Arroyo Monthly Aug2016

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FINE FIN FI N E LIVING IN THE GREATER GREA ATER R PASADENA PAS PA SAD SADENA AREA

August 2016

JAZZ ARTIST

LEARNING FROM

EXPERIENCE SENIOR MENTORS WHO SHARE THEIR WEALTH WITH KIDS

BILLY MITCHELL And His Free Music Academy

NOVELIST DEENA GOLDSTONE Grows a Garden of Horticulturists

How Exercise Builds Young Brains

LEGAL DOCS TO SAFEGUARD Your Young Adult Children


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arroyo

VOLUME 12 | NUMBER 8 | AUGUST 2016

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48

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PARENTING AND EDUCATION 13 THE MUSIC MAN

Jazz artist Billy Mitchell’s Pasadena-based music academy has helped thousands of underserved kids get a music education. —By MARTIN BOOE

19 RUN AROUND AND PAY ATTENTION! Exercising kids’ bodies also builds their brains. —By ILSA SETZIOL

33 PARENTHOOD Pasadena’s Deena Goldstone explores a cold father’s legacy in her debut novel and talks about her own rewarding parenting of her very able disabled daughter —By BETTIJANE LEVINE

PHOTOS: (Top) Ilsa Setziol; (bottom left) Teri Lyn Fisher

45 LEGAL AID Two legal documents can save families a huge headache if their newly minted adult has an emergency. —By RICHARD CUNNINGHAM

DEPARTMENTS 10

FESTIVITIES The Music Center’s Summer Soirée

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LÉON BING The Sisterhood of the Traveling Jerks

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ARROYO HOME SALES INDEX

48

KITCHEN CONFESSIONS Salts infused with herbs, spices and fruits add a rainbow of flavors to your cooking.

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THE LIST The Temptations, ScareLA, the Pasadena Pops salutes Cole Porter and more

ABOUT THE COVER: Billy Mitchell with SAPPA students at Victory Park in Pasadena, photo by James Carbone 08.16 ARROYO | 7


EDITOR’S NOTE

Pasadena jazz artist Billy Mitchell contacted me in April after reading Arroyo’s Senior Issue. “I thought I might reach out with a different perspective,” he said in an email. “I’m actually working harder now [at 73] than I have ever worked (and enjoying it more). Everyone I know is retiring, but it feels like I’m just beginning.” For his encore, Mitchell has morphed into an impassioned mentor dedicated to helping low-income kids receive a free music education. The veteran jazz pianist still has an active performing life, but at this juncture, Mitchell is even more gratified by mentoring — he founded the Scholarship Audition Performance Preparatory Academy (SAPPA) in Pasadena’s Robinson Park in 2002. His music school for underserved children has since mushroomed to embrace workshop locations around Pasadena as well as downtown and South L.A., educating some 450 kids a year. He talks to Martin Booe about the importance of his mission at a time of disappearing arts curriculums in public schools. As Bettijane Levine discovered, another Pasadena mentor of note is screenwriter Deena Goldstone, who delves into the complexities of the mentor-mentee relationship in her first novel, Surprise Me. For six years, the gardening enthusiast and a friend have made weekly visits to a Lincoln Heights primary school to teach urban youngsters how to grow their own healthy food. David Pratt, a Canadian author who has studied the careers of Nobel laureates, says finding mentors was a critical component of success for many of them. And for children in budget-strapped public schools, a mentor can change lives. Ilsa Setziol looks at another crucial factor in ensuring kids’ success — exercise. She explains how the latest research shows that good old P.E. builds much more than their bodies: It boosts their developing brains. Finally, here’s a quick quiz for parents of young adults: If your 18-year-old is incapacitated because of a medical emergency, do you assume you’ll be able to control his or her care? The answer in Richard Cunningham’s story may surprise you. —Irene Lacher

EDITOR IN CHIEF Irene Lacher ART DIRECTOR Carla Cortez ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Stephanie Torres PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Rochelle Bassarear, Richard Garcia EDITOR-AT-LARGE Bettijane Levine COPY EDITOR John Seeley CONTRIBUTORS Denise Abbott, Leslie Bilderback, Léon Bing, Martin Booe, James Carbone, Michael Cervin, Scarlet Cheng, Richard Cunningham, Carole Dixon, Lisa Dupuy, Lynne Heffley, Kathleen Kelleher, Rebecca Kuzins, Elizabeth McMillian, Brenda Rees, John Sollenberger, Nancy Spiller, Leslie A. Westbrook ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Dina Stegon ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lisa Chase, Brenda Clarke, Leslie Lamm ADVERTORIAL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Bruce Haring HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Andrea Baker PAYROLL Linda Lam CONTROLLER Kacie Cobian ACCOUNTING Sharon Huie, Teni Keshishian OFFICE ASSISTANT Ann Turrietta PUBLISHER Jon Guynn 8 | ARROYO | 08.16

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

©2016 Southland Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.


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FESTIVITIES

Fran Drescher, Rita Moreno, Music Center CEO Rachel Moore and Justina Machado

Mindy and Eugene Stein

American Ballet Theatre stars Stella Abrera, raised in South Pasadena, and SoCal’s Misty Copeland made a hometown visit to headline the Music Center’s inaugural Summer Soirée July 7, kicking off a weekend of performances by the premier New York–based dance company. The benefit began at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with a festive dinner of prime New York strip loin, where the legendary Rita Moreno — one of only 12 performers to receive all four major entertainment awards — was honored with the Music Center’s first Excellence in the Performing Arts Award, presented by her close friend Fran Drescher. Guests moved to the auditorium for a spirited performance of Alexei Ratmansky’s Firebird with Abrera and Copeland, who earned a standing ovation from the diverse audience. Revelers went on to an after-party in Grand Park, drenched in red light inspired by the ballet.

Debbie Allen, Misty Copeland and Vivian Nixon

Misty Copeland with Summer Soirée Co-chairs Lisa Gilford, Catharine Soros and Kiki Gindler plus Rachel Moore (middle)

C.C.H. Pounder, Samara Zane and Lorraine Toussaint 10 | ARROYO | 08.16

Suzanne Rheinstein, Sharon Rising and Jennifer Fain

Diane Medina

Alyce Williamson and Glorya Kaufman

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Stefanie Keenan for The Music Center

Misty Copeland, Rita Moreno, Rachel Moore and Stella Abrera


LÉON BING

THE SISTERHOOD OF

THE TRAVELING JERKS E

urope? Ten days in Europe? You bet your Courrèges boots. It was 1967, I’d been going out with the guy, an associate professor at UCLA, for about four months and when he asked me to go with him, I figured he’d make a good traveling companion. He didn’t talk too much, he had a fairly good sense of humor and I enjoyed the times we spent together. Also, not to be forgotten: he was great looking. The Big Also? I’d never been to Europe. My daughter, Lisa, was set to spend the summer at a sleepaway camp, I’d fi nished walking the fall/winter collections on the New York runways, so I was free to go. I packed up one of my Rudi Gernreich summer dresses, black tights, a pair of black patent Capezios, T-shirts, cosmetics and other necessities in a small bag and I’d wear my old 501 Levis, a light sweater and sneakers on the plane. I believe in traveling light. I was quivering with anticipation when John met me in New York, where we would fly from JFK to Paris. We’d have three days and nights there and then take the Orient Express (its fabled glamour, with its inlaid paneling and Lalique light fi xtures, only slightly diminished) to Venice, and then, on more pedestrian trains, travel to Florence and Stuttgart (a single day and night in each city), where John would buy a VW van. The plan was to drive to Rome where we would spend a few days before flying back to L.A. But first: Paris. We stayed at an inexpensive hotel, the kind where you climb three fl ights of stairs to get to your room. After dark, the low-wattage lightbulb at the top of each fl ight snapped off just before the next level was reached; the room was dim and cramped, the shared bathroom, complete with a velvety ring circling the inside of its claw-footed tub, was at the end of the hall, and who cared? We were in the City of Light and the gem-rich colors streaming through the rose windows of Notre Dame at dusk extinguished the pain of any small inconvenience, as did the winding climb, next to 12th-century walls laced over by nine centuries of graffiti, to the great cathedral’s roof with its bell tower and gargoyles standing guard over all of Paris. I felt the first pinprick of irritation on the second day. We’d just walked through one of the Louvre’s immense entrances and were about to climb the grand staircase presided over by the Winged Victory of Samothrace when John started to say something, stopped, raised one index finger, squinted at a point past my shoulder and, with a trace of some unknowable accent, said, “Ummmm, how you say…?” How you say?? Like a bad actor impersonating a newly arrived Frenchman in an English-speaking country? This is a guy born and raised in Orange County and suddenly he loses his grip on the English language and he’s not kidding? I’m about to explore as many of this great museum’s treasures as can be seen in a single day and my traveling companion has turned out to be a jerk with a fake accent. Suddenly, I just wanted him to disappear. For the next two days, I snuck out of bed at 6 in the morning, bathed and dressed quickly, left a note and walked, in no particular direction, around Paris. I saw an elaborate Metro entrance designed at the turn of the 20th century by Hector Guimard, stopped for croissants and hot chocolate at small bistros and used my schoolgirl French to ask for directions to the Louvre, where I lingered over many of the world’s greatest paintings and was surprised by the daintiness of the Venus de Milo. Later, John and I would have dinner at a nearby café where I would invariably order tripe, one of my favorite dishes, made even better by his obvious disgust at my choice. –continued on page 12 08.16 | ARROYO | 11


LÉON BING

Spanish Steps –continued from page 11

His “how you say…?” accent bloomed like a case of poison oak with each passing day. But nothing could spoil Venice for me. The most vivid images I have of that magical (a description I loathe, but hell, it’s suitable here) city are the satin surface of the marble balcony overlooking the bay, with rough-hewn chisel notches on the underside at the Doge’s Palace, where the phrase damnatus sum (I am damned) was carved into the wall of one of the dungeon cells. I did two memorable things — one touristy, the other mean — in Florence. As a typical tourist, I let my hand glide across the gleaming snout of the life-size bronze sculpture of a wild boar in the Piazza del Mercato Nuovo (yes, I just now had to look it up), and when John sneered at me for being a typical tourist, I said nothing, waited for my chance and then stepped on and covered an ancient key pounded into one of the cobblestones I’d spotted on a side street. I knew he would have gone into fully accented raptures, and screw him. The drive (in John’s new van) to Rome was uneventful — and very quiet. I needed time to work out a plan to murder this insufferable bozo: an urgent need to stop on the thickly forested road, quick, hard slams with a rock to the head, the removal of fingerprints, the knocking out, scattering and burying of fi lled teeth, the push of a body down the slope into the trees, the cleanup after. At the point where I was actually thinking about further details, like an alibi, a sudden immutable realization hit me: there was no possible way I could manage to drive some damn hippie van. I looked over at my clueless traveling companion; he would never know his life had been spared because of my inability to work a stick shift. Rome was everything I’d imagined; it was fi lled with the sights and textures of history. The mingled aromas of good food floated through the smells and sounds of big city life. The Vatican museum held the glories of the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s frescos. There were marble busts of Roman emperors as detailed as photographs, paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, a large statue of Augustus Caesar and another of an athlete washing himself. The museum was fi lled with treasures too numerous to be seen in one day. John and I ended up at the foot of the Spanish Steps with its magnificent fountain designed and carved by Bernini. We were seated on a bench near a beautiful young woman around my age. Her English was near perfect and when John went to get ice cream at a highly touted shop, I told her (her name was Elke) I only wanted to get away from him, that he’d become insufferable. Elke nodded solemnly and suggested that I leave John and spend the final few days of the trip at her flat on the square. She was working as an extra in the fi lm Barbarella, would be gone all day and I was most welcome. This was the best news I’d had since I stepped out of the plane and I took Elke up on her invitation. After I said a firm, unarguable goodbye to John and his recently acquired accent, those last few days in Rome were the best. When I realized my return tickets to L.A. were still with John, I called an ex-boyfriend (a successful producer) and he sent first-class tickets care of American Express. Sometimes, in one way or another, you just get lucky. |||| 12 | ARROYO | 08.16


THE MUSIC MAN Jazz artist Billy Mitchell’s Pasadena-based music academy has helped thousands of underserved kids get a music education. STORY BY MARTIN BOOE PHOTOS BY JAMES CARBONE

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IN 2002, LAUDED JAZZ PIANIST, PRODUCER AND AUTHOR BILLY MITCHELL LAUNCHED THE SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION PERFORMANCE PREPARATORY ACADEMY (SAPPA) IN

and several community-based Saturday conservatory programs. Funded by donations from foundations and individuals, SAPPA, now a project of the Pasadena Arts Council, employs top instructors who conduct workshops in Pasadena, as well as downtown and South Los Angeles. Mitchell, a veteran of the Monterey, Playboy and New Orleans jazz festivals, has been honored for his work with youth by the Pasadena Arts Council, KCET and Union Bank and others.

PASADENA’S ROBINSON PARK. THE PASADENA RESIDENT’S ORIGINAL MISSION WAS TO PREPARE ASPIRING YOUNG MUSICIANS IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES TO AUDITION FOR MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS. MITCHELL BELIEVED THAT

How did SAPPA come about? I wanted to prepare students to audition and interview for scholarships, but as I started visiting the schools, I found there were very few kids even applying for music scholarships. I was looking for minority kids — primarily African American and Latino kids. It wasn’t just that musically qualified kids were scarce; kids who’d had any music at all were scarce. So I began working on developing music workshops for parks and afterschool programs, to give kids the opportunity to at least have an introduction to music.

TALENTED KIDS FROM URBAN BACKGROUNDS LACKED SUFFICIENT CONFIDENCE-BUILDING EXPERIENCE TO EFFECTIVELY SURF AUDITIONS AND INTERVIEWS. SAPPA’s mission soon expanded when Mitchell saw that the public education system had all but abandoned the arts in general and music in particular. Budget cuts coupled with The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, with its focus on test scores and skills related to economic success, had led many schools to gut arts education. Mitchell, 73, saw a generation of students miss out on learning even the most basic elements of music. So SAPPA was reconfigured to provide music workshops for communities lacking music education opportunities. The academy provides basic music instruction to youngsters 6 to 18, many of whom are considered at risk. Every year, some 450 children are served by the academy and its offshoots. SAPPA also has an outreach program to increase minority participation in the L.A. Music Center Spotlight program and awards, California Summer School for the Arts 14 | ARROYO | 08.16

Why weren’t kids learning music? If a child doesn’t experience music early on, it’s increasingly difficult for that child to develop the interest needed for a healthy music experience. I don’t know where the money went, but it was taken out of the arts. To me, this was the biggest mistake the educational system allowed. It put all the focus on skills that make you money, preparing kids for a future that no one knows what it will look like. We de-emphasized creativity for the sake of technology. There are many reasons kids don’t learn. Technology makes creating music possible without any knowledge of theory. Society’s expectations for our young have nosedived. The values have shifted, so now it’s okay for our children to do absolutely nothing [creative]. When we took music and arts out of schools, we cut the cord that connected children to their own creativity. So where does that leave us? Unfortunately, few innercity parents can afford $50 an hour for private lessons. –continued on page 16


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–continued from page 14

Is there a model for arts education to aspire to? I was inspired to establish the Watts-Willowbrook Conservatory [a SAPPA offshoot] by a program in Venezuela called El Sistema. Music educators study it internationally. Here you have a very poor country that exposes children to music discipline at a very young age, and it’s been shown to change the trajectory of their lives and the health of their communities. And the important thing is that it’s not just about the arts — it’s about the individual and culture on a social level. It’s about the value of hard work, ethics and diligence, and that four-letter word “practice.” I felt that if a whole country could be changed through music, we should certainly be able to bring positive changes to South Los Angeles. And that we have! What was music education like in the past? In the past, music was a given. It was understood to be an important part of the educational process. The schools had budgets for musical presentations and assemblies. But those are very rare now. I was connected to the magic of music at an early age, not only at home, but also through the regular performances put on at my school. Organizations like the L.A. Phil and the Music Center do a great job of providing music to kids, but the demand is overwhelming. How do kids relate to music these days? When you ask average teenagers what music is, a lot of them will say it’s just beats — because the only music they hear is beat-driven. Melody and harmony don’t play much of a part in it. When you have a radio station playing one kind of music, the child is stuck with only one kind of music. In Europe, many radio stations play a variety of genres. The children are exposed to many types of music and have a much better chance of developing a broader appreciation. I don’t think youngsters understand that music can pave the way to a better life. Music can take you through college for free. 16 | ARROYO | 08.16

How does SAPPA approach music education? Our workshops teach basic principles and the theory of music. When a child is given the basics, that child can choose to play any genre they want. You can’t start a jazz class with a kid who doesn’t have any music experience. Our workshops give kids the opportunity to see if music is for them or not. No child should finish high school and say they have never had a music lesson. We’re just trying to erase some of the excuses that a child would have for not getting that musical experience. And our programs are free. Do you think the school systems see this as a loss? It’s as if arts education never existed. Over the last few years, it’s as if music in schools has been completely forgotten. You can’t send a music teacher to a school one day a week and call it a music program. That may satisfy some fake mandate from Sacramento, but it is unfair to the students and the teachers. Okay, maybe they don’t have the resources right now to put music education back in the classroom. But if they understood the value in it there would be serious cooperation. The schools themselves would support efforts to fill this gap by cooperating fully with the many afterschool programs attempting to fill the gap. But I have experienced complete indifference. Worse than that, I have seen new administrators come into schools and demolish successful music programs completely. So what do you think the biggest impact is culturally? The most dangerous thing is the devaluation of the arts. Parents and educators don’t acknowledge the importance of it. They’ve forgotten how music helps children develop. When the work ethic is diminished, you have fewer and fewer kids who practice every day. A music program can’t reverse that. It has to be reversed culturally. As a society we have to decide what kind of child do we want. What kind of student do we want? What kind of citizen do we want? So it’s not just a matter of budget. The culture needs to be changed, and not just in the classroom. I could have a billion-


dollar program, but that’s not going to make anyone practice. Parents still have to know how to train, encourage and inspire their kids. We ask our parents to sit in on classes and find out what we’re teaching so the parent can help the child. So when the child doesn’t want to practice, the parent knows how to help them. Parents have to be educated about the benefits of practice and how to develop these skills within your child. When you take these music and arts programs out of the schools, the culture develops without it. People get used to not having these things. What is a football game without a marching band? How does Pasadena rate in terms of accessibility to music programs for youngsters who need or want them? The Pasadena area is particularly blessed with a number of very good and affordable music programs. Our keyboard classes at Robinson Park, Victory Park and Robinson Center are free. We’ve been in Jackie Robinson Park for nine years. But we’re certainly not the only game in town. There are excellent programs listed on our website: sappa.net It does cost money to run this program. You’ve got to pay instructors and you’ve got administrative costs. What’s the outlook? We have been blessed with support from some wonderful foundations, organizations and individuals. Again, we have a page on our website that lists everyone who has supported SAPPA from the very beginning. This is not a program that can ever have enough support. It is a program of expansion — every day we are looking for more youngsters to nurture. We started the W-W Conservatory at the Watts-Willowbrook Boys and Girls Club. We now have string programs at the Watts [Branch] Library, [the low-income] Springdale [West] Apartments [in Long Beach], Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC). And we have a waiting list of youngsters lining up for the opportunity. Our plan has been to locate string programs in all of the low-income housing projects. That will only be possible with the support of the city, the county and all the politicians who say they care about helping our youth do better.|||| As a project of the Pasadena Arts Council’s Emerge Fiscal Sponsorship Program, donations to SAPPA are tax-deductible. Visit sappa.net. 08.16 | ARROYO | 17


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PHOTO: Ilsa Setziol

RUN AROUND AND PAY ATTENTION! Exercising kids’ bodies also builds their brains. BY ILSA SETZIOL

FINAL EXAM WEEK AT BARNHART SCHOOL IN ARCADIA: MIDDLE-SCHOOLERS HAVE FINISHED TESTING FOR THE DAY AND THEY’RE KICKING BALLS AROUND THE ATHLETIC FIELD. “THIS IS OPTIONAL,” SAYS ETHAN WILLIAMSON, HEAD OF THE PRIVATE K-8 SCHOOL. “THEY COULD GO HOME, BUT THEY ARE CHOOSING TO BE OUT AND RUNNING AROUND WITH THE P.E. TEACHER.” WILLIAMSON SAYS THE SCHOOL PROVIDES THESE EXAM-DAY SESSIONS IN ADDITION TO REGULAR PHYSICAL EDUCATION BECAUSE “WE KNOW THAT CHILDREN LEARN BETTER WHEN THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXERCISE.” –continued on page 20 08.16 | ARROYO | 19


Barnhart P.E. teacher Yvette Hardin

Barnhart students exercising their brains

So during the rest of the year, P.E. is not optional. It’s offered daily to all students and taught with the same care the school gives academic subjects. The program is such a strong selling point for prospective parents and students that “P.E. every day” is printed on promotional Barnhart frisbees. The program at Barnhart is not typical, though. Many California students either don’t get enough P.E. or languish in poor-quality physical education classes. Some private schools in the San Gabriel Valley offer P.E. class only twice a week. Public schools are supposed to provide 200 minutes of physical education every 10 school days in grades 1 through 6. But many districts didn’t pay much attention to that section of the state education code until a 2010 California Court of Appeals ruling decreed the P.E. rules are mandatory, not advisory. Public schools are now setting aside the time, but problems persist. Some elementary schools don’t have the budget for P.E. teachers; they rely instead on classroom teachers or volunteers to lead physical education. Plus, if P.E. classes aren’t well structured, taught and equipped, students spend more time sitting around than exercising. That’s a shame. In the past two decades, a myriad of studies strongly suggests that getting kids to move their bodies will make them better thinkers — the research includes a 2007 San Diego State University study that correlated high-quality P.E. programs with higher academic achievement test scores. Neuroscience is starting to illuminate why our brains thrive on exercise. While some of the mechanisms are still being unraveled, the research points to profound connections between moving and thinking. The most obvious benefit of exercise is better circulation in the brain. “When we have more blood and oxygenation to the brain,” says pediatric neuropsychologist Oren Boxer, “we have more clear thinking and we can focus better — the brain can focus for longer periods of time and it makes learning easier.” Boxer and his colleagues at Insight Collective in Pasadena assess children’s cognitive abilities and social behaviors to help parents identify learning disabilities and differences. He considers the amount of time kids spend sitting and listening to teachers to be “unnatural.” “It’s just the opposite of what our kids need,” he says. “Kids need to move more… Kids need to learn through doing, through interacting, through playing.” “You’re sitting in a classroom all day and you’re not doing much — [just] listening,” explains Barnhart seventh-grader Lola Villareal, “but I come here [P.E. class] and I’ll get energy.” Villareal was chubby when she arrived at Barnhart two years ago, after attending a school with minimal P.E. “I came to this school being like ‘I hate exercising, I’m more into the arts. I don’t want to do P.E. every day.’” At fi rst, she was intimidated by all the sporty kids, but then she tried soccer in class. She liked it, and Athletic Director Dave Denham encouraged her to try out for an after-school team. “I’m not trying to brag,” she says with a shrug, unable to suppress a grin, “but I made the winning goal in our championship game.” Researchers are tracking how areas of the brain associated with movement influence cognitive function. Boxer says a young child’s motor cortex and prefrontal cortex develop in concert: as she learns to plan and organize the use of her motor skills — opening a drawer of blocks, building a tower, then knocking it down — that helps her develop what’s known as executive function. Executive function skills are crucial to school success and include the ability to initiate, plan, prioritize, organize and stay focused on a task. “When our kids are in elementary or middle school and they have a book report due in three weeks, they have to think about ‘How do I plan my environment? — not [to] play video games and [then] write part of this over the next couple of weeks so I successfully complete this book report.’” Exercise is known to promote the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine — brain chemicals we associate with mood. According –continued on page 22

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PHOTOS: (Top) courtesy of Barnhart School; (bottom) Ilsa Setziol

–continued from page 19


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Barnhart students (background and below) exercising for strength and coordination

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by regulating or augmenting attention, arousal, motivation and satisfaction. Still, Boxer cautions that “the architecture of the brain is complicated, and it would be difficult to identify one or two neurotransmitters that directly impact learning.” He calls learning “a whole brain activity” that requires a complicated interaction of neurotransmitters. Still, he says serotonin, dopamine and neuropeptides (endorphins) can help people “stay focused or feel better, and thus may influence the efficiency of learning.” Ratey evaluated research on the cognitive benefits of exercise for his 2008 book with Eric Haberman, Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain (Little, Brown and Co.). He says exercise “prepares and encourages” nerve cells in the brain to wire together, “which is the cellular basis for logging in new information.” The book also looks at research on how exercise might boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that Ratey calls “Miracle-Gro for the brain.” Among other things, it promotes the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in learning and memory. The most beneficial exercise regimes appear to be those that are aerobic or involve complex sequences of movement, such as martial arts. Studies have shown they support development of executive function (planning, control of attention and impulses) in children. “They have to learn to sequence very specific movements in particular ways,” Boxer explains. As kids work to keep the sequence of movements in mind, they strengthen what’s known as working memory (the ability to remember and use relevant information) and practice staying focused — not getting distracted. Boxer says martial arts also promote proprioceptive (awareness of the position of one’s body) and spatial reasoning — “all critical components in the organization and planning of any activity,” he says. Even the cerebellum, a primitive part of the brain once thought to merely coordinate physical movements, is now being investigated for how it might also coordinate thought and emotion. At Barnhart, Denham and his colleague Yvette Hardin offer kids a wide variety of activities. “We try to blend it so we’re still teaching some traditional sports but also teaching other eye-hand coordination skills,” Denham says. That includes using the diabolo (Chinese yo-yo) and speed stacking, which involves the rapid shuffl ing and sorting of cones or cups. “Some of the kids who aren’t as excited about basketball or football do really well on those activities.” Denham is an advocate of what’s called the “New P.E.,” which emphasizes fitness over traditional team sports. He structures classes so everyone gets a lot of exercise, not just the athletic kids who can easily dominate a game, leaving everybody else standing around. “If you watch one of my warm-ups for soccer,” he says, “every kid has a ball and they’re drilling around the field, getting some exercise, working on some skills, regardless of where they’re at.” The Barnhart blacktop features several basketball hoops, so kids can play in small groups. Exercise can also help kids regulate their moods and rein in inappropriate behavior, while relieving stress and anxiety. Plus, P.E. classes can be training grounds for social and emotional skills. All these benefits can contribute to academic success. Fourteen-year-old Oge Ogbogu lights up when she talks about P.E. at Barnhart. “It kind of brings people together,” she says. “If you know one sport you could immediately say, ‘Hey, let’s play.’” “It’s fun, you get to hang out with your friends and play,” says seventh-grader Devin Pellegrini. Schools and parents shouldn’t underestimate the value of that fun and play, says Williamson. “Frankly, eighth-graders are just kindergarteners in adult bodies, and sometimes they need time where they have that opportunity to just be kids,” he says. Asked to imagine school without P.E., Ogbogu and Pellegrini look shocked. “That would be terrible,” Pellegrini says. “Without it, I guess I’d just be lethargic and bummed out all day.”||||

PHOTOS: Ilsa Setziol

–continued from page 20


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arroyo

~HOM E SALES I N D EX~

-1.41% ALHAMBRA ALHAMBRA (NEW) Homes Homes Sold Sold Median Price Median Price Median Sq. Ft. Ft. Median Sq. 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.

JUNE ’15 ’15 JUNE N/A n/a N/A n/a N/A n/a JUNE ’15 49 $672,000 1628 JUNE ’15 37 $1,140,000 2064 JUNE ’15 15 $760,000 1694 JUNE ’15 141 $670,000 1518 JUNE ’15 38 $1,437,000 2354 JUNE ’15 166 $645,000 1464 JUNE ’15 14 $2,090,000 2686 JUNE ’15 19 $850,000 1595 JUNE ’15 14 $1,292,500 1895 JUNE ’15 493 $567

JUNE ’16 JUNE’16 23 $533,000 $498,750 1214 1320 JUNE ’16 29 $700,000 1594 JUNE ’16 23 $950,000 1736 JUNE ’16 9 $685,000 2009 JUNE ’16 86 $661,250 1398 JUNE ’16 21 $1,546,000 2044 JUNE ’16 111 $740,000 1553 JUNE ’16 9 $2,649,000 2709 JUNE ’16 11 $880,000 1872 JUNE ’16 13 $1,130,000 1895 JUNE ’16 312 $559

HOMES SOLD

2016

312

AVG. PRICE/SQ. FT.

2015

june

HOMES SOLD

-36.71%

june

493

HOME SALES

HOME SALES ABOVE RECENT HOME CLOSINGS IN THE PASADENA WEEKLY FOOTPRINT ADDRESS CLOSE DATE ALTADENA 2025 Midlothian Drive 06/03/16 1200 Morada Place 06/24/16 1724 Roosevelt Avenue 05/31/16 2644 Marengo Avenue 05/27/16 454 Concha Street 06/24/16 3638 Canon Blvd. 06/03/16 3191 Crestford Drive 06/24/16 1709 Harding Avenue 06/24/16 ARCADIA 1547 Rodeo Road 06/27/16 1118 South 4th Avenue 06/28/16 2016 South Santa Anita Avenue 05/27/16 530 Gloria Road 06/17/16 1259 Magnolia Court 06/23/16 320 South 3rd Avenue 06/06/16 411 East Longden Avenue 06/01/16 506 South 2nd Avenue 06/29/16 2000 South 3rd Avenue 06/07/16 558 South 2nd Avenue #B 05/31/16 612 South 2nd Avenue #A 05/31/16 1023 North Old Ranch Road 06/01/16 2628 Loganrita Avenue 06/08/16 716 South 3rd Avenue 06/20/16 EAGLE ROCK 1816 Woodrow Avenue 06/03/16 2426 Merton Avenue 06/09/16 GLENDALE 849 Cavanagh Road 06/08/16 1012 Hillcroft Road 06/01/16 1651 Melwood Drive 06/08/16 660 Bohlig Road 06/06/16 1456 Western Avenue 05/27/16 943 Calle Simpatico 06/28/16 3142 Grangemont Road 06/24/16 1625 Country Club Drive 06/28/16 5195 Sky Ridge Drive 05/27/16 3169 Chadney Drive 06/27/16 210 Cumberland Road 05/27/16 362 West Kenneth Road 05/27/16 4413 Briggs Avenue 06/03/16 1013 Raymond Avenue #4 06/27/16 800 Avonoak Terrace 06/01/16 411 Edwards Place 06/06/16 2983 Santa Rosa Avenue 06/09/16 1157 North Everett Street 06/07/16 215 Spencer Street 06/24/16 1630 San Gabriel Avenue 06/02/16 2131 Glen Ivy Drive 06/10/16 1025 North Jackson Street 06/01/16 1116 East Harvard Street 06/09/16 2174 East Chevy Chase Drive 06/27/16 3274 La Crescenta Avenue 06/06/16 1358 Justin Avenue 06/01/16 3368 Vickers Drive 06/08/16 4117 Walton Oaks Lane 06/09/16 528 North Maryland Avenue 06/03/16 506 La Loma Road 06/09/16 1130 North Everett Street 06/29/16 928 Verdugo Circle Drive 05/31/16 1436 East Windsor Road 06/06/16 LA CAÑADA 1447 El Vago Street 06/09/16 5139 Princess Anne Road 05/31/16 4641 Hillard Avenue 06/03/16 1521 Riendo Lane 06/28/16

PRICE

source: CalREsource

BDRMS.

SQ. FT.

YR. BUILT PREV. PRICE

$2,000,000 $1,625,000 $1,018,000 $925,000 $870,500 $825,000 $800,000 $800,000

4 4 3 3 3 4 2 3

3400 2648 2076 2477 1644 2133 1241 1896

1927 1926 1945 1964 1976 1960 1954 1930

$4,350,000 $3,800,000 $2,390,000 $1,998,000 $1,840,000 $1,410,000 $1,300,000 $1,278,000 $1,210,000 $1,175,000 $1,110,000 $950,000 $850,000 $800,000

7 0 5 4 5 0 3 0 4 0 0 4 3 2

8169 0 5095 2662 4738 0 2149 0 1756 0 0 2720 1787 1214

1996

$1,130,000 $830,000

6 4

$1,743,500 $1,705,000 $1,550,000 $1,405,000 $1,325,000 $1,270,000 $1,214,500 $1,200,000 $1,195,000 $1,175,000 $1,045,000 $1,025,000 $946,000 $940,000 $920,000 $897,000 $862,000 $855,000 $845,000 $843,000 $840,000 $839,000 $820,000 $820,000 $818,000 $810,000 $808,000 $800,000 $800,000 $775,000 $775,000 $770,000 $751,000 $3,650,000 $3,425,000 $1,999,000 $1,780,000

PREV. SOLD

$680,000

05/01/2012

$1,000,000 $750,000 $1,650,000

03/19/1998 06/21/2002 07/20/2007

1956

$1,013,000

02/13/2015

1966 1947 1947

$85,000 $668,000 $600,000

03/24/1977 02/14/2013 02/11/2014

2116 1820

1915 1921

$705,000 $392,500

10/15/2015 08/09/2011

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

3806 3095 4576 2723 2909 2922 2577 2405 3024 2700 3005 2694 1758 2500 2118 2051 1324 1636 1536 1418 2354 1710 2706 2772 1546 1366 2118 1375 1526 1819 1948 1829 1380

1928 1936 2002 2011 1949 1990 1968 1935 1997 1973 1953 1948 1937 1941 1949 1948 1940 1928 1964 1940 1931 1940 1922 1952 1939 1926 1953 1964 1910 1937 1927 1941 1934

$1,200,000 $725,000 $1,325,000 $1,210,000 $800,000

09/10/2013 06/30/1998 12/01/2015 12/11/2014 09/08/2004

$649,091

06/04/2002

$490,000

03/08/1989

$220,000

06/09/1995

$705,000 $599,000 $300,000

09/24/2009 07/18/2012 07/18/1995

$585,000 $175,000

09/28/2011 07/15/1986

$530,000

11/29/2006

$650,000 $620,000 $450,000 $620,000

01/25/2013 06/18/2008 06/22/2000 06/23/2010

$765,000

08/24/2006

$379,000 $290,000

10/02/1989 07/19/2002

5 2 3 4

4579 1802 3577 3604

1947 1947 1994 1948

$739,000

06/17/1998

$1,200,000

10/10/2003

1998 1951 2006 1956

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 2016. Complete home sales listings appear each week in Pasadena Weekly.

24 | ARROYO | 08.16


ADDRESS CLOSE DATE LA CAÑADA 929 Regent Park Drive 06/28/16 1013 Lavender Lane 06/02/16 358 San Juan Way 06/03/16 4720 La Canada Blvd. 06/01/16 4630 Lone Pine Lane 05/27/16 271 Starlight Crest Drive 06/14/16 5301 Harter Lane 05/27/16 1112 Roanoke Place 05/27/16 387 Santa Inez Way 06/28/16 1038 Fairview Drive 05/27/16 4315 Beulah Drive 06/06/16 4926 Hampton Road 06/02/16 2316 Conle Way 06/07/16 2231 San Gorgonio Road 05/27/16 4438 Rockland Place 06/21/16 4544 Indiana Avenue 06/22/16 PASADENA 357 Waverly Drive 05/31/16 1138 Hillcrest Avenue 06/21/16 915 South El Molino Avenue 06/07/16 195 La Vereda Road 06/28/16 401 East Glenarm Street 06/08/16 895 South Madison Avenue 06/14/16 251 South Orange Grove Blvd. #5 06/13/16 426 California Terrace 06/07/16 280 South Orange Grove Blvd. 06/03/16 100 Fern Drive 06/09/16 108 South Orange Grove Blvd. #20205/31/16 3426 Avondale Road 06/07/16 1450 Vista Lane 06/09/16 1560 Scenic Drive 05/31/16 1007 Linda Glen Drive 06/29/16 324 Wigmore Drive 06/06/16 108 South Orange Grove Blvd. #10206/01/16 1122 Wabash Street 06/06/16 529 Winston Avenue 06/29/16 1770 Kaweah Drive 06/29/16 452 East Rio Grande Street #2 06/09/16 478 Fillmore Street 06/01/16 3211 Orlando Road 06/27/16 349 East California Blvd. 06/03/16 1799 La Cresta Drive 05/31/16 1841 Rose Villa Street 05/31/16 3845 Shadow Grove Road 06/01/16 306 Arlington Drive 06/24/16 1799 Rose Villa Street 06/29/16 2365 East Woodlyn Road 06/27/16 141 South Hudson Avenue #404 06/08/16 421 South Allen Avenue 06/03/16 621 North Catalina Avenue 06/29/16 3500 Thorndale Road 06/02/16 415 South Carmelo Avenue 06/03/16 1096 North Holliston Avenue 06/01/16 669 South Catalina Avenue 06/06/16 760 Rim Road 06/03/16 746 South Los Robles Avenue 06/27/16 3062 Millicent Way 06/13/16 890 Seco Street 06/02/16 2220 East Woodlyn Road 06/09/16 2395 East Woodlyn Road 06/03/16 1340 Tropical Avenue 06/24/16 1945 Beverly Drive 06/02/16 1260 Daveric Drive 06/24/16 1468 Coolidge Avenue 06/01/16 242 South Berkeley Avenue 05/27/16 3815 Cartwright Street 06/06/16 SAN MARINO 1905 Lombardy Road 06/01/16 06/02/16 2641 Lombardy Road 2138 Melville Drive 06/24/16 2385 Sherwood Road 06/06/16 2220 Adair Street 06/10/16 2675 Tura Lane 05/27/16 1795 Warwick Road 06/07/16 545 La Paz Drive 06/27/16 2845 Huntington Drive 06/03/16 SIERRA MADRE 181 East Alegria Avenue 06/24/16 270 Sturtevant Drive 06/24/16 361 San Gabriel Court 06/24/16 131 West Bonita Avenue 06/02/16 409 Manzanita Avenue 06/01/16 374 Grove Street 06/03/16 245 Adams Street 06/01/16 SOUTH PASADENA 1643 Indiana Avenue 06/01/16 06/28/16 410 El Centro Street 1714 Court Avenue 05/27/16 915 Indiana Avenue 06/03/16 1521 Ramona Avenue 06/08/16 660 Arroyo Drive 06/01/16 916 Summit Drive 06/08/16 363 Monterey Road 06/02/16 364 Monterey Road #4 06/29/16

PRICE

BDRMS.

SQ. FT.

YR. BUILT PREV. PRICE

$1,700,000 $1,630,000 $1,615,000 $1,614,500 $1,600,000 $1,551,500 $1,546,000 $1,499,000 $1,400,000 $1,287,000 $1,260,000 $1,200,000 $1,110,000 $1,075,000 $1,000,000 $950,000

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

2166 832 2453 1956 2255 2550 2512 3008 2044 1734 1891 1825 2014 1807 2630 1392

1957 1935 1947 1928 1954 1958 1966 1953 1962 1967 1946 1928 1969 1955 2012 1949

$3,950,000 $3,900,000 $3,600,000 $2,825,000 $2,680,000 $2,477,500 $2,400,000 $2,200,000 $2,010,000 $2,000,000 $1,989,500 $1,800,000 $1,637,500 $1,635,000 $1,595,000 $1,500,500 $1,500,000 $1,375,000 $1,370,000 $1,330,000 $1,300,000 $1,250,000 $1,230,000 $1,180,000 $1,175,000 $1,175,000 $1,110,000 $1,100,000 $1,100,000 $1,060,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $997,000 $982,000 $980,000 $979,000 $973,000 $950,000 $920,000 $905,000 $895,000 $892,000 $885,000 $850,000 $850,000 $846,500 $812,000 $805,000

5 7 5 5 3 7 3 4 4 5 0 0 4 3 4 2 0 3 3 2 8 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 5 4 5 2 3 4 2 3 3 2 4 3 3 3 3 3 3

7048 5008 3478 4980 3289 3544 3092 3700 5131 4110 0 0 2492 1940 2517 2831 0 2502 2361 1855 3312 1635 2421 1792 2140 1903 1916 2290 1847 2616 2230 1514 2792 2074 1717 2180 1653 2248 1008 1680 1679 1646 1404 1656 1648 1708 1686 1781 1385

1912 1960 1914 1925 2014 1911 1980 1978 1910 1926

$9,400,000 $5,590,000 $4,180,000 $3,010,000 $2,649,000 $2,395,000 $2,100,000 $1,995,000 $1,368,000

6 0 5 4 4 4 4 3 3

8734 0 2519 3098 3696 2686 2318 2732 1533

1933 1940 1941 1957 1936 1927 1946

$1,500,000 $1,380,000 $957,000 $920,000 $910,000 $880,000 $830,000

3 4 3 3 3 3 2

1955 2139 1872 2080 1499 3323 1474

1948 1985 1955 1963 1950 2011 1947

$1,930,000 $1,730,000 $1,651,000 $1,409,000 $1,330,000 $1,197,000 $1,130,000 $875,000 $809,000

4 4 5 6 3 4 2 3 3

2625 2274 2544 2780 1646 2342 1320 2170 1680

1964 1912 1920 1925 1911 1932 1940 1986 2005

1941 1939 1978 1950 1960 1927 1956 1961 1910 1941 1906 1948 1925 1950 1977 1920 1948 2006 1924 1913 1946 1941 1935 1914 1951 1920 1924 1947 1950 1947 1952 1926 1951 1937 1930 1951 1925

PREV. SOLD

$130,000

08/21/1985

$420,000

06/04/1996

$675,000 $1,330,000 $475,000

06/28/2000 11/22/2013 04/26/1988

$478,000

04/15/1999

$107,000 $789,000

01/22/1979 10/07/2008

$405,000

03/27/2002

$100,000 $900,000 $1,400,000

06/26/1974 04/12/1988 07/12/2012

$580,000 $1,650,000 $850,000 $1,618,000 $1,550,010

12/16/2011 02/18/2004 08/22/2000 03/27/2013 04/20/2004

$1,528,500 $1,400,000 $802,000

05/16/2014 09/09/2011 04/18/2001

$1,050,000

10/10/2006

$775,000 $439,500

09/08/2008 04/16/1999

$699,500 $480,000 $890,000

10/31/2013 07/03/2002 06/06/2007

$965,000 $694,000

04/08/2008 05/27/2009

$298,000 $685,000

12/13/1996 02/14/2005

$125,000

07/16/1982

$549,000

08/13/2004

$316,000

07/21/2000

$587,500

07/05/2012

$419,000 $809,000 $595,500

06/17/2002 09/06/2013 09/28/2004

$1,730,000

04/19/2011

$1,628,000 $527,500 $1,980,000 $690,000

09/30/2011 11/10/1997 06/19/2015 06/24/1994

$900,000

02/20/2013

$710,000 $771,500 $630,000

02/01/2011 11/18/2010 10/10/2008

$1,795,000

08/03/2006

$580,000

06/04/1998

$703,000 $180,000 $820,500 $737,500

05/21/2009 11/07/1985 05/30/2006 03/27/2013

08.16 ARROYO | 25


ARROYO

HOME & DESIGN

PHOTO: Courtesy of Peltier Interiors Inc.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

BLUE, CONTEMPORARY, BRASS - FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES TRENDS VARY WIDELY Contemporary design is popular – but antiques can also freshen a room. BY BRUCE HARING ALL OF US HAVE ARTIFACTS IN OUR HOMES THAT ARE HALLMARKS OF CIVILIZATION. WE CALL THOSE COLLECTIVE ARTIFACTS FURNITURE. Since mankind’s days in the caves, furniture has been a signal feature of civilized living. Tree stumps, rocks and moss were the earliest furnishings. But about 30,000 years ago, wood, stone and animal bone furniture began to appear. As civilization progressed, the cushioning grew more comfortable, the designs more elaborate, and distinct styles of seating and accessories began to emerge. Our word furniture is from the French

fourniture, which means supplies or provisions. In the journey called life, furniture was sustenance that fed the home’s soul. Today, furniture is a means for comfort, socialization, style and sometimes status signaling, setting the tone of a room and enhancing the lifestyle of the occupants and their guests. For most people, furniture is generally a long-term investment. Many hold on to their pieces until they are worn and falling apart (after all, tree stumps don’t last forever). But more adventurous homeowners do like to change things up every few years, creating a different vibe in their living –continued on page 29

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08.16 | ARROYO | 27


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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

–continued from page 26

space by accessorizing and inserting new and stylish furniture into their room mix. A WIDE RANGE AWAITS If you haven’t shopped for new furniture in several years, you may be surprised at the range of styles in what’s out there. Vincent Karapetian is the President of Sofa U Love, a custom furniture designer with stores throughout Southern California, including one in Pasadena. Karapetian has named his furniture designs after himself, creating the “Vincent Collection” style of sofa. He feels furniture shoppers “want to stay current with today’s trends. They want to get something more up-to-date.” Locally, shoppers are leaning more toward contemporary design in their furniture selections, Karapetian says. “Clean lines, everything is more square, more single-stiched, as opposed to your traditional, which is round with piping. A contemporary design is more a cleaner look, kind of a Madmen (the popular television series) mid-century contemporary.” As such, most people are opting for solid fabrics on their furniture pieces as opposed to patterns, he says. Karapetian is a big fan of ottomans and side tables for accessories. Also, “Definitely some paintings. They definitely set the tone within the room. They paint a picture of the person’s character, the style of the home. In my house, I have a picture of Peter Lik. That’s my favorite artist.” –continued on page 31

08.16 | ARROYO | 29


30 | ARROYO | 08.16


PHOTO: Courtesy of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

–continued from page 29

Helen Park is a showroom designer at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, a Southern California home furnishings manufacturer and retailer that specializes in upholstery, tables, lighting and rugs, including a shop at the Glendale Galleria. Park observes that a lot of “brass/gold tones are coming back” in customer room décor selections. “People are embracing the warm colors and the richness it provides to any space.” Determining where to begin in your furniture freshen-up starts with determining the purpose and function of a space, Park says. “What are you trying to achieve with the pieces and how will the items work with the rest of the area” are the key initial considerations, Park says, adding that such moments are no time to be conservative. “Be bold and experiment – you never know what combination you might enjoy and realize that nothing is forever. It can always be moved or changed or adjusted.” Park’s favorite accessories? Fun and patterned pillows, including decorative items that have a sentimental/personal value. “The pillows are a great way of introducing colors and patterns without it feeling too overwhelming or permanent,” she says. “The decorative items bring a sense of familiarity and happiness to the place. Every space should be a happy environment.” Also an advocate of happy environments is Bonnie Hargett, owner of Lloyd & Lane Found Objects of Pasadena. Her number one concern: “A comfortable place to sit is a must in any room.” Hargett doesn’t see any specific trends in Southern California furniture and accessories. The area’s décor “always seems to have a certain casualness about it that I love. It’s not really a trend, more a state of mind.” In order to make things fresh, though, Hargett advocates for an old standby. “I’m a big fan of paint both to revive furniture and to change the mood of a room. Amy Peltier, the owner of A. Peltier Interiors Inc. of Pasadena, says local furniture updates are focusing on a specific color: “I always get requests for blue. It seems to be a classic choice that never goes out of style.” Peltier loves one particular accessory: “Books! They add depth, –continued on page 32 08.16 | ARROYO | 31


PHOTO: Courtesy of Pasadena Antique & Design

—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

–continued from page 31

height, interest and layers to any space,” she enthuses. “Beautiful coffee table books are my favorite. But if you’re on a budget, you can simply take the paper covers off of your hardcover books. You’ll be surprised at how great they look.” When planning on refreshing a room, design in completion, Peltier says. “You will never be confident in your decisions if you select one item at a time,” she says. Design the whole space first, and then purchase each piece as you can afford them.” BACK TO THE FUTURE Shauna Novotny of Pasadena Antique & Design also is seeing customers embrace the mid-century contemporary stylings. Her biggest disappointment is customers who go to the big box mass market for their decorating, “with places like Pottery Barn and the larger furniture warehouses also being dominant. Much of this ends up being bland and uninteresting.” Novotny advocates for creating an interesting focus or theme when deciding on how to re-make a room. “Something tasteful, but out of the ordinary contemporary look that is so prevalent in today’s designs.” Many furniture pieces can be timeless. “Vintage and classic styles of furniture cycle in and out of favor, but always come back as tastes revolve through the years. Many of our current styles have their origins in the 17ths and 18th centuries!” Today’s furniture is on a much shorter leash, she adds. It “does not have the staying power or quality to last for long lengths of time. Vintage furniture was made to last a lifetime.” As for accessories, the personal touch is nice. While fabrics and drapes and color can freshen, accessories are “the accents that should say much about who the occupants are. These days, much of this ethic has been forgotten, and thus accessories have lost much of this personal touch.” That’s why Novotny counsels decorators to take the time to bring their taste, likes, and passions into a room. “So that when it all begins to come together, you will know and understand it. And then you will truly enjoy what you have created.” |||| 32 | ARROYO | 08.16


PARENTHOOD Pasadena’s Deena Goldstone explores a cold father’s legacy in her debut novel and talks about her own rewarding parenting of her very able disabled daughter. BY BETTIJANE LEVINE

THE ABILITY TO LOVE IS SOMETHING NOT ALL PARENTS ARE GIFTED WITH. THE FICTIONAL DAVID JABLONSKI IS A CASE IN POINT. HE’S A LITERARY LION AND DESPICABLE FATHER WHO ABANDONED HIS WIFE AND TWO TODDLERS FOR 20 YEARS, SO HE COULD GO OFF TO WRITE GREAT BOOKS. WHAT HE GAINED AND LOST AS A RESULT OF HIS ABANDONMENT IS ONE THREAD IN THE TAPESTRY OF DEENA GOLDSTONE’S

PHOTO: Patricia Williams

IMPRESSIVE NEW NOVEL, SURPRISE ME. PUBLISHED BY NAN A. TALESE, A DOUBLEDAY IMPRINT KNOWN FOR LITERARY EXCELLENCE, THE BOOK LOOKS INTO THE HEART OF AN –continued on page 34

08.16 | ARROYO | 33


Because my parents believed

I could do anything, I am now an

independent and successful adult, Eva said in an email.

–continued from page 33

UTTERLY UNLIKABLE AND EMOTIONALLY ISOLATED HUMAN, YET LEAVES US CARING DEEPLY ABOUT HIM AND ROOTING SYMPATHETICALLY FOR HIS (AND HIS CHILDREN’S) SALVATION. GOLDSTONE’S QUIETLY LUMINOUS PROSE BRINGS JABLONSKI ALIVE, MUCH IN THE WAY ELIZABETH STROUT HOOKED READERS ON THE REDOUBTABLE OLIVE KITTERIDGE. What’s really surprising about Surprise Me is that Goldstone, who’s 70, had never written a novel before and had written only one book of short stories, Tell Me One Thing, published when she was 68. Before talking with her about the parenting issues raised in her book, and the late-blooming discovery of her novel-writing talent, we learned that her reallife saga as a parent is even more compelling than her fiction, and the two strands of her life — as an author and parent — are intertwined. We spoke with the Pasadena resident one recent weekend, just after she’d given her own daughter breakfast. Goldstone’s daughter, Eva, is 33 and has had cerebral palsy since birth. She has never uttered a word. She cannot physically care for herself and needs an aide with her 24/7 to carry out the simplest daily functions. When Eva was six months old, Goldstone and her husband of 34 years, Martin Sweeney, were told by doctors that the child would never communicate or achieve. “They were wrong on both counts,” Goldstone says in a tone of triumph. “Eva’s extraordinarily bright. She’s been in regular schools since kindergarten. She graduated Crossroads School in Santa Monica with all sorts of honors, and then from Occidental College. She cannot speak but communicates through

technology,” using a system Eva devised for herself, Goldstone says. Eva uses a laser attached to a visor and points it at a letterboard, rather than “speaking” in an electronic voice, such as the one used by Stephen Hawking. “Her conversation is so speedy and precise,” Goldstone says, that “it’s as quick as normal conversation.” When Eva was still little, Goldstone’s husband sought out and adapted useful forms of technology appropriate for her age level. As she progressed, he kept scouting out the newest innovations to help her communicate. “He became a technology expert out of necessity,” Goldstone says. “And because the computer became Eva’s communication so early in her life, she’s just a whiz with all that technology by now. When I have something wrong with my computer, I call her to fi x it.” Eva now runs her own life, hires and fires her own aides and conducts business from an apartment near the family home. “Because my parents believed I could do anything, I am now an independent and successful adult,” Eva said in an email. “Ours is a wonderful story,” Goldstone says. “I thought someday I might want to write it. But I know now I never will. Eva is a writer, and it’s her story to tell.” When the new ABC-TV series Speechless, about a family with a child who has cerebral palsy, airs this fall, the lead character may well be using the communications system Eva developed. “Unbeknownst to us, writers of a pilot for the series heard about Eva and called her in for a meeting. They were apparently fascinated with how easy and inventive Eva’s communications system is, and how close my daughter was with her aide, and we believe they may incorporate some part of all that into the series. They hired Eva for five meetings so the writers could ask her questions about her life. I told her to be very careful, because whatever she says is going to probably end up on the series, and it’ll be about our family,” Goldstone says with a laugh. The family moved to Pasadena from West Los Angeles in 2002, when Eva chose Occidental from the many schools that accepted her. “I knew there was no way she could live in the dorms with an aide, and I wanted her to be close to the school, –continued on page 36

34 | ARROYO | 08.16


08.16 | ARROYO | 35


The children tell us every week that

we are doing something worthwhile with this stage of life, our green and organic

third act.

–continued from page 34

able to enjoy the campus and have coffee with friends and use the library, etc. So we moved to Pasadena, near the Rose Bowl, just a few minutes away from Occidental. We thought it would be temporary, but we love it so much here in Linda Vista that it looks like we’ll stay.” An L.A. native, Goldstone graduated from UC Berkeley and earned a master’s degree in drama and cinema from New York University. She returned to L.A., where she went into fi lm production for six years; she became a screenwriter at 30, racking up credits including the 1994 feature fi lm Safe Passage, which starred Susan Sarandon and Sam Shepard. “It’s a very structured, demanding form of writing, with really strict rules about how it works, what you can and can’t do. And it’s very collaborative, unlike any other form of writing I know,” she says. For a time she enjoyed it immensely and then continued because she was successful and consistently employed. “I was very lucky that I worked well into my 60s, but the movie business is, of course, a young person’s business, and the older you get the harder it is to work. And truthfully, the work becomes less and less satisfying. The longer I did it, the more I felt I was bumping up against the limitations of the form, and I didn’t appreciate any more the collaborative nature of it. I realized I had lost my joy in writing, which had always been what anchored me. I needed to find that joy again but I never felt I could write [literary] fiction. It was not something in the back of my mind.” Goldstone says she used to take two-mile walks every morning, and the first sentence for a short story occurred to her on one of those walks. “I thought, I won’t tell anybody I’m doing this, I’ll just try to find my joy again. So I didn’t tell a soul but went into my office every morning to write purely for myself. I finished one story and felt I couldn’t leave my characters there. I showed the story to two friends, one a writer and one an English professor, and they both said, ‘Keep going.’ So I did. I finished eight stories, and as I was writing them I began to understand that I was writing around a theme of how to cope with grief. It was something I needed to write.” Goldstone decided to try to get the stories published, but knew no one in the bookpublishing business. She gave them to her screenwriting agent, who sent them to New York literary agent Marly Rusoff, who sent them to Nan Talese, senior vice president at Doubleday and head of her own imprint. Talese loved them but said short stories were “almost impossible to sell,” and she’d have an easier time selling the book if Goldstone also had a novel in the works. “I couldn’t imagine how to write a novel, but I had one short story written that didn’t fit into the group I’d sent out. I sent it to the agent, who sent it to Talese, who said, ‘Expand this into a novel, and we’ll publish your short stories and then the novel.’” Tell Me One Thing was published in 2014. The story she expanded into her first novel, Surprise Me, was published in June. On the surface, it’s about the enduring relationship that grows between the famous 36 | ARROYO | 08.16

writer Jablonski and a writing student whom he mentors, and how ultimately each becomes the most important person in the other’s life. It’s also about the love children have even for parents who don’t love them back, and about parents whose love cannot find expression. At press time, major reviewers had not yet weighed in, but it’s obvious that, had she started writing fiction writing sooner, she might have become a major name in literature by now. We asked Goldstone if she’d thought about that, since her protagonist chose to give up his children in order to be a great writer. “Even if my daughter hadn’t been disabled, I think once you have a child, that has to be your responsibility and your focus. You have to pay attention, and I just had to pay more attention. I don’t think it’s an accident that I didn’t start writing fiction until my late 60s, because by that time my daughter was finished with college and becoming independent. So when her life got to the point where I was minimally involved, then I could write, could claim some of my head space and give time to my own work. I couldn’t have done it when she was younger. I feel fortunate that I have this time to do it now.” Goldstone says she tries to “give back” to the community wherever she can. For the past 10 years she’s been invited to mentor young screenwriters at Robert Redford’s prestigious Sundance Screenwriters Lab, which fosters emerging talent. And for six years, she has made weekly visits to the Los Angeles Leadership Academy Primary School, a dual-language–immersion charter school in Lincoln Heights for lowincome students. There she and a friend — both passionate home gardeners — started what is now a thriving urban gardening project on land the school owns. They teach elementary-schoolers where healthy food comes from, and how to grow it themselves. “Now in the summer when the children aren’t in school, the garden still flourishes…,” Goldstone wrote recently in her delightful account of the project on lithub.com. “The school garden becomes a community garden and more families have fresh produce and more children learn the joy of growing their own food. “From a simple desire to share what we loved has come an enterprise that enriches everyone involved, most of all [Goldstone’s friend] Andrea and me… The children tell us every week that we are doing something worthwhile with this stage of life, our green and organic third act.” Goldstone writes about the joys of mentoring in her novel. Even the flawed Jablonski ultimately learns about love not just from his student, but also from the grown children who love him even though he left when they were young. “No matter how bad our parents are, we still need them,” the author says. And what has she learned from her own child? “She’s an amazing person, has such spirit, she’s so upbeat and such an optimist,” Goldstone says. “I’ve learned from her that life is joyful.”|||| Surprise Me by Deena Goldstone is available at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Call (626) 449-5320 or visit vromansbookstore.com.


08.16 | ARROYO | 37


38 | ARROYO | 08.16


—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

Education A DIRECTORY OF LEARNING OPTIONS

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A Plus Pl Adventist Ad ti t Children’s Child ’ C Center t

Distinguished by our next generation technology, robust academics, championship

(Founded in 1981) is a year-round, non-profit preschool committed to providing a safe,

athletics, Spanish program and strong sense of community, Assumption is a TK – 8

secure loving environment where children ages 18-months through 5 years of age can

Catholic school rooted in the message and mission of a faith based education. Last

learn and explore and we have summer camp for ages 5-9 years old. We believe that a

year, Assumption launched its transitional kindergarten class for our young 4 year old

lower student to teacher ratio provides a better education by allowing more individual

students! High expectations, coupled with skilled, differentiated instruction across the

attention. As a church-based Christian school, A Plus stresses intellectual, physical,

grade levels, are provided by our teachers, many of whom have advanced degrees.

emotional and spiritual development. We offer a fun, stimulating environment where

Students are nurtured to be confident, compassionate and well balanced individuals

children learn through play and hands-on experience. The mission of A Plus Adventist

who are sought after, and accepted to our area’s finest high schools. We are commit-

Children’s Center is to serve the Glendale Community by providing a loving Christian

ted to being financially accessible and academically exceptional.

atmosphere where our children can be nurtured as they grow.

Visit our website: ABVM-school.org or call (626) 793-2089. Come be part of a vibrant, in-

234 N. Isabel St., Glendale (818) 241-9353 www.aplusadventist.com

novative learning community.

Altadena Children’s Center

Child Educational Center

At Altadena Children’s Center, the families of the children in our programs who range in

The Child Educational Center (CEC), a Caltech/JPL affiliate, has been providing

age from 2 months to prekindergarten find programs that meet the needs of the whole

research-based early care and education to children with an innovative focus on out-

child within a developmentally appropriate framework. Our family-centered approach

door learning since 1979. Our programs are designed for children six weeks to grade six,

helps to nurture healthy partnerships between teachers and parents as we all work

and provide nurturing care, highly-qualified teachers, and excellent ratios. All programs,

together to support the children. We are eager to help families from diverse back-

including our Cooperative Preschool at Caltech, are open to community members.

grounds to discover that Altadena Children’s Center is the best place for their child’s

Learn more at ceconline.org or by calling (818) 354-3418.

early education. Contact Director Toni Boucher at (626) 797-6142 or visit accc-kids.org.

Foothills Mathematics Group Foothills Mathematics Group recognizes that every student is unique in their ability and

Art Center College of Design

it’s important to approach them on their own, individual terms. Our student-centered

Art Center College of Design has been a global leader in art and design education for

method brings one-on-one tutoring to the comfort of the student’s home, minimizing

more than 85 years, currently offering 11 undergraduate and seven graduate degrees

distraction, maximizing retention and understanding. Each client is evaluated person-

across a spectrum of visual arts, communications and industrial design disciplines. In

ally and partnered with a teacher based on our assessment of their individual needs,

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making for the utmost compatible learning experience. FMG offers specialized tutoring

the Greater Los Angeles region through a highly regarded series of open enrollment

in a broad range of subjects including Math, Science, and Foreign Language at all lev-

art and design programs for kids, teens and adults at all skill levels. Degree courses and

els of study. The goal of every tutoring session is to cultivate a better grasp of informa-

public programs are offered year round.

tion, placing our students on a trajectory for success.

artcenter.edu/possibilities - Hillside Campus (1700 Lida St.) and South Campus (870-950 S.

We invite you to give us a call or visit our website to learn more about how we tailor educa-

Raymond Ave. and 1111 S. Arroyo Pkwy) in Pasadena

tion for our students! (888) 784-1639 - foothillsmathgroup.com –continued on page 41 08.16 | ARROYO | 39


40 | ARROYO | 08.16


—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

Education A DIRECTORY OF LEARNING OPTIONS

–continued from page 39

Glendale Adventist Academy Founded in 1907, Glendale Adventist Academy is a K-12 college preparatory school dedicated to empowering young men and women with spiritual commitment, strong academic preparation, and leadership skills. We provide a Christ-centered learning environment where students, parents, and teachers can experience the presence of God in a spirit of affirmation. Our progressive curriculum challenges and fosters the highest academic development, and our values-laden, ethically driven focus involves students in service and a commitment to their local and global communities. The curriculum maintains a rigorous program of college preparatory courses, religious education, community outreach, art, music, athletics, drama, and enrichment opportunities, promoting a life-long love for learning. The school is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Now offering Transitional Kindergarten. (818) 244-8671 - glendaleacademy.org

The Gooden School Located in Sierra Madre, The Gooden School has been offering a strong educational foundation using both traditional and progressive approaches since 1975. As an independent, Episcopal kindergarten through eighth grade school, our caring community of faculty, staff and families believe that all students possess gifts that are manifested in many ways throughout their years at Gooden. These gifts may be discovered or enhanced through academic excellence, musical, artistic or dramatic ability, through sports or the acquisition of a second language. All students study not only traditional academic subjects but each child also learns Latin and Spanish and all students play a musical instrument. Additionally, students participate in service-learning projects and utilize the latest technology that is integrated throughout the curriculum. Open houses will be held on October 22, 2016 and January 11, 2017. For more information visit goodenschool.org or call (626) 355-2410

High Point Academy High Point Academy is an independent co-educational kindergarten through eighth grade independent school nestled in the beautiful foothills of Pasadena. For over fifty years, High Point Academy has provided a strong commitment to academic excellence and innovation and the academic, social, and ethical development of the whole child within a balanced approach to education. Service learning, technology, athletics, arts, vocal and instrumental music, world languages in Spanish and French, library, and green sustainable living are embedded in our enriched curriculum. We strive to awaken the joy of learning in each student and are proud to offer physical education five days each week, a new iMac technology center, an exquisite and impeccably maintained campus as well as a dedicated faculty and staff. High Point invites you to see our community for yourself at one of our upcoming open houses. highpointacademy.org

Institute for Educational Advancement IEA is an independent, national non-profit that matches gifted children ages 3-18 with customized educational programs designed to serve their complex intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual and physical needs. These initiatives foster intellectual curiosity, the acquisition of knowledge, confidence, creativity, responsibility and moral decisiveness. Academy provides year-round, challenging enrichment classes focused on exploration and the application of knowledge. The residential summer Apprenticeship Program links high school students with distinguished professionals who serve as mentors to gain

–continued on page 42 08.16 | ARROYO | 41


—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

Education A DIRECTORY OF LEARNING OPTIONS

–continued from page 41 hands-on, real-world experience. The Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship provides students with a four-year scholarship to a high school that fits each Scholar’s individual intellectual and personal needs. Yunasa summer camps unite highly able youngsters and gifted experts to teach campers how to balance all aspects of their lives. Visit educationaladvancement.org for more information.

Justine Sherman & Associates Justine Sherman & Associates serves the speech-language and educational needs of individuals throughout the greater San Gabriel Valley community. We design customized treatment plans with personalized measurable goals achieved through individual therapy sessions or classes conducted by our certified and licensed speech-language pathologists and supervised aids. Our collaborative relationship with families, educators and health care professionals ensures the best opportunity for client success and supports our philosophy of holistic treatment. justineshermanslp.com or (626)355-1729

Los Angeles Children’s Chorus First Experiences in Singing Los Angeles Children’s Chorus’s First Experiences in Singing (FES) classes introduce children to joyous vocal expression appropriate for the children’s age and developmental stage. These classes are non-auditioned, non-performing groups that introduce six- to seven-year-old boys and girls to the fundamentals of singing. No prior musical experience is required. LACC developed this three-level, sequential course to impart the foundational elements of musicianship and bel canto choral technique, while engaging the whole child in fun, interactive musical learning. Classes prepare children for auditions for LACC’s core ensembles. Contact us at lachildrenschorus.org – (626) 793-0173

La Salle High School La Salle High School is dedicated to excellent student performance in academics, arts and athletics. La Salle Summer Academic Institute is for 5th to 12th graders. Courses provide opportunities to home skills and learn new concepts in the more relaxed environment of summer. Students earn high school academic credit in some courses, and many courses satisfy UC standards. Sports Camps are available throughout the summer for student athletes. (626) 696-4300 lasallehs.org

Maranatha High School: Christ Centered, College Bound Maranatha High School is a non-denominational Christian school providing an excellent college preparatory education in a Christ-revering context. MHS is excited to kick off the 2016-2017 school year under the direction of new Head of School Dr. Steven J. Sherman, and recently appointed, but familiar to many, Principal John Rouse. This dynamic and energetic duo is ready to begin the year with a renewed focus on their Christian mission predicated by building strong relationships through mentoring, and continuing to strive for academic excellence. Maranatha offers 31 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, exceptional Performing and Visual Arts, competitive athletics, nearly 40 clubs, and mission trips and service opportunities both locally and globally. Discover what Maranatha is all about at Admissions Open House on Saturday, November 5, 2016 or online at maranathahighschool.org. –continued on page 44 42 | ARROYO | 08.16


08.16 | ARROYO | 43


—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

Education A DIRECTORY OF LEARNING OPTIONS

–continued from page 42

Pacific Harps Pacific Harps is a Los Angeles based business that aims to provide world-class Harp Music, Events, Instruction, and Harps for all. It is the official Camac Harps dealer of California. Join us this summer for our concert series line up where we bring world renowned harpists for intimate outdoor shows. If you’d like to try learning the harp this summer, come visit us at our Pasadena showroom for lessons and harp sales & rentals at 922 North Craig Ave., Pasadena 91106. pacificharps.com pacificatlanticharps.com music-for-events.com

Pacific Oaks Children’s School Igniting curiosity, creativity, and compassion that lasts a lifetime. Pacific Oaks Children’s School provides spirited education that inspires a love of learning and confidence through an intelligent, imaginative curriculum. A culture of inquiry and innovation is cultivated for children and adults, as we embody the notion that a great school is one in which everybody learns. We deepen parents’ appreciation of early development and their role in supporting their child’s growth. Learn more about Pacific Oaks Children’s School by scheduling your tour today: (626) 5298011 or pacificoakschildrensschool.org.

Pasadena Language Center We offer over 30 languages for adults and children. Our small group classes are perfect for beginner, intermediate and advanced students. Our language programs include weekly classes, intensive classes, weekend intensive, full immersion classes, kids classes, ESL classes, or private instruction. We keep the rates affordable so that anyone can learn a new language. Pasadena Language Center, 46 Smith Alley Ste., 240, Pasadena. Call (626) 844-5003 or visit pasadenalanguage.com

Stratford Schools We are committed to connecting students with their unique futures. We offer an unparalleled education that inspires children to be creative problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders. We approach the learning experience by infusing a strong liberal arts curriculum with STEAM inspired learning. Respect: We value our employees, students, parents, and community. Respect and integrity are cornerstones of our character building and commitment to one-another. Being a good neighbor builds strong community partnerships with our school. Excellence: We foster educational excellence and citizenship in our students through outstanding teaching and a customer service culture. Always Improving: We are passionate about learning at all levels. Our commitment to feedback and constant improvement is essential to our future success. We hire employees with the same willingness to evolve. Collaborative Culture: Teamwork is our focus and every role is interconnected and valued. We aim to create a school with open doors and joyful warmth, where everyone is seen and heard. Our culture of connectivity promotes social intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and community. Joyful people create better educational outcomes. High Expectations: By empowering extraordinary teachers with a rigorous curriculum that blends tradition with 21st century learning, Stratford School achieves academic excellence. We encourage children’s natural curiosity to reach for things they don’t yet understand, and unleash their courage to grasp opportunities others don’t yet see. Spots still available but are limited for the 2016-17 school year. Call for a tour and for more information: (626) 498-2810 2046 Allen Ave., Altadena. stratfordschools.com. |||| 44 | ARROYO | 08.16


LEGAL AID Don’t leave for college without it — the two legal documents that can save families a huge headache if their newly minted adult has an emergency. BY RICHARD CUNNINGHAM

08.16 | ARROYO | 45


–continued from page 45

LATE ONE NIGHT IN APRIL, DIANE PIRZADA OF SAN MARINO LEARNED THE HARD WAY THAT HER 18-YEAR-OLD SON WAS TRULY AN ADULT. HER SON, NICK, WAS AT A ROCK CONCERT WHEN HE CALLED HER ON A FRIEND’S CELLPHONE TO SAY HIS OWN PHONE HAD BEEN STOLEN, ALONG WITH HIS CREDIT CARD STORED IN THE PHONE CASE. DIANE ASSUMED SHE COULD EASILY SAVE

Nick and Diane Pirzada

NICK FROM CREDIT CARD FRAUD BY IMMEDIATELY CALLING THE CREDIT CARD COMPANY TO CANCEL THE STOLEN CARD. BUT WHEN SHE SPOKE TO CUSTOMER SERVICE, SHE WAS STUNNED TO LEARN THAT SHE HAD NO POWER TO CANCEL THE CARD BECAUSE IT WAS ONLY IN NICK’S NAME AND, AT 18, HE WAS NOW LEGALLY AN ADULT — ONLY HE COULD CANCEL IT. FORTUNATELY FOR

TO CANCEL THE CARD, BUT THE INCIDENT OPENED HER EYES TO A FACT OF LIFE MANY PARENTS DON’T UNDERSTAND — WHEN KIDS Alexandra Smyser

TURN 18, THEY’RE LEGALLY ON THEIR OWN WHEN IT COMES TO

Robert Petrovich

CONTROL OVER MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE, WHETHER THEY’RE AWAY AT COLLEGE OR STILL AT HOME. “Then I realized I needed to find out about this, especially with him going off to school,” Diane says. “So I got together with [my attorney] Alexandra Smyser and went over it with her.” Diane learned that once a child is no longer a minor, the family needs two important legal documents to allow parents to intercede on his or her behalf in case of an emergency — a durable power of attorney and an advance healthcare directive. “I don’t think a lot of people know about it until, unfortunately, they’re in a situation,” Pirzada says. “It’s the responsible thing to do for your family.” Arroyo Monthly spoke with two estate-planning attorneys — Smyser of Pasadena and San Marino’s Robert Petrovich — about the documents parents need to ensure they can protect their young adult child’s health and assets if they’re injured, ill or otherwise incapacitated. Can you talk about the legal documents parents should have in hand when their child turns 18? ALEXANDRA SMYSER: The first thing is a durable power of attorney, which appoints someone you trust to manage your [child’s] financial assets and to communicate with institutions about [him or her], from the cable company to the Social Security Administration. It becomes important if you’re not able to manage your affairs. If you’re in

46 | ARROYO | 08.16

PHOTOS:Top, Terry Fouche; middle, courtesy of the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer; bottom, Robert Petrovich

BOTH PIRZADAS, SHE ULTIMATELY PERSUADED A REPRESENTATIVE


the hospital or even out of the country, it can get complicated to make sure your bills are paid, make sure that someone can deal with the bank on your behalf, if you need to cancel phone service — that kind of thing. The other one is a similar document except that it’s for your healthcare. It’s called an advance healthcare directive [allowing parents to make medical decisions for their child]. They’re equally important; it just depends on your situation. ROBERT PETROVICH: When they become 18, they’re an adult in this state, and when they become adults, they’re on their own. And with situations like going to college, even though [parents are] paying the tuition bills and paying the room and board, the school doesn’t have to talk to you. If you don’t have the authorization by a durable power of attorney or healthcare directive, then the school doesn’t talk to you about your kid’s medical condition, your kid’s grades, what your kid’s doing at school, because the kid is an adult. So by obtaining a healthcare directive and a durable power of attorney for property management and personal affairs, you can lodge them with the health center at the school and then with the administration; that way they have on file that we have the right to ask questions about anything in connection with their grades, health issues, that sort of thing. Should everyone have these documents? AS: Honestly, everybody over the age of 18 should have these documents. They’re not expensive documents, and we hope you never have to use them, but if you need them, it can make a difficult situation much easier. RP: We recommend it to everybody. For 18-year-olds to 25-year-olds, until they get out of school, they don’t own much stuff, so mainly you want to be able to make decisions on their behalf when they can’t. Like I always say, ‘If your advance healthcare is working, you’re not.’ So somebody’s got to be able to speak for you, because that’s what the health directive says —“If I’m unconscious or unable to deal with my own medical care, then I appoint John Smith as my healthcare agent.”

This is news to me, and I’m the father of two adult children. Am I unusual? AS: People don’t really know about it. Thankfully, it doesn’t happen that often. It’s one of those things that people don’t necessarily want to deal with. It’s hard to do those things, and the healthcare directive is especially difficult because you have to decide how you want the end of your life to be handled. For certain people, it’s hard. But then you put it away, and hopefully you never have to use it. I see people on the other end, who call me in a bind, because they have, unfortunately, a child who has taken ill or has been in an accident, and they’re having trouble. And then we have to go to all that difficulty to navigate the system without those documents. It’s a little bit of insurance. It sounds like parents should also have their own durable power of attorney and advance healthcare directive. RP: Accidents happen, and there are going to be times when you need somebody to speak for you, and unless you’ve got a healthcare directive, then nobody’s going to speak for you. They’ll only get your condition back to basically stable and get you to a point where you can consent to your own medical care. When we make these things nowadays, we recommend that you carry around a USB stick with all your information. First responders are now being trained to look for these USB sticks. If you put ICE on the stick — In Case of Emergency — all the EMTs now have computers; they can plug it in and all of a sudden, you’ve got the power of attorney, the healthcare directive, you can list your doctor contacts, the medications you’re taking. When time is of the essence, it’s really important that this information is readily available. You can put a USB stick on your keychain. It’s having the information available to whoever needs it that there are people who can speak for you. Because otherwise, they’re limited, either by policy or by statute, as to what they can do in a medical emergency situation.|||| 08.16 | ARROYO | 47


KITCHEN KITCHEN CONFESSIONS CONFESSIONS

INFUSION INTRUSION S

BY LESLIE BILDERBACK

alt is tthe he ne new ew ccup ew cupcake. upca cakke. Ass I mentioned last month month, salt iss myy ne new obsession. At leastt in my my world wor orld ld it it is. i A is n w ob bsession Salt, to me, is like the best friend you’ve always had but just discovered was totally cute and kind of irresistible. There is so much to love about salt. It is historically significant, which is like crack to me. If something is culturally important, changed the world or can be found in sepia-tone photographs with mustachioed men, you can bet I’m going to be into it. Salt allowed for the preservation of foods and the production of textiles and leather. It is important to our health, and it makes everything taste better. But perhaps my favorite thing about salt is its malleability. Simple changes in local climate, plate tectonics or flora and fauna can alter salt’s shape, flavor, color and density. I can change salt too, and I do. Sure, it can be used in chunks, or ground into powder or dissolved. But it is the addition of flavor to salt that I find most intriguing. Infused salts are popping up everywhere. Great sea salts infused with chiles, citrus, herbs or mushrooms (to name just a few) add a burst of flavor to a dish, and a burst of complexity to the top of each bite. I use them as a finishing touch on salads, simple vegetables, seafood and even chocolate truffles. They are great — indeed, indispensable — on grilled or roasted meats and will be the topic of conversation when presented as a table salt. They can be found in all the fancy food stores; my local butcher even added a stack of them to his meat counter. But they are expensive — almost ridiculously so. If you are so inclined, you can make them better and cheaper at home. Think of salt as a blank canvas onto which you can paint any flavor you choose. The main ingredient in these recipes is, of course, salt. Sea salt is preferred (as opposed to mined salt, which I feel is too salty for this application), but the type and brand is up to you. As you become more familiar with international salts, you will find one or two you really like. Use those for your infused salts. If you plan to make a lot of infused salt (which I highly recommend), look for bulk bags of good sea salt at 48 | ARROYO | 08.16

restaurant rest re stau st aura au ura rant ntt supply sup uppl ply stores stores ess or or Asian Asia As iaan markets. mark rket ets. s. these salts, you hooked. But don’t On you Once you start sttaart making makk in ingg th thes se infused inffus in f use sed salts u are aree going goiing to be hooked worry — they make great gifts and last forever. Your hostess or secretary or teacher or secret Santa will be way more impressed with this than a boring bottle of wine.

Dried Herb and Spice Salts Dried herb salt is perfect to make when you have an abundance of herbs, either homegrown or store-bought. And spice salts are really quick to make. So you can get inspired on short notice, or throw together an amazingly quick hostess gift. It’s also a great vehicle for herb blends. My favorite is herbes de Provence, but it works just as well with an Italian blend, curry powders or za’atar — any dried herb or spice you love. Try these versatile salts on cooked or fresh vegetables (they’re great on crudités), salads, grilled meat and fish or roasted roots. The homemade version always comes out more flavorful than store-bought.

INGREDIENTS ½ cup dried herbs or spices 1 cup unrefined sea salt

METHOD 1. Grind dried herbs or spices with 2 tablespoons of salt in a coffee mill and pulse to a uniform texture. Mix together with remaining salt. Transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Let it mature for at least an hour or two for the best flavor.

VARIATIONS Cardamom Salt Cardamom is my favorite spice, and it makes a salt that works equally well on spicy curries and fruit cobblers. Grind 5 or 6 cardamom pods with coarse salt, then strain out the husks. Mustard Salt Grind brown or yellow mustard seeds with coarse salt for this tangy, hot salt.

PHOTOS: Teri Lyn Fisher

SALTS INFUSED WITH HERBS, SPICES AND FRUITS ADD A RAINBOW OF FLAVORS TO YOUR COOKING.


KITCHEN CONFESSIONS

Citrus Salt This is the most popular of the infused salts, probably because it is accessible (i.e. not weird) and can be used pretty much anywhere one would use straight salt. Meat, fish, vegetables, grains, fruits and desserts are all brightened by the citrus punch. You can make it with any — and every — citrus fruit you can get your hands on. Then make it with a mixture of citrus fruits. And if you want to be super fancy, try it with some of the more exotic citrus fruits, like the Buddha’s hand or blood oranges. You really can’t go wrong. A note about technique here: Some recipes call for the zest to be grated off the fruit using a microplane. I have found that such fine grating releases too much of the citrus oil into the air, rather than keeping it in the zest, which is where I want it. So invest in a good, sharp potato peeler that doesn't take off too much pith, and remove the zest in larger strips. (This investment will probably set you back about $1.78.)

INGREDIENTS 2 large lemons, oranges, tangerines or limes or 1 large ruby grapefruit 1 cup unrefined sea salt

METHOD 1. Use a sharp potato peeler to remove all the zest from your chosen citrus fruit in long strips. Spread out the zest in an even thin layer and set it aside to dry for 1 to 2 days. If you can set it in a sunny place, it will dry faster. If you have a dehydrator it will happen in just a couple of hours. When it feels brittle, grind it with 2 tablespoons of salt in a coffee mill and pulse to a uniform texture. Mix together with the remaining salt, and transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid.

VARIATIONS Tiny Fruits Kumquats and key or Mexican limes make nice salt too, but their zest is a little harder to access. I suggest using a very sharp paring knife to remove the zest in the biggest chunks possible. For the recipe above, you will need about a dozen of these smaller fruits.

Citrus Herb and Spice Salt The following lists are merely suggestions, based on common usage. Feel free to use your imagination to mix and match. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs. You can dry them before adding the dried zest, or mix them in wet and spread the entire batch of lemon-herb salt out in the sun to dry (or in your dehydrator). For dry spices, start with 1 tablespoon, then taste and add more as needed. Lemon Combinations Pair your lemon with thyme, sage, parsley, mint, chervil, toasted cumin seed, lavender, rosemary, chive, ginger, fennel fronds or toasted seeds, toasted anise seed, toasted sesame seeds, saff ron, matcha tea, vanilla or a mixture of peppercorns. Orange Combinations Try rosemary, thyme, bay, sage, cayenne, cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, toasted coriander seeds, cacao nibs, fennel fronds or toasted seeds, toasted anise seed, vanilla or espresso. Lime Combinations Combine lime zest with cilantro, chipotle or other chiles, parsley, toasted coconut, toasted coriander seed, toasted cumin seed, toasted sesame seed, matcha or wakame seaweed. I particularly like coriander, chipotle and lime. Grapefruit Try rosemary, toasted coriander seed, toasted sesame seed, thyme, cilantro, lavender or pink peppercorns. You have probably already figured out that you can make infused salt out of just about everything. You’ll find an entire chapter of infused salt recipes and ideas in my upcoming book SALT: The Essential Guide to Cooking with the Most Important Ingredient in your Kitchen (St. Martin’s Griffin), available for preorder now on Amazon, and in stores Sept. 6.|||| Leslie Bilderback is a certified master baker, chef and cookbook author. She lives in South Pasadena and teaches her techniques online at culinarymasterclass.com. 08.16 | ARROYO | 49


THE LIST

A SELECTIVE PREVIEW OF UPCOMING EVENTS COMPILED BY JOHN SOLLENBERGER Stars and Sitar at Descanso Summer's End

Open-Air Film and Food Fest Aug. 6 —

Aug. 3 — Descanso

Eat|See|Hear, L.A.’s

Gardens hosts its

traveling outdoor film, live music and

End of Summer Festival with after-hours walks and music from 5 to 10 p.m.,

food-truck entertainment series, visits

when a Flashdance DJ spins tunes while

Pasadena’s Centennial Square next to

musicians play the harp, tabla and sitar

City Hall for a screening of Willie Wonka

elsewhere in the gardens. Stargazers will

and the Chocolate Factory, with live

want to visit the Oak Woodland (bring

music by up-and-coming atmospheric

a flashlight) to look through a telescope

rock band State to State (above). Ticket

provided by the Old Town Sidewalk

prices range from $8 to $21.

Astronomers. Food and beverages will

Aug. 13 — The film Big screens, with

be available for purchase from Patina

music by the King Washington band at

on the Main Lawn. The event is free with

the Autry Museum of the American West.

regular Descanso admission of $9, $6 for

Tickets are $5 to $21.

seniors and students and $4 for children

For all shows, doors open at 5:30 p.m.,

ages 5 to 12; free for members and kids

followed by live music at 7 p.m. and the

4 and younger.

screening at 8:30 p.m.

Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Des-

Centennial Square is located outside

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

Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield

949-4200 or visit descansogardens.org.

Ave., Pasadena. The Autry Museum of the American West is located at 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park. Visit

Bands and Brew at Zoo Nights Aug. 5 — Guests (21

eatseehear.com.

50 local craft and microbreweries from

SUMMER SOUNDS ROLL ON AT LEVITT PAVILION

7 to 11 p.m. Catch live music, karaoke,

Levitt Pavilion Pasadena keeps the free music coming this summer. These are a

dancing to a DJ, pub food, zookeeper

few August highlights:

features hits from Broadway musicals

talks, encounters with some of the zoo’s

Aug. 6 — A.J. Croce performs Americana music at 8 p.m.

and operas including Porgy & Bess,

smaller inhabitants and visits to animal

Aug. 11 — Lucky Diaz & the Family Jam Band (above) plays children’s music at

Grease, Frozen, Aida, The Lion King,

and older) at the L.A. Zoo’s annual Brew at the Zoo can sample beers from some

habitats. Advance tickets cost $65 ($60

Cal Phil Ends Summer on High Note Aug. 6 and 7 —

“Center Stage”

Carmen and Samson & Delilah, starting

7 p.m.

for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association

Aug. 12 — Latin music band Quetzal plays at 8 p.m.

at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Santa Anita

members), $25 for designated drivers

Aug. 14 — Doug MacLeod performs jazz at 7 p.m.

Park and 2 p.m. Sunday at Walt Disney

and $125 for VIP tickets offering early

Aug. 20 — Yuval Ron plays world music at 8 p.m.

Concert Hall.

entry and access to exclusive lounges

Aug. 28 — California Feetwarmers play jazz at 7 p.m.

Aug. 20 and 21 — The summer series

serving complimentary food and drinks.

Levitt Pavilion Pasadena is located in Memorial Park, corner of Raymond Avenue

grand finale (and the orchestra’s final

At the door, tickets are $75 ($70 for

and Walnut Street, Pasadena. Call (626) 683-3230 or visit levittpavilionpasadena.org.

outdoor concert at Santa Anita) features movie music from Star Wars, E.T., Jurassic

GLAZA members).

Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Harry

Aug. 26 — Roaring Nights at the Zoo

ScareLA Haunts Pasadena Civic

The marketplace offers horror-related

Potter, plus the 1812 Overture and Liszt’s

products; panels and presentations on

Piano Concerto No. 1, starting at 7:30

Aug. 6 and 7 —

makeup, set building and animatron-

p.m. Saturday at Santa Anita Park and

older, includes a DJ dance party, pop-up

ScareLA, a conven-

ics; hands-on workshops for all ages by

2 p.m. Sunday at Disney Hall.

zookeeper talks, visits to animal habitats

tion dedicated to

horror industry professionals and more.

Ticket prices range from $20 to $95 for

returns with live indie rock, food, craft beer and encounters with wildlife. The 7 to 11 p.m. event, open to visitors 18 and

and an Animal Artistry Paint Party, where

Halloween, showcases original, interac-

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Santa Anita concerts and $20 to $100 for

guests paint a favorite animal on canvas

tive horror attractions, such as The Rope,

Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Disney Hall concerts.

to take home. Tickets cost $25, ($22 for

using sensory deprivation and physical

General admission tickets cost $50 for

Santa Anita Park is located at 285 W.

GLAZA members). Ticket prices include

and emotional tests to frighten guests.

both days, $35 for Saturday only and $30

Huntington Drive, Arcadia. Walt Disney

admission to the “Dinosaurs: Unextinct at

Celebrities appearing include Elvira,

for Sunday. Other ticket packages are

Concert Hall is located at 111 S. Grand

the L.A. Zoo” exhibit.

Mistress of the Dark (a.k.a. Cassandra

also available.

Ave., L.A. Call (626) 304-0333 for Santa

The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333

Peterson) and Todd Robbins, host of

The Pasadena Convention Center is

Anita concerts and (800) 745-3000 for

Zoo Dr., Griffith Park. Call (323) 644-6001

Investigation Discovery’s True Nightmares

located at 300 E. Green St., Pasadena.

Disney Hall concerts or visit calphil.com.

or visit lazoo.org.

and star of Off Broadway’s Play Dead.

Visit scarela.com.

50 | ARROYO | 08.16

–continued on page 53


08.16 | ARROYO | 51


52 | ARROYO | 08.16


THE LIST

MOVES AFTER DARK AT MUSIC CENTER Aug. 8, 15, 16 and 17 — The Moves After Dark dance series returns to the Music Center for a second season. Four contemporary dance companies perform 15-minute works in nontraditional spaces around the Music Center campus and in nearby Grand Park, with audience members following them and selecting their own vantage point. Dance companies include contemporary Indian dance theater ensemble Blue13 Dance Company, the all-woman hip-hop crew Decadancetheatre, Invertigo Dance Theatre and Afro-Brazilian Viver Brasil Dance Company. Performances start at 8:30 p.m. each evening.Tickets cost $30 (no seating is available), available on the website. The Music Center is located at 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Call (213) 972-0711 or visit musiccenter.org/moves.

PHOTO: Denise Leitner (Blue13 Dance Company)

–continued from page 50

Teen Artists Summer– Schooled at Norton Simon

including works by Vasily Kandinsky,

Aug. 13 and 14

Sculpture Garden to sketch forms

Paul Klee, Constantin Brancusi, Isamu Noguchi, John Altoon and Barbara Hepworth. They then move to the

— The Norton Simon Museum hosts its

meaningful to them and use their

free annual Teen Arts Academy. Artist

experiences with both nature and art

Tim Forcum explores forms found in art

to create a gouache painting. Sign

and nature in a drawing and painting

up on the website.

workshop from 1:30 to 4 p.m. both days.

The Norton Simon Museum is located at 411

Participants are encouraged to seek

W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Call (626)

inspiration in modern paintings and

449-6840 or visit nortonsimon.org/events.

sculptures in the museum’s collection,

–continued on page 54 08.16 | ARROYO | 53


THE LIST

–continued from page 53

Celebrating the Arts in Frogtown

Gardener Series hosts “Soil, the Soul of

Aug. 13 — Elysian

Richard Hayden, head gardener at the

Valley (known

Natural History Museum of L.A. County.

popularly as

Topics include soil testing, structure and

Frogtown) near the

compaction, microorganisms, mulching

Our Gardens,” a 2 p.m. discussion by

L.A. River in Northeast L.A., is the site of

and composting. Free with regular

the free annual Frogtown Artwalk from

Huntington admission of $25, $21 for

4 to 10 p.m. Guests are invited to tour

seniors and students and $10 for youth

galleries, studios and surrounding streets

ages 4 to 11; members and children

in the eclectic community, home to a

under 4 are admitted free.

vibrant art scene. Pop-up galleries at

The Huntington Library, Art Collections

local businesses and manufacturers are

and Botanical Gardens is located at

included, plus live music, performances,

1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino. Call (626)

poetry and other attractions. This year’s

405-2100 or visit huntington.org.

event honors Lewis MacAdams of the

protecting the waterway.

Pasadena Pops Celebrates Cole Porter

The Frogtown Artwalk is centered along

Aug. 20 — The

Blake Avenue in Northeast L.A. Visit

Pasadena Pops’

Friends of the Los Angeles River, an organization dedicated to restoring and

frogtownarts.com.

August concert at the L.A. County Arboretum salutes

America’s Parks, India’s Jungle Viewed at Huntington

songwriter Cole Porter, whose hits

Aug. 18 and 25 —

Conductor Michael Feinstein (above).

include “Begin the Beguine,” “It’s DeLovely,” “Just One of Those Things,” “So in Love” and others, with Principal Pops

“Geographies of Wonder” is a three-

Gates open for dining at 5:30 p.m. and

part lecture series exploring themes

the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Ticket

of the Huntington’s current exhibition,

prices start at $25.

Geographies of Wonder: Origin

The L.A. County Arboretum and Botanic

Stories of America’s National Parks,

Garden is located at 301 N. Baldwin

1872–1933. Peter Blodgett, the H. Russell

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

Smith Foundation Curator of Western

pasadenasymphony-pops.org.

American Manuscripts, discusses the

scenic wonders, the evolution of the

Tempting Tunes at The Rose

national park concept and the creation

Aug. 21 —

of the National Park Service in 1916. The

Pasadena’s newest

lectures run from 10 a.m. to noon Aug.

live music venue, The

roots of America’s fascination with

18, 25 and Sept. 1. The cost is $90 ($75 for

54 | ARROYO | 08.16

Rose, located in the

members).

former Gelson’s Market space in Paseo

Aug. 27 — Family Movie Night features

Colorado, presents R&B supergroup The

the 1967 Disney film The Jungle Book.

Temptations (above) reviving such hits as

Guests may bring blankets and a picnic

“Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “My Girl,” “Get

to spread out on the lawn. The event,

Ready,” “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep” and

from 7 to 9:30 p.m., includes preshow

others. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets cost

activities and entertainment. The cost is

$38 to $88.

$20 ($15 for members); children 3 and

The Rose is located at 245 E. Green St.,

younger are admitted free.

Pasadena. Call (888) 645-5006 or visit

Aug. 28 — The Southern California

roseconcerts.com. ||||


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