Southern California Life_March.April2015 by Antoni Pham

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ON LIFE IN LONG BEACH

MAR.APR2015

CONTENTS 66

WENDI McLENDONCOVEY

Wendi McLendon-Covey Photographed by Benny Haddad. Location: The Queen Mary

The boutique Kimpton Hotels welcome dog s of all sizes with open arms and they’ll hang a sig n on your door to let guests and staff know that you’ve g ot your best furry friend in your room.

TO BREAKFAST Features 36 BIKE Through So Cal + Profile ROBERT HAMILTON 52 DR. Santa Monica Pediatrician By MICHAEL FLEEMAN

Leads Walk to Africa By ROBYN FLANS

GOMEZ 56 TARA Native American Winemaker Keeps the Chumash Spirit Alive Through Her Winemaking By MACKENZIE MILLER

McLENDON-COVEY 66 WENDI Hometown Girl on Life

RESORTS 88 PET-FRIENDLY for Your Furry Friends By ROBYN FLANS

LOOK FOR 92 NEW San Diego Embarcadero By LINDA LANG

in Long Beach By ERIKA THOMAS

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

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MAR.APR2015

CONTENTS

Departments

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER/EDITOR.IN.CHIEF

AFFAIRS TO REMEMBER A Very Disney Evening at The Sayer’s Club By MICHELE STUEVEN

SIGNATURES & LANDMARKS Leo Carrillo Ranch: The Legacy of a Beloved Actor Lives on in the Rustic Getaway he Created More Than Seven Decades Ago By ERIKA THOMAS

ENCHANTING ESCAPES 22 Hotel Del Coronado San Diego’s Legendary Beachside Getaway By ERIKA THOMAS

26 Rebirth of the Legendary Golden Door

Pan Am Dining Experience at Air Hollywood

By LINDA LANG

30 La Quinta Resort & Club Shines After Multi-Million Dollar Update By LINDA LANG

SO CAL CULTURE

Restored Resplendence: Southern California's Historic Theatres By IMAAN JALALI

FAB FINDS Blooming Into Spring Beauty By NICOLE SCHMIDT

SUSAN FENIGER

OFF THE BEATEN PATH Come Fly With Me A Retro Air Experience That Harkens Back to Aviation’s Golden Era By ERIKA THOMAS

BUBBLES & BREWS

By IMAAN JALALI

THE GOURMAND Susan Feniger Shares Her Favorite Spring Salads and Explains How She’s Bringing the Midwest Cheers Vibe to Los Angeles

By ROBYN FLANS

TRENDING TALK

By NICOLE SCHMIDT

By ESTHER C. BLEUEL, MA, MFT, MDR

FIVE FAVES Five Floating Picnics By MICHAEL FLEEMAN

By MICHAEL FLEEMAN

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

Check the gift registry. if you don’t see anything that seems rig ht, feel free to be creative.

By DEBBIE SULLIVAN

93 96

ON THE CALENDAR SOOO CAL Turf War: Water Rights

THE HOOD Long Beach: From Iowa by the Sea to Trendy Town; Home of the Queen Mary & Long Beach Grand Prix.

TO-DO-LIST Passover and Easter: Celebrating in the Southland

Travelling to a Destination Wedding? A Few Tips for Having a Great Experience

PERFECT PICKS The Wedding Planner

By DAHVI SHIRA

THE HOOD Catalina: The Island of Romance, Undersea Adventures and Extraordinary Experiences

So Cal Pubs Worthy of a Toast

By SCOTT HARRIS

CROSSWORD By MYLES MELLOR

ON THE COVER WENDI McLENDON-COVEY PHOTOGRAPHED BY BENNY HADDAD. Wardrobe: Jordan Grossman/Exclusive Artists Management Hair: Judd Minter/Aim Artists Agency Makeup: Eric Barnard/Aim Artists Agency. Photographed at The Queen Mary.

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Monique Reidy EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR COMMUNICATION AND ADVICE EDITOR CROSSWORD EDITOR ENTERTAINMENT AND PROFILES EDITOR LANDMARKS AND HISTORICAL FEATURES EDITOR SPORTS & "SOOO CAL” EDITOR STYLE AND BEAUTY EDITOR TRAVEL EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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Michele Stueven Antoni Pham Benny Haddad Imaan Jalali Esther Bleuel Myles Mellor Robyn Flans Erika Thomas Scott Harris Nicole Schmidt Linda Lang Debbie Sullivan, Michael Fleeman, MacKenzie Miller, Dahvi Shira Erica Goddard, Dale Berman Erik Glode Mike Kaiser, Karen Kaiser www.searanchimages.com

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Southern California Life magazine is published by Elysian Media Group, LLC. ©2014 Elysian Media Group, LLC. Southern California Life magazine is registered US Patent and Trademark Office. The opinions expressed in Southern California Life magazine are not to be considered official expressions of Elysian Media Group, LLC. Elysian Media Group, LLC does not accept any responsibility for the actions of its readers. The contents within Southern California Life magazine are for informational purposes only and should not be treated as health care or health management advice. The materials herein are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of content in this magazine. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without written permission from the publisher is prohibitted. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising matter. Publisher does not assume responsibility for errors, omissions, and/or changes in advertising or editorial material. March/April 2015 Printed in the USA.

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER / EDITOR.IN.CHIEF

Monique Reidy Publisher/ Editor.in.Chief

WHEN SuRF SCHooLS IN SouTHERN CALIFoRNIA CANCEL LESSoNS, WE KNoW WE’RE oN THE BRINK oF DISASTER. Yes, I know … this season’s rainfall seems particularly heavy to us, but a few inches of rain are a proverbial drop in the bucket compared to what the rest of the country is facing. It’s no surprise we’ve been typecast as a distinct group of people incapable of driving in bad weather or functioning in temperatures below 65 degrees. Perhaps it’s because we have poor weather so infrequently we don’t have a chance to practice navigating through it as often as our neighbors across the country. Though it doesn’t feel like it to us, Southern California's rain totals this year are still far below normal and it will take a series of drenching storms to make a dimple in our persistent drought crisis. In fact, our drought condition has reached such a critical level that Southern Californians are now obsessed with water conservation. This fixation with saving water is illustrated in our new column, “Sooo Cal,” in which writer Scott Harris will introduce the unique cultural quirks about our region and its people. This issue also highlights significant places in the Southland, popular pastimes and events we think may interest you. We uncover restored historic theaters and spotlight a unique experience at Air Hollywood that lets visitors dine aboard a Pan Am Airliner. We offer recommendations on where to spend Easter and Passover and suggest places where cycling to breakfast give new meaning to “rise and shine.” Restaurateur, Susan Feniger of Mud Hen, Border Grill and “Two Hot Tamales” fame graces us with her special spring salads recipes. Since by the time this magazine makes it into your hands our rainfall will have surely subsided, a quick getaway is probably in order. The newly renovated Golden Door in Escondido, La Quinta Resort and Club and Hotel Del Coronado are three of this edition’s featured destinations. our March - April issue also spotlights Long Beach, a city that has evolved from an obscure town known for its bars, vintage shops and aging structures to a cosmopolitan city that hosts the world-renowned Grand Prix and is home to the historic Queen Mary.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

Landmarks and Historical Features Editor, Erika Thomas and Actress Wendi McLendonCovey

Long Beach is also home to our featured cover celebrity, Wendi McLendon-Covey. Her cover story, written by her longtime friend and our Landmarks and Historical Features Editor, Erika Thomas, reveals that fame and prominence haven’t knocked her off her strong foundation. unlike others in Hollywood who have been marred by the glory that celebrity bestows, Wendi’s rise to stardom has not tarnished her character. She has remained true to herself, despite her escalating popularity. As we discussed her editorial piece, Erika explained her friendship with Wendi began when they were both involved in sketch comedy, writing and performing together more than a decade ago. Both went on to separate acting jobs but they stayed in touch. Years later Erika pursued a writing career while Wendi continued acting. “Wendi was cool and easy-going when I met her and she’s still the same,” Erika says, “despite her fame, she has never changed.” Wendi’s down-to-earth demeanor is evident throughout her account and her love for Southern California is clear. Just like Wendi, most of us who live in So Cal love it. Yes we have our drawbacks like most other regions (and yes we may find ourselves debilitated during our brief rainy season), but we mostly feel quite blessed to get to live here. Southern California Life magazine is a reflection of that fondness and we hope to impart some of that appreciation to our readers as we continue to unveil the wonders that exist in this fabulous part of the country. ❖ Warmest wishes,

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WeiRd AL yAnKoviC And HiS MonK PoSSe

MALLoRy JAnSen, TiMoTHy oMUndSon GALAVANT

A VERY DISNEY EVENING AT THE SAYER’S CLUB ✒ BY

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

MICHELE STUEVEN

MALLoRy JAnSen, KARen dAvid, JoSHUA SASSe, vinnie JoneS, TiMoTHy oMUndSon, LUKe yoUnGBLood, Ben PReSLey

Where else but Hollywood can you spend an intimate evening watching an eighttime oscar winner accompany a group of singing monks on the piano surrounded by kings and queens? Well, Southern California Life was in the thick of it at the super hip “Sayer’s Club” off Hollywood Blvd. for the exclusive Disney premiere of ABC TV’s “Galavant.” Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken co-scores the new musical comedy which is a cross between Monty Python and a Disney cartoon. Guest stars on the miniseries include Ricky Gervais, John Stamos and “Downton Abbey’s” Hugh Boneville as a salty singing land pirate. It was a music filled evening, with duets by the show’s stars MALLoRY JANSEN and TIMoTHY oMuNDSoN as well as a surprise performance from WEIRD AL YANKoVIC and his posse of monks, who make a cameo on the show. For the grand finale, Menken serenaded the crowd from the piano and brought some to tears, singing his own Academy Awardwinning songs from “The Little Mermaid”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Aladdin” and “Pocahontas.” The swanky “Sayer’s Club” features name musicians, handcrafted cocktails and late night eats and is located at 1645 Wilcox Avenue in Los Angeles 90028. ❖ BY ABC/RICK ROWELL

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SIGNATURES & LANDMARKS

THE LEGACY oF A BELoVED ACToR LIVES oN IN THE RuSTIC GETAWAY HE CREATED MoRE THAN SEVEN DECADES AGo ERIKA THOMAS

COURTESY OF LEO CARRILLO RANCH

✒ BY

ToDAY, THE SWEEPING RANCHo that once belonged to preservationist and Hollywood actor Leo Carrillo is a hub for art, nature conservation and numerous community enrichment programs. It’s a tranquil oasis where visitors can experience a historic, Spanish Colonial home on 27 acres filled with indigenous vegetation; a place where peacocks—descendants of the original lineage—roam freely just as they did nearly a century ago. City of Carlsbad Historic Sites Manager Mick Calarco, says, “It’s really an incredible place. You can come for picnics and guided tours where we highlight the many plants, landscaping and architecture. Leo Carrillo loved California and when people come to the ranch it’s very evident what his passion was and what he was trying to create, even all of these years later.”

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Born into a prominent Spanish Castilian family in 1881, Leopoldo Antonio Carrillo would begin his life in Los Angeles on the Pueblo—known today as the birthplace of LA—and make an indelible mark on Southern California, Hollywood and ultimately the entire country. His mother, Fransisca Bolden Carrillo, was one of three sisters who would make by hand, California’s first American flag. His father, Juan J. Carrillo, would set in place the earliest foundations of the city of Santa Monica. The elder Carrillo was also the first judge, mayor and city trustee of Santa Monica, as well as Los Angeles’ first Chief of Police; and his parents weren’t the only ones who’d held prominent positions. Leo’s great-great grandfather, Jose Raimundo Carrillo, a captain in the Spanish Portola, became the Presidio (mayor) of San Diego in the 1700s. His marriage to Tomasa Ignacia Lugo, was even performed by fellow Spaniard and founder of San Diego, Father Junipero Serra in 1781. Leo would come by his spirit of leadership and activism effortlessly and at the same time, develop a love of the American West. “Growing up, Leo spent a lot of time on his uncle’s rancho. He idolized the lives of the caballeros and cowboys of his youth; Leo had romanticized these ideas as a child and wanted to recreate them as an adult,” says Calarco. Carrillo would eventually find the perfect way to reconstruct the ideal life he’d known as a boy on an old adobe farmstead in San Diego. “Leo had an extremely successful career in Hollywood, but one that was also very demanding. So he was looking for a place—a second home—to serve as a getaway from his busy life as an actor,” Calarco says. Carrillo would purchase a deserted homestead called Rancho Agua Hedionda, which had belonged to Matthew Kelly, one of the founders of Carlsbad. “He arrives in Carlsbad in 1937 and buys several hundred acres of that rancho. There wasn’t much here at the time except for an adobe, which was in ruins on the property,” says Calarco.

Carrillo loved his new retreat and would immediately set about perfecting it. “Many people think all of the buildings there today are from the 18th century; while they are extremely old, this is not the case. Leo preserved the original 1800s adobe and renamed it Rancho de los Kiotes. He would renovate that existing building, plus build new ones, staying true to the period by designing structures that took after the original one. Carrillo would also build stables for his family’s many horses, along with numerous other stucco and wood-frame buildings,” he says. Carrillo felt it was extremely important to make use of what was there structure-wise, as well as make the most of nature, integrating living space with the environment. “Leo was focused on conservation and preservation. It was something that was very meaningful to him. He would spend 20 years serving on the California State Beaches and Parks Commission. In 1959, Carrillo was featured on the television show ‘This is Your Life’. Will Rogers, a close friend of Carrillo’s also on the commission, appeared on that episode. Rogers dedicated an entire coastline to be named after his friend—Malibu’s Leo Carrillo State Beach—in honor of the work he’d done,” says Calarco. Just as his parents and greatgrandparents before him had done, Leo Carrillo had made a difference during the course of his life, by helping to preserve many of the aspects (such as ocean, plant and wildlife) which to this day, make Southern California a place that’s unlike any other; and the actor would make a difference in another area as well. “Leo Carrillo had more than 90 motion pictures to his credit, from silent films on. He was very popular and loved by many CONTINUED

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“Leo had an extremely successful career in Hollywood, but one that was also very demanding. So he was looking for a place—a second home—to serve as a getaway from his busy life as an actor.”

MAR.APR2015 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE

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“...Cisco and Pancho really broke out of those stereotypes for the first time ever. By playing the good guys, it changed the public’s perception. They became heroes.”

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for the roles he played. He’d originally gotten his start doing Vaudeville, then went to work for Sam Warner doing movies. He was a huge hit from the start. out of all his characters, probably the one that remains the most well-known was his role as Pancho in the ‘Cisco Kid’. The series filmed from 1950 until 1956, and they made more than 156 episodes during that time. Carrillo’s character was the sidekick of ‘Kid’ who was played by Duncan Renaldo. Both men wanted people to think differently about Spanish-speaking actors. They were aware of the public’s opinion in terms of how they’d been portrayed up until that time, and wanted to change that mindset. Previously the roles were always that of Banditos—the bad guys; Cisco and Pancho really broke out of those stereotypes for the first time ever.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

By playing the good guys, it changed the public’s perception. They became heroes,” he says. Today, Carrillo’s legacy remains strongly intact. His “Pancho” character is among the most groundbreaking and memorable in television history and his rancho is still very much alive with the spirit of pride and leadership that he was known for. Calarco says, “The feeling of what he set out to create has lasted all of these years. You can truly feel what life was like during the time he and his family lived here; it really is like stepping back in time. His legacy is still very much alive.” ❖

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With its picturesque, 1.5 mile stretch of beach, Malibu’s Leo Carrillo State Park is one of Southern California’s most soughtafter destinations for everything from camping, surfing and swimming to surffishing and back-country hiking. its many coastal caves, tide pools and reefs make it a perfect spot for exploring sea life. Campground Address: 35000 West Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu, CA 90265 PH: (310) 457-8143 www.parks.ca.gov

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GOLDEN DOOR LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB HOTEL DEL CORONADO

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ENCHANTING ESCAPES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HAS JUST BEEN HONORED AS AMERICA'S SECOND MOST FAVORED TRAVEL DESTINATION. THE CONSISTENTLY PLEASANT CLIMATE AND EXTENSIVE ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS ARE TWO OF THE TOP REASONS NOTED FOR ITS POPULARITY, BUT THE ASSORTMENT OF WORLD-CLASS RESORTS ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO ITS DESIRABILITY. GET ACQUAINTED WITH THREE OF THESE DISTINCTIVE HOTEL PROPERTIES, EACH RENOWNED FOR THEIR OWN RESPECTIVE CHARACTERISTICS AND UNIQUE SO CAL CHARM. H

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ENCHANTING ESCAPES

COURTESY OF HOTEL DEL CORONADO

SAN DIEGO

Hotel Del Coronado

San Diego's Legendary Beachside Getaway ✒ BY

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

ERIKA THOMAS

KNoWN FoR ITS STuNNING SuNSETS AND BEACHES that are surprisingly uncrowded—even in peak tourism season—Coronado, California has been cultivating a pristine existence that combines Hollywood glamour with small-town America for more than a century. When the Coronado Beach Company was founded in 1886, its planners set out to expand what was a completely undeveloped portion of the city of San Diego. It was decided early on that Coronado would be a place that showcased beauty; something that would apply to the nature encompassing it, as well as the people who would inhabit it. The hotel completed construction in 1888, and by 1890, the city of Coronado would oﬃcially incorporate itself and split away from San Diego permanently.

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The seven-mile stretch between Coronado and San Dieg o called the “Silver Strand” is still very un-developed, which is rare by today’s standards.

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“The owner of the Hotel Del Coronado also owned all of the property that surrounded it,” says Executive Director of the Coronado Museum, Bruce Linder. “There was a very strong sense right away that the city of Coronado wanted to develop in a unique way. Its founders knew if they allowed it to remain a tiny part of a large metropolis, that would never happen; so they master-planned the city from day one, something that was very unusual for that time. When the hotel was built, there was nothing here but the beach. The builders had set their sights on developing the largest hotel on the west coast. There was a uniqueness and romantic appeal starting from that point. And that’s why the legacy remains even today. They could have picked anywhere, but they picked right here.” CONTINUED

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HOTEL DEL CORONADO

over the years, both the island and the hotel would play host to presidents, royalty and prominent personalities (William Taft, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the Duke of Windsor, Thomas Edison and Charles Lindbergh among others) and would serve as a hospital and housing base for soldiers during World War II. The shallow end of the hotel’s swimming pool would even become the oﬃcial headquarters of the American Women’s Volunteer Services Canteen, where refreshments—including a synthetic ice cream created because of rationing—were served up to servicemen by pretty young volunteers in white pinafores. Many luminaries of Hollywood’s golden age would make the hotel a second home. Author L. Frank Baum spent months there, writing his three-book series which later became “The

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Wizard of oz”. Baum would even design the ornate chandeliers in the hotel’s Crown Room, still perfectly intact today. Charlie Chaplin, Rudolph Valentino, Clark Gable, Mae West and Kirk Douglas were all regular guests as well. The hotel also caught on as a favorite backdrop for film producers, but in 1958 “Some Like it Hot” (which starred Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon) would become synonymous with the hotel like no other film in history ever has, either before or since. Many speculate that the making of the film was the key factor in solidifying the mystique and glamour of both the island and the hotel. Whatever the case, Linder says, “It’s a one-of-a-kind place that has always had distinct qualities in everything from the natural beauty, to the people and the history. In fact, it probably has more history than any place in Southern California I can think of. And the way it’s situated gives you stunning views from Point Loma all the way over to the islands belonging to Mexico; it’s all visible from here. Even when you drive around the southern end of the bay, coming up the beach; that seven-mile stretch between Coronado and San Diego called the ‘Silver Strand’ is still very un-developed, which is rare by today’s standards. But that’s the kind of thing that distinguishes us from everywhere else.” ❖

HOTEL DEL CORONADO 1500 Orange Avenue Coronado, CA 92118 PH: 619.435.6611 www.hoteldel.com

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ENCHANTING ESCAPES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA SAMPLE

ESCONDIDO

Golden Door Rebirth of the Legendary

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“All guests receive a daily in-room massage, daily skin care hour, manicure-pedicure, and at least two body wraps during the week’s stay.”

Ancient temple bell imported from Japan.

Golden Door lobby

✒ BY

The Tree of Life welcomes you to the legendary Golden Door.

Evening at the Golden Door

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LINDA LANG

FoR NEARLY SIx DECADES, THE LuMINouS CoPPER-ANDBRASS DooRS oF THE WoRLD-RENoWNED Golden Door spa have welcomed luminaries such as Elizabeth Taylor, Barbra Streisand, Natalie Wood, and Nicole Kidman as well as endured days when its light briefly flickered. It was back in 1940 when Deborah Szekely (pronounced SAY-Kay), an 18-year-old bride and her Hungarian philosopher/health enthusiast husband, Edmund, established the original destination spa, Rancho La Puerta, in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico and started today's fitness and health revolution with a program called Wellness Warrior. In 1958, when she and Edmund took diﬀerent paths, Deborah opened the Golden Door at a former motel site oﬀ Highway 395 in Escondido just north of San Diego to more conveniently accommodate her friends in the Hollywood set. Fashioned into a ranch house with its signature door, the new spa accommodated just 12 guests -- all women or all men only. The weekly programs immediately attracted a wealth of clients

including Zsa Zsa Gabor, Kim Novak, Burt Lancaster, and Robert Cummings. Soon she was able to replace the original building with a tranquil edifice fashioned after a Japanese ryokan or country inn. For decades, the Golden Door was the iconic physical and spiritual rejuvenation center for the world's elite, celebs, top executives, heads of state -even royalty. However, the spa was not without challenges. For more than 25 years, Deborah fiercely battled developments that would destroy the inn's tranquil surroundings including a quarry to the north and development of 2,700 houses and a 10-acre shopping center in an area zoned for 400 homes. It also endured two ownership changes after Deborah finally sold her beloved Golden Door in the 1990s. Today, the legendary destination spa once again flourishes under new ownership. The original 377 acres now number 600 and include avocado groves, manicured Japanese and tea gardens, 60 acres of organic citrus groves and a recently transplanted olive orchard of Italian varietals. Hiking and biking trails among bamboo forests, lakes, meadows, and mountains with CONTINUED

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GOLDEN DOOR

stunning ocean views complete the natural setting. Vibrant floral and culinary gardens plus a 3,000-square-foot computerized greenhouse produce rare plants, heirloom fruits, and vegetables including 50 varieties of tomatoes all grown and harvested with biodynamic (a spiritual-ethicalecological approach to agriculture, food production and nutrition) methods. overseeing it all is director of land services Jeﬀ Dawson whose resume includes two years creating a private biodynamic fruit and vegetable garden for former Apple Computer CEo Steve Jobs. updates also include refurbishment by New York-based interior designer Victoria Hagan of the 40 Asian-style guest rooms, dining room, lobby, bathhouse, guest lounges and yoga gyms. The new décor complements the spa's vast museumquality art collection. Dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, pieces include rare paintings, sculptures, porcelain The spa has two pools. vases, painted rice paper screens, woodblock prints, a cast bronze temple bell and stone and metal lanterns. upon entering the Golden Door, you are immediately enveloped by the serenity of pastoral landscapes, aromas of lavender and lemon verbena, sounds of water flowing rhythmically through koi ponds -pleasures all enhanced with soothing bathhouse rituals, sunset hikes, and relaxing in your yukata--the Japanese cotton garment traditionally worn at ryokans (Japanese country hotels). Facilities include two swimming pools, Watsu therapy pool, a 2000-square-foot equipment gym, three group exercise studios, stateof-the-art Pilates studio, group spinning room and tennis court. Each guest’s week-long program is customized according to personal goals such as weight loss or event training, physical challenges including cancer or joint replacement, coping with traumatic events such as divorce or loss of a loved one, and includes a personalized takehome program. New fitness classes include Standing Pilates, Paddle Board Yoga and 30minute express workout sessions. Sleep

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Water flows gently through the koi ponds. Hiking trail runs through the Bamboo Maze.

Bath House

Yama Koya treatment room

Guest Room

Enhancement focuses upon meditation and Chinese medicine including acupuncture, and Pain Empowerment covers everything from clearing the chakra (energy centers) to reflexology and acupuncture. Men’s Weeks, introduced in 1960 and popular with author Aldous Huxley and other notables, have been expanded from four to five weeks. There are also Co-Ed Vintners and Co-Ed Golf Theme Weeks. All guests receive a daily in-room massage, daily skin care hour, manicurepedicure, and at least two body wraps during the week’s stay. New programs include facials utilizing an anti-aging therapy and a revamped menu of body wraps, soaks and scrubs. Farm-to-table cuisine features seasonal ingredients mostly grown and produced on the spa's grounds. All guests have the option of vegan, fish or protein-based main courses, gluten-free choices, or completely personalized menus. To encourage the continuation of healthy eating practices at home are eight weekly, 10-minute, one-on-one consultations via phone, text, Skype or email. The Golden Door Skin Care Collection, also re-envisioned with new formulas, oﬀers 34 products for face, hair and body.

Golden Door 777 Deer Springs Road San Marcos, CA 92069

The newly-renovated boutique and redesigned online shop showcase studio jewelry designers, collectible antique Japanese kimonos, obi (sashes) and fukusa (silk cloth). There's also a new line of organic, handmade Golden Door Artisan Foods ranging from marmalades, sauces, and chutney to rice medleys, soup and cookie mixes with vegan and gluten-free options. The spa has also expanded into fashion with handcrafted iPad and laptop bags, leather totes, and cashmere shawls in addition to yukatas, items for babies, toddlers, and a new line of home products. Perhaps the most impressive fact about the new Golden Door is the commitment of its new ownership and management team to help make the world a more humane and peaceful place by pledging 100% of its net profits to select charities through the Golden Door Foundation, paying it forward locally and internationally. ❖ For general inquiries, go to www.goldendoor.com or phone 1-760-744-5777.

Pathways wind throughout the 600acre retreat.

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ENCHANTING ESCAPES

PALM SPRINGS

La Quinta Resort & Club Shines after Multi-Million Dollar Update ✒ BY

LINDA LANG

LA QuINTA RESoRT & CLuB, THE oRIGINAL 1926 PALM SPRINGS HIDEAWAY FoR HoLLYWooD'S ELITE, IS oNCE AGAIN PICTuRE PERFECT FoLLoWING A MuLTI-MILLIoN DoLLAR RENoVATIoN THAT uPDATED THE AMENITIES WHILE RETAINING THE GLAMoRouS ELEMENTS oF ITS SToRIED PAST. H

Bedroom of the Capra Suite

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ENCHANTING ESCAPES

LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB

It was in 1926 that San Francisco businessman Walter H. Morgan built the La Quinta Hotel on 1400 acres purchased from the Cahuilla Indians. Here, with the creativity of renowned architect Gordon Kaufman and dozens of artisans, he crafted a haciendastyle desert oasis that soon became a favorite haven for celebs and other notables. Clark Gable partied here with his friends. Greta Garbo came to be alone. Frank Capra (It's a Wonderful Life, Mr. Smith Goes to

Entrance to the legendary La Quinta Resort & Club

Lobby of the award-winning Spa at La Quinta®

Washington, Lost Horizon, etc.) often lived here, finding the tranquility highly inspirational for his screen plays. It is also the site of the Coachella Valley's first golf course. And when the city of La Quinta was incorporated in 1982, it was named after the resort. In 1993, the hotel became La Quinta Resort & Club, and now, as a member of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, the property continues to oﬀer the ultimate desert escape for notables, sports enthusiasts, foodies and others seeking solitude as well as world championship golf and tennis, fine dining, spa pampering, and the desert's serene beauty. Situated on 45 acres in front of the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains, accommodations range from charming casitas and suites to spacious villas set among lush beds of colorful flowers and waterfalls, 41 swimming pools, and 53 hot spas. Amid lush bougainvillea,

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

scented roses and fragrant citrus trees, you'll also find the award-winning Spa at La Quinta® which oﬀers advanced skin care and bodywork. An excellent variety of dining options are found in five restaurants. Chef Jimmy Schmidt presents local dining featuring seasonal specialties at Morgan’s In the Desert. You can also opt for comfort food at TWENTY6, excellent Mexican dishes at the Adobe Grill, or just relax at Ernie's Bar & Grill or MD Burger Spot. All casitas, suites and villas have been upgraded to provide every amenity. Embracing the rich hues of the desert, the new décor features custom tile work and striking wrought iron elements. Massive headboards are flanked by two arched mirrors while rich maple furnishings balance the dramatic beige and cocoa floor treatments. Textured leather bed benches, Victorian chairs, pastel pillows and throws complete the mood. New perks include large flatscreen HD TVs, Keurig® coﬀee makers, and charging stations with dual uSB ports. The popular second-floor Starlight Casita patios with their magnificent mountain views also have new fire features, plush couches and tables for alfresco dining. La Quinta's signature casitas average 460 feet of comfort in lush garden settings with some including fireplaces and private patios. If you want to walk in the footsteps of the great, check out the suites named after former occupants Frank Capra, Eisenhower and former owner, Dorothy Azner-Hollywood's first noted female director also credited with launching the careers of actresses such as Katharine Hepburn, Rosalind Russell, Sylvia Sidney and Lucille Ball. Spa Villas include an out-

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Outside fireplace on the patio of a Starlight Casita

One of the picturesque holes on La Quinta's five public and four private golf courses

COURTESY OF LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB

Main pool

door patio with lap pool access, and some have fireplaces. Today, you can relax by a pool with your play list, pen a memoir or read one on your tablet, hit one of 23 tennis courts, jog along desert trails, or test your skills on the links including PGA WEST’s® TPC Stadium Course. once named 'North America's Golf Resort of the Year' with its five resort and four private courses designed by legends such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Greg Norman and Tom Weiskopf, La Quinta is truly a golfer’s paradise. If the shopping bug bites, the establishments at the main plaza oﬀer Ralph Lauren, Tommy Bahama and other major brands. There's even a new vintage candy store and Havana Club Cigar Lounge. And if your pet also needs a vacay, he or she is most welcome to join you and get in little spa pampering of its own. ❖

Living room of the Executive Suite

La Quinta Resort & Club is located at 49499 eisenhower dr., La Quinta, CA 92253. Check it out at www.waldorfastoria.com/laquinta or call 1-760-564-4111.

MAR.APR2015 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE

Dining Room of the Azner Suite

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J Bike

Breakfas Through So Cal

1.Playa Del Rey BALLONA CREEK BIKE PATH ˚ Along this concretewalled waterway for seven miles starting in Culver City you can watch people getting a more grueling workout than you are. Right now it’s college rowing season, and crew teams -- men and women -compete most weekends on Ballona Creek. In fact, this is uCLA’s home creek. Just remember to watch the signs warning you to hop off and walk your bike to avoid running over distracted crew fans.

FOR TWICE THE MEAL AND HALF THE GUILT, leave the

car at home and bike to breakfast. Some of Southern California’s most interesting eateries are but a few pedal pushes away from scenic – and calorie-burning — bike trails.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

BY RYAN TANAKA

By MICHAEL FLEEMAN

Playa Provisions’ coconut chia seed pudding with fruit, honey and hemp seeds.

PLAYA PROVISIONS ˚ over the bridge at trail’s end, through a few blocks through quiet streets you’ll reach this hip new multifaceted eating space from Top Chef’s Brooke Williamson and husband Nick Roberts. It combines an ice cream shop, food counter, back-room whiskey bar and the restaurant Dockside, which serves breakfast on weekends. The coconut chia seed pudding with fruit, honey and hemp seeds is a good starter you’ll intend to share, but won’t. Then feast on a breakfast

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BOB JONES BIKE TRAIL ˚ Northwest of Pismo Beach, this charming town may be off the beaten path – but not off the bike path. Follow a 12-mile, tree-shaded paved trail that starts at the 101 Freeway and meanders along the San Luis obispo Creek to Avila Beach’s promenade downtown. WOODSTONE MARKET & DELI ˚ Everything’s there, from snacks to local Central Coast wines to a chai latte at the coffee and espresso bar. But best to head to the patio overlooking the bike trail and celebrate those dozen miles by scarfing down a breakfast wrap stuffed with scrambled eggs and chicken mango sausage and spiced with black bean salsa and ortega chilies.

3.Ojai VENTURA RIVER/OJAI VALLEY TRAIL ˚ It may be a good idea to layer because this 16-mile ride starts at the beach, follows the Ventura River inland through industrial buildings, then just as the clouds clear merges with the ojai Valley trail for a warmer ride up to ojai. That’s up, as in hills, and you may want to park at a point along the way and hop on the trail. We won’t tell. OJAI CAFÉ EMPORIUM ˚ Fear you’re a little – shall we say – aromatic from riding? Well, those physically fit folks in the tight colorful outfits and expensive-looking sunglasses just rode a lot farther and harder than you did, and they’re enjoying this downtown

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restaurant, a favorite among local bike clubs. If the chicken fried steak or bulging omelets are too much, go for the tofu sautéed with vegetables and fruit on the side.

4. Newport Beach

BACK BAY LOOP ˚ This nature preserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, but if you don’t know a whimbrel from a windmill, just spend all 10 ½ miles admiring the spectacular scenery in the heart of the ritzy o.C. For an education about the estuary, stop along the way at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretative Center. HYATT REGENCY ˚ Yep, those are Hyatt Regency prices on the Belgium waffle and breakfast burrito. Even a cup of coffee will put you back almost five bucks. But when you’re in one of the most expensive zip codes in America, live it up at the SHoR American Seafood Grill in the hotel just off the path. The arugula’s a nice touch on the traditional smoked salmon, bagel, cream cheese and tomatoes.

BY RYAN TANAKA

2.Avila Beach

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sandwich on a ciabatta with turkey bacon sausage, Gruyere, fried egg, vinegar-cooked collards, avocado and pickled habanero hot sauce.

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Playa Provisions’ breakfast sandwich on a ciabatta with turkey bacon sausage, Gruyere, fried egg, vinegar-cooked collards, avocado and pickled habanero hot sauce.

Also: In San Diego, the Mission Bay trail winds through 12 miles of beaches, grassy picnic areas and Shamu’s home. The Blue Pearl in The Dana hotel across the street from Sea World offers all the diner classics. Palm Springs has a half dozen ride loops on city streets from 3 miles to 12 miles. Venture a block or two off the route downtown for a weekend brunch at Las Casuelas Terraza. And after an invigorating ride through the Santa Monica Mountains, head to Pedalers Fork in Calabasas, where you’ll feel right at home: It’s a combination coffee shop, restaurant and full-service bike shop. ❖

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SO CAL CULTURE

HISTORIC THEATERS

RESTORED RESPLENDENCE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S HISTORIC THEATRES

Theatre at Ace Hotel

Orpheum Theatre

Balboa Theatre

or better or worse, our culture has an obsession with what is young and new, but that doesn't mean that what was once old can't be novel and relevant again. Perhaps the key in doing so is maintaining and celebrating the integrity of the past, while melding it with modern updates.

Such is the case with four historic theatres in Southern California, all of which were originally built along a 7-year span (from 1924 to 1931), and then adapted to the rigors of time, prompting their pricey reclamation and reopening seemingly a lifetime later. yet despite the necessary revamping of sound sys-

â&#x153;&#x2019; BY

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tems, digital video projectors, stages, lighting, upholstery, mezzanines, balconies, etc., the original intent and character of these theatres remain unabated. Conceived in either the image of a bygone SpanishGothic style (Theatre at Ace Hotel), vaudevillian inspiration (orpheum Theatre and Balboa Theatre in San diego), or Art-deco disposition (Warner Grand Theatre), these 1,500 to 2,000-seat theatres thrive, not in spite of, but because of their artisticallyaccredited longevity. And it goes without saying that each one has its own compelling narrative and reasons for ďŹ&#x201A;ourishing in 2015.

IMAAN JALALI

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The Warner Grand Theatre

478 W. 6th St. San Pedro, CA 90731 (310) 548-2493 grandvision.org e Upcoming Events: “Long Beach Opera” from March 21-29; the film “Get on Up” (2014) on April 17; and the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival from May 1-3. ˚ Built in January 1931, the Warner Grand Theatre continues to prosper as a result of the City of Los Angeles' Department of Cultural Affairs, in conjunction with the non-profit Grand Vision Foundation, which has restored it since 1996. According to Taran Schindler, Program Manager of the Foundation, the theatre has blossomed as a cog of the “[San Pedro] community that is accessible to all levels of productions—from local youth performances to high-level opera.” Furthermore, the community is actively encouraged to “adopt seats,” and, in turn, be awarded inscribed brass plaques. Certainly, the allure for attendees, as Schindler tells it, is tied to “the era of the Picture Palace, the magical decades of the 1920s and 1930s in Los Angeles, that is characterized by such ornate [and original] design that even the most frequent theatre-goers find new details.” CONTINUED

COURTESY OF WARNER GRAND THEATRE/JOSEPH RICHARD NEGRO

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SO CAL CULTURE HISTORIC THEATERS

BalboaTheatre

868 4th Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 570-1100 sandiegotheatres.org e Upcoming Events: Performance by Don Williams on March 3; George Benson on March 26; Arturo Sandoval, Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band on May 16; and the 27th annual Mainly Mozart Festival in June.

COURTESY OF

˚ Since being erected in 1924, the

Balboa Theatre has had a resurgence since reopening in 2008, as part of a $26.5 million city project, that has “served San Diegans and been recognized with numerous local, regional, and national awards,” per Don Telford, President & CEO of San Diego Theatres. What brings crowds back is not only the Spanish-Revival and Moorish architectural splendor, as detailed by Telford, but the “extensive color palette that is warm and inviting, including the original appearance of the building along with efficient upgrades to better serve today’s audience members and performing artists.” As a result, it's more than just a historical centerpiece of the community; rather, it's a platform for the contemporary age.

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ACE THEATRE/ SPENCER LOWELL

COURTESY OF BALBOA THEATRE

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ORPHEUM THEATRE

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Orpheum Theatre

842 S. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90014 (877) 677-4386 laorpheum.com e Upcoming Events: Widespread Panic (rock band) on March 24 and 25; Comic Amy Schumer on March 27; and the “Pink Floyd Experience” on March 28. ˚ There is arguably no better source to elaborate on the past-

and-present pageantry of the Orpheum Theatre than one in independent owner Steve Needleman, who sums up the theatre's legacy in one poignant word—“family.” The robust influence has extended to his own granddaughters, who have “grown up listening to music from the historic venue.” From Judy Garland and Ella Fitzgerald to Maroon 5 and Lady Gaga, as well as hosting National TV shows like “American Idol” and “America's Got Talent,” the venue's “bookmark marble, sconces on the walls, gold-leaf ceiling, and stained glass,” as its owner proudly declares, have had an indelible impression on even the most cynical “newbies.” The attraction is underscored in the form of an analogy offered by Needleman—it's “the difference between a [vintage] LP Vinyl album and a [typical] song played on iTunes.” You can guess which coveted category the Orpheum falls into.

Theatre at Ace Hotel

929 S. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 623-3233 acehotel.com/losangeles/theatre 1927, the Theatre had experienced its fair share of tribulations before its triumphant return to the public at large in early 2014. The structure serves a dual purpose—the city of Los Angeles and the arts/entertainment realm—from conferences to film premieres. The sheer beauty of the facility—now bolstered by state-of-theart technology—impresses upon the soul, by virtue of its shimmering tiny mirrors in the vaulted ceilings, murals, and inimical proscenium arch. Sadly, though, a recent article written by Bethany Firnhaber of LABusinessJournal.com potentially foreshadows the unceremonious end of the Ace Hotel and Theatre. Apparently, the Chicago-based firm that owns the edifice is looking to sell for approximately $100 million. One would hope such a turn of events does not come to pass, but if it does, let's cross our fingers that the remarkable marvel will stay intact.

BERGER CONSER PHOTOGRAPHY

˚ Since its inaugural opening in

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BEAUTY

BLOOMING INTO SPRING BEAUTY You WouLDN’T DREAM oF WEARING YouR WINTER WooLS INTo THE SPRING MoNTHS WouLD You? You’ll wear seasonal-appropriate styles on your body not just for the sake of fashion, but because the climate necessitates the change. The same goes for what lies beneath your attire. Although the weather in Southern California doesn’t fluctuate dramatically, it changes enough to warrant an adjustment in your skin and hair-care regimen. Check out our special picks designed to help your face, hair and body blossom into Spring.

✒ BY

NICOLE SCHMIDT

1. Peach Silk Moisture by Reset Yourself Skincare is an ultra-rich moisturizer that packs a punch with supercharged antioxidants and advanced technology for maximum absorption into the skin. $88 2. Illuminesse Brightening Complex by Revale Skin ($70) creates instant luminosity using natural skin brighteners while their Replenishing Eye Cream ($90) hydrates and soothes the delicate skin around the eyes. 3. Tony Odisho Ostia 3-in-1 Mist is a heat protecting and detangling spray that controls frizz and adds shine. $20 4. This wonderfully fragrant and ultra-light Orchid Oil Extract from White Sands restores your hair’s shine and elasticity without weighing it down during styling. $25 5. Stila Cosmetics Color Correcting Cream softens fine lines while reducing redness and hyperpigmentation to create a flawless finish for your face. $44 6. Flirty, floral and exquisitely delicate, Jo Malone’s Peony and Blush Suede Cologne is our top fragrance pick for Spring. $120 7. Athelios Sunscreen by La Roche-Posay is a broad-spectrum sun protection that is elegant, ultra light and perfect for daily wear. $33.50 8. Lancome’s L’Extreme Mascara is THe mascara for creating long, glamorous lashes. $27.50 9. The Original Cosmo Cube’s material and design allows you to organize and easily locate all of your makeup. $225

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OFF THE BEATEN PATH

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PAN AM

Come Fly With Me A Retro Air Experience That Harkens Back to Aviation’s Golden Era

✒ BY

COURTESY OF DANNY LIAO / AIR HOLLYWOOD

ERIKA THOMAS

TAKE oNE PART AVIATIoN GEEK, oNE PART HoLLYWooD PRoDuCTIoN, CoMBINE THEM WITH CHATEAu BRIAND AND MANHATTANS SERVED uP BY STEWARDESSES DECKED ouT IN PoWDER BLuE uNIFoRMS AND You’VE GoT THE PAN AM ExPERIENCE. “I BECAME oBSESSED WITH AVIATIoN AT A VERY YouNG AGE. I TooK MY FIRST PAN AM FLIGHT IN 1971 AT FouR YEARS oLD, GoING FRoM J.F.K. To ZuRICH. THE MINuTE I WALKED oN BoARD AND SAW THE GIANT WINDING STAIRCASE, RED CARPET AND TWo BEAuTIFuL GIRLS IN MATCHING ouTFITS, THAT WAS IT,” SAYS ANTHoNY ToTH, FouNDER AND CEo oF PAN AM ExPERIENCE. H

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OFF THE BEATEN PATH PAN AM

“Before I could really put it into words, the glamour of the Pan Am brand had resonated with me, even at that young age. As a kid I started oﬀ collecting really simple, colorful things; like I wanted the luggage tags, the ‘In Flight’ magazines, the tray mats, cocktail napkins and stir sticks,” he says. over the years, the amount of items he would acquire would reach into the thousands. Still, despite the giant collection of memorabilia, Toth says, “It was still only really a hobby until about seven years ago. I’d had a chance meeting with the executive producer of a pilot series called ‘Pan Am’. She asked me very casually if I had anything from the 1960s, so I brought her to the warehouse where I kept everything. Shortly

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

“

There are 34 bookings per flight. We have eight stewardesses, two customer service agents and a bartender in the Clipper Lounge. Tickets literally sell out within hours.” after that, her entire staﬀ would enter the picture and sort of take over my life for the next year during the shooting of the series. I provided them with thousands of items for the show.” And out of that meeting, his pastime would develop even further. “I started renting out props to film and television producers for shows like ‘Mad Men’ and movies with aviation scenes. That’s how I met the CEo at Air Hollywood. Prior to us joining forces, I’d been storing the plane and my collection

in a Culver City warehouse. one day me and some friends—basically a bunch of aviation dorks—got together and decided we would sell tickets. We literally filled the airplane in 45 minutes. After that, there was no doubt in our minds that people were interested. But actually being able to pull this oﬀ logistically I really needed the folks at Air Hollywood,” says Toth. Today, Toth and his crew recreate a vintage flight aboard an authentic Pan Am 747 200 Series, complete with period music, boarding passes, cocktails and menu items; and passengers come decked out in their retro best. “There are 34 bookings per flight. We have eight stewardesses, two customer service

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agents and a bartender in the lounge. Tickets literally sell out within hours. The interest and demand have been astonishing. We get people who really remember the glory days. one lady worked as a stewardess during the heyday of Pan Am. She was brought to tears when she walked on board, because of the wonderful memories it brought back. Times were diﬀerent. Flying was exciting. It was glamorous. It was an experience.” ❖

AIR HOLLYWOOD 13240 Weidner Street • Los Angeles, CA 91331 PH: 818.890.0444

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PUBS

SO CAL PUBS WORTHY OF A TOAST ✒ BY

IMAAN JALALI

IT CouLD BE ANY DAY oF THE WEEK. You'RE ouT WITH YouR FRIENDS, oR EMPoWERED AS THE LoNE WoLF, AND You WANT To Go ouT oN A PuB CRAWL AND TASTE THE BEST LIQuoR THAT SouTHERN CALIFoRNIA HAS To oFFER. You CouLD BE A RESIDENT, FRoM THE EAST CoAST, oR FRoM ANY oF THE oTHER SIx CoNTINENTS oN THE GLoBE. H

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BUBBLES & BREWS

Brennan's Pub 4089 Lincoln Boulevard, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 821-6622 Brennanspub-la.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While drinking responsibly is an advisable way to let loose, so is watching turtles duke it out for speed supremacy on an outdoor “racing track.” Granted, turtles are not aerodynamically-friendly, but that's okay because it is the rollicking absurdity that counts—a tradition that has been ongoing every Thursday night since Brennan's opened in 1972. And the best part? You can bring your own turtle, or rent one if you have enough money left over after shots. If you're not impressed yet, the fact that there is live music five nights a week, and tacos are $1 on Tuesdays, should be enough to get you to boogie on down, preferably on St. Patrick's Day, as it is an Irish pub after all. Chelsea Pub and Lounge/ Underground Pub & Grill 1334/1332 Hermosa Ave. Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (310) 937-2598 / (310) 318-3818 Chelseapubandlounge.com/ undergroundpub.com

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AS LoNG You DRINK RESPoNSIBLY AND HAVE THE uBER APP oN YouR PHoNE -- AN INVALuABLE RESouRCE -HAVE FuN CHECKING ouT THESE FINE DRINKING ESTABLISHMENTS ARouND So CAL. Listed in no particular order:

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Sports aficionados, rejoice! Beach lovers, throw your hands in the air! That's the allure of Chelsea Pub— offering not only a smörgåsbord of sports, but a view of the beach from every seat, be it a leather sofa or woodsy stool. Better yet, if you have a knack for memorizing sports minutiae, you might want to test your knowledge against your drinking brethren every Wednesday night. In some ways, it's also a twoin-one bar, since the Underground Pub is at the same address if you feel compelled to shoot darts, knock around some balls on the billiard table, or air your aggression out during a game of shuffleboard! Additionally, the food at the Underground is surprisingly eyeopening and appetite-satiating, especially known for its chicken tacos, calamari, and shepherd's pie. The only drawback to both bars are the claustrophobic bath-

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rooms, but that shouldn't be an issue if you mentally prepare yourself, via a visualization exercise, before going. Gasser Lounge 1500 Aviation Blvd. Redondo Beach, CA 90278 info@gasserlounge.com GasserLounge.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rock 'N' Roll isn't what it used to be, and has since been superseded by pop acts with messages mostly of the banal brand. The Gasser Lounge, however, will transport you to the era of Johnny Cash (including a shrine dedicated to him) or The Ramones, where you'll be free to relish in a haven of rambunctiousness! Moreover, women are celebrated for their wonderful gender on “Girlie Thursdays” when they can enjoy each other's company, away from their nagging and niggling boyfriends/husbands. Given the vibe, you'd think the décor is of the shabby chic variety, but au contraire, as the scenery is reminiscent of ultra noir—dim, decadent, and dapper. Raising the bar (pun intended) to another level, is the expeditious drink service! The Blind Donkey 149 Linden Ave. Ste B100 Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 247-1511 Theblinddonkey.com

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The vast array of whiskeys are what separate this venue, which opened a year ago, from its competition. When you first walk in and plop down a never-ending staircase, you'll be taken aback by the spaciousness of the complex— inspired by speakeasy-like architecture—which includes arcade games and activities befitting a sports bar but with an air of throwback culture. As with any popular spot, though, the parking here can be a bit of challenge, but once you do find a space to park your vehicle in, it will have been worth the wait.❖

nothing ruins a perfect getaway like an unexpected dental emergency

dr. pham's expertise and attentive staff will repair your dental dilemma faster than you can say "ouch."

DR. KIMBERLY PHAM GRADUATE OF USC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY

805.683.4444 QUALITY. COMFORT. PERSONAL ATTENTION.

3 8 S . L A C U M B R E R D . # 3 • S A N TA B A R B A R A , C A 9 3 1 0 5

SAME DAY EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT • OPEN SATURDAY • NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

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PROFILE

“

the ripple effect of what has happened in my life from being in the presence of amazing people has been incredible. if nothing else, i have had the most rich experience going on trips with the people i’ve gone with.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA GODDARD / WWW.BOSSYBOSSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

“

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Dr. BoB Hamilton anD ligHtHouse meDical missions - extending Hope and Healing to the african People For six

years Santa Monica pediatrician Bob Hamilton refused to consider Pastor Ralph Bowen’s plea to visit Africa. He was busy with his practice and raising six children with his wife. Luckily for everyone involved, Bowen kept nagging. H ✒ BY

ROBYN FLANS

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PROFILE

DR. ROBERT HAMILTON

For Hamilton, going to Africa in 1998 was life-changing. And because of that visit, many African lives have been changed. “I fell in love with the African people,” Hamilton says. Since then, he has taken 21 trips to eight countries in Africa, serving over 60,000 people with what he describes as “acute medical care,” -- setting up shop in whatever building might be available and administering treatment to such illnesses as diarrhea, malaria, rashes and heart problems. “We typically bring a team of volunteer doctors,” Hamilton says, mentioning Dr. Lawrence Czer, a Cedars Sinai cardiologist as someone who has been right by his side. “There are nurses and teenagers who come with us and we work with pastors there who open up their building, whatever that might be,” he says. Here in Santa Monica, he has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide medication, supplies, waterworks and wells through Walk to Africa, a 2, 4, 6 or 8-mile walk around the city of Santa Monica that begins on the beach. This event has attracted about 800 participants and such notables as former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan, Santa Monica Mayor Pam o’Connor and Rosie Grier. Actress Patricia Heaton and her husband David Hunt donated enough money to build a 400-student elementary school in Kenema, Sierra Leone. The 7th annual Walk to Africa is May 16, 2015 and he is already training for the walk. www.facebook.com/WalkToAfrica Last March, just as Hamilton and a team were boarding a plane headed for Guinea Bissau, the largest epidemic of Ebola broke out. “We landed in Africa and got word that Ebola had gone from rural Guinea to Liberia and to Conakry, the capital of Guinea and there were reports of some in Sierra Leone,” Hamilton recalls. “That was quite a welcome to Africa!” There was another team in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia where there were reports of two cases of Ebola, and although they turned out to be negative, it was still too close for comfort. The two teams were advised to pull out for fear that the international border would be closed. So after transporting 45 people and supplies, and spending tens of thousands of dollars, they were forced to turn around after two days. “It was like stopping a parade,” Hamilton says. “It was tragic.” But this didn’t stop Lighthouse Medical Missions, the group Hamilton oversees, from helping the people they love. Last fall Lighthouse Medical Missions launched the “Ebola Relief Project” and called for help. The campaign raised $125,000, enough for LMM to send an ocean going container to Sierra Leone filled with food, supplies and PPE (Personal Protective Equipmentthe protective gear used for medical workers when treating Ebola patients.) That container, packed by

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Dr. Hamilton and team members meeting with the President of Sierra Leone.

▲ ▲ Actress Patricia Heaton attended and TV celebrity Mark Steines emceed the 2012 Walk to Africa event.

People patiently waiting for medical attention by Dr. Hamilton and team members.

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his coworker Dal Basile, who Hamilton describes as a “living dynamo” arrived in Africa the final week of this January. “Ebola is a viral infection, highly lethal and contagious, and 70% of the people who get it, die,” he says. “It is a wicked, very painful, hard death. Then there is a secondary phenomenon, a derivative of Ebola, and I call this ‘Fear of Ebola’”. Hamilton says “Fear of Ebola” is potentially more damaging than Ebola itself because people don’t want to go to the country to work in the trenches to help cure the epidemic. That, he says, creates the

domino effect and pushes the country into economic collapse and consequently, breeds political collapse. Hamilton’s energy seems boundless. Pediatrician, husband of almost 42 years, father, grandfather and caretaker of a nation, there doesn’t seem to be an extra minute in the day, but he doesn’t complain. To him it’s all a blessing. “The ripple effect I have experienced by spending time with the amazing dedicated volunteers who have come with me to Africa has been rich indeed. I feel very, very fortunate and am thankful that many years ago I finally said ‘yes’ to Pastor Ralph.” ❖

For more information about Lighthouse Medical Missions or to learn how you can help, visit www.lighthousemedicalmissions.com

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MAR.APR2015 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE

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TARA GOMEZ Native American Winemaker Keeps the Chumash Spirit Alive Through Her Winemaking BY M ACK EN ZI E M IL L ER / PHOTOG RAP HY BY B EN NY HAD D AD

HE SuN RISES oVER THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY reflecting off the vines and oak trees as one single spirit walks the rows of the Camp 4 Vineyard. Tara Gomez inspects the fruits of her labor and as the sun peaks over the rolling hills and warms her skin, she reminisces on the efforts that have been put forth to make this vineyard what it is. She is reminded specifically of the harvest where she and her team begin at 2 a.m. after the blessing of the land, for weeks on end every fall. Tara Gomez, daughter of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and head winemaker of Kita Wines, is considered the only Native American winemaker, not only in California, but in the world. Tara reflects on the importance and significance of this land and Camp 4 Vineyard. Purchased by the tribe in 2010, these 1400 acres represent a land going back to a people that were here long before us. Dating back thousands of years, the Chumash Indians were a vast tribe with villages in Southern California spanning from Paso Robles to Malibu. When the Spanish Missions took over the area, the tribe decreased from 22,000 people to around 2,000, dying from disease and captured as slaves. Much was lost, but what could never be broken was the spirit and the strength of the Chumash people. Tara Gomez and her family are one of the oldest bloodlines in the tribe. The ancestors and spirit of the Chumash people has been kept alive, despite what they’ve lost, and many of the rituals are still practiced. “I was always taught to respect the land and nature, and while growing up, I understood that everything is

“air is also crucial in ProviDing Better circulation for temPerature anD HumiDity management arounD tHe clusters. tHe elements are imPortant for Balance in everytHing we Do.” 56

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sacred,” says Gomez. “I was taught to honor, love, and respect all living things.” Every winter solstice the tribe and Tara take the long 8-mile hike up Grass Mountain to show respect to those they have lost in the past year. Tara’s humble and gracious spirit is representative of her people, who are also strong and who believe in the importance of their women. Tara and the Chumash live by the stories and lessons of their ancestors, with many of these stories having a strong female spirit at the heart. Thousands of years ago, women were priestesses, and to this day, Adelina Alva-Padilla is the tribe’s spiritual leader. Hutash, Earth Goddess to them all, is represented in the story of the Rainbow Bridge. As she led her people from the Santa Cruz Islands across the bridge to the mainland, she told them to look straight ahead to make it safely across. If you look down, you will fall from the bridge into the ocean. Some looked ahead, but those who looked down fell and became the spirit of the dolphin. “I feel that we are constantly thinking of the future and setting the path for our future generations so that they can keep our culture and traditions alive” says Gomez. one of Tara’s ancestors, Maria Solares is considered one of the people who helped keep their native Samala language alive. It was all but lost with the last Chumash elder passing away many years ago. Knowing the importance of their native tongue, Tara has found her own unique way of keeping the language alive within the Kita Wines Enterprises. The name Kita means “our Valley oak” in Samala. The oak trees of the valley are thought to have been there as long as the Chumash people. “When you think about the grape growing process, you need the ample sunlight (fire) to grow the crop, and you need the soil (land) and water to nourish it,” Gomez says. “Air is also crucial in providing better circulation for temperature and humidity management around the clusters. The elements are important for balance in everything we do.” This past vintage, she also made a small production of three blends to represent the balance of the elements in nature, giving them names in the tribe’s native tongue. T'aya, a white Rhone blend, means “abalone shell” and is a tribute to water. Spe’y, a red Rhone blend, means “flower” and pays homage to their land. S’alapay, a red Bordeaux blend, means “above” and represents the importance of the night’s sky to the tribe. As head winemaker of the tribal owned vineyard and winery, Tara made sure to create a wine that represents the Chumash people in every way. Her style of winemaking is considered “old world” and has traditions that have existed for hundreds of years. Tara Gomez, of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and only Native American winemaker in the world, is keeping the spirit and language of her people alive, from root to vine, one sip at a time. ❖

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“i feel tHat we are constantly tHinking of tHe future anD setting tHe PatH for our future generations so tHat tHey can keeP our culture anD traDitions alive.”

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MAR.APR2015 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE

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THE GOURMAND

“If I have a night off, I want to go somewhere comfortable, where I don’t have to think about what I’m wearing…”

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SUSAN FENIGER Shares Her Favorite Spring Salads and Explains How She’s Bringing the Midwest Cheers Vibe to Los Angeles Photography BY DALE BERMAN

✒ BY

SPRING IS IN THE AIR, AND SuSAN FENIGER'S BEET SALAD AT L.A.’S MuD HEN TAVERN IS oNE THING THAT'S GETTING uS ouT oF ouR WINTER HIBERNATIoN CoMFoRT FooD DIET. The ohio-bred chef, who also boasts Border Grill as one of her own, cooked up her specialty just for us (yes, we devoured every morsel), explained just how she achieved such deliciousness and how she’s bringing that cozy midwest bar vibe right to Hollywood. “It’s always about texture,” she tells Southern California Life of her unique, mouth-watering concoction. “So, you’ve got saltiness and texture from the corn nuts, you’ve got spice from the chipotle, sweetness from the tangerine. And that’s sort of the concept there. And we make tapioca chips here. This is just a light salad. It uses interesting ingredients. It’s dairy-free, it’s gluten-free, it’s seasonable with what’s available. All of our dishes have to have tons of flavor and balance: acidity, richness, texture. We have a huge vegan and vegetarian following here, so we try to do as many dishes that could be both.” This season is a prime time for Feniger, 61, who considers farmers markets her happy place. “To live here and have [artichokes and California avocados] be part of our world and locally grown, I

DAHVI SHIRA

love that,” she says of her favorite foods. “I will have an avocado with extra virgin olive oil and salt and a lemon or lime from my tree squeezed on it. That’s my breakfast. I’m just a huge fan of those. I eat a few artichokes a week and that’s a lot.” While some of Feniger’s dishes come and go based on season, one thing remains the same all year ‘round: the welcoming atmosphere inside Mud Hen. “What I wanted was something that sort of reminded me of being a kid growing up in Toledo, sort of like a modern-day Cheers,” she explains. “I wanted a place with a great neighborhood surrounding here - something warm and friendly and cozy. Inside there’s no reservation, the staff knows who you are and you can come in for great conversation.” Adds Feniger: “We sort of look at it as California comfort ... almost in the old version of what taverns were, which were places where there were political conversations and conversations that get heated. I’m a rebel at heart, so I love the idea of creating that again. If I have a night off, I want to go somewhere comfortable, where I don’t have to think about what I’m wearing, I can get a great short rib dish or a great biscuit dish or a Pierogi or crispy Brussels sprouts with whipped goat cheese.” There’s a lot of excitement in store for Feniger and her establishment, which H

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▲ Border Grill Black Bean and Corn esquite Spicy Caesar Tostada 1445 4th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 310.451.1655 **There are other locations as well

Brian Malarkey’s Searsucker Beet, radish, crème fraiche and crispy goat cheese salad 611 5th Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 619.233.7327

SUSAN FENIGER

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now hosts game nights and Sunday movie nights, serving outside-of-the-box popcorn flavors. And when the restaurateur isn’t busy behind the scenes of her restaurants, she’s active in the gay and lesbian community. on March 28, L.A.’s LGBT center will host Simply diVine’s wine and food event, something cochaired by Feniger. She’s also involved in the Scleroderma Research Foundation alongside Bob Saget - an organization that she joined after losing her best friend to the disease. Feniger shared not only the recipe for her scrumptious signature salad, but also provided a list of her other favorite salads fitting for this time of year:

Richard Blais’s Juniper and Ivy Autumn beans salad with arugula pesto, cucumber, pickled pearl onion, meyer lemon and ricotta salata 2228 Kettner Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 619.269.9036

▲ Beet Ceviche Salad Dressing: • ½ c. tangerine juice • 1 c. extra virgin olive oil • ¾ c. chipotle vinegar (1 cup red wine vinegar, 2 each dried chipotle chiles seeds removed) • ½ tsp. salt

Hungry Cat endive salad with bacon lardon, persimmon, baby beets, goat cheese and red wine vinaigrette 1134 Chapala St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.884.4701

Wisk all ingredients together until combined.

• ½ c. roasted, peeled and diced beets (red and gold) • 3 tbsp. avocado, diced • 1 tbsp. red onion, diced • 1 tsp. soaked pickled chipotle, chopped • 1 tbsp. corn nuts, rough chopped • 1.5 tbsp. dressing • salt to taste • 1 tbsp. cilantro Toss all ingredients with finished dressing. Season with salt to taste. Mud Hen 742 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038 323.203.0500

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

BY BOB VAN DER VEER

Dish:

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WALK FOR ANIMALS PAWS IN THE PARK

SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY

SUNDAY, MARCH 29 at Kit Carson Park in Escondido SATURDAY, MAY 9 at NTC Park at Liberty Station in San Diego

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WEDDING

TRAVELLING TO A DESTINATION WEDDING? A few tips for having a great experience ✒ BY

ESTHER C. BLEUEL, MA, MFT, MDR

WELCoME To SouTHERN CALIFoRNIA! You’re here for a wedding and it’s a great place to be whether you are a first-time visitor or if you’ve been here before and want to explore more of the area’s fabulous sights. Going to a wedding is exciting and it will be the main event. However, along with its attendant parties and dinners, you might find time for sightseeing. Planning will be key as it helps to prevent anxious or uncomfortable moments. Tension can be high when family and friends get together for any event, but particularly for a wedding. Here are some things to think about, as you make your plans.

Itinerary of Wedding Events if your hosts have not sent you an itinerary, be sure to ask for it. This will ensure that you are available for all of the wedding events and will let you know when and if plans can be made for sightseeing, or visiting friends who live in the area.

Local Hotels Hosts usually provide suggested area hotels, but if they don’t, you can either ask for them or do some research on your own. Let your hosts know what you found and ask for their thoughts. They may have ideas, and “insider” information is always good.

Gifts it can be costly to attend a wedding out of town—the travel expenses, hotel, special clothing purchases—and the gift. don’t worry if you can’t spend a lot of money on a gift. The bride and groom (and their families) will be happy that you made the trip. Check the gift registry. if you don’t see anything that seems right, feel free to be creative. i was invited to a wedding and didn’t have much money to spend at the time. The bride and groom had a muffin tin on their registry. i bought it, added a muffin cookbook and a couple of muffin mixes. Wrapped in a basket, it made a lovely gift.

4 Family Dynamics Weddings can be fraught with emotions. Folks are very happy, but are also nervous, tired, on edge and the like. Tension and conﬂict are often part of the mix. if you are a family member, try not to get caught up in that. Be helpful and of service when and where you can. By keeping calm, staying on an even keel, and remaining upbeat, you will not only enhance the experience of others, your joy will increase as well.

5 Managing Expectations Since this is a wedding, your options may be somewhat predetermined by your relationship to the bride and groom and whether or not you have a role in the ceremony. no matter what it is—friend, family member, or guest of a guest—you will have expectations that will not always be met. yes, it is important for you to have a good time, but it is more important to remember that this is about the bride and groom.

6 The Ideal Guest A few thoughts about being a “good” guest: • Anticipate what a successful time might look like for you and do your best to create it. • Be of service to the bride and groom, if and when assistance is needed. • Be welcoming, warm and helpful to other guests. • if you sense that tension is escalating, try and calm things down. • Most important— celebrate this joyous occasion, dance with abandon and spread the good cheer.

Got a tough question or delicate dilemma you want Esther to help you solve? e-mail her at Esther@socallifemag.com and she may address it in her Trending Talk column in an upcoming edition.

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Five Floating Picnics Take your picnic to the next level – the water level. Ocean and lake marinas throughout Southern California rent easyto-operate gas-powered or electric craft with plenty of room for a lunch spread. One boat even has a built-in grill. Pack the food yourself or stop by a local sandwich shop for takeout. And bring a crowd. Most boats comfortably accommodate enough people to turn a picnic into a party.

✒ BY

2 3

SAN DIEGO

MARINA DEL REY

IRVINE LAKE

it’s round. it’s orange. it has a barbecue in the middle. The BBQ donut boat takes the backyard grill and plops it into San diego’s Mission Bay and the result are amazing. Seating 10 people max, the boat is powered by an outboard motor and costs $295 for three hours from Seaforth Boat Rentals. Beneath the seats is storage for food. The only question: chef hat or sailor cap?

Keep an eye out for the friendly harbor seals and sea lions who’ll put on a show and follow you like puppies as you cruise on an electric party boat with a canopy through America’s largest manmade marina with 5,300-small boat slips. The craft at Marina del Rey Boat Rentals are 21 feet long, carry up to 12 people and run $105 for one hour, $200 for two hours. Many food options, though Mendocino Farms serves delicious sandwiches on artisan bread.

A picturesque fishing lake in the heart of the o.C.? Just 15 miles west of disneyland, irvine Lake has a fleet of pontoon boats including a $200-a-day deluxe model with leather seats, table, shade and radio. Sandwiches are available at the irvine Lake Café, or buy lunch and a batch of gourmet cookies at Campitelli Cookies & Sandwiches in Anaheim.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

BIG BEAR LAKE Swing by Mountain Munchies for sandwiches, go to the Stater Bros. next door for anything else you may need, then head to one of several marinas to rent a pontoon boat to chug around the San Bernardino Mountains resort lake. Pleasure Point Marina, which opens April 1st, is about five miles from the restaurant and offers boats that’ll carry up to eight people for $100 for the first hour and $50 for each additional hour. For a little more money get a larger boat with higher walls to protect the littlest ones.

MICHAEL FLEEMAN

5 VENTURA if you have a smaller group and want to save a few bucks on an electric boat, rent one of ventura Harbor’s 14-foot craft that seats five people. The boats – “Babe,” “dragonfly” and “Little Honu” – run $58 an hour, a little less if you pay in cash instead of credit card, from ventura Boat Rentals. on the way, pick up pastrami and pickles from danny’s deli & Grill.

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We Proudly Congratulate Our Composer Clients For Their Wins And Nominations WINNERS Austrian Academy Awards Best Score The Dark Valley MATTHIAS WEBER German Academy Awards (LOLA) Best Score The Dark Valley MATTHIAS WEBER NOMINEES Grammy Awards Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella Amy Dicksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Moon River CHRIS WALDEN (6x Grammy nominee) Annie Awards Outstanding Achievement, Music in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production Tumble Leaf - Amazon Studios LISBETH SCOTT Hollywood Music in Media Awards Original Score, Animated Film Rocks in My Pockets KRISTIAN SENSINI Hollywood Music in Media Awards Original Score TV Show/Digital Streaming Series Parallels COREY ALLEN JACKSON

ALLEGRO TALENT GROUP Representing Film / TV Composers and Music Supervisors

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BY ERIKA THOMAS

> DRESS: KATE SPADE SHOES: MARSKINRYYPPY BY NICOLE BRUNDAGE PHOTOGRAPHED IN THE CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS OF THE QUEEN MARY WHICH IS CLOSED OFF TO VISITORS.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

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ACTRESS Wendi McLendoncovey REVEALS THE BEST THINGS ABOUT HER FAVORITE CITY AND WHY SHE’S NEVER LEFT CONTINUED

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MAR.APR2015 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE

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O SAY THAT WENDI MCLENDON-COVEY IS IN DEMAND AS AN ACTRESS IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. AFTER APPEARING IN MORE THAN A HALF-DOZEN FILMS LAST YEAR (“A MERRY FRIGGIN’ CHRISTMAS”, “THINK LIKE A MAN TOO”, “THE SINGLE MOMS CLUB”, “BLENDED”, “DATE AND SWITCH” AND OTHERS), HER CAREER CONTINUES TO SOAR AT A TIME IN LIFE WHEN MANY ACTRESSES FEEL THEIR BEST DAYS ARE BEHIND THEM. EVER SINCE HER BREAKOUT ROLE AS THE DRY-WITTED DEPUTY CLEMENTINE JOHNSON ON COMEDY CENTRAL'S “RENO 911”, SHE’S HAD AUDIENCES IN STITCHES WITH HER HYSTERICAL, RAZOR-SHARP IMPROVISATIONAL COMEDY. CURRENTLY MCLENDONCOVEY IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE PLAYING BEVERLY GOLDBERG, A FRUSTRATED, NEUROTIC STAY-ATHOME MOM ON ABC’S “THE GOLDBERGS”. of her role, she says, “It was so funny that I didn’t want to read any other pilots after I’d read that one.” Set in the 1980s, the hilarious sitcom, which chronicles the real-life events of the show’s creator Adam Goldberg, premiered last year and has been a huge hit so far. “This show is absolutely the most fun I’ve ever had doing anything. We’re in the middle of our second season and they’ve ordered more episodes. The writing, which is already so good, keeps getting better and better. My days are long, but I don’t care because I love what I am doing so much. I mean, I am really, really lucky to be doing this show. The cast and everyone, we love each other. I can’t believe the stars have aligned so much. All I can say is that I win every day I get to work on that fantastic show.” The actress also says she’s not the only one enjoying the show’s success. “The real Beverly Goldberg is having a ball with her current celebrity status. Because she’s Adam Goldberg’s mom and her character is such a huge part of the show, you’d better believe she’s having fun. She’s on Twitter, she shares her recipes with people and has tons of followers. Whenever she goes out to eat, the wait staﬀ of whatever restaurant she happens to be in, always manages to find out who she is. Beverly is very proud of her status. She lives in Florida now. The CONTINUED

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

“One of the best things about this town is that it’s very diverse. You’ve got all kinds of different sections.”

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< DRESS: STOP STARING

MAR.APR2015 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE

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“I still shop in my neighborhood store. I’ve pretty much lived within the same ten-mile radius my entire life.” Goldberg family was from Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, and that’s where the show is set, so we do give a lot of shout-outs to their town in the episodes. They had a huge premiere party there, and her husband’s La-Z-Boy—I think they actually named it ‘Mr. Chair’—made it to the premiere.” As for Mrs. Goldberg’s new-found fame, Wendi says she is happy for her. “Beverly is getting the stardom and accolades she deserves. She really wanted to be celebrated and recognized for the fact that the work she did in the home all of those years was important; because it was. And so now she’s having a blast. She really inspires my character so much. We talk on Twitter and she’s stopped by the set a couple of times. She’s a great lady; and nothing she does is ever from a bad place. It’s all out of love. She just wants her kids to love her and they do, but they also can’t get away fast enough.” lthough Wendi says she loves playing a mom on television, she’s not wild about the question it causes people to ask her almost daily. “It’s the second-most annoying question I get asked just about every day. People are constantly asking me why I don’t have any kids; and not only that, but when I plan on getting started. My answer to them is never. I’ve never felt I wanted or needed to have kids. I certainly don’t feel like anything is missing from my life. I get to be a mom at work and that’s pretty great.” The other question people ask relentlessly? “People ask me why I still live in Long Beach and when I’ll be moving to

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

Hollywood. I moved to Long Beach when I was two years old. I’ve been here my entire life and I have no plans of leaving any time soon. I literally get asked that question every single day of my life,” she says. Even though Long Beach is a bit of a trek to Hollywood, a shortened commute would hardly make things more attractive for her. “I live in Long Beach and work in Culver City. There is always a commute, no matter where you live in LA, because everything is so spread out. I love Long Beach. There are some industry people who do live here; many writers, art directors, stylists and prop people. I’ve always felt that I’d rather commute than live in the thick of the show biz industry. That would be too exhausting. Besides, ‘TMZ’ does not want to come all the way to Long Beach—guaranteed,” she laughs. he fact that Long Beach is a cultural mecca choc-full of restaurants, art galleries and various quaint neighborhoods, each one with its own unique flair, has made the idea of ever leaving, that much more out of the question. “You can literally get any kind of food in the world in Long Beach. one of my favorite restaurants is the 555 Steakhouse. It has fantastic food and an old school vibe that’s really cool. I also like the tapas at Seville on Pine Street and Russo’s in Naples, because they have homemade tiramisu that will bring tears to your eyes,” she says. “one of the best things about this town is that it’s very diverse. You’ve got all kinds of diﬀerent sections. You have the Art District, Cambodia Town, the Queen Mary and the Pike, plus lots of amazing parks. Long Beach is great for the vintage shopper too. They have the Veterans Swap Meet every third Sunday and there are neighborhoods with entire rows of vintage stores, which I do shop at,” she says. A huge fan of vintage clothing, the actress says that at times, she shops a little too much. “I was going all the time for a while; and I was buying tons of stuﬀ every time. I couldn’t help myself. So recently I’ve had to try and put the kibosh on it.” And it isn’t only vintage she shops for. “I still shop in my neighborhood store. I’ve pretty much lived within the same ten-mile radius my entire life. I went to high school at Millikan and col-

lege at Cal State Long Beach. My parents are nearby—just a few minutes away—and my in-laws and everyone are within a really small orbit, so I stay nice and grounded; they all make sure of that. I’m still friends with many of the same people I went to high school with.” While she does enjoy the numerous unchanged aspects of life in her hometown, still, she says a few things have changed. “While I do go to the store myself, I get recognized a lot and it happens more and more now; for the most part people are nice. once in a while someone will say something—not meaning to sound rude—but it comes out that way, which can be uncomfortable. I do have an assistant who does errands and other things for me now. It’s my best friend, whom I trust with my life. It really helps me out. Not because I’m in desperate need of someone to do things for me, but simply because I work such long hours. By the time I’m done for the day, everything is closed. So I have her do things that need to get done during normal business hours,” she says. Having an assistant not only alleviates stress, it allows the comedienne to focus on two of her favorite hobbies. “To date, I have 18 pieces in my illustrious, amateur art collection. I started it in earnest about three years ago. Most of the stuﬀ comes from garage sales and thrift stores. I never pay more than $40.00 for anything—at least I haven’t so far. The pieces I find are amazing and hysterical. They make you laugh, which they’re not intended to on purpose, they just do,” she says. er collection is even housed in its own gallery—kind of. “I do have a special room set aside especially for my art.” of her charming, 1940s-era home, she says, “We’ve owned this house for 14 years and love it. one of the things I love most about it is the atrium we added oﬀ the side hallway; an atrium which I’ve recently turned into a gnome wonderland. It’s filled with gnomes; currently there are 16 and my collection is growing every day, because people give them to me.” When asked if she’d ever consider selling up for something larger—perhaps a “McMansion”—she says, “We may buy an additional property or two. I’ve always wanted to be bi-coastal, so that’s a possibility. But I will never give up my house here in Long Beach; never ever, ever.” ❖

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WARDROBE JORDAN GROSSMAN/ EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS MANAGEMENT HAIR BY JUDD MINTER/ AIM ARTISTS AGENCY MAKEUP BY ERIC BARNARD/ AIM ARTISTS AGENCY

< GOWN: VAL STEFANI SHOES: MARSKINRYYPPY BY NICOLE BRUNDAGE

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THE HOOD

Long Beach: From Iowa by the Sea to Trendy Town; Home of the Queen Mary & Long Beach Grand Prix. ✒ BY

MICHAEL FLEEMAN

JIM MICHAELIAN REMEMBERS THAT DECEMBER DAY, BACK IN 1967, WHEN THE QuEEN MARY MADE HER FINAL CRuISE. “I was standing up on the coastline near Bluﬀ Park and watching that big ship come rolling in there,” he says. Long Beach needed an iconic draw. Downtown and the shoreline area had deteriorated, the empty storefronts reoccupied by bars and xrated movie houses. The Pike amusement park was crumbling, the wooden Cyclone Racer about to deliver its final thrill, shuttering in 1968. A regal ship rich in history was step one for Long Beach’s recovery. Step two was speed. on a Sunday in September 1975, a British racer named Brian Redman muscled his car with a 500horsepower Chevy engine around the twists and turns of downtown to capture the city’s first Grand Prix street race. Winning time for the 100 laps was just over an hour and ten minutes.

Average speed: 86 mph. In that pre-ESPN, preInternet era, the race aired a week later on CBS. It drew respectable numbers and more importantly convinced the Formula one governing body that Long Beach knew what it was doing. Six months later, the city hosted its first sanctioned race, and the next year, in 1977, Mario Andretti became the first American to win a Grand Prix, putting Long Beach on the racing map. Michaelian has been there since the beginning. Now president and CEo of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, he’s served in a number of capacities over the last four decades and has seen the race survive and thrive. Along the way he’s watched as the city’s once-ragged downtown do the same. As the drivers fire up their booming engines again April 17 – 19 on Shoreline Drive for what is now an IndyCar Series, the NBCSN crews will capture a downtown that bears little resemblance to the one in 1975. CONTINUED

2014 Andy Witherspoon

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we put together an event within the scope of a large metropolitan area that provided people with the opportunity to encounter and experience something they can’t do anyplace else.

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1976 Hairpin at Ocean Blvd

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“When the camera pans down, it’s looking at a beautiful marina, new stores, new buildings, hotels, a new grassy area, the continuing rejuvenation,” says Michaelian. “So as they’re sitting at home watching the race on TV in Toledo, they can say, ‘That’s a neat town.’” The changes may be dramatic, but they didn’t come quickly, with the sudden accelerations and slowdowns and sharp turns of the Grand Prix. Incorporated in 1888, Long Beach established itself early as a seaside resort. The Pike opened in 1902, and when Alamitos No. 1 well became a gusher, it became an oil town, the rigs built right up on the sand. Ford would make its Model A’s here and McDonnell Douglas its planes. There were jobs and the ocean and the mild climate that drew Midwesterners fleeing frozen winters. Long Beach would become known as Iowa by the Sea. World War II meant the opening of the Navy shipyard, with thousands of more jobs, but the post-war years would be hard on

1975 Winner Brian Redman

downtown Long Beach, as it was for many cities, as people fled for the suburbs. The newly arrived Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm spelled disaster for the Pike. By 2004 Paul Tracy #1 the late 1960s, as boosters tried to sell Long Beach as “The International City,” they brought the Queen Mary, and later the Grand Prix, the brainchild of a local travel agent, with the idea of gracing the gritty port town with some of the jetOcean Blvd Storefronts setting glamour enjoyed by the popular MediterraneanAnd it was right next to the fronted race in Monaco. beach, even if that beach “Even in those days, wasn’t very attractive. It was when Long Beach wasn’t still a beach.” obviously as attractive as it is But the transformation today, the concept worked,” occurred. The 1980s brought says Michaelian. “We put the Shoreline Village shoptogether an event within the ping and restaurant area, the scope of a large metropolitan 1990s the Blue Line rail line area that provided people and the Aquarium of the with the opportunity to Pacific. Gone is the Navy encounter and experience shipyard, closed in 1997, but something they can’t do gone too are many of those anyplace else. They could see seedy bars. The convention and feel a racecar going center was expanded, Hyatt down a street put in a four-star hotel, and they may have the huge lawns now play driven three host to food and music festidays ago. vals, a nod to the big Iowa There’s a vispicnics generations ago. ceral eﬀect.

1984 Mario Winning Car

A shopping and entertainment complex now stands where the Pike once was. And the Queen Mary, with its hotel and banquet spaces, remains stately in the distance, quiet as the racecars are loud, bridging the old with the new. “What we’re seeing now is the second generation, guys who come saying, ‘I was here with my dad back in the ‘80s, and now I’m bringing my kids,” says Michaelian. “And that’s what we’ve been trying do these 40 years, telling people: Come to Long Beach.” ❖

2008 Last Champ Car - Power

1977 James Hunt Crash

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Catalina The Island of Romance, Undersea Adventures and Extraordinary Experiences ✒ BY

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ROBYN FLANS

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CATALINA

ANTA CATALINA ISLAND, oR CATALINA, AS IT IS CoMMoNLY KNoWN, IS AN ISLAND JuST oFF THE CoAST oF SouTHERN CALIFoRNIA, 22 MILES SouTH-SouTHWEST oF LoS ANGELES. Packed with romance and beauty, it is a fabulous location filled with land and water activities like bike riding, whale watching, parasailing, kayaking and hiking, fun that can be enjoyed on every budget. A less expensive, and often overlooked way to explore the magical island with family or a significant other is at one of the five camping sites. The Two Harbors Campground oďŹ&#x20AC;ers both tent camping and cabins that sleep up to six people. This site features 42 individual sites and three groupcamping areas. For campground facilities, rangers rent equipment. Little Harbor Campground is on the backside of Catalina, right on the beach, accessible by Safari Bus, biking or a somewhat strenuous hike. Select equipment is available for rent.

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5/ There is no gathering of wood or plants or defacing any nature or manmade feature in the area allowed. 6/ Hunting of any kind is prohibited.

Hermit Gulch Campground is the only campground within Avalon’s city limits, so it is close to the many things the town has to oﬀer such as groceries, shopping and nightlife. This locale oﬀers a tent cabin rental that sleeps six. other equipment is also available for rent. Showers, chemical toilets, fresh water, BBQ, fire pit and picnic tables are available at some of the campsites and variations thereof are available at others. There are two primitive campsites. No moorings are available; these are anchor-in coves only and campers must provide their own water and port-a-potty. is a bring-yourown supplies locale with eight campsites which can accommodate up to six people. It is accessible only via a hike or kayak trip with beautiful pristine beaches and lovely vistas.

1. THE PARSONS’ LANDING CAMPGROUND

2. THE BLACK JACK CAMPGROUND oﬀers select camping equipment rentals for their 11-site facility which is accessible only by hiking, taking the Airport Shuttle or by Safari Bus. The site is nestled among pine and eucalyptus trees near Mt. orizaba.

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IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT CAMPING IN ALL AREAS: 1/ There are no lifeguards. 2/ All persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. 3/ There are no electrical hook-ups at any of the campsites. 4/ Fires and smoking are permitted only in BBQ and ﬁre ring areas and there are no wood ﬁres of any kind allowed at the Hermit Gulch campground.

7/ Campground and beach quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., which must be observed. 8/ no pets allowed in the campgrounds. 9/ no littering, and recycle materials in recycle containers provided. 10/ Beware of bison, poison oak and rattlesnakes.

ACTIVITIES:

If hiking is your pleasure, there are many H

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beautiful trails available but a permit is required. Garden to Sky Hike that starts at Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden is one possibility although there is an admission charge to the garden. From Blackjack Campground, you can hike through Cottonwood Canyon to the Airport in the Sky where you can get refreshments before heading downhill to the Little Harbor Campgrounds overlooking the Pacific ocean. Cycling is also allowed on about eight miles of the Trans-Catalina Trail, also with a permit.

Two Harbors visitor information Center open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (winter) 6:30 p.m. (summer), call 1-310-510-4226. you can check out the visuals online, reservations can be obtained online at www.visitcatalinaisland.com or call 1-877-778-1487.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

Another wonderful Catalina possibility is scuba diving. Casino Point Marina, also known as Avalon underwater Park, is great for beginner divers and showcases wonderful Southern California marine life. Italian Gardens oﬀers advanced and specialty dive boat excursions oﬀ Avalon Harbor. Isthmus Cove features three dive sites. Lion’s Head has a maximum depth of 60 feet, Cherry Cove has a maximum depth of 90 feet and Bird Rock’s average depth is 45 feet. Snorkeling is another great way to explore the water, although it is a little challenging because there are no snorkeling tours of the island that depart from Los Angeles. You must travel to Catalina and find a tour operator in Avalon or Two Harbors. You can join up with a snorkel boat or kayak and snorkel tour, but you will have to figure out these logistics. You will want to steer clear of blue sharks which are rare, but have been known to grace the island’s waters.❖

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Keeping spirits alive, from root to vine, one sip at a time

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The Wedding Planner THEY SAY THE BRIDAL BuG IS IN FuLL SWING IN THE SPRING AND WEDDING PLANS begin to brew around this time. unless you’re opting to hop to Vegas for the quickie version, most couples try to find creative and innovative ideas to weave into their nuptial plans. With so many options to help create an extraordinary experience from ceremony to honeymoon in Southern California, we’d like to oﬀer a few suggestions. H

✒ BY

NICOLE SCHMIDT

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THE WEDDING PLANNER

1 2 Showing up to walk down the aisle is so 2014.

your first stoP is a BriDal sHow.

These take place throughout Southern California and can help you find resources and vendors of all kinds, from florists to photographers and much more. Check out these links to find an event taking place near you: www.weddingwire.com/wedding-events www.bridalshowplace.net www.weddingguideonline.com/bridalshows

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Every bride wants to make a grand entrance as well as ride off into the sunset with her new hubby in style. Rent a carriage, limo, horse or any other manner of elegant transfer here:

LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE VENUE TO TIE THE KNOT IN SO CAL? YOU MAY FIND THE PERFECT PLACE HERE:

www.yourenchantedcarriage.com www.whitehorsecarriage.com www.CindyCinderellaCarriages.com www.horsecarriagerentals.com

www.santabarbarawedding.com www.mywedding.com/san-diego/wedding-venues www.eventup.com/venues/los-angeles-ca/wedding www.estateweddingsandevents.com/venues/los angeles-ca

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ALREADY HAVE AN ESTABLISHED HOUSEHOLD? Blow off the ho-hum department store bridal registry and encourage guests to contribute to your honeymoon fund. They can also contribute to help you buy excursions and upgrades while on your trip. www.HoneymoonWishes.com

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THERE ARE SO MANY DETAILS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING FOR THE BIG DAY BUT WE HOPE WE GOT YOU STARTED. YOU MAY ALSO WANT FIND MORE INSPIRATION ON THESE BLOGS WE LOVE:

Happy planning and congrats from us at Southern California Life magazine! â?&#x2013;

www.WeddingChicks.com www.WeddingBee.com www.MyWedding.com SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

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Passover and Easter: Celebrating in the Southland The Holy days of Easter and Passover arrive on the same weekend this year with Passover beginning on April 3rd and Easter on April 5th. Check out these special events that will give you and your family a unique and memorable celebration. ✒ BY

DEBBIE SULLIVAN

The Prime experience offers two beautiful properties with exquisite location, cuisine and service. First is The Four Seasons Westlake – walk through the doors to a breathtaking view, lush floral The Four Seasons Westlake gardens, waterfalls and sophisticated décor – ahhh, breathe, relax your shoulders and enjoy serenity. Take pleasure in the Prime experience’s legendary nongebrokts cuisine making Passover at the Four Seasons a yom Tov to be treasured. each and every meal will be an event to remember, with the highest kashrus standard St. Regis Monarch Beach under the supervision of Rabbi daniel elkouby of Kehilla Kosher of Los Angeles, with hand shmura matza and gourmet non-gebrokts cuisine exclusively. enter your guest room and enjoy high ceilings, indulgent spa bathrooms and upscale amenities. The fitness center, spa, swimming pools and Wellness Center offer something for everyone. And Malibu beach is just a 20 minute drive where you can surf, horseback ride, and paddle board with the dolphins. Spend the week-long Chol Hamoed enjoying motivational speakers and nightly entertainment and give your children the gift of the highly acclaimed day camp with fun filled activities. The Four Seasons is located at 2 dole drive, Westlake village – to book your stay, visit www.ThePrimeExperience.com or call 212.335.0828.

EASTER SUNDAY ABOARD THE QUEEN MARY IN LONG BEACH Book a beautiful stateroom and wake up on easter Sunday with a dramatic view of the Pacific ocean or simply join the crew for a brunch that is stunning, different and delicious. As you stroll onto Queen Mary’s deck you will experience the restoration to its former glory and enjoy fine dining served with the style and sophistication of the 1930’s. you’ll find you have walked into buffet paradise with a first class dining room, free flowing champagne and a menu inspired by the ports of call she once visited – Asian, italian, Mexican, American and a deluxe spread of desserts inspired by France. you will be treated like the royalty that once sailed on this grand ship - let the ocean view inspire you and make this an unforgettable easter celebration. Welcome aboard! The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach, for reservations visit www.TheQueenMary.com/Events/Easter or call 877.342.0738.

enjoy the same Passover experience at St. Regis Monarch Beach. This Five diamond resort sits on the beautiful shore of the Paciﬁc ocean and is stunning with regal rooms, three pools and a private beach with kayaking, surﬁng, paddle boating and golf. The St. Regis is located at 1 Monarch Beach Resort north, dana Point – to book your stay, visit www.ThePrimeExperience.com or call 212.335.0828.

THE PASSOVER PRIME EXPERIENCE

ENJOY A SPRINGTIME EASTER FESTIVAL IN MOORPARK Underwood Farms oﬀers unique and fun events for the whole family and is open from Saturday, March 28 through Monday, April 6. you will step back in time and enjoy tractor drawn wagon rides, an easter story board labyrinth, a farm animal show, antique tractor demonstrations, combine slide and photo opportunities with the easter Bunny to name a few. Purchase tickets for the easter egg hunt, face painting, horse drawn wagon ride, easter chick races, pony rides, egg dying, and horse drawn buggy rides. Underwood Farms is located at 3370 Sunset valley Road in Moorpark, for times and tickets visit www.UnderwoodFamilyFarms.com or call 805.529.3690.

EXPERIENCE THE LIFE OF JESUS imagine watching Jesus as he lived and loved. Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch offers an amazing musical production of “The Passion Play” giving you the unforgettable experience that depicts the life, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. As you witness the power of His healing and the depths of His love for us you will be filled with the loving and forgiving message of redemption. “The Passion Play” runs from March 26th through April 4th . Shepherd Church is located at 19700 Rinaldi Street in Porter Ranch, for tickets and information visit www.Sheptix.com or call 818.831.7880.

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Erica Petal Mutch at Hidden Valley Ranch offers programs for all ages and ability levels in Hunters and Jumpers One on one and group instruction for the beginner and the experienced rider

Hidden Valley . Thousand Oaks Erica Petal Mutch ericamutch@gmail.com 310.883.8389

PET-FRIENDLY

RESORTS FOR YOUR FURRY FRIENDS BY ROBYN FLANS

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The boutique Kimpton Hotels welcome dogs of all sizes with open arms and they’ll hang a sign on your door to let guests and staff know that you’ve got your best furry friend in your room.

Traveling with your dog has become more common these days and many of the hotel chains and boutique hotels now allow them. Even some of the fanciest resorts have given in, but while some hotels have waived charges, many are riddled with high daily fees or a security deposit.

Be sure you understand the hotel pet restrictions prior to check-in. For instance, demanding that you not leave your pet alone in the room and not offering a pet sitting service could be a difficult conundrum for a guest. Some of the hotels only allow your dog to be the size of a hamster. You must call ahead and find out how truly dog friendly the hotel in which you hope to stay really is. And even though the chain says they have a certain policy, you’d best check with the individual location to make sure the one you plan to visit honors that policy. Sometimes the weight policy varies from location to location. Some hotels allow multiple dogs, even other animals, but all hotels have a “pet policy” somewhere on their website. There are those which are definitely no frills and others that roll out a red carpet with treats and gifts. Sometimes the difference of the royal treatment may not even be reflected in the price you pay. It’s just the service they provide. CONTINUED

MAR.APR2015 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE

At the Loews Hotels it’s called the Loews Loves Pets Program and they sure do. They even provide pet-sitting and petwalking services, in addition to gourmet room service pet menus created by in-house chefs in conjunction with licensed veterinarians. They also give nametags, bowls and treats, and furnish beds and needed accessories for your stay. They limit two pets (cats are allowed) and require proof of up-todate vaccinations. There are three Southern California locations: Hollywood, Santa Monica and San diego. Reservations: 1-800235-6397.

The boutique Kimpton Hotels welcome dogs of all sizes with open arms and they’ll hang a sign on your door to let guests and staﬀ know that you’ve got your best furry friend in your room. Kimpton knows how important they are and even includes them in the nightly wine receptions! The hotel furnishes dog beds, food, water bowls, mats, and even poop bags for when you walk your dog. They oﬀer lists of nearby groomers, petfriendly restaurants and parks. There are two in the Los Angeles area, two in the San diego area, one in La Jolla and two in the Santa Barbara area. P.S. Kimpton allows animals of any kind.

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At the Fairmont Southern California locations -Miramar and newport Beach - your dog will enjoy the same lavish lifestyle you will, but only if they are under 30 or 25 lbs, respectively. it’s a shame because at Miramar they oﬀer spa treatments for your best friend and even massage treatments. newport Beach mentions you can’t leave your dog alone in the room, but dog sitting and walking is available.

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PET-FRIENDLY RESORTS FOR YOUR FURRY FRIENDS

LaQuinta Inns & Suites allow up to two domestic pets in the room. it’s fairly no-frills, but there are 11 in the Los Angeles area, eight in San diego, one in ventura and one in Santa Barbara.

5e There are about 44 Residence Inns in the Southern California area, some of which have dog weight restrictions such as 50 lbs. so you will have to check, but they are all petfriendly and most seem to allow multiples.

REACH UP LA 177 Countries | 7,000 Athletes | 25 Sports | #REACHUPLA

July 25 – A August ugust 2, 2015

THERE'S A FRESH NEW LOOK FOR THE ESPLANADE ALONG WEST BROADWAY IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO THAT OFFERS VISITORS A BEAUTIFULLYUPDATED, MORE PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE OF THE CITY'S BUSTLING BAYSIDE.

NEW LANDSCAPING

BY LINDA LANG

▼

The San Diego Embarcadero, bordering the downtown waterfront, extends from the Embarcadero Marina north to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. You'll also find several war memorials including the Aircraft Carrier Memorial, Battle of Leyte Gulf Memorial, and the National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military. Following a two-year, $31.1 million makeover of the two-block area between North Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, you can now enjoy a beautifully-landscaped, 105-foot wide promenade. Representing the first phase of San Diego’s overall Embarcadero Visionary Plan, new attractions include two sleek, metallic shade pavilions with colorful, glass ticket kiosks for the old Town Trolley Tours, Flagship Cruises and Hornblower Cruises. They also house a new visitor information center and gift shop slated to open in April, and the popular local restaurant, Carnitas Snack Shack, is scheduled to open late May/early June. Eye-catching public art by internationally-known artist Pae White graciously complements the dramatic architecture of the new buildings. Inspired by the novel "Jonathan Livingston Seagull," White created large cutout letters and words representing the aerial views of a seagull to adorn the pavilions, ticket booths, restaurant, information center and new public restroom. The are also 30 original sculptures along the Embarcadero, each designed and made by a different artist.

Completing the scene are lush, colorful gardens, landscaped plazas and pathways offering comfortable wooden benches and seating areas, groves of purple-blooming jacaranda trees--San Diego’s official tree, and an environmentally-friendly water filtration system that captures street and sidewalk runoff, filtering pollutants from the water before it enters San Diego Bay. Dramatic sculptural lighting fixtures by New York lighting designer Leni Schwendinger complement 18 towering palm trees. In addition to redesigning the North Embarcadero, a new 12-acre Waterfront Park with an 830-foot long fountain opened last May, and two new hotels-Springhill Suites and a Residence Inn-and a public park at Lane Field are also under construction. ❖ ▼ NEW TICKET BOOTH

For more information on waterfront activities and what to do in San diego, go to www.sandiego.org/cruise or www.portofsandiego.org/thebigbay.

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COURTESY OF THE PORT OF SAN DIEGO

▼ NEW EMBARCADERO

ON THE CALENDAR

march /april 41st Annual Festival of the Kite at Redondo Beach Pier

The 70th Santa Barbara International Orchid Show

Sunday, March 8 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 www.redondopier.com

March 13-15 Earl Warren Showgrounds 3400 Las Positas Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 www.sborchidshow.com

• Celebrate kites at one of the longest running Kite Festivals in Southern California. Festival Fashion Week in Palm Springs March 13 and 14 Francis Stevens Park, Corner of North Palm Canyon and Alejo Road, Palm Springs www.festivalfashionweek.com

LATIN FOOD FEST March 20-21 Santa Monica Beach Park 2600 Barnard Way Santa Monica, CA 90405 www.latinfoodfest.com

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• Festival Fashion week is a two-day music and fashion experience featuring 40-plus brands, musical talent, personalized “Style Session” and fashion shows.

• The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show is one of the largest and oldest orchid shows in the United States. Visitors delight in exuberant displays of blooming orchids, with exhibits designed to each year’s show theme. A step into the exhibit hall is a step into the lush colors and fragrances of exotic orchids.

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The 70th Santa Barbara International Orchid Show March 13-15 earl Warren Showgrounds 3400 Las Positas Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93105

The Los Angeles Marathon Sunday, March 15 From the Stadium to the Sea 7:00am start at Los Angeles Dodger Stadium 1000 Elysian Park Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 542-3000 info@lamarathon.com

april

• The Los Angeles Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for runners and is considered one of the most scenic in the world. Runners from all 50 states and more than 55 countries will set out from Dodger Stadium to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the Finish Line in Santa Monica. Latin Food Fest March 20-21 Santa Monica Beach Park 2600 Barnard Way Santa Monica, CA 90405 www.latinfoodfest.com

• This is an all-inclusive tasting festival at the beach, where guests pay one price to enter and indulge in a variety of local and international Latin food, wine and spirits. Watch acclaimed chefs go head to head in cooking competitions and visit the pavilions, which include the Baja Beer Garden, Grande Wine tasting and the VIP Playa.

41st Annual Festival of the Kite at Redondo Beach Pier

Stars on Ice Saturday, April 4 (Anaheim) The Honda Center 2695 East Katella Ave. Anaheim, CA 92806 (714) 704-2400 www.hondacenter.com

• Olympic Gold Medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White headline the Stars on Ice tour and will be joined by Patrick Chan for his U.S. tour debut as well as fellow Olympian Gold Medalist Evan Lysachek. Coachella Music Festival

Los Angeles Ballet Presents Sleeping Beauty ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7:30pm on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 at Royce Hall, UCLA 340 Royce Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90095 (310) 825-2101

Friday, April 10 through Sunday April 12 (Indio) Empire Polo Grounds 81-800 Avenue 51, Indio CA 92201 (888) 512-7469 www.coachella.com

• Annual music and arts festival features many genres of music including alternative rock, hip-hop, and Electronic music as well as large sculptural art. The event has several stages and tents set up through out the grounds, each playing live music continuously.

march/april • Get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators for free during Shark Lagoon Night. You can have the chance to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as sand tigers as well as all kinds of rays in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon.

Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26 Balboa Pier in Newport Beach 1 Balboa Pier New Port Beach, CA 92661 (949) 644-1023 www.newporttoensenada.com

• This 125-mile overnight race provides the perfect mix of fun and adventure as racers decide whether t head offshore for stronger winds or to sail the rhumb line towards the finish. Whether you are a first-time racer or an experienced pro, this one is for you. Stagecoach – California’s Country Music Festival April 24 – 26 81-800 Avenue 51 Indio, CA 92201 www.stagecoachfestival.com

• This year’s line up includes performances by Blake Shelton, Clare Dunn, Dierks Bentley, Gregg Allman, Jake Owen, Miranda Lambert , the Band Perry, Sara Evans and lots more!

Santa Barbara Wine Country Bike Tour

Sink or Swim: Designing for a Sea Change

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm in Santa Barbara 32 East Haley St. Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (805) 884-9283 www.sbadventureco.com

Wednesday– Sunday: 11:00am to 6:00pm Closed Mondays and Tuesdays Annenberg Space for Photography 2000 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles, CA 90067 www.annenbergphotospace.org

• This trip takes you into the heart of the Santa Barbara wine country, home to several very popular California vintners. Cyclists depart by van in the morning and head to the Foxen Canyon Trial or Santa Rita Hills, perfect for cycling through scenic vineyards and ranch lands.

The Flower Fields of Carlsbad 9:00am to 6:00pm in March and April in Carlsbad, CA 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92088 (760) 431-0352 www.theflowerfields.com

To feature your upcoming Southern California event in our "on the Calendar" section, e-mail: calendar@socallifemag.com

ANSWERS FOR CROSSWORD PUZZLE ON PAGE 98.

• Take yourself out of the ordinary and celebrate spring in one of nature’s wonders; a place where kids can run and adults can linger. For over 60 years, these 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are in bloom for about six to eight weeks a year in an explosion of color in the rolling hills of North San Diego Country known as The Flower Fields.

• This photo exhibit explores the human story of resilience, from adaptation for survival to ambitious infrastructure planning, in some of the richest and poorest of the word’s coastal communities. Rather than showing pristine architectural photography, the photographs present viewers with various human responses to changes in their landscapes that could be intensified by sea level rise.

Shark Lagoon Night Every Friday at 6:00pm to 9:00pm in Long Beach at the Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 590-3100 www.aquariumofpacific.org

MAR.APR2015 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE

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TURF WAR: WATER RIGHTS ✒ BY

SCOTT HARRIS

IT HAS BEEN A LoNG TIME SINCE SouTHERN CALIFoRNIA LAST ENJoYED A GooD RAINSToRM. So long, in fact, that residents are tempted to take their cars through the car wash a second time – simply because they so enjoy the sound of falling water on the windows. Although, they might be brought back “THERE IS A GROWING CONTINGENT OF to reality by the withering stares they receive from LOCALS WHO THINK A FILTHY CAR IS A BADGE the environmentally-conscious Prius drivers exiting OF HONOR, A VISIBLE REFLECTION OF THEIR the car wash. COMMITMENT TO REDUCING WATER USAGE We are not just in a drought, but also at a social, environmental and political turning point in AND SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT.” Southern California. There is a growing contingent of locals who think a filthy car is a badge of honor, a visible reflection of their commitment to reducing deep philosophical question? Maybe we are just thirsty and water usage and saving the environment. Frankly, it might be quickly running out of socially acceptable options to publically a convenient excuse for the lazy among us to simply avoid quench that thirst. washing their cars, but then again, some like a clean car. And my own home is no longer a sanctuary. My wife has We have an entire new group of environmental enthusiasts also become very focused on saving water. Showers are shorter, who have become very judgmental about, and focused on, laundry loads are larger and dishwashing must be done with water usage. And it’s not just cars. Your front yard is now a utmost eﬃciency. I have to say, I’d be willing to trade a few political statement about your commitment to the environDelta smelt for a long, hot shower on a cold morning! ment. The browner the However, her real dilemma is lawn related. unwilling to better! Green is mean! live with a dead lawn and equally unwilling to “waste” water by Some neighbors are watering the very expensive lawn we recently had added, she posting lawn signs that came up with an alternative. We took our children’s inherisay: “We’ve let our lawn tance (and just a bit from the anticipated grandchildren) and die to save water.” It is put in artificial turf. It looks great. Except, it’s so realistic lookprobably only a coinciing, I’m wondering if I need to add a sign that says “Fake lawn, dence that some of those no water used!” And, while I fully expect to read soon that same people had dead artificial turf causes cancer, or some other nasty unintended lawns and ugly front yards consequence, it does seem to have at least solved part of the long before the drought. water problem. Maybe they were early Sadly, I checked with my wife, and this tremendous savings adaptors? And the new of water did not free up the short shower restrictions. ❖ rage seems to be “desert landscaping.” upon observation, it is easy to see that there is a very fine line between “desert” and weeds. Doctors have been saying for years that we need to drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day, but restaurants often make you feel like a selfish robber baron if you ask for a glass of ice water. Alcohol at lunch is unprofessional, sodas are unhealthy and now, drinking water is selfish? Waiters are actually asking diners if they really need the water. Do they mean environmentally, medically, economically, or is it some sort of

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MYLES MELLOR

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5 ACROSS

Fab Pasadena hotel ACROSS

1. San Diego was the site of the first ___ in California 5. Fab Pasadena hotel 10. Govt dept. keeping things green 11. She helps create families for others 13. Journalist who toured with the Beatles and writer of “The Beatles and me” 14. Jacinto or Bernardino 16. Luxury car symbol 18. “Biggest Loser” star who became a true California girl, ___ Widerstrom 20. Closet wood 22. Fitzgerald's “The ___ Tycoon” (written in SoCal) 25. Retired number of Dodger Tommy Lasorda 26. Awesome in the 80s 28. Mrs. Nixon 29. Tangled shrub vegetation found in much of SoCal 32. “American Hustle” star now living in Beverly Hills 34. Vets’ hospital 35. President who had a post White House home in Rancho Mirage 36. Former British princess 37. John Mayer "Who ___" 98

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE - MAR.APR2015

39. “Father” of the Palm Springs film festival 41. “Hey, ___” (Zhane hit of 1993) (2 words) 43. Tanzanite, e.g. 44. Sun to a poet 46. ‘Bed-in’ activist Yoko 48. Famed NAPA family vineyards 49. Designer of the Pelican Hill golf course, Tom 51. Arbiter for Angels games 52. Start of a song co-written by Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys, “___ beautiful to me” (3 words) 53. New exhibit at San Diego's Natural History Museum, “Coast to ___”

15. Genetic code 17. Jacobs and Anthony 19. Cadillac ___ Dorado 20. Distinguished chef (2 words) 21. Sound at a Trojans game 23. Turf go with 24. Highest mountain in Los Angeles county 27. Beckham of LA Galaxy fame 28. Malibu ranch where “Wells Fargo”, “Gun Smoke” and "The Painted Desert" were filmed 30. Sound system, briefly 31. “The Bachelor” flower 33. Brad Pitt played ___Smith 36. Snow motions 38. Big Bear inclines 39. First name of the TV chef who was at the VIP lounge for the Breeder's Cup at Santa Anita 40. Some search for it in vein 42. The Wave delivers it “Smooth” 45. Thunderous wave sound 47. Santa Fe state, abbr. 50. ___ roll (doing well)

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1. Quattroporte maker 2. Jagger and John 3. Image on an ipad screen 4. Well-groomed 5. Old time western actor, ___ Marvin 6. "The Simpsons" neighbor Flanders 7. Student score 8. Retreat 9. Marine layer features 12. Steak order

ANSWERS FOUND ON PAGE 95.

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