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Beacon Media Thanks You, our Readers
We
hope you enjoy this week’s special Readers’ Choice newspaper which is our annual tip-of-the-hat to local tradesmen and women, selected by you our readers, as tops in their chosen profession. Due to the volume of work involved in compiling the information,
preparing the layout, writing and editing profiles as well as taking the photos for this special edition,
we’ve had to forego the usual look in addition to eliminating some of this week’s local news including
the police blotters. We are sure you’ll recognize this is a once a year homage to you, the reader, for giving us the opportunity to shine a Beacon (if you’ll pardon our shameless plug) on your favorite enterprise. Rest assured, next week we will return to our full coverage of local news and events that you have come to expect from us these past 18 years. Thank you for your continued support and readership. Terry Miller, Editor
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Table of Contents:
Founder/President/Publisher Von Raees CEO Jesse Dillon COO Andrea Olivas Editorial tmiller@beaconmedianews.com Editor Terry Miller Managing Editor Jennifer Schlueter Editorial Assistant Courtney Blackburn
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Photographer Terry Miller Contributors Nick Kipley May S. Ruiz Graphics/Production Jorge Arroyo Richard Garcia Advertising advertising@beaconmedianews.com Sales Fred Bankston Victor Buell José Luis Correa
Candace Klewer Mike Suarez Distribution Supervisor Edward Davis Legal Advertising Annette Reyes Nancy Cordova Business accounting@beaconmedianews.com Accounting Vera Shamon Cover Design, concept and Illustration by Jorge Arroyo Photographs by Terry Miller
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Reader’s Choice 2015 Favorite Cuisine Favorite Dish Favorite Watering Hole Favorite Health & Beauty Favorite Essentials FavoriteProfessionals Favorite Fun Spots Favorite Home Care Neighborhood Favorites Favorite Education
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Education: Private Schools . . . . . . . . . .
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Volume 19, No. 34
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NASA: California Drought Causing Valley Land to Sink by STAFF WRITER
As Californians continue pumping groundwater in response to the historic drought, the California Department of Water Resources recently released a new NASA report showing land in the San Joaquin Valley is sinking faster than ever before, nearly two inches (five centimeters) per month in some locations. The report, Progress Report: Subsidence in the Central Valley, California, prepared for DWR by researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California, is available at: http://water.ca.gov/ groundwater/docs/NASA_ REPORT.pdf. “Because of increased pumping, groundwater levels are reaching record lows -- up to 100 feet (30 meters) lower than previ-
ous records,” said Department of Water Resources Director Mark Cowin. “As extensive groundwater pumping continues, the land is sinking more rapidly and this puts nearby infrastructure at greater risk of costly damage.” Sinking land, known as subsidence, has occurred for decades in California because of excessive groundwater pumping during drought conditions, but the new NASA data show the sinking is happening faster, putting infrastructure on the surface at growing risk of damage. NASA obtained the subsidence data by comparing satellite images of Earth’s surface over time. Over the last few years, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) observations from satellite
and aircraft platforms have been used to produce maps of subsidence with approximately centimeter-level accuracy. For this study, JPL researchers analyzed satellite data from Japan’s PALSAR (2006 to 2010); and Canada’s Radarsat-2 (May 2014 to January 2015), and then produced subsidence maps for those periods. High-resolution InSAR data were also acquired along the California Aqueduct by NASA’s Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) (2013 to 2015) to identify and quantify new, highly localized areas of accelerated subsidence along the aqueduct that occurred in 2014. The California Aqueduct is a system of canals, pipelines and tunnels that carries
SEE PG. 12
Did the Ghost of E.T. Phone Spielberg and Invite Him to the Isle of Skye?
Hotel owner Billy Harley recently found the image of E.T. in a log he was chopping to warm guests in the bar at the Uig Hotel on the Isle of Skye off the Scottish coast. He has nicknamed the log “E-Tree.” Now the ghost of E.T. has lured the man who adapted his story for the big screen to the Isle of Skye, with filming taking place right behind the hotel. Spielberg is currently bringing Roald Dahl’s The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) to the big screen. “The Isle of Skye is magnet for filmmakers all over the world,” said Billy Harley. “We had a crew filming Prometheus a few years back and now this. It’s weird that all these films about monsters and aliens are made here. We’re
READERS CHOICE 2015
e-Did ghost of ET ‘phone home’ to Spielberg and invite him to Scottish island - Courtesy Photo
quite a friendly island really.” The filming took place in the Fairy Glenn directly behind the Uig Hotel. “We heard a strange rustling and I phoned home. My wife did a quick Google and found the news that our forest is
going to be in a Spielberg movie. I went up to have a look but by the time I got there they were gone, so I missed out on a close encounter. I hope I’ll be able to buy Mr. Spielberg a pint next time he’s here. I’ll be right here.”
Image of sinking ground levels.
- Courtesy of NASA
Ancient Forest With Plants From Days of Dinosaurs Opens Sept. 26
Descanso Gardens’ newest collection is positively primeval! On Saturday, Sept. 26, the Ancient Forest opens, featuring plants virtually unchanged since dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The daylong celebration includes guided walks of the ancient plant collection, a fossil table from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and fossil-themed children’s activities. The Ancient Forest is located near the Lilac Garden at Descanso, in a section known to staff at the “Jurassic” garden because of its collection of plant species that evolved millions of years ago. This location provides the setting for Descanso’s new cycad collection. Donated by collectors Katia and Frederick
Magnolia.
Elsea, this cycad collection includes almost 175 plants representing 66 species including several endangered species. Plants existed for millions of years before flowers appeared on the scene. Todaycycads provide a
- Courtesy Descanso Gardens
glimpse of the earliest types of flora on Earth. Cycads appear in fossils from more than 280 million years ago, and they were a major part of the ecosystem during the Jurassic period, the age of SEE PG. 13
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Take Charge America Busts Myths of Federal Student Loan Repayment Programs Student debt is a norm among today’s college graduates, and not surprisingly, more and more borrowers are struggling to repay that debt. Although there are
many federal loan repayment programs designed to help consumers pay off their debt, many graduates do not realize they’re eligible for these programs.
“There are several myths about student loan repayment that keep borrowers from pursuing alternative repayment programs as they struggle to
make payments or even fall into delinquency,” said Student Loan Counselor Jessica Ferastoaru with Take Charge America, a national nonprofit credit and stu-
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dent loan counseling agency in Phoenix. “They don’t realize there are many options that could help them get a handle on their loans and safeguard their financial future.” Ferastoaru shares the truth behind the top four myths surrounding federal student loan repayment: 1. You don’t have to be delinquent to qualify: Despite popular opinion, borrowers don’t have to be behind on their student loans to be eligible for repayment programs. Borrowers who have a good payment history can still choose from an alternative repayment plan. These federal repayment programs can be used to keep borrowers’ payments affordable so that they do not become delinquent. 2. You don’t have to have good credit to qualify: While it is important to maintain good credit in many financial situations, borrowers do not need to have good credit to qualify for federal student loan repayment programs. 3. Repayment isn’t always limited to a certain loan type: While many people believe only a handful of federal loans are eligible for alternative repayment programs, it’s possible for borrowers with ineligible loans to consolidate their loans into the Direct Loan program in order to take advantage of other, more beneficial repayment programs. 4. Postponement isn’t the only option: When many people think about alternative repayment programs, they only consider loan deferment or forbearance, but there are many other options to consider: -Pay As You Earn and Income-Based Repayment reduce monthly payments based on a percentage of the borrowers’ discretion-
ary income (10 percent and 15 percent, respectively) and forgive remaining balances after a set number of payments. -Direct Consolidation Loans combine multiple federal loans that may have different terms, repayment schedules or lenders, and offer a fixed interest rate based on the weighted average of the interest rates of the loans being consolidated. -Loan Rehabilitation was created for borrowers with defaulted federal student loans. The lender and borrower agree on a reasonable payment plan for nine consecutive payments over a 10-month period, after which time the loan is removed from default and may become eligible for more programs. -Public Service Loan Forgiveness applies to people who work full-time public service jobs – for the government, military, public schools or not-for-profit organizations. It requires them to make 120 qualifying payments on their loans before the remaining balance is forgiven. Borrowers seeking more information about federal loan repayment options may visit Take Charge America at studentloans. takechargeamerica.org or call (877) 784-2008. Founded in 1987, Take Charge America, Inc. is a nonprofit agency offering financial education and counseling services including credit counseling, debt management, student loan counseling, housing counseling and bankruptcy counseling. It has helped more than 1.6 million consumers nationwide manage their personal finances and debts. To learn more, visitwww.takechargeamerica. org or call (888) 822-9193.
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Paseo Colorado Begins $70 Million Redevelopment
11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Home for Sale
According to industry experts, there are several physical problems that will come under scrutiny during inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the eleven most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale. Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with,
any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That’s why it’s critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away altogether. In most cases, you can make a reasonable preinspection yourself if you know what you’re looking for, and knowing what you’re looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into
costly and unmanageable ones. To help homesellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled “11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection” has been compiled which explains the issues involved. To order a FREE Special Report, call toll-free 1-888-300-4632 and enter 1003. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to learn how to ensure a home inspection doesn’t cost you the sale of your home.
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On Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, around 9:24 p.m., the Arcadia Police Department responded to the west side of Nordstroms located at 400 S. Baldwin Avenue, Westfield Santa Anita Mall, on an unknown trouble call. Officers contacted the victim of a robbery who advised that she was hit over the head with a black semi-automatic handgun and robbed of her purse and cellular phone. The suspect then ran to an awaiting vehicle where he joined a second suspect. The vehicle then fled southbound through the parking lot out of sight.
The suspect was described as a tall, skinny male, wearing a hoodie. The victim was unable to describe the second suspect; however, she described the getaway vehicle as a silver or grey small SUV. A similar robbery occurred in the south parking lot of the Westfield Santa Anita Mall on Aug. 4, 2015, at about 10:11 p.m. A male victim was robbed at gunpoint after approaching his car. The suspect made off with the victim’s wallet and cell phone. The primary suspect was described as an African American male in his 20s, about 5’10”, with a thin
build, with a bandana covering his face. He ran off with another unknown male, out of sight. No suspect vehicle was seen in this robbery and the victim was not injured. Anyone with information on either of these incidents is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5151. If you prefer to provide information ANONYMOUSLY, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the tip page at Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers.
Woman Hit on Head With Semi-Automatic Handgun During Robbery at Mall
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tenant openings by the middle of 2017. For specifics on tenants’ opening plans, it is our policy to defer to the individual retailers or restaurants. -The $70+ million investment in Paseo Colorado, combined with the addition of several new retailers, condos and the hotel, demonstrates the substantial appeal of the Pasadena market. Pasadena, in general, and Paseo Colorado, specifically, are very attractive to a wide variety of successful and growing national retailers due to their strong demographics and unmatched location. The new tenants will complement the strong lineup of existing retailers and restaurants, which includes ArcLight Cinemas, Tokyo Wako, Equinox, DSW, Coach, Yard House and Tommy Bahama.
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room Hyatt Place hotel on the south end of the site along East Green Street. 2. The other new structure will be a seven-story, mixed-use building on the north end of the site, along East Colorado Boulevard, and will include a mix of restaurant and retail space and 71 for-sale residential units. -The second component of the project entails a comprehensive shopping center upgrade, which will include new storefront facades, walkways, lighting, flooring and landscaping throughout the property. Additionally, the existing pedestrian walkway in the interior of Paseo Colorado will be extended to the east to connect to Los Robles Avenue. -Wednesday marked the commencement of the Macy’s demolition and phase 1 of the redevelopment, and we are targeting a project completion with
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Last Wednesday, in a commemorative ceremony marking the beginning of a redevelopment at Paseo Colorado, DDR Corp., Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek and District 6 Councilman Steve Madison announced the addition of the following new retailers to the shopping center: Victoria’s Secret, Chico’s, Soma, White House/Black Market, West Elm and a new dinner theater concept called The Rose. Below are some additional details: -The redevelopment of Paseo Colorado will include two major components. The first component involves the demolition of a 150,000-square-foot space that was previously occupied by Macy’s. The former Macy’s building will be replaced with two new buildings. 1. One new structure will be a six-story, 179-
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this week’s news Couple Arrested for Pointing Laser at LASD Helicopter A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s helicopter was taking part in ground-toair coordination training in Agoura Hills with deputies from the Malibu / Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station at 11:30 p.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015. During the training, the sheriff’s helicopter flight crew told patrol deputies that a laser had been pointed at the helicopter from the ground. The pilot directed deputies to the source of the laser strike, which is house in the 5300 block of Francisca Way, in Agoura Hills. An investigation by the deputies at the residence led to the arrests of 31-year old Christopher Cooper of Lake Elsinore and 33-year old Tanjelina Meredith of San Juan Capristrano. The suspects were visiting a friend at the Agoura Hills home. The suspects were arrested for the felony charge of felony discharging a laser at an aircraft, 247.5 PC California Penal Code. Bail was set at $20,000. If you see someone point a laser at an aircraft, call 9-1-1. You could save the lives of the flight crew and also
Laser pointing inside the LASD helicopter.
the people on the ground. The Aero Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department began keeping laser strike statistics on our aircraft in early 2010. Since then, LASD aircraft have struck 35 times. In 24 of those events, we were able to identify the suspect and he/she was arrested by ground units and booked for Pointing a Laser at an Aircraft, 247.5 PC California Penal Code Section. If the suspect is prosecuted federally by the U.S. Attorney, Federal Statute 18 USC 32 (a) (5), carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in Federal prison and a
- Courtesy LASD
$250,000 fine. In addition, the FAA can impose a civil fine of $11,000 per laser strike on suspects (regardless of the outcome of the criminal case), under CFR 91.11. There are four types of physiological reactions to laser strikes: • Dazzle • After-Image Formation (light a flashbulb going off in your eye) • Flash-Blindness • Irreversible Damage to the retina In any case, these effects can cause a pilot to lose control of an aircraft and crash.
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UM Rosenstiel Researchers Conducting Airborne Experiment on Low-Lying Clouds in Pacific
Nearly 40 years after taking his first aircraft measurements of clouds off the California coast, University of Miami Professor Bruce Albrecht has returned again this month equipped with new state-of-the-art technologies to understand the effects of lowlying clouds on global climate. “These low clouds are extremely important to the climate system because they reflect sunlight back to space, which provides the primary cooling of our planet,” said Bruce Albrecht, professor of atmospheric sciences at the UM Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. “The processes through which cloud coverage will change as our planet warms remains largely uncertain in climate predictions.” The first of 14-projected research flight aboard the stateof-the-art National Science Foundation (NSF) Gulfstream V research aircraft took off on July 1 from Sacramento, California to sample the trade wind-driven clouds as they move across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii. During the nearly two month-long experiment, the research team is studying the process by which these low clouds – stratocumulus and cumulus – change shape as they move with the prevailing trade winds. The project is unique in that the same cloud areas sampled by the research aircraft on the flights to Hawaii are re-sampled two days later when the aircraft returns to California, allowing the evolution of the cloud systems to be studied. Stratocumulus and
cumulus clouds both reflect solar radiation back into space, but in differing amounts. The process by which stratocumulus transitions into cumulus depends on many factors, not all well understood. To gather a more detailed picture of the clouds, Albrecht and his research team are sampling across a range of scales, from the fine particles called aerosols that “seed” the cloud droplets, to the large raindrops that deplete the clouds, and the larger thermodynamic environment to The flight track from July 17, shows the NSF which the clouds are NCAR Gulfstream G-V plane winding its way responding. Learning from California to Hawaii along pre-determined more about the waypoints. The distance by which those airfiner details of these masses transport in two days is calculated, and clouds is necessary then the same airmasses resampled during the flight from Hawaii to California. The changes to estimate the solar in cloud properties that typify the transition, energy that eventually from small completely overcast cells, to larger reaches Earth. closed cells, to more broken clouds, are clearly The research visible in the satellite image. - Courtesy NCAR aircraft is equipped with new technology, the low cloud lifecycle,” said such as an airborne Doppler Paquita Zuidema, professor of cloud radar and an aerosol atmospheric sciences at the lidar, to provide the researchers UM Rosenstiel School and cowith a better understanding of investigator of the study. the cloud structure, aerosols, “Due to improvements in and precipitation, which will long-distance research flight provide them with significant operations and technology, my new insights on the role of dream of forty years has come these clouds on the global true,” said Albrecht. climate system. The NSF-funded study, “Our preliminary data are grant AGS-1445832, also already revealing that aerosol- includes Rosenstiel School depleted environments alumnus Virendra Ghate, from are much more common the University of Chicago; than previously thought, Chris Bretherton and Robert changing textbook ideas on Wood from the University of Washington; and Rosenstiel School graduate student Mampi Sarkar. The Cloud Systems Evolution in the Trades (CSET) runs through Aug. 15.
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Photo Shows Wolf Pups in Northern California The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has photographic evidence of five gray wolf pups and two adults in Northern California. After trail cameras recorded a lone canid in May and July, CDFW deployed additional cameras, one of which took multiple photos showing five pups, which appear to be a few months old and others showing individual adults. Because of the proximity to the original camera location, it is likely the adult previously photographed in May and July is associated with the group of pups. “This news is exciting for California,” said Charlton H. Bonham, CDFW Director. “We knew wolves would eventually return home to the state and it appears now is the time.” CDFW has designated this group (comprised of two adults and five pups) the Shasta Pack. Wild wolves historically inhabited California, but were extirpated. Aside from these wolves and the famous wolf OR7 who entered California in December 2011, the last confirmed wolf in the state was here
Photo of wolf taken in May, Siskiyou County.
- Photo Courtesy CDFW
in 1924. OR7 has not been in California for more than a year and is currently the breeding male of the Rogue Pack in southern Oregon. In June 2014, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to list gray wolves as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act. The gray wolf is also listed as endangered in California, under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. Gray wolves that enter California are therefore protected by the ESA making it illegal to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collect wolves, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct in California.
In addition to the trail cameras, CDFW relies on help from the public to glean information about wolves in California. The public can report wolf sightings on CDFW gray wolf website at www.wildlife.ca.gov/ Conservation/Mammals/ Gray-Wolf/Sighting-Report. Though wolves rarely pose a direct threat to human safety, CDFW recommends that people never approach, feed or otherwise disturb a wolf. For more information about staying safe in wolfoccupied areas, including what people should do if they encounter a wolf, please visitwww.wildlife. ca.gov/Conservation/ Mammals/Gray-Wolf/FAQ.
information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously,
you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the websitehttp:// lacrimestoppers.org.
ICE Captures 300th Foreign Fugitive This Year, California Accounts for 59 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers captured and removed the 300th foreign fugitive apprehended by the agency since October 2014, which marked the start of fiscal year 2015. Of the 300 removals, 59 involved foreign fugitives originally arrested in California, including an accused mass murderer captured in Santa Cruz County wanted for killing seven members of a family in Oaxaca more than two decades ago. In Southern California, Los Angelesbased ERO officers located and captured a Mexico City sushi chef in June who is accused of slashing a female companion to death in the backseat of a taxi earlier this year using one of his sushi knives. “Arresting and removing these kinds of fugitives is the lifeblood of what our officers do every day,” said the Executive Associate Director of ICE ERO Tom
Homan. “Protecting the American people by taking dangerous criminal aliens off our streets has been and will always be our first priority.” The 300th capture was Elmer Francisco Reyes, a 30-year-old Honduran man wanted for aggravated sexual assault by Honduran law enforcement authorities. On July 17, ERO officers in Miami, along with the Miami Beach Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, tracked Reyes to a Miami Beach residence and took him into custody. Reyes was removed to Honduras July 31. The majority of the 300 arrests occurred in California, Florida and Texas. Most of the arrestees are violent criminals who had been convicted of, or are wanted for violent crimes - including murder (101); sexual offenses (15); assault (13); kidnapping (10); and robbery (13). Since Oct 1, 2009, ERO has removed more than 1,150
foreign fugitives from the U.S. who were sought in their native countries for serious crimes. ERO works with HSI’s Office of International Operations, foreign consular offices in the United States, and Interpol to identify foreign fugitives illegally present in the United States. The ICE National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center (NCATC) provides critical investigative support for daily arrest efforts, including criminal and intelligence analysis from a variety of sources. The NCATC provides comprehensive analytical support to aid the at-large enforcement efforts of all ICE components. Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the toll-free ICE tip line at (866) 347-2423 or internationally at (001) 1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.
LASD Homicide Assisting El Monte in Stabbing Death Investigation
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau detectives responded to the 3400 block of Belcroft Avenue, El Monte, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing death of a male adult on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015 at approximately 8:40 p.m. When homicide detectives arrived, they learned the victim was confronted by the suspect, and a minor verbal altercation ensued. The suspect then stabbed the victim, and fled the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Monte Police El Department personnel are currently detaining a possible suspect at their station. The investigation is still ongoing. There is no further information at this time. Anyone with
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this week’s news Pasadena Unified Hosts College and Career Showcase
The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) invites all local students and families to attend the 2015 College Fair & Career Pathways Showcase Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center. More than 100 public and private colleges, universities and trade schools will be represented at the showcase, which is free and open to the public. “Planning for life after high school begins early and we hope elementary, middle and high school students and their families attend,” said Marisa Sarian, Ph.D., PUSD’s Director of College and Career Pathways and organizer of the annual event. “It is an opportunity for students and their families to get informed about the educational and extracurricular opportunities offered by post-secondary institutions, and begin developing plans for the future.” The showcase will include informative seminars about programs of study, college admission requirements and financial aid. Topics include “SAT versus ACT,” “Five Keys to Writing an Awesome Personal Statement,” and “College Sports Recruiting 101.” PUSD high school pathway teachers and students will also be there to share achievements and experiences in the district’s
academies. Information about PUSD’s dual enrollment program with Pasadena City College that allows students to graduate with a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree will also be available. PUSD’s College and Career Pathway Academies connect academics to real-world applications by integrating challenging instruction with a demanding project-based technical curriculum. Students explore the workplace, build experience and develop mentoring relationships with members of Pasadena-area Business Advisory Councils. PUSD currently offers 10 high school academies at five campuses: the Academy for Creative Industries; the App Academy (mobile, web and game development); Arts, Entertainment and Media; Business & Entrepreneurship; Career Exploration & Options; Creative Arts, Media & Design; Culinary Arts & Hospitality; Engineering & Environmental Science; Health Careers; and Law & Public Service. Students apply to academies during the district’s annual open enrollment beginning in January. For additional information, call (626) 396-3600, extension 88423 or email PasadenaCollegeFair2015@ gmail.com Family Owned & Operated Since 1992
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Increased Water Pumping; Groundwater Levels Reach Record Lows Continued from page 1
water collected from the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Northern and Central California valleys to Southern California. Using multiple scenes acquired by these systems, the JPL researchers were able to produce time histories of subsidence at selected locations, as well as profiles showing how subsidence varies over space and time. “This study represents an unprecedented use of multiple satellites and aircraft to map subsidence in California and address a practical problem we’re all facing,” said JPL research scientist and report co-author Tom Farr. “We’re pleased to supply the California DWR with information they can use to better manage California’s groundwater. It’s like the old saying: ‘you can’t manage what you don’t measure’.” Land near Corcoran in the Tulare basin sank 13 inches (33 centimeters) in just eight months -- about 1.6 inches (4 centimeters) per month. One area in the Sacramento Valley was sinking approximately halfan-inch (1.3 centimeters) per month, faster than previous measurements. Using the UAVSAR data, NASA also found areas near the California Aqueduct sank up to 12.5 inches (32 centimeters), with 8 inches (20 centimeters) of that occurring in just four months of 2014. “Subsidence is directly impacting the California Aqueduct, and this NASA technology is ideal for identifying which areas are subsiding the most in order to focus monitoring and repair efforts,” said JPL research scientist and study co-author Cathleen Jones.
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“Knowledge is power, and in this case knowledge can save water and help the state better maintain this critical element of the state’s water delivery system.” UAVSAR flies on a C20A research aircraft based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center facility in Palmdale, California. The increased subsidence rates have the potential to damage local, state and federal infrastructure, including aqueducts, bridges, roads and flood control structures. Long-term subsidence has already destroyed thousands of public and private groundwater well casings in the San Joaquin Valley. Over time, subsidence can permanently reduce the underground aquifer’s water storage capacity. “Groundwater acts as a savings account to provide supplies during drought, but the NASA report shows the consequences of excessive withdrawals as we head into the fifth year of historic drought,” Director Cowin said. “We will work together with counties, local water districts, and affected communities to identify ways to slow the rate of subsidence and protect vital infrastructure such as canals, pumping stations, bridges and wells.” NASA will also continue its subsidence monitoring, using data from the European Space Agency’s recently launched Sentinel-1 mission to cover a broader area and identify more vulnerable locations. DWR also completed a recent land survey along the Aqueduct -- which found 70-plus miles (113plus kilometers) in Fresno, Kings, and Kern counties sank more than 1.25 feet (0.4 meters) in two years -- and will now conduct a system-wide evaluation of subsidence along the California Aqueduct and the condition of State Water Project facilities. The evaluation will help the department develop a capital
Dry lake at the L.A. Arboretum.
improvement program to repair damage from subsidence. Past evaluations found that segments of the Aqueduct from Los Banos to Lost Hills sank more than 5 feet (1.5 meters) since construction.
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- File Photo by Terry Miller
NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation are jointly developing the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission. Targeted to launch in 2020, NISAR will make global measurements of the causes and consequences of land surface changes. Potential areas of research include ecosystem disturbances, ice sheet collapse and natural hazards. The NISAR mission is optimized to measure subtle changes of Earth’s surface associated with motions of the crust and ice surfaces. NISAR will improve our understanding of key impacts of climate change and advance our knowledge of natural hazards. READERS CHOICE 2015
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The Santa Fe Dam: Grotesque Beauty of Los Angeles by nick kipley Viewing the Santa Fe dam, one is struck by its utilitarian ugliness. It is an undisputed and monumental eyesore. But its sheer size is a testament to the history of the whole valley itself. When the San Gabriel River was finally diverted, channeled, and controlled with the completion of the dam in 1953, residents of South San Gabriel Valley Cities such as El Monte, Whittier, and Baldwin Park could finally rest easy: no longer would they have to worry about the wild San Gabriel breaking its banks and washing away their almond orchards! But in completing the dam, the alluvial fan that the river deposited after flowing for unhindered eons from the San Gabriel Mountains was left exposed: fields of raw rock. Building material for the California Dream of smooth streets, paved driveways, fifteen-minute freeway journeys to anywhere … Thus, big business nestled over where the riverbed once sprawled, and today the region is pockmarked with silica and granite quarries. Approaching the dam along the San Gabriel River Freeway (later renamed the 605) huge gravel belts— looking like science fiction Apatosaurs—forever crane their trellised necks and endlessly the spit pulverized ingredients for concrete into neat little concatenating volcanoes. And yet, the Santa Fe
Dam is still somehow one of the last wild spaces in the region. Within the confines of the dam itself lies an open space roughly two times the size of Old Town Pasadena where huge crazy migratory birds hiss and cluck as they waggle their way beneath lawns shaded by live oak. Standing enclosed within the dam, the thunderous cacophony of the northbound 605 “t-boning” the east/west 210 is reduced to something like brook babble; a window-affixed A/C unit; a canvas of white noise. Traipsing through the park and around the reservoir while looking towards the big “A” for “Azusa” on the low burnt hill in the north, one immediately forgets the grimy sweeping vistas that the top of the dam affords. From this perspective— surrounded on all sides by rock, yucca, creosote, and the occasional gruesomefaced Muscovy Duck—one is not without qualms, however. In fact, an enervating feeling descends almost all at once. This is because, when one gazes upwards upon the surrounding mountains the action registers as something entirely and uncomfortably effortless. Almost like being in a national park—but the grimiest national park. That is to say: between the dam and the hills lies a grand gaping maw in which there are no tract houses, shopping malls, airports, high-rises,
or carport apartments. It is you, the faint freeway noise, the weird birds, the surreal plant life, the occasional green-plastic-medical-marijuana-RX-bottle blowing in the wind like a wobbly tumbleweed, and whatever thoughts or cares you may have packed with you. Added to the feeling of strangeness, the structures that do exist along the periphery of this wildly vacant imbalance—brown, yet alive, up towards the ruddy hills—are constituted either by the aforementioned Jurassic quarrying equipment, or several huge white brewery cisterns surmounted by a “Miller” beer logo which oscillates back and forth like a desk fan the size of a small school (the brewery itself—in all its grossly huge proportions—acts in a way as a tether to the surrounding county: there is no question upon seeing this view that you are in a huge public space in Los Angeles County, California). It’s an oddity for sure, but it’s also in many ways San Gabriel Valley’s Central Park: The Santa Fe Dam. A place where a touch of raw California, the Martian machinery of inevitable development, and a last vestige of life along a far-west river collide to form a stunning decoupage that only costs ten bucks to visit if you wanna park there (and is free for bicyclists).
See Why Plants Existed for Millions of Years Before Flowers Appeared
Continued from page 1
the dinosaurs. Today wild populations of these beautiful, palm-like plants are shrinking, in part because they grow so slowly - some living for hundreds of years -- and because collectors have harvested them from their natural settings. Walking through this new garden under the shade of the redwood trees, visitors will come upon other early plant lineages including tree ferns, gingkoes and conifers, including auracaria and podocarpus, as well as magnolia, the earliest existing flowering plant. Activities at the Ancient Forest opening are free with Gardens admission and include:
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Ancient Plant Walk, 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.: Take a guided tour of the new Ancient Plants Garden and learn more about these fascinating plants. Fossil Table, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: An educator from the Natural History Museum will oversee this display of fossils. Learn more about the world of the dinosaurs and maybe even touch a fossil from the Jurassic era! Make a Fossil, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Make a plant fossil in this hands-on activity for all ages. Admission to Descanso Gardens is $9 for adults; $6 for seniors and students with a school I.D.; $4 for children five to 12, and free
for age four and younger. Join Descanso Gardens and enjoy free admission and early entry year-round. Descanso Gardens is open daily (closed Christmas) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended summer hours from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, June 18 to Aug. 20. Founded as a public garden in 1953, Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. For information, call (818) 9494200 or visit descansogardens.org. Descanso Gardens is a member-supported garden accredited by the American Association of Museums.
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August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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this week’s news
BeaconMediaNews.com
CDFW Seeks Information Related to Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey Wednesday announced a settlement agreement that will require Bumble Bee Foods LLC to pay $6 million for willfully violating worker safety rules, causing the 2012 death of an employee who became trapped inside an industrial oven at the company’s Santa Fe Springs plant. The settlement is the largest known payout in a California criminal prosecution of workplace safety violations involving a single victim. The case was prosecuted by Consumer Protection Division Assistant Head Deputy Hoon Chun and Deputy District Attorney Christopher Curtis. The payout will be applied as follows: • The company will pay $3 million to replace all of their outdated tuna ovens with new ovens that are automated and will not ever require workers to set foot inside the super-heated, pressurized steam cookers. • Bumble Bee will pay $1.5 million in restitution to the family of victim Jose Melena of Wilmington. On Oct. 11, 2012, the 62-year-
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old victim entered a 35-footlong cylindrical oven as part of his job duties. Coworkers were unaware that Melena was inside the oven when they loaded 12,000 pounds of canned tuna, inadvertently trapping the victim in the back of the oven. • The District Attorney’s Environmental Enforcement Fund will receive $750,000 from Bumble Bee for the investigation and prosecution of Occupational Safety and Health Administration criminal cases and for improving enforcement of workplace safety and compliance rules. • The company also will pay $750,000 in combined fines, penalties and court costs. Under the terms of the agreement, Bumble Bee must additionally implement enhanced safety measures such as installing video cameras at their ovens to ensure safety compliance; providing training to managers and workers about safety rules; and conducting safety audits of their plant equipment. While the terms of the agreement were announced at a hearing Aug. 12, the sentence will not be formally
imposed for 18 months. If at that time Bumble Bee has complied with all of the aforementioned terms, the company would be allowed to plead guilty to willful failure to implement and maintain an effective safety program, a misdemeanor. The plea additionally requires the company to make a public statement conceding guilt. Bumble Bee’s Director of Plant Operations Angel Rodriguez of Riverside, also charged in the case, has agreed to do 320 hours of community service, pay approximately $11,400 in fines and penalty assessments, and take classes on lockout tagout and confined space rules. If Rodriguez complies with the agreed upon conditions, in 18 months he will be allowed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor at sentencing. Co-defendant Saul Florez of Whittier, Bumble Bee’s former safety manager, pleaded guilty today to a felony count of willfully violating lockout tagout rules and proximately causing the victim’s death. He was immediately sentenced to three years of formal probation. Florez was ordered
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Flat-tailed horned lizard.
- Photo Courtesy ReptilesofAZ.org
to complete 30 days of community labor and take classes on lock out tagout and confined spaces. Florez must additionally pay about $19,000 in fines and penalty assessments. In 18 months,
if Florez complies with the terms and conditions of the plea agreement, he may be eligible to have his felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanor. Both men are required to make public
statements conceding guilt for their respective roles in the victim’s death, under the terms of the plea. The case was investigated by the Cal/ OSHA Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey Wednesday announced a settlement agreement that will require Bumble Bee Foods LLC to pay $6 million for willfully violating worker safety rules, causing the 2012 death of an employee who became trapped inside an industrial oven at the company’s Santa Fe Springs plant. The settlement is the largest known payout in a California criminal prosecution of workplace safety violations involving a single victim. The case was prosecuted by Consumer Protection Division Assistant Head Deputy Hoon Chun and Deputy District Attorney Christopher Curtis. The payout will be applied as follows: • The company will pay $3 million to replace all of their outdated tuna ovens with new ovens that are automated and will not ever require workers to set foot inside the super-heated, pressurized steam cookers. • Bumble Bee will pay $1.5 million in restitution to the family of victim Jose Melena of Wilmington. On Oct. 11, 2012, the 62-year-old victim entered a 35-footlong cylindrical oven as part of his job duties. Coworkers were unaware that Melena was inside the oven when they loaded 12,000 pounds of canned tuna, inadvertently trapping the victim in
the back of the oven. • The District Attorney’s Environmental Enforcement Fund will receive $750,000 from Bumble Bee for the investigation and prosecution of Occupational Safety and Health Administration criminal cases and for improving enforcement of workplace safety and compliance rules. • The company also will pay $750,000 in combined fines, penalties and court costs. Under the terms of the agreement, Bumble Bee must additionally implement enhanced safety measures such as installing video cameras at their ovens to ensure safety compliance; providing training to managers and workers about safety rules; and conducting safety audits of their plant equipment. While the terms of the agreement were announced at a hearing Aug. 12, the sentence will not be formally imposed for 18 months. If at that time Bumble Bee has complied with all of the aforementioned terms, the company would be allowed to plead guilty to willful failure to implement and maintain an effective safety program, a misdemeanor. The plea additionally requires the company to make a public statement conceding guilt. Bumble Bee’s Director of Plant Operations Angel Rodriguez
of Riverside, also charged in the case, has agreed to do 320 hours of community service, pay approximately $11,400 in fines and penalty assessments, and take classes on lockout tagout and confined space rules. If Rodriguez complies with the agreed upon conditions, in 18 months he will be allowed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor at sentencing. Co-defendant Saul Florez of Whittier, Bumble Bee’s former safety manager, pleaded guilty today to a felony count of willfully violating lockout tagout rules and proximately causing the victim’s death. He was immediately sentenced to three years of formal probation. Florez was ordered to complete 30 days of community labor and take classes on lock out tagout and confined spaces. Florez must additionally pay about $19,000 in fines and penalty assessments. In 18 months, if Florez complies with the terms and conditions of the plea agreement, he may be eligible to have his felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanor. Both men are required to make public statements conceding guilt for their respective roles in the victim’s death, under the terms of the plea. The case was investigated by the Cal/OSHA Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
Bumble Bee Foods to Pay $6 Million Settlement for Death of Employee
READERS CHOICE 2015
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Union Station Homeless Shelter Offers Many Ways to Help Out by nick kipley Volunteering at a soup kitchen is a great way to reach out to San Gabriel Valley’s homeless population no matter what city you are in, but finding the time to do so can be very difficult in this highly competitive region of the Southland. Many of us love to be able to help out as much as possible—and we do help out when we can—but sometimes it’s difficult to strike a balance between one’s busy work schedule, family obligations, hectic rush hour traffic, and hardwired call to help those in need. Realizing this, Pasadena’s Union Homeless Station Shelter on 825 E. Orange Grove Blvd. offers many other ways for you to help the homeless residents of San Gabriel Valley. Not only does the location offer a welcoming, hands-on, face-to-face environment in which the region’s homeless can work with volunteers to get on their feet, but the 43-year-old organization also provides other ways to
donate and serve. For those of us who have a hard time volunteering in the northwest portion of the valley on a regular basis,
Union Station offers many ways in which volunteers can donate goods and services, fundraise, or attend a charity event whose proceeds go towards directly benefiting the region’s less fortunate. And with such a diversity of options, volunteers can lend
a helping hand when it best fits their busy schedules. One such event is extra great because it involves wonderfully discounted
coupon valid any time between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m., Sept. 17th. Displaying or even mentioning this coupon will knock 20% off your entire order as part of the “Let’s Raise Some Dough!” initiative. And this autumn, the Arclight Theatre will be partnering with Union Station for their annual “Homelessness Is No Laughing Matter” stand-up comedy show. The event will feature a night of comics who have appeared alternatively on Netflix’s original series Orange is the New Black, TBS’s Conan, Comedy Central’s Last Comic Standing, Showtime’s Weeds, and The Late Show With David - File Photo by Terry Miller Letterman. Tickets artisanal pizza. cost $40 and parking is free Located near the Sierra with validation—which Madre Villa Station on the is a steal for Pasadena’s Foothill Gold Line, PizzaRev Playhouse District. is a restaurant partnering And last but not least, with Union Station in hopes volunteers who would like to raise funds for the shelter. to donate physical items to Available free from Union Union Station are more than Station’s website (www. welcome to as the center is unionstationhs.org) is a always looking for items to
keep their bustling facilities in working order. This isn’t just your standard annual canned food drive; the volunteers at Union Station are in constant need of kitchen supplies such as utensils, dish soap, Styrofoam cups, pots and pans, napkins and baking supplies. In addition, the center also accepts other basic necessities that go straight from the donation center into direct use; such supplies most often in demand include baby formula, deodorant, shampoo, hair care products, business attire, socks and underwear. Also, donations of the kind of stuff that makes a house a home are greatly encouraged, and the staff gladly accepts largeitem donations such as furniture and mattresses. Sports equipment, DVDs, children’s books and toys, art supplies and the like are also welcome. With so many ways to get involved, Pasadena’s Union Station Homeless Shelter provides volunteers with many different avenues to help end homelessness.
LASD Homicide Assisting El Monte in Stabbing Death Investigation
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau detectives responded to the 3400 block of Belcroft Avenue, El Monte, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing death of a male adult on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015 at approximately 8:40 p.m. When detectives arrived, they learned the victim was confronted by the suspect, and a verbal altercation ensued. The suspect then stabbed the victim, and fled the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. One man has been arrested. There is no further information at this time. Call El Monte PD if you have any information about this crime.
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August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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Governor Brown Issues Statement on New Scientific Research Linking Climate Change and California’s Drought As wildfires burn across the Southwest and the drought stretches on, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement after new research from Columbia University, University of Idaho and NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies scientists linked climate change to current and future drought conditions in California: “New scientific reports now make it crystal clear that climate change is already affecting California and the Southwest in the form of higher temperatures and a more devastating drought. It’s time for Republicans, foot-dragging corporations and other deniers to wake up and take sensible action before it’s too late.” The report, titled “Contribution of anthropogenic warming to California drought during 2012–2014,”was published in the scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters. This research comes on the heels of a report released yesterday by the
California Department of Water Resources and NASA that found increased groundwater pumping during drought conditions is causing land in the San Joaquin Valley to sink at an accelerated rate, putting infrastructure at growing risk of damage. Earlier this month, Governor Brown penned an open letter to Republican presidential candidates ahead of their first debate, asking them to detail their plans to address climate change. California Leading on Climate Change: As the clock ticks for national governments to reach a deal to reduce harmful emissions ahead of this year’s United Nations Climate Change conference in Paris, Governor Brown continues to focus on building and broadening collaboration amongst cities, states and provinces, at the “subnational level.” To that end, the Governor traveled to the Vatican last month to participate in a symposium on climate change hosted by the Pontifical Academies of Sciences and Social Sciences
The land sank so much at this location at the Delta-Mendota Canal that now this bridge openly touches the water. - Courtesy Photo
and to Toronto, Canada for the Climate Summit of the Americas to call on cities, states and provinces to join California in the fight. At the summit in Toronto, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard signed the “Under 2 MOU,” a first–of–its–kind agreement amongst states and provinces around the world to limit the increase in global average temperature to below 2 degrees Celsius – the warming threshold at which scientists say there
will likely be catastrophic climate disruptions. Since the agreement was first signed at a Sacramento ceremony in May, other states and provinces joined in June and July and with the addition of Quebec, a total of 18 signatories in nine countries and four continents have committed to action, collectively representing more than $5.3 trillion in GDP and 130 million people. Earlier this year, Governor
Brown issued an executive order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 – the most ambitious target in North America – and is consistent with California’s existing commitment to reduce emissions 80 percent under 1990 levels by 2050. The Under 2 MOU builds on other international climate change pacts with leaders from Mexico, China, North America, Japan, Israel and
Peru. Governor Brown also helped convene hundreds of world–renowned researchers and scientists to issue a groundbreaking call to action – called the consensus statement – which translates key scientific climate findings from disparate fields into one unified document. In his inaugural address earlier this year, Governor Brown announced that within the next 15 years, California will increase from one–third to 50 percent the electricity derived from renewable sources; reduce today’s petroleum use in cars and trucks by up to 50 percent; double the efficiency savings from existing buildings and make heating fuels cleaner; reduce the release of methane, black carbon and other potent pollutants across industries; and manage farm and rangelands, forests and wetlands so they can store carbon. The impacts of climate change are already being felt in California and will disproportionately impact the state’s most vulnerable populations.
16 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
Thank you for continuing to read and inwardly digest our special edition this week. We strive to give you, the readers, local news and entertainment information every week. News you won’t find anywhere else. This week, we combined all our resources and compiled an 80 page publication that combines, news, information about private school in our area as well as honoring the winners of our annual Readers’ Choice poll. In the next section, we continue to honor those selected by our readers as the best of the best in their chosen field. Congratulations, once again, to all who participated in our annual tip-of-the-hat to local merchants.
READERS CHOICE 2015
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
17
Now Open! The Bay Area’s highly acclaimed is bringing its unique fine dining experience to
Pasadena, CA
www.alexanderssteakhouse.com 111 North Los Robles Avenue Pasadena, CA 626.486.1111 Cupertino | San Francisco | Palo Alto | Mountain View | Taipei 18 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
American
Twohey’s Restaurant 1224 N Atlantic Blvd., Alhambra (626) 284-7387 twoheys.com
Chinese
Yang Chow 3777 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 432-4538 yangchow.com
French
Café Massilia 110 E Lemon Ave., Monrovia (626) 471-3588 cafemassilia.com
Indian
Mediterranean
Italian
Mexican
Japanese
La Adelita Mexican Restaurant 134 E Colorado Blvd., Monrovia (626) 359-2212
Noor’s Indian Bistro 106 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 932-0125 noorsindianla.com Avanti Italian Bistro 187 N Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 817-9180 avantibistro.com Ichima 325 N Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena (626) 351-0560
Korean
Young Dong Tofu 927 E Las Tunas Dr., San Gabriel (626) 286-6031
Wahib’s Middle East Restaurant 910 E Main St., Alhambra (626) 576-1048 wahibmiddleeast.com Rudy’s Mexican Food 602 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 303-3393 rudysmexicanfood.net
Soul Food
Big Mama’s Rib Shack 1453 N Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 797-1792 bigmamaspasadena.com
Thai
Saladang Song 383 S Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena (626) 793-5200
Vegetarian
Something Healthy 1014 Shamrock Ave., Monrovia (626) 301-0096 letseatsomethinghealthy.com
Vietnamese
Golden Deli 815 W Las Tunas Dr., San Gabriel (626) 308-0803 goldendelirestaurant.com Pho Kim 4200 Peck Rd., El Monte (626) 582-8528
Avanti Italian Bistro & Bar
Matt Denny's Ale House Restaurant
Favorite Cuisine – Gold Italian
Favorite Dining & Watering Hole - Gold Outdoor/Patio & Beer
As one of the pioneers of Wood Fired Gourmet Pizza and Exquisite Pasta, Avanti Italian Bistro & Bar started as Avanti Cafe in 1987 on Lake Avenue in Pasadena, receiving awards from famed restaurant critics, magazines and the community. The location on Sierra Madre Blvd. was acquired in the summer of 2013 and fully renovated to provide an intimate and sophisticated dining experience. 187 N Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena (626) 817-9180 • www.avantibistro.com READERS CHOICE 2015
Matt Denny’s Ale House Restaurant has been a very popular venue located in Arcadia since 1999. Over the years, Matt Denny’s owner Matt McSweeny has been involved with the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, Holy Angels Church, Historical Society and Methodist Hospital. Being active in the community has helped make Matt Denny’s Ale House one of the local favorites in town. With its extensive menu, private Library Room, large Patio Beer Garden and all the sports you could ever want, this is a great place for a business lunch, birthday party, office holiday party or sports team party. Go to mattdennys.com and take a virtual tour, or just drop in for lunch! 145 E Huntington Drive, Arcadia (626) 462-0250 • www.mattdennys.com August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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American
Matt Denny’s Ale House Restaurant 145 Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 462-0250 mattdennys.com
Chinese
Wang’s Place 120 E Lemon Ave., Monrovia (626) 303-3701 wangsplace.com
French
Monsieur Crepe 54 Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre (626) 355-1508 monsieurcrepe.com
Indian
SR Indian Cuisine 934 Hamilton Rd., Duarte (626) 357-0823 srindiancuisineduarte.com
Italian
Domenico’s 236 W Huntington Dr., Monrovia (626) 357-7975 domenicosmonrovia.com
Japanese
MoonCat Sushi Bistro 108 E Lime Ave., Monrovia (626) 256-6500
Korean
OO KOOK Korean BBQ 5405 Rosemead Blvd., San Gabriel (626) 286-8837
Mediterranean
Cafe X2O 335 W Foothill Blvd., Monrovia (626) 358-6811 cafex2o.com
“Thanks for voting us your favorite instrument shop”...
Soul Food
Vegetarian
Bonnie B’s Smokin 1280 N Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 794-0132 bonniebssmokin.com
My Vegan Restaurant 633 S Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena (626) 578-9017 myvegancalifornia.com
Thai
Chang Thai Bistro 614 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 357-9658 changthaibistromonrovia.com
Rudy's Mexican Restaurant Favorite Cuisine & Watering Hole - Gold Mexican & Margarita Bienvenidos! “La Familia Castrellon a sus ordenes.” Rudy’s Mexican Food is celebrating its 21st Anniversary and Reader’s Choice wins of Gold in Mexican Food, and Gold in Margarita! Rudy thanks the community for their support; he is looking forward to the future “with three generations of the Castrellon family working with us, proudly serving the San Gabriel Valley.” When you come to Rudy’s Mexican Food, you will always find good service and great food. Located in the heart of Old Town Monrovia, just a short drive from anywhere in the San Gabriel Valley, Rudy’s is open at 8:30 a.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 602 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia (626) 303-3393 • www.rudysmexicanfood.net
606 S. First Ave., Arcadia, CA 91006 Phone: 626.447.9378 www.leesmusicstore.com 20 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
Burrito
Jake’s Road House 622 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 599-9453 jakesrh.net
Burrito Express 1597 E Washington Blvd., Pasadena (626) 798-0844 burritoexpresspasadena.com
Breakfast
Chicken
BBQ
Twohey’s Restaurant 1224 N Atlantic Blvd., Alhambra (626) 284-7387 twoheys.com
Chick-fil-A 1700 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 793-7636 chick-fil-a.com
Zankou Chicken 1296 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena Alondra Hot Wings 2675 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 405-1502 zankouchicken.com (323) 274-1024
Buffalo Wings
alondrawings.com
Burger
Cupcakes
In-N-Out 420 N Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia (626) 287-4377 in-n-out.com
ConfeXion Cupcakes 11 W Dayton St., Pasadena (626) 486-9977 confexioncupcakes.com
Donuts
Hot Dog
Desserts
Hot Pot
Dumplings
Ice Cream
Frozen Yogurt
Pasta
Donut Man 915 E Rte 66, Glendora (626) 335-9111 thedonutmanca.com Poppy Cake Baking Company 328 Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre (626) 355-9000 poppycakebakingcompany.com Din Tai Fung 1088 S Baldwin Ave., Arcadia (626) 574-7068 dintaifungusa.com Yogurtland 104 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 256-3337 yogurt-land.com
Dog Haus Pasadena, Alhambra, West Covina doghaus.com Boiling Point 206 S 1st Ave., Arcadia (626) 461-6688 bpgroupusa.com Mothermoo Creamery 17 Kersting Ct., Sierra Madre (626) 355-9650 mothermoo.com Carmine’s Italian Restaurant 311 E Live Oak Ave., Arcadia (626) 445-4726 carminesrestaurantandbar.com
Twohey's
Cameron's Seafood
Favorite Cuisine – Gold American
Favorite Cuisine – Gold Seafood
Twohey’s Restaurant, pronounced 2EE’s, has been serving great food and making fond memories for over 70 years! In 1943 Jack Twohey opened his first Twohey’s, a 37-seat restaurant on Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena. Twohey’s Restaurant quickly became known for serving up the finest hamburgers, onion rings and hand-dipped fountain specialities in the San Gabriel Valley. Over the years, we have been committed to providing our guests with excellent service and have always used fresh ingredients. We wish to thank all of our valued guests for your continued patronage and look forward to serving you for another 70 years.
For over 24 years, the freshest fish and seafood selections in the valley have been swimming straight to Pasadena for us to eat. Regulars at Cameron’s Seafood are truly regulars-some of them have been dining there since it opened. Proprietor Pete Gallanis watches closely to make sure the fare is fresh, high-quality and flavorful. “Some of my regulars want their halibut the way they’ve had it every week since 1990. But, we aim to keep trying new recipes and presentations as well.” For those who do not care for seafood, Cameron’s has “landlubber” dishes, including a kid’s menu. So, there is every reason for you to visit this Pasadena landmark soon!
1224 N Atlantic Blvd., Alhambra (626) 284-7387 • www.twoheys.com
1978 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena (626) 793-3474 • www.camerons4fish.com
READERS CHOICE 2015
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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Clearman's North Woods Inn Favorite Dish - Gold Steak
Pho
Seafood
Pizza
Soup
Ribs
Steak
Salad
The Salad Bistro 504 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 460-1000 mysaladbistro.com
Clearman’s North Woods Inn 7247 Rosemead Blvd., San Gabriel (626) 286-3579 clearmansrestaurants.com
Sandwich
Sushi
Jersey Mike’s Subs 444 W Huntington Dr., Monrovia (626) 359-1333 jerseymikes.com
Taco
Golden Deli 815 W Las Tunas Dr., San Gabriel (626) 308-0803 goldendelirestaurant.com Zelo 328 E Foothill Blvd., Arcadia (626) 358-8298 myzelopizza.info
Mouthwatering entrees of the finest cuts of beef, super-fresh seafood perfectly broiled, Alaskan King Crab Legs and Jumbo Shrimp are all just a few reasons families make Clearman’s North Woods Inn the place to celebrate all their important occasions. Don’t want to wait for a family gathering? Come for lunch to enjoy fresh tangy salads, pulled pork sandwiches, patty melts, and freshly made soup. From lobster to hot dogs with chili, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy your next great meal at Clearman’s North Woods Inn! 7247 Rosemead Blvd., San Gabriel (626) 286-3579 • www clearmansrestaurants.com
BEST BUY
DRUGS SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 100 YEARS
PAUL MANSOUR PharmD, CCN owner/pharmacist
THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING US FOR THE 6TH TIME IN A ROW IN THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY • COMMUNITY ORIENTED • DELIVERY • COMPOUNDING STILL DONE • FAMILY FRIENDLY FULL LINE OF VITAMINS, HERBALS & HOMEOPATHIC PRODUCTS
29 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, CA 91024
626-355-3456 22 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
Jake’s Road House 622 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 599-9453 jakesrh.net
Vince’s Deli 111 W California Blvd., Pasadena (626) 792-7149
Cameron’s Seafood 1978 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 793-3474 camerons4fish.com The Market Grill 525 Shamrock Ave., Monrovia (626) 303-4314 themarketgrillmonrovia.com The Derby 233 Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 447-2430 thederbyarcadia.com
Ichima 325 N Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena (626) 351-0560 Taco Lita 120 E Duarte Rd., Arcadia (626) 445-2889
In-N-Out Burger Favorite Dish – Gold Burger Every Californian knows this Reader’s Choice winner. At In-NOut Burger, the menu features hamburgers, cheeseburgers, Double-DoublesÒ, and French fries. In-N-Out’s hamburger patties are made from fresh chucks, boned and ground by associates in In-N-Out’s own meat department and are delivered fresh, never frozen. In-N-Out uses only real American cheese, handleafed lettuce, red vine-ripened tomatoes, and sweet onions. They also serve fresh cut French fries.The milkshakes come in three flavors: strawberry, vanilla and chocolate. All products are delivered throughout the week from the In-N-Out commissary to all the stores. The lettuce, tomatoes, and onions are prepared daily at each store to ensure freshness. Several locations, i.e. Arcadia, Azusa, Pasadena, Rosemead, Temple City (800) 786-1000 • www.in-n-out.com READERS CHOICE 2015
dog haus Favorite Dish – Gold Hot Dog BBQ
Gus’s BBQ 808 Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena (626) 799-3251 gussbbq.com
Donuts
Breakfast
Desserts
Peach Café 141 E Colorado Blvd., Monrovia (626) 599-9092 thepeachcafe.com
Buffalo Wings
Christy’s Donuts 408 W Foothill Blvd., Monrovia (626) 303-5032 Sweet Nothings 1849 Huntington Dr., Duarte (626) 357-8049
Dumplings
Pizza Cart 9578 Lower Azusa Rd., Temple City / (626) 444-0374
101 Noodle Express 1025 S Baldwin Ave., Arcadia (626) 446-8855 101noodleexpress.com
Burger
Frozen Yogurt
Burrito
Hot Dog
Cupcakes
Hot Pot
Hook Burger 3453 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (626) 351-0011 hookburger.com The Original Peppers 181 Colorado Pl., Arcadia (626) 446-5529 theoriginalpeppers.com Sugar Fix 63 S Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626) 396-9402 sugarfixdesserts.com
Cherry on Top 176 W Foothill Blvd., Monrovia (626) 303-5600 cherryontop.net
Dog Haus is Southern California’s craft casual hot dog concept founded by partners Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz and André Vener with a passion for creativity, quality and commitment to community. The first Dog Haus opened in Pasadena in 2010 offering signature 100% allbeef skinless Haus Dogs, Haus Sausages and 100% natural Black Angus beef burgers on grilled King’s Hawaiian rolls. Open for lunch and dinner daily, guests can choose from signature Haus creations or customize their own from a selection of 40+ quality toppings. In addition to its franchise restaurants, Dog Haus currently operates two company-owned locations in Pasadena. Pasadena (Hill Ave.), Old Pasadena (Green St.) www.doghaus.com
Slaw Dogs 1355 Huntington Dr., Duarte (626) 358-8898 theslawdogs.com Duo-Pot 1228 S Golden West Ave., Arcadia (626) 446-6933
Pasadena Museum of History THANKS Beacon Media Readers for voting us their favorite museum! Photo by Marlyn Woo
Don’t miss our current exhibitions, When Johnny Came Marching West: How the Civil War Shaped Pasadena and Thaddeus Lowe: Chief Aeronaut of the Union Army, on view through September 20.
Pasadena Museum of History 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena 91103 626.577.1660 | www.pasadenahistory.org READERS CHOICE 2015
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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Jersey Mike's Favorite Dish – Gold Sandwich
Ice Cream
Salad
Carmela Ice Cream 2495 E Washington Blvd., Pasadena (626) 797-1405 carmelaicecream.com
Green Street 146 Shoppers Ln., Pasadena (626) 577-7170 greenstreetrestaurant.com
Seafood
Pasta
bigSHRIMPS Fish Grill 123 E Colorado Blvd., Monrovia (626) 358-5679 bigshrimpsfishgrill.com
Sierra Briganti 120 Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre (626) 355-3700 sierrabriganti.com
Soup
Pho
Pho Ha 411 E Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 294-9890 thephokitchen.com
Pizza
Pizza Company Monrovia 503 W Duarte Rd., Monrovia (626) 357-9050 originalpizzaco.com
Ribs
Robin’s Woodfire BBQ 395 N Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena (626) 351-8885 robinsbbq.com
Moffett’s Family Restaurant 1409 S Baldwin Ave., Arcadia (626) 447-4670 moffettsfamilyrestaurant.com
Steak
See GOLD Category
Sushi
Maki & Sushi 302 Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 462-9600 makiandsushi.com
Taco
Sena on Myrtle 409 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 359-9463 senataco.com
Thanks for voting us your Gold Favorite Burrito!
Mon-Sat 8am to 9 pm
1597 E. Washington Blvd. | Pasadena 626-798-0844 | burritoexpresspasadena.com
The very first Mike’s sub shop opened in Point Pleasant, NJ, in the heart of the Jersey shore in 1956. Back then there were no chain restaurants or franchises. Mike and his family opened up their little shop and began serving a new food item to Americans—the “sub sandwich.” In those days the only way to survive was to make exceptionally good food and serve it with a broad and genuine smile. To eat at Mike’s is to quickly become addicted. They treat you like an old friend on your first visit, and like family from then on. Get it Mike’s Way. Eat. Then take the second half home for later. 444 W Huntington Dr., Monrovia (626) 359-1333 • ww.jerseymikes.com
Sweet Nothings Cake Shop Favorite Dish – Silver Desserts Sweet Nothings Cake Shop started out as dream that turned into reality. Owner Isabel Moreno says, “While loving various positions within the fashion industry for 13 years, I always had a desire to own a business. Having a passion for baking, I attended Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute’s Patisserie and Baking program with the intent to open Sweet Nothings Cake Shop. As a resident of Duarte for the majority of my life, it only seemed right to open up shop in my favorite city to share my love of baking. Specializing in custom cakes, cupcakes, and desserts for all occasions and daily assortments as well.” 1849 Huntington Dr., Duarte (626) 357-8049 • www.sweetnothingscakeshop.com
The Market Grill Favorite Dish – Gold Soup Now celebrating six years. In 2009, Alex and Tracy Ramirez inquired about a little restaurant space inside of a corner market down the street from their home … Market Grill was soon born. Committed to consistency of quality and providing guests with an outstanding eating experience, The Market Grill has gained a solid reputation for putting their hearts into every meal that leaves the kitchen. Tracy’s ever-growing Salt & Pepper shaker collection, paired with a music play list as unpredictable as their Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies, provides a casual atmosphere that invites guests to relax and enjoy themselves in a very quirky setting. 525 S Shamrock Ave., Monrovia (626) 303-4314 • www.themarketgrillmonrovia.com
24 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
Bakery
Poppy Cake Baking Company 328 Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre / (626) 355-9000 poppycakebakingcompany.com Euro Pane Bakery & Cafe 345 E Colorado Blvd. Suite 101, Pasadena, (626) 844-8804
Brunch
Marston's Restaurant 151 E Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 796-2459 marstonsrestaurant.com Margaritas Mexican Restaurant 155 S Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-4193 margaritasmexicanfood.com
Caterer
Chefelle 1191 Huntington Dr. Suite 315, Duarte (626) 303-7117 personalchefpasadena.com Huntington Catering Company 120 W Bellevue Dr. Suite 10, Pasadena (626) 795-4205 huntingtondailycatering.com
Family/Kids Dining Monrovian Family Restaurant 534 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 359-8364 the-monrovian.com
New Restaurant
Old School Eatery 975 N Michillinda Ave., Pasadena (626) 351-0388 eatatoldschool.com
Outdoor/Patio Dining
Matt Denny's Ale House Restaurant 145 Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 462-0250 mattdennys.com
Restaurant
The Raymond 1250 S Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena (626) 441-3136 theraymond.com
Romantic Dining The Derby 233 Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 447-2430 thederbyarcadia.com Sesame Grill 308 Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 821-0880
Senior Specials
Chef's Coffee Shop 13 E Live Oak Ave., Arcadia (626) 574-0257
Family/Kids Dining
Restaurant
New Restaurant
Senior Specials
Twohey's Restaurant 1224 N Atlantic Blvd., Alhambra (626) 284-7387 twoheys.com Del Frisco's Grille 55 S Lake Ave. Suite150 Pasadena / (626) 765-9913 delfriscosgrille.com
Sesame Grill 308 Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 821-0880
Monrovian Family Restaurant 534 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 359-8364 the-monrovian.com
Outdoor/Patio Dining
Sena on Myrtle 409 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 359-9463 senataco.com
Chefelle Favorite Dining - Gold Cater Chefelle’s owner Loretta Vigil says: “I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love to do – cook for other people and make them happy with a culinary experience. We are a company with high-quality customer service, whether it’s a party of 6 guests or 250 guests! I love that we have three weekly personal chef clients that have been with us two, three and 12 years – that says a lot. I’d like to thank everyone that voted for us and I am truly moved, grateful, and proud of our company!” 1191 Huntington Dr., #315,, Duarte (626) 303-7117 • www.chefelle.com
READERS CHOICE 2015
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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Pub
Lucky Baldwin's Pub 21 Kersting Ct., Sierra Madre (626) 355-1140 luckybaldwins.com
Signature Drink Happy Hour
Boba Bartending Staff
Parkway Grill 510 S Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena (626) 795-1001 theparkwaygrill.com
Beer
Matt Denny's Ale House Restaurant 145 Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 462-0250 mattdennys.com Lucky Baldwin’s Pub 21 Kersting Ct., Sierra Madre (626) 355-1140 luckybaldwins.com
The Otis Bar 260 S Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626) 356-4444 lgostationcafe.com
Honeyboba 1 W Duarte Rd., Arcadia (626) 446-9788 honeyboba.com
Coffee
Hyper Coffee 203 S 1st Ave., Arcadia (626) 445-0880 Bean Town 45 N Baldwin Ave., Sierra Madre (626) 355-1596 beantowncoffeebar.com
Happy Hour
Sena on Myrtle 409 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 359-9463 senataco.com
Ruth’s Chris 369 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 583-8122 ruthschris.com
Smoothie
Robeks 941 W Huntington Dr., Monrovia (626) 357-4515 robeks.com
Local Bar
Drinker's Hall of Fame 151 Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 447-3947
Tea House
Gem City Grill 115 E Olive Ave., Monrovia (626) 358-0342 gemcitygrill.com
The Loose Teas 666 W Huntington Dr., Monrovia (626) 303-2283 thelooseteas.com
Wine
Margarita
Bella Sera Trattoria 422 S Myrtle Ave., Pasadena (626) 359-1399 bellaseratrattoria.com
Rudy's Mexican Food 602 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 303-3393 rudysmexicanfood.net
Doggie Day Care, Grooming & Overnight Stays! “Thank You Beacon Readers!”
PawFection 404 N. Lake Ave. Pasadena
(Just North of 210 Fwy)
Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm Sat. 9am-7pm Sun. 10am-6pm
We Carry Quality Pet Foods: Stella & Chewy’s, Canidae, and Taste of the Wild
All Breeds Are Welcome!
626-585-1455 - WWW.DOGGIEDAYCAREPASADENA.COM 26 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
Bartending Staff
Rudy’s Mexican Food 602 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 303-3393 rudysmexicanfood.net
Boba
Half and Half 120 N San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel / (626) 309-9387 halfandhalfteaexpress.com
Signature Drink Cafe Santorini 64 W Union St., Pasadena (626) 564-4200 cafesantorini.com
Smoothie
Sierra Juice Company 1 Kersting Ct., Sierra Madre (626) 836-1293
Tea House
Margarita
Mijares Mexican Restaurant 145 Palmetto Dr., Pasadena (626) 792-2763 mijaresrestaurant.com
Chado Tea Room 79 N Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626) 431-2832 chadotea.com
Wine
Pub
London Gastropub 419 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 357-2200 londongastropub.net
Vertical Wine Bistro 70 N Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626) 795-3999 verticalwinebistro.com
Regency Park Senior Living Favorite Professionals – Gold Senior Living With over 40 years of experience, Regency Park Senior Living is renowned in Pasadena for its luxurious, beautifully-appointed senior communities. Our devoted staff and experienced management team help make each Regency Park residence a model of quality retirement living. We have been recognized locally and statewide for our vision, innovative leadership and commitment to excellence. We invite you to take a tour of our website and see for yourself why our communities have been repeatedly named Best in Senior Living in Pasadena. 150 S Los Robles Ave. Suite 480, Pasadena (626) 773-8800 • www.regencypk.com
Unique Private Training Studio • Fitness for Seniors • Stength & Conditioning
Best Fitness Center
Best Personal Trainer
Look forward to Life in your Coming Years! “Our clients are able to enjoy a safe, private atmosphere while achieving Restorative, Functional, and Everyday Fitness Goals that meet their specific needs” Stephanie Aikin - Founder
Thank You for Voting for us!
626.447.1049
120 East Santa Clara St. Arcadia, CA 91016 w w w . M ov e Y o u r M o u n t a i n . c o M READERS CHOICE 2015
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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Thank you Beacon Media News readers for voting Wells Fargo ‘Best Bank’* Thank you Beacon Media News readers for voting Wells Fargo ‘Best Bank’*
With multiple locations in the San Gabriel Valley, we’re proud of the roots we’ve put down here, the relationships we’ve built, and all the families and businesses we’ve With multiple locations in the Sanhow Gabriel Valley, proud of the financial roots we’ve put helped to thrive. Let’s talk about we can help we’re you achieve your goals. down here, the relationships we’ve built, and all the families and businesses we’ve Visit ustoatthrive. any one of talk our San Gabriel Valley locations to learnyour about all we offer. helped Let’s about how we can help you achieve financial goals. Visit us at any of our San Gabriel Valley locations to learn about all we call offer. To schedule anone appointment, simply go to wellsfargo.com/appointments, 1-800-35-WELLS, or stop by any of our San Gabriel Valley area locations and To an appointment, simply go to wellsfargo.com/appointments, call talkschedule to a banker today. 1-800-35-WELLS, or stop by any of our San Gabriel Valley area locations and talk to a banker today.
wellsfargo.com
*Readers’ poll (Beacon Media News, Readers’ Choice 2015, August 27, 2015).
wellsfargo.com © 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.
*Readers’ poll (Beacon Media News, Readers’ Choice 2015, August 27, 2015). Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.|All rights reserved. Member FDIC. 28©|2015 readerschoicesgv.com August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
Every family matters to us. We’re a small funeral home dedicated to taking care of our neighbors. We will personally carry out your wishes with duty and reverence. We would be honored to serve you.
CHAPEL
ARRANGEMENT ROOM
CONFERENCE ROOM
Mary and I started Chapman Funeral Homes because we believe personal service starts with a family-owned company. We don’t have a call center or a list of subcontractors. Caring for a grieving family is a sacred job, and we do it ouselves. FUNERAL HOMES
READERS CHOICE 2015
LOS ANGELES 51 Huntington Drive Arcadia, CA 91006 License #FD2214 (626) 445-0447
ORANGE COUNTY 1342 East Chapman Ave. Orange, CA 92866 License #FD2146 (714) 628-0447
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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Teles Properties Favorite Professionals – Gold Real Estate Office “Teles Properties was formed to create a dynamic partnership between client, agent, and company. When we formed Teles, we felt that big companies had become too big and impersonal. We would attack the status quo on all fronts, using our experience and energy to make our goals a reality. “By developing an interactive relationship between the agent and company, we raise the experience for our clients to a whole new level of unparalleled service. By continually planning for the future every day, we provide outstanding performance to our agents, sellers, and buyers. Each day we strive to reimagine the entire real estate experience.” 517 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 408-7730 • www.telesproperties.com
Del Frisco's Grille Favorite Dining – Silver New Restaurant Del Frisco’s Grille is modern, inviting, stylish, and fun. Taking the classic bar and grill to new heights, Del Frisco’s Grille draws inspiration from bold flavors and market-fresh ingredients. The energetic bar creates a buzz throughout the restaurant and sets the stage for an amazing night out. The comfortable dining room and spacious outdoor patio combine the atmosphere of a classic American grill with upscale entrees, an extensive wine list, and handcrafted cocktails for the perfect after-work get together or Sunday brunch. There are now 16 Del Frisco’s Grilles across the country, with Pasadena being the third in Southern California. 55 S Lake Ave. Suite 150, Pasadena (626) 765-9913, delfriscosgrille.com/pasadena
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant Favorite Dining – Gold Brunch Margaritas and Pepe’s were founded by Bernardino and Gloria Bugarin, originally from Zacatecas, Mexico, with a dream to offer delicious Mexican food and drinks. Pepe’s was the first to be opened in 1970 in the La Cañada area. After achieving success and a loyal following, the Bugarin family opened Margaritas in 1977 in Pasadena. Now, the second generation of the Bugarin family, Ruby and Rolando, operate these two successful restaurants. Customers come for the delicious Mexican food and amazing drinks and continually come back because they feel part of the family. Join in, and taste the sensation! 155 S Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-4193 • www.margaritasmexicanfood.com 30 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
Martial Arts
Acupuncture
Ohana Acupuncture 133 W Lemon Ave., Monrovia (626) 290-7999 ohanaacupunctureherbs.com
Chiropractic
Adamson Chiropractic Clinic 320 W Foothill Blvd., Monrovia (626) 359-9000
Dentist
Paul Genino Inc 858 W Foothill Blvd., Monrovia (626) 358-0178
Facial
Spa Botanicals 128 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 358-6363 spabotanicalsdayspa.com
Facial
Nani Skin Care 403 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 358-9231 naniskincare.com
Fitness Center
Move Your Mountain Fitness 120 E Santa Clara St., Arcadia (626) 447-1049 moveyourmountain.com
Hair Salon
Crowned Studio Salon 54 S Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626) 844-5042 crownedstudiosalon.com
Massage
Massage Envy 345 S Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 240-1060 massageenvy.com
Martial Arts
SK Tae Kwon Do 9569 Las Tunas Dr., Temple City (626) 286-6500 sktaekwondo.com
National Tae Kwon Do Center 1324 N Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 797-2900 nationaltkdcenter.com
Nail Salon
Romantic Nails 350 W Foothill Blvd., Monrovia (626) 359-1147
Ophthalmology
Andrew Phillips MD 301 W Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 446-1600 phillipseyecenter.com
Optometry
Linden Optometry 477 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 796-1191 lindenvsp.com
Personal Trainer
Stephanie Aikin Move Your Mountain Fitness 120 E Santa Clara St., Arcadia (626) 447-1049 moveyourmountain.com
Pilates Program
Foothill Gym 202 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 303-7667 foothillgym.com
Wellness Center
The Salt Studio 1380 E Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 765-6180 saltstudiopasadena.com
Yoga
kate | yoga 146 E Colorado Blvd., Monrovia (626) 599-9642 kateyoga.com
Hyper Coffee
Hands 2 Health
Favorite Watering Hole – Gold Coffee
Favorite Health & Beauty – Gold Wellness Center
In 2000, Helen came across an empty retail store in downtown Arcadia and saw the potential of turning it into a neighborhood café. With over 20 years of customer service experience in hotel management, Hyper Coffee was born. Customers come in not just for coffee, but also Panini’s, salads, and breakfast. Customers are treated like family and friends. Helen believes simple is the best! “Our customers know a good cup of Joe doesn’t need fancy methods to make it taste great. If we don’t love it, it’s not on our menu.” When you visit Hyper Coffee you’ll always find friendly service and good food.
Dr. Theresa L. Smith, Chiropractor and owner of Hands 2 Health Wellness Center, opened in 1998 offering several techniques to assist your quest for optimal health. Specializing in a gentle, nonforce chiropractic method called “Sacro-Occipital Technique,” and employing science based nutrition labs and analysis, Dr. Theresa includes specific, high quality nutritional supplementation. Stick Yoga classes provide a wonderful way for people of all fitness levels to gain strength and improve flexibility. Dr. Theresa is also an Access Consciousness™ Bars Facilitator and Body Process Practitioner. “There is a cause for every symptom that you have” says Dr. Theresa. “Symptoms are an effect. By finding and treating the cause, your symptoms will dissipate. Healing will occur!”
203 S First Ave., Arcadia (626)445-0880
122 E Walnut Ave. Suite C, Monrovia (626) 358-3800 • www.hands2health.com
READERS CHOICE 2015
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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Drinkers Hall of Fame
Kenneth J. Canzoneri, D.D.S. Move Your Mountain Fitness
Favorite Watering Hole Gold Local Bar
Favorite Health and Beauty Silver Dentist
Favorite Health & Beauty Gold Fitness Center
Holly Rutherford started working at the Drinkers Hall of Fame in July of 1994. “I’ve always loved working in little neighborhood bars - you get to know the customers personally. “I still bartend two or three days a week, and will probably never give it up. I love the hands-on work, the great conversations with the regulars, and the new customers. “I’ve worked for seven different owners over the years, and when my last boss was ready to sell, I was ready to buy. So here I am, along with my boyfriend, owning the Drinkers Hall of Fame for the last ten and a half years!”
Dr. Canzoneri grew up in Arcadia. He has maintained a private dental practice in Arcadia for over 25 years. He has earned a Masters’ Cer tification from the World Clinical Laser Institute and lectures on both advances in cosmetic dentistry and dental lasers. Dr. Canzoneri is a firm advocate for treating his patients the same way he treats his family. He prides himself on keeping current with dental advances that not improve only the quality of his dentistry but ensure that each patient’s visit is comfortable and relaxed.
Stephanie Aikin opened Move Your Mountain Fitness three years ago, but her career as a personal trainer is almost 21 years in the making. “I was an athlete in my late teens, and was recruited by a corporate gym,” says Stephanie. “I learned a lot, including that I really loved the service aspect of personal training, but not the corporate part.” Move Your Mountain is unique, as clients like Marsha M. will testify: “I would never set foot in a large gym. There is no other place like this for people like me.” Stephanie and staff work hard to create a safe, comfortable and private experience.
500 N First Ave. Suite 1, Arcadia (626) 446-1679 • www.canzoneridentistry.com
120 E Santa Clara St., Arcadia (626) 447-1049 • www.mymfit.com
151 E Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 447-3947
32 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
Celebrating Our 80th Anniversary
Acupuncture
Fitness Center
Chiropractic
Hair Salon
Dentist
Massage
Barbara Burns 41 E Foothill Blvd. Suite 200., Arcadia (626) 446-5900 barbaraburns-lac.com Miller Family 212 E Foothill Blvd. Suite C., Arcadia (626) 930-1355 millerfamilycare.com Kenneth J Canzoneri DDS 500 N 1st Ave., Arcadia (626) 446-1679 canzoneridentistry.com
Foothill Gym 202 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 303-7667 foothillgym.com
• 30,000+ Surcharge-free ATMs • 5,000+ Co-op Shared Branches Thanks For Naming Us Your Favorite Credit Union!
Del Sol Salon & Spa 139 Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 445-6060 delsolsalonspa.com Spa Botanicals 128 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 358-6363 spabotanicalsdayspa.com
2014 Small Business Corporate Citizen of The Year
1038 Fair Oaks Avenue | Pasadena, CA 91105 www.pfcu.org (626)799-0882
1000’s Of Used Books, New Books, Rentals, Special Orders As one of the pioneers of Wood Fired Gourmet Pizza and Exquisite Pasta, Avanti Italian Bistro & Bar started as Avanti Cafe in 1987 on Lake ave. in Pasadena, CA. Receiving awards from famed restaurant critics, magazines and the community.
Our humble and heartfelt gratitude to you, the readers, for voting us one of your favorite book stores in San Gabriel Valley. Please keep coming back, it’s because of you we have been here 26 plus years.
Thank YOU, Beacon Media Readers For Making Us Your Favorite Italian Restaurant! 187 N SIERRA MADRE BLVD PASADENA Two Blocks North of Colorado Blvd. - Free attached parking
(626) 817-9180 | www.avantibistro.com READERS CHOICE 2015
204 So. First Ave. | Arcadia, CA 91006 Phone/Fax 626.446.2525 w w w. b o o k r a c k a r c a d i a . c o m August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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AT A R C A D I A
Nail Salon
Solar Nails 4175 E Live Oak Ave., Arcadia (626) 445-4977
Ophthalmology John P Beauclair MD 622 W Duarte Rd., Arcadia (626) 445-4873 johnbeauclairmd.com
Optometry
Andrew Gore OD 301 E Colorado Blvd. Suite 528, Pasadena / (626) 796-5533 andrewgoreod.com
Personal Trainer
Pilates Program
Pilates Barbell Club 369 S Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena (626) 316-7767 pilatesbarbellclub.com
Wellness Center
Hands 2 Health Wellness Center 122 E Walnut Ave., Monrovia (626) 358-3800 hands2health.com
Yoga
Yoga Madre 16 Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre (626) 355-2010 yogamadre.com
Teya Wolvington Core Connection 89 S Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena (818) 804-6535 coreconnectionla.com
Thank You To all the readers who chose us for the Readers’ Choice Silver Favorite for Senior Living. We could not have done it without our amazing staff and wonderful residents of Vista Cove Arcadia. Please visit or call us for a complimentary lunch and tour of our beautiful community. 601 Sunset Boulevard I Arcadia, CA 91007 I (626) 447-0106 www.vistacove.net I RCFE No. 197607476
Thank You for voting for us • Advanced Laser Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Family and Children Welcome • 3D Scanner - Digital Impressions
500 N. First Ave., Suite #1, Arcadia, CA | canzoneridentistry.com | 626.446.1679 34 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
Arts & Crafts
Paint N Play 418 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 256-4848 paintnplaystudio.com
Auto Dealer
Sierra Auto 1450 S Shamrock Ave., Monrovia (800) 404-2886 sierraauto.com
Bike Shop
Stan’s Bike Shop 880 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 357- 0020 stansbikeshop.com
Book Store
Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-5320 vromansbookstore.com
CD/Record Store Family Affair Music 510 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 358-2280 musicmonrovia.wix.com
Consignment Store Second Time Around 35 S 1st Ave., Arcadia (626) 446-7346 secondtimearoundarcadia.com
Consignment Store Crossroads Trading Co 104 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 793-2000 crossroadtrading.com
Furniture Store
Fedde Furniture 32 N Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena / (626) 844-1160 fedde.com
Massage Envy Favorite Health & Beauty Gold Massage Stress takes a toll on the body and mind. With regular massage, you can enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Longterm effects can include increased circulation, improved flexibility and a stronger immune system. Add Murad® Healthy Skin facials to your wellness routine and you’ll enjoy healthy, more youthful-looking skin too. Best of all, its convenient. Schedule an appointment today and start yourself on the road to wellness at a Massage Envy Spa location near you. And remember: Whenever you need a massage, locations are open 7 days a week, with late night and weekend hours. Massage Envy Spa is the only place for professional, affordable and convenient massages and facials. Several locations in Pasadena, Monrovia, Glendora & La Verne www.massageenvy.com READERS CHOICE 2015
Furniture Store
Jewelers
Gift Shop
Music Instrument Shop
Living Spaces 407 W Huntington Dr., Monrovia (877) 266-7300 livingspaces.com
Baldwin Jewelers 15 Kersting Ct., Sierra Madre (626) 355-5771 baldwinjewelers.com
Bear Essentials 320 Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 446-4995 bearessentialsgifts.com
Lee’s Music 606 S 1st Ave., Arcadia (626) 447-9378 leesmusicstore.com
Hardware Store
Pet Store
Arnold’s Frontier Hardware 297 W Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre / (626) 355-3365 frontierhardware.com
Independent Market
Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies 3120 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 795-9858 centinelafeed.com
Taylor’s Ol’ Fashioned Meat Market 14 E Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre / (626) 355-8267 taylorsmeats.com
Ohana Acupuncture and Herb - Head to Toe Favorite Health & Beauty Gold Acupuncture “Our office is unique-we get a variety of patients with different things ailing them and we have to meet each individual person’s needs. We treat every person who lies down on our table like family. Our idea of success is when, at the end of the day, we made someone’s back pain go down from a 9 to a 3; or when the hardworking mom and teacher who came in with a headache and stress level she describes as ‘up the roof’ leaves smiling and says that she feels like the weight has been lifted off her shoulders. That’s success in our eyes,” says Elisa Wong. 133 W Lemon Ave., Monrovia (626) 290-7999 www.ohanaacupunctureherbs.com
Specialty Store
Claro’s Italian Market 19 Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 446-0275 claros.com
Claro's Italian Markets Favorite Essentials Gold Specialty Store Claro’s Italian Market specializes in imported and domestic specialty Italian foods, wines, and delicatessen products. At Claro’s Italian Market, you’ll find all the ingredients you need to prepare the best Italian meals, as well as your favorite Greek, French, and Argentine foods. In addition to gourmet Italian foods, Claro’s Italian Market offers Italian cooking classes, Italian recipes, and catering services. Claro’s Italian Market has been serving Southern California since 1948. Whether you’re shopping for gourmet Italian foods online or at one of our six locations in Southern California, you’ll discover the same old world charm on which our grandfather built this business. 19 E Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 446-0275 • www.claros.com
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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Crossroads Trading Co.
Lee's Music
Favorite Essentials Gold Consignment Store
Favorite Essentials Gold Music Instrument Shop
Sporting Goods Store
Find out why Independent readers named us their best! Discover our fabulous selection of recycled and new women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. We have all your favorite brands, from Gap to Gucci. Shop, Sell, Repeat with Crossroads! Bring in your unwanted clothes do a Fall Style Refresh. Crossroads is keeping Pasadena green and gorgeous! Crossroads is located in the center of the East Colorado shopping strip in Old Town Pasadena. Follow on Instagram at crossroads_socal.
Lee’s music sells musical instruments, their accessories and repair, rents musical instruments from piccolo to piano, and offers lessons in all instruments and voice. We offer our “best” of everything to our customers, and we always remind ourselves that the best is not enough! All of our instructors are professional musicians who hold at least one music degree from a nearby university. At our music school, we try our best to teach our fellow students to enjoy music through playing together with our instructors, and recitals. We also offer professional advice to our customers as to what is the best instrument to choose, rent or buy, repair or get a new one, etc.
104 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 793-2000 • www.crossroadstrading.com
606 S First Ave., Arcadia (626) 447-9378 • www.leesmusicstore.com
Jeffs Sporting Goods 865 E Las Tunas Dr., San Gabriel (626) 288-6141 jeffsportingoods.com
Thrift Store
ACTS Thrift Store 1382 Locust St., Pasadena (626) 577-4477 actsthrift.org
Toy Store
The Dollmakers’ Kattywompus 412 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 357-1091 mydollmakers.com
Huge Meals...Huge Value! Fresh Salads...Perfect Steaks! And, we dare you to finish our enormous baked potato with all the fixin's! CLEARMAN’S NORTH WOODS INN clearmans.com 7247 Rosemead Blvd., San Gabriel, CA Opens Daily 11:30am 36 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
626.286.3579
READERS CHOICE 2015
GOLD WINNER
FAVORITE REAL ESTATE AGENT in Beacon Media’s Readers Choice Poll 2015 BRE# 1308772
Arts & Crafts
Creative Arts Group 108 N Baldwin Ave., Sierra Madre (626) 355-8350 creativeartsgroup.org
Auto Dealer
Toyota Pasadena 3600 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (626) 795-9787 toyotapasadena.com
Bike Shop
Temple City Bike Shop 9628 East Las Tunas Dr., Temple City / (626) 287-6936
Book Store
The Book Rack 204 S 1st Ave., Arcadia (626) 446-2525 bookrackarcadia.com
CD/Record Store Resistor Records 511 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 303-5623 resistorrecords.com
Gift Shop
Six 2 Six 522 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 359-6262
Hardware Store
Smith Hardware 101 W Las Tunas Dr., San Gabriel (626) 287-1833
Independent Market Oh Happy Days 2283 N Lake Ave., Altadena (626) 797-0383 READERS CHOICE 2015
Jewelers
Cal’s Jewelers 5824 Temple City Blvd., Temple City (626) 286-7474 calsjewelers.com
626-408-7766 Donna@4SalebyDonna.com
Music Instrument Shop Marini Music 222 W Main St., Alhambra (626) 289-0241 marinimusic.com
Pet Store
Super Pets 9403 Las Tunas Dr., Temple City (626) 237-0715 superpetsonline.com
Specialty Store
Savor the Flavor 11 Kersting Ct., Sierra Madre (626) 355-5153 savortheflavor.net
Sporting Goods Store
THANK YOU BEACON MEDIA READERS FOR YOUR VOTE FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE YEARS!
DETAILED ORIENTED PROFESSIONALS STEPHEN RISCHE CABINETS
FAMILY OWNED QUALITY CUSTOM CABINETS & FURNITURE SINCE 1979
Wil’s Sport and Tackle 310 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 357-3300 wilssportandtackle.com
Thrift Store
Bargain Box 64 E Live Oak Ave., Arcadia (626) 445-2861 alarcadia.org
Toy Store
The Dinosaur Farm 1510 Mission St., South Pasadena (626) 441-2767 dinosaurfarm.com
EXTENDING OUR WARMEST APPRECIATION FOR WINNING THE 2015 READERS CHOICE AWARD!
BEST CABINETRY
OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE: Custom Cabinetry for the Home and Office, Kitchen Cabinetry, Bathroom Vanity’s, Desks, Book Cases Media Storage, Entertainment Centers, Closets, Mantles & More! 204 KRUSE AVENUE | MONROVIA, CA 91006 | 626.357.8413 WWW.RISCHECABINETS.COM | rischecabs@gmail.com August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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Financial Advisor
Jim Olson LPL Financial Services 444 Huntington Dr. Suite 201, Arcadia / (626) 445-8800 lpl.com
Accounting Services
Anthony Apodaca CPA 105 W Foothill Blvd., Monrovia (626) 305-4220 apodaca-cpa.com
Auto Mechanic
Car Wash
Credit Union
Florist
Carpet Cleaner
Dry Cleaner
Framing Store
Financial Advisor
Home/Office Cleaning
Fasching’s Car Wash 425 N Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia (626) 446-0654 faschings.com
City Automotive 4700 Miller Dr. Suite A, Temple City / (626) 443-8288
Family Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning 4914 Cogswell Rd., El Monte (626) 232-4004 myfamilycarpetcleaning.com
Bank
Computer Services
Wells Fargo Bank (800) 869-3557 wellsfargo.com
Di-No Computers 2817 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (626) 795-6674 di-no.com
Pasadena Federal Credit Union 1038 S Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena (626) 799-0882 pfcu.org
Monrovia Floral 119 E Olive Ave., Monrovia (626) 358-1889 monfloral.com
Pantorium Cleaners 330 Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre / (626) 355-1471
The Frame Shoppe 2659 Mission St., San Marino (626) 441-3208
Jean Koehler Ameriprise Financial Services Inc 55 Huntington Dr. Suite 340., Arcadia / (626) 254-0455 ameripriseadvisors.com
Tri Maids 137 W Pomona Ave., Monrovia (626) 357-7300 trimaids.com
Wil's Sport & Tackle
Second Time Around
The Dollmakers' Kattywompus
Favorite Essentials Silver Sporting Goods Store
Favorite Essentials Gold Consignment Store
Favorite Essentials – Gold Toy Store
Wil grew up with a fishing rod in his hand, and maybe that’s why he loves to make custom rods so much. He just likes the feel of a good rod, and he likes the look of a cool wrap. When you visit Wil’s Sport & Tackle, you talk to Wil, not a salesclerk who doesn’t know the difference between saltwater gear and freshwater. Wil has fished the western coastline from San Clemente to the Smith River and all places in between. Our locals say: “Wil is great help, very knowledgeable, and upfront. Honest too. Small store, but BIG help. Thank you for the advice!”
“Years ago, I stopped in at Second Time Around in Pasadena. I overheard the owner talking about selling the business. We began chatting and, after a few more conversations, I not only bought a lovely pre-owned blouse, but a pre-owned consignment shop as well! Eighteen years ago, I moved the shop to the newly renovated Downtown area of Arcadia. “We carry lovely high-quality brand name clothing, handbags, and accessories - mid-range to high-end designers at a fraction of the cost of new. I am thankful to all the wonderful clients of Arcadia and neighboring communities for their support and friendship.”
310 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 357-3300 • www.wilssportandtackle.com/ 38 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
35 S First Ave., Arcadia (626) 446-7346 www.secondtimearoundarcadia.com
The Dollmakers—Pamela Fitzpatrick, Jennifer Ranger, and Cindy Ranger—would like to tell you: “We are a family business, and that’s why we have so much fun with the moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, and all the kids who have grown up in our store over the years. Not many people can say that they truly love going to work every day, but we can.We eat, sleep, and drink toys and music, and love every minute of our time in Old Town Monrovia. We love toys so much that our kids and grandkids work in the toy industry for companies like PlayHut, JAKKS Pacific, Mattel and more!” 412 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 357-1091 • www.mydollmakers.com
READERS CHOICE 2015
Hospital
Methodist Hospital 300 W Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 898-8000 methodisthospital.org
Insurance Agent
Tyre Insurance Agency 5703 Temple City Blvd., Temple City / (626) 285-7033 tyrelawgroup.com
Insurance Agent Abernathy Insurance 133 E Duarte Rd., Arcadia (626) 574-1000 abernathyinsurance.com
Newsstand
Arcadia Newsstand 160 E Duarte Rd. Suite C., Arcadia / (626) 447-6055
Newsstand
Pet Boarding
Real Estate Office
Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-5320 vromansbookstore.com
Wonder Dog Ranch 220 Taylor St., Monrovia (626) 205-2501 wonderdogranch.com
Oil & Lube
Pharmacy
Senior Home Care
Photographer
Senior Living
Manny’s Quality Auto Repair 147 E Colorado Blvd., Monrovia (626) 357-2521 The Oilmen 10013 Valley Blvd., El Monte (626) 443-5823 theoilmen.net
Pet Groomer
Happy Paws 138 E Colorado Blvd., Monrovia (626) 358-5355
Donna Baker Favorite Professionals – Gold Real Estate Agent “My first priority as a realtor is to provide topnotch customer service. It is an amazing feeling to put a buyer into the home of their dreams or to get a seller top dollar for their property. My specialty in historic and architecturally significant homes helps me stand out. Having sold over $300 million dollars in properties, my success speaks for itself. I am glad that people think of me when they are considering real estate in the San Gabriel Valley. I would like to thank my clients and the readers for recognizing me once again as their choice for #1 Realtor!”
Berry & Sweeney Prescription Pharmacy 1377 N Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena (626) 794-1124 Trish Reda Photography (626) 203-8494 trishreda.com
Real Estate Agent
Donna Baker Teles Properties 517 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 408-7766 telesproperties.com
Real Estate Office
Teles Properties 517 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 408-7730 telesproperties.com
Senior Helpers 333 N Santa Anita Ave. Suite 15., Arcadia / (626) 241-1348 seniorhelpers.com Regency Park 905 S Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena (626) 773-8800 regencypk.com
Veterinarian
Dr Domotor’s Animal House 135 W Foothill Blvd., Monrovia (626) 303-7881 drdomotor.net
Century 21 Village
38 Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre
(626) 355-1451 c21village.com
517 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 408-7766 • www.4SaleByDonna.com
The Book Rack Favorite Essentials - Silver Book Store Our beautiful store has been serving the Arcadia area for over 30 years. We have thousands of gently-used paperbacks, hardbacks, and audio book of all genres. We have a wide selection of rentals for those looking for the newest bestsellers. We also carry a full line of classics for students at a 20% discount and we do special orders! Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed major holidays. Come by and check us out! You never know what you might find. 204 S First Ave., Arcadia (626) 446-2525 • www.bookrackarcadia.com READERS CHOICE 2015
Thank you for naming
Ohana Acupuncture and Herbs as your #1 choice for Acupuncture for 2015
Ohana Acupuncture and Herbs 133 W. Lemon Ave. Monrovia, CA 91016 626.290.7999 www.OhanaAcupunctureHerbs.com Elisa K. Wong L.Ac. and Chun P. Chan L.Ac.
Hours of Operation Tuesday: 9:30am - 5:00pm Thurdsay: 9:30am - 5:00pm Friday: 9:30am - 5:00pm Saturday: By Appointment Only
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
39
Voted Beacon Media’s “Readers
Choose from more than 90 programs of study
Complete an Associate Degree
Citrus College: A Named a National Top 100 Associate Degree Producer and 5th Fastest-Growing Community College in the U.S.
G.I. Jobs magazine Recognized as a Military Friendly School™
Payscal A Top 10 Public Co for Alumni Ear
For more information, and to app
s’ Choice� for Higher Education
Earn a Career Technical Certificate in 46 areas
Transfer to a four-year college or university
A National Leader
le, Inc. ommunity College rning Potential
Named a National Top 25 Community College for Associate Degrees Awarded to Hispanic Students
A STEM Jobs magazine Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics approved college
ply visit www.citruscollege.edu
“Thank You Beacon Media Readers for Voting Me a Silver Category Winner!”
Your Neighborhood Realtor, active PTA member, TCHS Bandbooster
I take great pride in my Professionalism, Ethics and Customer Service
I continually support our community by donating 10% of my net commissions earned by this ad to any school booster groups, churches or charities of your choice.
B.A. from Beijing University Master of Business Administration Graduate Realtor Institute Certified Residential Specialist Certified Senior Real Estate Specialist International Property Specialist NAR Certified Short Sale Specialist NAR Certified GREEN Realtor
Helen Chen Marston
MBA CRS GRI CIPS SRES MRP GREEN SFR BRE Lic #01859923
Cell: 626.353.9665
Email: Helen@HelensRealEstate.com Website: www.HelensRealEstate.com
Planet Preschool & Kindergarten
Accounting Services Gentile McCloskey & Company 128 E Palm Ave, Suite 100., Monrovia / (626) 256-9090 gmtaxes.com
Auto Mechanic
Robert A Hillman Enterprises 134 Wheeler Ave., Arcadia (626) 445-0453
Bank
Chase (800) 432-3117 chase.com
Credit Union
SCE Federal Credit Union (800) 866-6474 scefcu.org
Dry Cleaner
Quick Clean Center 1035 S Baldwin Ave., Arcadia (626) 446-9664
Florist
Duran’s Flowers 315 S Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena (626) 405-0048 duransflowers.com
Framing Store
Car Wash
Nuway Hand Car Wash 123 W Duarte Rd., Monrovia (626) 303-2212 nu-waycarwash.com
Mission Framing 1501 Mission St., South Pasadena (626) 799-3445 missionframing.com
Carpet Cleaner
Home/Office Cleaning
Computer Services
Hospital
Quality Carpet Care 6210 Golden West Ave., Temple City / (626) 287-7733 stevesqualitycarpetcare.com FoothillTek 34 N Baldwin Ave., Sierra Madre (626) 355-5152 foothilltek.com
Merry Maids Covina (626) 385-4541 merrymaidsofcovina.com Huntington Memorial Hospital 100 W California Blvd., Pasadena (626) 397-5000 huntingtonhospital.com
City Automotive Favorite Professionals – Auto Mechanic
4977 Santa Anita Avenue | Temple City, CA 91780 (626) 279-5482 | myplanetpreschool.com | 42 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
City Automotive opened in 1991 to provide quality and affordable service for cars and trucks in Temple City and the surrounding communities. Owner Jerry Blayney has worked as an automotive technician for over 30 years in the San Gabriel Valley. He also has been an ASE Certified Master Technician for over 20 years. City Automotive has remained small so that Jerry and his staff can provide personal service on a first name basis. Domestic and Japanese vehicles are what Jerry prefers to service, as well as light duty diesel trucks and motorhomes. City Automotive is open 8:30a.m.-6p.m. Monday-Friday and Saturdays by appointment only. 4700 Miller Dr. Suite A, Temple City (626) 443-8288 READERS CHOICE 2015
Pet Groomer
Real Estate Agent
Pet Boarding
Senior Home Care
The Dog Zone 150 W Foothill Blvd., Monrovia (626) 358-0771 thedogzone.us Pawfection 404 N Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 585-1455 doggiedaycarepasadena.com
Pharmacy
Best Buy Drugs 29 N Baldwin Ave., Sierra Madre (626) 355-3456
Photographer
Catherine Money Illustrative Photography 1121 Montrose Ave., South Pasadena (626) 483-5476 catherinemoneyphotography.com
VOTED BEST OUTDOOR CONCERT
Helen Chen Marston Keller Williams Arcadia (626) 386-7888 helensrealestate.com Comfort Keepers 45 East Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 254-0100 comfortkeepers.com
Senior Living
CAL PHIL 2016
Vista Cove 601 Sunset Blvd., Arcadia (626) 447-0106 vistacove.net
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Veterinarian
ALL AMERICAN | JUN 25
Foothill Veterinary Hospital 2204 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (626) 792-1187 vcahospitals.com
Join us for our exciting 2016 Summer Season at Santa Anita Race Track!
Music of the people, by the people and for the people New World Symphony | Lincoln Portrait | California Dreaming’ | Good Vibrations Ragtime | Country, Jazz, Motown & More
AT THE MOVIES | JUL 9 Cinematic masterpieces
The Mission | Adagio for Strings from Platoon | Titanic | The Lion King Beethoven’s 9th — Ode To Joy
CLASSICAL ROCK | JUL 23
Great music from the 1770’s, 1870’s & 1970’s Abba | Queen | Janis Joplin | Mozart’s 29th Symphony | Brahms’ Haydn Variations Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite
CENTER STAGE | AUG 6 Broadway meets opera
Beauty & The Beast | Porgy & Bess | Aida | Grease | La Traviata
THE PLANETS | AUG 20 A musical trip across the universe
Interstellar | The Planets | Gravity | Haydn’s Creation | E.T. | Star Trek | The Fifth Element
iChristmas with the Maestro
h
3
A must-hear holiday event — Get your seats today!
DEC 12, 2015 | SATURDAY 7:30p | PASADENA CIVIC AUDITORIUM
The Messiah | Favorite Christmas Carols | White Christmas Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer | Nutcracker Suite The Christmas Song
3
SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS AND
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
626.304.0333 READERS CHOICE 2015
August 27 - September CP_BEacon_5.1x12.8_READERS-CHOICE-2015_half.indd 1
2
MORE INFORMATION:
CALPHIL.COM @ CAphilharmonic
2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com | 43 8/14/15 11:42 AM
Golf Course
Arcadia Par 3 Golf Course 620 E Live Oak Ave., Arcadia (626) 443-9367 arcadiagc.com
Bowling
Bowling Square Lanes 1020 S Baldwin Ave., Arcadia (626) 445-3160 amf.com Bowlmor 3545 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (626) 351-8858 bowlmor.com
Brookside 1133 Rosemont Ave., Pasadena (626) 585-3594 brooksidegc.com
Live Music
Arcadia Blues Club 16 Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 447-9349 arcadiabluesclub.com
GIFTS FOR THE HOME
Live Theatre
Museum
Pasadena Playhouse 39 S El Molino Ave., Pasadena (626) 356-7529 pasadenaplayhouse.org
Outdoor Concert
Lineage Performing Arts 89 S Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena (626) 844-7008 lineagedance.org
Pasadena Museum of History 470 W Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 577-1660 pasadenahistory.org
California Philharmonic 2700 E Foothill Blvd. Suite 210, Pasadena / (626) 304-0333 calphil.com
Movie Theatre
Krikorian Premiere Theaters 410 S Mrytle Ave., Monrovia (626) 305-7469 kptmovies.com
Pasadena Pops 2 N Lake Ave. Suite 1080 Pasadena / (626) 793-7172 pasadenasymphony-pops.org
Thanks Beacon Media Readers For Naming Us Your Favorite Seafood Restaurant Lunch & Dinner 7 Days • Oyster Bar • Happy Hour Martini Mondays • House Wine Wednesdays Sunday Brunch • It’s Your Birthday • Fresh Seafood Market Gift Cards • Private Patio • Banquets • Catering
Thank You for Voting Charlie’s House the Best for Home Decor! Open Tuesday - Sunday!
430 South Myrtle Avenue Monrovia, CA 91016 | 626.359.3963 | www.charlies-house.com
“Our Fish Come from the Finest Schools”
1974 E. Colorado Blvd. | Pasadena 626-793-3474 | camerons4fish.com
44 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
Live Music
Movie Theatre
T Boyles 37 N Catalina Ave., Pasadena (626) 578-0957 tboylestavern.com
iPic Theaters 42 Miller Alley., Pasadena (626) 639-2260 ipictheaters.com
Museum
Pasadena Museum of California Art 490 E Union St., Pasadena (626) 568-3665 pmcaonline.org
Ceramic Art Studio
Foothill Veterinary Hospital
Thank you San Gabriel Foothills for voting us # 1 in Arts and Crafts.
We are pleased to accept the Silver 2015 Readers’ Choice Award for Veterinarian
-Miss Lisa
Thanks for your patronage! 418 S. Myrtle Avenue • Old Town Monrovia (626) 256 - 4848 facebook.com/paintnplayartstudio
2204 E. Foothill Blvd | Pasadena, CA | 626.792.1187
APPRAISAL FAIRE
1ST SUNDAY OF “EVERY MONTH” 1:00 - 4:00 PM
AS SEEN ON “STORAGE WARS”
• BRING YOUR TREASURES! • FIND OUT WHAT ITS REALLY WORTH! • LEARN VALUABLE INFORMATION! • YOU MAY HAVE SOME HIDDEN TREASURES!
READERS CHOICE 2015
(626) 304-9886
LOS ROBLES
AUG. 24 TO SEPT. 7, 2015 10AM - 9PM MON. TO SAT. 11AM - 7PM SUN.
309 E. GREEN ST. PASADENA, CA 91105 MON - SAT 10-9 SUN 11-7
MARENGO
TREASURE HUNT AT OUR STOREWIDE SALE
GREEN
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
45
COLDWELL BANKER Mario Askary
Jill Askren
Jeff & Darlene Bowen
626.203.8748
626.898.1067
findmarioaskary@gmail.com
jwainla@gmail.com
Ronald Chang
626.241.4564
rchang@coldwellbanker.com
626.318.6746
Evelyn Dolphin
evelyn.dolphin@gmail.com
818.400.6342
Marsha Fields
mfields@coldwellbanker.com
626.821.1276
Ginger Brooks
jkb1919@aol.com
gingerbrooks29@yahoo.com
Joe Chiovare
Phil Daniels
Patricia Dmytrow
626.945.2236
626.755.1846
626.589.6519
Michelle Drewry
Imy Dulake
jchiovare@coldwellbanker.com philandmarydaniels@coldwellbanker.com
michelledrewry4homes@gmail.com
213.392.1901
Mike Gan
mig2288@yahoo.com
626.862.3938
Imydulake@aol.com
626.664.1280
Greg Goss
greg.goss1@verizon.net
818.903.0599
626.390.2515
pdmytrow@gmail.com
Amy Ellis
aellis@coldwellbanker.com
626.278.5838
Dean Griffith
deangriffith@coldwellbanker.com
626.664.9163
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL COLDWELL BANKER ARCADIA REGIONAL OFFICE 15 E. FOOTHILL BOULEVARD | ARCADIA, CA 91006 626.445.5500 www.camoves.com
46 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
ARCADIA Connie Hanson
Janet Ho
Blanca Jenkins
Diane Johnson
connie4homes@gmail.com
imjanetho@gmail.com
blancaj@coldwellbanker.com
dijohnson@coldwellbanker.com
John Kermgard
Caroline Khabbaz
Pierre Khabbaz
Tim Komlos
626.688.9120
626.864.6953
626.487.5084
626.862.1050
jkermgard@gmail.com
carolinekhabbaz@yahoo.com
pierrekhabbaz@yahoo.com
timothy.komlos@coldwellbanker.com
Brian LeBow
Minoy Lee
Gary Lorenzini
Susan Miali
626.840.7277
brian.lebow@camoves.com
626.636.6851
Laura Mitchell
lauramitchell@coldwellbanker.com
626.833.2849
626.705.7705
minoylee@msn.com
626.233.2138
Marti Moore
mmoore@coldwellbanker.com
626.255.8537
323.855.5001
glorenzini@coldwellbanker.com
626.688.1698
Hoss Nouhi
hnouhi@coldwellbanker.com
626.625.5704
626.430.8480
susanmiali@yahoo.com
626.755.1787
Tammy O’Neill
tammy.oneill@camoves.com
626.825.2082
THE 2015 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS! READERS CHOICE 2015
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
47
COLDWELL BANKER Carolyn Papp
Mike & Michelle Paris
626.353.7443
626.840.7007
cshp620@gmail.com
Jerry Quinn
jerry.quinn@camoves.com
626.484.5512
Janie Steckenrider
www.mikeparishomes.com
Sandy Radey
sandy.radey@camoves.com
626.821.1249
Linda Szerdahelyi
Bruce Pfeiffer
Monica Quesenbery
626.278.2187
626.233.2117
brucep@coldwellbanker.com
Ash Rizk
arizk@coldwellbanker.com
626.393.5695
Lisa Ta
monicaq1@aol.com
Eric Rosa
ericrosarealestate@gmail.com
626.688.6347
Thomas Tong
Janie@JanieSteckenrider.com
lindasz@coldwellbanker.com
lisatarealtor@gmail.com
thomast@coldwellbanker.com
Hugo Torres
Sheila Trigon
Jeannie Vukovich
Jim Younessi
jvukovich@coldwellbanker.com
jimyounessi@yahoo.com
626.806.6337
hugo@hugotorres.com
626.675.0658
626.241.5564
strigon@aol.com
626.821.1250
626.590.5350
626.757.7527
626.622.4355
626.297.2704
COLDWELL BANKER ARCADIA REGIONAL OFFICE 15 E. FOOTHILL BOULEVARD | ARCADIA, CA 91006 | 626.445.5500 www.camoves.com
48 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
Landscaping Heating & Air
Blinds/Drapes
Electrician
Budget Blinds 6266 Rosemead Blvd., Temple City (626) 309-7588 budgetblinds.com
GE Shears Electric 1075 Coronet Ave., Pasadena (626) 351-1902 geshearselectric.com
Cabinets
Flooring
Stephen Rische Cabinets 204 Kruse Ave., Monrovia (626) 357-8413 monroviacabinetry.com
Felikian’s Carpet One 188 N Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena (626) 795-2821 felikiancarpet.com
Electrician
General Contractor
Olson’s Electrical Services 123 N Rimhurst Ave., Covina (626) 966-1354
Plumb Crazy Inc., Monrovia (626) 386-3406 lumbcrazycontracting.com
Air Tro 1630 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 357-3535 airtro.com
Home Décor
Charlie’s House 430 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 359-3963 charlies-house.com Pasadena Architectural Salvage 2600 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (626) 535-9655 sadenaarchitecturalsalvage.com
Interior Design
Designs 2 55 Sierra Madre Blvd., Suite 100, Sierra Madre (626) 355-7139
Garden View 114 Railroad Ave., Monrovia (626) 303-4043 garden-view.com
Painter
Partnership Painting Inc 25 Fulton Ave., Pasadena (626) 449-4097 partnershippainting.com
Plumber
RJ Collins Plumbing 205 N 2nd Ave., Arcadia (626) 461-1700 rjcollinsplumbing.com
Window Contractor Vista Window MFG 600 E Fig Ave., Monrovia (626) 359-3600 vistawindowmfg.com
Thank You! Family Owned for over 25 years
For Making Us Your Favorite Resale & Consignment Shop
Hours: Mon - Sat 10:30am - 5:00pm Extended Hours on Friday Nights During Arcadia Street Fair 35 South First Ave. | Arcadia, Ca 91006 (626)446-7346 | www.SecondTimeAroundArcadia.com READERS CHOICE 2015
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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Thank You For Your Patronage! 2015 READERS CHOICE AWARD FOR BEST COFFEE
Blinds/Drapes
Blue Seal Drapery and Blinds 971 N Azusa Ave., Covina (888) 325-8373 bluesealwindowcoverings.com
Cabinets
Expression in Wood 1738 Brackett St., La Verne (909) 596-8496 expressioninwood.com
Flooring
Wonder Carpet and Flooring
IN BUSINESS SINCE 2000 203 S. FIRST AVE. | ARCADIA, CA | 626-445-0880
1578 W San Bernardino Rd. Suite B., Covina / (888) 712-6888
wondercarpet.com
General Contractor Dan Mikolasko Construction 5118 Calmview Ave., Baldwin Park / (626) 338-0244
Heating & Air
Connor Air Conditioning & Heating 4931 Encinita Ave., Temple City (626) 286-3157 connorair.com
Interior Design Joy Wolfe
Designed with Joy Interiors., La Canada
(818) 353-0146 designedwithjoy.com
Landscaping
Wildrose Landscape 320 Wildrose Ave., Monrovia (626) 305-0793
Painter
Voelker Construction and Painting Pasadena (626) 398-1962
Plumber
Pasadena Plumbing 39 N Altadena Dr., Pasadena (626) 793-7935 pasadenaplumbinginc.com
Window Contractor Slater Glass & Mirror 145 E St Joseph St., Arcadia (626) 254-0614 slaterglass.com
Happy Paws Dog Grooming Favorite Professionals – Gold Pet Groomer “We are absolutely honored to receive this award for the second year in a row and want to thank our amazing and supportive customers and their pets for making Happy Paws what it is today. We put our heart into caring for each pet and making a safe and pleasant environment for everyone. We are so appreciative that our hard work is recognized not only by our families and customers, but our community as well. We truly love what we do and hope that it shows. Happy Paws is looking forward to serving our community and making your pets part of our family for many years to come!” 138 E Colorado Blvd., Monrovia (626) 358-5355 50 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
A boost for your savings
% 1.10 APY*
Money Market Account
Don’t miss out on our promotional-rate Money Market account with no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum opening deposit. You simply need a Convenience or Convenience+ Checking account to qualify.** Open your account today. Stop by our Pasadena branch at 472 East Colorado Blvd.
*The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as advertised is accurate as of August 17, 2015. No minimum deposit is required to open. The promotional interest rate of 1.10% APY is available for the first 12 months from account opening for accounts with balances up to $1,000,000.00. For accounts with balances over $1,000,000.00, the interest rate paid on the entire balance will be equal to our highest tier rate for Money Market accounts as shown on our website. A variable tiered interest rate will apply after the promotional 12-month period ends. The variable tiered interest rates work as follows: if the daily balance is $0.00-$24,999.99 as of August 17, 2015, the interest rate paid on the entire balance is 0.10% APY; for balances $25,000.00-$49,999.99 as of August 17, 2015, the interest rate paid on the entire balance is 0.15% APY; for balances $50,000.00-$99,999.99 as of August 17, 2015, the interest rate paid on the entire balance is 0.20% APY; and, for balances $100,000.00+ as of August 17, 2015, the interest rate paid on the entire balance is 0.30% APY. These interest rates are subject to change at any time without notice. One offer per customer. New money only. Not eligible for customers with account closures within the past sixty days. Promotional rate offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Fees may reduce earnings. Excess transaction fee for more than the number of permitted transactions may apply. Unlimited in-person deposits and withdrawals; other transactions limited to 6 per month. All accounts are subject to the bank’s Account Opening Disclosures. **For Convenience Checking accounts, there is a $5 monthly maintenance fee applied which can be waived with a qualifying direct deposit. For Convenience+ Checking accounts, there is a $10 monthly maintenance fee which can be waived with a qualifying direct deposit. See bank account’s Account Opening Disclosures for details on qualifying direct deposits. © 2015 Amalgamated Bank. Equal Opportunity Lender. All rights reserved. Rev. 08/2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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Fasching's Car Wash
Dr. Domotor's Animal House
Favorite Professionals Gold Car Wash
Favorite Professionals Gold Veterinarian
Attention to detail and customer satisfaction make Fasching’s Car Wash in Arcadia our Readers’ Choice for the number one car wash in Arcadia and beyond. Owner George Fasching opened the business 37 years ago. His customer-based philosophy means paying attention to the needs of his clients, which he does by offering specials such as “Pay for nine, get the tenth wash free” and “Two dollars off all washes on Tuesdays.” Plus, free cups of coffee or cappuccinos are offered while clients browse through the in-business store full of automotive products and gift items. 425 N Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia (626) 446-0654 • www.faschingscarwash.com
Dr. Domotor’s Animal House opened its doors in 1996, and has been caring for companion animals every day since. “After having worked several years in Pasadena and Monrovia, I was deeply committed to the community and my clients and patients,” says Dr. Domotor. “I would not have considered establishing my practice anywhere but in Monrovia.” The doctors and exceptional staff strive to offer optimal veterinary care, thus helping clients to have the enjoyment of their animal companions for a maximum number of years. The hospital is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pasadena Federal Credit Union Favorite Professionals Gold Credit Union Designated “SGV’s Best Credit Union” by readers of this paper and “Small Business Corporate Citizen of 2014” by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, PFCU is a member-owned not-forprofit financial cooperative serving some of the SGV’s finest businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits. Celebrating 80 years in the community, PFCU offers low-rate auto, home, boat, motorcycle, RV and personal loan programs, a highly competitive VISA Credit Card, and Free Checking with access at 30,000+ surchargefree CO-Op ATMs and 5,000+ Co-Op Shared Branches nationwide. PFCU enriches our community with volunteerism and financial literacy training for all ages. Call or stop by to explore. 1038 S Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena (626) 799-0882 • www.pfcu.org
135 W Foothill Blvd., Monrovia (626) 303-7881 • www.drdomotor.net
52 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
Hiking Trail
Helen Chen Marston Favorite Professionals – Silver Real Estate Agent Helen graduated from Beijing University and received her MBA from Cal State LA. She firmly believes knowledge is power. After becoming a REALTOR®, Helen earned her CRS, GRI, CIPS, SRES, MRP, SFR and GREEN designations. She takes great pride on her professionalism, ethics, and customer service. She serves as one of the Board of Directors of the West San Gabriel Valley Association of Realtors. Helen currently works with Keller Williams Realty. Helen is also an active PTA member and High School Band Booster. She has sponsored many events, organizations, and education programs. She devotes to serve her community and gives back to where she comes from. 317 E Foothill Blvd. Suite 105, Arcadia (626)386-7888 • helensrealestate.com
We’re honored.
Local Festival
Chantry Flats Sierra Madre (626) 355-1414 bigsantaanitacanyon.com
Monrovia Old Town Merchants 732 Ridgeside Dr., Monrovia (626) 357-7442 cityofmonrovia.org/ economicdevelopment/page/oldtown-monrovia
Library
Pasadena Public Library 285 E Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 744-4066 cityofpasadena.net
Park
Local Charity
Foothill Unity Center 415 W Chestnut Ave., Monrovia (626) 358-3486 foothillunitycenter.org Union Station Homeless Services 412 S Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626) 240-4550 unionstationhs.org
Arcadia County Park 405 S Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia (626) 574-5113 ci.arcadia.ca.us
Place of Worship Holy Angels Church 370 Campus Dr., Arcadia (626) 447-1671 holyangelsarcadia.org
NOW ENROLLING Accelerated Academic Program Small Class Sizes
Since 1948, we’ve been committed to making great-tasting, made-to-order burgers, fries, and shakes for our guests. It’s all part of our dedication to quality, freshness, and service. Thanks for thinking so highly of us. We look forward to serving you again.
SCHEDULE A VISIT 626.301.9809 Outstanding Enrichments Award Winning Art Program Weekly Hands-On Science Lab After School Athletics, Clubs and Lessons Morning and Afternoon Day Care
For location information, call toll-free at 1-800-786-1000 or visit us online at www.In-N-Out.com
©2013 In-N-Out Burgers
READERS CHOICE 2015
822 BRADBOURNE AVE, DUARTE, CA 91010 www.foothilloaksacademy.org 626.301.9809 August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
53
54 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
Hiking Trail
Monrovia Canyon Park 1200 N Canyon Blvd., Monrovia (626) 256-8282
Library
Monrovia Public Library 321 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 256-8274 cityofmonrovia.org
Park
Monrovia Library Park 321 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 256-8246 cityofmonrovia.org
THANKS FOR VOTING US the besT OF PASADENA
Place of Worship Lake Avenue Church 393 N Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 844-4700 lakeave.org
Local Festival
Pasadena Art Night., Pasadena (626) 744-7887 artnightpasadena.org PASADENA: 104 E. COLORADO BLVD. 626.793.2000 crossroadstrading.com
Custom cakes, cupcakes, desserts and more!
Custom Cakes, cupcakes, and more! Order yourdesserts Sweet Nothings for your Sweetheart today!
Custom cakes, cupcakes, desserts and more!
Thank You for voting us your Favorite Desserts
1849 Huntington Dr. Duarte, CA 91010 (626) 357- 8049
1849 Huntington Dr. Duarte CA 91010 www.facebook.com/sweetnothingscakeshop Instagram: @sweetnothingscakeshop (626) 357-8049 www.facebook.com/sweetnothingscakeshop Instagram: @sweetnothingscakeshop
READERS CHOICE 2015
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
55
Tri Maids Favorite Professionals – Gold Home/Office Cleaning
Thank you for voting Tri Maids Readers’ Choice again for the seventh year in a row. Tri Maids understand the needs of Southern California home owners - we live here, too. For over 30 years, we have perfected our cleaning techniques by listening to our clients. Tri Maids was created in 1984 and was an early pioneer of the concept of cleaning in teams. Through teamwork, a small amount of time is all that is needed to perform a superior job. This means less interruption to our clients. We take pride in being considered the best and provide outstanding service to all of our clients. 1836 Evergreen St., Duarte (626) 357-7300 www. trimaids.com
Thank you
to all of the Beacon Media Readers who voted
Lake Avenue Church
Silver Award for Best Place of Worship
If you have not been our guest, we invite you to attend one of our four weekend worship services: 5 pm Saturday, Contemporary Experience 9 & 11 am Sunday, Blended Worship Experience 11 am Sunday, Spanish-speaking Service & Community We also offer Counseling, Support & Recovery Groups, Bible Studies, Sports Activities, Music & Art Programs, Service Opportunities, Community and More. Visit www.lakeave.org for more information. 393 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101
tel: 626.844.4700
56 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
Institute of Higher Learning
Private Girls High School
After School Learning
Pre-School
Public School
Career College
Private Co-ed High School
Summer Camp
California Institute of Technology 1200 E California Blvd., Pasadena (626) 395-6357 caltech.edu
Elite Educational Institute 1135 W Huntington Dr. Suite 220., Arcadia (626) 821-0434 eliteprep.com
Mt Sierra College 101 Huntington Dr., Monrovia (626) 873-2144 mtsierra.edu
Planet Preschool 4977 Santa Anita Ave., Temple City (626) 279-5482 myplanetpreschool.com
Maranatha High School 169 S St John Ave., Pasadena (626) 817-4000 maranatha-hs.org
Thank You For Voting Us #1 Caterer in the San Gabriel Valley.
Mayfield Senior School 500 Bellefontaine St., Pasadena (626) 799-9121 mayfieldsenior.org
Monrovia High School 845 W Colorado Blvd., Monrovia (626) 471-2800 monroviaschools.net/mhs
Elite Educational Institute 1135 W Huntington Dr. Suite 220, Arcadia (626) 821-0434 eliteprep.com
Thanks, Pasadena Independent & Beacon Media Readers For Naming Us your Favorite!
Best Brunch
Welcome to Margaritas and Pepe’s Mexican Restaurants! Family owned and operated, we have offered delicious, authentic Mexican food since 1970. Come visit us and become a part of our family.
www.Chefelle.com / 626-841-1601 (Mobile) READERS CHOICE 2015
Margaritas 155 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-4193 www.margaritasmexicanfood.com
Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant 2272 Honolulu Ave., Montrose (818) 248-6622 www.pepesmontrose.com
August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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After School Learning
! !
! Thank you, Pasadena, for naming us your favorite live performance venue! To find out what’s playing next, go to
www.LineagePAC.org
!
FROM OUR ENTIRE STAFF, WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE COMMUNITY FOR CHOOSING US AS YOUR FAVORITE CARPET CLEANER FOUR YEARS IN A ROW! PROVIDING RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CLEANING: - CARPET - UPHOLSTERY - TILE & GROUT - PET STAINS, ODOR & REMOVAL - AND MUCH MORE!
626-232-4004
w w w. my f a m i l yc a r p etc leaning.com
Huntington Learning Center 1832 E Washington Blvd., Pasadena (626) 798-5900 huntingtonhelps.com
Career College
North-West College Pasadena, Glendale, West Covina (888) 408-4211 nw.edu
Institute of Higher Learning Citrus College 1000 W Foothill Blvd., Glendora (626) 963-0323 citruscollege.edu
Pre-School
Sierra Madre Community Nursery School 701 E Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre (626) 355-1655 smcns.us
FULL BAR 30 GREAT WINES Best Ribs in the Valley Private Room and Large Outside Patio 28 Craft and Imported Beers on Tap 15 Flat Screensw for all the Sports Action
Come watch all NFL games at Matt Denny’s
Thank You for Voting us:
Best Beer
Best Outdoor/Patio Dining
Best American Food
Check us out at: www.MattDennys.com
145 E. Huntington Dr. City of Arcadia (626) 462 - 0250
58 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
READERS CHOICE 2015
BEST inTErior DESiGnEr THANK YOU
Public School
Don Benito Fundamental School 3700 Denair St., Pasadena (626) 396-5870 donbenito.pasadenausd.org
For YoUr ConTinUED SUPPorT
Summer Camp
Tom Sawyer Camps 707 W Woodbury Rd. Suite F., Altadena / (626) 794-1156 tomsawyercamps.com
JAn TUSZYnSKi, ASiD
Elite Educational Institute of Arcadia Favorite Education – Gold Summer Camp Since 1987,Elite of Arcadia has been passionate about helping students achieve their goals and dreams. Although we are best known for our SAT and ACT preparation programs, we also offer a wide array of other services: academic tutoring, college application workshops, speech and debate, middle school book clubs, and more. Our students are successful because they are taught by dynamic, experienced, and knowledgeable teachers who use Elite’s world class curriculum to achieve maximum results. We believe in instilling a passion for learning and promoting high standards so that students may reach their full potential both academically and personally. 1135 W Huntington Dr. Suite 220, Arcadia (626) 287-1245 • www.eliteprep.com
VCA Foothill Veterinary Hospital Favorite Professionals - Silver Veterinarian VCA Foothill Veterinary Hospital has been serving the community since 1953. It was co-owned by Dr. Robert Bell and Dr. Peter Lippincott for over 40 years before joining VCA in 2012. Our doctors and staff are committed to providing quality health care and excellent client service in a friendly, caring environment. We are active members of the community. We partner with the Pasadena Humane Society and support their pet adopters, and we offer hospital tours to local schools to help educate children on pet health. We love our patients and their people and look forward to serving them each day. 2204 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (626) 792-1187 www.vcafoothill.com READERS CHOICE 2015
DESIGNS 2 BY APPoinTMEnT
55 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. | Sierra Madre, CA 91024 626.355.7139 | www.designs2sierramadre.com
*” ! S O 6th A r C H be
C ptem I M
O s Se C “ in Be
g
“Physically impossible to stop laughing.” —The Telegraph
A FLEA IN HER
EAR
A NEW VERSION OF GEORGES FEYDEAU’S FARCE BY DAVID IVES *The Denver Post
PLAYING IN REPERTORY WITH:
Jean Anouilh’s
ANTIGONE
ALL MY SONS
Adapted and Translated by Robertson Dean
by Arthur Miller
626.356.3100 3352 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena PHOTO BY CRAIG SCHWARTZ.
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Vista Cove at Arcadia Favorite Professionals - Silver Senior Living Where it’s good to be a dog VOTED GOLD WINNER 2ND YEAR IN A ROW! “Thank you to our amazing and supportive customers and their pets for making Happy Paws Dog Grooming what it is today.” Owner Michael Delgado with a HAPPY customer
$5 OFF ANY SERVICE New Customers Only*
*Only one per new customer. All prices are based on specific breed
626.358.5355
138 E. Colorado Boulevard
Located in the heart of Old Town Monrovia Hours: Tues-Sat 8am-5pm, Wednesdays 10am-7pm We are fully Insured and Certified A member of the Monrovia Old Town Merchant Association and Monrovia Chamber of Commerce
“We have no secret of success. Our service philosophy and commitment to quality revolve around a genuine passion for caring for the elderly and attention to their needs, as well as our families’ needs. We believe that when you are too focused on the business and financial aspects of assisted living, you eventually lose focus of the reason companies like us are even in business - for the residents and their quality care. We strive to always remain focused on the quality care that keep our residents happy, active, and thriving.” 601 Sunset Blvd., Arcadia. (626) 447-0106 www.vistacove.net/arcadia/intro.html
Wells Fargo Favorite Professionals – Gold Bank Wells Fargo & Company strives to be “America’s Community Bank” offering nationwide reach and communitybased financial services. Wells Fargo was founded in 1852 and provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, consumer and commercial finance through 8,700 locations, 12,800 ATMs, the internet and mobile banking. With approximately 266,000 team members, of whom nearly 11,500 are in Los Angeles, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo has been ranked Los Angeles’ top corporate philanthropist for the past decade, and local team members donated 33,000 hours of their time volunteering at nonprofits and schools. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all their customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo perspectives are also available at Wells Fargo Blogs and Wells Fargo Stories. (800) 869-3557 • www.wellsfargo.com/appointments
Cal Phil Favorite Fun & Sports – Gold Outdoor Concerts A California Philharmonic show is more than a concert, it’s an experience! For almost two-decades Maestro Victor Vener has led this acclaimed orchestra in wildly popular and uniquely entertaining, inspiring, educational and enlightening programs of great music. A beloved local staple, and a highly-anticipated tradition that draws people to its concerts from all over the Southland and beyond, California Philharmonic is poised to reach an even greater level of excellence each year as it performs to an ever-expanding audience, both at its home at Santa Anita Race Track as well as at the incomparable Walt Disney Concert Hall. 2700 E Foothill Blvd. Suite 210, Pasadena (626) 304-0038 www.calphil.com
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READERS CHOICE 2015
The Pasadena Playhouse Favorite Fun Spots – Gold Live Theatre Built on a tradition of innovation and excellence,The Pasadena Playhouse is committed to continue to be the premiere theatrical experience in Southern California, showcasing the most exciting theatrical entertainment in the state and being an amazing forum for launching new work onto the national stage. The Playhouse has been in Pasadena for 98 years. Artistic Director, Sheldon Epps. 39 S El Molino Ave., Pasadena (626) 356-7529 • www.pasadenaplayhouse.org
Air Tro Favorite Home Care - Gold Heating & Air “Our thanks to the readers of the Monrovia Weekly for trusting us with providing and servicing the heating and cooling systems in their homes. “Whatever your heating and cooling needs are, we can help. If your greataunt’s wall heater has a bad pilot light, we can help. If your 1930s craftsman home needs its asbestos heating system replaced, if your child’s asthma makes her sensitive to airborne particles, or if you want your mother’s condominium set up for scheduled maintenance so she doesn’t have to fool with the furnace filter any more, we can help. Lic No. 258228.” 1630 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 357-5311 • www.airtro.com
Charlie's House Favorite Home Care - Gold Home Décor The mission of Charlie’s House is to offer unique items at a reasonable price. We are a blend of the old and the new, which makes us a good fit with Old Town Monrovia. Seasonal decorations can also be found here throughout the year, but the core rustic design style is always present. Whether you are looking for a gift for a friend or something to add charm to your own home, Charlie’s House is the place for you. I want to thank the readers for voting for Charlie’s House. Having a store in this wonderful community has been a true blessing. 430 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia (626) 359-3963 • www.charlies-house.com READERS CHOICE 2015
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Stephen Rische Cabinets Favorite Home Care – Gold Cabinets Stephen Rische Cabinets has evolved from a long line of woodworkers and craftsmen. Our mission is to meet the dreams and visions of our clients by committing to the design, efficient manufacturing, and installation of the finest cabinetry. We create custom cabinetry using the latest materials, smartest technology, and building solutions with the experience of old world craftsmanship. Our clients can be assured of the quality and value of our products. Established in 1979, we’ve been doing business for over 36 years. There is no substitute for experience.
Thank You for choosing Claro’s Italian Markets for Best Specialty Store in the Readers’ Choice 2015 Awards. 6 Locations to serve you: Main Office - SAN GABRIEL
TUSTIN
ARCADIA
UPLAND
LA HABRA
COVINA
1003 E. Valley Blvd. San Gabriel, CA 91776 (626) 288-2026
19 1/2 East Huntington Drive Arcadia, CA, 91006 (626) 446-0275
1095 East Main Street Tustin, CA, 92860 (714) 832-3081 1655 North Mountain Ave. Upland, CA, 91786 (909) 946-2689
101 West Whittier Blvd. La Habra, CA, 90631 (562) 690-2844
159 East College Street Covina, CA, 91723 (626) 339-3333
www.claros.com
204 Kruse Ave., Monrovia (626) 357-8413 • www.monroviacabinetry.com
Designs 2 Favorite Home Care – Gold Interior Design Designs 2 is owned by Jan Tuszynski. This interior design firm has been located in Sierra Madre for the past 30 years. “We are honored, and thank you all for your continued support. We know your home is an important factor in making your life happy. We take that seriously, and work with you to create your very personalized space. Your home is not a museum, and because of that, our job is to create a welcoming atmosphere that is a true reflection of you. We do the work so that you can not only enjoy the process, but the final result.” 55 Sierra Madre Blvd. Suite 100, Sierra Madre (626) 355-7139 • ww.designs2sierramadre.com
R.J. Collins Plumbing
FREE SUB
Favorite Home Care – Gold Plumber
BUY ANY REGULAR SUB AND 2 DRINKS GET THE 2ND ONE OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE FREE OFFER VALID ONLY AT W. HUNTINGTON DRIVE LOCATION Offer coupon per per person per visit. be to be Offer expires expires12/2/11. 12/2/15.One One coupon person per Not visit.toNot combined combinedwith withother otheroffers. offers.No Nocash cashvalue. value.Redeemable Redeemableininperson persononly. only.
FAMILY DEAL ANY 2 GIANTS AND 4 DRINKS FOR $
24.95
$
1 $ 2
OFF ANY REGULAR OFF ANY GIANT
OFFER VALID ONLY AT W. HUNTINGTON DRIVE LOCATION
OFFER VALID ONLY AT W. HUNTINGTON DRIVE LOCATION
Offer expires expires12/2/11. 12/2/15.One One coupon person per Not visit.toNot Offer coupon per per person per visit. be to be combinedwith withother otheroffers. offers.No Nocash cashvalue. value.Redeemable Redeemableininperson persononly. only. combined
Offer expires12/2/11. 12/2/15.One Onecoupon coupon person per visit. Offer expires perper person per visit. Not toNot be to be combined in person only. combined with with other other offers. offers. No No cash cash value. value. Redeemable Redeemable in person only.
SENIOR CITIZENS RECEIVE
15% OFF TOTAL ORDER
20% OFF CATERING ORDER
OFFER VALID ONLY AT W. HUNTINGTON DRIVE LOCATION
OFFER VALID ONLY AT W. HUNTINGTON DRIVE LOCATION
Offer expires expires12/2/11. 12/2/15.One One coupon person per Not visit.toNot Offer coupon per per person per visit. be to be combinedwith withother otheroffers. offers.No Nocash cashvalue. value.Redeemable Redeemableininperson persononly. only. combined
Offer expires12/2/11. 12/2/15.One Onecoupon coupon person per visit. Offer expires perper person per visit. Not toNot be to be combined in person only. combined with with other other offers. offers. No No cash cash value. value. Redeemable Redeemable in person only.
444 W. Huntington Dr. Monrovia
JERSEY MIKES - MONROVIA 444 W. Huntington Dr. (next to Sprouts Farmers Market) Monrovia, CA 91016 (Next to Sprouts Farmers Market)
626-359-1333
Fax 626-359-3024 626.359.1333 JERSEY MIKES - ARCADIA 400 S. Baldwin Ave. Suite FC7 Arcadia, CA 91007 (Inside Westfield Santa Anita)
626.445.5007
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Rob Collins started R.J. Collins Plumbing Co., Inc., in 1992 after graduating with a degree in business administration from USC and a fouryear plumbing apprenticeship. Rob started his business with one truck out of his garage in Monrovia and now has an office in Arcadia with several trucks. Rob strives to offer the best service at the most competitive rates in the industry. R. J. Collins Plumbing specializes in residential and commercial projects, service and repair, drain cleaning, back flow testing, as well as bathroom and kitchen remodeling. There is no job too small—if it has to do with plumbing, R. J. can help! 205 N Second Ave., Arcadia (626) 461-1700 • www.rjcollinsplumbing.com 4/26/10 1:53 PM
READERS CHOICE 2015
Vista Window Mfg. Favorite Home Care – Gold Window Contractor For more than nine years Vista Window Mfg., a family-owned and operated window and door company, has been servicing the San Gabriel Valley. Specializing in manufacture and Installation of vinyl windows and patio doors, Vista also provides installation for entry doors, shutters, and related window treatments for the home. “Our customers seem to feel more comfortable knowing that they are dealing directly with the owners and having that one-on-one rapport,” said Olga Rodriquez, half of the “mom-and-pop”-team running Vista with her husband Phillip. “And having trust in us is a huge factor; we take it very seriously.”
THANKS READERS FOR VOTING US YOUR #1 AUTO MECHANIC IN THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
C ity A
utomotive
We are your Complete Auto Repair Destination
600 E Fig Ave., Monrovia (626) 359-3600 • www.vistawindowmfg.com
JERRY BLAYNEY
ACDelco Service Center
Owner ASE Master Technician
City Automotive
Service • Parts • Domestic & Japanese Cars & Trucks
Miller Dr. Lower Azusa Rd. X
City Auto
Temple City Blvd.
626-443-8288
Rosemead Blvd.
4700 Miller Dr•Unit A Temple City, CA 91780
Las Tunas Dr.
Valley Blvd.
EASY TO FIND
Miller Dr. South of Lower Azusa Rd.
CAR WASH 425 North Santa Anita Avenue • Arcadia, California 91006 Tel. (626) 446-0654 • Fax (626) 446-2135 CAR WASH www.faschings.com 425 North Santa Anita Avenue • Arcadia, California 91006 Tel. (626) 446-0654 • Fax (626) 446-2135 www.faschings.com
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING US #1 THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING US #1 THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING US #1
READERS CHOICE 2015
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Century 21 Village Realty is so very honored to have received the Readers Choice Award and extends to you our warmest appreciation! We are a traditional Full Service Real Estate office that is family owned and operated since 1982. We have branches in Arcadia and Sierra Madre, but service the greater San Gabriel Valley, with business from Apple Valley to the Antelope Valley. Our friendly, experienced CENTURY 21 real estate agents are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals by simplifying the buying or selling process, and doing their best to guarantee your success.
Monrovia Old Town Merchants Neighborhood Favorites – Gold Local Festival Just about 23 year ago, a group of Old Town Monrovia merchants got together and decided to put on a weekly festival on Myrtle Avenue. Back then, it was all volunteers: there were kids with their parents (the family of business owners in Old Town) picking up trash, helping with set up and take down, all working together to put on what was then a rather small show. Over the years our festival has evolved into a much larger event, but our commitment to our youth and families has only grown, and our goal to provide a safe, fun gathering place for our guests has never wavered! Old Town Monrovia, CA (626) 862-4296 • www.oldtownmonroviaca.com
Best Real Estate Office
THANK YOU BEACON READERS FOR VOTING US #1...AGAIN!
Thank you reader for voting us you #1 home & office clea this year
- Using revolutionary Z Probiotics clea - 100% satisfaction guaranteed - Manager on site, English & Spanish spo - Commercial and Residential Cleanin - Handyman Service – Contractors Lic. #9 - Personalized or general cleaning - Daily, weekly, monthly - Green Seal Certified Cleaning Produc
WE TAKE PRIDE IN BEING CONSIDERED THE BEST AND STRIVE TO PROVIDE OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO ALL OF OUR CLIENTS
Licensed, bonded, insured.
VISIT WWW.TRIMAIDS.COM FOR MORE VisitINFORMATION www.trimaids.com for more informat
1836 EVERGREEN137 | DUARTE, CA 91010 626.357.7300 ca 9101 W. Pomona ave.| monrovia,
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626.357.7300 READERS CHOICE 2015
Union Station Homeless Services Neighborhood Favorites – Gold Local Charity The vision expressed four decades ago by the community volunteers who founded this agency still rings true today — every person deserves a life of dignity and a safe place to call home. Union Station Homeless Services provides life-changing services and effective solutions to help the most vulnerable in our community rebuild their lives and end the cycle of homelessness. Over the years, we have learned that homelessness has many faces and we simply cannot solve this issue alone. With the help of our volunteers and supporters, Union Station helps thousands of men, women, and children find a new sense of hope.
Celebrating 50 years of the Maranatha Difference
825 E Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena (626) 240-4550 • www.unionstationhs.org
Admissions Open House November 7, 2015
MARANATHA HIGH SCHOOL A COLLEGE PREPARATORY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
169 South Saint John Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105
maranathahighschool.org READERS CHOICE 2015
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With Gratitude We Thank You, Our Clients for voting Hands 2 Health as your Favorite Wellness Center Here’s to your continued good health!
Mayfield Senior School of the Holy Child Jesus Favorite Education - Gold Private Girls’ High School The 2015-16 school year is an exciting one at Mayfield Senior School. On July 15, the 84-year-old institution welcomed Kate Morin as its 14th Head of School. Morin is an accomplished administrator, innovator, and faith-filled leader with unequivocal dedication to empowering young women through Catholic education. Mayfield Senior School of the Holy Child Jesus is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women. The school is committed to academic excellence within the context of Christian values. Mayfield fosters each student’s intellectual, spiritual, artistic, emotional, and physical gifts, thereby enabling each to make a meaningful contribution to society. 500 Bellefontaine St., Pasadena (626) 799-9121 • www.mayfieldsenior.org
• Gentle, Non-Force Chiropractic (S.O.T.) • Science Based Nutrition
• Stick Yoga • Energy Medicine
122 E Walnut Ave. Suite C, Monrovia, CA 91016 (626) 358-3800 | www.hands2health.com 䔀䄀匀吀 䠀唀一吀䤀一䜀吀伀一 䐀刀䤀嘀䔀 簀 䴀伀一刀伀嘀䤀䄀 䌀䄀 簀 㤀㘀 㘀
圀圀圀⸀䴀吀匀䤀䔀刀刀䄀⸀䔀䐀唀 䌀䄀䰀䰀 㘀㈀㘀⸀㠀㜀㌀⸀㈀
䄀吀 䴀吀 匀䤀䔀刀刀䄀 䌀伀䰀䰀䔀䜀䔀 圀䔀 䌀䄀一 䠀䔀䰀倀 䄀一匀圀䔀刀
ᰠ圀䠀䄀吀ᤠ匀 一䔀堀吀㼀ᴠ 伀刀 ᰠ圀䠀䄀吀 一伀圀㼀ᴠ 䜀爀攀愀琀 挀愀爀攀攀爀猀 猀琀愀爀琀 愀琀 䴀琀 匀椀攀爀爀愀 䌀漀氀氀攀最攀⸀ 䌀愀氀氀 甀猀 琀漀搀愀礀 愀琀 㠀㠀㠀ⴀ㠀㈀㠀ⴀ㠀㠀 琀漀 猀攀攀 栀漀眀 眀攀 挀愀渀 栀攀氀瀀 漀爀 瘀椀猀椀琀 眀眀眀⸀洀琀猀椀攀爀爀愀⸀攀搀甀⼀愀搀洀椀猀猀椀漀渀猀⼀愀瀀瀀氀礀ⴀ渀漀眀 琀漀 猀挀栀攀搀甀氀攀 愀 瘀椀猀椀琀 琀漀 琀栀攀 挀漀氀氀攀最攀⸀ 伀甀爀 猀琀愀昀昀 愀爀攀 栀攀爀攀 琀漀 栀攀氀瀀⸀ 夀漀甀爀 昀爀椀攀渀搀猀 愀渀搀 昀愀洀椀氀礀 愀爀攀 愀氀眀愀礀猀 眀攀氀挀漀洀攀 琀漀 樀漀椀渀 礀漀甀 昀漀爀 礀漀甀爀 瘀椀猀椀琀 琀漀 琀栀攀 挀漀氀氀攀最攀⸀
䈀䄀䌀䠀䔀䰀伀刀ᤠ匀 䐀䔀䜀刀䔀䔀 倀刀伀䜀刀䄀䴀匀
眀栀愀琀ᤠ猀 渀攀砀琀㼀
䜀刀䄀倀䠀䤀䌀 䐀䔀匀䤀䜀一 嘀䤀匀唀䄀䰀 䔀䘀䘀䔀䌀吀匀 ☀ 䐀䤀䜀䤀吀䄀䰀 嘀䤀䐀䔀伀 䜀䄀䴀䔀 䄀刀吀匀 ☀ 䐀䔀匀䤀䜀一 䤀一䘀伀刀䴀䄀吀䤀伀一 匀䔀䌀唀刀䤀吀夀 䌀伀䴀倀唀吀䔀刀 䤀一䘀伀刀䴀䄀吀䤀伀一 吀䔀䌀䠀一伀䰀伀䜀夀 一䔀吀圀伀刀䬀 䌀伀䴀䴀唀一䤀䌀䄀吀䤀伀一匀 䈀唀匀䤀一䔀匀匀 䄀䐀䴀䤀一䤀匀吀刀䄀吀䤀伀一 䈀唀匀䤀一䔀匀匀 䔀一吀刀䔀倀刀䔀一䔀唀刀匀䠀䤀倀
眀栀愀琀 渀漀眀㼀
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READERS CHOICE 2015
Maranatha High School Favorite Education – Gold Private Co-ed High School For 50 years, Maranatha High School has been the only non-denominational Christian high school in the San Gabriel Valley. The school’s goal to provide excellent college preparatory education in a Christ-revering context has resonated with families who have voted Maranatha the Best Private School! Maranatha not only offers 31 Advanced Placement and honors courses, but has proven exceptional in the arts, and competitive in athletics with both CIF and State level wins this year. Interested in discovering what Maranatha is all about? Come to Maranatha’s Admissions Open House on November 7, 2015. 169 S Saint John Ave., Pasadena (626) 817-4000 • www.maranathahighschool.org
Dr. Domotor’s Animal House Veterinary Hospital
Voted Readers’ Choice for “Best Veterinarian”
A full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care for dogs, cats and exotic pets.
135 W. Foothill Blvd. | Monrovia, CA 91016 | (626) 303-7881 www.drdomotor.net
THANK YOU For voting us the #1 Plumbing Company in the San Gabriel Valley 3 Years Running
626.461.1700
www.rjcollinsplumbing.com READERS CHOICE 2015
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SALES SERVICE ACCESSORIES
$40 TUNE UP
626-357-0020
SPECIAL With this Ad
880 Myrtle Ave @ Chestnut Ave 2 Blks North of Huntington Drive
Care. Quality. Trust.
Thank you for voting us your Silver Favorite Pet Groomer! 626-358-0771 www.thedogzone.us 150 W. Foothill Blvd, Monrovia
3055
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READERS CHOICE 2015
Citrus College
Mt. Sierra College
Favorite Education Silver Institute of Higher Learning
Favorite Education Gold Career College
Planet Preschool & Kindergarten Favorite Education – Gold Preschool
Do you have a specialty? If so, what is it? Citrus College offers more than 90 programs of study. However, the college’s fine and performing arts program and its STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program have an excellent reputation. Citrus College’s accomplishments are impressive, but the people behind the accomplishments are incredible! 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora (626) 963-0323 • www.citruscollege.edu
Mt. Sierra College was founded in January of 1990 and continues to serve the ever-growing need for leaders in design and media arts, business and technology. The effective use of technology has always been at the core of our educational mission. Today, Mt. Sierra College offers bachelor degree programs in three areas of study: media arts, business, and technology. The College has designed its degree programs to provide you with a well-rounded education – a technology driven, academically sound curriculum for tomorrow’s professionals. All programs are designed to be completed in twelve consecutive quarter terms over a period of three calendar years.
“Our school encourages learning and growth through play in an environment designed so children can strengthen muscles, build coordination, stretch their imaginations, and have fun. We encourage children to grow and learn at their own pace. “Our goal is to provide all students with a clean, safe, and nurturing environment. We believe in the value of both structured and non-structured activities. Our program includes developmentally appropriate preschool curriculum, regular reading times, circle times, arts and crafts, and musical activities.” Planet Preschool strives to create an environment and program where your child’s love for learning can grow and flourish. 4977 Santa Anita Ave., Temple City (626) 279-5482 • www.myplanetpreschool.com
101 Huntington Dr., Monrovia (626) 873-2144 • www.mtsierra.edu
Thank you to the Beacon Media readers for voting Teles Properties Reader’s Choice GOLD three years in a row for Real Estate Office in Monrovia and Pasadena.
Celebrating the Reader’s Choice Victories Congratulations to Donna Baker and thank you to the Beacon Media readers for voting her Reader’s Choice GOLD three years in a row for Real Estate Agent in Monrovia and Pasadena.
Donna Baker
California Luxury Real Estate | telesproperties.com ©2014 Teles Properties, Inc. Teles Properties is a registered trademark.
READERS CHOICE 2015
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Jean D. Koehler, Ameriprise Financial Favorite Professionals Gold Financial Advisor Jean Koehler works with individuals and business owners to help them develop and define their goals for retirement planning, domestic partner planning, estate planning, saving for education, women’s financial strategies, charitable giving, employee stock options, investment strategies and legacy planning, After a successful career in retail management and sales, Koehler decided that a move into financial advising and planning – and at Ameriprise, specifically - was a natural choice. Koehler says her previous professional experience helps her to better understand the business world, economic cycles, and trends and thus advise clients on long-term investment decisions. Call for an appointment. 55 E Huntington Dr., Suite 340, Arcadia (626) 254-0455 ameripriseadvisors.com/jean.d.koehler
Best Buy Drugs
Century 21 Village Realty
Favorite Professionals Silver Pharmacy
Favorite Professionals Gold Real Estate Office
This neighborhood pharmacy fits right in with the charm of Sierra Madre. With a little of this, a little of that, and a lot of help from the staff, Best Buy Drugs is a neighborhood essential. Pharmacist Paul Mansour is the owner, there to answer all your questions. His team will greet you with a smile and help you find what you need - even a last minute card or gift. Don’t feel up to driving or have a sick child at home? Call for home delivery. Come on in and see why Best Buy Drugs has been in town for over 100 years. 29 N Baldwin Ave., Sierra Madre (626) 355-3456
Century 21 Village Realty has been a familyowned business since 1986. For 29 years, we have been in the same location in our beloved village of Sierra Madre, but we have grown in services and locations served. We help people achieve their goals in real estate, whether they be home ownership, rentals, or investments in both residential and commercial properties. Our goal is to serve the community and do our part to make it a better place to live in. Thank you for making us your choice for Real Estate! 38 Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre (626) 355-1451 • www.c21village.com
Over the last 28 years, Elite has helped thousands of students reach their academic goals through our proven system of courses and academic counseling. Are you ready to get serious about college admissions? Call us to schedule a free diagnostic test and consultation today! Year Round SAT & ACT Prep Courses Year Round Reading & Writing Enrichment Courses Indvidualized Academic & College Planning Quad Learning GPA Management Programs
Best After School Learning 70 | readerschoicesgv.com | August 27 - September 2, 2015
Best Summer Camp
READERS CHOICE 2015
BeaconMediaNews.com
My List Of The Top Five Independent Schools In The Area By May S. Ruiz I do not profess to be an expert on schools, nor will I claim to be all-knowledgeable about education. But my almost twodecades’ experience in searching for and sending my daughter to the elementary, middle, high school and university that were the right fit for her afforded me a front row seat in the world of independent schools. As a stay-at-home mom, I volunteered yearly to spearhead fund-raising committees where I worked alongside other parents, became friends with heads of school, got to know admissions directors. At one school, I even knew the maintenance staff because I managed the school store. I bought all the snacks and drinks for after-school activities; provided pizza and drinks for all the dances; and I was in charge of supplying uniforms like neckties and sweatshirts and sports items like gym bags. Every day, the mainte-
READERS CHOICE 2015
nance guys helped me unload heavy items from my car. At another school, I befriended the Health Services Director because my daughter was always at the clinic for an injury (she was such a klutz, she got hurt just by walking to her classes). I was a constant presence on campus that my daughter’s friends were convinced I lived right outside the school gates! My daughter’s “career” as a student began early on in her young life. At her birthday party held in our backyard, I was advised that I needed to find the right nursery school so she could attend the right college. She was a year old; she went to nursery school the following year. In my defense, I sent my daughter to a co-op so teachers and parents alike taught toddlers through songs and stories. She spent three hours every other morning with small kids like herself.
Such was my introduction to private school education in Pasadena. If it’s any consolation, I read somewhere that in Manhattan (New York), expectant parents start registering for the waitlist at pre-schools right after the first trimester of their pregnancy! I do not speak for all parents when I say the best primary and secondary schools are not the hardest ones to get into; the best universities are not the ones with five percent acceptance rates. Student satisfaction and happiness aren’t predicated on school ranking. The best schools, I think, are where students are intellectually stimulated and not bored out of their wits; but neither are they so stressed out from all the work that they need to be medicated. The best schools are where students feel
the same excitement and intensity when they talk about black holes as when they expound upon Rick Castle’s coolness. It is where your child comes home from the Spring Musical rehearsal exhilarated that she has been put in charge of production for the biggest show of the year! It is the place where kids thrive and succeed. My daughter is now 19 years old and is a rising second-year student at the thirdranked university in the United Kingdom. She is a happy teenager, enthusiastic to go back to school next month, and eager to find her place in the world. Here, then, is my highly subjective, very personal, and wholly unscientific list of the top five independent schools in the Pasadena area. I’m sure I will have dissenters out there and I’m all right with that. I wasn’t going for a popularity contest.
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1. polytechnic SCHOOL By May S. Ruiz It has been referred to as the “most elite school” in Pasadena, and for good reason. For over a hundred years Polytechnic School, on California Boulevard, has been providing excellent education for students that come through its doors. Founded in 1907, Poly was the first non-profit, independent school in Southern California, providing academics and manual arts for kindergarteners through 8th graders. In 1959, with Willis Stork as its fourth headmaster, Poly welcomed its first high school students when it expanded to 12th grade. The achievements of Poly’s graduates in colleges and universities throughout the country established its national renown. Succeeding heads of school continued Poly’s tradition of academic excellence and nurturing environment for students. Debbie Reed, who served from 2002 through 2014, led the ambitious “The Next 100 Years Campaign” which raised funds from parents and donors to construct a much-needed underground parking structure, and new buildings on the North and South Campus. Construction, which ended in 2013, established stateof-the art science and tech labs and an expansive library. It also refurbished the Garland Auditorium to make it a professional stage for performances and created a Black Box Theatre which doubles as a dance studio. The school operates under three distinct divisions united by shared values. The school’s faculty and staff lay a scholastic foundation of academics and arts, athletics and physical education, global engagement, and community service – cornerstones of a Poly education. The Lower School has approximately 270 students, with 20 full-time teachers and
assistants, 15 support and specialized instruction personnel. There are 14 to 15 students per class in kindergarten through 2nd grade; while from 3rd through 5th grade, there are 22 to 23. The lower school provides the perfect introduction to young learners as they discover new things. Teachers respond to children’s developmental needs, making them confident learners. In Middle School Poly’s 215, students transition from childhood to adolescence. It is where kids in their tween years question, learn, and find their own voice under the guidance of 20 teachers and assistants, and 10 support and specialized instruction personnel, who understand this phase in human development. The 17 to 21 students in each class get their first taste in making personal, individual choices through its outdoor education program, by selecting an activity which matches their particular outdoor interest. Later, in 8th grade, learners get to choose the foreign language they intend to carry on into high school. A crucial responsibility for middle school teachers is to ensure that every 8th grader is ready for promotion to high school. Eighth graders meet with the Dean of Students towards the end of the school year to discuss the curriculum for the next four years and begin mapping out individual course options. Activities accelerate at a much greater pace at Poly’s High School, which has a total of 375 students, with 50 full-time classroom teachers. Each class has about 15 students. Class deans for each grade level are tasked with keeping abreast of each student’s academic performance, achievement, well-being, and progress through high school. Poly’s sophomore year community service
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requirement involves students completing 30 hours of community service in a particular area of interest. This becomes a starting point for them to expand on throughout their high school years. The school’s outreach also provides opportunities for student involvement and leadership. Each grade level elects their representatives who find opportunities for projects. In 2006, Poly launched the Global Initiatives Program (GIP) to develop and instill in students the tools to make them considerate, contributing, and connected citizens of the world. Students study various cultures, interact with people in other parts of the globe, and experience cultural events from around the world. The Study Abroad Program, a component of GIP, focuses on cultural immersion, face-to-face interaction, and service learning. Those who complete GIP’s rigorous requirements in each of the four areas graduate as Polytechnic Global Scholars. The school’s athletic achievements are legendary as evidenced by the school’s 140 Prep League Championships, 46 CIF Championships, and 72 CIF Academic Championships over the past 20 years. Poly competes in an impressive array of sports – badminton, baseball, basketball, cross country, diving, equestrian, fencing, football, golf, sailing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and
field, and water polo. Student participation in sports is 88 percent-- in 16 fall teams, 15 winter teams, and 14 spring teams, under the guidance of 84 coaches. Academics at Poly are vigorous, with AP courses on offer in 16 subjects. During the 2013-2014 school year, the school administered 660 AP exams, taken by 238 students, with 92 percent earning 3 or above. Fortynine percent of seniors were National Merit Semi-finalists and Commended students. Of the 97 seniors who graduated that school year, 71percent were accepted to highly selective learning institutions. They attended 58 colleges and universities in the United States and one in the United Kingdom. As for the next hundred years, current Head of School John Bracker said, “The next 100 years at Polytechnic School will be informed by its past and defined by the intellectual curiosity of its students, the unfettered commitment to teaching of its faculty, and the compassion of its community that is focused both inward and outward.” For 108 years, Poly has been challenging and nurturing students imbued with a curiosity about people, their community, and the world they inhabit. They are natural learners and born leaders – they are the ones who will one day make a difference.
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2. FLINTRIDGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
R A M O N A
By May S. Ruiz Flintridge Preparatory in La Canada was founded by Doane Lowery in 1933 as an all-boys school. In 1979 it became a coeducational school offering classes from 7th through 12th grade. It has a total enrollment of 500 students (100 in 7th and 8th; 400 in high school). According to its mission statement, Prep “…seeks to nurture in its students the knowledge, critical skills, community values, and creativity essential for an engaged, balanced, and responsible life.” Thus, its focus is not only on a successful high school career, but also a jumpstart into a student’s future college career. To ensure personalized teaching for its population, classes are kept small - at twelve students - with a low student/teacher ratio of 8:1. Prep attracts the most qualified faculty; comprising teachers with terminal degrees, teaching artists, coaches, and deans. It has
C O N V E N T S E C O N DA RY S C H O O L
Weight Room. Prep fields 30 teams, proudly wearing their blue and greys, in 13 sports including dance and cheer, equestrian year-round, cross country, football, tennis, volleyball, and water polo in the fall; basketball, soccer, and water polo in winter; baseball, diving, golf, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and water polo in the spring. A lively involvement on campus is displayed by the student senate, the student body at Prep. Since 1935, they have been holding weekly meetings, run by the senior class president. The program’s cabin members include the class president from every grade and two representatives, selected by each grade class. They hold annual traditions like The Book Day BBQ, the Haunted House, Spirit Week, Winter Festival, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Prep Fest. Meanwhile, the SCAC (Student Commu-
All girls’ college prep grades 9 – 12 Academic Excellence, Spiritual Depth, Dynamic Leadership
Tiger Play Day for prospective students Saturday, October 24, 2015 • 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. R.S.V.P. Required a very high faculty satisfaction and teachers tend to stay for a long time. Likewise, it seeks only the best students who have the intellectual ability to appreciate the academic and extracurricular activities available to them. Student retention is at 99 percent. Thirteen Honors and 14 AP courses in English, history, match, science, language, visual arts, and performing arts are on offer. There are excellent facilities to support Prep’s students’ learning requirements, including four centers of computing technology. The mathematics department’s Braun Foundation Computer Laboratory hosts applications and programming classes. The library has computers available throughout the day and after school. Classrooms are equipped with Smart Boards, and the art department has a “dry darkroom” for digital photo editing and printing. Arts courses take place at The Randall Performing Arts Center which has classrooms for dance, drama, and music. There is also The Miller Theatre, a black box performance space. Prep has art studios for ceramics, drawing, and painting. It has a fully-equipped photography studio complete with a professional camera, and developing equipment. In September 2007 construction on the two-story Chandra Mohan Library was completed and it became the heart of student life. With a computer lab, a classroom for seminars, meeting rooms, areas for study, and a college counseling suite, the library is a busy place for academics and socializing. Athletics are an important component of the school’s daily activities and Prep provides students with extensive facilities -- the Lowery swimming pool, James Woods Memorial Field, Crawford Family Gymnasium, and Tom Fry
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nity Action Council), a student-run organization, builds leadership, on and off campus. It integrates all forms of leadership on campus and creates a socially positive environment for engagement. Prep’s first athlete-based leadership program, Athletic Leadership Council, was founded in 2008, to actively promote athleticism while instilling responsibilities. Members create community service projects, serve as mentors to other students, encourage school and team spirit, and serve as role models and exemplars of strong leadership. A rigorous curriculum, athletic programs, and opportunities for community service, all contribute to Prep’s graduates’ success in getting accepted to the best colleges and universities in the nation. Students of the class of 2014 went to Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, CalTech, Carnegie Mellon, NYU, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, Vanderbilt, and other prominent institutions. Asked about Prep’s guiding thought, Peter Bachmann, Head of School, said, “Flintridge Prep aims to strike an even balance between intellectual and personal development. We want kids to do well in school and be wellprepared for college, but also be happy, welldeveloped individuals who establish life-long friendships with other students and teachers. We hope to prepare students, not simply for the next stage, but for their entire lives.” What parent would disagree with such simple but sage philosophy? (Beacon Media intern Ame Hossen contributed research and reporting to this story. A 15-year-old sophomore at Glendora High School, Ame is an avid reader of fiction, enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and helping out in the community.)
Open House for prospective students and their families Saturday, November 21, 2015 • Noon - 3:00 p.m. All Are Welcome
Half-Day Visits for prospective students November 5 & 17, 2015 • 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. December 3, 2015 • 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. R.S.V.P. Required
Co-ed HSPT Diagnostic (Practice) Exam October 17, 2015 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. December 12, 2015 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. R.S.V.P. & fee required
1701 WEST RAMONA ROAD ALHAMBRA, CA 91803 For more information, visit www.ramonaconvent.org or contact Veronica Puente-Smith ‘79 at (626) 282-4151 x 145 or vsmith@ramonaconvent.org
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3. westridge school for girls By May S. Ruiz Mary Lowther Ranney, noted architect and teacher, founded Westridge in 1913 to create a school that would offer an education for college-bound girls. She had originally intended to open it at her parents’ residence but enrollment exceeded her expectations and realized she needed a much bigger space. The Ranneys acquired a larger house on Madeline and inaugurated it with a total of 21 students. Today, 112 years after that momentous occasion, Westridge School for Girls has a total enrollment of 480 students and continues its excellent tradition of educating girls to become successful. In the words of Head of School Elizabeth McGregor, “Our vision for Westridge is to foster a culture of thinking that inspires our girls to realize their intellectual and creative potential, to foster an ethos and community that inspires Westridge girls to look beyond themselves in order to impact
classrooms, and a technology and data center to support the school’s 150 laptops. A Performing Arts Center has 600 seats and hosts numerous theatrical productions, concerts and dances. Sports and physical education take place on the Frank Athletic Field where lacrosse, soccer, and softball are played. Hoffman Gymnasium is the site for basketball and volleyball. The Studenmund Family Weight Training Room is the fitness center. Athletics at Westridge is a source of pride as it has earned twelve Prep League Championships in the last ten years. The school has produced three Olympians – Anne Kursinski ’76, Equestrian, in the 1988 (Silver), 1992, and 1996 (Silver) Olympics; Inger Miller ’90 received a Gold for Track and Field in the 1996 Olympics; and Erica Wu ’14 competed
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others and the world.” At Westridge’s lower school (grades 4 to 6), students develop skills in academic subjects and the application of these through creative activities and group projects. They also receive in-class or after-school instruction about health and wellness. The middle school (7th and 8th grades) addresses students’ transition from childhood into adolescence. They are provided the tools and skills necessary for academic success as they become confident, articulate and motivated learners. In upper school (9th through 12th), students are encouraged to think critically and individually. They begin to identify their areas of interest – in academics, arts, athletics, and civics. Girls embark on their Community Action Projects, multi-year service and inquiry process that empower them to use their skills and talents to improve the lives of others. Implementation of a balanced education means finding out how knowledge is imparted and absorbed; and what is required to prepare students for the real world. As Ms. McGregor says, “Our curriculum and teaching approaches are based on the most recent research into how girls learn best, and we wish to become a center for research and information on girls’ education. We are also committed to empowering our students in design thinking and the STEAM fields (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). To that end, we have just opened our STEAMWORK Design Studio maker space.” Westridge School’s facilities include a 14,000 square-foot, two-story, and ecofriendly science and math building that houses the chemistry and physics labs, math
in Table Tennis in the 2012 Olympics. An academically strong school, Westridge’s class of 2015 produced 17 AP Scholars, eight National Merit Finalists, and 12 Commended Scholars. Its graduates went to attend highly-selective colleges and universities in the United States and around the Globe. Westridge students also enjoy a vibrant social life on campus as they pick Greek and Roman teams and earn points during competitions. There is a Big and Little Sisters organization where girls are assigned to a family – younger students bond and form friendships with older girls on campus. During the All School Day, the ASB (Associated Student Body) organizes themed activities for fun that include movies and food, making for a fun-filled, relaxing day for everyone. There is a Ring Ceremony at the end of the school year when each junior receives her class ring, symbolizing her passage from junior to senior year. All these components are ingredients for a fulfilling and gratifying scholarship for girls. As Ms. McGregor explains, “We believe, and are told by colleges and community members, that our girls stand out for their intellectual curiosity, independence and sense of self, and their desire to improve the world around them. Everything at Westridge is designed to foster these characteristics – to develop intellectually adventurous thinkers and courageous, compassionate leaders.” (Beacon Media intern Jonathan Tsou contributed to research and reporting for this story. Jonathan is a senior at Arcadia High School, and likes reading historical books. He has conducted a couple of interviews involving various historical figures.) READERS CHOICE 2015
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4.clairbourn SCHOOL By May S. Ruiz Clairbourn School was established in 1926 when Emily Bourne, wife of A.K. Bourne (scion of the Singer Sewing Machine founder), decided to teach classes at the conservatory of her San Marino home. Enrollment grew annually from the four original students, and in 1931 it relocated to its present site on Huntington Drive, in San Gabriel. It remains there today, providing education for children from Junior Pre-K through 8th grade. Students at Clairbourn experience the thrill of discovering new things and learning life-skills taught by caring teachers in a nurturing environment. According to Communications Director Nancy Ward, the preschool program is designed to encourage children’s natural love of learning. It sets the stage for a positive approach to education which is a vital ingredient of school readiness; preschoolers are ready to enter kindergarten with a positive self-concept, the spirit of inquiry and critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. In the preschool classroom, the focus is on the whole child; this encompasses language, cognitive, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development and competencies. “There is an emphasis on the acquisition and application of universal values as guided by the Clairbourn Code of Ethics, which includes respect, responsibility, citizenship, spirituality and honesty. This code spans all grade levels, permeating all aspects of school life,” said Ms. Ward. The competencies and critical thinking skills that preschoolers gain are carried on into Clairbourn’s kindergarten through 5th grade program. Here, experienced specialists teach core subjects supplemented with enrichment classes in art, computer/technology, library, music, foreign language, and physical educa-
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tion.
A faster pace and schedule make up a dynamic middle school experience at Clairbourn. With only 18 students per class, and two sections per grade, department teachers give personalized attention to each one. Core teachers specializing in English, history, math, science, French, Latin, and Spanish provide a balance of hands-on learning, written reflection and oral reporting. During middle school, students get involved in service activities promoting an understanding of community and global responsibility. Annual outdoor education class trips emphasize the environment, leadership and teambuilding, with optional opportunities for travel to Costa Rica, Australia and Europe. The highlight of middle school at Clairbourn is the Huntingtower Exchange Program, which began in 2000, as a way for students to be global citizens. Through some research, Clairbourn found an institution of similar age and philosophy in Melbourne, Australia and the two schools began to exchange students with host families. According to Head of School Dr. Robert Nafie, “We felt our students would find that in the midst of a variety of difference in culture, language, and traditions, they would see that humankind is essentially the same where it really matters. They could see that applying the basic values and academic skills they learned at Clairbourn would be successful seven thousand miles from home and beyond.” In 7th grade, each family receives individual high school admissions counseling to help them understand options, and how to prepare and apply to high schools. Students are required to take an interview preparation class, attend high school tours, and meet with
high school admissions directors on the Clairbourn campus. Ninety-seven percent of its graduates are accepted to highly competitive and selective day and boarding schools, with three percent choosing excellent area public schools. As Dr. Nafie looks back on his 36 years of stewardship, he is struck by the fact that education today is still facing the age-old question “What is the purpose of education?” He thinks that there are as many answers to this question as there are schools. And while it seems to be a simple thing to answer, many schools jump right over the question because it is difficult to find a consensus. Many move forward with an implied purpose, with the assumption they know what that is. To some, it just means higher, faster, farther, longer, or some other superlative. But he believes schools can do better,
and parents deserve clearer choices in schools. Ninety years after its inception, Clairbourn’s teaching philosophy remains true to its founder’s essential purpose: to impart knowledge based on fundamental principles applied to present-day needs. Dr. Nafie expresses this more eloquently when he says “ … the increasingly complex nature of global communication today with 24-hour news, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and a whole array of new and emerging social media, tells us that the ability to get along in a wider arena of influence will be essential for humanity’s survival. The narrow band of pure academics, as laudable as it is, will not be enough to ensure that students thrive and succeed in the 21st century. Rather, they need to know how to apply their academic abilities in a way that fosters healthy and positive outcomes.”
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5. CHANDLER SCHOOL by may S. ruiz Chandler School, in Pasadena, was founded in 1950 by Thomas and Catherine Chandler with an initial enrollment of 14 students. Today it has a total student population of 420, and is reputed to be one of the hardest K- 8th grade schools to be accepted into in the western San Gabriel Valley. John Finch, who serves as Chandler’s fourth headmaster since its inception, describes the school’s philosophy thus: “Our mission is to provide each student with the highest quality and most academically challenging education in a nurturing, balanced and diverse environment. The curriculum balances core subjects and includes interdisciplinary study that develops well-rounded students.” Carrying out Chandler’s grand mission are teachers and mentors with the expertise in meeting the academic, artistic, athletic, and social needs of K- 8th grade students. During the school year 2010-2011, one of Chandler’s 1st grade instructors received the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program’s Teacher Recognition Award. One-third of its school faculty hold advanced degrees and the average tenure of a faculty member is nine years. Preparation for life begins at Chandler’s lower school, where academic rigor includes innovation, creativity, and character development. The school offers core subjects and integrates an interdisciplinary STEAM. Students take core subject classes, and art, music, library, and Spanish every week. Its physical education program engenders not just physical strength; it gives students opportunities to build teamwork, perseverance, resilience and discipline. Teachers use technology to prepare Chandler’s lower school students for the
one-on-one program offered in middle school. Kindergarteners through 2nd graders get iPads while 3rd through 5th graders get laptops. They teach young learners how to choose tools and how to properly care for and maintain them, how to protect their identity and privacy, and how to balance high-tech, low-tech and no-tech experiences. In middle school, students take five core courses in English, history, math, science and Spanish. They also have fine arts and personal development classes, electives, and physical education. In 6th grade, students develop skills like note-taking, time management, and exam preparation. They build on and take these skills into 7th grade; and in 8th grade they have various opportunities for leadership and community service. Families of middle school students are required to purchase an Apple MacBook as they start the year. Students use schoolsponsored online databases and software applications. Chandler uses customized Google Apps for Education domain to support teaching allowing for easy sharing of documents, file storage, and connectivity. Chandler is a nationally recognized and certified Common Sense Digital Citizenship school. It earned this distinction by demonstrating its commitment to taking a community approach to preparing students in using digital media to explore, create, connect, and learn, while limiting online perils, like plagiarism, loss of privacy, and cyberbullying. Common Sense is a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of digital media and technology. The visual arts program at Chandler includes photography, ceramics, watercolor, and printmaking; students hold a school-
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wide art exhibit in the spring. Music offerings are string ensemble, Clover Chorus, and a class that focuses on creating, composing, music history and appreciation. Students in the performance arts stage two theatre productions, one string and choral group show. Athletics are an important component of a Chandler student’s experience. Sports activities include baseball, basketball, flag football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and volleyball. Chandler’s middle school curriculum affords them ample preparation for the high school application process. The 59 students in the class of 2015 were accepted to very selective secondary day and boarding schools in southern California, including Campbell Hall, Flintridge Prep, Harvard-Westlake,
Marlborough, Notre Dame High School, Polytechnic School, Westridge School for Girls, Cate School in Carpinteria, and The Webb Schools in Claremont; to east coast schools like Hotchkiss In Connecticut, Phillips Academy in Massachusetts, and Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire; and to charter and magnet schools like International Polytechnic High School in Pomona and the Los Angeles High School for the Arts. These Chandler graduates are the envy of every high-schooler in the western San Gabriel Valley. (Beacon Media intern Jonathan Tsou contributed research and reporting for this story. A senior at Arcadia High School, Jonathan is currently busy with college applications. He hopes to study Education Psychology.)
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Studying Abroad – A New Generation of Education by Jonathan Tsou In the fall of 2015, over 20 million students are expected to attend either a college or university in the United States. This is a massive increase compared to the fall of 2000, when only five million students attended colleges and universities in the United States. These facts give every high school student the chills. Not only are the chances of going into notable colleges low, success in high school becomes a must. However, only around 50,000 students from the United States will study abroad. Studying abroad has numerous personal benefits. A study by William Maddux, an associate professor of organizational behavior at the INSEAD, also known as the Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires, found that students enrolled in international programs are able to adapt and
Although many universities around the globe instruct classes in their native language, many schools offer undergraduate instruction in English. Countries such as Germany, Finland, and Norway support undergraduates who only speak and write in English. Fortunately, almost all European Countries and South American Countries have increased instruction in English at Master Level. Countries hope international students can study at their school, to not only increase its global educational ranking but also to have younger students work in their country. Even though earning a degree studying abroad has its perks, it does not come without challenges. High school students in the United States are taught to work together in order
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to learn about new cultures. Also, the students tend to receive more job offers after their program ended. Many parents and students believe that studying abroad would cost tens of thousands of dollars. However, this is untrue: studying in European and South America countries tends to be cheaper than studying in United States. For the 2013-2014 academic year, the average annual price for undergraduate tuitions at public institutions in the United States was $15,640. In Germany, non-EU students are charged only fees (which include a transportation ticket for the whole semester) about $100-$150, whereas other European countries charge a bit more. And contrary to popular belief, Financial Aid can also be used while studying abroad. Some highly ranked universities even change no tuition at all. Certain colleges and universities also support housing fees if the international student volunteers in teaching American culture or helping the community.
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to succeed. However, students who study abroad are forced to learn to succeed by independent study. Schools tend to allow students to research, to discover, and to devise plans by themselves. Students who want to study abroad must be able to open up to new ideas, new cultures, and new friends. Students who are already in a university or a college can also study abroad using their school’s study abroad program. Most colleges and universities have counselors who help students find study abroad programs. These programs allow students to study in the United States for their degree but also to travel and study in other countries. Most students can study in another country for one or two semesters. If your college or university does not provide study abroad programs for your major, hassling your school counselor may help you find a chance to study abroad. These programs frequently require a little luck and a little patience.
LEARN MORE TODAY! LEARN MORE TODAY! LEARN MORE TODAY! www.sgmhs.org www.sgmhs.org OPEN (626)HOUSE 282-3181 (626) 282-3181 November 15, 2015 254 S. Santa Anita Street 254 S. Santa Anita Street Visit us www.sgmhs.org Sanat Gabriel, CA 91776 (626) 282-3181 x128 San Gabriel, CA 91776 254 S. Santa Anita Street San Gabriel, CA 91776 August 27 - September 2, 2015 | readerschoicesgv.com |
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New Online Tool Provides Vital Data on Schools Do you want to know the graduation or dropout rates at a high school or how students there performed on college readiness exams? Or the number of student suspensions or expulsions at a school? Or the percentage of English learner students who made progress toward English proficiency? All that information - and much more - can be found in an online report announced on Aug. 17 by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. The report provides valuable information about schools under California’s new funding formula in a format that is easy to access and understand. The California Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) State Priorities Snapshot (Snapshot) makes available three years of data on schools in three state priority areas: student achievement, student engagement, and school climate. Users can get information on school demographics, Advanced Placement exam results, and participation in career-technical education programs, among other topics. The Snapshot contains district- and state-level data for comparison purposes. The Snapshot is available on the California Department of Education’s (CDE) Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Reports Web page. It supersedes the School Quality Snapshot, which was released in Oct. 2012 and provided an overview of information about schools and their performance on key indicators reported in the School Accountability Report Card. With the passage of the 2013–14 Budget Act and implementation of the new funding formula, districts, county offices
– Photo by Terry Miller
of education, and charter schools are required to annually produce Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs), which require more than two dozen data elements. The CDE developed the Snapshot to graphically display LCFF data collected by the state. The Snapshot allows users to get a report on a local educational agency or school and a detailed report that covers data at both the local agency or school level and at the student-group level. The Snap-
shot is organized by the three-state priority areas, with each area distinguished by its own background color. The LCFF Reports Web page also includes an LCFF Funding Snapshot and access to individual LCAPs. The CDE first published the LCFF Funding Snapshot online in June 2014. The report shows key LCFF data elements and summarizes individual entitlement calculations for all school districts and charter schools. It brings together information from various
LCFF funding exhibits into a concise and easily understandable format, and provides LCFF entitlement summaries for the 2013–14 and 2014–15 fiscal years. The LCFF Reports Web page and the State Priorities Snapshot were developed and designed using existing state resources by CDE staff from the Analysis, Measurement, and Accountability Reporting Division; School Fiscal Services Division; Local Agency Systems Support Office, and the Technology Services Division.
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