February 2020 | Lifestyle Guide
Fine living in the greater Pasadena area
Puppy Love
A DOG SHELTER IS MAKING HOMES HAPPY
All Heart KAREN KOCH CELEBRATES HER TRANSPLANT’S ANNIVERSARY
+ CHOCOLATE BERRY TRIFLES
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arroyo VOLUME 16 | NUMBER 02 | FEBRUARY 2020
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LIVING A LIFE YOU LOVE 11 PUPPY LOVE How a Pasadena dog shelter is making home the happiest place on Earth. —By KAYLA RUTLEDGE
14 A LABOR OF LOVE A bakery whose story is almost as sweet as the treats. —By KAYLA RUTLEDGE
23 A TRAGIC FARCE Alfred Molina takes the stage in his hometown theater for ‘The Father.’ —By CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
26 STRETCHING THE DEFINITION OF A YOGI The journey of a female-owned yoga studio in a post-Bikram Choudhury world. —BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE
29 SHE’S GOT HEART Karen Koch celebrates five years of a renewed life. —By CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
DEPARTMENTS
08 FESTIVITIES Tournament of Roses
16 HOME AND DESIGN Food Delivery Services
31 CULINARY CUPBOARD Chocolate Berry Trifle 32 COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH The Lemon Drop
33 THE LIST I Do! An Event for the Stylish Bride, Los Angeles Fine Print Fair, the California International Antiquarian Book Fair and more
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Editor’s Note
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he best way to celebrate the season of love is by indulging in amazing treats, learning about our neighbors in the community, going to incredible events filled with passion and life, and visiting the businesses in Pasadena that sprinkle a bit of tenderness and warmth into everything they do. This month we will explore what makes people fall in love with the stunning greater Pasadena area, and what keeps them here for generations. A visit to Union Bakery will let the light in on some of the sweetest treats in town. The owners traded in busy New York City for Pasadena to open the bakery, and fell even more in love with each other in the process. This issue also features a recipe for chocolate berry trifle- a simple at-home way to indulge in the finer things. If this month’s celebrations include letting love into your home, the Pasadena Humane Society has adopted a new sleepover program for dogs and puppies. If love is to be found outside your house, you can track it down at Pasadena Playhouse, where Alfred Molina will passionately take on ‘The Father’. For those who are seeking love from within, Hot Yoga Pasadena is serving up self-care and healing through the yoga practice. This issue also features an inspiring story about the heart itself, as Karen Koch celebrates five years of renewed life thanks to a heart transplant in 2015. So fill your heart up this season with the good stuff. The people, places and things that bring us joy, show us our community’s resilience to tough times and ability to soak in and shine in the good times.
xoxo Kayla Rutledge
arroyo
fine living in the greater pasadena area
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Christina Fuoco -Karasinski EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kayla Rutledge ART DIRECTOR Stephanie Torres ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Richard Garcia CONTRIBUTORS Michale Cervin, Emily Chavez, Luis Chavez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lisa Chase, Javier Sanchez ADVERTORIAL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Bruce Haring OFFICE MANAGER Ann Turrietta
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TIMES MEDIA GROUP PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine V.P. OF OPERATIONS Michael Hiatt ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ZAC REYNOLDS CONTACT US EDITORIAL krutledge@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.
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Pasadena in Full Bloom
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Photos by Luis Chavez
The 131st Tournament of Roses boasted decorative floats that truly rang in the spirit of the New Year. From the classic designs and shapes familiar to locals and visitors, to new and inspiring takes on, “The Power of Hope” theme, the parade was not one to miss.
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1. The Royal Court was ushered into the parade on a staircase-styled float. The members of The Court were selected based on their public speaking ability, youth leadership, academic achievement, and community and school involvement. 2. Nine cancer survivors rode the “The Power of Hope” float presented by the City of Hope at the parade. The cancer treatment and research center has participated in the parade 48 times. 3. Rita Moreno, one of three grand marshals of the parade, shared her excitement with the crowd. Beginning her show business career on Broadway at age 13, Moreno has since received an Academy Award, Tony Award, two Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award. 4. Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek rode in the parade on a horse-drawn antique wagon. His excitement was, complemented by a rose in his left breast pocket. 5. Trader Joe’s “It Takes a Flight of Fancy” float won the category “Crown City Innovator” for its use of imagination, innovation and technology. Peppered with the grocer’s famous floral-patterned clothing, the float took the parade to new heights.
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Jack Hagerman, vice president of communications for the shelter, says happier dogs have an increased potential to find their forever home.
Love
PUPPY
HOW A PASADENA DOG SHELTER IS MAKING HOME THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH STORY BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ
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here is more love in the air than ever thanks to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. The shelter has adopted a strategy to find out more about the numerous dogs who are taken in—sleepover parties. In partnership with Maddie’s Fund and the ASU Research Center, the shelter is utilizing sleepover parties between furry friends and temporary foster fur parents to research the ways in which time away from the shelter can positively impact a dog’s marketability. “Animal shelters are stressful places for animals. There are a lot of unfamiliar smells and sounds, and as much as we do to make it comfortable it’s no replacement for a home,” says Jack Hagerman, the shelter’s Vice President of Communications. The sleepovers also help the shelter learn more about the animals, including if they are open to socializing, are reactive to people walking into a room and enjoy extra attention or prefer to march to the beat –continued on page 12
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of their own drum. The program was created as a result of a fieldtrip pilot program launched in 2018, another Maddie’s Fund research project for dogs. After undergoing an hour of training, volunteers swing by the shelter and “checkout” a dog for a few hours to get them out of the kennels and into the world. The volunteers document the behavior of the dog, and report what they learned about the animal upon their return. The fieldtrip study found that dogs who have been taken out of the kennel for about three hours a day have lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone). Hagerman says the lower stress levels can completely change the behavior of the dogs, transforming them into the happy pups they are naturally, and in turn, increasing their marketability in the kennels to potential adopters. “As stressful as being in a kennel with bars can be, we have enrichment activities that we do to help dogs be as comfortable as possible while they’re here waiting for a new home. But there is no substitute for getting them out of the shelter,” Hagerman says. The program has led to happier dogs, which has created a better environment in the shelter. It has also resulted in numerous unforeseen adoptions from volunteers. The program was such a success the shelter kept the field trips in place, though they no longer submit the research they collect about the dogs. “We’re using that information that’s brought back to us now to better connect the dogs with potential families,” Hagerman says. “Does this dog like napping? Extra pets? Being outside? We can use all of this information to connect them with a person who can complement their needs.” The next phase of the research for Maddie’s Fund are sleepover parties. Based on the same concept, the sleepovers are a way for volunteers to learn about the dogs and give the animals a chance to detox from the stress of the kennels. “We do what we can to make this a comfortable place for them, but there’s no replacement for a warm bed next to someone that makes them feel comfortable and loved overnight,” Hagerman says. The first set of volunteers were trained in January, and Hagerman says he foresees success in the program and expects it to be around for a while.
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“Everyone wins. The sleepovers free up space in the shelter so we have more room to take in dogs. We learn about who they are so we can better pair them with a family instead of having people ‘shop’ for the dogs at face value. And volunteers get to have a temporary buddy,” Hagerman says. He adds the program is a great way for potential owners to test drive certain dogs, for new owners to determine if they are ready for the commitment of having an animal, or for those that travel often to feel the companionship of a furry friend without the commitment of being a full-time pet parent. The shelter also pays for all of the expenses associated with the dog while in the care of a foster, “so really all you’re spending is time with a dog that needs you more than you know,” Hagerman says. Sleepovers start at one night and can go on indefinitely. Hagerman says the shelter remains flexible to get dogs in on as many sleepovers as possible. “In this situation, everyone wins. But at the end of the day we want the dogs to be loved and comfortable, and I think this program is just one of the many ways we are putting our hand in on that effort,” Hagerman says.
Pasadena Humane Society 361 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena 626-792-7151, pasadenahumane.org
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A LABOR OF
Love
A BAKERY WHOSE STORY IS ALMOST AS SWEET AS THE TREATS
STORY BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ
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or nearly two decades Wally Choi and Joon Lee have worked side by side to make Union Bakery more than just a spot for lunch, but a home. “I think people appreciate simple things done well, and from the beginning that’s been our goal,” Choi says. From delicate croissants that are labored over for two days, to warm, heavenly pies made from fresh, seasonal fruits, the menu has stayed nearly the same for the last 18 years. Though over that time, Lee, the mastermind behind the delicious treats, has also dabbled with savory profiles creating unforgettable quiches, soups and sandwiches that lay atop fresh bread baked in-house. “As time has gone on people have become pretty attached to our savory menu and rely on us for afternoon meals. But our pies are still in the center stage,” Choi says. Today, the couple is a powerhouse of appetizing treats that customers can tell were crafted with love, but back in ’98 the two almost missed each other in busy New York City by a hair. Lee was working off-beat hours at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, serving some of the world’s most notable figures and learning under famous French chefs. Choi was constantly in the grind of the finance industry in the city. Without one of Choi’s friends taking notice of Lee, the couple may have been two ships in the night.
“My friend wanted to ask her out, but he was chicken thinking he would get shot down. So I said, ‘Well then maybe I’ll ask her out,’” says Choi, who added Lee was “crazy about him from first sight.” To which Lee lovingly shrugged. From that day on, the lovebirds’ passion for each other was on fire. Together they hit the usual milestones most couples do, but there was a special love between them; the kind that lasts a lifetime. Two years after their first date the couple was married. Though unsure about what the future may hold, they knew they would have each other through the thickest of the storms and on the brightest days. The couple agrees that all they need is each other, and it showed when Lee made a leap of faith and moved from the comforts of her NYC stomping grounds to California to open a business with Choi, who was getting worn out at his job. Lee was a bit hesitant because of her upbringing on the East Coast and some of the rumors she had heard about the West Coast’s way of life. To her understanding, California lacked culture and, “was kind of boring.” She says it was difficult to leave her situation in New York City but noticed Choi finding less and less joy in his job, so she made the jump. The couple decided to combine their skills to open a bakery, something that was unachievable in Manhattan because of the cost of space, supplies and permits. Not only was their dream achievable in Pasadena, but had the potential to thrive. Within seven months of moving to Pasadena, Union Bakery was opened. While nearly all of the process went flawlessly, the couple did at first struggle to decide on the overall vibe of the joint. Lee wanted a classic French theme due to her French training. Choi wanted to avoid the “foo foo” theme, and go with a cozy and comfortable “homey” feel. After some convincing, the couple went with Choi’s vision, and Lee fell in love with the space. “The first couple of years, like any business, you struggle. You sort of have to find your footing in the market and figure out what your place is in it. But we made money from day one, we didn’t struggle too much,” Choi says. “I think it’s because there weren’t many mom and pop type places in the area back then. I mean we had that cozy atmosphere and really amazing food and coffee, and people gravitated toward that authenticity.” Solely through word of mouth throughout Pasadena, Union Bakery has remained one of the most popular cafes in the community for nearly two decades. The couple says they have served several generations of families in the neighborhood that make a point to visit the bakery while they are in town. They also regularly do caterings for pies, quiches and sandwiches that have become a staple in many household traditions. “It feels amazing to be part of those memories for people. There are some things that taste, or smell or feel like home. I think our bakery brings back some of people’s best memories of Pasadena,” Choi says. Through their business, the couple has made a home for themselves in Pasadena. Though Lee was at first hesitant about moving to the area, now she says there is no other place she would rather be. “Now that I’ve lived here for almost 20 years I can admit I was wrong. The people are great and really open minded. Especially the people in Pasadena, I mean they have become family to me,” says Lee. Lee and Choi have no intention of opening a second bakery, “because then it would turn into real work. Right now, we do this for fun,” says Choi. However, the future of Union Bakery could include a larger space leaving room to grow for years to come. “We’re not going anywhere, if anything we’re ready to just do more of what we do, and continue to grow our family in Pasadena,” says Choi. Though no matter what the future may hold, the love the couple has for each other and what they do will remain the same, and the community can count on them for a home away from home with fresh pies to boot.
Union Bakery 1138 Fair Oaks Avenue, South Pasadena 626-403-1850 02.20 | ARROYO | 15
HOME & DESIGN SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
LOVE TO COOK, BUT HATE SHOPPING?
Food delivery services offer everything but the kitchen sink By Bruce Haring
We live in an age where everyone is tired. Tired from work, tired from commuting, tired of the noisy neighbors, the taxes, the everything that comes with a super-busy lifestyle. So when you finally make it to the sanctuary of your home, it’s little wonder that coming up with a meal concept and getting it ready can overtax your drained brain. But everyone must eat to survive. Yes, you can order a pizza or eat whatever fast food you find on the way home. But as your mother, the Food Network, and countless websites remind you, good nutrition starts at home by cooking with fresh ingredients. There is just one hassle—gathering the groceries to put together that dream meal. Some few humans see that task as a delight, a chance to explore the supermarket and interact with their fellow humans and discover new things on the shelves. Others see it as just one more chore to be endured, or skip it entirely in favor pizza. continued on page 21
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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—
and knowledge. And that’s why a cottage industry of pre-prepped meal deliveries is thriving, catering to those who want some food variety in their lives, but haven’t the skills or the insight to achieve gourmet heaven. There’s an app for that Fortunately, there is a pre-planned meal option for almost everyone out there, including those trying to stay on the Keto path, vegans, gluten-free disciples and those with food allergies. Here is how it works: a box of food arrives, you unpack and follow the cooking directions, and soon, you have something that you would have been proud to order from a restaurant. Even better, the nutrition is balanced, and portion control is carefully measured. As a bonus, there’s less food waste—you don’t need to buy that bottle of Asian ginger sauce and have it sit around for the next year. Everything has been pre-measured in just the right amount. And for those of us with families, because you pre-order your food, you will never have to wonder about what’s for tonight’s dinner. What services are out there? National brands include Blue Apron, continued from page 16
HelloFresh, Home Chef, SunBasket, Purple Carrot and Freshly, among many
Welcome to the 21st century. The advent of grocery delivery services
others. All are out there creating delicious, balanced, and healthy recipes.
from Amazon, Instacart and others has made a dent in that time suck
Most ZIP codes are delivery targets and the ingredients will stay fresh in its
known as shopping. Sure, the prices are a little higher, and there are often
packaging for 24 hours, or up to five days in the refrigerator.
mysterious service charges floating on the bill. But having someone else take on the task of walking the grocery store aisles are moments in your life you
Locally, Pasadena residents can also explore some nonchain options. We will go over them below. Now, the downside of this convenience. In each case, it is a service,
can reclaim. The only problem is that collecting the groceries is merely step one. The next step is making a meal, something that requires cooking skills
so it is pricier than the DIY option of shopping and cooking yourself. There’s company overhead involved here, so the plans are usually a couple continued on page 22
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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—
continued from page 21
dollars more to accommodate that necessity. But you can pause most of the services if finances are tight, or just order a few meals a week to fit your lifestyle. Some hearty eaters may be disappointed at the portion control aspect. A single serving may not be enough, leaving you scrounging for add-ons that may ruin the concept of nutrition and portio- control. And for the planet conscious, there’s also the issue of packaging waste. All of that goodness has to be contained in something, and that often means you will wind up with something resembling Christmas morning after you open all of the containers. Disposing of that mess is the equivalent of jetting to an environmental conference. Still not convinced? Many of the services offer a trial period, often with a discount. You can experiment and see if the option of pre-meal planning and delivery is right for you. Here are a few local options: ZEN Foods: ZEN, or “Zero-Effort Nutrition,” creates clean, healthy and delicious meals tailored to fit your dietary needs. Each day you’ll receive a ZEN Foods cooler bag containing freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and dessert delivered right to your doorstep. Available programs include: weight loss, rapid weight loss, healthy lifestyle for weight maintenance, vegetarian, family dinner and cold-pressed juice cleanses. Fitness Kitchen: Fitness Kitchen uses locally sourced premium ingredients to create meals while achieving your wellness and fitness goals. Do you want to drop pounds while building strength? Do you want to effortlessly maintain your current weight? Do you want to fuel up for athletic performance? Fitness Kitchen LA has a meal plan that will help you do just that. Muscle Up Meals: Each meal is prepared to be “5-Star Delicious,” as well as precisely weighed and measured to ensure each meal provides the optimum nutrition to help you reach your fitness goals. Whether you want to lose fat and gain muscle, or just lose weight so you can start to enjoy a healthy living lifestyle, Muscle Up Meals has the solution you need. Gourmet Health: Never the same weekly menu. They deliver to the office and offer a team delivery discount (five or more people get free delivery). You can also try the hangover meal: They’ll make steak strips, egg whites and rice after a night out. Little Green Forks: Pre-prepared and healthy plant-based meals. The meals contain no animal products, no processed foods or refined grains. All are delivered in sealed environmentally friendly packaging that can be placed into the oven, microwave, refrigerator or freezer.
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‘A TRAGIC FARCE’ ALFRED MOLINA TAKES THE STAGE IN HIS HOMETOWN THEATER FOR ‘THE FATHER’ BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
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lfred Molina enjoys the Pasadena Playhouse. So, it was natural for him to accept the lead role in Florian Zeller’s play “The Father” at the Pasadena Playhouse. “It’s my local theater. I keep telling everyone it’s just a 12-minute commute,” Molina says with a laugh. Molina’s conversation is peppered with wise cracks, which makes “The Father” role even more snug. He plays André, who is suffering from a memory lapse and, as Molina says, it’s clear as the play progresses, his situation is worsening. But don’t let that description fool you. “It’s full of expectations that get confounded somewhat,” Molina says. “He’s clearly losing his memory and sense of who he is and who other people are. It’s sounds depressing, but Florian has written in the style of a farce — a tragic farce. “It’s a very funny play. I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s so much more. It’s emotionally powerful and really packs a punch.” “The Father” deals with a theme and ideas that everyone faces — aging and dying. Molina says when the cast was initially rehearsing around the table, they shared how they were affected by dementia. “Most people have relatives who have it,” he says. “We were all working on a play and we were empathetic. We all have an empathy for this situation. It’s almost an epidemic. Within the next 25 years, 1 in 3 Americans will have been touched by the disease or suffering from it in some shape or form.” Molina says he discovered the vast majority of research dollars around the world used to go toward finding a cure for Alzheimer’s and dementia. Now, it’s going toward preventative measures. “It’s a strange disease. It’s a cowardly disease,” he says. “Once it’s diagnosed, it’s already established a hold. As the body starts to break down, it ceases to send certain messages to the body. You’re finding it hard to swallow. You can’t eat. We were talking about how unfair it is. “If you get a cancer diagnosis — God forbid — early enough, you can fight it, face the illness and do what’s necessary to fight it. Alzheimer’s, it creeps up and establishes itself and there’s nothing you can do. It’s a one-way street. The play’s dealing with a very, very critical and timely topic. It’s full of humor, empathy and love.” The Pasadena Playhouse is just as excited to have Molina. Pasadena Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman says, “Alfred Molina is one of the greatest actors of our time.” Pasadena Playhouse producing artistic director. “We’ve been searching for a play to do together here at the Playhouse since I started a few years ago. ‘The Father’ had a profound impact on me. I distinctly remember reading the script in my office and getting to the end and feeling breathless. I sent it to Fred and he quickly said, ‘this is the one.’ I think it will be a performance that people will be talking about for years to come.” –continued on page 24
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Yes man Molina doesn’t like to say no. As a result, he’s worked in a variety of films that began with the landmark “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” “A big highlight was ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark,’ even though it was the best part of 40 years ago. “It was my first movie and what started my film career. It’s a real highlight because it was the beginning of everything. I’ve been very fortunate. There hasn’t been anything I’ve done that has been a disappointment. Some things have been more successful and more satisfying. I haven’t regretted anything.” He recalls a conversation between “Raiders” stars Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg on the set. “No one thought it was going to do anything,” Molina says about “Raiders.” “I was sharing a lunch with Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford when we were shooting at the studios in Elstree in London. We were all having lunch in the commissary and they invited me to join. I was thrilled to be sitting there. I was sitting with the director and the star. I was just a nobody. I was just listening.” “They were having a conversation about the movie and the expectations for it. They said they had no idea what this was
going to be like. It bucked the trend of movies of that time. It was a throwback to a much more innocent, much more romantic era in filmmaking. It was of the ’30s and ’40s. When the movie was such a huge hit, I think everyone was delighted.” The London-born Molina has lived and worked in the United States since the early ’90s. His career spans over 45 years with more than 200 credits in theater, television and film. After “Raiders,” he worked with directors as diverse as Richard Donner, Mike Leigh, Jim Jarmusch, Lasse Hallström, Mira Nair, Stephen Frears and Julie Taymor. His theater work includes the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, London’s West End, and Broadway where he has been a three-time Tony Award nominee. He has also worked extensively in Los Angeles, with productions at the Mark Taper Forum, Geffen Playhouse, and The New American Theatre. This is his first full production with Pasadena Playhouse. Molina doesn’t have a favorite project. He enjoys everything he does. “If you’re lucky enough to choose what you do, then you read a play and it speaks to you or it doesn’t,” he says. “You see yourself in that role or you don’t. “It’s not necessarily an intellectual or logical process. Sometimes it the reason is very arbitrary — could be the director, another actor you really want to work with, the theater is beautiful. Ultimately, it’s all about what’s on the page. I also never say no. I’m a bit of a tart.”
“The Father”
Various times Wednesday, February 5, to Sunday, March 1 Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Avenue, Pasadena Tickets start at $25 626-356-7529, pasadenaplayhouse.org
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STRETCHING THE DEFINITION OF A
THE JOURNEY OF A FEMALE-OWNED YOGA STUDIO IN A POST-BIKRAM CHOUDHURY WORLD STORY BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ
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n 2013, two civil lawsuits alleging rape were filed against yoga’s then omnipotent Bikram Choudhury. By the next year, more women came forward and another three lawsuits were filed, sending Choudhury into panic. He fled the country with off-shore benefits, leaving those he instructed who relied on the use of his famous name for business to fend for themselves against huge corporate yoga entities. “Back in the day all it took was a sign saying ‘Bikram Yoga’ in your window to get people to come in. But this changed everything about the yoga businesses and how we viewed our teachings,” says owner of Pasadena Hot Yoga Val Sklar Robinson, who was featured in the newly released Netflix documentary “Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator - Inside his Empire of Abuse.” There was a time of euphoria for instructors under his teachings before the surfacing of his mistreatment of women, homophobia and racism. Choudhury was known as a pioneer of the intersection between age-old yoga teachings and modern takes on the practice. Aspiring instructors would sometimes pay upward of $16,000 to endure a grueling nine-week seminar with the man himself. Hopeful students braved Choudhury’s teachings of hot yoga in 104-degree tents, sometimes with up to 500 bodies sharing a space. As one of the most renowned yogis at the time, Choudhury sat in the front with an air conditioning unit blowing on his back as he called instructions, only leaving his podium when necessary. It was a common occurrence to look around the room and see several students passed out in a pool of sweat during a session. “He was very brash and politically incorrect. He had a very tough-love thing going on. But when he spoke to you it was like he could see into your soul. He moved you,” Sklar Robinson says. In a time before her knowledge of Choudhury, Sklar Robinson suffered an undiagnosed hip injury at 13, which lead to her eventually breaking her hip. “I’ve carried it with me ever since that Western medical doctors don’t know everything about you, and we sometimes need to take some responsibility for ourselves,” she says. After her hip injury, Sklar Robinson was diagnosed with early signs of degenerative arthritis and would someday need a hip replacement when she was older. “When you’re 13, old is, like, 50. So I was shocked when at 28 I had severe pain in that same spot just from simple tasks like walking, and was put on three prescription medications,” Sklar Robinson says. The then-corporate head in the shoe industry was on a business trip to Denver, where her friend’s parents brought her to a Bikram class to kill time, “and I instantly found it fascinating.” “When I came back to LA I looked into it a little more and found Bikram’s studio was right down the street from me so I started going. What I found was as I started to learn how to breathe properly and do the stretches. What looked complicated was actually pretty simple, and I started to feel better,” says Sklar Robinson. Soon after, she began practicing regularly and was off her medication and her limp disappeared. Sklar Robinson was so inspired by her progress and her new, more positive mindset, she left her corporate job. “In 1998, people thought that I was insane and that I lost my mind. Seriously, my mother was a wreck. But I was single, I was 30, so I quit everything and moved out to Pasadena to pursue my dream of opening my own studio,” says Sklar Robinson. 26 | ARROYO | 02.20
The first six months were some of the toughest for her business. Only one to two students attended each class. But with the Choudhury sign in her window, as the practice of hot yoga became more popular, so did her studio. “All you needed was that sign,” says Sklar Robinson. After 14 years, business was reaching new heights at Hot Yoga Pasadena, but it was also booming for large corporate yoga studios. Sklar Robinson knew she would have to take a leap of faith to stay competitive in the yoga scene, so she opened a new location that was double the size of her first studio, built showers and a changing room, and upgraded all aspects of the studio’s aesthetics. “I was horrified. I was funding it myself for hundreds of thousands of dollars. I didn’t have investors, I didn’t have a hedge fund supporting me. I don’t have a wealthy husband,” says Sklar Robinson. “I did it because I believe in this yoga’s ability to make people feel better and increase the overall quality of their life. I believe that to my core. And as much as I want to distance myself from Bikram, he is what got me to where I’m at and showed me how to get other people there, too.” Just as her new studio was set to open, Choudhury’s first bout with allegations were in the spotlight and Sklar Robinson had a huge decision to make— stand with Choudhury, as many studios chose to do, or trust the reputation she had built within the community would withstand the changing times under a new name and absolutely zero association with Choudhury. Sklar Robinson bravely chose the latter. “It was nothing I saw or experienced, but I think there’s always been a problem for vulnerable women. I think this is something our society is grappling with as a society as a whole. It’s not unique to the yoga community or the world at large. I couldn’t get on board with being associated with that or being a bystander to that,” says Sklar Robinson. Her studio was only one of thousands deciding how to move forward and away from Choudhury. Sklar Robinson says many yogis, “ran their businesses like a hobby,” and eventually lost it, but she wanted to make the most of the challenges set before the yoga community. “We need guidelines and structure so we could survive against these corporate entities and have a new identity in a world post-Bikram,” Sklar Robinson says. In 2016 Sklar Robinson created the Original Hot Yoga Association (OHYA), a nonprofit that sets forth guidelines for instructors and classes that help small yoga enterprises have a solid foundation to run a lasting business without identifying with Choudhury. At the organization’s core, the community maintains a standard of health, healing and respect for all. In the last three and a half years, nearly 175 studios and 500 teachers have met OHYA’s standards and are running successful businesses. Since creating the yoga guild, opening a bigger and better studio, and even expanding her assortment of classes from a standard 90-minute Choudhury class to sessions classes of varying lengths and types and adding Pilates, Sklar Robinson has also spoken her truth in “Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator - Inside his Empire of Abuse.” “I think I was honest and strong in the documentary,” says Sklar Robinson. “If you don’t know anything about the yoga world, I think the documentary gives you a good understanding of how difficult it was to move away from Bikram, but ultimately why it was necessary.” “I don’t regret a thing I have done. Even being taught by Bikram. Everything happened as it needed to for us to move on and go forward,” says Sklar Robinson. Choudhury still runs his teachings out of Mexico and Spain, but Sklar Robinson believes the yoga community is in the midst of “a beautiful transition,” without him. “It’s no longer about if you can touch your toes or do a standing split. It’s not about losing weight, which, yeah, that happens, but it’s not at the core of what we do. Now, yoga is about making you feel good, and these locally owned studios are spearheading that,” says Sklar Robinson. “It’s a movement I’m so proud to be a part of.”
Pasadena Hot Yoga 2089 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena 626-304-9642 | hotyogapasadena.com 02.20 | ARROYO | 27
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Heart SHE’S GOT
KAREN KOCH CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF A RENEWED LIFE STORY BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ
A
s the mother of two children, Karen Koch was fatigued and didn’t think much about it. Her husband was working out of town, and she chalked up chest congestion to a recent flu. She eventually saw her doctor and was shocked by what she heard: “You need a heart transplant.” The Pasadena native was startled. “I had two little kids to raise,” she says about her daughter and son, who were 11 and 6, then, respectively. “I didn’t have time to go through that.” Koch was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart’s ability to pump blood is decreased because the heart’s main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged and weakened. The then 39-year-old mother decided to forgo a heart transplant and hope she would recover. After her health started slipping in 2011, she accepted a heart on January 14, 2015. February 14 is National Donor Day. National Donor Day is a time to focus on all types of donation – organ, eye, tissue, blood, platelets and marrow –by participating in blood/marrow drives or donor registration events. It is also a day to recognize our loved ones who have given the gift of donation, have received a donation, are currently waiting or did not receive an organ in time. In 2019, 135 women received heart transplants in California, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), compared to 120 in 2018. The number of men is triple that—331—in 2019 and 313 in 2018. OneLegacy is the nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation in the seven-county greater Los Angeles area. With more than 215 hospitals, 11 transplant centers and a population of nearly 20 million, OneLegacy is the largest organ, eye and tissue recovery organization in the world. Media relations specialist Tania Llavaneras says OneLegacy also works to educate the public and encourage them to register as donors. Llavaneras and Koch met when the transplant recipient was on the Donate Life float in the Rose Bowl Parade. “She was one of the honorees,” Llavaneras says of Koch. “She was on the year 14 float. It’s an amazing opportunity. The Rose Parade is the ultimate event. We do it to share this important message of donation. OneLegacy is one of the 58 organ procurement stations in the nation. “Thanks to someone saying yes to donation, Karen is here.”
DELAYED SURGERY When Koch initially fell ill, her doctor told her to come to her office immediately. She underwent an EKG and the doctor said she was “having a heart attack right then and there.” Her heart was failing, and her lungs filled up with fluid. “My husband also works in the medical field, so she called him,” she –continued on page 30 02.20 | ARROYO | 29
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says. “He knew exactly what she was talking about.” Koch immediately went to the hospital. “I said, ‘But I have to get my kids.’ My in-laws were watching them,” she says. “The doctor said, ‘No, you don’t have time to get your kids. You need to go to the hospital now.’ That’s how it was all unveiled.” “My lungs had filled up with fluid. I thought it was just from being stressed and overworked. I never once thought it was my heart. I thought maybe it was pneumonia or bronchitis because I had gotten the flu.” Koch was admitted on Valentine’s Day 2001. She was transferred to UCLA to start a transplant evaluation. “I was just in disbelief,” she says. “I didn’t understand what was happening. I was just listening, but I wasn’t comprehending.” Instead, Koch took a leap of faith that her cardiologists could help her. With medication and three implantable defibrillators, Koch saw her children grow up and spent time coaching her daughter’s cheer team. “I received a call in 2001 that there was a heart available,” she says. “Prior to that, they told me I could turn down the heart if I wanted to. And I did because I was feeling stable enough at that time. They weren’t happy with my decision, but I felt at that time it was a good decision for me. I was able to hold on to my existing heart for 14 more years before I had to go down that road. “Those 14 years weren’t easy,” she says. In 2011, things changed. Her heart was weakening and two years later, her cardiologist said it was time to start the heart transplant evaluation again. In July 2014, she was listed for a transplant. “My old heart gave me a great life,” Koch says. “I was able to see both of my kids graduate high school, my daughter graduate from college and also see her get married. “But I started feeling like everything was changing in 2011. I was declining very slowly. They wanted to get me on the list before I fell off. I was so sick.” Still, it was a tough process. “I was waiting for that call and making sure my phone was charged,” Koch says. “Then I wasn’t sleeping well at night because I was worried I was going to miss the call. The crazy thing is they called my landline. I had no idea that was the line they were going to call on.” Koch was at home with her husband, Chris, when she received “the call.” She needed a minute—just a minute. Koch asked her husband what she should do. “I said yes and then they (the doctors) said to come on in,” Koch says. The family then traveled to Cedars-Sinai Hospital. “My daughter and son-in-law followed us. We just waited for updates throughout the entire evening.” Since her transplant, she’s been able to create more memories, despite being wrought with infections. “I feel better now than I have in such a long time,” says Koch, whose children are now 30 and 25. “I’m doing things I never thought I would be able to do.” Thanks to her transplant, Koch has walked in 5Ks. She can also travel to support the racecar career of her 25-year-old son, Kenton. Kenton has partnered with Donate Life America to bring awareness to the importance of being a registered organ, eye and tissue donor. “I’m thrilled I could witness his success,” Koch says. “A year ago, I would never have thought I could travel to cheer him on. I will be forever grateful to my donor and her family and for the decision she made to be a registered organ donor. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for her. She has given me a second chance at life. I have not met the family yet, but I hope one day I am able to.” Her 30-year-old daughter, Kelly Chakerian, is the mother of her four grandchildren. She hasn’t met her donor’s family, even though she sent a couple of letters letting them know how much she appreciates their decision. All she knows is the donor was a 20-year-old woman. “As a mom, my heart literally just broke that they lost their daughter,” Koch says. “I don’t know what the circumstances were. The doctors have said, most likely, even if transplant recipients do reach out to the families, they may not always hear from them. “I just want them to know how grateful I am to them every day they made that decision.” donatelifecalifornia.org 30 | ARROYO | 02.20
INDULGING IN THE
Finer Things ELEGANT CHOCOLATE BERRY TRIFLE WITHOUT ALL THE FUSS STORY BY EMILY CHAVEZ | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ
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hether you are spending the season of love with your closest friends, at a romantic homemade dinner for two or enjoying your own company, this chocolate berry trifle is sure to keep things sweet. Rich, decadent chocolate cake dives your tastebuds straight into the good stuff. Stacked with a tart layer of juicy berry and layered with fluffy homemade whipped cream, this treat is as beautiful as it is delicious to eat. To rev up the romance of this dessert, opt for a wine glass to serve as a sultry display. Better than icing on a cake, place a gold leaf on top of this succulent display to add a special touch.
CHOCOLATE BERRY TRIFLE SERVES 4 PREP TIME 35 MINUTES. TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR.
CHOCOLATE CAKE
1 CUP WHITE SUGAR 1 CUP FLOUR 1/3 CUP CACAO POWDER 3/4 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER 3/4 TEASPOON BAKING SODA 1/4 TEASPOON SALT 1 LARGE EGG 1/2 CUP MILK 1/4 CUP CANOLA OIL 3/4 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT COMBINE DRY INGREDIENTS AND THEN INCORPORATE WET INGREDIENTS UNTIL SMOOTH. BAKE IN A BUTTERED AND FLOURED 9-INCH ROUND CAKE PAN FOR 30 MINUTES AT 350 DEGREES, OR UNTIL INSERTED TOOTHPICK COMES OUT CLEAN. LET CAKE COOL.
WHIPPED CREAM
1/2 CUP HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM 1 TABLESPOON SUGAR USING A BOWL AND WHISK THAT HAS BEEN CHILLED IN THE FREEZER FOR 10 MINUTES, WHISK INGREDIENTS TOGETHER UNTIL STIFF PEAKS FORM.
BERRIES
4 OUNCES OF STRAWBERRIES 3 OUNCES OF RASPBERRIES WASH, DICE AND GENTLY MIX BERRIES TOGETHER.
ASSEMBLY
CRUMBLE CAKE AND BEGIN LAYERING WITH BERRIES, CHOCOLATE CAKE, BERRIES, WHIPPED CREAM, CHOCOLATE CAKE, WHIPPED CREAM, AND BERRY TOPPING. GARNISH AS DESIRED. 02.20 | ARROYO | 31
Smarty
ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE
Since 1998 Times Media Group has been a locally owned news and entertainment media company. Fast forward to today and TMG is now one of the largest print and digital media companies in the Southwest. With this level of growth and expansion we need to add to our multi-media sales team. Times Media Group is seeking an experienced advertising account executive. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced advertising sales professional. TMG has grown significantly as a result of its great professional team, and its well-known print and digital media platforms, including the Pasadena Weekly and Arroyo Magazine.
WHAT WE NEED Two years of outside advertising sales experience is preferred. A good candidate for this position is financially motivated, possesses exceptional organizational skills and is ready to embrace a real opportunity to work on a quality team. An ideal candidate will be familiar with the San Gabriel Valley area including Pasadena, Alhambra, Altadena, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena and the surrounding areas. We are seeking an individual who can sell solutions not just ads, who appreciates straight-talk, and is hardworking, motivated, and values working in a positive team environment.
WHAT WE OFFER + Base Pay + Commission + Health Benefits + 401(k) + Paid Vacations and Holidays If, based on the requirements, you are a qualified candidate and would like to join a quality team and get on with your future, respond with your resume and a cover letter outlining why you believe you are a good fit for the position. We are currently scheduling interviews. Times Media Group offers a positive work environment, great product line and a significant opportunity for income growth.
A
JONES
STORY AND PHOTO BY MICHAEL CERVIN
h, the Lemon Drop—a misunderstood, maligned cocktail that seems too candy sweet. But when it’s balanced and comprised of proper ingredients, it can be a simple-yet-effective cocktail pairing with a surprising diversity of foods. Since 1922 the Derby restaurant near Santa Anita has been an Arcadia tradition, before or after a race. In addition to a bevy of wines, it offers a solid cocktail menu. Large red booths with brick-lined walls, and ample photos and paintings of horses give this a clubhouse feel. It’s old-school inside, a throwback to a more formal era, but also comforting. The balance of sweet, acidity and a mild sourness from the sweet and sour mix is evident in the Derby’s take on the Drop, which it calls Smarty Jones. It keeps it linear and not too sweet. The Cointreau also adds viscosity. Have this with the halibut fish and chips, rosemary chicken, or Bananas Foster for dessert. Though this calls for a rimmed glass with sugar, that ends up putting the sweetness over the top. Consider keeping it simple, or add a garnish of fresh basil to bring out an herbal note.
Ingredients 2 OUNCES ABSOLUTE CITRON VODKA 1/2 OUNCE COINTREAU 1 OUNCE MR. & MRS. T SWEET AND SOUR MIX SQUEEZE OF FRESH LEMON JUICE SUGAR (FOR GARNISH) LEMON RIND (FOR GARNISH)
Times Media Group: Times Media Group is a digital and print media company that operates in the Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego and Los Angeles markets. It serves a wide variety of demographic audiences and communities.
Method
E-mail Resumes & Cover Letter to: Zac@timespublications.com
COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS IS A SHAKER. ADD CUBED ICE, SHAKE WELL. STRAIN INTO MARTINI GLASS, GARNISH WITH LEMON PEEL OR RED FRUITS.
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ASSEMBLE YOUR CALENDAR COMPILED BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE
California International Antiquarian Book Fair
February 7 to February 9: More than 150 booksellers from over 30 countries will come together at the Pasadena Convention Center to buy and sell rare books, manuscripts, autographs, graphics, photographs and print ephemera. This year’s “Women’s Suffrage in the United States” theme focus will encompass various special exhibits, including one highlighting the movement’s 100-year anniversary with related panels and seminars. Tickets range from $15 to $25. The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena. Visit cabookfair.com for more information.
Los Angeles Fine Print Fair (LAFPF) February 8 and February 9: For 33 years LAFPF has focused exclusively on original fine art prints, making it the longest-running fair of its kind in the area. This year, the festival—hosted at the Sheraton Pasadena Hotel from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—will have works from upand-coming artists to more historic printers like Dürer and Rauschenberg. All dealers are vetted experts in their fields, and most are members of the International Fine Print Dealers Association. The Sheraton Pasadena Hotel is located at 303 Cordova Street, Pasadena. Visit losangeles-fineprintfair.com for more information.
Celebrating the Legacy of the Spitzer Space Telescope February 11, February 12, February 13: In celebration of the Spitzer Space Telescope’s accomplishments, the California Institute of Technology will host a conference addressing what these landmarks mean for the future of space exploration. The conference will highlight how the telescope is specifically shaping the field of astrophysics. Event attendance will be capped at 150 participants. The Hameetman Auditorium is located at 216 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena. Visit ipac. caltech.edu for more information.
I Do! An Event for the Stylish Bride February 16: An experience for brides and vendors, this bridal show has remained one of the most popular in the area for the last 10 years. Just in time for those with spring weddings in mind, the show features vendors with everything to showcase from locations to décor and dresses. With attendance numbers expected to be higher than ever, it is strongly recommended that attendees take an Uber or carpool to the event. Tickets are $40 to $50. The Langham Huntington is located at 1401 S. Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena. Visit fancythatevents.com for more information.
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Chris Waller Heart of a Champion Gymnastics Tournament February 28: To “build hearts of champions,” this USA Gymnastics-sanctioned women’s competition works to raise funds for Camp del Corazon, a summer camp for children with heart disease. The competition hosts athletes aged 5 to 18 from all over the country. Tickets for spectators range from $10 to $25 for children, $12 to $25 for military member with a valid ID, $12 to $25 for seniors (62+) and $16 to $35 for adults. The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 .E Green Street, Pasadena. Visit heartofachampioninvitational.com for more information.
Fiddling Frog Dance Festival February 28, February 29, March 1: The annual dance festival is back right on cue with a weekend filled with contra dancing. The weekend will feature live performances from Wake Up Robin, Uncle Farmer, Frannie Marr, Lindsey Dono and Noah Grunzweig. Contra dances include those with gender-neutral role terms, medleys with bands and callers, techno contra with alternative music and various others. Tickets are $175 for the weekend. For those younger than 30, an $85 ticket in exchange for a youth work scholarship is available upon request on a first-come, first-served basis. The Pasadena Masonic Temple is located at 200 S. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena. Visit caldancecoop.org for more information.
Clear Lake Gem, Jewelry and Mineral Show February 22 and February 23: Hobbyists, collectors and vendors will come together at the Pasadena Convention Center to explore various natural specimens in settings. From tools, raw materials, books, mineral and fossil specimens and jewelry, the fair will serve as a medium to purchase rare stones as well as educational opportunities to learn more about the creation of precious gems and fossils. There will also be special demonstrations of lapidary and jewelry work, door prizes and activities for the entire family to enjoy. Tickets are $7 for adults (valid for both days of the show) and $3 for students in grades six through 12. Children and scouts in uniform get in free. The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena. Visit clgms.org for more information.
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LA Beer & Graffiti Festival February 29: Drink, draw, mix and mingle at this one-of-a-kind event. With more than 40 craft beers available for unlimited taste testing, live music, lawn games, an opportunity to meet local graffiti artists and the option to tag a wall yourself, this event is one thousands look forward to every year. Wear a white shirt and bring a marker to have others tag you and tag them back. Food is available for purchase at the event. The Rose is located at 245 .E Green Street, Pasadena. Visit rockthefork.com for more information.
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