Arroyo July 2019

FINE LIVING IN THE GREATER PASADENA AREA

July 2019

The Great Outdoors PLANET-FRIENDLY GRILLING With Veggie Sauces and Marinades

BACKYARD GLAMPING Rev Up Your Summer Parties

CALIFORNIA CACTUS CENTER A Family Affair for Nearly Half a Century

OUTDOOR FITNESS Work Out in the Stadium Of Champions

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arroyo VOLUME 15 | NUMBER 07 | JULY 2019

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS 10 THE BEEFLESS SUMMER Save the planet and your taste buds by grilling veggies and topping them with dressings and marinades.

—By LESLIE BILDERBACK

15 GO GLAMPING, BACKYARD-STYLE

PHOTOS: (top)Courtesy of WonderTent Parties; (bottom right) Brenda Rees

With a little (or a lot) of help, your summer party can be the talk of the town.

—By BRENDA REES

29 OUTDOOR FITNESS Stadium Fitness promises to train you “where legends have played.”

—By NOELA HUESO

32 A FAMILY AFFAIR The California Cactus Center nurtures botanical wonders and familial bonds.

—By BRENDA REES

DEPARTMENTS 09

FESTIVITIES The Blue Ribbon lunches, Indecent opens, LACO celebrates

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ARROYO HOME SALES INDEX

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KITCHEN CONFESSIONS Mixology Month

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ARROYO COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH The Ginny Hendricks

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THE LIST AmericaFest toasts July 4th, the Cal Phil celebrates Bastille Day and more

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EDITOR’S NOTE Sumer is icumen in, as my high school music class used to sing many moons ago. I have a lot more summers under my belt than winters, ever since trudging through Boston blizzards in college and ice storms in Kansas City where I worked on a local newspaper. Actually, landlocked Kansas City is the extreme weather champ, in my experience: it’s both the coldest and the hottest place I’ve ever lived.

Of course, there are other contenders for sweltering summers, including humid New York City and Miami, where I also worked as a reporter. I remember an early lesson in not being penny wise and pound foolish when I neglected to buy a car with air-conditioning. Sometimes I’d be sopping wet when I showed up for assignments.

SoCal summers may be much drier, but they carry their own hazards — including deadly wildfires — that are intensifying due to climate change. But the ability to spend many summer days outdoors in comfort is still a thing here, especially with our cooler desert nights. So this issue celebrates the season of life en plein air, with suggestions for outdoor fitness, food, gardening and great parties.

The intrepid Noela Hueso scampered up and down the Rose Bowl’s 77 steps — four times — to sample the supercharged workouts offered by Stadium Fitness at the legendary venue. Kitchen Confessions columnist Leslie Bilderback explains why you should consider grilling vegetables rather than the traditional red meat and tempts you with recipes for delicious sauces and marinades. Brenda Rees visits East Pasadena’s California Cactus Center, where one family has excelled in propagating and selling rare and common cacti and succulents for 47 years.

And don’t miss Brenda’s story about a new entertaining trend — backyard glamping (a.k.a. luxury camping). You’d be surprised how much tents, pillows, movie screens, chandeliers and/or other accoutrements can raise the fun factor of your outdoor parties this summer.

—Irene Lacher

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Irene Lacher ART DIRECTOR Stephanie Torres ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Richard Garcia PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Yumi Kanegawa EDITOR-AT-LARGE Bettijane Levine COPY EDITOR John Seeley CONTRIBUTORS Leslie Bilderback, Léon Bing, Martin Booe, Michael Cervin, Scarlet Cheng, Richard Cunningham, Tommy Ewasko, Noela Hueso, Kathleen Kelleher, Frier McCollister, Brenda Rees, Jordan Riefe, Ilsa Setziol, John Sollenberger, Nancy Spiller ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lisa Chase, Rick Federman, Javier Sanchez ADVERTORIAL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Bruce Haring HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Andrea Baker PAYROLL Linda Lam ACCOUNTING Perla Castillo, Quinton Wright OFFICE MANAGER Ann Turrietta PUBLISHER Dina Stegon

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arroyo

FINE LIVING IN THE GREATER PASADENA AREA

SOUTHLAND PUBLISHING V.P. OF OPERATIONS David Comden PRESIDENT Bruce Bolkin CONTACT US ADVERTISING dinas@pasadenaweekly.com EDITORIAL editor@arroyomonthly.com PHONE (626) 584-1500 FAX (626) 795-0149 MAILING ADDRESS 50 S. De Lacey Ave., Ste. 200, Pasadena, CA 91105 ArroyoMonthly.com ©2019 Southland Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

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FESTIVITIES

FESTIVITIES

Jill Baldauf and Terri Kohl

PHOTOS: © Luque Photograph (The Blue Ribbon); JBen Gibbs (LACO Concert Gala); Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging (Indecent)

Terri Kohl

Jackie Rosenberg, Jill Baldauf, Diane Morton and Terri Kohl

George Takei

Scott Harrison with Carol and Warner Henry and Anne-Marie and Leslie Lassiter

Nearly 140 Blue Ribbon members welcomed incoming President Terri Kohl, a noted Pasadena philanthropist, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on May 22. “Terri is passionate about the performing arts and making a difference and will guide The Blue Ribbon into the future,” outgoing President Jill Baldauf told the preeminent women’s support group for The Music Center at its Jane Kaczmarek annual general meeting and luncheon. The Blue Ribbon also named arts advocate Diane Morton its 2019 Woman of the Year; the longtime Blue Ribbon member has donated millions to the Music Center, including a $1.25 million legacy gift to The Blue Ribbon’s Children’s Festival Endowment, which she made with her son, James Gelb…George Takei, Justin Kirk and Richard Schiff were among the many actors who joined Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Paula Vogel and Tony Award–winning Director Rebecca Taichman at the June 9 opening of their play, Indecent, at the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown L.A. The play, about a scandalous Yiddish theater production a century ago, brought the audience to its feet and runs through July 7…

On May 2, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra moved to a sleek new location — the InterContinental Hotel in downtown L.A. — for its annual gala, co-chaired by Pasadena’s Carol Henry and Anne-Marie Spataru. The ensemble welcomed Music Director Designate Jaime Martin, who conducted a performance of de Falla’s “El amor brujo” with Sierra Madre mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzmán, and honored acclaimed concertmaster Margaret Batjer, who performed two Bach concertos against a backdrop of city lights.

Justin Kirk

Richard Schiff

Margaret Batjer and Cho-Liang Lin

Jaime Martin, Laureate Jeffrey Kahane and Martha Kahane

Paula Vogel and Rebecca Taichman 07.19 | ARROYO | 9

THE BEEFLESS SUMMER

Save the planet and your taste buds by grilling veggies and topping them with dressings and marinades.

BY LESLIE BILDERBACK

I

t’s officially officially summer, which in So Sout Southern uthe hern rn California Cal alif ifor orni niaa (and (and most of America) means outdoor activities.

Th e beach, the park, the public pool and, is activities The beach park and of course, course the backyard. backyard Th This is the season when entertaining officially moves outside.

But lately, especially here in California, summer outdoor activities have faced a number of obstacles. Though we’ve had a record wet spring, I am bracing for a repeat of last year’s extreme heat, which drove me back inside more than once. A sky full of smoke from wild fi res, which experts warn will become the new normal, also kept me in. And all that rainwater has produced an unusually large crop of mosquitos, which made hanging outside in the cool dusk — prime BBQ hours — miserable and hazardous. But even if none of those elements keep you inside this summer, these environmental changes are going to force us to reevaluate our idea of summer fun.There is no doubt that climate change has altered our environment. That I can see it in my lifetime is upsetting enough. What lies in store for my progeny is what keeps me up at night. Sure, your canvas tote bag and solarpowered phone charger are totally helping. But if you really want to make an impact, there is one significant thing you can do right now.

Stop eating beef.

By now, everyone is aware that factory farming is killing the planet. Numerous studies, international political movements and fi lms have been highlighting the dangers for over a decade. (The 2008 film Food Inc. changed the way I sourced product at work.)

There have been moderate attempts to offer planet-friendly alternatives to the masses, such as cage-free eggs and grass-fed meat. Chefs are creating plant-based menus, and the faux “Impossible Burger” is available from the best white-tableclothed joint to Burger King. But we still drool at the first whiff of charring meat. I’m fairly convinced that the Char Boy burger joint in my neighborhood doesn’t need to vent its grill smoke onto the street — but doing so is advertising genius.

What will it take to get Americans to lay off cows? Perhaps the best incentive is fear of planetary extinction.

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While the “they’re coming for our hamburgers” rhetoric has been used as fodder for the anti–Green New Deal faction (the deal that, by the way, mentions nothing about beef), it is true that switching to a plant-focused diet is the single biggest thing we can do to lower greenhouse-gas emissions. In fact, of the four most important changes humans can make — eat plants, limit air travel, go car-free and have smaller families — giving up meat will have the largest impact, and it is the only one I am readily able to do. (Reminder — broccoli is cheaper than a Tesla.)

A recent National Academy of Sciences study on the environmental impact of animal foods looked at five of the most consumed animal products — beef, dairy, pork, poultry and eggs. It makes perfect sense that beef, the largest of the factoryfarmed animals, is 10 times more damaging to the planet than other animal foods we consume. Beef production is responsible for 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.

Cutting out red meat would do more for the planet than abandoning cars. It would also be easier and faster. (Which is a relief, because I love driving my manual transmission way more than I love beef.)

Although total livestock is the largest land user worldwide, the beef production uses 28 times more land, and 11 times more water, than each of the other four animal products. Th is means that you don’t even need to go as far as veganism to make an impact. Although, when compared to plant food production, beef uses 160 times more land, and creates 11 times the emissions. And because we live in a droughtfamiliar part of the country, you might find it interesting that one pound of beef requires 2,400 gallons of water, while one pound of wheat uses a mere 25 gallons. So, yeah, thanks for putting that brick in your toilet tank and turning off the faucet while you brush, but how ’bout you lay off the carne asada this weekend? It will save more water than a year of skipped showers.

I know. It’s grilling season. And grilling is as ’Merican as hamburger. And while I am encouraging you to lay off meat completely, I will settle for a temporary abstention from beef. To facilitate this, I am offering some suggestions for beef-free grilling that will not only make your smoke-choked, mosquito-infested barbeque a success, they will also help stem the tide of global warming.

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My biggest peeve regarding vegetarianism is the compulsion many feel to make it seem like meat. Plants taste good as they are, and to disguise them does Mother Nature a disservice. Literally anything can be grilled, and everything is improved with the taste of the grill. Vegetable grilling is not rocket science, and there are a plethora of ideas in cookbooks and on the Internet for you to sift through. I have rounded up some of my favorites, with the caveat that you can easily create your own versions. I routinely grill all kinds of vegetables in the summer — not just the standard Portobello mushrooms and corn (which are perfect and delicious). Try quartered cauliflower, skewered Brussels sprouts, sliced winter squash, asparagus spears (place them perpendicular to the grill slats!), whole cherry tomatoes, hearts of romaine or radicchio and avocados (halved and pitted with skin on). Once the veggies are charred, they can be tossed with a dressing, chopped and stuffed into flatbread or sandwiched between buns.

Giving up meat altogether would be the ideal. But asking 400 million people to go meatless without some sort of immediate incentive (because it’s obvious that saving the planet is not enough of a motivator) is going to be challenging. What I will ask, though, is for you to give up red meat, at least a couple days a week. By doing this, you can still significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

GRILLED VEGETABLE DRESSINGS AND MARINADES All of these marinades are prepared by simply mixing all the ingredients together and macerating with your chosen vegetables for about 1 hour before grilling. When the veggies hit the grill, cook them until they are marked and a little charred. No need to check internal temperatures! Times will vary depending on the vegetables, but nothing will take longer than five to 10 minutes. You can grill veggies individually, lock them into a grilling basket or thread them on skewers. It’s easier, healthier and more conscience-soothing than a steak ever was.

Indian Curried Yogurt Marinade

Soy Balsamic Marinade

Try this with quartered red onion, cauliflower, halved new potatoes, green beans and pumpkin. It’s great for chicken too. Scoop it up with some garlic naan.

Use this for summer squash, eggplant, whole baby bok choy, green onions, broccoli and carrots. It’s also perfect for your favorite fi rm fish fi let. Finish with fresh chopped cilantro and black sesame seeds.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups plain yogurt 6 cloves garlic, minced 2 to 3 tablespoons grated ginger

3 tablespoons tandoori or garam masala spice blend ¼ cup coconut or canola oil

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil ½ teaspoon sesame oil 2 cloves garlic, minced

Middle-Eastern Pomegranate Marinade Try this with halved parsnips, turnips, carrots, romaine hearts or summer squash.

Not bad with lamb either. Serve with some grilled pita and fresh hummus.

Sesame Peanut Marinade Try with bok choy, cauliflower, whole small or halved large carrots, parsnips, zucchini, sweet potatoes and even pineapple wheels. Terrific on pork too.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup plain yogurt 1 cup pomegranate juice ¼ cup balsamic vinegar Grated zest of 1 lemon 1 chopped shallot

1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cinnamon Pinch of sea salt

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup peanut butter ¼ cup rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 tablespoons peanut oil 1 tablespoon honey 1 to 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce or Sriracha

Thai Green Curry Marinade Try this with red or yellow bell peppers, zucchini, whole green onions, new potatoes, sweet potatoes, asparagus and wedged green or Savoy cabbage. Toss them into a dish of noodles or over a bowl of rice. It’s also great for shrimp.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup coconut milk Grated zest and juice of 1 lime 2 tablespoons coconut or canola oil 1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 teaspoon ground cumin ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro 2 to 4 tablespoons green curry paste

Spicy Marinade for Tropical Fruit Try this marinade for mango, pineapple, kiwi and bananas, firm melons and cucumbers. Then serve the finished fruits over cool sorbet with a coconut macaroon.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup maple syrup Grated zest and juice of 1 lime ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon cayenne

Provençal Marinade Perfect for zucchini, mushrooms, tomatoes, eggplant, fennel and artichokes. Chop them and layer onto a grilled flatbread, then top with goat cheese for a decadent summer pizza.

INGREDIENTS

Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon ¼ cup red wine vinegar ½ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon prepared pesto 1 tablespoon herbes de Provence (or ½ tablespoon each of thyme, oregano, rosemary, lavender)

Honey Port Marinade for...

Try this with whole figs, peaches, plums, pears and, when the season arrives in the fall, persimmons. Spoon over vanilla ice cream, or into a crispy meringue cup.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup Port wine 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon brown sugar

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GO GLAMPING, BACKYARD-STYLE With a little (or a lot) of help, your summer party can be the talk of the town.

BY BRENDA REES

PHOTOS: Courtesy of WonderTent Parties

T

he staycation phenomenon spotlighted the pleasures of hanging out inside your home, offering you a chance to relax and unwind in the comfort of your own recliner or bed, where you can get lost in an assortment of Netflix-binging options. And a new trend aims to reintroduce you to your patio, porch, deck and backyard in ways you didn’t think possible.

Now glamping, or luxurious camping — combining a nature experience with lavish furnishings — is hitting closer to home. Backyard barbecues are becoming more extravagant, baby showers more memorable. Birthday sleepovers are celebrated with enchanted flair, and simple family gatherings are benefiting from greater creativity.

Backyard glamping is officially a thing. Just scan Pinterest and see the thousands of images folks are posting of their elaborate thematic setups, their clever use of lighting draped inside and outside of canvas tents that are artfully decorated with throw pillows, Moroccan rugs and hanging chandeliers. Kids’ sleepover parties are enhanced with Martha Stewart– inspired crafts, tasteful design elements encircling the “campfire” (a.k.a. fire pit) and giant outdoor versions of Jenga and Connect Four.

If these extras sound exhausting for the time-crunched host and hostess, don’t worry.

A handful of companies are making it easier for clients to throw a backyard glamping experience, because organizing a gathering — no matter how big or small — comes with its own set of stresses. Hosts work with designers to tailor the events (such as bridal showers, graduations, book-club meetings or girls’ night-outs) to be as elaborate or simple as needed.

On the day of the event, all the necessary gear and accessories will be delivered and often

set up for you. After the shindig, crews pack everything up so there’s no post-party hassle and cleanup.

“We started thinking we would focus on children, but we learned quickly that adults want these kinds of experiences as much as kids do,” says Trish Healy, founder of Studio City–based WonderTent Parties, launched in 2017. Originally from Australia, Healy said the idea for the company was sparked by a request from 13-year-old Celia, a child she and her husband were fostering at the time. Celia’s Christmas wish list included a sleepover, something she had yet to experience. This simple request turned into not just an unforgettable event for Celia (who’s now officially adopted by the couple) but a business opportunity for Healy, who decided to elevate the humble slumber party into a memory-making event.

And who can blame parents when they see kids having fun with their friends in a relatively nondigital manner? In addition to tents, sleeping bags, mattresses and lanterns, parties can include a karaoke machine, popcorn cart, dress-up clothes and more. Adults, says Healy, have options to kick it up a notch with five-star experiences that have included gourmet dining on low tables, wine or tequila tastings, massage tables, sushi sampling, a Tiki bar, tarot card readings and more.

Of course, low-key requests are also popular. Healy once organized a Father’s Day backyard glamping party for a few families that involved a dinner, a movie and tents. “The families brought the dads’ favorite recliners outside for them to watch the movie,” she says, explaining that clients often personalize their parties with items they already own. “Backyard glamping is all about creating a shared experience with others.”

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Another company that serendipitously fell into serving backyard glampers is Los Angeles–based Joymode, which has been offering camping bundles for folks wanting to camp — without the ruggedness and/or the gear hassle — at such far-flung destinations as Joshua Tree and the Pacific Coast. Joymode drops off all the gear for you at the campsite (yes, you have to set it up yourself) and picks it up afterward. In addition to warm canvas tents, they supply rugs, air mattresses, sturdy camp chairs and other accoutrements to make your campsite the envy of the others.

Realizing that a campsite can be a close as a client’s own backyard, Joymode started offering home glamping bundles which can, according to Molly Schmidt, the company’s head of merchandise, “take an ordinary weekend or sleepover party and turn it into a magical event because you are outdoors. You can do all the traditional camping things — roast marshmallows, tell ghost stories, snuggle in your sleeping bags — but you’re not far from home. It’s the ultimate in low-tech comfort.”

Camping gear is bulky and often needed only sporadically, so renting from a company that will supply and sanitize everything is a popular choice, says Schmidt. If a person has never set up a tent before, detailed but simple instructions are included for novices. Rental products are intensely curated so folks will experience the crème de la crème of blenders, projection screens, Go-Pro cameras, even TheraGun professional massagers. “This is a way for many of our clients to get access to these items and test them out,” says Schmidt. Clients often suggest items for the company to carry; a big request lately is baby gear available for traveling parents who don’t want to lug all the extras with them. Likewise, Healy has had clients who have fallen in love with certain items (usually cushions and tableware along with kids’ products) and want to purchase them outright. “That’s another area we never thought about before,” she says.

But cool accessories aside, the experience is what really matters. When her preschool daughter’s annual camping trip to Big Pines was rained out earlier this year, Mary Everard of West Los Angeles canceled her Joymode gear delivery but decided to rent a backyard tent package that included a projector and screen for Disney movies. “It was really fun, we made a weekend of it,” she says, explaining that she wanted her two older children (ages 3 and 5) to have good memories of these “little things that are out of the ordinary that they did with their family when they were young.”

At its core, backyard glamping is about human connection, explains Healy. “We are living in an age when people are a little removed from each other, even with social media,” she says. “This is about bringing friends and family together in a loving home environment where you can create amazing experiences. It’s a natural extension of the comfort and warmth of your home — and how wonderful that you want to share that with friends and others around you.”|||| 16 | ARROYO | 07.19

SHOULD YOU BACKYARD GLAMP? Hosting an event in your own backyard has pros and cons, says Kelsey Sheofsky, the founder of Shelter Co., a luxury pop-up camping and outdoor-events supplier based in Northern California. In addition to managing large events, Sheofsky has overseen numerous backyard kid’s parties, bar mitzvahs and 50th birthdays as well as large weddings and other formal events.

Smaller events are easier to plan, and “when you are in your backyard, you are on familiar ground,” she adds. Crowd control is not the only issue with large events. “There are lots of considerations and costs, especially things you might not automatically think about, like landscape lighting, parking and how a septic system will hold up,” she says.

For overnight events, there is always a fear that guests won’t enjoy the experience.

“People are always concerned, saying that ‘My family doesn’t camp!’ They don’t like being outdoors” says Sheofsky. “But 100 percent of the time, we get people telling us that they have had the best sleep in years in our tents. So warm and cozy. Don’t be afraid if you think you don’t have an outdoor crowd — they will really enjoy themselves.”

Thinking about a summer backyard glamping event? Designers and party-planners say to let your own creativity be your guide, especially when you want to keep the budget low but fun factor high. Keep the audience in mind, whether it’s adolescent girls, middle-school boys, members of your book club or out-of-town family members.

In general, look around your closets and garage for items that can — with a few glam touches — be repurposed outside. Maybe a trip to local thrift stores, Ikea, Cost Plus, Costco and Target is in order. Remember, style and substance along with unusual activities can transform a simple gathering into the Best Summer Party Ever.

HERE ARE SUGGESTIONS TO GET YOUR GLAMPING STARTED: 1) It’s glamping, so you’ve got to have a tent or a tent-like enclosure to define a party-mood space. You can dust off that extra-large tent that’s been in your garage for years, or assemble a series of pop-up canopies decorated with fabric swaths to create a breezy gazebo structure. There’s always the “tie a rope between tall trees and create tipi-like structures” approach as well. Depending on your gathering, you may want just one main party space or a series of rooms. Will there be a food tent? Lounge tent?

Movie tent? Sleeping tent? Even for the budget-minded, this is one item you may want to rent since it’s the main piece of infrastructure. You might want to think beyond traditional canvas tents; consider inflatable bubble tents, which are all the rage in the

eco-glamping community. Based in Arizona, Bubble Huts (bubblehuts.com) offers a selection of see-through structures so you can feel like you are outside...even when you are technically inside.

2) Furnishings: From mud-cloth to frills, from velvety to plush — pillows of all sizes and shapes will make your backyard event even glampier. Woven rugs add earthy textures to the landscape. Colorful rugs beckon guests to sit, stretch out and relax among friends. Low tables encourage lounging.

3) Eating spaces can be tricky. How formal or casual is the event? Simple dishware can be easier to clean up. Will there be a sit-down area or buffet line? Maybe food will be sprinkled throughout various tables and tents? Prepare food in advance so you’re not stuck behind a grill the entire party. Finger foods are perfect. Of course, what’s a camping dessert without the obligatory s’mores? Use dark chocolate, trendy flavored marshmallows and toast over your fi re pit.

4) Lighting: The event will probably incorporate dusk and nighttime — it’s camping! Light up the Tiki torches and string twinkly white lights around the landscape.

Strategically position camping lanterns to set the mood. Opt for flameless candles.

Solar-powered wine-bottle lights cast a rosy golden glow after the sun goes down.

Create a kaleidoscope of color with Bliss Lights laser projections (blisslights.com), which fl ing a whirl of rainbow colors onto trees, fences and outdoor walls.

5) Forgo the candles and bug spray, and glam up your insect deterrent. The Mosquito Repellent DecoShield Lantern (decoshield.com) uses pleasant-smelling all-natural essential oils and repels mosquitos and biting fl ies within a 300-square-foot space.

It’s encased in a stylish cover and also serves as a lantern, casting a soft glow.

6) The details: As with all creative endeavors, the devil is in the details. Arrange cut flowers in mason jars. Incorporate antique sculptures and colorful swaths of flowy scarves and other materials, lacy hangings and art weavings. Possibilities are endless.

7) But in the end, it’s the shared activities that will make your party. Have friends bring over their guitars, ukuleles, bongos and keyboards for an impromptu jam session. If it’s warm, splurge on a three-person adult-size inflatable pool (from Target) and take turns. Oversized Jenga and Connect Four seem more fun outdoors. But hands down, watching a movie on a large outdoor screen — maybe a GPX projection screen — while you are snuggled up in a sleeping bag with your kids or cozying up to your sweetie could be the ultimate in backyard glamping. Now, the big decision: Which movie will you watch?

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ARROYO HOME & DESIGN SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

SURROUND YOUR POOL WITH FUN ADD-ONS Innovative decking, swim-up bars and giant slides are the hot new trends for Southern California pools

continued on page 21

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PHOTO: Courtesy of GARDEN VIEW LANDSCAPE, NURSERY & POOLS

By Bruce Haring

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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

continued from page 18

Southern California is known as the land of swimming pools. Given our

ends of the pool being eliminated. A new trend is building a pool that’s about

temperate climate and the recreation and relaxation possibilities afforded

four-feet to six-feet in depth, with some offering a one-foot-deep children’s

by having access to a pool, many homeowners wouldn’t consider their life

area. These are known as sports pools, and are popular with families that like to

complete without one.

get everyone into the water. The smaller depth has an added bonus: because

But a pool is really just a hole in the ground filled with water. What really makes them come alive are the accessories that you bring to it, including

the water volume is less, it’s less expensive to heat and treat the water, and installation costs are lower.

decking, waterfalls, slides, pool bars and other add-ons. These truly make the

*** Part of the fun of socializing around a pool is enjoying some great food

space exciting, and appealing added components round out the backyard

and drink. Some pool owners are borrowing a concept from major resorts and

swimming pool experience.

installing built-in bars in their pools, allowing people to swim up and enjoy a

US consumers are expected to spend $1.1 billion on their swimming pools in 2019, according to research firm IBISworld, a number that is expected to increase

beverage without leaving the cool waters. *** Pool decking is becoming more than just a concrete rim around the

year over year. That means the pool is increasingly the center of home social

water. Decking featuring porcelain tile, a flooring product that can resemble

life, and given the trend toward integrating indoor and outdoor spaces in home

natural wood, stone or other materials, is popular, and gives the pool area a

design, it only figures to keep growing.

contemporary feel. Also rising in stature is the concept of a beach entry, where a

Here are some of the hotter trends in Southern California pool design and accessories. *** Giant slides: Sure, that 1950s small slide with skinny legs is still around in

slope allows you to gradually descend into the water, much as you would enter the ocean from a beach. This touch can be incorporated into your surrounding areas to create a beautiful landscape. Some decking areas are also featuring

some dated homes. But the really fun pools are featuring large slides that would

slip-resistant stone epoxy, which lessens the slippery surface that concrete poses

be right at home in a commercial water park, multiplying the fun and offering

when it gets wet. It’s available in various colors that can compliment the rest of

new thrills to your guests. Carrying names like the Adrenaline, the G-Force, and

your design scheme.

the Helix-2, these slides offer twists and turns on slides that can measure 20 feet

*** Another trend in accessories is energy efficient pumps. Large cartridge

in vertical height. In many pools, large slides have replaced old-fashioned diving

pool filters can lessen the need for costly cleanings. Similarly, pool heaters are

boards as the center of attention.

becoming more energy efficient, with solar options available for sustainable

*** Because the diving board is largely becoming a relic, so, too, are deep

continued on page 25

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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

continued from page 21

pool warmth. Pool covers can also help keep the water warm and limit water evaporation. *** Most cities require you to install a fence around your pool for safety reasons. But it doesn’t have to present a grim, rigid barrier. Glass fences or mesh netting pool fences are rising in popularity, presenting a design aesthetic that provides a unique touch. Just make sure what you propose passes muster with the town officials before spending. *** Lighting schemes are also becoming popular add-ons. Advanced LED lights can change the color of the pool and allows you to keep an eye on all areas of the water during evening swims.

PHOTO: Courtesy of GARDEN VIEW LANDSCAPE, NURSERY & POOLS

LOCAL TRENDS IN POOLS Mark Meahl is the president of Garden View Landscape, Nursery & Pools,

scope and budget,” Meahl says. “We will discuss style, theory and how art

a Monrovia-based and family-run business that’s been serving Southern

applies to the design. We will have a discussion on a budget and break that

California’s swimming needs since 1978. The company just won the best Water

down into manageable pieces and discuss how to move forward.”

Feature installation in California from the California Landscape Contractors

One trend Meahl has seen in Southern California is the ADU (Additional

Association for a project in Sierra Madre with a real rock grotto in a pool. They

Dwelling Units). Planning boards are being encouraged to innovate to help with

also won the best Landscape renovation in California for another project in Sierra

the regional housing shortage. ”In many cases, the rules have been relaxed and

Madre that had a Japanese garden theme with a pool and pergola.

these units can be also used as pool houses,” Meahl says. Besides building pools

Meahl says new pool installs and remodels are adding artistic and special features that make the pool a greater part of outdoor living. “We generally are placing the outdoor living room close to the pool, so that it becomes a

and outdoor gardens, we are general contractors who employ carpenters and can build all types of outdoor construction.”

Now, the all-important question: What’s a decent-sized budget? Although

part of the social hub, along with a beautiful place to enjoy this great Southern

there are plenty of projects below or above, Meahl says his average project is

California weather,” Meahl says.

between $100,000 to $200,000. But, he notes, “Investing in quality does not have

If you have a dream pool, the first step is to talk to an expert to determine the viability of your vision and establish the budget. “I will come out to the house, show a computerized portfolio while keeping notes on the clients tastes, style,

to break the bank. Poor quality is never a good investment for the long term.”

Which, when added together with the hours of enjoyment a pool will bring friends and family, is a pretty good return on investment.

07.19 | ARROYO | 25

26 | ARROYO | 07.19

arroyo

™

~HOM E SALES I N D EX~

ALHAMBRA Homes Sold Median Price Median Sq. Ft. ALTADENA Homes Sold Median Price Median Sq. Ft. ARCADIA Homes Sold Median Price Median Sq. Ft. EAGLE ROCK Homes Sold Median Price Median Sq. Ft. GLENDALE Homes Sold Median Price Median Sq. Ft. LA CAÑADA Homes Sold Median Price Median Sq. Ft. PASADENA Homes Sold Median Price Median Sq. Ft. SAN MARINO Homes Sold Median Price Median Sq. Ft. SIERRA MADRE Homes Sold Median Price Median Sq. Ft. SOUTH PASADENA Homes Sold Median Price Median Sq. Ft. TOTAL Homes Sold Avg Price/Sq. Ft.

MAY’18 23 $735,000 1552 MAY’18 24 $832,500 1445 MAY’18 23 $1,158,000 1950 MAY’18 11 $769,500 1285 MAY’18 86 $742,500 1465 MAY’18 22 $1,655,000 2334 MAY’18 104 $860,000 1432 MAY’18 4 $1,955,000 2371 MAY’18 14 $1,135,000 1698 MAY’18 12 $1,037,000 1601 MAY’18 972 $570

2019 HOMES SOLD

-0.06%

2018

365

AVG. PRICE/SQ. FT.

may

HOMES SOLD

-0.62%

may

972

HOME SALES

MAY’19 37 $670,000 1360 MAY’19 40 $805,250 1637 MAY’19 31 $950,000 1850 MAY’19 15 $990,000 1688 MAY’19 44 $712,500 1526 MAY’19 24 $2,010,000 2638 MAY’19 136 $862,500 1572 MAY’19 14 $2,806,250 2746 MAY’19 10 $980,000 1680 MAY’19 14 $1,470,500 1802 MAY’19 365 $605

HOME SALES ABOVE $1,100,000 RECENT HOME CLOSINGS IN THE PASADENA WEEKLY FOOTPRINT ADDRESS ALHAMBRA 102 South Curtis Ave. 10 North Primrose Ave. ALTADENA 1560 Homewood Dr. 2709 Visscher Place 1374 Hull Lane 838 West Heritage Oak Court 1333 Pleasantridge Dr. 2140 Grand Oaks Ave. 1221 New York Dr. 1163 Beverly Way 1712 Midwick Dr. 2011 Mar Vista Ave. ARCADIA 960 Singing Wood Dr. 400 East Rodell Place 1230 Ramona Rd. 2018 South 6th Ave. 1334 Oaklawn Rd. 1004 Mayflower Ave. 230 California St. 1727 Highland Oaks Dr. 338 East Haven Ave. 2566 Loganrita Ave. 1727 El Vista Circle 147 Alice St. EAGLE ROCK 2130 Hill Dr. 5329 Mount Royal Dr. 4834 Ray Court 1547 Wildwood Dr. 1323 Brampton Rd. GLENDALE 1407 West Kenneth Rd. 1411 West Kenneth Rd. 3429 Rosemary Ave. 921 Calle Simpatico 1810 Bel Aire Dr. 1710 West Kenneth Rd. 3381 Oakmont View Dr. 1546 Grandview Ave. 2333 Del Mar Rd. 1844 Fern Lane LA CAÑADA 4321 Chula Senda Lane 1222 Green Lane 5111 Alta Canyada Rd. 4616 El Camino Corto 2021 Tondolea Lane 4735 La Canada Blvd.

4358 Beulah Dr. 3747 Chevy Chase Dr. 4368 Bel Aire Dr. 1239 Lanterman Lane 816 Chehalem Rd. 1219 Olive Lane 1628 Leycross Dr. 4361 Bel Aire Dr. 1932 Tondolea Lane 2102 Bristow Dr. 2322 Conle Way 4628 El Camino Corto 4551 Viro Rd. 4618 Lasheart Dr.

CLOSE DATE

PRICE

BDRMS.

SQ. FT.

source: CalREsource YR. BUILT PREV. PRICE PREV. SOLD

5/31/19 5/28/19

$1,120,000 $1,100,000

5 8

2,179 4,874

1920 1926

$813,000

4/5/06

5/7/19 5/31/19 5/9/19 5/13/19 5/1/19 5/28/19 5/30/19 5/17/19 5/14/19 5/7/19

$2,895,000 $1,985,000 $1,566,500 $1,475,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,340,000 $1,240,000 $1,189,000

4 5 4 5 5 4 3 6 2 5

4,922 4,204 2,611 3,886 5,672 1,717 2,355 2,248 1,785 3,719

1932 1915 1931 1998 1992 1948 1922 1924 1950 1916

$1,417,500 $732,000

2/9/15 1/10/02

$1,060,000

2/4/17

$740,000 $895,000

2/2/12 10/3/18

5/30/19 5/31/19 5/17/19 5/8/19 5/9/19 5/24/19 5/24/19 5/30/19 5/14/19 5/29/19 5/20/19 5/16/19

$3,000,000 $2,780,000 $2,530,000 $2,200,000 $2,200,000 $2,180,000 $1,650,000 $1,508,000 $1,370,000 $1,200,000 $1,190,000 $1,110,000

3

2,605

1953

4 5 3

3,264 5,500 2,770

1962 1994 1953

$1,300,000

1/3/14

$900,000

1/25/99

3 3 4 4 3 3

1,850 3,049 3,052 2,993 1,645 1,797

1937 1953 1995 1948 1950 1947

$960,000 $1,180,000

11/24/14 4/3/15

$668,000

5/27/03

$640,000

12/16/08

5/31/19 5/28/19 5/7/19 5/15/19 5/22/19

$1,492,000 $1,434,000 $1,350,000 $1,239,000 $1,140,000

2 3 3 4 3

2022 2828 1,708 2,304 1760

1921 1930 1947 1965 1948

$265,000 $265,000 $917,000

1/1/86 6/1/86 7/27/16

$769,000

4/23/18

5/24/19 5/24/19 5/30/19 5/30/19 5/17/19 5/24/19 5/31/19 5/16/19 5/29/19 5/1/19

$6,000,000 $6,000,000 $1,375,000 $1,320,000 $1,220,000 $1,220,000 $1,218,000 $1,212,000 $1,135,000 $1,130,000

4 4 6 3 5 3 4 4

5,696 6,424 2,456 2,618 2,626 2,011 4,176 1,604 2814 2,120

1927 1927 1927 1990 1926 1930 1981 1946 1948 1958

$3,375,000 $3,375,000 $280,000 $1,300,000 $375,000 $694,000 $1,202,000 $450,000 $528,000 $875,000

9/13/13 9/13/13 4/28/98 10/23/17 4/2/98 6/11/14 5/24/05 6/20/01 3/7/11 3/8/05

5/15/19 5/24/19 5/31/19 5/30/19 5/15/19 5/7/19 5/2/19 5/3/19 5/3/19 5/14/19 5/24/19 5/8/19 5/17/19 5/1/19 5/17/19 5/31/19 5/16/19 5/16/19 5/23/19 5/31/19

$7,750,000 $3,450,000 $3,000,000 $2,710,000 $2,655,000 $2,570,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,480,000 $2,195,000 $2,150,000 $2,020,000 $2,000,000 $1,925,000 $1,925,000 $1,438,000 $1,421,000 $1,300,000 $1,215,000 $1,100,000

5 4 3 5 4 4 5 5 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 3 3

9,669 3,090 4,582 4,845 4,175 3,014 2,602 5,712 3,189 3,168 1,810 2,673 3,140 2,231 2,987 2,213 2,032 2,527 1,555 2,074

2006 1957 1949 2006 2005 1952 1950 1954 2002 1960 1952 1962 1948 1938 1940 1961 1969 1947 1946 1950

$6,900,000 $1,875,000

8/25/14 4/7/15

$2,480,000 $1,815,000 $2,375,000 $2,669,500 $1,200,000 $1,705,000 $1,950,000 $1,160,000 $1,638,000 $1,190,000 $820,000

5/21/14 3/2/09 4/5/16 4/19/16 8/1/89 9/21/06 5/22/15 4/21/15 8/22/13 9/19/07 11/22/13

–continued on page 28

The Arroyo Home Sales Index is calculated from residential home sales in Pasadena and the surrounding communities of South Pasadena, San Marino, La Canada Flintridge, Eagle Rock, Glendale (including Montrose), Altadena, Sierra Madre, Arcadia and Alhambra. Individual home sales data provided by CalREsource. Arroyo Home Sales Index © Arroyo 2019 . Complete home sales listings appear each week in Pasadena Weekly.

07.19 ARROYO | 27

–continued from page 27 ADDRESS CLOSE DATE PASADENA 870 South San Rafael Ave. 5/29/19 5/24/19 380 South Arroyo Blvd.

1155 Lida St. 5/29/19 1570 San Pasqual St. 5/30/19 1906 Country Lane 5/22/19 1490 El Mirador Dr. 5/20/19 1812 Linda Vista Ave. 5/24/19 1059 Laguna Rd. 5/7/19 333 South San Rafael Ave. 5/2/19 1261 Afton St. 5/10/19 251 South Orange Grove Blvd. #10 5/20/19 615 West California Blvd.

5/29/19 885 Linda Vista Ave. 5/21/19 487 West California Blvd.

5/15/19 1339 Linda Vista Ave. 5/7/19 2103 San Pasqual St. 5/16/19 3416 Avondale Rd. 5/15/19 1717 Linda Vista Ave. 5/16/19 201 Glen Summer Rd. 5/29/19 817 South El Molino Ave. 5/1/19 831 South El Molino Ave. 5/15/19 233 North Grand Ave. #2 5/15/19 741 South Madison Ave. 5/10/19 1640 Knollwood Dr. 5/21/19 330 San Miguel Rd. 5/8/19 268 South Orange Grove Blvd.

5/9/19 626 Bellefontaine St. 5/15/19 2047 North Raymond Ave. 5/2/19 3340 Calvert Rd. 5/30/19 150 Linda Vista Ave. 5/29/19 3600 Landfair Rd. 5/17/19 3000 Clarmeya Lane 5/14/19 670 South Oak Knoll Ave. 5/7/19 1058 Linda Vista Ave. 5/10/19 2082 Lambert Dr. 5/22/19 1848 Kinneloa Canyon Rd. 5/29/19 3540 Grayburn Rd. 5/21/19 67 North Meridith Ave. 5/31/19 1000 North Madison Ave. #A 5/29/19 755 North Chester Ave. 5/6/19 1321 Ontario Ave. 5/14/19 1679 Rose Villa St. 5/31/19 238 South Arroyo Parkway #412 5/16/19

28 | ARROYO | 07.19

PRICE $7,053,500 $4,255,000 $4,125,000 $3,487,000 $3,218,000 $3,105,000 $2,926,000 $2,800,000 $2,700,000 $2,675,000 $2,673,000 $2,535,000 $2,500,000 $2,420,000 $2,250,000 $2,098,000 $2,050,000 $1,950,000 $1,950,000 $1,900,000 $1,893,000 $1,870,000 $1,800,000 $1,775,000 $1,700,000 $1,700,000 $1,695,000 $1,650,000 $1,640,000 $1,590,000 $1,585,000 $1,524,000 $1,520,000 $1,460,000 $1,432,000 $1,380,000 $1,320,000 $1,288,000 $1,275,000 $1,240,000 $1,230,000 $1,200,000 $1,199,000

BDRMS.

SQ. FT.

7 5 3 5 4 4 5 3 2 2 3 5 4 4 3 5 4 4 4 5 5 3 6 5 3 5 5 8 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 4 3 7 5 3 3 3 3

5744 5091 3835 4878 6670 3990 5055 3952 1903 2140 3092 3576 3162 3,664 2906 3,154 3,575 3,187 2837 3269 3,337 2,559 4846 3348 1572 4482 2,183 5216 2940 2394 2,121 2,435 2277 2016 3073 4109 1931 3702 1837 1104 1,650 2240 1,920

YR. BUILT PREV. PRICE PREV. SOLD 1923 1919 1921 1926 2010 1963 1933 2012 1949 1953 1980 1910 1938 1910 1993 1927 2008 1954 1936 1913 1915 1990 1904 1955 1949 1892 1904 1931 1953 1959 1951 1952 1994 1965 1924 2004 1940 1923 1914 1921 1939 1921 2008

$3,400,000 $3,597,500 $2,925,000 $3,200,000

9/9/10 7/12/18 8/9/17 7/5/18

$3,050,000

11/16/17

$2,280,000 $1,750,000 $1,500,000 $1,350,000 $950,000

4/23/13 6/4/13 3/26/18 1/19/05 7/8/98

$2,286,000 $2,200,000 $425,000 $1,885,000 $1,860,000 $1,175,000

10/3/16 5/12/15 3/1/87 2/8/19 4/14/05 4/11/13

$1,350,000

9/19/13

$1,215,000 $1,400,000 $818,000 $432,500 $1,400,000 $1,100,000 $1,305,000 $1,018,000 $1,500,000 $1,200,000 $770,000 $900,000

9/19/13 1/24/07 4/5/04 11/5/98 6/10/15 4/9/18 9/7/05 8/2/12 7/12/17 5/20/17 5/28/10 7/12/05

$918,000 $561,000 $364,540

1/7/15 8/23/16 3/1/92

$755,000

8/25/09

ADDRESS PASADENA 640 Westbridge Place 1895 Brigden Rd. 550 Eaton Dr. 3171 East Villa Knolls Dr. 136 North Bonnie Ave. 3825 Landfair Rd. 845 Adelaide Dr. 1160 Valley View Ave. 3952 East California Blvd.

201 North Grand Ave. #12 2337 Loma Vista St. 245 South Bonnie Ave. #D SAN MARINO 1450 Old Mill Rd. 1606 Virginia Rd. 1660 Oak Grove Ave. 2900 Sheffield Rd. 1316 Westhaven Rd. 1527 Cambridge Rd. 1435 Bellwood Rd. 1840 Carlisle Dr. 2784 Fleur Dr. 2759 Doresta Rd. 1872 Alpine Dr. 2395 Roanoke Rd. 1965 South El Molino Ave. 1620 Rubio Dr. SIERRA MADRE 427 West Montecito Ave. 491 West Montecito Ave. 521 East Orange Grove Ave. 776 Valle Vista Dr. SOUTH PASADENA 1950 Mill Rd. 5016 Harriman Ave. 1912 Alpha St. 648 Arroyo Dr. 835 Milan Ave. 1115 Maple St. 220 Camino Del Sol 1137 Fairview Ave. 2042 Pine St. 850 Lyndon St. 337 Pasadena Ave. 727 Meridian Ave. #V

CLOSE DATE

PRICE

BDRMS.

SQ. FT.

YR. BUILT PREV. PRICE PREV. SOLD

5/6/19 5/15/19 5/24/19 5/24/19 5/31/19 5/16/19 5/24/19 5/17/19 5/31/19 5/14/19 5/3/19 5/22/19

$1,180,000 $1,160,000 $1,160,000 $1,150,000 $1,132,000 $1,128,000 $1,125,000 $1,050,000 $1,043,500 $1,025,000 $1,015,000 $1,010,000

3 3 2 3 2 4 3 3 3 3 3 2

1591 1,983 1449 2424 2185 1,989 1798 1,669 2155 1,824 1614 1276

1954 1925 1948 1966 1911 1950 1934 1951 1950 1979 1937 1921

5/13/19 5/31/19 5/16/19 5/1/19 5/8/19 5/2/19 5/7/19 5/29/19 5/20/19 5/23/19 5/10/19 5/14/19 5/22/19 5/2/19

$5,689,000 $4,200,000 $3,900,000 $3,120,000 $3,055,000 $2,998,000 $2,980,000 $2,632,500 $2,250,000 $1,780,000 $1,700,000 $1,682,000 $1,580,000 $1,330,000

6 4 5 2 4 5 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 2

7,048 4165 3,508 1599 3049 2484 3015 3028 3007 1841 2470 2,078 2075 1510

5/13/19 5/9/19 5/8/19 5/23/19

$2,550,000 $1,486,000 $1,350,000 $1,350,000

2 3 3 5

5/3/19 5/31/19 5/29/19 5/2/19 5/1/19 5/23/19 5/24/19 5/10/19 5/23/19 5/28/19 5/2/19 5/30/19

$2,650,000 $1,950,000 $1,859,000 $1,710,000 $1,678,000 $1,649,000 $1,525,000 $1,416,000 $1,400,000 $1,330,000 $1,300,000 $1,125,000

5 2 4 5 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3

$1,045,000 $852,000

5/10/16 11/13/17

$140,000

3/1/86

$962,000 $732,000

2/17/15 8/28/09

$832,000 $825,000 $600,000

11/30/10 2/15/07 8/31/18

2015 1932 1926 1947 1937 1946 2015 1937 1927 1928 1937 1947 1924 1950

$6,080,000 $2,000,000 $3,900,000 $1,100,000

11/23/15 4/18/03 6/7/18 4/25/17

$1,660,000 $1,300,000 $2,383,000 $685,000

6/29/15 4/5/12 6/10/15 6/24/99

$455,000

3/1/00

2,668 1310 2337 2853

2005 1908 1948 1965

$340,000

7/17/02

$1,190,500

7/23/15

2520 1057 2675 2578 2123 2220 1812 1658 1658 1648 1792 1831

1948 1952 1976 1948 1914 1922 1965 1908 1921 1938 1923 2005

$433,500

12/12/03

$880,000

8/13/04

$1,050,000 $1,285,000 $350,000 $789,000 $815,000 $790,000 $905,000

7/27/18 10/3/14 6/1/90 9/28/05 10/28/09 8/13/15 12/9/15

OUTDOOR

FITNESS

Stadium Fitness promises to train you “where legends have played.”

BY NOELA HUESO

PHOTO: Courtesy of Stadium Fitness

I

t’s 5:55 a.m. on an overcast Friday in late May and I’m standing outside the entrance of the venerable Rose Bowl stadium in the Arroyo Seco.

Looking around, I notice that the crowds of recreational runners and bikers so common on the weekends are nowhere to be found. It’s still and quiet. I turn back toward the stadium and think about its history: how it has been home to 105 New Year’s Day post-season collegiate football contests; how A-list musical acts, from Journey and Depeche Mode in the ’80s to Taylor Swift and Beyoncé in recent years, have performed here. I think of all the events I’ve personally attended: AmericaFest, the Independence Day fireworks extravaganza, UCLA football games, the longstanding annual Turkey Tussle game between Pasadena and Muir high schools, end-of-year American Youth Soccer Organization presentations, Billy Graham’s last Southern California crusade, in 2004. But this morning, I’m not here as a spectator. I’m here as a participant in what can only be considered an exceptional workout opportunity: In five minutes, I will be inside the Rose Bowl, running 77 stairs to the top of the stadium alongside other early risers who have made their way here for a 6 a.m. workout.

I like the idea of exercising outside again, especially now that the days are warmer and longer. Running on the three-mile loop that surrounds the Rose Bowl used to be part of my regular routine, but lately my workouts — primarily weights and fitness classes — have been inside the gym. As I wait for the stadium gate to be unlocked, I’m not 100 percent sure what I’ll be doing this morning besides scaling the stairs. But I’m excited; I love new athletic challenges. Who will be in this early–morning session, I wonder.

Marathon runners? Elite athletes? I soon find out that it’s a lot of regular folk who are just interested in staying healthy in a very cool setting.

David Liston, the founder and co-owner of Stadium Fitness, has a unique arrangement with the Rose Bowl Operating Company that has allowed him to bring health and wellness to the community, as well as the bowl’s own employees, since 2009. He greets me warmly at the gate and tells me to head into the stadium. If you’ve never done it, I recommend walking into a completely empty Rose Bowl. It’s a bit of a cinematic moment, heading through the dark tunnel and emerging into the early morning light (even on this gray day) to be greeted by the historic green field that has seen so many contests and the nearly 91,000 seats that surround it.

“You should see it when it’s clear and the sun is just coming up,” he tells me.

There are about 16 of us this morning and we come in a wide range of ages. Liston is particularly proud of Bernie, 75, the group’s senior member, who has been maintaining her fitness by working out in the stadium three times a week for years.

Before I even begin, Liston asks me what kind of physical activity I already do, gauging my fitness level. I tell him about my gym repertoire and about the triathlons and half-marathons I’ve done in the past. Confident –continued –c cont cont onti tinu inued d on pa page pag e 30 07.19 | ARROYO | 29

that I can handle a lap around the perimeter of the field, he sends me off with the other folks doing the same. Liston doesn’t lead a class in the traditional sense; rather, he works out each of his clients according to their ability, giving what he calls “individual workouts in a group setting.”

When I return, warmed up and eager for the next challenge, he asks me if I’m ready for some stairs. I nod enthusiastically. My next assignment is to run — four times and row by row — up the 77 steps that lead to the top of the stadium and back down again. In a race with myself, I bound up the stairs, making great progress…until I reach the 65th step.

That’s when my legs start burning from the exertion, slowing me down to a walk-run pace.

It’s not enough to make me stop, though. I make it to the top, feeling triumphant, before heading down for round two. By the time I reach the bottom, my legs have recovered enough for me to begin sprinting up the next row. Each time, I slow at stair 65. But I make it, and I feel good.

It turns out that Stadium Fitness workouts aren’t just about running. For the next hour, I alternate between stair sets and other moves that target my arms, legs and core: lunges, bicep curls, triceps dips and pushups. After each exercise, Liston checks in with me: “How do you feel?” “How are the legs?” “Ready to run the stairs again?”

Liston began his career as a seventh-grade social studies teacher in his native Massachusetts before arriving in Pasadena in 1996 to work with his brother, who was already involved in fitness. It’s easy to see that he still loves teaching. During the course of the hour, Liston connects with all his clients, not just me. He remembers each one’s workout goals, ailments and what’s going on in their lives. “I try to ‘touch’ everyone three times an hour. I can have multiple conversations going on at the same time. My wife says I would be a good air-traffic controller,” he says with a laugh.

Although we’re not down on the field today — the South Korean boy band BTS recent30 | ARROYO | 07.19

ly performed and, as a result, new sod has been laid — Liston says that about 75 percent of the time his groups are down there running sprints and “doing a lot of fun group exercise stuff ” such as partner and running exercises, relay races and agility training. Stadium Fitness participants work out in the locker room on occasion, particularly in the winter. “If it’s 39 degrees [outside] everyone is like, ‘Can we please start inside?’” he says. They also stay inside when it rains.

Kids as young as 11 have worked out with Stadium Fitness — Liston accepts youth based on their maturity level — but the youngest average about 12 or 13, he says. Particularly in the summer, “we encourage people to bring their kids to the 8:30 a.m. class,” he says. The 6 a.m. class I am sampling is for people, like me, who have to go to work.

The hour goes by quickly and, when it’s over, I ask Liston what makes his workouts so popular. “For most people, exercise has to be fun for them to do it on a regular basis,” he says. “Eighty percent of exercise is getting to the place to do the exercise. It’s easier to let someone tell you what to do.”

STADIUM FITNESS (626) 232-6900 • stadiumfitness.com Classes are ongoing and meet Mondays at 6 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 and 6:30 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays, 6 and 8:30 a.m.; Single class $25/Student $18 10-Class Pack ($22/class): $220 24-Class Pack ($16.63/class): $399 1-month unlimited: $150 Other pricing available

PHOTOS: (left) Courtesy of Stadium Fitness, (right) Noela Hueso

–continued from page 29

Boot Camp Pasadena’s Stephen Cooper

PHOTO: Noela Hueso

BOOT CAMP PASADENA A couple of days before I ran the stairs with Stadium Fitness, I sampled a 5:45 a.m. class with Boot Camp Pasadena, another early-morning group-exercise business that has been putting people through their paces for a decade.

Founder Stephen Cooper, a personal trainer with nearly 30 years of experience, leads all the early-morning and early-evening (6 p.m.) classes, which take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday and Thursday near the Pasadena-Altadena border. (Contact him for details.) Despite what the name implies, there’s no military-style training at Boot Camp Pasadena. You won’t find Cooper wearing camouflage or barking instructions. His

approach is decidedly low-key and he considers his clients friends, not soldiers. “I don’t think instructors have to yell to be effective,” he says.

Cooper touts BCP as a toning and fat-burning program. There’s no running of stairs, just some sprints, along with targeted muscle work using TRX suspension training, medicine balls, kettle bells and boxing, among other things. “People love the stress release of boxing,” Cooper says, “and some people have a lot of stress!”

His clients, who are primarily in their 30s to 50s, come to Boot Camp Pasadena not only because they want accountability in their workouts and wouldn’t necessarily exercise on their own but because it’s a friendly environment where people of different fitness levels can work out together. There’s no competition among the participants; in fact, they encourage one another. “They like being in the group because there’s camaraderie,” he says.

Cooper wants his clients to make their workouts a regular part of their lives, and a number of them have been with him almost from the beginning. “I can tell when it clicks with people; for a while they’re hoping that some kind of fad diet is going to help them lose the weight or change them dramatically,” he says. “It takes them a while to realize, ‘Okay, this is a serious commitment, it’s a habit; once they realize that, they’re calmer and they see the payoff.”

Like Stadium Fitness’ Liston, Cooper prides himself on knowing his clients’ needs. It’s that personal touch, he says, that keeps bringing people back.

— N.H. BOOT CAMP PASADENA (626) 509-9958 • bootcamppasadena.com Classes are ongoing and meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or Tuesdays and Thursdays: Mornings: 5:45 to 6:30 Evenings: 6 to 6:45 One-time rate: $18–$20 per class Monthly rates: $135–$175

07.19 | ARROYO | 31

Sisters Thongthiraj: (from left) Sue, Malinee and Arree

A FAMILY AFFAIR

The California Cactus Center nurtures the botanical wonders of cacti and succulents along with familial bonds.

BY BRENDA REES

–continued on page 34 32 | ARROYO | 07.19

PHOTO: Courtesy of Brenda Rees

W

hen the six Thongthiraj children were growing up in Pasadena in the 1970s, going to Disneyland was the high point of their summer break. But before the daughters could get into the car for a pricey day with Mickey and Minnie, they were told they needed to contribute to the family business. “Our father insisted that in order for us to go, we needed to propagate 1,000 flats of plants,” Arree recalls of her childhood with a laugh. “And we always managed to do that before the summer ended. He was very smart that way. That project certainly kept us busy and out of trouble.”

Indeed, keeping busy has long been a family affair at the California Cactus Center, which has been at its original East Pasadena home since it opened in 1976 with a simple setup — just a couple of benches, a gravel floor and a modest selection of home-propagated plants. Today, five of six daughters are actively involved in the day-to-day workings at the nursery known internationally for all things cacti and succulents. With 23 additional acres of propagation facilities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, the center specializes in rare and hard-tofind plants with specimens from all over the world.

Away from the buzz of busy Rosemead Boulevard, a steady stream of customers wanders among rows of sculptural exotic plants that are often weird, fuzzy, prickly, knobby and mesmerizing. The center was a natural offshoot of the beloved hobby of Arree’s father, Zhalermwudh, who, along with wife Maleenee, immigrated from Thailand in the 1950s. He had fallen under the spell of desert cacti and succulents in his adopted country so he started to investigate species, perfect propagation techniques and learn everything he could about these plants — long before the Internet made such research easy.

07.19 | ARROYO | 33

–continued from page 32

Malinee and Zhalermwudh Thongthiraj

Euphorbia lactea variegata

34 | ARROYO | 07.19

In the 1960s, Zhalermwudh dove deep into his botanical fascination while working as an X-ray technician at Huntington Hospital. Back then, IVs came in plastic bottles, not bags, and Arree recalls her father recycling numerous IV bottles at home. “He’d cut the corners off the bottoms and make tiny little pots,” she says. Through trial and error, he developed his own soil recipe — the same popular mixture the nursery sells today.

Growing up, the sisters carefully studied how their father made cuttings from the plants he bought, positioned them in the tiny plastic IV pots and tended them as they grew and flourished. Plants took over the backyard where the Thongthiraj sisters received their horticultural education — despite the occasional poke, scrape and scratch.

The rest of the family caught Zhalermwudh’s cacti and succulent bug, taking frequent trips to local deserts where they expanded their knowledge by seeing these plants in their native habitat. “The Huntington Garden was also our playground,” adds Arree.

“We went there practically every weekend, spending hours in their desert garden.”

While Zhalermwudh taught his girls about plant names, propagation techniques and plant care, mother Maleenee “taught us how to pot and arrange them,” says Arree, who continues in that artistic vein, offering design services for customers who want to integrate these drought-tolerant plants into their yards and homes or businesses. “I do a lot of on-spot design, especially for people who have just purchased a house,” she says.

Indeed, the demand for California Cactus Center plants is impressive. You’ll find them at numerous L.A. Department of Water and Power stations, a SoCal Google campus, Huntington Gardens, UC Riverside, Claremont College and even Disneyland.

Celebrity clients include Martha Stewart, Paul Weller, Diane Keaton, Barbra Streisand and James Brolin, to name just a few.

Yet for some clients, unconvinced at first, Arree needs to nurture their appreciation of cacti. (“People think they are just thorny, but that’s not true.”) She explains why they have become prized garden additions: “They really appreciate that they are low maintenance and can look good all year round. Plus they want the most they can get out of their money; they want longevity, which these plants offer,” she says. “Rather than spending weekly or biweekly on flowers, they know they can get a cactus or succulent and it will last — you don’t have to replace it all the time.”

With a degree in art, Arree encourages clients to consider cacti and succulents as an art form on their own, especially when appropriately paired with others in tasteful containers. “The plant is the art piece and the pot is the frame,” she says, adding that as the plant grows, its changes can be a form of “performance art. No plant is ever going to stay the same size, right?”

There are rows of artful displays of well-curated plants with delightful shapes and textures in stylish bowls and dishes; no wonder these mini-gardens are in high demand as wedding centerpieces, party favors or gifts for birthdays, showers and other celebrations. There is also a selection of local pottery, including a series crafted by a NASA scientist who embeds fossil prints on the sides of his amber-and-rust-colored creations.

As she leads a visitor on a tour, Arree points out selections that are rare and impressive, including two that are more than 100 years old: a Pachypodium succulentum from South Africa and a desert rose (Adenium obesum) sporting gorgeous pink blooms. There are frilly-shaped crested euphorbias (created by a mutation) and the sea urchin–shaped Euphorbia obesa, commonly known as the baseball cactus (which is special to the family

PHOTOS: (Second from top) Courtesy of Calfonia Cactus Center; (plants and soil) Brenda Rees

Albuca spiralis

PHOTO: Brenda Rees

Lithops (living stones)

since it was one of the first specimens in Zhalermwudh’s collection).

This slow-growing cactus with no needles requires a delicate procedure to fertilize the female flowers in order to produce seeds — a task the Thongthiraj girls learned at an early age. Arree would use a horsehair brush to gather the pollen on the male flowers and gently deposit the powdery substance onto the female flowers. “We made cones out of window screen material and placed them on top of the female flowers in the summertime,” she says. When the heat caused the seed pods to finally burst open, she adds, there was a “popcorn-like noise all over the place. It was pretty fun and very neat.”

These days, Arree’s sister Sue handles propagation duties at the nursery. She’s often behind her work table, prepping containers, observing the progress on certain youngsters and carefully extracting and cultivating small offspring. Cuttings are the easiest way to propagate; seeds can take up to two years to germinate.

Sue’s hands hold the descendants of her father’s collection. Many plants at the center can be directly traced back to the Thongthiraj home, whether they were propagated via seed dispersal or cuttings. “My father had a personal goal of propagating a million golden barrels from seed,” she says, as she shows a selection of tiny seeds collected from the cactus flowers of Echinocactus grusonii.

Zhalermwudh did not achieve that benchmark during his lifetime; Arree and Sue roughly calculate that he got to about 500,000 before he passed away in 1998. (You can see 550 of Zhalermwudh’s golden barrel descendants at the Getty Center.)

While friction is common in any family business, Arree and her siblings have managed to keep drama down while improving on and expanding their father’s dream.

Malinee Romero captains the center’s popular video channel, posting short tutorial videos on all aspects of care of cacti and succulents along with design tips. Sister Molly oversees the business side; and even Took Took, an English professor at Pasadena City College, rolls up her sleeves at the center during school breaks. Along with the oldest sister, Smanjai, the siblings all care for their 87-year-old mother.

To keep the business as a family endeavor, 10-year-old Evanlee, Arree’s nephew and the sisters’ only offspring, has been coming to the nursery to learn the secrets of succulents and cacti. “We’d like very much to continue as a family business, so we are in the process of grooming him,” says Arree with a sparkle in her eye. Like the generation before him, the youngster is learning the art of propagation (mainly from his Aunt Sue) along with all the other horticultural complexities. Fortunately for him, he won’t be required to propagate 1,000 flats as his aunties had to do.

Arree says her father’s presence is still felt every day as she walks past the giant tree aloe from South Africa (Aloe bainseii) that graces the outside of the business along with a Bombax ellipticum, better known as a shaving brush tree. “This is the largest aloe tree you’ll ever see,” she says of the center’s stately unofficial landmark — originally planted by her father. “He wanted to make sure we would be always be taken care of; that’s why he created this business for us.” |||| California Cactus Center is located at 216 Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday.

Call (626) 795-2788 or visit cactuscenter.com.

07.19 | ARROYO | 35

36 | ARROYO | 07.19

KITCHEN CONFESSIONS

Mixology Month REV UP YOUR SUMMER COCKTAILS WITH THE FRESHEST MIXERS.

BY LESLIE BILDERBACK

T

hese past six months of examining the National Day Calendar have made me realize that, for certain causes, certain awarenesses, the calendar is a brilliant way to get the word out and expand their reach. For instance, July 1 is National Postal Worker Day, and I think

have pledged to celebrate the National Calendar this year so, in response, I am offering some

homemade cocktail elements for your summer soirées.

Cocktail mixing has taken on a new life in recent years. In fact, bartenders have taken to

we can all agree that it’s nice to honor these dedicated workers. However, the calendar is also

calling themselves mixologists to emphasize new creative aspects of this vocation that have

National Nude Day? (Probably not coincidentally, it is the same day as National Tape Measure

— and the unfortunately named “mocktails,” without alcohol — are being paired, as wine has

clearly a place for loonies. Do the nudists of America really expect us all to strip on July 14 for Day… I do not make this stuff up.) Some of these days have clearly been created by certain

groups just to show off how smart they are. I had to look up the meaning of National Yellow Pig Day (July 17), which has something to do with calculus and the number 17. (Even after I looked it up I’m still not sure what that’s about.) And I’m betting not many of you know who Edmund Clerihew Bentley is, yet July 10 is National Clerihew Day, during which you are urged to write

evolved. No longer is it simply the martini and gin and tonic. In finer restaurants, cocktails

traditionally been, with each course. Unique mixers, fancifully decorated rims, clever garnishes and artfully molded ice cubes are all a part of the cocktail arsenal now. So, to ensure you don’t

look like a rookie this summer, I offer not drink recipes, but homemade cocktail ingredients that will boost your cocktail game.

The easiest cocktail mixer to make is simple syrup, which is nothing but equal parts sugar

a Clerihew –- a very specifically formatted biographical poem. It has four rhyming couplets (aa/

and water. (Combine them and bring the liquid to a boil until the sugar dissolves. That’s

be humorous. Let try it, shall we?

long been a component of cocktails, making its way into such classics as the old-fashioned,

bb), must use a person’s name in the first line, must say something about that person and must

Leslie Bilderback writes

And sometimes picks fights Occasionally about food Or whatever her mood

Okay, well, that was fun, and now I can see why they made it a National Day.

Although July is the season for grilling and patriotism, there are relatively few such days

it.) Simple syrup is the reason why drinks taste better at the bar than in your kitchen. It has the whiskey sour, the daiquiri, the julep — and many more. But today, the best mixologists are infusing simple syrup with flavors, opening up infinite cocktail possibilities. I love

flavored syrups because, not only do they make interesting cocktails possible, they make great

homemade sodas. Just combine with soda water and ice for a refreshing offering your guests will

really appreciate. (FYI — designated drivers are really sick of Diet Coke.) I’m giving you below not only my favorite summer soda syrup — strawberry rhubarb — but also lots of variations for you to try.

The second cocktailing recipe is for homemade bitters. Bitters are another classic bar

in this month’s National Day Calendar. There is, however, a lot of booze. So much booze, in

ingredient, comprised of alcohol flavored with botanical aromatics and herbs. It is designed to

have Anisette Day (July 2), Piña Colada Day (July 10), Mojito Day (July 11), Grand Marnier

of the drink and helps align the ingredients, much the way salt and acid work in cooking. There

fact, that it’s doubtful anything will get done this month. Stay hydrated, everyone, because we Day (July 14), Daiquiri Day (July 19), Wine and Cheese Day ( July 25) and Scotch Day (July

27). All these boozy days are certainly a clever way for companies to boost sales, though I am a bit worried that national productivity may find itself in a slump as a result. Nevertheless, I

bring balance to your cocktail. The bitterness, which varies by brand, enhances the other flavors are many bitters on the market, and most keep their ingredient list secret. But homemade

bitters are easy to make and, like simple syrup, can be concocted to suit your personal bitter preferences.

continued on page 38 07.19 | ARROYO | 37

continued from page 37

Both of these recipes are just examples. There are hundreds of variations to be made of and I encourage you to experiment. With these in your pantry, your summer barbecue will be the talk of the town.

Syrup and bitters from scratch Whip yourself up a big batch With these in your bar I declare you a star ||||

Strawberry--Rhubarb Syrup If you have trouble laying your hands on rhubarb, replace it with a full 2 pounds of strawberries, or substitute another tart ingredient, such as raspberry or cranberry.

In addition, you can use this same basic recipe with any number of fruit, fruit-and spice or fruit-and-herb combinations. Use your imagination, and get creative.

You’ll find some variation ideas after the recipe.

INGREDIENTS 1 pound strawberries, washed, hulled and quartered 1 pound rhubarb, washed and cut into halfinch pieces 1 cup white sugar

½ cup brown sugar 2 cups water Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon sea salt

METHOD

1. Combine all ingredients in a large, heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring, then reduce to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fruit has softened to the point of mush. It should take about 20 to 30 minutes.

2. Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl, and line it with cheesecloth.

Pour the fruit purée into the strainer and let it sit and drain slowly. For clear syrup, it is best not to force or press the purée free of liquid; let gravity do it for you. After an hour, if it appears there is still liquid suspended within the pulp, squeeze it gently. Transfer the clear syrup into sterilized jars or bottles, and store in the refrigerator. Syrups should last you through the summer. For longer storage, pack in plastic containers and freeze for up to a year. (Defrost slowly in the refrigerator for best results.)

Here are some of my favorite fruit syrup variations. You may need to adjust the amount of sugar, depending on the ripeness of the fruit: plum--sage, peach--basil, cherry--vanilla, mango--lime, papaya--lemongrass, pineapple-black pepper. Once you start syrup–making, it won’t be long before you come up with your own signature syrup.

Homemade Bitters Th is is a basic bitter, close in form to Angostura. But Angostura uses ingredients such as cinchona bark and gentian root — not something you can pick up at Ralphs. Here I use accessible ingredients, but the end result is equally effective.

If you catch the bitters bug after this, the more exotic elements can be ordered online.

INGREDIENTS

Dried peel of 1 orange (remove with a potato peeler, and set in the sun for a day, or place in a dehydrator or very low-temp oven for an hour or so, until stiff and shriveled) 2 to 3 pieces dried apple or apple skin 6 to 8 pieces dried cherry 1 cinnamon stick, crushed 2 whole cloves 3 to 4 allspice berries, crushed 3 to 4 juniper berries, crushed

METHOD

3 to 4 coffee beans 2 to 3 cardamom pods, crushed 1 teaspoon cacao nibs, crushed ½ teaspoon coriander seed, crushed ¼ vanilla bean, scraped 1 quart neutral alcohol, grain alcohol or vodka (Rye or bourbon can also be used, but will impart their fl avors to the finished product.)

2 to 4 tablespoons simple syrup

1. Combine all ingredients except alcohol and simple syrup in a large, sterilized canning jar. Cover the ingredients with the alcohol, then cover with the top and place in a cool, dark space for 2 weeks. Shake the jar once a day to help distribute the infusion.

2. After 2 weeks, strain out the contents of the jar, and combine the infused liquid with simple syrup to taste. (The sugar is not to sweeten as much as it is to neutralize the bitterness.)

3. Return to a sterilized jar, and set aside again for another week. At this point the bitters can be used, bottled and shared.

38 | ARROYO | 07.19

THE GINNY HENDRICKS

STORY AND PHOTO BY MICHAEL CERVIN

G

ranville opened on Lake Avenue in Pasadena earlier this year, its fi fth location in Greater Los Angeles. But what sets this branch apart is its second-story open-air seating offering views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Th is is a must stop for the adventurous aficionado, with 30 cocktails on the menu. That includes Granville’s signature cocktail, the Ginny Hendrix, on the menu since 2012.

“Pasadena is a more sophisticated crowd,” says food and beverage manager Marc Dix, noting that more locals are staying close to home in the hunt for quality cocktails rather than hiking to downtown L.A. “And gin is the hot category right now,” Dix adds. So the Ginny Hendricks is a great bet. It impresses with its layered flavors and juxtaposition of sweet, heat and earthiness. The gin’s mild botanicals are noticeable as is the subtle fi re from the jalapeño, balanced by the sweetness from the puréed fruit. While this can work with a variety of foods, try it with Granville’s New York strip steak or Thai ginger salad. ||||

THE GINNY HENDRICKS INGREDIENTS 1 ounce fresh cucumber purée 1 ounce fresh strawberry purée 6 mint leaves, sliced thin

METHOD

1 ounce Monin Chipotle Pineapple Syrup 2 ounces Hendrick’s Gin

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, then add crushed ice, cover and shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with jalapeño slices.

THE LIST COMPILED BY JOHN SOLLENBERGER Descanso Jams — Jazz, World Music and Stone Fruit

Collections and Botanical Gardens with

All events are in-

mance starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50

cluded in Descanso

to $130.

“Moving/Pictures,” a concert of film scores “that have moved our country.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the perfor-

admission of $9, $6 for students and se-

Call (626) 539-7085 or visit muse-ique.

niors and $4 for children 5 to 12; free for

com/museiquessummer.

visitors 4 and younger, unless otherwise

Music on the Main Jazz Concerts

Shakespeare in the Park

July 4 — Lao Tizer

July 6 through Aug. 18

July 11 — Abe Lagrimas, Jr.

— The annual Sierra

noted. Concerts run from 6 to 7 p.m.

July 18 — Molly Miller

Madre Shakespeare

July 25 — Dayren Santamaria

Festival presents free, family-friendly

World Rhythms World Music Series

weekend performances of Much Ado

July 2 — California Feetwarmers

about Nothing by professional actors at

July 9 — Boogaloo Assassins (above)

7:30 p.m. in Sierra Madre Memorial Park.

July 16 — Briseyda Zárate

Guests may bring blankets, lawn chairs

July 23 — Dance India

and picnics. Performance dates are July 6, 13, 19, 20 and 27 and August 2, 4, 10,

July 13 — Urban Forager author Elisa

17 and 18.

Callow leads a cooking class on stone-

Sierra Madre Memorial Park is located at

fruit and strawberry jam from 10 a.m. to

222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre.

12:30 p.m. in the Boddy House kitchen.

Visit sierrashakes.com.

Cost is $50 ($40 for members). A tasting and book signing follow the class, starting at 2 p.m. Advance registration is required.

July 15 — The Shine a Light exhibition

ROSE BOWL HOSTS AMERICA’S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Pasadena Heritage Walking Tours Historic preservation

by artist Carole Kim, Descanso’s first

July 4 — Once again, Rose Bowl Stadium is home to Americafest, a family-friendly

artist-in-residence, includes digital metal

event celebrating the Fourth and climaxing with a big fireworks display at 9 p.m.

tage hosts two walking tours this month:

prints, micro video projections, window

Parking lots open at noon, and the Family Fun Zone opens at 2 p.m. Stadium doors

July 6 — The Old Pasadena Historic

treatments and a multimedia installa-

open at 5:30 p.m., followed by performances of various types at 7 p.m. General

District, formerly drab and rundown,

tion, on view through Oct. 27 in the Sturt

admission tickets are $15 and reserved seating is $30; children 5 and under are

has gone through incredible revital-

Haaga Gallery.

admitted free. Field viewing experience tickets are $100.

ization over the past 30 years. It was

July 25 — A photography book by

Rose Bowl Stadium is located at 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena.

nearly destroyed but now stands as a

former L.A. County District Attorney Gil

Call (800) 745-3000 or visit rosebowlstadium.com.

top dining and entertainment destina-

Garcetti, Protea: The Magic and the

group Pasadena Heri-

tion, offering a fine example of urban

Mystery, goes on display from 10 a.m. to

revitalization. Guests can tour the district

4 p.m. July 25 to 28. Garcetti and writer

Assassins, along with The Delirians, Earth

ble-top and videogaming, cutting-edge

from 9 to 11:15 a.m. Tickets are $20 ($18

Larry Livingston will sign their book from

Arrow, Victoria La Mala, South Soul Spin-

fashion, exhibits from anime production

for members).

1 to 2 p.m. July 28.

ners, Blaq Pages and Foreigner, as well

companies and manga comic compa-

July 13 — A walking tour of the Gover-

Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Des-

as deejays.

nies, licensed goods, a kids’ zone and

nor Markham Landmark District, one of

canso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge. Call (818)

Events take place between Los Angeles

live concerts. It is hosted by the nonprofit

Pasadena’s oldest neighborhoods, runs

949-4200 or visit descansogardens.org.

Street and Grand Avenue and Temple

Society for the Promotion of Japanese

from 9 to 11:15 a.m. Ninety-four percent

and Third streets. Visit musiccenter.org.

Anime. Tickets cost $20 to $100.

of the residences in the long-debated

The L.A. Convention Center is located

710 Freeway extension route were built

at 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. Visit

between 1891 and 1933. Tickets are $20

anime-expo.org/register.

($18 for members). Meeting location is

A Grand Fourth Downtown and the Music Center

All About Anime at L.A. Convention Center

in downtown L.A. host

July 4 through 7 —

July 4 — Grand Park

provided with ticket purchase.

with a rooftop fireworks show atop the

ebrates anime, manga and Japanese

Muse/Ique Goes to the Movies at the Huntington

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, a 75-foot

pop culture from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. each

July 6 — The Muse/

Pops Rhapsody at Arboretum

Ferris wheel, picnicking, music and

night at the L.A. Convention Center.

Ique orchestra

July 13 — The Pasadena Pops 2019

dancing, from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Music on

Activities include previews of the newest

launches its sum-

Sierra Summer Series at the L.A. County

two stages includes headliner Boogaloo

anime TV shows and film productions, ta-

a free family-friendly July 4th celebration,

The Anime Expo cel-

mer series at the Huntington Library, Art

Call (626) 441-6333 or visit pasadenaheritage.org.

–continued on page 40 07.19 | ARROYO | 39

THE LIST

CONCERTS UNDER THE DOME July 7 — The Mt. Wilson Observatory hosts two Sunday afternoon concerts inside the dome housing the 100-inch Hooker Telescope. This month’s “Voices in the Dome,” performed at 3 and 5 p.m., features sopranos Hila Pittman, Sangeeta Kaur, flutist Sara Andon, violinist Reina Inui, harpist Jacqueline Marshall and guitarist Shea Welsh. The program includes works by Danaë Vlasse, Todd Mason, Bruce Babcock, Mark McEnroe and Anthony Constantino. Tickets are $50, and must be purchased in advance. Proceeds benefit the Mt. Wilson Institute.

The Mt. Wilson Observatory is located on Mt. Wilson Rd., La Cañada Flintridge. Visit mtwilson.edu/concerts.

–continued from page 39

of the Gershwin era and the Jazz Age,

Improv and Indian Music at Norton Simon

with songs by George and Ira Gersh-

Activities are

Arboretum and Botanic Garden presents “Rhapsody in Blue,” featuring the music

win, Duke Ellington and Harold Arlen,

Simon Museum admission of $15 and $12

in Paris,” “Stormy Weather,” “Rhapsody

for seniors 62 and up; free for students

in Blue” and others. Gates open at 5:30

and visitors 18 and younger.

p.m. for picnicking, and the concert

July 13 — A concert, “Freedom in

starts at 7:30 p.m. Michael Feinstein

the Moment,” features bassist Marlon

conducts the orchestra and featured

Martinez (above) and the Jazz Marlonius

performers LaChanze, Tony Yazbeck and

Quartet in an evening of original com-

Frederick Hodges. Tickets are $10 to $95.

positions and jazz classics from the 1950s

The L.A. County Arboretum and Botanic

to the 1970s. Martinez and his band

Garden is located at 301 N. Baldwin

explore freedom of expression through

Ave., Arcadia. Call (626) 793-7172 or visit

improvisation, from 6 to 7 p.m.

pasadenasymphony-pops.org.

40 | ARROYO | 07.19

included in Norton

including “I Got Rhythm,” “An American

–continued on page 42

07.19 | ARROYO | 41

THE LIST

–continued from page 40

July 19 — The exhibition Air Land Sea:

performs on her “Woman of the Year”

A Lithographic Suite by William Crutch-

tour around Southern California. July’s

field opens, offering a rare look at the

performance takes place at 3:30 p.m.

artist's works printed at the Tamarind

in Cleaver Hall of Church of Our Saviour,

Lithographic Workshop in 1970. Featuring

San Gabriel, with proceeds benefiting

trains, ships and airplanes, all portrayed

the Asian Youth Center. Her diverse

as overbuilt, fantastical models of mo-

repertoire ranges from “The Phantom

dernity, it runs through Nov. 4.

of the Opera” to selections by Queen.

July 20 — “Ragas and Rhythmic Patterns

Mae was recently selected as this year’s

— An Exploration,” a concert drawing

California State Senate Woman of the

on classical Indian music, features the

Year. Tickets are $20 for students, $40 VIP.

husband-and-wife team of Kamaljeet

Cleaver Hall is located at 535 W. Roses

Ahluwalia on santoor and Jas Ahluwalia

Rd., San Gabriel. Call (626) 941-6418 or

playing the tabla. Their innovative ap-

visit makimae.com.

proach simultaneously explores ragas

century perspective on the emotional

Summer Nights Roar at the LA Zoo

themes in ragamala paintings.

July 19 — The L.A.

and intricate rhythmic patterns. The concert, from 6 to 7 p.m., offers a 21st-

The Norton Simon Museum is located at

Zoo Roaring Summer

411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Call

Nights program offers fun activities for

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

adults 21 and older, including live music, deejays, pop-up zoo talks by resident

Cal Phil Concerts Reach from Paris to Planets

experts, food trucks and full bars. This

Concert talks with

Severe, Deejay Johnny Hawkes and

Maestro Victor

Chulita Vinyl Club. Admission is $21 ($16

Vener start at 1 p.m.

for members).

month’s event features live music by ’80s tribute band Fast Times, plus Deejay

and concerts start at 2 p.m. Tickets are

The L.A. Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Dr.,

$37.50 to $140:

Griffith Park. Call (323) 644-4200 or visit

July 14 — The California Philharmonic

lazoo.org.

summer concert series at Walt Disney

Cal Phil Chorale. The program includes

Playhouse Offers Shakespearean Acting Course

excerpts from Les Misérables by Claude-

July 22 through Aug.

Michel Schönberg, Symphonie Fantas-

2 — The Pasadena

Concert Hall, led by Maestro Vener, continues with “Bastille Day” with the

tique by Berlioz and Camille Saint-Saëns’

Playhouse teams with the London

“Organ” Symphony. Featured perform-

Academy of Music and Dramatic Art for

ers are Philip Smith, Anne Martinez and

a two-week summer acting intensive.

Randal Keith.

The practical, fast-paced program is

July 28 — “Space: A Giant Leap”

designed for students desiring more

features music from film hits including

confidence in performing classical work

Apollo 13, Star Wars and Star Trek, plus

from Shakespeare’s Elizabethan and

“Mars and Jupiter” by Gustav Holst and

Jacobean periods. It combines scene

Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, “Titan.”

study with technical classes in movement

Walt Disney Concert Hall is located at

and voice, leading to an understanding

111 S. Grand Ave., L.A. Call (323) 850-

of the challenges of working with

2000 or visit calphil.com.

classical texts. The course is open to those 18 and older with some acting

Woman of the Year Performs in San Gabriel

experience. Tuition may be paid in full

July 14 — Genre-

The Pasadena Playhouse is located at

defying violinist and

39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Call (626)

12-language soprano Maki Mae (left) 42 | ARROYO | 07.19

or in installments, and the playhouse will offer a limited number of scholarships.

356-7529 or visit pasadenaplayhouse.org.

07.19 | ARROYO | 43