthroughs to evaluate client collections, performs personal property appraisals, and designs sale plans for disposition at auction, in addition to managing the inventory consignment process. “I’m really lucky to be working with Morgana, who is a wealth of information on everything,” Valentino says. “She has amazing institutional knowledge of the company, along with incredible business know-how, while I come to the table with different experiences, which is the real strength of our pairing. One thing I had not done formally prior to this role was appraisals, and I’m excited that I’ve had the chance to get that certification. Under Morgana’s tutelage, I recently completed my largest estate apprais8 | ARROYO | 09.20
al to date. To be able to continue to gain more knowledge in that sector seems to be a great fit with my existing academic art history background, and I look forward to continuing to filling out that arm of our business since it’s an important service we can offer to our clients.” Adds Blackwelder, “We both took very different paths to get here. I love that aspect of our duo. Noelle and I are focused on making our department very full service and elevating our offerings in order to really distinguish ourselves and take our business to the next level. We spend a lot of our time in the community cultivating relationships so that we can establish ourselves as trusted resources and be top of mind for our business partners.” Getting involved With strong roots in the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas, Blackwelder and Valentino actively belong to various organizations, including estate planning councils and bar associations, so they can network with other professionals and potential clients. Even during COVID-19, where in-person interactions have become more limited, they manage to stay connected with others by scheduling Zoom meetings. “One of the challenges of our industry is that it’s not like typical networking; it’s more long-term relationship building that can take up to several years to cultivate and nurture,” Valentino says. “Morgana and I have been planting a lot of seeds, which are now starting to come into fruition.” The traditional auction model, where people bid on items in a physical location, has also been affected by the current pandemic. While in-person auctions at its headquarters are unavailable, the team at John Moran was an early adopter of online sales and is engaged on multiple online selling platforms to place itself in as many marketplaces as possible. “It was definitely hard on many of our older clients who like to walk in, see items in person and fall in love while standing there,” Blackwelder says. “Even though everything is online now, we’re doing everything we can to create that human connection for our clients. We make sure to take the best photographs, and I have people who call me before every sale, asking for my opinion on what items I think they should buy. I know their personal collections, so I’ll FaceTime with them and show them items that I think match their taste. It’s all about going the extra mile because I want people to be in love with what they buy. No matter how transactional the auction world may seem, our goal is to always be transparent.” Throughout the year, John Moran Auctioneers offers approximately 30 auctions, which range in theme from 20th century art to jeweler and coins. Its staff consists of a team of industry experts, many of whom speak multiple languages and have come from larger renowned auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s. While Blackwelder and Valentino have different areas of expertise when it comes to art, they consider themselves to be strong generalists, which is an essential skill in their line of work. “I especially love pre-war California impressionism, which is anything prior to 1940,” Blackwelder shares. “Through my work, I’ve learned enough to know a little
bit about everything, from 18th century continental fine art to modern art. Our line of work requires us to be able to go into people’s homes, know the art market and be able to assess an item’s ability to sell. I also have to be impartial—I don’t have to like a work of art, but I need to be able to determine if it’s good quality and if there is a market for it.” Adds Valentino, “My master’s work was focused on French decorative art, but at this point I have an inherent knowledge which comes from many years of looking at and working with art.” As for trends, Blackwelder says there has been a shift from buying items for investment purchases to purchasing things that people truly love having in their homes. “Because more people are home all day now, they’re redesigning their spaces and rethinking what they actually like,” she says. “Collectors’ individual tastes are really starting to show through and come into play as well. We’re also seeing a resurgence in some categories that hadn’t previously been of interest. For example, we’ve had 100% sell-through rates with our Amish quilts because people love how modern they can look. When you buy an item you love, it’s an investment in your happiness that will bring you joy every time you admire it.” As they continue to reach new heights of success in the industry they are passionate about, Blackwelder and Valentino also want to support others that wish to follow in their footsteps, through mentoring as well as diverse hiring practices. “I hope that we can be mentors to other people,” Valentino says. “We want to make room for younger professionals to find their way by coming up with opportunities to for them to contribute in meaningful ways and help build their professional careers. What’s so exciting to me about working in this industry is having the chance to look at, feel and arrange art, while also learning the collector’s story behind it. It’s incredible to discover where items have been, who has owned them and what it meant in the context of their life. That human element as well as the opportunity to work in such a hands-on manner with the art are both unique aspects of the auction world. It’s about where an item comes from and how we’ll have the chance to give it a new life with a new owner, and how they’ll go on to create their own stories around it.” Adds Blackwelder, “I love crafting deals while making people’s lives better. As I get older, it becomes more about the people and their stories. I love bringing items to market that are going to be rehomed and loved, and in the process, I get to connect with clients as they share their passion and stories. It’s also about the mentorship—I have a lot to give back and in this industry. When we look for new hires, it isn’t just about hiring someone with a background in art. We look at who has potential and how we can nurture and teach them. I’m very grateful to be in a position to share my knowledge with others who are coming into the art world eager to learn. It’s really rewarding.”
JOHN MORAN AUCTIONEERS 145 E. Walnut Avenue, Monrovia 626-793-1833, johnmoran.com
09.20 | ARROYO | 9
IT WAS
‘Now or Never’ ATTORNEY AMY SULAHIAN FINDS HER NICHE WITH LAW BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
A
SULAHIAN LAW 810 E. Walnut Street, Pasadena 626-584-9710 admin@sulahianlaw.com 10 | ARROYO | 09.20
Photo by Luis Chavez
my Sulahian never wants to stop learning. A hard-working entrepreneur, Sulahian started her law firm three years ago. “I’ve wanted to be a lawyer for as long as I can remember,” Sulahian says. It’s a calling that builds on her expertise from over two decades of running a successful accounting practice. When Sulahian first attended California State University Los Angeles, she started as a political science major but soon realized she had an entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for helping others. Sulahian switched majors and earned a Bachelor of Science in business and accounting. “At that time, I ran all of the accounting for my husband’s business, which was growing rapidly,” she says. “I grew that knowledge and experience into a successful accounting practice that included governmental reporting, tax preparation, forensic accounting and IRS representation.” After almost 20 years, Sulahian realized that she could bring her client service to the next level with a law degree. Sulahian went on to attend Glendale University College of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctorate degree. “It took a little longer than I planned,” she says with a laugh. “I knew I wanted to fulfill that ambition, but I wasn’t sure I could run my practice, be there for my young son and go to law school. One morning in April, before my 36th birthday, I thought to myself that if I start now, I could be a lawyer by the time I turned 40. So, I decided I would go for it. I took the LSATs a couple months later and was enrolled in law school that August. “I worked all day at my company and went to school at night. I did that for about three years. It was tough, but my son was my inspiration. I graduated and passed the bar the first time.” In 2017, Sulahian became the principal attorney of Sulahian Law, a boutique law firm in Pasadena. The practice has become known for its emphasis on corporate, tax, business and civil litigation. “I’ve really been doing this work for the last 20-plus years,” she says. “During that time, I also started several other business ventures, and that allows me to bring a variety of experiences to the table for my clients. Now I can advocate on behalf of my clients in a whole new way.” Sulahian also volunteers with her son in several charities. She is secretary and a founding member of the board for the LEO Project Inc., a nonprofit whose mission is to support fallen or injured law enforcement officers and their families. She is a member of the American, Los Angeles and Armenian bar associations. Her goal is to build a robust firm that employs a talented team of lawyers with diverse expertise while staying true to her personal, client-focused approach. With a laugh, Sulahian admits, “I will never stop learning. I am naturally driven to be more and do more for others.”
09.20 | ARROYO | 11
PIECING TOGETHER
Success SAXUM TILE’S KIM GOULD IS AN EXTENSION OF YOUR DESIGN TEAM BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
S
axum Tile Design Studio has been 100% woman-owned since Kim Gould gained sole ownership in 2018, bringing project management, e-commerce and logistics. The Pasadena showroom offers a unique tile shopping experience with a curated collection of porcelain, ceramic, cement, glass and marble tiles displayed in an aesthetically pleasing man-ner, making it easy for clients to find what they’re looking for. Saxum’s trained staff is equipped to assist clientele, including both trade professionals and homeowners, with tile selections at any stage of their project. “There are so many design resources in Southern California,” Gould says. “However, most of them are on the west side.” Gould loves the Pasadena design community and is proud to be a haven for the neighborhoods. Pasadena as a city has so many different kinds of architec-ture. “We’re able to cater to every style, but most often, our clients want something clean with traditional undertones to it,” Gould says. “For example, homeowners with Spanish or Mediterranean-style homes may gravitate towards a more neutral palette instead of traditional bright and bold deco tiles. “Tile manufacturers are also making tile that fits our life-styles. You can achieve almost any look in a durable and non-porous porcelain tile. It is amazing how beautiful our porcelain marbles are.” Any style can be achieved at any price point, too. Gould says the showroom is relatively small, so she and her staff are intentional about the collections they display and the suppliers they represent. They will work within their budget and help them design their space without sacrificing style. A Glendora native, Gould has been interested in interior de-sign since she was young. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara and subsequently attended FIDM in Down-town LA for a more focused study of interior design. “Ever since then, I’ve been working in design and have always loved it,” she says. “I love homes and making spaces better—which is becoming increasingly important as more and more people work from home. “We’ve seen an influx of people wanting to update their spaces, and I don’t blame them. There’s something to be said for finding joy in your surroundings. It really impacts your ability to get work done, and I feel really strongly that your home is a part of life that shouldn’t be ignored.” Saxum is currently only open by private appointment for the safety of its staff and clients. Call the showroom to schedule.
SAXUM TILE DESIGN STUDIO 2295 E. Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena 626-365-1330, saxumtile.com 12 | ARROYO | 09.20
Passion PURSUING HER
AASIA KINNEY FINDS SECOND CAREER IN REAL ESTATE BY CONNOR DZIAWURA
A
asia Kinney was inspired by her wise father’s words early in life in Los Angeles. “My dad emphasized early on that I should purchase my own home and don’t waste my money on renting,” she says. “It was quite rare for an African American man. I think he was one of the first who purchase a home on his street, which caused him to emphasize to us the importance of homeownership.” Real estate continued to pique her curiosity later in life, but first came law enforcement. “Selling real estate is actually my second career,” she says. At age 20, Kinney was hired by LA County Marshal’s Department, which later merged with the sheriff’s department, where she stayed for 28 years. During her tenure at the county, Kinney became licensed in 2005 and was able conduct real estate transactions on a part-time basis for several years. She learned about the real estate market because she wanted to be familiar with the process when she bought her home. “When I purchased a home on my own and then I became licensed, I was able to actually have my hand in the process,” she says. “I leveraged my purchase to eventually buy a house in Pasadena, where I raised my daughter, who attended local schools, including San Rafael Elementary School, Pasadena Christian School and eventually graduated from Maranatha High School.” Kinney became a full-time agent last year and eventually joined Realty One Group in December after a short stint with a local boutique brokerage. When it comes to selling homes, Kinney says homeowners often overestimate their home’s value. Kinney is upfront with her clients and provides multiple options on moving forward. “I’m basically a coach,” she says. “I think the more information you provide upfront, the more they understand, and it makes it a lot easier of a process.” She calls herself a “fierce negotiator,” having learned from observing and working with some of the best lawyers. She says she believes everyone has a right to live where they want. Kinney has been supportive of Black women on their journey to homeownership. To help them, Kinney started a weekly meetup group that shares tips through Q&A sessions, where they feel comfortable asking any real estate-related question in a nonjudgmental setting. “It has become my passion to help women of color understand that purchasing a home can be more than just a place to live but also a way to build their retirement, as leverage for multifamily income and more,” she says. “More importantly, not everyone is going to have your best interest at heart. I believe in ‘Leading from Love,’ business for purpose and creatively empowering Black women through homeownership.”
Aasia Kinney Realty One Group United: Downey, Torrance, Hermosa Beach 310-871-8602, liveloveplaypasadena.com
Photo by Luis Chavez
REALTY ONE GROUP
09.20 | ARROYO | 13
A Sacred Space KAREN MILLER ENJOYS BEACHES, WINE AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
14 | ARROYO | 09.20
Photo by @SusanEllaMakeup
K
aren Miller likes to keep things fresh. She was a longtime music industry photographer until it fell stale, and the Los Angeles native wasn’t afraid to reinvent herself. For more than 15 years, Miller and her husband/master stone mason, Omar Huerta Tobon, have been business partners in Sacred Space Garden Design. Miller switched gears into landscaping, but Tobon has been in the business for 35 years. “I didn’t want to try to reinvent myself within the photography world,” she says. “I like working outdoors, and problem solving is a shared aspect in both photography and landscaping. “One of the main things that keeps me engaged is problem solving. We do a lot of construction multilevel. We’re always learning new things. When I look back to where I started, we’ve accomplished a lot in a really short time.” Miller is passionate about her job, but she’s just as enamored with animals. The couple has dogs, chickens, roosters and quail, and they support animal welfare agencies. She’s fond of Jarjeer Mule and Donkey Refuge in the kingdom of Morocco; the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Mercy for Animals and the Humane Society. “I’m a sucker for mules and donkeys,” she says. “Jarjeer is a British couple who emigrated to Morocco and set up the most amazing sanctuary. I’ve never been to Morocco, although I enjoy traveling immensely. I hear there are a lot of horse-drawn carriages and the donkey pull carts and the animals are not always treated well.” “I hear just heartbreaking stories. The couple is using their pensions to feed these animals as well as soliciting donations. I’m a complete sucker for animal suffering. They can’t help themselves, but people can.” In their free time, Miller and Tobon enjoy the beach, wine tasting, cooking and running their vegetable garden—The Blue Agave—located on rural land near their office. (The vegetarian’s go-to dish is pasta with red sauce made from their organic tomatoes.) Miller and Tobon’s business managed to survive the pandemic, thanks to two very large-scale projects that were slated to go. Business slowed down, but the couple and its staff have been working steadily. “It’s slowing down, but not everybody’s out of work, like it was in the recession,” she says. “People are at home and not looking outward to be comfortable and happy.” The business received a PPP loan to keep its staff, and Miller and Tobon are looking forward for things to go back to “normal.” “We are considered an essential business, which was a true gift. We didn’t have to quit working, and because we work outside it is easier to distance ourselves. We can spread out,” she says. “We clean regularly and provide sanitizer, masks and shields. We take temperatures and try to be smart about our practices so we can stay in business. We just love what we do.”
09.20 | ARROYO | 15
DESIGNING
Together MOTHER-DAUGHTER TEAM IS BEAUTIFYING THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY ONE HOUSE AT A TIME BY KAMALA KIRK
16 | ARROYO | 09.20
Photos by Luis Chavez
F
or more than 35 years, Cynthia Bennett & Associates has been a leading residential design firm in the San Gabriel Valley. The South Pasadena-based firm was founded in 1981 by Cynthia Bennett, one of the first female general contractors in the industry. After living in the Netherlands for 15 years, Bennett returned home to the United States, where she studied interior design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, in addition to taking architecture classes at UCLA. She also took the full course in kitchen and bath remodeling offered by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Established as a kitchen and bathroom design firm, the company has since evolved into different areas of residential design. The firm has rebuilt and remodeled more than 900 homes, specializing in architecture and construction, interior design and additions. Bennett’s daughter, Carolien Fehmers, is the firm’s vice president and recently earned her general contractor’s license. Fehmers is in charge of the construction division and interior specifications. She has been with the company since 2007, starting as an interior design assistant and then, within a year, becoming the senior interior designer. In her newly expanded role, Fehmers oversees construction permits, client meetings, floor and electrical plans, and materials. She manages the entire construction process. Prior to working for Cynthia Bennett & Associates, Fehmers had a successful career in cosmetic sales for major companies including Aveda, Estee Lauder, Lancôme and Shiseido. Afterward, she transitioned into the outside sales side of the fashion world and worked for Gucci, Karl Lagerfeld and Sonia Rykel, where she managed a vast territory of accounts throughout California. Fehmers then moved into sales of granite countertops and small remodeling projects, before ultimately joining her mother’s company. While she didn’t originally set out to work in the family business, Fehmers’ background in cosmetics and fashion, along with her great color sense, made the career change an easy transition. “Dressing a house is very similar to dressing a person,” Fehmers says. “My mother started CBA when I was about 15, so I’ve been around design and construction for most of my life. I’ve found that it’s very helpful to also have a knowledge of decorating when doing construction. A lot of contractors don’t have that expertise, but if you’re able to visualize the look you want and space planning earlier on in the design process, you’ll achieve a much better end result.” The firm specializes in open plan design, starting with the kitchengreat room, which offers easy access to the outdoors and is the ideal representation of laidback California living. When Bennett lived in Holland, she loved the open layout of the homes in Amsterdam, which she incorporated into her signature style.
“I’m known for my open kitchens and great rooms, which were inspired by my years in Europe,” Bennett says. “I always loved the concept of the family being close together while each person is doing their own activities. The mother could be cooking, the father working at his desk and the kids doing their homework while all being near one another instead of in separate parts of the house. By opening walls between rooms, we instantly transform the multiple home spaces into one large kitchen/great room.” Cynthia Bennett & Associates also emphasizes the architectural integrity of the homes it remodels. One of the team’s biggest talents is the ability to combine the modern with the old, while at the same time keeping a home’s architectural elements in complete alignment with the style of the existing house. When Bennett lived in the Netherlands, she remodeled and renovated different historic properties, including an 1860s Amsterdam cottage, an old farm from 1760 and two 19th century Amsterdam canal
houses. “Cynthia is very good at home restoration work and historic preservation,” Fehmers says. “She’s a great teacher.” Both Bennett and Fehmers’ work has been featured in multiple Pasadena Showcase House projects, as well as several Pasadena ASID Home Tours. Bennett’s own home was built and designed by her firm in 2002 and has been highlighted in numerous publications, home and garden tours. Clients love working with Cynthia Bennett & Associates because of the team’s expertise, precise attention to detail and easygoing style. “We think about every detail, and nothing gets left out,” Bennett says. “Every project gets a permit, and we have all the city inspections on every job. It’s full service from beginning to end.” Adds Fehmers, “Whenever we create a floor plan of the new design plans, we always include furniture in them so that clients can really envision how they would use the space. We’re known for the
quality of our work and our reputation in the industry. The end result of our projects is excellent because we plan ahead.” To keep clients on track and prevent them from going over their budget, Bennett and Fehmers don’t start construction until every little detail, including the hardware and paint colors, have been specified and included in the plans so that everything is executed seamlessly. They can also accommodate eco-friendly, energy-efficient and sustainable green projects as well. Despite COVID-19, Fehmers said that they are busier than ever. With more people staying in and working from home, additions and remodeling existing spaces have been in extreme demand. “Because people can’t travel or go out as much, they’re spending more money on their homes,” she explains. “Our team is practicing proper safety protocols, and everyone wears masks. We spray everything down with Lysol, and each job is sealed off with plastic and zippers so that homeowners remain
safe and comfortable throughout the duration of the project.” Design must definitely be in the family’s DNA, because in addition to Bennett’s daughter, her sister and two nieces are also designers. “It runs in the family,” Bennett says. The two love working together and are extremely passionate about the work they do. “I love working with people and helping them improve their lives,” Bennett shares. “I’ve met many wonderful people and made lifelong friends as a result of this business.” Fehmers echoes her mother’s sentiments, also enjoying the fact that they can change lives for the better. She says, “Decorating and remodeling offer immediate results, and right away people’s lives improve. It’s very gratifying to tear something down, then make something more beautiful that someone is going to live with and share with others. That’s what gives me the thrill.” For more information, visit cynthiabennett.com. 09.20 | ARROYO | 17
HOME & DESIGN SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
WOMEN LEADING THE CHARGE Nonprofits are evolving with females controlling the wealth By Bruce Haring
W
omen now control 51% of personal wealth in the United States, according to the Bank of Montreal’s Wealth Institute. With that surge in prosperity has come an increase in philanthropy by females. And as much as men and women are different, so, too, are the ways that they direct their efforts toward charitable endeavors. While there have always been wealthy women, the trend toward individual power grew in the 1970s. That’s when many women first gained admission to previously allmale colleges and universities, won important legislation that backed their civil rights, and gained a new sense of independence in the workforce, as organizations that were started during the feminist movement of the 1960s began showing the fruits of their activism. No longer were they bound by the wealth of their families or spouses. They now were earning on their own. With that came a shift in the way things had always been done at nonprofits. continued on page 23
18 | ARROYO | 09.20
20 | ARROYO | 09.20
09.20 | ARROYO | 21
22 | ARROYO | 09.20
—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—
continued from page 18
By the 1990s, there were more than 100 women’s charitable funds, many with a focus on supporting their gender and its causes. Now, with women controlling an estimated $22 trillion of personal wealth, and with a longevity gap that exceeds men by an average of six years, many women will be calling the shots on where large amounts of money will be channeled toward changing society in the future. THE TIMING OF GIVING
Women don’t wait until retirement to donate to various causes. Instead, according to the IUPUI Women’s Philanthropy Institute, they see giving as something that should be actively pursued during their career. Of the donors tracked by IUPUI, just 36% are retired. Women are also more likely to have a charitable provision in their wills, granting appreciated stocks. The reasons for giving come from the heart. Only 11% claim they give money for tax reasons, compared to 23% of general donors. They also aren’t passive givers, with many joining boards of directors or actively soliciting other funds for their charities of choice. Donors often have a deep connection with their charity and want to take leadership in helping it achieve its goals. In many cases, they have given support for more than a decade and are committed to an equal level of giving in the future. continued on page 24 09.20 | ARROYO | 23
—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—
continued from page 23
All of this activity portends a change in what has been supported. Giving is becoming more focused on uplifting women and girls, according to the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Many women will inherit twice—once from their parents, again from their spouses or partners. Forbes predicts women will inherit 70% of the $41 trillion in intergenerational wealth that is expected to change hands over the next 40 years. Along with donations, women are becoming a key part of the nonprofit workforce. They now make up 75% of the labor in nonprofits, according to the report The White House Project: Benchmarking Women in Leadership. The changes aren’t merely cosmetic. “In the past, there were leaders, but you felt like they were carbon copies of the boy’s club to fit in and that they had very certain styles of leadership that very much mirrored, maybe even harsher, in this sector than the men would be to prove that they were tough and could handle it,” says Jamie Natelson, senior vice president of marketing at The Humane Society of the United States. “Now you see women coming into their own in this industry, leading the industry, being the leaders in the philanthropic community, making their own path and doing it their own way.” THE PASADENA AREA
There are many causes in Southern California worthy of support. For our purposes, here are a few that focus specifically on women and children and their needs. ELIZABETH HOUSE: Founded in 1993, the charity recognizes that
Southern California has a vast problem with homelessness, and many families are headed by single women. Thus, the organization has a residential program that embraces pregnant mothers and their children up to 5 years old. The goal is to empower them and build successful family
24 | ARROYO | 09.20
legacies by addressing physical, emotional, spiritual and economic needs. (elizabethhouse.net) JUNIOR LEAGUE OF PASADENA: Founded in 1926, the group has
a volunteer services program encompassing a wide variety of needs in the local community, directly and indirectly. (jlpasadena.org)
DRESS FOR SUCCESS: As the name indicates, the mission is to empower women to achieve economic independence and provide a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and life. (worldwidewest.dressforsuccess.org) FULL CIRCLE THRIFT SHOP: A retail store that supports peace and justice locally and around the globe. The store is a community project of historic peace churches whose mission centers around reconciliation, rejecting all forms of violence while promoting social, economic and environmental justice for all. (fullcirclethriftshop.org) YWCA PASADENA-FOOTHILL VALLEY: A familiar name, the YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism; empowering women; and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. This organization started the first Big Sister Program and the area’s first rape hotline. (ywca-pasadena.org) FOOTHILL UNITY CENTER: Committed to being a part of the
collective effort to end the social inequities in our nation and eliminate poverty, creating a just society for all. (foothillunitycenter.org)
LAKE AVENUE PRESCHOOL: Committed to early childhood
development in a safe environment, with bilingual education and all social distancing protocols. (preschoolpasadena.com)
Sweet, Sharp AND SATISFYING
STORY BY EMILY CHAVEZ | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ
"S
imple” and “satisfying” are two descriptors that immediately convince me that a recipe would be a perfect addition to my collection of treats. These sharp and sweet lemon bars are simple to make and satisfying for any sugary-sour craving. Everyday food staples combine to make a sweet, buttery shortbread base and a tart, zingy lemon center. A generous addition of fresh lemon zest enhances the sour fruit fragrance of each bite, always enticing me to have “just one more.” The ease of making a batch of lemon bars means all the fuss and timeconsuming details that often go along with small and pretty desserts are passed up. We’ll opt for this bright and sunny treat—even on the busy day life throws my way.
SHORTBREAD LEMON BARS HANDS-ON TIME: 20 MINUTES | READY IN: 2 HOURS MAKES 24 BARS
INGREDIENTS 1 CUP BUTTER, CHILLED AND CUT 2 CUPS SUGAR 2 1/4 CUPS FLOUR 4 EGGS 3 LEMONS, ZESTED AND JUICED OPTIONAL: POWDERED SUGAR FOR GARNISH
NOTE: FOR A METAL PAN, BAKE AT 350 DEGREES. FOR A GLASS DISH, BAKE AT 330 DEGREES. 1. TO MAKE THE PASTRY BASE, BLEND TOGETHER THE BUTTER, 1/2 CUP SUGAR AND 2 CUPS FLOUR IN A FOOD PROCESSOR. 2. FIRMLY PRESS DOWN THE PASTRY BASE INTO THE BOTTOM OF A GREASED BAKING PAN. LINE THE PAN WITH PARCHMENT PAPER IF PREFERRED. 3. BAKE FOR 20 MINUTES UNTIL THE PASTRY EDGES ARE SLIGHTLY BROWNED. 4. WHILE THE PASTRY BASE IS BAKING, WHISK THE REMAINING 1 1/2 CUP OF SUGAR, REMAINING 1/4 CUP FLOUR, EGGS, LEMON ZEST AND JUICE UNTIL THE SUGAR IS DISSOLVED. 5. ALLOW THE TOPPING TO SIT FOR 10 MINUTES, THEN WHISK AGAIN AND POUR OVER THE BAKED PASTRY BASE. 6. BAKE AGAIN FOR ANOTHER 20-25 MINUTES UNTIL THE TOP IS SLIGHTLY BROWNED AND THE FILLING APPEARS SET. 7. REFRIGERATE FOR 1 HOUR, THEN CUT AND GARNISH WITH POWDERED SUGAR IF PREFERRED. 09.20 | ARROYO | 25
‘WE’RE STILL HERE TO
Help’
PASADENA MEALS ON WHEELS FEEDS THOSE WHO CAN’T FEED THEMSELVES BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
F
or Patti Feldmeth, volunteering for Pasadena Wheels on Wheels was a way of connecting with the community as well as her own family. Introduced to Pasadena Meals on Wheels when she was studying to be a dietitian in college in the late 1970s, Feldmeth was reacquainted when in 2004 she teamed with her daughters, Devon and Gillian, to deliver meals around the area. “It was an opportunity to talk about life moments,” Feldmeth says. “I was enjoying doing it with my daughters as a fill-in volunteer and then as a regular volunteer.” She enjoyed it so much that now she serves as the organization’s executive director. Pasadena Meals on Wheels has served the community since 1964, dedicated to helping the disabled, aged, ill or convalescing to live healthier, more nourished lives so they can remain independent in the comfort and security of their own home for as long as possible. The organization is familiar with food insecurity and the precarious situations of vulnerable seniors who are unable to shop and cook for themselves. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Pasadena issued its “Safer at Home” orders, Meals on Wheels was ready to respond. Within days, it added 50 new stops to its delivery routes. COVID-19 changes For 53 years, Pasadena Meals on Wheels used a church kitchen to make its food until the building and the parking lots were sold. “When we lost that site, we could not find another location in Pasadena that met with the requirements of our health department,” Feldmeth says. “The other thing is nobody wanted the liability of us cooking in their building. It put them in a different category, too, with the health department and business licenses.” The organization was forced to stop cooking its own food and contract with larger Meals on Wheels chapters with spacious production facilities. “It made us more flexible,” she says. “It also reduced our overhead expenses because nobody was cooking, so there wasn’t workman’s compensation. It worked out great during COVID. We’re able to provide therapeutic diets— low sodium, renal, Parkinson’s and diabetic.” When the pandemic took hold in the beginning of April, Pasadena Meals on Wheels went to frozen-only meals. “With COVID, we only deliver on Mondays with a
26 | ARROYO | 09.20
bunch of frozen meals and a bag of shelf-stable groceries,” Feldmeth says. “We’re reducing the frequency of contact with vulnerable seniors. We reduced the number of different people contacting them each week.” Unlike some Meals on Wheels programs, Pasadena Meals isn’t subsidized by the government. Participants pay for their meals, but the organization raises funds to pay for those who can’t afford the food. “They’re not left hanging,” she says. “We don’t get any government funding. We’re a completely separate nonprofit.” Checking in Besides delivering food, Pasadena Meals on Wheels volunteers check in on their clients. “If we see Mr. Smith, for example, is not changing his clothes or he seems a little confused, the volunteers tell me and I’ll call the contact person,” she says. “We’ll say we’re a little bit concerned and let them know what’s going on. We deal a lot with people who are beginning to have dementia issues. They appreciate someone checking on them throughout the day.” The volunteers are checking on people on Mondays and keeping track of those who don’t have family members nearby. They bring sanitizer and toilet paper. Feldmeth recently purchased an oscillating fan for a client who couldn’t handle the heat. “We’re also partnering with other organizations in town, like the Salvation Army,” Feldmeth says. “We want people to know we’re still here to help.” We’ve gotten a number of donations, but we always need more. We’re serving a lot of people for free, thanks to generous funding from private citizens and organizations like the Pasadena Community Foundation.”
09.20 | ARROYO | 27
UNPRECEDENTED BUT
Essential
PASADENA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION RESPONDS TO THE PANDEMIC BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
W
hen COVID-19 hit and “Safer at Home” orders were issued for LA and Pasadena last March, the Pasadena Community Foundation was able to respond quickly and with impact. Within two weeks of the mid-March shutdown, the organization assessed the community, and prioritized food insecurity among homebound seniors and other vulnerable properties. The foundation quickly sent $100,000 in grants out of the door, according to Jennifer DeVoll, Pasadena Community Foundation’s president and chief executive officer. The Pasadena Community Foundation pivoted during the pandemic and created a COVID-19 Relief Fund. It raised $600,000 from donors to supplement PCF’s grants budget for 2020. PCF will grant almost $3 million this year to local organizations working on COVID relief and on critical issues facing the community. Since the initial $100,000 in grants, PCF has implemented a fourphase grant program that is based on continuous assessment through oneon-one interviews with nonprofits, other funders, group Zoom convenings and research including a survey of 150 nonprofits and 30 community leader interviews.
28 | ARROYO | 09.20
•
•
•
•
The grant focuses on four areas: COVID-19 response PCF has had a focus on food insecurity, homebound seniors and other vulnerable populations that were disproportionately affected by pandemic. Education PCF has had a big commitment to education. One program that was launched last year is the PCF Scholars program, which supports PUSD graduates attending PCC. Housing initiative PCF made two significant investments in affordable housing: a Habitat for Humanity project in partnership with the city of Pasadena and Union Station. Small-business relief PCF recently awarded $390,000 in grants to small businesses in Pasadena and supported some nonprofit initiatives in this area. continued on page 30
09.20 | ARROYO | 29
continued from page 28
“When the pandemic hit and the Safer at Home orders came down from the government in mid-March, we repurposed our grant dollars for 2020 to focus on COVID relief and response,” DeVoll says. It also took funds from its built-up grant reserves for “what we all thought was going to be an earthquake or fire,” she adds. “It turned out to be a pandemic. We deployed over $300,000 in grant reserves that supplement the grant budget.” PCF history DeVoll says Pasadena Community Foundation is one of more than 800 community foundations around the country. Founded in 1953, it serves the greater Pasadena area. The Pasadena Community Foundation is heavily an endowment model organization. It builds endowments and legacies that become a permanent source of support for the local nonprofit community. “As a result, year after year, we use the earnings from these endowments to make grants to the local community,” DeVoll says. Prior to COVID, PCF was funding, at $120,000 a year, a kindergartenthrough-12th-grade program in the education area. In 2019, it launched a program that targeted Pasadena Unified School District high school graduates who will attend Pasadena City College as a way of launching their college years. “We’ve committed $1 million over eight years,” DeVoll says. “We’re scaling up over time.” The program took on a more serious nature during the pandemic, when it was realized many of these students didn’t have a computer or internet access. “It’s hard to do on your phone,” she says. “Others did not have internet in their home. They were relying on the computer center at PCC or the public library. But both of those places were closed. “To some extent their phones would not support Zoom, or they didn’t have unlimited data plans that would support Zoom. It’s a very interesting time.” PCF connected the students with computers and put internet in their homes. This year, it’s recruiting additional students for the program and making sure they have computers and also that they do not need to share with younger siblings. 30 | ARROYO | 09.20
The housing initiative also became a challenge during the pandemic. “We interviewed nonprofit leaders working in the space of affordable housing and serving those who were unhoused,” she says. “We can identify two projects that we felt were strong projects. We went ahead and made a commitment to those two projects.” One is a collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Pasadena and Union Station Homeless Services. PCF is funding an accessory dwelling that Habitat for Humanity will build in the backyard of a home the city purchased. “The home is going to be shared living space for three women, formerly homeless, with low acuity,” she says. “Union Station will provide social services for these women in a shared housing space. “A lot of people are opposed to having big buildings in their neighborhood, but this is a scattered model. We’ll have scattered sites around the community, just to help with the housing industry. It’s innovative for Habitat for Humanity. This is not a homeownership model, but it’s a rental model, which is new for Habitat.” PCF is also funding the renovation of the Salvation Army Hope Center, on Walnut in Pasadena, to create 65 new permanent supportive housing units for high-acuity, formerly homeless individuals. It’s quite a large project. “This is a renovation of their entire facility, which will be redone and have a lot more efficient use of space,” DeVoll says. “There will be an additional 65 housing units. It’s a great and important project.” DeVoll said PCF is offering small-business relief, too, for Pasadena-based businesses in a qualified disaster, which, in today’s terms, means COVID-19. “We’ve had people through the years support the community foundation by creating legacy funds, endowments or by leaving estates,” she says. “We’ve been able to build up sources of charitable support for the community. “We’ve been tapping them during this difficult time. It’s really been a partnership with donors. It’s been very interesting and unprecedented, which is a word we’re using a lot, but it’s the right word.”
PASADENA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION pasadenacf.org
09.20 | ARROYO | 31
HUMANITARIAN
Heroes
FOSTERS ARE HELPING PASADENA HUMANE THROUGH THE PANDEMIC
O
BY JANA MONJI
rdinarily in September, Pasadenans would be preparing for the Wiggle Waggle Walk, an annual Pasadena Humane fundraiser that attracts hundreds of people and their dogs. The animals and their owners walk around the Rose Bowl and, afterward, peruse the row of pet vendors for a furry family fun day. Guests may have seen volunteers Juan Vargas setting up and looking into crowd control or Kathe Smiley watching her 20-year-old daughter Kendall emcee a dog costume contest. COVID-19 has made this year’s event anything but ordinary. In its 22nd year, the September 27 walk has gone virtual and looks on track to raise $100,000, with $94,500 already committed at press time. For those who don’t walk, the Pasadena Humane has other needs, one that might even get you Caturday ready. Under COVID-19, Jack Hagerman, vice president of community engagement, says, “We need donations now more than ever,” but they need special volunteers as well. Some think with the kennels and cattery closed, the costs should go down. However, the annual San Marino Car Classic that usually raises about $100,000 annually for Pasadena Humane was canceled and rescheduled for June 13, 2021. Also gone are many of the dog training opportunities, although some have gone virtual. Pasadena Humane was about to relaunch some of its classes when the COVID-19 restrictions were again imposed. Depending upon the city and state restrictions, it hopes to eventually bring back the in-person training classes in much smaller groups because of COVID-19 safety protocols. What Pasadena Humane does have is “some of the best webinar topics and sessions in the industry.” The classes are not just fun but also a way Pasadena Humane helps pet owners keep their pets by providing guidance in animal behavior. Other continuing programs include temporary kennel spots for pets when their owners experience homelessness and a food bank. Hagerman notes COVID-19 restrictions also brought some positive developments. “We put out a tweet to our donors and volunteers and the community at large in early March.” The tweet was for temporary foster placements of animals to clear the shelter. “Within two weeks, we had 14,000 people come forward. That has really been our saving grace through all of this,” he says. The usual on-site socialization programs have been suspended. Raising an animal takes time and money, but for fosterers, Hagerman says, “The only thing we’re asking people to do is give their time and provide a safe home environment until we find a permanent home. “Because we’ve shifted our operations to support having animals in foster homes, there’s obviously a cost associated with that. We’re providing the food, the supplies and medication for the animals while they’re in foster care, which adds additional costs for us, which we wouldn’t really have to endure at the same level if we were able to provide the care here in-house. It creates some logistical processes.” To guard against a rapid spread of COVID-19 among the support staff, teams have been formed so, in case someone tests positive, the whole staff won’t have to be quarantined. In addition, with the majority of animals in foster care, Pasadena Humane is now “providing a much higher level of medical care than we have in our history.” Although it is not a no-kill shelter, Hagerman says, “functionally we are 91% live outcome rate.” That is largely due to its foster program. Even before COVID-19 restrictions, Hagerman explains, “We always need fosterers for cats and kittens.” Pasadena Humane is not a 24-hour operation, and “to care for unweaned kittens, you need someone who can care for them around the clock.” Of course, Pasadena Humane won’t throw you in the deep end of cat fostering at the beginning. The mother-daughter team of Kathleen and Kendall Smiley began with three cute kittens who were just barely on food and mainly needed socialization, but after four years, they have now fostered 41 cats and kittens and one dog. “Usually the Humane Society’s first fosterers get something easier that doesn’t require as much time,” Kendall says. 32 | ARROYO | 09.20
Kathleen adds much know-how. For Kendall, the hardest foster cases are the semiferal mother cats because it’s “harder to get them to feel comfortable. You really want them to be happy and comfortable. You really want them to know that they’re safe.” Through fostering, Kendall learned “how an animal’s personality can build; it grows and changes.” Kathleen has seen her daughter learn about responsibility and get training. She has gained confidence to take leadership roles. As a teenager, Kathleen notes Kendall learned to problem solve with sick kittens and make decisions about when to reach out to emergency clinics or the Pasadena Humane. Retired Navy vet Juan Vargas of the La Crescenta-Montrose area has taken in 60 kittens in the last three years. He and his wife had a dog but no cats. After trying kittens, they graduated to bottle feeding. Vargas explains that requires a more exacting attitude because the feeding schedule goes by how many grams the kitten weighs. For a 5-day-old kitten, you need to feed it every three hours and do some motherly massages to stimulate urination and bowel movements. Vargas is also proactive in finding his kittens permanent homes. Having a dog as both the Smileys and the Vargases do helps assure potential adopters that the kittens or cats can blend into a home that already has a dog. Besides foster parenting kittens, Vargas also volunteers for Pasadena Humane by providing wildlife transport, mostly raccoons, opossums and, occasionally, baby skunks to wildlife rehab facilities. Fostering is, Hagerman notes, a way to get your “pet fix” for gig workers who might have to leave town for work in the music or film industry and can’t maintain a long-term home for a cat or dog. It also is a good fit for people on a fixed income because the food and health care costs are provided by Pasadena Humane. You’ll need permission from your landlord; Vargas’ landlady is another Pasadena Humane volunteer. Potential fosterers can submit an online application, which is under the “Get Involved” menu, and there are many levels of engagement and commitment. The Pasadena Humane will give you all the training, available as online videos. Other ways of donating are also listed on the website and include an Amazon wish list, which is regularly updated. Breaking up is hard to do, and Kendall admits to crying every time her foster period ends. Vargas and the Smileys agree that it’s a big responsibility to care about any animal when you’re raising an animal for someone else, because you want them to be great pets for someone else. But besides the cost-free cuddles from kittens, you’ll get to be a humanitarian hero because you’ve saved a life.
09.20 | ARROYO | 33
Modern Masterpiece ALTADENA’S CALLOW HOME IS ON THE TRAJECTORY OF LOS ANGELES MODERNISM BY KAMALA KIRK
W
hen they became empty nesters, Eric and Elisa Callow decided it was time to downsize. In 2014, they began to look at homes in Altadena but were frustrated at the trade-offs that were inherent in the older houses on the
market. Instead of buying an existing home as they had previously planned, they purchased a lot with a small 1920s cottage on it where they saw the value was predominantly in the land—which gave them the opportunity to build anew. The Callows enlisted Rick Corsini of Corsini Stark Architects, who helped them restore their previous home in La Cañada Flintridge, The Gainsburg Residence—a California Usonian-style house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Jr. Elisa met Corsini in 1997, when she was the director of the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena and he was a guest curator for an exhibition on contemporary Los Angeles architects. The two discovered they shared an unusual connection: The Gregory Ain co-op in Silverlake that Corsini lives in was the same complex that Elisa lived in as a baby. “My experience growing up in the 1950s was different from most kids,” Elisa says. “My parents were drawn to modernism, and we only lived in modern homes. I was raised during the case study house period of Los Angeles, which also influenced Rick. He has a really strong background in architectural history and is very respectful of different architects.” While the Callows didn’t have a specific vision for the design of their future home, they trusted Corsini and gave him direction in the form of a visionary letter, where they enumerated values and characteristics that were important to them. In the letter, they mentioned several modernist architects that they admired, like Richard 34 | ARROYO | 09.20
Neutra and John Lautner. They also mentioned their desire for a smaller house, their lifestyle and what they were hoping to experience in their future home. “We didn’t want a large house, but we both needed our own office spaces,” Elisa shares. “We have a lot of art, so we wanted to make sure there was an awareness of that. We wanted a modern aesthetic, drama and intimacy, movement and focus throughout the design, and to be connected to our neighbors while having privacy.” When Corsini visited the property site for the first time, he immediately loved it and was ready to embrace the challenge that awaited him. “The downward slope of the land was a really interesting aspect of the site because it implicated a split-level scheme, especially if the idea was to maximize indoor and outdoor space,” he says. “One of the underlying ideas of this from a design standpoint is looking at a site in general as a spatial continuum. It looks like a onestory house from the street, but it steps down as it follows the land and the entire site becomes the house, where no space is wasted.” The home’s angled cantilevered roof is one of its most distinctive features, while the open-floor plan interior includes alternating angle walls and roof lines, which contribute to more fluid movement within. Corsini also organized the space with three different courtyards: one in the front, on the side and in the back. Since the site didn’t offer any obvious desirable views, he designed a south-oriented deck and rear garden to serve as focal points that framed the sky. The front wall of the home is made entirely of glass and shielded from the street by the entryway courtyard. “In the front courtyard, Rick purposefully made a line that is at an angle so instead of a big white wall we have privacy,” Eric says. “But because of the diagonal, we see the mountains and trees across the street, so we get the most beautiful view
instead of just seeing our neighbor’s houses.” Corsini has an interesting approach when it comes to building materials, preferring to limit his palette for both aesthetic and conceptual reasons. “I’m always trying to make materials do as many things as they can,” he says. “We used the same stone for pretty much everything, including the floors and fireplace hearth. We had to find the right material to work as both the exterior deck and interior flooring. We used plaster for the interior and exterior walls and the ceiling. There’s an idea about efficiency that is fundamental to a great work of architecture. It’s like designing a Swiss watch—it’s very precise and everything has its place. You have to embrace some contradictions, like wanting the house to feel spacious and intimate simultaneously.” The Callows love the flexibility of their 2,650-square-foot home and its ability to accommodate gatherings both small and large. Prior to the pandemic, they threw multiple social events and could comfortably host up to 300 people without feeling overwhelmed. The master bedroom is located at the front, which happens to be the darkest part of the house in the morning. The vertical space adds a sense of expansiveness and has at least two different places in the ceiling that intersect and align in a diagonal line across the ceiling. “It’s endlessly fascinating in the way that it all joins together. It’s such a comfortable and embracing space that is very peaceful,” says Eric. “Another thing Rick did was create at least two light sources in each room, so you never feel like you’re in a tunnel where the light is at the end. For example, the guest bathroom has a skylight and light from the bedroom coming through it.” Elisa and Eric both love to cook, so their kitchen has a large work island and a wall of cabinets for pantry and storage. On the right side of the kitchen, the two walls come together to create a generous glass corner window, which enhances the feeling of openness and connection to the outside. The stairs lead down to a two-story high media room with an expansive wall of books. Their offices are located next to each other, and Elisa’s has a wall of glass and door that opens to a small courtyard and seating area. Adjacent to the upper terrace, Eric’s outdoor workshop area is tucked behind an outdoor kitchen wall. “This space serves my needs in terms of being able to complete physical projects,” says Eric, who has a particular interest in native landscape and irrigation. A lot of precision and planning was put into the layout of the exterior spaces, both in the front and back of the property. The structure of the landscaping was strongly suggested by the architecture and features an arrangement of California native shrubs and trees that are grouped by color and texture, both for aesthetic purposes and to make it a more viable habitat. “It’s a landscape that’s perfectly in line with the architectural vision of our choice and sticking to my principle of using only California native plants,” Eric says. “Our other motivation for sticking with local native plants is that it creates a habitat for pollinators and birds that is otherwise lost.” Another goal of Corsini’s was to design a home where it would be “easy to age in place,” with a thoughtfulness for the next generation. “I’ve always thought about how can people live in a house that works for multiple generations through the various chapters of their lives,” he says. “The Callow residence is a great example of that prototype—it has that ability to work with the different episodes of a family’s life. It’s great for two people and it would also be great for a family of four.” When it came to the Callows’ art, Corsini had the benefit of knowing their collection from their previous home, which he kept in mind as he designed the house. “This house is much kinder to our art collection than the last house, which had more constrained wall space,” says Elisa. “This space lets them breathe and people notice our art more.” Adds Corsini, “I loved the idea of accommodating what they owned as well as setting the stage for what they might acquire. We also worked out the furniture layout as part of the design, like the sofa that is also built in as a space divider between the living and dining room spaces.” The entire design and build process lasted almost three years, and when the Callows moved into their new home in 2016, they couldn’t have been happier with the final result. In 2018, the house also received an AIA Residential Design Award. “I love the way this house makes me feel,” Elisa says. “We’re all stuck in our homes right now, and I don’t think I’ve gone a day without saying how lucky we are to live in this space. It has a million components that make you feel good, but you don’t see them all. It’s uplifting to be here.” 09.20 | ARROYO | 35
Sapori
DI786 DEGREES ALI HAIDER IS ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY—AND PIZZA BY NIKHIL MISRA-BHAMBRI
M
36 | ARROYO | 09.20
Comedian Jay Leno says about Sapori di 786 Degrees, “If you have not tried their pizzas yet, what are you waiting for? You have to come by and give it a shot. It is a guarantee it will blow your mind away.”
Every recipe is Haider’s signature creation, and the majority of the spices are sourced internationally. His saffron comes straight from Iran, and the spices for the Habibi come from Alexandria, Egypt. “All of my food is gourmet,” Haider says. “Sadly, I cannot just walk into a store and pick up any sauce or spice. It has to be from an authentic source, because it’s a matter of complementing and representing the flavors from those countries.” The COVID-19 pandemic has largely impacted Haider’s business strategy. Prior to the pandemic, his business was 70% dine-in and 30% takeout, and now it is 100% takeout, as safety comes first. His gourmet pizzas are specifically designed to be served as soon as they come out of the oven—just like in Naples. However, this overnight change in the norms has forced him to quickly readapt. Now, customers receive instructions on how to reheat the pizzas at home. Haider goes above and beyond the city’s requirements. “Whatever the city requires, we are doing 20% extra to make sure all guests’ and teams’ health is a No. 1 priority,” Haider says. The restaurant is disinfected and sanitized every week by professionals. To ensure minimal contact, the restaurant has redesigned its website to suit the times. Customers place their orders online at 786degrees.com and can watch videos to learn more about the pizzas. Once guests arrive, they take their hot and fresh pizza from a food warmer near the entrance, and they are out the door in 30 seconds. There is zero interaction. During these times of crisis, Haider and his restaurant have become extremely valuable assets to the community. They make pizzas for lunch and dinner for elderly folks who are in quarantine or homebound and for front-line workers. “If you know of any neighbor or community elder who is in need of hot and fresh food, their pizzas will be on us,” Haider says. “I’m all about community. If community did not support us all this time, we were nobody. This is the time to give back, and give back double, as there are so many community members facing difficulties with their livelihood.” In short, he says he believes “because you were a fan and supported us until now, it is our turn to give back.” Haider’s international fame is due to his unique, artistic take on his craft. His knack of creating a colorful world map on pizza dough allows Angelenos to enjoy one of their favorite foods while savoring other international delicacies. His business presence on Pasadena’s Washington Boulevard has broadened the locals’ culinary palate, while providing them with the love and care they need in the midst of the toughest of circumstances. “I appreciate all our pizza addicts who keep coming back,” Haider says. “In return, I promise the highest caliber of pizza they expect from us, and lots of love and respect in return.”
Photo courtesy Ali Haider
ost people associate a good night out in Pasadena with dining at a fine restaurant or bar in Colorado Boulevard’s Old Town. Northern Pasadena’s East Washington Boulevard is emerging as a more mellow, less crowded alternative to Old Town. Previously, the business hub for the local Armenian community, multiethnic cafes have been springing up alongside Armenian-owned shops and bakeries. Sapori di 786 Degrees is the newest addition to the rapidly gentrifying East Washington Boulevard. In summer 2019, master chef pizzaiolo Ali Haider brought his award-winning, distinctive pizza to Pasadena’s East Washington Village by opening Sapori di 786 Degrees. His first restaurant, 786 Degrees, opened in Sun Valley in 2015, and since then Haider brought a long list of accolades back to the community. In 2018, Mayor Eric Garcetti awarded Haider’s restaurant 786 Degrees as the “business of the year.” The chef earned “entrepreneur of the year” for his innovative ideas. Recently, his pizzerias were regarded as California’s best by USA Today. At that time, many Pasadena culinary critics, friends and TV personalities recommended that he should spread his gooey delights to Pasadena. “That is when they offered this second opportunity,” Haider says. Born from a mixed ethnic background, Haider was educated in Los Angeles. He’s blessed to speak six languages, thanks to his Italian, Indian and Iraqi heritage. He is the first in his family and friendship circle to become a restaurateur. “I always wanted to serve something unique and, at the same time, include flavors from all around the world,” Haider says. “I could not find any restaurant doing that, especially halal, being a foodie at heart. (So) I decided I might as well believe in my vision and let my passion take the lead.” Haider is a certified pizzaiolo (master of pizza making) from Naples, the motherland of pizza. “I am honored to be part of United States Pizza Team as the ambassador and proud to represent America internationally at different pizza competitions,” Haider says. He has achieved national and international world pizza championship awards eight times. His national awards include recognition from Yelp (“highest-rated pizzeria in the nation”) and Food Network (“best-tasting pizza in the nation”). “Being someone’s favorite pizzeria is more prestigious to me than being the best,” he says. Haider’s pizzas boast international flavors. They’re baked on two of the world’s 14 authentic imported wood-fired ovens custom made from Mount Vesuvius lava rock. “Flavors are beautiful everywhere, all around the world,” Haider says. “So, why just stick to one style? Why not take the best of the best from different countries and present it like a painting on the pizza? The pizza is like the canvas.” The Bombay tikka masala pizza contains San Marzano tomatoes, chicken kabob pieces, mango chutney and paneer with the signature saffron tikka sauce, the latter of which takes three days to make. Middle Eastern influences shine on the Istanbul pizza, which has chicken Turkish doner kabob, which is marinated for 72 hours and finished with fresh cucumbers and an authentic yogurt base sauce haidari sauce—all made in-house. The Habibi takes diners to Egypt and is piled with smoked mozzarella, Egyptian garlic yogurt sauce with the award-winning lamb koftas. El Chapo is a Mexican-themed spicy pizza with beef chorizo, grilled onions, cilantro, San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella. Napolitana Margherita D.O.C. is the pizza for which he earned the Vera Pizza Napolitana certification. For this pizza, the mozzarella di bufala is imported from the Campania region of Italy.
TEXTURE IN THE LANDSCAPE
Texture is everywhere. Every day, you visually and tactically perceive countless different textures, scattered all around you. While texture is technically felt, you can trick the eye into sensing texture. In design, one of the most powerful tools you can utilizeis to harness and mingle textures in a way that appeals to the eyes and the hands. In its most simple definition, texture is used to showcase contrast and diversity. Texture is the roughness or smoothness of the individual outlines of plant foliage, hardscape, or any other design element you can think of. Beyond physical and into a visual standpoint, different shapes simulate texture. Texture is best integrated with a focus on contrast, balancing smoothness and roughness, grouping one type of texture and bordering it with another grouping of dissimilar texture. As you can see in this picture (made black and white to highlight outlines), the lines and smooth texture of the Santa Barbara stucco walls contrast with the coarser texture of the paver walkway. The shape and texture contrast allows us to distinguish the different groupings of plants, and the stone benches’ flat, smooth shape distinguishes from the bushy texture of the plants. In terms of plant choices, contrast can be harder to define and therefore is the focus of our illustration above. Try planting several shrub-like plants (i.e. Gardenia) and separating the groupings with contrasting straplike plants (i.e. Daylilies). Their natural textures complement each other,
and bring a sense of volume, definition, and interest to the landscape. So far we have discussed in earlier articles how we use line, shape, form, voids, and masses to help create focus and direct the eye on a journey. Along with these tools, we use texture to create contrast and to define objects. We purposely used a black & white photograph to help define this concept without the complication of color, which achieves similar objectives and will be the focus of our next article. 09.20 | ARROYO | 37
38 | ARROYO | 09.20
09.20 | ARROYO | 39