March 2020 | Real Estate
Fine living in the greater Pasadena area
Unlocking PASADENA NAVIGATING THE MARKET AS A FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER IN PASADENA
STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES
BOTANICAL GARDENS WE LOVE
+ SUMMER CAMP PREVIEW
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arroyo VOLUME 16 | NUMBER 03 | MARCH 2020
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REAL ESTATE 11 NAVIGATING PASADENA A first-time homebuyer’s guide to the market. —By KAYLA RUTLEDGE
14 HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS Building a kitchen or bathroom that suits your lifestyle. —By KAYLA RUTLEDGE
17 JAMES GRIFFITH: PAINTING WITH TAR Altadena artist shares his love for the natural world. —By SCARLET CHENG
20 A LIFE OF LUXURY STAYCATION STYLE Making your outdoor living space one that’s difficult to leave. —BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE
32 SUMMERTIME AND CAMPIN’ IS EASY Ways to keep kids busy during school break. —By TAYLOR O’CONNOR
42 LET’S DANCE David Bowie’s former bandmates pay tribute to the late icon. —By CHRISTINA FUOCO-KRASINSKI
44 GARDENS WE LOVE Southern California Botanical Gardens make for an easy but rewarding natural adventure. —By NANCY D. LACKEY SHAFFER
DEPARTMENTS
08 FESTIVITIES Farmers Market
24 HOME AND DESIGN Smart Kitchens
48 CULINARY CUPBOARD Succulent Hummingbird Cupcakes 51 COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH The Draft Mule
52 THE LIST Valley Con, The Huntington’s 63rd Annual Bonsai Show, Pasadena Festival of Women Authors and more. 03.20 ARROYO | 5
Editor’s Note
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pring has officially sprung, and as the days start getting warmer, the real estate scene also begins to heat up. The greater Pasadena area boasts some of the best neighborhoods Southern California has to offer, complete with lush greenery, safe streets, and something new and entertaining around every corner. Getting your foot in the door in this market can be tricky. To help you find your footing when buying a home, we’ve discussed what you should be prepared for with an agent who carries that Pasadena pride with her everywhere she goes. For those that have done the hard part and already purchased a home, this issue will also explore how to make your house a better place to live and an even more profitable property to sell with an outdoor oasis guide and a story on kitchen and bathroom remodeling. But be warned, with the upgrades local businesses can bring to your property, leaving will be tough to do. A deep appreciation for your home and for what the greater Pasadena area can offer can also come about with a bit of exploration, and spring is the best time to go out and adventure. From various botanical gardens, art shows, summer camps and even a David Bowie tribute concert, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your walking shoes, large-brimmed hats and iced teas and explore Pasadena with us this spring.
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Kayla Rutledge
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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 Michael Cervin, Emily Chavez, Luis Chavez, Taylor O’Connor 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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Farmers Market
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PASADENA VICTORY PARK
Photos by Luis Chavez
The Pasadena Victory Park Farmers Market is a gem. This Saturday-only open-air market features local vendors selling produce, artisanal foods and flowers at 2925 E. Sierra Madre Boulevard. For more information, call 626-449-0179.
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1. Bill’s Bees from Little Tujunga 2. Carrots at Underwood Farms 3. Amanda Iwamoto, Harry’s Berries from Gean Farm from Oxnard 4. The Sprout Farm, Joan Kaplan and Rexx Mayreis from Altadena 5. West Coast Seafood Truck, Marilyn from Simi Valley with Ann Peterson from Pasadena 6. Bryan Marasco Co-Founder of Scoops On Tap 7. Leigh Sauser owner of Dr. Chocolate, from Laguna Beach
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Pasadena NAVIGATING
A FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER’S GUIDE TO THE MARKET BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE
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ith home prices up 1.2% within the last year, a projected 0.2% increase in 2020, based on data from Zillow, and the median home selling price at $826,800, the real estate buying process in the Pasadena area is an emotional roller coaster. Before investing in a property, real estate agent Lin Vlacich with Sotheby’s International Real Estate says there are noteworthy things to keep in mind to keep the process as smooth and simple as possible.
Have realistic expectations Pasadena is known for lasting equity as the real estate market rises and falls. South Pasadena in particular is known for being a separate and somewhat secluded community that’s quiet, cool and hip. The area’s neighborhoods have a lot of charm and a deep appreciation for architecture. “As we say in South Pasadena, don’t mess with our seniors, dogs or trees,” Vlacich says. Homes can cost well over $5 million, even a condo will run about $500,000. “You have to understand how far your dollars will go and be realistic when going into the purchasing process,” Vlacich says.
Find the right agent Just as the market ebbs and flows, the stream of real estate agents swells and shrinks. When the market is hot, more and more agents hit the scene. While not every agent who has been in the industry for a while is the perfect fit, Vlacich says that’s a great place to start. As someone with 43 years of experience, she says with time comes wisdom of reading the market to get buyers the best return they can. “It’s all about trust between the agent and the clients. What makes me want to go 120% for my clients is when they trust me, because I wouldn’t do anything to break that trust. My license wouldn’t be worth it. And I think getting people to trust you takes time and experience,” Vlacich says.
Do your homework As part of her initial interview with clients, Vlacich gives homebuyers homework. The task is simple—jot down what they absolutely must have in a house, and what they can’t live with at all. She asks couples do this part separately and honestly. Vlacich will compile the list and move forward on finding the perfect match. “They’ve actually been looking for your [their] first home all your life,” continued on page 12 03.20 | ARROYO | 11
Lin Vlacich, Agent with Sotheby’s International Real Estate
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Vlacich says. “You [they] can walk into a friend’s home and say ‘yikes,’ or they can love the way it feels. Sometimes they’ve never expressed it, but they’ve noted things they like. Sometimes they’ve never expressed it to their partner, sometimes they’ve never expressed it to their egos. It can be something that’s familiar, it can be a bad memory, but homes bring out the best and sometimes the worst in people. It’s a very emotional process.” The agent says she is so passionate about this step that she won’t show homes to those who are unwilling to do it. It saves time, frustration and confusion for all involved parties. “We’ll be working together for sometimes months and months, and sometimes I have to mediate the emotions between couples because it can get that intense when it comes to differing opinions,” she says. “I wish I had more marriage counseling and psychology courses in my college years,” Vlacich says with a laugh. Be honest about your budget During an initial meeting with clients, Vlacich says it’s important to establish trust with a budget. “I want to make sure you can compete in South Pasadena with your budget, and if I don’t think you can we will have to adjust and expand our search to other areas that can provide some or most of what you’re looking for,” Vlacich says. Once a number is on the table, Vlacich says she ensures the homebuyers have their ducks in a row before they embark on home tours. Being financially organized is key, the agent says, because they may have to act fast if a home that comes on the market at a fair price in a great neighborhood. Homebuyers should have everything ready from bank statements, lender letters and gift letters. “If you don’t have that in place, we’re premature,” she says. Another noteworthy point, Vlacich says, is to be honest about what you’re willing to spend with your agent up front. “I hope with that initial interview I can get an understanding of what they can financially do,” she says. “My philosophy is don’t show them something they can’t afford. I also ask if their number is the truth? Or are you really capable of buying into $2 million and you told me $1.5 million? Because I won’t show you a $1.6 million home if that’s the truth. That honesty helps me help them be competitive.” Get to know the seller When push comes to shove, sometimes it’s not the highest bid that will win over a seller. Vlacich says she’s surprised at how often other factors can contribute to who gets the home. Knowing the history of the seller, and why they are selling can give some bids a leg up on others. “It can be divorce, there could’ve been trauma or loss, I mean there are a million reasons to sell a home, and sometimes it takes someone who can relate to that to make them the perfect buyer,” Vlacich says. The agent recently sold the home of a 92-year-old woman who lived in the house since 1971. She raised her children there after her and her husband built the home. The first Sunday the home was on the market, 32 showings traveled in and out of each room. Shortly after the property had 12 offers to shuffle through. Only one stood out. “When talking to my seller I said, ‘Do you want something better than this?’ And she said, ‘What could be better?’ I said, ‘Better would be more money. Do you want to ask for more money?’” The woman told Vlacich, “No I like them because they sent me a picture of their family.” “You have to know your seller,” Vlacich says.
LIN VLACICH Sotheby’s International Real Estate 626-396-3975 lin.vlacich@sothebyshomes.com 12 | ARROYO | 03.20
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Heart is HOME IS WHERE THE
BUILDING A KITCHEN OR BATHROOM THAT SUITS YOUR LIFESTYLE BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE
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itchens and bathrooms serve as the heart of most homes, but some in the greater Pasadena have seen better days. To keep things up to date and ready for a more modern lifestyle, finding a balance between what is trendy and what’s functional is the key to a solid kitchen and bathroom remodel. And for that, there’s Sierra Custom Kitchens. Kitchen and Bath Designer Alice Sin says many Pasadena homes were built in the ’20s, when compartmentalizing each room was trendy. She says homebuyers today are “jazzed” when they see a great room and kitchen share a wall because the space has potential for an updated and open design. However, there can be consequences to removing walls, including losing space to hang art or maintain a pantry. “We have to be mindful of which walls we’re removing to be able to keep its function and make everything fit,” Sin says. A huge part of the design process for Sin is ensuring functionality for her clients. The initial consultation consists of an assessment of how the occupants of the home live. A mom of three could have the same taste as a retired couple who are empty nesters, but what they need from the kitchen or bathroom could be entirely different. “Once we decide what would work best for them function-wise, and come together with their general taste and style, we will go ahead and measure out the space. Truthfully, we do our best planning on paper and playing with our ideas before we bring them back. It can go back and forth a couple of times to get it right, but usually it’s pretty straightforward because of that initial assessment,” Sin says. A large portion of the design process includes bringing the rest of the home into the kitchen or the bathroom. While sometimes that means matching the style of the space to the rest of the house, it can also mean negotiating the designs from in consequence to the lack of planning on the home’s original architect. “The window in one of the bathrooms we redid is off-center, which was because the architect of the home centered it to the outside of the house instead of the bathroom it shares a wall with. It was quirky, but we went with it and created a spa feel. We matched that quirkiness with style, with the exposed pipes and the shower sharing the space with the bathtub,” Sin says.
Many of the trends that Sin balances with the style of the home are airy, filled with natural light and, most of the time, are white. “I think it’s kind of the backlash of all of the dark that was on trend for awhile. Especially for the homes that are around here, everyone is doing the opposite of what was on trend,” says Sin. “The trends of the ’90s to early 2000s when everyone wanted smaller spaces with the dark brown espresso kitchens are out. Now everyone wants clean and bright and a lot of white and big, open spaces,” Sin says. Recently, however, the designer says she has seen the tides changing, as people are now gravitating toward exposed wood grain features with natural stains. Sin says she has also caught on to matte black hardware and light features. But style comes at a cost, and to do it right, a full remodel project can cost a pretty penny. Those looking to gut a kitchen and start anew can expect an $80,000 to $100,000 price tag for the full project. However, Sin says cost is dependent on the space (kitchen, bathroom or both) as well as the materials used for things like countertops, cabinets, hardware and appliances. “Everyone likes sleek, professional appliances but those can run $30,000 and up. A lot of people don’t realize that if they’ve never remodeled or shopped for that before. You can get less expensive options that are still great but all of those factor in,” Sin says. Sin adds a full remodel can put homeowners out of a kitchen for eight to 12 weeks once demolition begins. Though a new look comes at a cost, Sin says the value added to your home, monetarily and otherwise, makes the projects worth it. “Having a space that feels like it was made for you and tailored to your needs can completely change the way you value and use that space. It’s about fitting the space to you and your lifestyle rather than arranging your life around your kitchen or bathroom,” Sin says.
Alice Sin, designer at Sierra Custom Kitchens
Sin keeps the home’s quirky features, such as this off-center window, in her designs if the homeowners choose to do so.
SIERRA CUSTOM KITCHENS 686 Union Street, Suite 180, Pasadena 626-792-8080 kitchenremodelerpasadena.com
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JAMES GRIFFITH:
n the paintings he creates, James Griffith combines his deep love for making art with his deep love for the natural world. His longtime subject matter has been animals, large and small, and now he finds himself fascinated by celestial bodies—the sun, the moon, and the stars. And then there’s the raw material he uses to make his paintings—tar from the La Brea Tar Pits in midtown Los Angeles, the tar being the remains of organic material from long, long ago. In his Altadena studio, he worked on one large painting for a month, “The Sun and the Gravity of Radiance.” It’s a 6-foot-wide tar painting, with the sun in the center, its surface exploding with solar flares and the manifestation of magnetic fields. The painting is his contribution to the art series “Gyre” (through March 28) at the Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. “Gyre” consists of eight, one-week exhibitions, with each exhibition featuring just one work from an artist. It’s thought of
Painting WITH Tar
ALTADENA ARTIST SHARES HIS LOVE FOR THE NATURAL WORLD
STORY BY SCARLET CHENG | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ
as a way of slowing down and concentrating on one work, getting away from our media oversaturation. Griffith’s week is March 3 to March 7, and he will be giving a talk at noon on opening day. “The idea was to have people come and talk about one work and create experiences for students and people who go to the museum,” he says. “People will be encouraged to leave their cellphone at the door and sit on the benches and be in the present.” For this painting he stretched canvas over a wooden panel, to give it more support because of its large size. Then he applied layers of gesso to seal and to smooth out the surface. With the canvas lying flat, he poured a mixture of tar, solvent, and water over it, and “let it run wild across the surface,” Griffith says. “It’s a balance between control and out of control, I try to let the stuff of nature happen so that you really feel the texture of the tar. When I’m carving through it with the knife, the lines behave differently depending on whether the tar is thick or thin.” continued on page 18 03.20 | ARROYO | 17
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He uses an X-Acto blade to make incisions through the tar coating, giving each work its fine details. Born in Long Beach, Griffith attended Art Center College of Design in the late 1970s. In 1999 he moved to Altadena with his wife, landscape designer Susanna Dadd. They have lived in other parts of Los Angeles, but Altadena with its mature trees and hiking trails seemed closer to nature. Also, he says, “the sense of community is the strongest I’ve ever felt anywhere, it’s really a wonderful place.” They bought a house to live in, and he maintains a separate studio in part of a former firehouse. About 10 years ago he sought a new medium to work with. When he looked around his studio, he found asphaltum, a material used in printmaking, and began painting with it. He loved its dark rich tones, and then realized he could go to a local source to get more of the same, off Wilshire Boulevard. The people at the Tar Pits were happy to let him have some of the tar that naturally bubbles up—a 5-gallon pail of the stuff that lasts him a year or more. “It adds this other dimension,” he says, “this primordial goo that had this history of having trapped all these animals that are now extinct.” His main subjects up to now have living creatures, often birds and mammals. Typically, he begins by pouring thinned tar onto a prepared surface and lets it dry while pondering what creature might be emerging. Once he decides, he paints form and contour, and further refines through scratching out details such as whiskers and fur. He works on several paintings at once, partly because the coatings need to dry. For his current work, “The Sun and the Gravity of Radiance,” he knew beforehand what the subject would be, with “radiating lines, looping magnetic fields, the solar flares,” he says. As reference, he looks at NASA photographs. His last gallery show was last fall at Craig Krull Gallery in Santa Monica. “Terrestrial and Celestial” featured his usual subjects, wild animals, including a cougar and a snail. It also pointed a new direction with paintings of the earth, moon, and stars. In the work “Moon – Reflector” Griffith even touched on a bit of his own history. Taking an oval wall mirror that once belonged to his grandmother, he drew the moon into the tar coating, half in darkness, half in light. “At certain angles, you can actually see yourself, which is like the moon, a reflection,” he says. One of the largest paintings in the show, “Cougar with Milky Way,” combined his interests—a black cougar prowls across the canvas, the stars of the Milky Way emanating from his torso. “I live up here by JPL, so many friends work on the Mars project or listen to the background radiation of the universe,” Griffith says. “I started reading a lot more about how we are essentially stardust.” The Tar Pits themselves fascinate him. “To me, it’s almost like a sacred space because it’s like a portal into this other world, a time machine that shows, the processes of extinction and evolution are real,” he says. “Our particular home Los Angeles, has changed dramatically and will continue to change dramatically. I find it inspiring, and I hope other people can enter into that frame of thought as they’re looking at my work.” Griffith will also be in a group show next March 2021 at El Camino College.
“Gyre Gyre” Through March 28, with James Griffith’s presentation March 3 to March 7 Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum, 1250 N. Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach
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Luxury A LIFE OF
STAYCATION STYLE MAKING YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE ONE THAT’S DIFFICULT TO LEAVE BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE
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ith the summer months rapidly approaching and summer planning underway, there’s one place on your property that makes paradise just steps away, even beyond summertime. By redesigning your backyard into a year-round oasis, life at home can instantly transform into heaven on Earth. Mark Meahl, founder of Gardenview Landscape, Nursery & Pools, says transforming a backyard into a miniature resort not only increases the value of the home, but allows the homeowner to enjoy the amenities until they are ready to sell. Though Meahl warns, after the drastic transformation, some homeowners decide to stay and enjoy the view for a little while longer. In Meahl’s world, balancing luxury and comfort is the name of the game. The goal is to make the space look like something you would go to great lengths to visit, but not so fragile that you’re afraid to use it at all. From breathtaking infinity pools, intricate stone work, full service outdoor kitchens, comfortable seating arrangements and various water and fire features, Meahl says there’s no project that is too extravagant to take on, and the sky’s the limit as to what can be done to a backyard. And when it comes to equity, Meahl says grand is the way to go. continued on page 22
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“If you’re just putting a simple hole in your backyard, in many cases, if it’s unimaginative, real estate agents are going to tell you that you won’t get your investment back. And most people aren’t putting in very imaginative pools. But if you can do something imaginative, people who can afford to pick where they want to live, they want to see how they don’t have to go far to get a little piece of vacation after a long day at work,” says Meahl. The process starts with a visit from Meahl. Together he and the client will sit down and sort through hundreds of photos that depict potential styles and themes. The homeowners have an open dialogue and discuss what looks they love, and the ones they don’t. “The conversation serves as a starting off point. We can make a cohesive collage of the things you like while also giving you that custom, tailored look,” says Meahl. After the hour and a half consultation, Meahl and his team work diligently and quickly to create a 3D video of the property with the conceptual design, and present the vision to the homeowners to ensure everyone is pleased with the concept. The design process incorporates both art and Feng Shui as a way to balance the different elements, aesthetics and functions. Once the concept has been approved by the homeowners, the nitty gritty of construction and budget begins. A group of estimators determine where each dollar of the investment is going, and perform cost to benefit ratios. While it is best to start with a budget in mind, Meahl says it is important to be realistic about how far your dollar will go. Starting with a “blank slate” of a backyard has many advantages, but it can also grow costly to install entirely new piping for water features and pools. On the other hand, a home with an existing pool or water feature may only need a quick cosmetic fix to bring it back into style. But, a home can hold a thousand secrets, and most are unbeknownst to homeowners until construction has already begun. From old and exhausted pipes for pools and other obstructions, the reconstruction process can present unforeseen challenges. 22 | ARROYO | 03.20
Though such challenges are part of any large construction project, Meahl says his design/ build approach to construction leaves the stress to the professionals, and the enjoyment to the homeowners. The team that designed the 3D model video of the project is the same group that will install it, so permitting is as straightforward as possible. Additionally, if an obstacle arises that requires a shift in gears from a design standpoint, there is no waiting period to transfer information between an architect and a contractor because they are one in the same. “When you’re in the initial phases, the homeowner is looking at the big picture instead of the details. But when you get into the project now you have someone working on building your barbeque for two weeks, little details pop up. And how the details and the craftsmanship come together to make this feature is of course important, because they need to flow and move together,” says Meahl. Meahl says being able to put your own touch on the project and reaping its benefits while knowing the investment is increasing the value of your property are a couple of reasons he made his own outdoor oasis at home. His space is complete with a comfortable sofa, white chairs, coffee tables and large fans to keep both the heat and the bugs at bay. “It’s just an extension of your home. You can still relax and watch TV, but you have the freedom of being outside and enjoying that serenity after a long day while watching the sunset or under the stars.” “From my view, it can really make a house your home.”
GARDENVIEW LANDSCAPE, NURSERY & POOLS 417 E. Huntington Drive, Suite 100, Monrovia 626-303-4043 garden-view.com
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HOME & DESIGN SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
KITCHENS GET SMARTER, THANKS TO TECHNOLOGY The wired world makes it easier to get things done By Bruce Haring
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t is said the kitchen is the heart of the home. But thanks to technology, it’s no longer the brain. Smart homes and networking have turned the kitchen into yet another place where you can remotely activate and program your appliances. The definition of a smart kitchen is something connected by IoT (Internet of Things) technology, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. The goal with all of the connections is to allow you the freedom to get other things done while still staying on top of cooking and safety. We all have extremely busy lives, with work, school, activities and family keeping us moving. That used to mean cooking was something for the weekends, as the rise in fast food and dining out attests. But the smart kitchen can, with a little input from you, solve the problem. Running late? You can preheat the oven from your smartphone, make sure the kitchen and living room lights are set to the appropriate levels of brightness, and double-check to make sure that the wine is properly chilled to the desired temperature. Forgot something at the office, but already have something in the oven? No problem if you have a smart oven. It will let you leave and monitor the food in the oven remotely, and some have intelligent settings to avoid overcooking. Even better, your refrigerator will monitor your grocery consumption and order more of your vital necessities when it perceives you are running low. Need some help while cooking? There are refrigerators that will read recipes to you. Or it will store messages from the family, serving as a central message hub. All of this is part of the modern wired home, which can be
set up through services like Alexa or Echo, or done through applications. As seen on numerous home improvement TV shows, smart appliances are one of those little secrets that allows cooks to swan around their spacious kitchen, entertaining guests while firmly grasping a bubble glass of chardonnay, knowing that Mr. Oven is watching over their cooking. Almost every kitchen appliance comes in a smart version. But as with automobiles, the more features it has, the more it will cost. IT’S A GOOD TIME TO BUY
Most appliances have a relatively short life, so even if you think it was only yesterday that Mr. Oven arrived, you probably should start thinking ahead. Waiting until something dies is never a good option. How long your appliances last are a matter of how often they are used, but most fall in the 10 to 15 years of use range. Gas ranges are generally good for 15 years, with refrigerators lasting 13. Dishwashers, microwaves and anything used daily can be well under 10 years of use, since they are the kitchen workhorses. Smaller appliances like blenders can also have the shelf life of a hamster. Fortunately for you, Mr. and Mrs. Consumer, we’re now in a period of the year where bargains can be found. Older appliance inventory left over from the last few months may be available at a bargain price, since appliance dealers need to make room for the newer models. Keep in mind that continued on page 27
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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—
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the end of each month is an excellent time to bargain hunt, as salespeople on quotas may be looking to round out their portfolio with a final commission. Before you go appliance shopping, there are a few questions that you need to ask yourself. Are you planning a major kitchen remodel, or just tweaking? Will the size appliance you bring in work with your space and the appliances you already have on hand? And should you consider replacing everything at once, presuming you have the budget and the patience? THE BEST APPROACH TO SHOPPING
The first step in your search should be making a wish list of the features that you want in your new appliances. It’s not a bad idea to visit a showroom at this stage and see a few models on display and get a little expert advice on what works and what doesn’t. You may discover something you never knew existed and/or never knew you needed. And if you have a price in mind for a certain model, they may beat that. If you’re planning on staying in your home a while, keep in mind that extensive kitchen remodels aren’t done every year. If they’re done properly, any remodel you conclude may be the last you’ll endure before selling your home. So have a long-term outlook in your needs and be somewhat practical. The sixburner stove is wonderful, but will you really be using its power? continued on page 31
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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—
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Some homeowners have to upgrade appliances gradually for budget reasons. If you can only choose one to enhance your kitchen, most experts say a great place to start would be refrigeration. It will have a huge impact on the look of a kitchen, because refrigerators, in most cases, are the largest appliance in the kitchen. In addition, most newer refrigerator models tend to be much more energy efficient that older versions, preserve food far longer, and have improved interior layouts to maximize storage. Locally, steam ovens are a hot trend among Pasadena homeowners upgrading their kitchens. The steam oven offers healthier, faster cooking with the power of pure steam, resulting in meats that are juicy on the inside, yet brown and crispy on the outside, and artisan bread with a light, fluffy center and flaky crust, to use just two examples. Ultimately, design and function are a matter of taste. Keep an open mind, and know that just because someone you know either did or didn’t like a product doesn’t mean you will feel the same way they do. The opposite is also true: What works for someone else may not work for you. The kitchen has always been the gathering place in most homes, and lately has morphed into becoming the main entertainment center, thanks to wireless tech. Now more than ever, the kitchen is truly the heart of the home. So, it’s time to start using its brain.
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SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS PREVIEW SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR
THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN OUR COMPREHENSIVE SUMMER CAMP LIST.
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arents and kids are in the midst of school projects, tests and afterschool activities. Soon, however, it will get warmer and the air will smell of chlorine and sunscreen. It’s time to consider the summer plans, from family vacations to camps. Here is a list of fun summer camps for all interests. From robotbuilding to performing on stage, there is something for every child.
GOODEN SCHOOL
The Gooden Summer School offers full-day, arts, nature and science, sports, enrichment and academics. The Gooden Summer Program is open to all students from kindergarten through eighth grade. It offers a rich variety of classes in academic subjects, music, art, STEAM, ISEE/HSPT test prep and sports that provide students with appealing choices for a fun and productive summer. Age range: entering kindergarten through eighth grade. Dates: June 22 to July 3, July 6 to July 24. Times: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended day time: 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuition is $135-$150 per class per session with a 10% early-bird discount through March 27, registration deadline.
THE GOODEN SCHOOL, 192 N. BALDWIN AVENUE, SIERRA MADRE, 626-355-2410, LTORTELL@GOODENSCHOOL.ORG, GOODENSUMMERSCHOOL.ORG.
SCI-ARC, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE DESIGN IMMERSION DAY, FULL-DAY ARTS
Design Immersion Days (DID) at SCI-Arc is a four-week, precollege summer program for students interested in creating projects for a portfolio and exploring careers in architecture and design. DID students create projects alongside leading architects and designers, learn 2-D and 3-D design software, and visit iconic sites and studios throughout Los Angeles. Age range: 14 to 18. Offered: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 22 to July 18. Tuition: $3,350. Registration deadline: Rolling. SCI-ARC, 960 E. THIRD STREET, LOS ANGELES, 213-356-5320, ADMISSIONS@ SCIARC.EDU, SCIARC.EDU/DID 32 | ARROYO | 03.20
JOHN MUIR HIGH SCHOOL EARLY COLLEGE MAGNET
Its early college partnership with Pasadena City College allows motivated students to earn up to two years of college credits tuition free along with their high school diploma. Courses are offered in an on-campus PCC satellite building during the school day. Students also enroll in one of three schoolwide college and career academies—Arts, Entertainment and Media; Business and Entrepreneurship; Engineering and Environmental Science. Each academy provides opportunities for students to learn from leading industry partners who provide job shadows, internships, fieldtrips and guest speakers. Additionally, its renowned athletics programs and student leadership opportunities reflects its core principles of pride, tradition and excellence. Kids’ future begins here. Sign up for a tour today. JOHN MUIR HIGH SCHOOL, 1905 N. LINCOLN AVENUE, PASADENA. CONTACT GRETCHEN PINTO, 626-396-5600, EXT. 82020, PUSD.US/MUIR.
ALTADENA ARTS MAGNET
At Altadena Arts Magnet, the dedicated teachers use evidencebased approaches to instruction, including Balanced Literacy and social-emotional learning, to provide a rigorous and nurturing education for students in grades pre-k to 5. Visual and performing arts are an integral part of its curriculum, boosting engagement and achievement. It provides weekly instruction in all five art forms—music, dance, visual arts, theater arts and media arts. Professional teaching artists also collaborate with teachers and a full-time, credentialed arts specialist to integrate arts and academics into every classroom, every day. Additionally, its campus offers a French dual-language immersion option wherein students become bilingual, biliterate, bicognitive, culturally sensitive learners. These amazing opportunities are offered to students for free. Come see how valuable free can be. Sign up for a tour today. ALTADENA ARTS MAGNET, 743 E. CALAVERAS STREET, ALTADENA. CONTACT BENITA SCHECKEL 626-396-5650, EXT. 14099.
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SUMMER AT PASADENA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL AND PRESCHOOL
Academics, instruments, sports, day-camp activities and preschool/ kinder camp fun. Pasadena Christian School has something for everyone in grades kindergarten to eight and preschoolers ages 2 to 5. Summit to Success and Reach the Peak sharpens academic skills for students entering first to eighth grades. Credentialed teachers boost learning for students preparing them for the new school year. Fun in the Sun with Big Yellow House is jam-packed fun with pool days, fieldtrips, and day-camp activities. Cougar Sports Camp for kids entering the fifth to eighth grades will have weeks focused on volleyball, flag football, basketball and softball. Summer Music Academy has small group instruction in piano, strings, and band. Make new friends and join the fun. PASADENACHRISTIAN.ORG
THE SECOND CITY: SUMMER COMEDY CAMP
Campers exercise their sense of play through improv games and exercises, the foundation of The Second City’s unique brand of comedy, to help enhance their ability to communicate with others and develop confidence in their own creativity while working as part of an ensemble. No experience required. Camps end with a show. Ages 4 to 18. One-week minicamps in Hollywood (ages 4 to 6), 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday to Friday. Students learn improv and musical improv. One-week camps in Hollywood and Pasadena (ages 7 to 18), 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students learn improv, sketch writing, musical improv. Students are grouped by ages 7 to 9, 10 to 12, 13 to 15, 16 to 18, Two-week camp in Hollywood (ages 12 to 18), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, July 6, to Friday, July 17, and Monday, July 20, to Friday, July 31, $800. Students learn improv, sketch writing, musical improv, stand-up and clowning. Times: Early drop-off is 8:30 a.m. Camp 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Late pickup is 4 p.m. Tuition: $395 ($25 off second child in same camp), Registration
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Deadline: Accepts registration until camps are full, no deadline.
PASADENA: 690 E. ORANGE GROVE BOULEVARD, PASADENA HOLLYWOOD: 6560 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD, LOS ANGELES 323-464-8542 SCLA@SECONDCITY.COM, SECONDCITYSUMMERS.COM
SOUTHWESTERN ACADEMY
Summer Adventures at Southwestern Academy offers students in grades seven to 12 a summer program that uniquely combines classroom education with fun, exciting and exceptional activities, allowing students to enjoy their summer while exploring new opportunities in and out of the classroom. These programs include classes to earn credits for graduation, while exploring and enhancing one’s knowledge of Southern California and Northern Arizona’s rich artistic, cultural and historical wonders. Whether a student attends the Southern California or Northern Arizona campus, Summer Adventures at Southwestern Academy is where they may excel, grow and truly belong. SOUTHWESTERN ACADEMY SAN MARINO, CALIFORNIA, AND RIMROCK, ARIZONA. 626-799-5010, EXT. 204, SOUTHWESTERNACADEMY.EDU.
PERFORMING ARTS WORKSHOPS
Winner of LA Parent Magazine’s Best Camp. Kids spend their summer days in any of PAW’s award-winning camps: musical theater, guitar, LOL, Rock the Mic, filmmaking, magic, stage FX makeup, photography or debate camp for kids. PAW provides the ultimate “arts” experience from rehearsal to performance. Make friends and lifelong memories. Age Range: 5 to 15. Dates: June 15 to August 14 in one- and two-week sessions. Times: Doors open at 7:45 a.m. Camp hours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended play until 5 p.m. Full-day time: Doors open at 7:45 a.m. Camp hours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended day time from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuition: Oneweek sessions $485; two-week sessions $820. Registration deadline: Register as soon as possible, some sessions will sell out. The camp welcomes children on a first-come, first-served basis. PERFORMING ARTS WORKSHOP: TWO LOCATIONS IN PASADENA
SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS PREVIEW PASADENA EAST: PASADENA TEMPLE & CENTER, 1434 N. ALTADENA DRIVE, PASADENA PASADENA OLD TOWN: THROOP CHURCH AUDITORIUM, 300 S. LOS ROBLES AVENUE, PASADENA 310-827-8827, EMAIL: PERFORMINGARTSLA@AOL.COM, PERFORMINGARTSWORKSHOPS.COM
POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL/SPORTS CAMP
Poly Presummer Sports Camp Come join the group for a fun-filled week of volleyball, soccer, basketball, cheer, baseball or water polo in the presummer sports camp from June 8 to June 12. The campers will work on their skills, play small-sided game as well as full scrimmages, and get individualized attention from coaches with assistance from high school players. These camps are designed to install a love of their sport of choice. Age range: grades first to eighth or ages 6 to 14. Dates: June 8 to 12. Times: Volleyball 10 a.m. to noon; soccer 9 a.m. to noon; baseball 9 a.m. to noon; cheer 1 to 3 p.m.; basketball 1 to 4 p.m.; water polo 1 to 4 p.m. Tuition: Volleyball $140; soccer $210; baseball $210; cheer $140; basketball $210 and water polo $230. Registration deadline: June 5
POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL, 1030 E. CALIFORNIA BOULEVARD, PASADENA, 626-3966307, POLYSUMMER@POLYTECHNIC.ORG, POLYTECHNIC.ORG/POLYSUMMER.
POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL/POLY SUMMER
Poly Summer offers full-day, half-day, arts, nature and science, sports, enrichment and academics camps. Each three-week session of Poly Summer program offers more than 300 academic and enrichment courses that parents can use to create a personalized schedule of classes for each child. Be it test prep or food prep, cooking or coding, sewing, singing, swimming, reading, writing or STEAM, Poly Summer is the place to be. Age range: 5 to 18. Dates: Session 1: June 18 to July 2; Session 2: July 6 to July 24. Times: 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extended day time: 4 to 6 p.m. Tuition:
$280 per one-hour three-week course. Registration deadline: June 18, session one. July 6, session two or until classes are filled.
POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL, 1030 E. CALIFORNIA BOULEVARD, PASADENA, 626-3966307, POLYSUMMER@POLYTECHNIC.ORG, POLYTECHNIC.ORG/POLYSUMMER.
DESTINATION SCIENCE CAMP
Destination Science Camp offers full-day, nature and science, enrichment and academics camps. The fun science day camp for curious kids! 2020 Themes: STEAM inventors, galactic space, playspace engineering, spy-tech, robots and moviemakers. Multiple neighborhood locations. Age range: 5 to 11; dates June 15 to August 14. Full-day times 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended day times: 8 to 9 a.m., 3 to 5 p.m. Tuition: $299 - $379 per week. Registration deadline: August 7.
DESTINATION SCIENCE CAMP, 651 N. ORANGE GROVE BOULEVARD, PASADENA, 1434 N. ALTADENA DRIVE, PASADENA, 2046 ALLEN AVENUE, ALTADENA, 1307 E. LONGDEN AVENUE, ARCADIA, 1485 VIRGINIA ROAD, SAN MARINO, 1-888-909-2822, INFO@DESTINATIONSCIENCE.ORG, DESTINATIONSCIENCE.ORG
CAMP GALILEO PASADENA
Focused on educational fun, Camp Galileo has a variety of opportunities for kids in grades K-10. Camp Galileo creates themes to spark imagination through hands-on art, science and outdoor challenges. Its innovation approach is to nurture creativity within each camper. Camp Galileo sets guidelines for a positive mindset, gives kids the tools they need for breakthrough thinking and a support system to bring their ideas to life.
WALDEN SCHOOL, 74 S. SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD, PASADENA, 1-800-854-3684, GALILEO-CAMPS.COM, 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M., PRICES VARY FOR AGE AND IF EXTENDED CARE IS NEEDED. continued on page 36
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CAMP ADVENTUREWOOD
Established in 1947, Camp Adventurewood is a five-week camp for boys and girls ages 4 to 13 who want to partake in a variety of activities and meet new friends. Activities include archery, canoeing, horse-drawn wagon rides, arts and crafts, swimming, hiking, sports games, beach trips and camp olympics. Campers will be at a 6-to-1 ratio with welltrained, passionate counselors. It is recommended that parents register early because this camp limits the number of kids it accepts. CAMP ADVENTUREWOOD, 1766 E. WASHINGTON BOULEVARD, PASADENA, 626922-0945, CAMPADVENTUREWOOD.COM, TIMES AND PRICES VARY.
STEM WORLD
This is a camp for future scientists, engineers and programmers. At STEM World, children can get their science and technology on. The camp boasts a laboratory, a technology makerspace and a classroom. The environment promotes three-dimensional learning, a style that integrates different science, technology and engineering principles into a hands-on project-based approach. STEM WORLD, 2245 E. COLORADO BOULEVARD, UNIT 101, PASADENA, 626-2474347, INFO@STEMWORLD.NET, STEMWORLD.NET, 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M., PRICES VARY.
SUMMERKIDS CAMP
Rule No. 1 about Summerkids Camp: Have fun. Summerkids Camp is a family-run organization that wants to create an atmosphere of warmth and creativity. Summerkids is open to kids in kindergarten through sixth grade, while Summer Challenge welcomes junior high campers. Kids can enjoy a variety of activities like arts and crafts, group sports, swimming, hikes, archery, cooking, dance and gardening. Have a high schooler interested in becoming a camp counselor? Summerkids Camp offers junior counseling training that can lead to a counseling job. SUMMERKIDS CAMP, 1000 E. WALNUT STREET, SUITE 226, PASADENA, 626-5779979, INFO@SUMMERKIDS.NET, SUMMERKIDS.NET, PRICES AND TIMES VARY.
TOM SAWYER CAMPS
Focused on youth camping in Southern California, this camp is committed giving children a carefree, constructive experience. The camp offers horseback riding, group activities, swimming and team building. Tom Sawyer Camps is accredited by the American Camp Association and is a member of the Western Association of Independent Camps.
TOM SAWYER CAMPS, 707 W. WOODBURY ROAD, SUITE F, ALTADENA, 626-7941156, INFO@TOMSAWYERCAMPS.COM, TOMSAWYERCAMPS.COM, PRICES AND TIMES VARY.
STEVE AND KATE’S CAMP-PASADENA
During this summer camp, the kids are in charge. Steve and Kate’s Camp’s philosophy is self-direction, as it creates a space for children to act on their judgments and fuel their sense of self. This helps them develop the confidence to take bigger steps and a sense of leadership. In the morning and afternoon, kids will start and finish in the library, the arcade or recreation. There are unlimited activities like sports, sewing, baking and water works. Campers select their own activities.
STEVE AND KATE’S CAMP, ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC SCHOOL, 42 CHESTNUT STREET, PASADENA, 323-244-2531, PASADENA@STEVEANDKATE.COM, STEVEANDKATE.COM, VARIOUS TIMES JUNE 16 TO AUGUST 21, $100 PER DAY.
SPARTAN ALLSTARS SPORTS DAY CAMP
For all the little athletes out there wanting to learn something new or harness their own skills, Spartan Allstars Sports Camps are perfect. This day camp introduces campers to a broad range of sports and activities, teaches kids the value of being on a team and sportsmanship, encourages individual growth in an environment with healthy competition. 36 | ARROYO | 03.20
SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS PREVIEW Expert staff members monitor the games and activities to ensure growth while having fun with each child. Camps are offered for grades K to 9th graders, times vary. There is 10% off for siblings or multi-sessions.
SPARTAN ALLSTARS SPORTS DAY CAMP, LA CAÑADA HIGH SCHOOL, 4463 OAK GROVE DRIVE, LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, 818-473-0005, SPARTANALLSTARS.COM, 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M. JUNE 8 TO JULY 24, PRICES VARY.
PLANETBRAVO TECHNO-TAINMENT CAMP
This award-winning summer camp wants kids to have fun as they explore and develop multimedia skills with their friends. Campers can learn how to code, make their own movies, modify Minecraft and build robots. Kids will have time inside and outside, working on their computers and playing games with an 8-to-1 student-teacher ratio. This year, there’s a 6 p.m. pick-up time.
TECHNO-TAINMENT CAMP, BLAIR MIDDLE SCHOOL/BLAIR HIGH SCHOOL, 250 ALLENDALE ROAD, PASADENA, 310-443-7607, INFO@PLANETBRAVO.COM, PLANETBRAVO.COM, 8:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. JUNE 8 TO JULY 31, $439 PER WEEK.
THE PASADENA ATELIER ART STUDIO SUMMER CAMP
Kids can channel their inner Picasso at the 10th annual Art Camp at the Pasadena Atelier Art Studio. They will be guided through a series of drawing, painting, 2-D and 3-D art and paper art activities. All snacks and art materials will be provided, and the camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday to Thursday. Sessions must have at least six participants. THE PASADENA ATELIER, 440 MERCURY LANE, PASADENA, 623-319-4863, JFMARTS@SBCGLOBAL.NET, THEPASADENAATELIER.COM, 9 A.M. TO NOON MONDAY TO THURSDAY, $250.
CAMP KIDS KLUB
Camp Kids Klub’s theme is exploration. Kids can learn, play and make lifelong friends with inspirational counselors, who are professionals within the child development field. Campers are divided into age groups, which have tailored activities. CAMP KIDS KLUB, 394 S. RAYMOND AVENUE, PASADENA, 626-941-5582, CAMPKIDSKLUB.COM, 7:30 A.M. TO 6 P.M. MONDAY TO FRIDAY, PRICES AND DATES VARY.
ROLLING ROBOTS
Rolling Robots is tailored for kids who are constantly building and curious about the tech world. Children stay engaged by building robots. Summer camp is divided by age group, so the kids participate in activities best suited to them. ROLLING ROBOTS, 201 N. BRAND BOULEVARD, SUITE 120B, GLENDALE, 818-2412308, ROLLINGROBOTS.COM, DATES, TIMES AND COSTS VARY.
CAMP RUNAMUK
Camp Runamuk is a half-day summer camp filled with arts and crafts, science experiments, cooking projects, games and team-building activities. From Slip n Slides to scavenger hunts, activities are endless. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is for ages 5 to 10. CAMP RUNAMUK, COMMUNITY CENTER OF LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, 4469 CHEVY CHASE DRIVE, 818-790-8842, CCLCF.ORG, OFFICE@CCLCF.ORG, PRICES AND DATES VARY.
MARIPOSA DAY CAMP
The greater Los Angeles division of the Girl Scouts offers a variety of day camps for girls ages 11 to 18. These camps welcome all girls to this fun-filled camp. This is an opportunity for girls to develop a love of the outdoors, have female role models in their life and participate in a variety of carefully designed, dynamic activities. The central goal of this summer camp is to have girls develop a strong sense of self, cultivate continued on page 38 03.20 | ARROYO | 37
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healthy relationships, and promote cooperation through team building. All camp staff are first aid, CPR and lifeguard certified. MARIPOSA DAY CAMP, 615 E. MARIPOSA STREET, ALTADENA, 626-677-2303, MARIPOSACAMP@GIRLSCOUTSLA.ORG, GIRLSCOUTSLA.ORG, 9 A.M. 4 P.M., RATES AND DATES VARY PER SESSION.
YOUNG KINGS BASKETBALL
Young Kings Basketball promotes a healthy lifestyle through hoops. The camp accepts kids ages 7 to 14 of all athletic abilities. At camp, kids are divided into small groups based on age and ability. From there, they will work on individual skill development and have lunch and a group talk. To end the day, the kids will practice their learned skills. YOUNG KINGS BASKETBALL, NEW REVELATION BAPTIST CHURCH, 855 N. ORANGE GROVE BOULEVARD, PASADENA, 818-495-8187, PLAY@YKBBALL.COM, YKBBALL.COM/SUMMER, PRICES VARY.
THEATRE 360
Theatre 360 is an award-winning, recognized children’s company and school that offers professional productions and education to children ages 3 to 19. The summer camps have trained many students, both on stage and backstage, allowing them to develop their talents and abilities to a professional level. The camps have themes for each session, from Disney to Broadway musicals. THEATRE 360, 2623 E. FOOTHILL BOULEVARD, PASADENA, 626-577-5922, INFO@ THEATRE260.ORG, THEATRE360.ORG, 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M., $400 PER SESSION.
SUMMER ACTING CAMP
Join the Summer Acting Camp in its 23rd summer teaching kids all about performance. Geared toward kids ages 5 to 15, the Summer Acting Camp teaches acting, singing, tap dance, circus movement, magic, swordplay, tech design, improvisation and on-camera techniques. The program runs from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is offered per summer. SUMMER ACTING CAMP, LA CAÑADA HIGH SCHOOL, 4463 OAK GROVE DRIVE, LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, 818-957-1619, SUMMERACTINGCAMP.COM, 7:30 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M. TWO SESSIONS FROM JUNE 15 TO JULY 24, $800 PER SESSION.
CHAMP CAMP
This summer camp helps girls and boys ages 4 and older harness their gymnastics skills. This camp incorporates games, crafts, nutrition education and open. Club Champion has been training gymnasts since 1999 and is committed to providing quality instruction in a fun, safe and nurturing environment. CLUB CHAMPION PASADENA, 145 VISTA AVENUE, SUITE 110, PASADENA, 626577-4496, GO2CLUBCHAMPION.COM, 8:45 A.M. TO 5 P.M., PRICES VARY.
VALLEY TRAILS SUMMER CAMP
Valley Trails is a summer camp all about the outdoors. Its core values make sure kids are taking time away from technology to spend time outdoors. This camp ensures learning by focusing on a curriculum incorporating critical thinking, communications and self-confidence. Transportation is available. VALLEY TRAILS, 6043 TAMPA AVENUE, TARZANA, 818-345-3005, VALLEYTRAILS. COM, DATES AND PRICES VARY.
ANDERSON ADVENTURE CAMP H20
The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center hosts the Anderson Adventure Camp H20, a summer camp that has more than water. The camp incorporates a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, field trips and special events. The camp runs from late May to late August for kids ages 6 to 13 years old. ROSE BOWL AQUATIC CENTER, 360 N ARROYO BOULEVARD, PASADENA, 626564-0330, ROSEBOWLAQUATICS.COM, 8 A.M. TO 3 P.M., $70 PER DAY.
YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMP
The YMCA produces healthy, developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences. Day camps focus on having fun while learning, building self-esteem and social skills through new activities. Each week of the summer will have a new theme to keep kids engaged and a basis for them to learn about themselves as well as the world around them. continued on page 40 38 | ARROYO | 03.20
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YMCA PASADENA, 1605 GARFIELD AVENUE, 626-799-9119, YMCALA.ORG, 7 A.M. TO 6 P.M. JUNE 11 TO AUGUST 10, $230 A WEEK.
ADVENTURES IN WRITING CAMP
A team of writers, musicians, teachers and curriculum experts came together to create this summer camp. It has a curriculum geared for each age. Elementary campers have lessons delivered as songs, and new writing skills are practiced by writing rap songs. By first grade, kids will be able to develop story skills and campers entering second to fifth grade can publish their own eBooks. Middle School campers create their own blog and decide on their own content. All of the learning is done in a fun-filled environment and allows kids to build their confidence. ADVENTURES IN WRITING CAMP, ST. PHILIP THE APOSTLE SCHOOL, PASADENA CITY COLLEGE, 1363 CORDOVA STREET, PASADENA, 833-974-8366, AIWCAMP. COM, 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M. JUNE 15 TO JUNE 26, $829.
ZOOLOGY SUMMER CAMP
The Wildlife Learning Center hosts a variety of animal-focused camps for kids who want to be a “zookeeper.” The ZooKids program is for ages 5 to 9, while the ZooKeepers program is for ages 9 to 14. Throughout the programs, both groups will gain enough knowledge to be able to give an animal presentation demonstrating all they learned at camp.
ZOOLOGY SUMMER CAMP, 16027 YARNELL STREET, SYLMAR, 818-362-8711, WILDLIFELEARNINGCENTER.ORG, 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. JUNE TO AUGUST (DATES VARY), $395 PER SESSION.
FOOTHILL HOOPS BASKETBALL
Boys and girls ages 3 to 15 are welcome to join the summer league of Foothill Hoops. There are no “ZIP code” requirements or priorities. The camp assesses children on May 18 and May 25, so kids can play with skill-appropriate peers. Results will be released on June 2. Practices are held once a week on a weeknight and games are played on the weekend.
FOOTHILL HOOPS, JOHN MUIR HIGH SCHOOL, 1905 LINCOLN AVENUE, PASADENA, 818-636-8165, FOOTHILLHOOPS.ORG, 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M. JUNE 10 TO JUNE 14 AND JULY 8 TO JULY 12, VARIOUS PRICING.
WINNER’S EDGE INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CAMPS
Winner’s Edge is an after-school, summer and winter camp program with the goal of taking children away from technology. The day incorporates sports, martial arts, arts and crafts, and cultural studies. Winner’s Edge works at making each game or activity a learning experience for campers. They offer a variety of pricing plans to ensure that every child can participate and a flexible schedule for busy parents.
WINNER’S EDGE INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CAMPS, 200 E DEL MAR BOULEVARD, PASADENA, 626-332-7229, WINNERSEDGEINTERNATIONAL.COM, 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M. JUNE 3 TO AUGUST 16 MONDAY TO FRIDAY, PRICES VARY.
KIDSPACE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Kidspace Children’s Museum has camps for 4- to 9-year-old kids to explore, investigate and make new friends. The museum divides the campers into two groups: ages 4 to 5 and 5 to 9. The younger group learns what it’s like to be away from parents for a long period of time. The older kids sing songs, play games and explore the outdoors. KIDSPACE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 480 N. ARROYO BOULEVARD, PASADENA, 626449-9144, KIDSPACEMUSEUM.ORG, 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M., CAMPS START AT $202.50.
CAMP BOB WALDORF
Camp Bob Waldorf offers three summer camp experiences to meet the needs and interests of each group of campers. Camp Bob Waldorf is a sleepaway camp for fourth to 12 graders. Kibbutz Bob Waldorf incorporates Jewish values, cultures and traditions into camp activities. Witherbee Wilderness is a 10-day program for campers entering ninth to 12th grade and it features a seven-day backpacking trip into Big Basin Redwoods State and Yosemite National parks. CAMP BOB WALDORF OFFICE, 1041 SHIRLYJEAN STREET, GLENDALE, 818-9574900, REGISTRATION@CAMPBOBWALDORF.ORG, CAMPBOBWALDORF.ORG, TIMES AND PRICES DEPEND ON CAMP EXPERIENCE. |||| 40 | ARROYO | 03.20
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Let’s Dance
Mike Garson leads A Bowie Celebration, a concert featuring players who backed him and those who were influenced by him. (Photo courtesy Mike Garson)
DAVID BOWIE’S FORMER BANDMATES PAY TRIBUTE TO THE LATE ICON BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
A
s David Bowie’s keyboardist, Mike Garson admits he didn’t quite understand the popularity of the Thin White Duke. “I was behind him, backing him up, so I saw his back,” Garson says. “I’ve seen YouTube videos and DVDs since his passing, and this guy was even better than I thought.” Now, Garson is honoring the musician through A Bowie Celebration, a concert tour featuring players who backed him and those who were influenced by him. It comes to The Rose on Friday, March 6. The band will perform 1974’s “Diamond Dogs” and 1972’s “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” in their entirety with three singers—Corey Glover of Living Colour fame, Canada’s Sass Jordan and Sting’s son Joe Sumner of Fiction Plane. Others in the band include bassist Carmine Rojas, guitarist Gerry Leonard, Kevin Armstrong and drummer Alan Childs. “We’re pretty lucky,” he says. “The whole band is alumni who worked with David in different parts of his life.” “It’s authentic sonically to my ears. We have three singers because it takes a village to bring David’s music to life. In Pasadena, we’ll have guest artists popping in that night like Judith Hill, Gaby Moreno, Perry Farrell (of Jane’s Addiction) might stop by if he’s in town. Gary Oldman may stop by, he loves David’s music and he sings pretty well. The band is entirely self-contained, but it’s nice when others drop by.” Audience demand dictated their inclusion, Garson says. “I had done songs over the last three or four years, and people requested something different,” Garson says. “‘Diamond Dogs’ is an interesting album. Nobody heard it in its entirety 42 | ARROYO | 03.20
live. With the ‘Diamond Dogs’ tour in ’74, we only did some of those songs. Some of the songs had never been played. It just flows really nicely. ‘Diamond Dogs’ is a darker album. ‘Ziggy,’ everybody knows. It’s a nice balance. It keeps it interesting for myself and the band and the fans.” Garson was always a fan of Bowie, but heard his voice get “richer” in the 1990s and 2000s. Other things changed as well throughout the years. “I was with him on the Nine Inch Nails tour,” he says. “I love Trent Reznor. We’re good friends. On that tour, they sang each other’s songs. It was mostly Trent’s fans at that time, though. We had to compete with a much younger audience, and Nine Inch Nails was a much louder band. “We had to add sub bass to our music to watch their volume or it would have sounded like we were really outdated. I don’t know if that was a mistake or not.” When Garson thinks back about Bowie—especially in A Bowie Celebration’s first couple years—he wells up. “It’s been bittersweet,” he says. “I think I cry every night. Sometimes the audience sees it; sometimes they feel it. It’s a group grief because he left us too soon. I was saying to one of the audiences that my biggest regret was taking certain things for granted. I just tell myself, ‘Oh, I screwed up that one.’”
A BOWIE CELEBRATION W/SPECIAL GUEST 3 FING3RS 7 p.m. Friday, March 6 The Canyon at The Rose, 245 E. Green Street, Pasadena $28-$68 wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com, ticketmaster.com
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Nearly 1,200 different varieties of roses can be seen in the Rose Garden almost year round. Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens.
Gardens WE LOVE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BOTANICAL GARDENS MAKE FOR AN EASY BUT REWARDING NATURAL ADVENTURE. BY NANCY D. LACKEY SHAFFER
H
illsides have burst into landscapes of color, thanks to warmer temperatures and rays of sunshine. But there are other places to take in the glorious riches of the season. Just an hour (or so) away you’ll find botanical gardens which promise dense foliage, colorful flowers, sparkling fountains and other splendors (both natural and manmade) that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. Here are some of our favorites. THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino | (626) 405-2100 or huntington.org This cultural institution near Pasadena has been a center for art, science and literature for 100 years. Established in 1919 by railroad magnate Henry Huntington and his wife, Arabella, the Huntington boasts a research institution, a collection of rare books and manuscripts, five art galleries and 120 acres of meticulously maintained botanical gardens. It has arguably become famous for the latter. With 16 themed gardens, nearly every significant biome of the world is represented. The grounds include cycads, an Australian garden, a large and impressive desert garden and a shady sculpture garden with Greco-Roman replicas. But that’s just a small sampling of the lush Eden that awaits each the visitor. Inside the greenhouse Conservatory, a spiral pathway leads through different levels of a tropical forest canopy, with a separate section for a carnivorous
Brilliant colors and unusual shapes and textures distinguish the landscape of the Desert Garden. Pictured: a dramatic planting of Golden Barrel cacti. Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens.
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plant bog and numerous interactive exhibits. From there visitors will encounter the Children’s Garden, a wonderland of fountains, underground tunnels, fairy doors and more. Designed for the younger set, but enchanting for visitors of all ages. The tranquil Japanese Garden has meandering paths that traverse a landscape filled with groomed shrubs and trees, a serene koi pond, a ceremonial tea house, numerous bonsai and the Zen Court, with carefully raked gravel and rocks. Two gorgeous paths — a lower one along a picturesque rushing stream, or an upper one among the colorful camellias — lead from the Japanese to the Chinese Garden, or Liu Fang Yuan, the Garden of Flowing Fragrance. This beautifully designed landscape is dominated by a large lake surrounded by bridges, limestone rocks imported from China’s Lake Tai and doorways designed to frame specific views. The Dumpling and Noodle House offers delicious Chinese and Tibetan cuisine with the most serene views at the Huntington. The Rose Garden features shrubs and trellises of roses which are at their most glorious in June. Nearby is the ever-fragrant herb garden. In between them sits the Rose Garden Tea Room, where a traditional English tea is offered daily. Reservations are highly recommended for this very popular pastime. There’s so much to enjoy at the Huntington: art galleries, the library, a jungle garden, the lily ponds and more. A solid 3-4 hours (plus time for lunch) is recommended. And definitely bring your walking shoes and some water, as there are over 100 acres to explore.
East Garden at the Getty Villa Photo: Tahnee L. Cracchiola © 2018 J. Paul Getty Trust
GETTY VILLA 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades | getty.edu/visit/villa/ The mammoth Getty Center in Brentwood holds the majority of the enormous art collection amassed by oil tycoon J. Paul Getty. But for those who love Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities, the Getty Villa, situated on the beautiful Malibu coast in Pacific Palisades, is where it’s at. The Getty Villa is a replica of the Villa dei Papiri, a luxurious Roman country home that was near the city of Herculaneum, was buried by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Thus, the museum offers an excellent example of early Roman architecture and a taste of life in the first century. Its galleries house an impressive collection of pottery, statuary and other artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome. But the big draws are four wonderful gardens with Mediterranean plants, traditional fountains and pools and dozens of works of art. Within the galleries is the open-air Inner Peristyle, surrounded by a colonnade and featuring decorative marble floors, walls and ceilings. This courtyard holds replicas of artifacts found at both Papiri (the bronzes and fountains) and Pompeii (the ceiling, walls and Ionic columns). The shady square is lush with well-manicured foliage, Roman busts and marble fountains, and the central pool is lined with elegant statues of young women. The Herb Garden is designed in the traditional Roman style, and contains neat square plots of plants first-century households would have used for cooking and medicine: thyme, rosemary, lavender, sorrel, basil, etc. There are also vegetables and numerous fruit trees. In the center is a pool filled with koi and decorated with a waterspout featuring Silenus (a companion of Dionysus). Don’t miss the small but impressive East Garden. A cool, quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the main sections of the museum, it features ample shade with benches for relaxation, sycamore and laurel trees, a circular fountain and another against the wall with a colorful and intricate tile mosaic. The largest and most stunning is the Outer Peristyle. Frescoes adorn the columned loggia on either side, which frame a garden of Mediterranean plants (bay laurel, boxwood, oleander and pomegranate) and statuary. The central focus is the long, narrow reflecting pool, decorated with sizable bronzes on either end. Refreshment can be found at the cafe, offering Mediterranean-inspired fare prepared with locally sourced ingredients, as well as a coffee cart with hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice cream. On the way out, take some time to shop the museum store, which has a wonderful mix of jewelry, books, glassware and more. Entrance to the museum is free, but a timed-entry ticket is required — and readily available via the website. Parking is $10 to $15 per car. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. continued on page 46
Herb Garden at the Getty Villa Photo: Elon Schoenholz © 2018 J. Paul Getty Trust
Outer Peristyle at the Getty Villa Photo: Elon Schoenholz © 2018 J. Paul Getty Trust
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LOTUSLAND Cold Spring Road, Montecito | (805) 969-3767 | lotusland.org Madame Ganna Walska, born Hanna Puacz in 1887, was a Polish opera singer who graced stages on both sides of the pond in the 1920s-30s. Her talent is a matter of some debate, but most agree that she was beautiful, intelligent and captivating, with a flair for the dramatic that made her both a style icon and a popular socialite. She married six times, traveled extensively, developed an interest in spirituality and horticulture, and came to California in 1941, purchasing an expansive estate in Montecito that would become both her home and her passion. Walska spent the next 40-plus years of her life creating the botanical wonderland that is Lotusland: 25 themed gardens on 37 acres, home to more than 3,000 plant species. She had a special love for succulents and cacti, but delights of all types can be found at Lotusland. Walska’s keen sense of fashion and style extended to landscape design, and throughout the grounds one finds diversity, color and whimsy. In the Aloe Garden, a pale blue pool has a perimeter of irridescent abalone shells and a cascading fountain made of enormous clam shells. A swimming pool in the fern garden was designed to resemble a sandy beach. Squat, peculiar antique stone grotesques (brought over from Walska’s home in France) are arrayed in the Theatre Garden. The ground-dwelling clock in the Topiary Garden is designed with colorful low-lying succulents and decorated with copper signs of the Zodiac. Several gardens feature stones and glass in a variety of colors to coordinate with the plants. Walska considered every detail. The name “Lotusland” was derived from the Water Garden, filled with Asian lotus of various species and cultivars, with water lilies in the ponds around it. A peaceful pool in fall and winter, the Water Garden becomes a thing of beauty and majesty in spring and summer, when the flowers bloom in bright pink and white. The lotus bloom starts in late May and is a highlight of the season. Up until the last years of her life, Walska was Lotusland’s head gardener. In her hands it became a place of beauty and wonder: captivating, intelligently designed, full of drama and spectacle. Much like the Madame herself. Access to Lotusland is by guided tour only, and reservations are required. Directions are provided upon tour confirmation. 46 | ARROYO | 03.20
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A VERY
Succulent Treat
S
STORY BY EMILY CHAVEZ | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ
pring brings warmer temperatures, blossoms on fruit trees and the joy of watching hummingbirds visit my front yard feeder once again. The spirit of spring reminds me of the famed Hummingbird Cake. With origins in Jamaica and made popular in Kentucky, I unfortunately did not learn of this succulent cake until recently, but the first time I made it I was hooked on the moist, tender texture and the complex intermingling of fruit and nut flavors. Pecans, coconut, bananas, pineapple and cinnamon meld together resulting in a delicate and delicious cupcake that tastes like a mild spice cake married a fruit cake. Topped with buttercream succulents, these cupcakes are as fun to eat as they are to decorate to match the garden.
SUCCULENT HUMMINGBIRD CUPCAKES YIELDS 24 CUPCAKES | PREP TIME 45 MINUTES. TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR.
SUCCULENT HUMMINGBIRD CUPCAKES
3 EGGS 3 CUPS FLOUR 1 TEASPOON BAKING SODA 1 TEASPOON SALT 1 1/2 CUPS CANE SUGAR 1 1/2 TEASPOONS VANILLA EXTRACT 1 1/2 TEASPOONS GROUND CINNAMON 1 CUP VEGETABLE OIL 2 CUPS VERY RIPE, CHOPPED BANANAS 8 OOUNCES CRUSHED PINEAPPLE IN PINEAPPLE JUICE, UNDRAINED 1/2 CUP CHOPPED PECANS 1/2 CUP COCONUT BEAT EGGS SEPARATELY. MIX FLOUR, BAKING SODA, SALT, CANE SUGAR AND CINNAMON. STIR IN THE BEATEN EGGS AND OIL UNTIL JUST INCORPORATED. ADD VANILLA EXTRACT, BANANAS, CANNED PINEAPPLE, PECANS AND COCONUT AND MIX UNTIL WELL BLENDED. BAKE IN A LINED CUPCAKE PAN FOR 17 TO 20 MINUTES AT 350 DEGREES, OR UNTIL A KNIFE INSERTED IN A CENTER CUPCAKE COMES OUT CLEAN. LET CUPCAKES COOL BEFORE DECORATING.
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
1/2 CUP ROOM TEMPERATURE UNSALTED BUTTER 8 OUNCES COLD CREAM CHEESE 1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT 4 CUPS POWDERED CONFECTIONER’S SUGAR 1 TABLESPOON MILK BEAT BUTTER UNTIL SMOOTH. ADD CREAM CHEESE AND BEAT UNTIL COMBINED AND SMOOTH. ADD VANILLA EXTRACT AND POWDERED SUGAR AND BEGIN BEATING SLOWLY. INCREASE SPEED TO MEDIUM UNTIL IT BEGINS TO AERATE. ADD MILK AND BEAT AGAIN. COLOR FROSTING AS DESIRED AND DECORATE. 48 | ARROYO | 03.20
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THE
Draft Mule T
STORY AND PHOTO BY MICHAEL CERVIN
he Moscow Mule has seen a resurgence in the past several years and though this cocktail was initially created in the 1940s to sell vodka—at the time a spirit most Americans had never heard of—it has now established itself on most cocktail lists. Kings Row Gastropub in Old Town Pasadena offers their riff without the copper mug and ginger syrup in place of carbonated ginger beer, which allows for a richer drink and more viscosity. The beauty of the Mule is its simplicity and its ability for easy variations to make at home. The result of this iteration is that the crisp, almost minty notes of the vodka (Mulholland is distilled in DTLA) is accented by the acidity of the lime, and both are softened by the syrup, which is a more pure expression than ginger beer, however ginger beer works if you prefer a lighter, spritz version. Also using different vodkas will bump up the sweetness (corn-based vodkas) or allow a smoother feel (potato vodkas). Have this with their wild snapper fish and chips, or their macaroni and cheese with its potato chip crumble, suggests bar manager Zulma Cobian.
Ingredients 2 OUNCES MULHOLLAND VODKA 1/2 OUNCE FRESH-SQUEEZED LIME JUICE 4 OUNCES GINGER PEOPLE ORGANIC GINGER SYRUP
Method ADD ALL INGREDIENTS INTO SHAKER AND SHAKE VIGOROUSLY, STRAIN INTO GLASS (OR COPPER MUG) OVER ICE, ADD GARNISH SUCH AS LAVENDER, LIME WHEEL. 03.20 | ARROYO | 51
Family Night March 3: Enjoy a free family night at Kidspace Children’s Museum, which will host an educational evening of learning about the arts and exploring medium, style and skill through various art-related activities. Admission to the museum is free the first Tuesday of each month. March’s theme is Art Nouveau, a nature-inspired style that utilizes naturally occurring shapes and patterns. There will also be a special guest presentation at 6 p.m. Kidspace notes there are extremely long lines over the spring and summer months, and attendees will be admitted on a first-come first-served basis. Activities will be facilitated between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., free admission begins at 4 p.m. Kidspace Children’s Museum is located at 480 N. Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena. For more information, visit kidspacemuseum.org. .
ASSEMBLE YOUR CALENDAR COMPILED BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE
Valley Con
March 1: Hobbyists and professionals will come together to showcase and celebrate scale models at the largest competition of its kind in Southern California. From cars and tanks to “Star Wars” models and zombies, the day is filled with admiration from one creator to the next as well as a touch of healthy competition. Participants and attendees come from as far as Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Diego for the showcase, but there are also locals who participate. Tickets range from $5 to $10 and kids under 5 get in free. The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena. For more information, visit valleycon.wordpress.com.
Women’s Symposium March 6: Join hundreds of women in Pasadena to discuss and explore how to improve their quality of life, establish financial independence and become more confident in business and personal endeavors. Guests will also discuss how to balance motherhood, work and self-care, while accomplishing goals on the career and familial fronts. Tickets range from $25 to $300 and will include a buffet lunch, keynote speakers, award presentations, vendor booths music and more. Courtyard by Marriott is located at 180 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena. For more information, visit losangeles.eventful.com.
WeMeet Pasadena Networking Event March 12: This free event is bringing socializing back to networking. Each month WeMeet Pasadena brings like-minded professionals, freelancers, entrepreneurs, business owners and influencers together from all industry types to mix and mingle over a happy hour event. Attendees are welcome to bring coworkers or friends to network with them. All attendees must sign up to become members of WeMeet and preregister. For more information, visit wemeet.net.
TypeOneNation Summit March 15: This educational summit aims to spread awareness about type-1 diabetes. The day’s agenda is filled with educational opportunities for experts in the field to exchange information and inform the public on research advances, new ideas and participate in various discussions about the disease. Educational sessions will focus on type-1 diabetes care and management and include breakout sessions about exercise performance and knowledge, information for parents and caregivers, beating stress and depression, and Diabetes 101 for newly diagnosed adults. The day will also feature a kids’ camp so parents can enjoy the presentations while their children are supervised. Spanish interpretation is available. The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena. For more information, visit jdrf.org.
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63rd Annual Bonsai Show March 22: The California Bonsai Society is back at The Huntington for its 63rd annual show, which will feature dozens of trees grown with great care and attention by professionals. The art form will be on display from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Permanent bonsai are on display in the Japanese Garden’s Bonsai Courts. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. For more information, visit huntington.org.
Walk to End Epilepsy March 22: Community members are invited to walk or run a 5K course, or stroll the 1-mile course to kick off a chain of nationwide events to raise awareness and funds for those with epilepsy. Share stories and connect with others while enjoying the event’s “pop-up village,” complete with music, entertainment, food trucks, activity and resource booths and a chance to meet with doctors who are specialists in the field. In 2017, the event had nearly 5,000 participants. This year, organizers expect as many as 6,000 people. There is no registration fee, however donations are appreciated. Those who donate more than $50 will receive an event T-shirt. The Rose Bowl is located at 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. For more information, visit epilepsyfoundation.donordrive.com.
Pasadena Festival of Women Authors March 22: This year's festival will celebrate distinguished female authors who have honed their craft and produced noteworthy literary pieces ranging from riveting tales of Greek mythology to the hardships of sibling rivalry and forbidden love. The event features works of New York Times best-selling author Madeline Miller, writer of the novel “Circe,” Yangsze Choo, Lydia Fitzpatrick, Myla Goldberg, Laila Lalami, Chia-Chia Lin and Etaf Rum. The day will consist of lectures about the authors' personal journeys, lunch while talking with other readers, and a bookstore where attendees can have their favorite novels signed. General admission tickets are $100 and patron tickets range from $250 to $1,500. The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena. For more information, visit pasadenaliteraryalliance.org.
Art Matters March 28 and March 29: The San Marino League—a nonprofit that works to further the knowledge of art within the community—is hosting a juried fine art sale to continue its mission. Proceeds will also benefit fine art student scholarships at the ArtCenter College of Design and the Japanese Garden Endowment at The Huntington. The event boasts more than 150 paintings, and 3-D art, including glass works, ceramics, pottery, sculptures and jewelry. Feature artists for the event include Peter Adams, Sid Bingham, Karl Dempwolf, Wayne Hunt, Brent Jensen, Joan Kahn, Michael Obermeyer, Jason Situ and Thalia Stratton. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. For more information, visit huntington.org.
Retro Gaming Expo March 27 and March 29: Classic gamers unite! NES controllers, Game boys and Smash Bros is the theme for this throwback. The expo will serve as a weekend to celebrate a simpler, yet integral, time of gaming. From free-play arcades, tournaments, a cosplay competition, vendors and panels of YouTubes personalities, the weekend itself is a classic that won’t soon be forgotten. Tickets range from $20 to $40, and kids under 12 get in free with adult paid admission. The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena. For more information, visit dola.com.
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