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Quarterly The
The original lifestyle magazine in the San Gabriel Valley PUBLISHERS Andy and Carie Salter ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER AND ART DIRECTOR Nancy Lem EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Harry Yadav PHOTOGRAPHERS Rafael Najarian STAFF WRITERS Skye Hannah Kamala Kirk Harry Yadav CONTRIBUTORS Jeannette Bovard Steve Fjeldsted Mark Langill Jayne Smythe WEBSITE Meagan Goold ADVERTISING MANAGER Joelle Grossi jgrossi@gavilanmedia.com (626) 792-4925
Gavilan Media 2650 Mission St., Suite 208 San Marino, CA 91108 (626) 792-6397 ©2019 Gavilan Media. All rights reserved. No reproduction is allowed without written permission from the publishers. Created by William Ericson in 1987, The Quarterly is distributed to over 40,000 homes and businesses in the San Gabriel Valley.
Cover photography by Rafael Najarian
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SINGLE STONE
2527 Mission Street, San Marino 6 2 6 . 7 9 9 . 3 1 0 9 · s h o p s i n g l e s to n e . c o m Spring 2019 / The Quarterly Magazine / 5
Quarterly The
Photo By Alexander Vertikoff
VOLUME 33 / NUMBER 1 / SPRING 2019
PHOTO BYJAYNE SMYTHE
9 A PIECE OF HISTORY LOVINGLY RESTORED 19 DEEP SPACE NETWORK 24 METRO GOLD LINE EXCURSION: SOUTH PASADENA STATION 29 OREL HERSHISER 33 HIKING TRAILS IN ALTADENA'S BACK YARD
36 IN-SPA-RATIONAL
50 GETAWAY: OJAI
39 SPRING DIY: SEASONAL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT
56 FOODIE FAVORITES
42 MUSEUM IN FOCUS: THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY 46 AN ARROYO RUNS THROUGH IT
58 BLOOMING MESSAGES: THE VICTORIAN LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS 60 SPRING EVENT GUIDE 66 ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY
6 2 6 . 4 8 6 .0 5 1 0
9 0 9.6 70.1 3 4 4
W W W. H A RT M A N B A L D W I N .C O M
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CSLB 653340
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A PIECE OF HISTORY LOVINGLY RESTORED BY KAMALA KIRK PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAFAEL NAJARIAN While taking her son, Bryan, out for a walk in his stroller one afternoon, Liz Gleason came upon a Mission Revival house that was for sale on Circle Drive in San Marino. At the time, she and her family were living in a Mid-century modern just two blocks away. Liz and her husband, Steve, who are both fans of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, fell in love with the home and purchased it in December 1999. They spent the next three years upgrading and renovating the property, ultimately moving into the home in 2003. “It was a huge project,” Liz said. “We had all of the electrical and plumbing updated and installed new heating. The floors were really bowed because when it would get wet outside from the sprinklers or rain, the outside of the house would sink but the center posts under the house wouldn’t because they stayed dry. We thought we were going to have to raise the outside of the house—instead, our contractor decided to lower the center of the house by going underneath and taking out all of the posts, re-cutting them, then putting them back in.” The 7,000 square-foot house was built in 1925 and has six bedrooms, five bathrooms and two half-baths. While the Gleasons updated their home to have modern amenities, they were intent on preserving as much of its heritage as possible. They worked with a local designer, Luis Nunez, who helped them with various projects related to the remodel. “People used to ask us about the house while we were working on it, and I said I wanted it to feel like a time machine,” Steve said. “I wanted it to look like it did in the 1920s when it was built, while at the same time have modern conveniences. We tried
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to use as much of the original material in the house as we could, and for certain things like the light fixtures, we chose items that looked like they were from that time period. Some of the door handles are originals, while others we had specially made to copy the originals.” Added Liz, “We tried to keep as much as we could original yet updated for today’s lifestyle. The stairs, floors, entryway and ceilings are all original. In our formal living room, we added French doors which came from another part of the house. They’re original as well—just new to that particular space.” The entire front of the house, which was structurally unsound because of years of neglect and unrepaired damage from an attic fire, was also redone. The project included the addition of an entry courtyard with a fountain and pavers to replace the asphalt on the circular driveway as well as the relocation of a large bell and bell tower—a common architectural element of Mission Revival houses. The Gleasons, married 23 years ago, share a love of global cultures and adventure and have decorated their home with items from various trips they’ve taken. They spent their honeymoon trekking the Everest Trail in Nepal and, while there, ordered a set of Tibetan prayer wheels that now sit next to their front entrance, greeting guests upon arrival. “After you write your prayer down and place it inside the wheel, you spin it and the prayer goes up to God,” Liz explained. “We love to travel. It’s a big world out there and it’s really fun to go see as much as you can of it.” In the entryway sits a painting of Liz’s grandfather, who lived in Hawaii and was the first man to ski down the island’s Mauna Kea volcano. The formal living room features an eclectic mix of items, among which are paintings from the Cusco School in Peru, a Burmese offering bowl, a Laotian rice chest, and decorative opium pipes from Thailand and Myanmar. “We
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travel a lot, so we have little bits and pieces of things from all around the world,” Liz said. “A lot of our furniture came from the antique stores on Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena.” The couple recently returned from a trip to Australia and Indonesia, and next on the books is South Africa. “We like going back to certain places,” Steve added. “We’ve been to Indonesia and Australia several times, and this will be our third visit to South Africa. It’s interesting how items from the Americas and Spanish furniture go well with a lot of our Asian stuff. We just bring back whatever we like and find a place for everything in our home. Sometimes when you buy things, you never know exactly where in your house you’re going to put them.” Banners from New Orleans decorate the wall leading down to the basement wine cellar, while handcarved Burmese puppets hang in the downstairs hallway that opens to the family room and kitchen. This portion of the house was completely transformed—what was once a bedroom is now the formal dining room, and the original dining room, breakfast room and tiny kitchen were combined to create the one giant space that is now the family room and open kitchen. The Gleasons also removed the narrow set of stairs leading upstairs and down into the garage, transforming that area into a storage closet. When asked what their favorite parts of the house are, Liz and Steve simultaneously responded with, “the back yard.” An entertainer’s dream, it has a stream, hot tub and expansive swimming pool. Lanterns hang from the oak tree branches above the patio, and a spirit house that the couple hand-carried from Bangkok sits among curated plantings. The back yard serves as the backdrop for the many pool parties that Steve— who coaches baseball at Polytechnic School and San Marino Little League—hosts for players and their families. Liz, who was previously on
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the board of Descanso Gardens for the past decade, has hosted numerous events at their home for schools and nonprofits. “We’re happy to host events here. The house works really well for entertaining,” she said. Upstairs, there was formerly a large, empty room known as the “ballroom,” but because the space wasn’t being utilized, the Gleasons turned it into the master bedroom, which they share with their Labradoodle, Roy. Above the bed sits a large art piece from Burma that was made into a floating headboard. The original bedroom was transformed into the master bathroom, as well as a dressing room area with his and hers closets. “I got the bigger closet, as I should,” Liz laughed. “We purchased the bathroom sink table from Susanne Hollis in South Pasadena. The bathroom was built around it.” The old sleeping porch that overlooks the back yard is another popular hangout spot in the house. A ping-pong table sits in the middle
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KEVIN BOURLAND
LIZ AND STEVE GLEASON
of the space, while an Egyptian sarcophagus-styled hidden bar stands in the far corner. Steve, who had always wanted a sarcophagus, purchased it at an antique store in Riverside, California. An African tapestry hangs above the perfectly broken-in couch, which is positioned in front of a television and a stack of video game controllers—a reminder that the house, despite its grandiose nature, is still a home. “Even though this is a large house, I don’t think of it as big,” Steve said. “It’s just nice, spacious and comfortable. I feel very comfortable here. It’s home.” Liz added that what she loves most is how their home’s rich heritage has been preserved despite modern updates. She noted that the historical appeal of the surrounding area is what drew the couple to relocate to San Marino from the Hollywood Hills, where they first lived after getting married. “What’s so special about Pasadena and San Marino is the age of our housing stock, which is rare in California,” Liz said. “You don’t have that in very many places and that’s what I love about living here. I think it’s really important that we do as much as we can for older homes with history. We should make them livable for our current needs but keep them, fix them, use them, love them, and then pass them on to the next generation.” •
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KEVIN BOURLAND
Executive Director, Estates Division Director, Architectural Division
213.407.4754
kevin@kevinbourland.com kevinbourland.com DRE 01486389
“We came to Kevin with an idea that involved a complicated two sided transaction where timing and quality of execution were of paramount importance. He helped us to evaluate the quality of competing offers, while keeping the entire transaction on schedule against a ticking clock.
His expertise with regard to managing the 2 escrows, and especially his sensitivity to the historic nature of both properties helped to uncomplicate a very complex transaction. Thanks to Kevin, we are living in the home of our dreams.” BRAD AND CYNTHIA T., PASADENA
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DEEP SPACE NETWORK Enabling spacecraft to phone home BY SKYE HANNAH In an age where digital devices surround us, it’s easy to take the ubiquity of that technology for granted. With a simple cell phone, we can easily contact loved ones around the globe, an ability that was unheard of until not that long ago. Spacecraft, however, require a bit more than the newest hand-held phone technology to communicate back to earth as they orbit distant planets and zip across the far-reaches of our solar system. This is the calling of the Deep Space Network (DSN), which serves as a type of cell phone network from the Earth to approximately 40 missions beyond our moon. The DSN consists of a network of 12 large-scale antennas spread across three stations around the globe: Goldstone, California; Madrid, Spain; and Canberra, Australia. At each of its three sites, the DSN operates one 70-meter-diameter antenna (close to the size of a football field) and three 34-meter-diameter antennas. Based on their geographical positioning, the antennas are able to overlap coverage so spacecraft can have continual communication with Earth as our planet rotates in space. Established in 1963, the DSN is a part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, best known for crafting and operating satellites, landers and rovers. Currently, JPL manages the InSight lander that is hunting for marsquakes on Mars and the Juno space probe, which is investigating Jupiter’s composition and magnetic field. This local organization has a rich history. One of the most impressive missions of which the DSN has been a part is Voyager—two spacecraft (Voyager 1 & 2) launched in 1977 that are responsible for the first images of all the outer plan-
DEEP SPACE STATION 14 (DSS14), THE 70M ANTENNA AT GOLDSTONE DEEP SPACE COMMUNICATIONS COMPLEX IN GOLDSTONE, CA. IMAGE COURTE-
SY NASA/JPL-CALTECH
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THE MADRID DEEP SPACE COMMUNICATIONS COMPLEX NEAR MADRID, SPAIN. IMAGE COURTESY NASA/JPL-CALTECH
THE CANBERRA DEEP SPACE COMMUNICATIONS COMPLEX NEAR CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA. THE MOST PROMINENT ANTENNA PICTURED IS DEEP SPACE STATION 43 (DSS-43) WITH A DIAMETER OF 70M. IMAGE COURTESY NASA/JPL-
AN ARTIST’S RENDITION OF THE JUNO MISSION, CURRENTLY STUDYING JUPITER. IMAGE COURTESY NASA/JPL-CALTECH
CALTECH
ets in our solar system beyond Mars. The images and science produced by the Voyager mission have helped shape scientists’ understanding of the solar system. From the first images of the outer planets, to the discoveries of volcanoes outside of Earth and information about the composition of Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s giant red spot, Voyager has defined Earth’s neighborhood in space. Forty-two years after launch, the DSN is still communicating with both Voyagers, which have now crossed out of Earth’s solar system and into interstellar space. Another important job of the DSN is providing support when things go wrong. When Galileo, a NASA mission launched to study Jupiter and its moons, failed to deploy its high gain antenna in 1991, the DSN had to adapt how it communicated in order to get more data out of an unexpectedly slower transmission speed due to the failure. If the DSN had been unable to adapt, there would never have been Galileo’s extensive study of Jupiter and its moons or the first direct observation of a comet colliding with a planet. The DSN also played a crucial role in the rescue of the Apollo 13 astronauts in 1970. When the Apollo crew was on its way to the moon, the spacecraft’s ability to point its antenna at Earth was compromised. The mission was originally supposed to be tracked with NASA’s 26-meter
NASA INSIGHT’S FIRST FULL SELFIE ON MARS, DISPLAYING THE LANDER’S SOLAR PANELS AND DECK. THE SELFIE WAS TAKEN ON DEC. 6, 2018. IMAGE COURTESY NASA/JPL-CALTECH
antennas, but the DSN used its larger antennas with more resolving power in order to maintain constant communication with Apollo 13 during the mission. Local resident Peter Hames is the manager of the Antenna Front End, Facilities and Infrastructure Office at JPL for the DSN project. Involved with the DSN for 38 years, Hames lights up when discussing the intricacies that go into operating the massive antennas. “We’re incredibly unique,” said Hames. “Nobody else anywhere, even other people who do radio telescopes, does what we do. We have the most powerful transmitters, we have the quietest low-noise amplifiers, we have some of the largest steerable antennas. It’s all very unique.” That power and precision enables the DSN to track and communicate
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with incredibly far-out spacecraft. For instance, the Voyager spacecraft are now more than 11 billion miles away and counting from Earth. At that distance, their signals are about 20 billion times weaker than that of a digital wristwatch, according to NASA. To capture these weak signals, the DSN antennas use their parabolic “dish” surfaces. The waves are then reflected back up to a sub-reflector at the top of the support legs and sent down to an amplifier so the information can be analyzed. In order to communicate back to Earth, the spacecraft have their own antennas, although much smaller and therefore weaker, hence the need for the DSN antennas to be so massive. The DSN routinely uses a single antenna to send instructions to a
spacecraft and receive data in return through radio waves. The return signal also provides the relative distance between the tracking station and the spacecraft, which is determined with an incredible accuracy of just one meter. To determine the other components of the spacecraft position, the DSN tracks the spacecraft using two antennas simultaneously. This forms triangles between the spacecraft and antennas, which allow the DSN to pinpoint precise locations of spacecraft within 300 meters at a distance of one astronomical unit from Earth, the typical distance for an encounter in the inner solar system. This level of precision is necessary to successfully maneuver and land on faraway celestial bodies. Anyone can watch the real-time status of the DSN spacecraft communications thanks to DSN NOW, a website accessible at eyes.nasa. gov/dsn. The site is easy to navigate and highly interactive, allowing users to select specific antennas at each location and see what spacecraft is being contacted at that time. This highly specialized technology is now accessible to the next generation of scientists and engineers thanks to the Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope Program (GAVRT), a free global program that provides students K-12 with direct access to a 34-meter antenna at Goldstone previously used by the DSN.
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GAVRT is a collaboration formed between NASA, JPL and the Lewis Center for Educational Research (LCER) in Apple Valley, CA. With free training provided by LCER, teachers can guide their students to work directly with scientists and a mission control operator, either in-person or from the comfort of their own classroom. Students have the opportunity to design an observing campaign, take down data and results from their observations with the antenna and then work alongside a scientist to publish their own papers. Programs include the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and readings of Jupiter. In this day and age where digital connection is all the rage, the antennas of the DSN connect us to space and ultimately to each other in the vast cosmos that we live in. Every piece of information we have about deep space—temperatures, mineral compositions on other planets, and all images of space—has, at one time, been compressed into radio
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THE JET PROPULSION LABORATORY’S SPACE FLIGHT OPERATIONS CENTER, A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK, HAS BEEN OPERATIONAL AND STAFFED EVERY DAY SINCE 1964. HERE ENGINEERS SEND AND RECEIVE COMMANDS THROUGH THE DEEP SPACE NETWORK FOR ANY SPACECRAFT IN, AND BEYOND, OUR SOLAR SYSTEM. IMAGE COURTESY NASA/JPL-CALTECH
STUDENTS MAKE OBSERVATIONS AND OPERATE A 34M ANTENNA THROUGH THE GAVRT PROGRAM AT THE LEWIS CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH (LCER) IN APPLE VALLEY, CA. IMAGE COURTESY OF LCER
waves and sent home via the DSN. Without the DSN, we would have no images of space, no exploration of other planets, and no information about what is outside our solar system. Thanks to the DSN, humankind gets a glimpse of what lies beyond our small planet we call home. • To learn more about the Deep Space Network, visit deepspace.jpl. nasa.gov. For more information about GAVRT and how to participate, contact GAVRT Mission Control at mc@ lcer.org or visit www.gavrt.org.
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PASADENA BROKERAGE | 626.229.0909 800 East Colorado Boulevard, Suite 150 | Pasadena, CA 91101
Fall2019 2018//The TheQuarterly QuarterlyMagazine Magazine/ Spring / 21 23
Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. SIR DRE License#: 899496
METRO GOLD LINE EXCURSION:
SOUTH PASADENA STATION BY HARRY YADAV
FARMERS’ MARKET
SOUTH PASADENA HISTORICAL MUSEUM
SOUTH PASADENA PUBLIC LIBRARY
BRIGANTI
ARO LATIN
MIKE & ANNE’S
FAIR OAKS PHARMACY
NICOLE’S MARKET & CAFÉ
GRIFFINS OF KINSALE
MISSION WINES
COMMUNAL FOOD & DRINK
THE DINOSAUR FARM
OLD FOCALS
VIDÉOTHÈQUE
ECLECTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL
One of the most charming places to disembark on the Metro Gold Line is the South Pasadena Station, located at the intersection of Meridian Avenue and Mission Street in one of the city’s fastest-developing restaurant and business districts. It is no coincidence that the station’s quaint surrounding blocks have evolved into a hub of shops and restaurants since the Gold Line’s inception—its opening in 2003 reenergized the local economy, leading to the construction of over 100 new residential units and the makeover of many local businesses. Special Events The area around the South Pasadena Station is one of the most popular places for the residents of South Pasadena to congregate, particularly for seasonal concerts and festivals. Quarterly, the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce sponsors an evening Arts Crawl, in which businesses on and around Mission Street open their doors to host free live music events and art exhibitions and offer special sales to the public. On Saturday, April 27, South Pasadena’s biggest event of the year will take over the streets surrounding the train station for the 11th annual Eclectic Music Festival. This free daylong event, attended by approximately 12,000 people in 2018, will present more than 60 musical acts and performances taking place across 10 different stages. Food trucks and beer stations will be available, and Mission and surrounding streets will be closed to automotive traffic. A Thursday Tradition Every week, residents and visitors alike flock to the Thursday Farmers’ Market at the intersection of Meridian Avenue and El Centro Street, right next to the South Pasadena Station platform. Parking is scarce during market hours, so the Gold Line is the perfect way to get there. In addition to fresh vegetables and produce sold by first-party vendors, the Farmers’ Market features occasional live music and a number of specialty food stands. Favorite food vendors include The Old-Fashioned Kettle Corn Company, which serves hot, freshly made kettle corn; Mama Masubi Gourmet Rice Balls; and Deisy’s Tasty Food, a pupusa and lemonade stand. Also on site at the Farmers’ Market is the South Pasadena Historical Museum, home to a special collection of photographs and artifacts from the city’s 130-year history. And, if you’re looking to escape
KALDI COFFEE AND TEA
PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE GAVILAN MEDIA ARCHIVES
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sion St., open Mon. – Tues., 3:30 p.m. – 1 a.m., Weds. – Fri., 3:30 p.m. – 2 a.m., Sat., 12 p.m. – 2 a.m., and Sun., 12 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Communal Food & Drink: 1009 El Centro St., open Tues. – Sat., 4 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. and Sun., 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mission Wines: 1114 Mission St., open Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sun., 12 – 5 p.m.
the crowds, take your food and walk east down El Centro Street to Library Park for a picnic on the back lawn of the South Pasadena Public Library, across the street from Kaldi Coffee and Tea. South Pasadena’s Farmers’ Market takes place every Thursday from 4 – 7 p.m. at the intersection of Meridian Avenue and El Centro Street. Dining and Drinks There are a number of exquisite dining options all within walking distance of the South Pasadena Station. Shiro, South Pasadena’s preeminent fine dining establishment, consistently tops lists of the best restaurants in the L.A. area and is located east of the station toward Fair Oaks Avenue. Located nearby is Briganti, a friendly eatery specializing in authentic Italian fare. Closer to the station are Mike & Anne’s, a popular locally owned restaurant serving modern American cuisine in an indoor/outdoor courtyard setting; Radhika Modern Indian, a sleek Indian bistro; and Aro Latin, a highly rated contemporary Latin fusion restaurant. For an authentic old-fashioned soda fountain experience at one of the original stops along the historic Route 66, visit the Fair Oaks Pharmacy on the corner of Mission Street and Fair Oaks Avenue. For lunch only, Fiore Market Café, located at the corner of Fremont Avenue and El Centro Street, is beloved locally for its specialty sandwiches served on freshly baked house-made bread. Last but not least, right at the footsteps of the train station is Nicole’s Market & Café, a French market and restaurant that serves a killer croque monsieur and has an assortment of beer on draft. For drinks, Aro Latin, its neighbor Griffins of Kinsale, Communal Food & Drink, and Mike & Anne’s all have some of the best bars in South Pasadena. And, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for the highest-quality affordable wine, be sure to pay a visit to Mission Wines, which houses one of the best wine
SOUTH PASADENA STATION
selections in the Pasadena area. In addition to its inventory of wines and specially chosen craft beers, the shop has a wine bar with happy hours Wednesday through Sunday, as well as beer on tap. It also hosts special events, such as its popular weekly Super Saturday wine tastings from 12 – 4 p.m. featuring oysters from Farmers’ Market vendor Shucks Oyster Bar every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Shiro: 1505 Mission St., open Weds. – Fri., 6 – 9 p.m., Sat., 6 – 9:30 p.m. and Sun. 5:30 – 9 p.m.; Briganti: 1423 Mission St., open Mon. – Thurs., 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 5 – 9 p.m., Fri., 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 5 – 9:30 p.m., Sat., 5 – 10 p.m., and Sun., 5 – 9 p.m.; Mike & Anne’s: 1040 Mission St., open Tues. – Thurs., 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 5 – 9 p.m., Fri. – Sat., 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 5 – 10 p.m., and Sun., 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5 – 9 p.m.; Radhika Modern Indian: 966 Mission St., open Mon. – Weds., 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5 – 10 p.m., and Thurs. – Sun., 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Aro Latin: 1019 Mission St., open Mon. – Thurs., 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5 – 10:30 p.m., and Fri. – Sun., 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5 – 11 p.m.; Fair Oaks Pharmacy: 1526 Mission St., open Mon. – Thurs., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Fri. – Sat., 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sun., 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Fiore Market Café: 1000 Fremont Ave., open Mon. – Sat., 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Nicole’s Market & Café: 921 Meridian Ave., Unit B, Mon., Weds., Fri., Sat., 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thurs., 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Sun., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Griffins of Kinsale: 1007 Mis-
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Shops There are a number of unique shops along Mission Street within walking distance of the rail station. Families with young kids should definitely stop by The Dinosaur Farm, a delightful dinosaur-themed children’s toy and book store founded by a South Pasadena father. Be sure to check out a dazzling collection of vintage and custom-made eyeglass frames at Old Focals, one of the leading providers of eyewear for TV, film and theater in the L.A. area. Next door is another treasure, Square Deal Barber Shop & Lounge, which offers haircuts and beard-trimming in an old-school environment and all of the amenities you need for a relaxing afternoon. Order a hot towel with your haircut and enjoy a cold beverage in front of Square Deal's flat screen TV. And, for a bit of a throwback experience, visit Vidéothèque, located only a block away from the South Pasadena Station. The store stocks a huge number of DVD and Blu-ray titles for rent or purchase ranging from black and white classics to international and indie films, as well as cinema posters, vinyl, t-shirts and CDs. The Dinosaur Farm: 1510 Mission St., open Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Old Focals: 1110 Mission St., open Tues. – Sat., 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sun. – Mon., 12 – 6 p.m.; Square Deal Barber Shop & Lounge: 1108 Mission St., open Mon. – Sun., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Vidéothèque: 1020 Mission St., open Sun. – Fri., 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. • Harry Yadav is the former editor of the South Pasadena Review and a lifelong resident of the city.
SARAH ROGERS PRESENTS: 3130 MAIDEN LANE, ALTADENA
Offered for the first time since 1957, this unique property consists of 3 separate contiguous parcels, totaling approx. 2.36 acres. Owned by its 4th owner, a Caltech professor and an artist, this beloved property has been enjoyed by the same family for 62 years. Tucked away on quiet Maiden Lane at the top of Mount Lowe Drive and next to what used to be the Mount Lowe Railway, this property is located near trails and set against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains on its own wooded flat land. This serene retreat offers natural beauty and a private setting for the light-filled 1920 Spanish style home. 3130maidenlane.com | Text ‘sarahrogers1’ to 85377
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Sarah@SarahRogersEstates.com SarahRogersEstates.com DRE 01201812 #1 Agent - Old Pasadena Office 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. Ranking claim based on individual performance.
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OREL HERSHISER A baseball journey comes full circle BY MARK LANGILL In the quiet moments before escorting his legendary former manager onto the Dodger Stadium field for an Opening Day celebration in 2018, Orel Hershiser pointed to the top button of the familiar No. 2 jersey. “Hey Skip, you’ve got a little stain there,” he said. Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda, at age 90 reduced to dormant-volcano status after decades mixing P.T. Barnum-quality proclamations and epic fights with umpires and other opponents, suddenly had a reason to bellow. Lasorda bought time with an icy stare in Hershiser’s direction, allowing his mind to grip the ball for a knockdown pitch. “You know what that is Bulldog?” he growled. “It’s drool…that’s going to happen to you someday!” Hershiser smiled and warmly put his arm around Lasorda as both men chuckled at the humorous exchange. Life has come full circle for Hershiser, once labeled a timid prospect when he joined the organization in 1979 as a 17th round draft pick from Bowling Green University in Ohio. At age 60, his place in Dodger history is secure after an 18-year Major League career highlighted by the Dodgers’ championship-winning 1988 season, in which Hershiser’s streak of 59 scoreless innings earned him the National League Cy Young Award and his World Series Game 2 shutout and Game 5 Series-clinching victory earned him World Series MVP honors. Late last year, he was one of ten finalists in the Baseball Hall of Fame balloting conducted by the Today’s Game Era Committee. Fast-forward to today, and the start of the 2019 season on March 28 will mark Hershiser’s sixth year in the Dodger broadcast booth. When Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully retired after the 2016 season, it also ended the one-man booth format he employed during his 67-year reign. Hershiser and play-by-play
JOE DAVIS AND OREL HERSHISER IN THE BROADCAST BOOTH AT DODGER STADIUM ON OPENING DAY 2017. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOS ANGELES DODGERS
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announcer Joe Davis divided the duties: Hershiser dispensing his baseball insight and Davis, a South Pasadena resident, steering the show with his signature relaxed pace. “There are a few things that make Orel special,” Davis said. “He brings credibility to the booth as a former player and Dodger. He also shares his joy and enthusiasm for baseball. As a broadcaster, he’s relentless in terms of preparation, and he treats his assignment like a pitcher about to start a game.” Add to the mix an occasional touch of nostalgia, such as last summer when Hershiser gave a misty-eyed speech during a stadium luncheon honoring member of the Dodgers’ 1988 team. Scanning the audience, Hershiser savored the collection of former teammates and team executives, including owner Peter O’Malley and general manager Fred Claire. Hershiser said his stern “game face” as a pitcher differs from his broadcasting personality. He balances the volumes of statistics and historical footnotes with the anticipation of describing events as they unfold. “They are at such opposite ends of the spectrum,” Hershiser said. “As a broadcaster, I think of the fans. I don’t want to make it too much about me. But all of a sudden, when there is an Opening Day ceremony with Kirk Gibson and Tommy Lasorda, it’s very impactful because those are two of the most important people in my life.” Hershiser didn’t arrive in Los Angeles with much fanfare as a rookie in September 1983. The Dodgers had traded him to the Texas Rangers in a five-player deal in December 1982, but the transaction fell through when L.A. couldn’t restructure the contract of veteran catcher Jim Sundberg. “When Orel first came to the Dodgers, I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted his greatness,” said Tom Niedenfuer, a Dodger reliever from 1981-87 who pitched with Hershiser at Double-A San Antonio. “He didn’t develop any new pitches in the Majors. This is going to sound corny, but
I really think that 'Bulldog' nickname from Tommy made him tougher mentally. After the 1984 season, he started to feel like he belonged. Then he really started to control those pitches.” When Hershiser was on top of the baseball world, Hall of Famer Don Drysdale was behind the microphone, having rejoined the Dodger organization in 1988. It was Drysdale’s scoreless innings streak of 58 2/3 in 1968 that Hershiser broke on a September night in San Diego. “Big D” greeted Hershiser in the Dodger dugout after the 10th inning of a scoreless game and told reporters he was glad the record stayed in the Dodger family. Now it’s Hershiser’s turn to serve as a bridge to another budding pitching star, right-hander Walker Buehler, who, unlike Hershiser, didn’t need a nickname to boost his confidence. Buehler went 8-5 with a 2.62 ERA in 24 games this past regular season, including a 5-2 victory in the National League West tiebreaker against the Colorado Rockies. It was the first tie-breaker playoff victory by a Dodger team since 1959, when Los Angeles defeated the Milwaukee Braves in a best-of-three series. Then, in Game 3 of the World Series against the Boston Red Sox, Buehler scattered two hits over seven scoreless innings—his performance relegated to merely a footnote that night because the game lasted more than seven hours before the Dodgers prevailed, 3-2, in 18 innings. Buehler finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year balloting—the same showing as Hershiser in 1984 when he went 11-8 with a 2.66 ERA in 45 games (20 starts). The senior member of the Dodger pitching staff is lefty Clayton Kershaw, who was born in 1988 and made his Major League debut at age 20 in 2008. In 2011, Kershaw became the first Dodger starter since Hershiser to win the Cy Young Award. Overall, the lefty has three Cy Young Awards and a league MVP, and his
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OREL HERSHISER AND DODGER FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICK WALKER BUEHLER IN 2015.
OREL HERSHISER “GIANT BASEBALL” PART OF THE DODGER STADIUM LANDSCAPE ON RESERVED LEVEL.
career 2.39 ERA is the lowest in Major League history since 1920 for a pitcher with more than 1,500 innings. “Clayton Kershaw is so good at concentrating every day at the highest level,” Hershiser said. “Walker Buehler is undergoing a growth period of learning and prioritizing what to focus on. “The thing I remember about my career was being in the moment and the importance of every detail so, at the end of the day, I’m not saying, ‘I should’ve thought of that.’” Watching Kershaw and Buehler pitch gives Hershiser flashbacks, though not because of statistics or the postseason. Hershiser sees himself in Kershaw when the lefty pitches from a stretch position, calculating everything in his head before he delivers. In Buehler’s case, his stroll off the pitcher’s mound to the dugout after each inning strikes a chord with Hershiser because he, too, made a concerted effort to make sure his walk to the dugout had a purpose. But Hershiser also knows Kershaw and Buehler represent the present and this is their time to be center stage. “I definitely understand what they might be feeling,” he said. “Everyone is different and you can’t assume what’s going on in someone’s head in a certain situation. But my
guess would be a lot closer than most people’s.” The parallels between Drysdale, Hershiser and Buehler also extend to their injuries, although their respective stories have differed with the evolution of sports medicine. A torn rotator cuff remedy didn’t exist in 1969 when Drysdale was forced to retire at age 33, just 14 months after his scoreless innings streak. Surgery was a last hope to save Hershiser’s career in 1990 when team physician Dr. Frank Jobe performed an experimental procedure on his shoulder. Buehler, on the other hand, chose to go under the knife before he threw his first professional pitch. The Dodgers selected Buehler in the first round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft, even though he experienced occasional arm discomfort during his career at Vanderbilt University. Subsequent medical exams led him to undergo the now familiar “Tommy John Surgery” in Los Angeles on August 5, 2015, which pushed back Buehler’s development schedule. In April 1990, midway through his 7th season, Hershiser walked off the mound after feeling pain during a start against the St. Louis Cardinals. An MRI exam revealed extensive
damage in his shoulder capsule. Jobe prescribed a surgery more radical than Tommy John’s. He had performed the procedure on NFL quarterback Jim McMahon and golfer Jerry Pate, but never on a Major League pitcher. “His reputation preceded his advice on the surgery,” Hershiser said of Jobe’s diagnosis. “He probably prescribed the most radical thing that could’ve happened to me and I didn’t second-guess it at all. I didn’t want a second opinion. I didn’t need anyone else telling me what was wrong with me and how to fix it.” After a grueling rehabilitation period, Hershiser returned to the Majors in June 1991 and continued to pitch with the Dodgers, Indians, Giants and Mets until 2000. Hershiser won 105 games after the surgery and ended up with a 204-150 career record. Before the 1990 surgery, Jobe showed Hershiser the tools he would use for the operation. Hershiser later ordered a set of instruments from the manufacturer and had them gold plated. He then hired a trophy maker to arrange them on a granite base in the shape of a baseball holder. He placed in the holder the game ball from his 100th career victory—his first after the surgery. The inscription on the trophy reads: Victory #100 June 9, 1991 Made Possible By The Skilled Hands Of DR. FRANK JOBE With Gratitude Orel Hershiser, Los Angeles Dodgers Hershiser gave Jobe the trophy at a dinner he hosted for the doctors and trainers who supervised his comeback. Jobe, who passed away at age 88 in 2014, proudly displayed the trophy in his office. “Every time he won a game,” Jobe said. “I felt like crying.” • South Pasadena native Mark Langill is the Team Historian of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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HIKING TRAILS IN ALTADENA'S BACK YARD STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY HARRY YADAV What better way to usher in the spring than by grabbing a pair of hiking boots and packing a picnic to enjoy atop a historic summit overlooking Los Angeles? In the back yard of beautiful Altadena, the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains are home to two popular hikes full of fascinating Pasadena history: the Henninger Flats Trail and the Sam Merrill Trail. Neither is too difficult for the casual hiker and both can easily be completed in a morning or afternoon. The Henninger Flats Trail via the Mount Wilson Toll Road The Mount Wilson Toll Road makes its way to Henninger Flats, a pine-shaded picnic area/ campground from which one can make out Catalina Island on a clear day. With a 1,325foot elevation gain on relatively unshaded terrain, be sure to bring lots of water and sun protection for this roughly three-hour hike. The trail is wide, as it was built to carry telescope equipment up to the Mount Wilson Observatory, mostly well-maintained and has new benches positioned throughout at various lookout points. A cluster of pines greets hikers when they reach Henninger Flats, a unique and historic landmark that served as the site for one of California’s oldest reforestation projects. The installation of an irrigation system by William Henninger in 1880 and the subsequent creation of a nursery turned this area into a test site for the different drought-resistant trees that would grow at high elevation in the Los Angeles area. Through the years, trees grown at the nursery have been transported to various fire-ravaged Southern Californian mountainsides for rehabilitation projects. Henninger Flats has campgrounds, an out-of-use fire lookout station and a visitor center housing a small but interesting museum.
THE LOWER CAMPGROUND AND PICNIC AREA AT HENNINGER FLATS, ABOVE, PROVIDE BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF LOS ANGELES AND BEYOND VIA A HIKE ON THE OLD MOUNT WILSON TOLL ROAD.
THE HIKE TO ECHO MOUNTAIN BY WAY OF THE SAM MERRILL TRAIL IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR HIKES IN L.A. AND RIGHT IN ALTADENA’S BACK YARD.
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MOUNT WILSON TOLL ROAD EN ROUTE TO HENNINGER FLATS
THE ENTRANCE TO THE SAM MERRILL TRAIL BEGINS AT THE OLD ENTRANCE TO THE COBB ESTATE AT THE TOP OF LAKE AVENUE IN ALTADENA
More ambitious hikers can continue on the Mount Wilson Toll Road all the way to the Mount Wilson Observatory. Where to park: Street parking only, on the 2200 block of Pinecrest Drive, north of Altadena Drive Dog-friendly? Yes, but dogs must be kept on leashes Roundtrip distance: ~6 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Mountain, a sprawling picnic area and lookout point containing the over 125-year-old ruins of the Mount Lowe Railway and “The White City in the sky.” In 1893, Angelinos didn’t
have to hike to visit Echo Mountain. Instead, they traveled aboard the Mount Lowe Railway, which made its way to a 70-suite luxury Victorian hotel called the Echo Mountain House,
as well as numerous shops, a casino, tennis courts and picnic tables. The railway was abandoned in 1938 after 45 years of service—by that time the resort and surrounding buildings had been ravaged by fire or natural elements—but the picnic tables and various ruins remain. There are a number of informational plaques and railroad parts to admire and the Echo Phone, a round iron device sculpted so that your echo can reverberate off the mountains and return roughly five seconds later. From Echo Mountain, the Sam Merrill Trail continues for 2.5 more miles to Inspiration Point, and from Inspiration Point hikers can continue to Mount Lowe. Where to park: Street parking only, 3302 Lake Avenue, entrance on the east side Dog-friendly? Yes, but dogs must be kept on leashes Round-trip distance: ~5 miles Difficulty: Moderate to difficult •
Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill Trail The Sam Merrill Trail, named after avid hiker and conservationist Sam Merrill, is arguably one of the most popular hikes in L.A. It ascends 1,400 feet in just 2.5 miles, meaning scenic views present themselves early on and often. The winding, narrow nature of the trail makes it all the more picturesque—it’s always exhilarating to turn a corner and see downtown Los Angeles shimmering in the distance. And, because it juts into the San Gabriel Mountains unlike the Henninger Flats Trail, which climbs the face of the mountain, the Sam Merrill Trail is much more shaded. Nevertheless, hikers should still remember to bring sun protection and water. The Sam Merrill Trail ends up at Echo
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IN-SPA-RATIONAL What to consider when planning your next spa visit BY KAMALA KIRK Spring is a time for fresh beginnings and what better way to start this season of renewal than with a trip to the spa? A spa treatment is like a mini-vacation—it’s the perfect way to indulge in some much-needed pampering and relaxation. Spas offer a variety of treatments designed to leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. However, with all of the different spas out there, it can be challenging trying to decide which one to go to. By considering various factors before making your selection, you’ll set yourself up to have a successful spa experience. It is important to check customer reviews before choosing a spa. Some of the keys things to look for in customer reviews include whether the facility is clean and up-to-date, the quality of its customer service, the gender of its practitioners if you have a preference and whether its staff is properly certified and licensed. It is also important to consider what services spas offer before planning your visit. Some spas offer basic treatments such as massages and facials, while others have a more extensive list of offerings, ranging from manicures to energy healing and more. Whether it’s simple relaxation you’re seeking, or you’d like to treat a specific area of concern, having a goal for your spa treatment will assist with choosing the right place. Spa amenities tend to vary from place to place—some of the larger spas are attached to luxury hotels and come with all the bells and whistles, such as swimming pools, steam rooms and relaxation lounges, while smaller locations tend to be limited to a few treatment rooms. If you just want a quick massage without the frills, a smaller spa may be the way to go, but if you’re looking to make a day out of it—potentially going with a friend or group—a larger spa with ample room might be the better choice. Spas vary greatly in their styles and locations, and a spa’s setting can make all the difference in the quality of your experience. Whether it’s a mountain resort, beach inn, urban hotel or a local spa nearby, choose according to the type of environment and ambiance that appeals to you. Some spas may offer special services related to their environment, such as a desert spa or a mountain retreat spa. Other things to think about include parking and accessibility— is the spa easy to find, does it have ample parking, is it handicap-accessible? Each spa is priced differently, depending on its location, size and services offered. Larger spas that are located in hotels with luxury amenities tend to be on the pricier side, while smaller spas that offer basic services are typically more affordable. Deciding what you’re willing to spend on your services (including gratuity) will help you choose the right spa that best fits into your budget. Finding a good spa doesn’t have to be a challenge—by following the above suggestions, you’ll increase your odds of choosing the right spa that has everything you need to relax and rejuvenate this spring! • Kamala Kirk is a spa enthusiast and co-owner of thespainsider.com, an online reviewer of spas around the globe.
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Th i s i s n o t a n o ffe r i n g o f s a l e. Th e d eve l o p e r re s e re s t h e r i g h t to m a ke c h a n g e s a n d m o d i fi c at i o n s to p l a n s , m ate r i a l s , d e s i g n , p r i c i n g , s p e c i fi c at i o n , fe at u re s a n d s c h e d u l i n g o f d e l i ve r y w i t h o u t n o t i ce o r o b l i g at i o n . Re n d e r i n g s , s ke tc h e s , l ayo u t s , a n d fi n i s h e s a re re p re s e n t at i o n a l o n l y. Fe b r u a r y 2 01 9
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A n O c t a n e D eve l o p m e n t © 2 0 1 9 2 n d Ave n u e S a l e s & M a r k e t i n g. I n c. B R E # 0 2 0 4 0 8 9 7
SPRING DIY:
SEASONAL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT BY KAMALA KIRK PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAFAEL NAJARIAN When those in the know want perfect flower arrangements to suit any occasion—from the whimsical to the refined—they call Mary Falkingham. The former San Marino elementary school teacher-turned-florist has been impressing and delighting flower novices and aficionados alike with her inspired floral designs over the last 30-plus years. From the smallest tussie-mussie to the grandest event florals, Mary’s keen taste and focus on quality are what continue to differentiate her from her
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Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts is a California 501(c)3 corporation.
MARY FALKINGHAM
peers, and keep customers coming back time and again. Mary invited us to her charming store in Altadena to learn how to put together a springtime arrangement. Spring is one of her favorite seasons, as there is an abundance of fresh, gorgeous flowers in different colors and varieties that are readily available. She informs us that we are going to be making a long, low arrangement. “Long tables are on trend at the moment, so putting together a long arrangement that doesn’t obstruct your view from across the table makes for the perfect centerpiece,” she says. She notes that the arrangement could also be placed in other parts of a home, like on a coffee or side table, kitchen island or buffet, and be equally stunning and impactful. Her worktable is spread with everything that she will need to make this beautiful creation. There is a low rectangular vase, transparent tape and scissors; her favorite springtime flowers including peonies in blush
and coral, and white ranunculus and tulips; and other high-end flowers and greenery such as blush hybrid tea roses tinged with green, peach spray roses, green hydrangeas, white sweet peas, and micro and seeded eucalyptus. “Blush and coral are the most in-demand spring floral colors and mixing in different shades and textures makes the flowers stand out,” Mary informs us before getting to work. She fills the rectangular glass vase three-quarters of the way with cool water and then arranges strips of tape a half-inch apart in a grid pattern across the top. She wraps a final piece of tape around the top of the vase to secure the grid. “This gives the flowers a strong foundation and makes them easier to arrange,” she advises. She starts with three green hydrangeas, removing the leaves that could come into contact with the water and trimming at a diagonal below the nodes each one before skillfully placing it into the vase. This
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preparation ensures that the flowers will stay fresh as long as possible. She next adds micro and seeded eucalyptus, again cutting the stems at a diagonal, at various heights to add structure and interest to the arrangement. With a robust foundation firmly in place, Mary prepares and adds the gorgeous peonies. She then sets about readying the blush roses for their addition by removing their outer petals to allow them to expand, gently squeezing the petals with her fingertips several times to give the roses a fuller look and cutting the stems at a slant. She places them effortlessly. While adding the peach Ilse Spray roses, Mary again reminds us that it is important to place a spectrum of colors and textures next to each other for more contrast. She next adds the white sweet peas, whose delicate petals juxtapose nicely with the surrounding flowers. Mary removes the leaves from the white ranunculus stems and cuts them at a slant before placing them.
She finishes the arrangement by adding exquisite white tulips toward the bottom. The result is breathtaking. As we express our sheer amazement at what has so expertly transformed before our eyes, we also express concern that we might not be able to come close to achieving this level of arrangement at home. Mary quickly allays our fears and provides some additional advice. “Once all the flowers have been placed into the vase, take a step back and squint your eyes while looking at the arrangement. This will help you see if there are any major holes or areas that need to be filled in,” she said. “Also, play around with the positioning of each stem until you’re satisfied with the arrangement. Don’t worry—just have fun with it!” • Mary Falkingham Floral Designs is located at 871 E. Mariposa St. in Altadena. It is open Tues. – Fri. from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sat. by appointment. (626) 797-8711. http://maryfalkingham.com
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MUSEUM IN FOCUS:
THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY BY SKYE HANNAH The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM), located in Exposition Park in downtown L.A., is both a local and international repository of the world’s wonders, home to 35 million specimens and artifacts ranging from Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons to cultural treasures from the city’s dynamic history. This local gem has one of the largest collections of its kind in the world and is distinguished as one of only 12 museums across North America and Europe that protect and preserve the world’s cultural and natural history collections. Opened to much fanfare in 1913, the museum has grown and evolved over the past hundred-plus years—it now hosts close to 850,000 visitors a year and employs more than 500 staff and scientists. The architecturally distinct museum has three floors of permanent exhibits which include crafted scenes of animals in their habitats, dinosaurs mounted in dynamic life-like poses, Native American artifacts pre-dating the 1400s, the Ralph M. Parsons Discovery Center and Insect Zoo, and a new Nature Lab that explores urban wildlife native to Southern California. It also has special exhibits that showcase different aspects of its vast collections as well as address specific subjects and interests. The NHM is a dynamic place where new discoveries are continually made by the many scientists on staff. Their cutting-edge research, which spans the breadth of all the collections, creates an environment in which guests can learn directly from scientists and devote themselves to life-long learning. “There are multiple entry points,” said Laurel Robinson, director of public programs at the museum. “If you’re a dinosaur enthusiast, we’ve got something for you. Or, if you just want a casual walk in the garden on a summer night, we’ve got that for you, too. We try to create experiences for visitors of all ages, for all different interest levels, and make them feel this is a place for them.” “We want the museum to be a hub of critical conversations, a place where people feel comfortable learning about some science concepts that they’ve been hearing in the news but, maybe, don’t feel that they’re totally versed in,” Robinson continued. “It’s a safe space to either dip your toe into a science concept that you’re starting to get more curious about or a place to get really deep understanding from some of the scientists that we have.” A Crystal of Knowledge One of the most beloved areas of the NHM is the Gem and Mineral Hall, in which 2,000 of the museum’s 150,000 minerals, rocks, meteorites and ores—some of the finest and rarest in the world—are on display. This collection is the largest of its kind in the Western United States.
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FIRST FRIDAY SERIES
FIRST FRIDAY SERIES
FIRST FRIDAY SERIES PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
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Dr. Aaron Celestian, associate curator of mineral sciences, is a mineralogist by training who is bringing a fresh interpretation to the museum’s vast collection. Traditionally, minerology has been simply descriptive in nature but Celestian uses a multidisciplinary approach spanning geochemistry, astrobiology, oceanography and theoretical biology to discover new applications for minerals and solve current problems. He is also bringing in new ideas about how mineral science can be done, including teaming up with scientists at the neighboring University of Southern California to analyze how changes among ocean minerals can indicate ocean acidification and climate change. And separately, in conjunction with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, he’s working to learn how life can get trapped in crystals and preserved over thousands of years as well as to build instruments for new missions to the icy moons Europa and Enceladus, of Jupiter and Saturn, respectively. Two of the specimens currently on display in the Gem and Mineral Hall include a gypsum crystal from a cave in Mexico formed 50,000 to 60,000 years ago and a halite crystal, commonly known as rock salt, from California’s Searles Lake. Inside of them are dormant bacteria which, when brought under the right conditions, can be revived again. Celestian noted the scientist who discovered this connection, Dr. Penelope Boston, is studying how it may be used to find life in unexpected places. “When I’m walking in the Hall and overhear conversations of what people are saying to each other and what they find interesting, it’s almost always, ‘Wow, look at this beautiful color’ and ‘Oh, I can’t believe nature grows things like this,’ and that is super exciting because they are beautiful crystals and the fact that they naturally form like that is unbelievable,” Celestian said. “I would like to take that excitement and that
olate chirp” cookies and explore the museum’s Nature Gardens to go on bug hunts, get crafty and look for their favorite critters.
BUTTERFLY PAVILION
enthusiasm to the next level. Crystals are useful because they tell us about the history of our planet, or they’re useful because they’re telling us where our planet is going, what kind of future our planet has. To me that’s the exciting bit.” Spring at the NHM In addition to its multitude of permanent exhibits, the museum has a wide array of special programming this spring, including: • Art of the Jewel: The Crevoshay Collection, now – May 12, 2019. Visitors can come be dazzled by the masterpieces of artist and jewelry designer Paula Crevoshay, who "paints" with gemstones to create stunning jewelry pieces. The Gem and Mineral Vault features over 50 luxurious pieces of jewelry that include earrings, bracelets and brooches crafted into nature-inspired forms from California tourmaline, Montana sapphire, moonstone, pearl and black diamond, among many others. To appreciate the transformation of raw stone into a piece of jewelry, displays include examples of loose gems and minerals from the NHM’s collection. • Butterfly Pavilion. The ever-popular Butterfly Pavilion, on the south side of the NHM, gives guests the opportunity to observe up-close hundreds of free-flying butterflies from across the
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BUG FAIR
U.S. The exhibit features 20 species of California natives such as the monarch, mourning cloak, and buckeye and ten species of subtropical varieties from South Florida and Texas, such as the malachite and the grey cracker. The butterflies are present in various points of their metamorphosis and guests can learn how they grow from caterpillars to vibrant creatures of flight. • L.A. Nature Fest, March 16 and 17, 2019. One of the NHM’s newer attractions is L.A. Nature Fest, a two-day event that celebrates L.A.’s mountains, deserts, oceans and everything in-between. L.A. Nature Fest shares with guests the surprising amount of biodiversity that can be found across the city by featuring open nature gardens, interactive and information booths and presentations. Guests have the opportunity at this family-friendly event to meet live animals including owls, snakes, lizards and insects. Additionally, NHM research scientists will be on hand to share their insights and enthusiasm for the plants and animals—as well as collections that are not usually on display—with guests. • First Friday Series, March – June 2019. This series, held on the first Friday of each month from 5 to 9 p.m., features live music and DJs, science discussions focused around natural
L.A. NATURE FEST
disasters, behind-the-scenes tours and a variety of cocktails and food trucks. All ages are welcome. • Bug Fair, May 18 and 19, 2019. The 33rd annual Bug Fair, the museum’s longest-running festival, showcases the one-million-species-strong insect kingdom. More than 50 exhibitors from across the state come together to celebrate all things buggy. There will be beekeepers sharing their honey, a showcase of rare pinned specimens available for purchase and live insects also for sale with information provided about how to care for them. More adventurous guests can watch Bug Chefs whip up protein-filled snacks including “choc-
The Future NHM President and Director Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga has helped the museum evolve and grow in recent years and is excited about its future. “We have this incredible, valuable resource for humanity,” she said of the NHM. “People don’t necessarily appreciate that museums are the repository for the world’s biodiversity, for its cultural diversity. It’s really important that we have these records because they tell us how life on the planet has changed and from that we learn where we are today and where we’re going in the future.” Over the last three years, Bettison-Varga has helped transform the museum into a place where visitors and local community members can engage with each other as well as experts associated with the museum to examine past and current issues. Community science programs like mapping the biodiversity of Los Angeles, which has increased urban nature awareness among Angelinos, have played a huge role in furthering the museum’s local ties. “We’re embracing our role as a museum of, for and with Los Angeles, which really means not just physically being at a location but also really meeting people where they are in the community,” she said. To that end, NHM scientists are working more and more with local citizens to conduct studies and publish findings. “Our community science program is out in the community doing bio-blitzes with people, having them help us actually determine what is out in our environment,” Bettison-Varga said, adding, “Our scientists have published papers with community members who have been engaged in that project.” With the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art set to open in 2021, the NHM is preparing for the vibrant growth
of Exposition Park by modernizing its own facilities. As the first part of a revitalizing strategic 10-year plan, there are plans to construct a new three-story addition plus basement totaling 485,000 sq. ft. on the southwest corner of the existing structure. The dynamic space will feature a new entrance with a double-height welcoming lobby with glass façade, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views across the city, and convening spaces for educational programs. Currently in the design-development phase, the project is expected to have construction documents finalized by December 2019 and be completed within the next few years. It will also house a 400 to 440seat theater and new temporary exhibit gallery. It is being designed as a transparent place to serve as a “front porch for the community” where people will be encouraged to come, learn and connect with others, according to Bettison-Varga. “Exposition Park, and the Natural History Museum as its anchor, is about to enter the world stage as a cultural, entertainment, sports, and education destination,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors member Mark Ridley-Thomas. “Its audiences are twofold: local Los Angeles County residents and visitors from all over the world, and the park partners need to connect with both. This new project provides a vibrant and transparent window into the mysteries of our world and will be an exciting and welcoming venue for the entire community.” Going forward, Bettison-Varga is excited about the ways the museum can serve the people of L.A. and the surrounding areas. “The Natural History Museum can be the convener for many of the issues our society is facing today,” said Bettison-Varga. • The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is located at 900 W. Exposition Blvd. in Los Angeles. It is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit nhm.org or call (213) 763-3466.
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PHOTO BY RAFAEL NAJARIAN
AN ARROYO RUNS THROUGH IT BY STEVE FJELDSTED
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There is perhaps no stretch of canyon and river in Southern California more historically and culturally significant than the 25-mile long Arroyo Seco (the Arroyo). Beginning at Red Box Saddle in the San Gabriel Mountains above Pasadena, it runs south past the Rose Bowl through the communities of South Pasadena and Highland Park all the way to its confluence with the Los Angeles River by Dodger Stadium. However, despite the Arroyo’s importance, the landform is customarily overlooked by millions of uninitiated local residents
and visitors, and often ignored by L.A. tour guides and maps. This, in part, is because the Arroyo’s many fascinating points of interest are not physically interconnected in a way that promotes easy viewing or visitation. One can bike or walk through stretches, but the parts that are accessible to cars do not have many vistas or viewpoints. Furthermore, few of the Arroyo’s highlights are adequately designated and many are obscured by highly concentrated urban development and traffic, making them even harder to
identify. Additionally, most of the authoritative writings about the history of the Arroyo are long out of print. They can be hard to find, even by those in the know, as is the case with so many of the Arroyo’s enduring and extraordinary charms. Nevertheless, the Arroyo should rightfully be widely acknowledged as the birthplace of Pasadena and one of the most culturally influential geographic settings in Los Angeles. Spanish for “dry gulch” or “streambed,” the Arroyo Seco is a seasonal
river, watershed, and longtime cultural connector so named by Spanish soldier and explorer Gaspar de Portolà in 1770 because it had the least water of all the canyons he explored in the region. De Portolà discovered the Arroyo while leading a Spanish mission to colonize the stretch of California from San Diego to Monterey, but he and his band of travelers (Spanish soldiers and missionaries) weren’t the area’s first settlers. When he arrived at the river’s banks, he encountered the Hahamongna, a tribe of Tongva, who called the Up-
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ROSE BOWL, 1935
(COURTESY OF PASADENA MUSEUM OF HISTORY, C12-126)
per Arroyo their home. Sadly, the Spanish occupation that soon followed resulted in the Hahamongna and many other native Californians in the region being rounded up and moved to the nearby San Gabriel Mission. Part of de Portolà’s history in the Arroyo still exists today at 430 Arroyo Drive in South Pasadena, where a memorial marks Cathedral Oak, reputedly the site of California’s first Easter service, said to be held in 1770 by de Portolà and Father Juan Crespi. Although the huge Arroyo riverbed is now often only a benign, gurgling stream, it is precisely the reason why L.A. is the bustling place it is today. Because of the sometimes savage floodwaters during storms, early settlers located the Pueblo de Los Angeles away from the Arroyo and the Los Angeles River. The Pueblo
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ARROYO FREEWAY DEDICATION, 1940
(COURTESY OF PASADENA MUSEUM OF HISTORY, A7-58)
PICNIC AT MILLARD CANYON, 1887
(COURTESY OF PASADENA MUSEUM OF HISTORY, C2-2-1)
has since, of course, grown into one of the most densely populated and sprawling metropolitan areas in the Western Hemisphere. Even though the Arroyo’s sometimes harsh landscape precluded early development, it became the home of many historic sites over the years as technology improved and population in the area increased. Many significant sites still line or are located near the Arroyo today. They include, from north to south, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), headquarters of the first rocket scientists; Oak Grove, the world’s first disc golf course; Devil’s Gate Dam, built in 1920 to prevent devastating floods like the ones that roared into the greater L.A. area in 1914 and 1916; the Rose Bowl, the “Granddaddy of Them All”; Brookside Park, where the Chicago White Sox played their winter ball for 16 years; The Gamble House, a na-
tionally renowned American Craftsman designed by famed architects Greene and Greene; the Colorado Street Bridge, a much-loved structure connecting Pasadena to Eagle Rock and Glendale; the Vista Del Arroyo Hotel, which now houses the U.S. Court of Appeals; Judson Studios, California’s oldest stained glass studio; The Abbey San Encino, a monastery-like home built by Clyde Browne, an early Arroyo printmaker; El Alisal, the self-built Rustic American Craftsman stone house of Charles Lummis; Heritage Square Museum, devoted to early California living; and the Arroyo Seco Parkway, formerly known as the Pasadena Freeway, not only the first freeway in L.A., but in the entire Western United States. Although many of the Arroyo’s most prominent points of interest remain, other important sites are either long gone or vanishing. Not too far from the banks of the Arroyo once stood the magnificent Raymond Hotel, opened in 1886 as one of the grandest resorts in the West. It closed for good during the Great Depression after being completely rebuilt following an 1895 fire. Also gone are the original Busch Gardens, which at one point in the early 1900s saw 1.5 million visitors annually, though some of its rock walls are still visible on hillsides. Absent as well is the Cawston Ostrich Farm, a popular theme park and purveyor of ostrich feathers in the 1920s. It was said to have sent out more mail order catalogs than any company in the U.S. besides Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Spiegel. Visitors to the farm could watch ostrich races, ride an ostrich-drawn cart, or have a photo taken while atop one. The sites mentioned in this article are just the tip of the iceberg. Much still remains to be discovered and documented about the Arroyo—its history, terrain, and inhabitants. The unexplored nature of this area provides ample opportunity for adventure and study. • Steve Fjeldsted is the director of the South Pasadena Public Library.
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GETAWAY:
OJAI
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAYNE SMYTHE A relatively short drive from the San Gabriel Valley, Ojai, which is bordered to the north by the Topatopa Mountains in the Los Padres National Forest, comes alive—literally—in the spring. This magical region truly has something for everyone. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are abundant trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding as well as two terrific golf courses. For foodies, there are a plethora of stellar restaurants that only use the freshest locally sourced ingredients. For those looking to relax, there are a multitude of spas and areas to meditate while enjoy amazing views. For shoppers, there are adorable and eclectic boutiques and stores. For art lovers, there are galleries galore and special exhibitions. And the list could go on and on. What might your Ojai adventure look like? Take the time this spring to explore this remarkable place and find out. You’ll be glad you did. THINGS TO DO: Agricultural Adventures One of the highlights of visiting the remarkably fertile Ojai Valley is getting to experience the local produce and products made from it. Ojai Olive Oil Company (1811 Ladera Road, https://ojaioliveoil.com/) is the largest and oldest producer of extra virgin olive oil in the valley. Located on a picturesque working organic olive farm with groves dating back over 150 years, it offers free tours and olive oil tastings Weds., Sat. & Sun. from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Its tasting room, which also features the company’s vinegars and olive oil cosmetics, is open Mon. – Sun. from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friend’s Ranches packinghouse (15150 Maricopa Highway, https://friendsranches.com/) is a great place to pick up some fresh citrus and honey from a family-owned and operated farm. It is open Tues. & Fri. from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m., or pop your head in if you drive by and the door is open. While many wineries grow their grapes in the Upper Ojai Valley, the best way to sample them (in fermented form) is by visiting the tasting rooms in town. Some highlights include Topa Mountain Winery (821 W. Ojai Avenue, https://topamountainwinery.com/) open Thurs. – Mon from 12 to 7 p.m., The Ojai Vineyard (109 S. Montgomery Street, https://www.ojaivineyard.com/) open daily from 12 – 6 p.m., and Boccali Vineyards (3277 E. Ojai Avenue, https://www.boccalivineyards.com/) open Sat. & Sun. from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts Beatrice “Beato” Wood, a prominent figure in the New York Dada movement (alongside Marcel Duchamp) and talented ceramist, moved to Ojai in the late 1940s, where she lived until her passing in 1998 at the age of 105. This local legend lived an incredibly interesting life (she provided the inspiration for the character Rose in Titanic) and credited her longevity to “art books, chocolates and young men.” The Center enables guests to visit her former studio and art collection and also presents exhibitions, performances and other educational opportunities. It is open Fri. – Sun. from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $5. Guided tours cost $10 and take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Center is located at 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road in Upper Ojai. (http://www.beatricewood.com/)
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OJAI OLIVE OIL COMPANY
FRIEND’S RANCHES
THE OJAI VINEYARD TASTING ROOM
BEATO CHOCOLATES
OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM
OJAI VALLEY INN GOLF COURSE
DEKOR&CO.
CAMP OJAI
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Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market Open every Sunday from 9 a.m. -1 p.m., this is the go-to place to pick up locally grown produce, flowers and gourmet food. The farmers’ market is located at 300 E. Matilija Street. (http://www.ojaicertifiedfarmersmarket.com/) Ojai Valley Museum The museum’s exhibitions, programs and events provide insight into the history, art and culture of the Ojai Valley. The museum is open Tues. – Sat. from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun. 12 – 4 p.m.; suggested admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children 6-18. Historic walking tours, which depart from the museum, take place every Saturday through May at 10:30 a.m. The $7 cost includes museum admission. The museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Avenue. (http://www.ojaivalleymuseum.org/) Outdoor Activities Spring is a beautiful time to be outdoors in Ojai, as the weather is pleasant and the landscape is resplendent with fresh foliage and blooms. Given its location bordering the Los Padres National Forest, hiking is a particularly popular activity. There are many trails that range from easy (like Shelf Road Trail) to hard (like Gridley Trail). Detailed maps, driving directions, trail specifics (including level of difficulty, length, and what can be seen) and reviews can be found at https://www.alltrails.com/ us/california/ojai. If you have the chance, make sure to check out the Ojai Meadows Preserve to admire the wildflowers. If exploring nature on horseback is more your speed, head up to the Oso Ranch, home of the Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company (1290 Meyer Road, http://www. ojaivalleytrailridingcompany.com/) for a pleasant one to two hour trail ride. The trails are also fun to explore by bike, as is the town of Ojai. Visit The Mob Shop (110 W. Ojai Avenue, http://www.themobshop.com/) to rent a bike, get advice about where
BART'S BOOKS
TIPPLE & RAMBLE
EARTHTONICS
THE PINK MOMENT
to ride, or book one of its unique bike tours. Finally, golf enthusiasts have two great 18-hole courses at which they can play: the Ojai Valley Inn Golf Course (905 Country Club Road, https://www.ojaivalleyinn.com/golf ) and the Soule Park Golf Course (1033 E. Ojai Avenue, https://www. soulepark.com/), considered a top municipal golf course in the country.
cluding accessories and vintage furniture, as well as stylish clothing and hats. Camp Ojai (314 E. Ojai Avenue, https://www.campojai.com/) also has a nice selection of adorable locally produced t-shirts and sweatshirts that make terrific souvenirs. Porch Gallery (310 E. Matilija Street, http:// porchgalleryojai.com/) is an amazing gallery that not only features contemporary art and curated merchandise in a historic space, but is also home to the Beato Lounge, where Beato Chocolates (http://beatochocolates. com/) are sold. These delicious chocolates, some made with Beatrice Wood’s original molds, are wonderfully unique gifts.
Shopping Ojai is home to a wide variety of delightful and unique stores and art galleries. For instance, open since 1964, Bart’s Books (302 W. Matilija Street, http://www.bartsbooksojai.com/) is a local institution. The largest outdoor bookstore in the country, it has an abundance of new and used books ranging from 50 cent specials (which line the outside walls of the building and are for sale on the honor system), to rare, out of print first editions. Make sure you give yourself enough time to explore Bart’s vast inventory for literary treasures. If you’re looking for great things to bring home, deKor&Co. (105 S. Montgomery Street, http://www. dekorandco.com/) is a must-visit. It is an incredibly cool store that sells covetable home décor items, in-
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Spa Treatments There are many good spa options in Ojai, but the ones listed below are standouts. Make sure to book well in advance, as appointments tend to fill up quickly. EarthTonics (206-C S. Montgomery Street, https://www.earthtonicsskincare.com/) uses its amazing handcrafted botanical skincare products that feature pure, organic and wild-harvested ingredients for its facials and massages. The inti-
mate space (two treatment rooms) is clean and relaxing and its therapists are skilled, knowledgeable and take pride and joy in what they do. Make sure to try EarthTonics’ incredible botanical facial, which is customized for each client, as it leaves your face and entire body feeling rejuvenated. Spa Ojai (905 Country Club Road, https://www.ojaivalleyinn.com/spaojai), the gorgeous 31,000 square-foot spa at the Ojai Valley Inn, is a wonderful place to spend the day. Indulge in fabulous traditional spa services (facials, massages, manicures/pedicures) or more unique experiences like the kuyam, which aims to detoxify by combining the therapeutic effects of self-applied desert clay infused with essential oils, intense dry heat and inhalation therapy guided by a traditional Chumash narrative. No matter what you choose, you’ll leave feeling relaxed and reinvigorated. The Day Spa of Ojai (209 N. Montgomery Street, http://thedayspa. com/), family owned and operated for over 20 years, is a wonderful place to rest, restore and heal. Its remarkably skilled, experienced therapists provide phenomenal (yet very affordable) massages and facials. Don’t be fooled by the building's somewhat plain exterior—this should be a priority stop for anyone seeking high-quality body care in Ojai. The Ojai The 119th Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament (The Ojai) will take place from April 24-28, 2019. The oldest amateur event of its kind, thousands of spectators come to watch over 1,500 amateur players compete on tennis courts throughout the Ojai Valley and northern Ventura County. (http://theojai.net/) Witness The Pink Moment The Pink Moment occurs as the sun goes down and its light bounces off the Topatopa Mountains, bathing the Ojai Valley in muted pink, red and peach tones. Many visitors to the region consider this magical natural phenomenon a highlight of their trip.
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PLACES TO STAY: (Hotel room rates vary by date and accommodation type. Please check websites for rates during your planned stay.) Caravan Outpost If you’re looking for the ultimate glamping experience, look no further. This property is incredibly cool. Eleven well-appointed caravans are arranged on a lush piece of property close to downtown. There are nightly campfires with s’mores to encourage mingling among guests, bikes that can be borrowed to explore Ojai and a fabulous store that is a must-visit even if you’re not staying here. For those who are worried about caravan facilities being a little too cramped, never fear: there are larger bathrooms and showers adjacent to the store. Located at 317 Bryant Street. (https://caravanoutpostojai.com/) The Lavender Inn This charming, historic bed and breakfast is an oasis in the heart of Ojai. Featuring eight attractive guestrooms on a large, verdant property, it is the perfect location for exploring the many shops and restaurants in town. Room rates include a satisfying breakfast that features locally sourced ingredients as much as possible, as well as tapas, wine and beer in the evening. The Inn is also home to the Ojai Culinary School, which offers a wide variety of hands-on and demonstration cooking classes, as well as a spa that offers facials and massages. Located at 210 E. Matilija Street. (https://lavenderinn.com/) Ojai Valley Inn This award-winning resort nestled on 220 acres has long been a beloved vacation destination—and for good reason. The gorgeous property has lovely accommodations, a legendary golf course, an impressive spa, tennis courts, multiple pools, terrific restaurants (including the highly regarded Olivella) and well-merchandised resort shops—basically ev-
CARAVAN OUTPOST
THE LAVENDER INN
OJAI VALLEY INN
FOOD HARMONICS
OJAI CAFÉ EMPORIUM
THE NEST
erything you need to have a fabulous vacation without leaving the premises. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, which makes the experience even more special. Located at 905 Country Club Road. (https://www. ojaivalleyinn.com/)
www.foodharmonicsojai.com/)
PLACES TO EAT: Food Harmonics Focusing on “nutritional love,” this casual restaurant features tasty organic food and drinks that are gluten, sugar, soy and GMO-free. The salad bowl is incredibly delicious, and the drinks, like the mushroom coffee and dandelion latte, are interesting in the best possible way. Eating here is an experience that leaves you feeling simultaneously satisfied and healthier. Located at 254 E. Ojai Avenue. (http://
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menu with something for everyone. With a focus on fresh food made as quickly as possible, the restaurant serves up terrific breakfast offerings (waffles, pancakes, omelets), salads, sandwiches, burgers and more. If you’re looking for a smaller bite, make sure to visit the bakery and coffee bar situated at the front of the building. Located at 108 S. Montgomery Street. (http://ojaicafeemporium. com/) Ojai Deer Lodge For those looking for a piece of old school Ojai, this bar and grill fits the bill. Housed in a building that has served as a gas station, general store, restaurant and more since 1932, it has a rustic, nostalgic feel to it—almost like your favorite bar in college. Deer antlers, old signs and Americana abound in the best way possible. The staff is friendly, the food is good, and the bar is well-stocked. There’s also live music every Fri. & Sat. night and sometimes during the day (check the
website). While a bit off the beaten path, it’s definitely worth a stop if you want to escape the refinement of resort living and just kick back. Located at 2261 Maricopa Highway. (http:// www.deerlodgeojai.com/) Revel Do you like kombucha and acai bowls? We didn’t until we came here—now we’re obsessed. Revel brews Jun, known as the champagne of kombuchas, with local honey, organic green tea and its exclusive Jun culture. The result is a delicious yet powerful effervescent health tonic, which Revel offers in a variety of seasonal flavors served fresh on tap. Its acai bowls, comprised of acai sorbet covered with creative combinations of organic toppings such as fresh fruit, granola and honey, are so good that it’s hard to believe they’re good for you (but they are!). The bright space invites you to linger, and the staff is incredibly friendly. Located at 307 E. Matilija Street, Suite C. (https://rev-
el365.com/) The Nest This popular fast casual restaurant offers up amazingly delicious fare and libations in a hip environment with plenty of outdoor seating. Seasonal organic, sustainable and local ingredients are featured on the interesting but accessible menu (think comfort food, with a twist) and in the weekly specials. The mouth-watering burnt ends & BBQ pizza should not be missed. Located at 401 E. Ojai Avenue. (https://thenestojai.com/) Tipple & Ramble Part retail shop, part wine bar, this place is just plain cool. Order a delicious glass of wine and beautiful charcuterie or cheese board and head outdoors to the festive patio area to relax while enjoying the fresh air and scenery. Located at 315 N. Montgomery Street. (http://www.tippleandramble.com/) •
Nocciola A favorite for dinner among locals and visitors alike, this fine dining spot serves up amazing Italian fare in a charming environment. On-point flavor combinations and stellar technique are enhanced by the restaurant’s use of locally sourced organic produce, humanely raised meat and wild fish whenever possible. The wine list is well-curated, and the service is attentive. It will be hard, but make sure to save room for the terrific desserts. Located at 314 El Paseo Road. (http:// www.nocciolaojai.com/) Ojai Café Emporium Open for breakfast and lunch, this local institution has a well-rounded
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FOODIE FAVORITES Restaurant recommendations from those in the know When thinking about this issue’s Foodie Favorites, we couldn’t seem to get the term “spring chicken” out of our heads. So, for this issue, we asked some of our favorite foodies about the recently opened places they’ve been going for fried chicken. Here are some of the spots they’ve been frequenting for fabulous fried fowl and think you should, too. Bon Appétit!
The Crack Shack 30 W. GREEN STREET, PASADENA (424) 901-0077; CRACKSHACK.COM SUN. – THURS.: 10:30 A.M. – 9 P.M.; FRI. & SAT.: 10:30 A.M. – 10 P.M. Opened in November, this mini-chain helmed by celebrity chef Richard Blais (winner of Top Chef: All Stars) serves next-level chicken and egg goodness. Its ultra-premium fried chicken is made with Jidori chicken (free-range, no additives or hormones and delivered shortly after slaughter to ensure freshness), and the difference is apparent with every crunchy, juicy, perfectly seasoned bite. In addition to its bonein fried chicken, the restaurant offers up a wide array of delicious sandwiches and sides, many of which have cleverly punny names. Not to be missed are the Coop Deville (fried chicken, pickled fresno chilies, lime mayo and napa cabbage served on brioche), Señor Croque (crispy chicken, bacon, fried egg and miso-maple butter served on brioche), exclusive-to-Pasadena Chicken Thigh Pastrami (served with Dr. Brown’s creamed onions, kraut, Emmentaler cheese, pickle-naise on marbled rye), spicy classic slaw and schmaltz fries.
Daddy’s Chicken Shack 11 W. DAYTON STREET, PASADENA (626) 469-0017; DADDYSCHICKENSHACKLA.COM TUES. – SUN.: 11 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Bonchon 710 W. LAS TUNAS DRIVE, SAN GABRIEL (626) 545-2380; BONCHON.COM MON. – THURS.: 11:30 A.M. – 9:30 P.M.; FRI. & SAT.: 11:30 A.M. – 10:30 P.M. The only Bonchon franchise in L.A. County is right in our back yard—and for this we should consider ourselves very fortunate. Open at its San Gabriel location for less than a year, this casual eatery specializes in Korean-style fried chicken (KFC), a method of preparation in which chicken is lightly battered, fried twice to make the skin crunchier, translucent and less greasy and then coated with sauce. Bonchon’s KFC, brushed with either a delectable soy-garlic sauce or pleasantly hot spicy sauce and served with pickled daikon or perfectly creamy coleslaw (which helps to cut the heat of the spicy sauce for those with more delicate palates), is succulent and crispy all at once. And, while its show-stopping fried chicken is undoubtedly the restaurant’s biggest draw, its menu is full of enjoyable Korean and Asian fusion offerings. Make sure to try the well-executed bibimbap bowl, japchae and bulgogi.
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This adorable takeout spot that opened in October doesn’t have a huge menu or a lot of seating. What it does have, however, is an insanely good buttermilk fried chicken sandwich that has been perfected over the years by chef/caterer Pace Webb. The classic Southern fried chicken is flavorful and moist on the inside and has an expertly seasoned and fried crumble on the outside. Add the napa cabbage slaw, sriracha mayo or cilantro and ginger mayo, and brioche bun and you’ve got yourself a fabulously satisfying gustatory experience. Make sure to indulge in some fries (salty paprika sweet potato served with spicy mayo or regular served with ketchup or chive sour cream)—you’ll be glad you did!
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BLOOMING MESSAGES:
THE VICTORIAN LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS BY JEANNETTE BOVARD Eva Scott Fenyes (1849-1930), whose Pasadena estate is now home to Pasadena Museum of History, left the museum a stunning collection of drawings and watercolors that includes a number of charming botanical studies of plants and flowers she encountered on her extensive travels. Fenyes’s keen interest in botanicals was representative of the greater symbolism they acquired during the Victorian era, in which floriography, the language of flowers, allowed Victorians to subtly communicate in polite society. While people had attached symbolism to botanicals since ancient times, the Victorians embraced floriography as a part of everyday life. Armed with their floral dictionaries (which, interestingly, did not always agree on the meanings of specific flowers), they “turn[ed] flower-giving into an art,” writes Sheila Pickles in The Language of Flowers (1989, Harmony Publications). She continues, “the Victorians practiced the new floral code with the same dedication with which they built their cities and furnished their houses.” Aside from their exquisite artistic value, Fenyes’s botanical illustrations provide a perfect jumping off point to discuss the Victorian meanings of flowers and their use in our vernacular today. For instance, the lotus flower, which Fenyes drew while in Egypt, is a sadder but wiser beauty with a message of estranged love and forgetfulness of the past. The bulrush, or cattail, communicates vibes of peace and prosperity. And the thistle, a member of the sunflower
family and Scotland’s national flower, represents bravery, devotion, durability, strength, and determination. If you have tried to pick one without gloves, you’ll understand the derivation of its symbolism and understand why you won’t likely find these prickly specimens in many bouquets! Nasturtiums, which Fenyes captures in their red, yellow, and orange glory, symbolize conquest and victory in battle. Yet these ornamental—and edible—flowers convey different messages depending upon their color: red for courage, strength and passion, yellow for merriment, and orange for creativity. Hollyhocks, meanwhile, represent fruitfulness, although their colors, too, change the meaning. It seems especially fitting that Fenyes drew the study of hollyhocks pictured here, for the white variety she includes indicates female ambition, an apt symbol for a woman who would achieve so much in her lifetime. Her charming bluebells signify humility, constancy, and gratitude, while the apple blossoms convey messages of good fortune and better things to come—what a lovely theme for springtime! The rose, considered the flower of love, also has its meaning altered, sometimes significantly, by the color of its blooms. The pink roses depicted in Fenyes’s illustration convey coyness and can be an indication of secret love. Conversely, red roses express love loud and clear, while lavender reveal enchantment. White roses, ubiquitous in wedding bouquets, symbolize innocence and purity (and, on this topic, a dried white
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EVA SCOTT FENYES, LOTUS FLOWER WITH LEAVES, ABYDOS, EGYPT, 1869. DRAWING (ESF001.0224)
EVA SCOTT FENYES, STUDY OF BULRUSH. WATERCOLOR SKETCH (ESF.005.1025)
EVA SCOTT FENYES, THISTLE WITH BLOOM AND LEAVES. WATERCOLOR SKETCH (ESF.005.1038)
EVA SCOTT FENYES, NASTURTIUM WITH LEAVES AND RED, YELLOW, AND ORANGE FLOWERS. WATERCOLOR SKETCH (ESF.005.1039)
EVA SCOTT FENYES, ROSES, CORNWALL ON HUDSON, NEW YORK, AUGUST 18, 1884. WATERCOLOR SKETCH (ESF.009.1301)
EVA SCOTT FENYES, APPLE BLOSSOMS, FORT MONROE, VIRGINIA, MAY 1879. WATERCOLOR SKETCH (ESF.005.1193)
EVA SCOTT FENYES, HOLLYHOCKS, MILFORD, PENNSYLVANIA, JULY 22, 1884. WATERCOLOR SKETCH (ESF.009.1286)
EVA SCOTT FENYES, BLUEBELLS, RICHFIELD SPRINGS, NEW YORK, AUGUST 2, 1884. WATERCOLOR SKETCH (ESF.009.1291)
rose states that death is preferable to loss of virtue). White and red together symbolize unity, while variegated pink roses convey grace, joy, and thankfulness. Yellow roses can be trouble, with conflicting messages of joy, jealousy, or friendship. While not contained in the collection of Fenyes’s illustrations, there are several other popular flowers that convey powerful messages that are worth a mention (or warning). For instance, chrysanthemums, which are
currently ranked second among the top-selling flowers in the world behind roses, symbolize fidelity, optimism, joy, and long life. While there are subtle differences in meaning among this flower’s colors, only yellow is problematic (again!) as it signifies slighted love. Tulips, a sure sign of springtime, all have love at the core of their message. Even the yellow tulips have a meaning as cheerful as their color—celebrating the sunshine in their recipient’s smile. Lilies generally sym-
bolize purity and refined beauty unless they are orange, in which case they send a message of dislike or hatred! Does conveying secret messages to friends and loved ones through the language of flowers appeal to your sense of mystery and romance? If so, floriography dictionaries are available in print and online. Just make sure you don’t take offense if someone unfamiliar with this secret language innocently gifts you a stunning
bouquet of yellow roses and orange lilies! • Pasadena Museum of History is located at 470 W. Walnut St. in Pasadena. It is open to the public free of charge from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. For further information, please visit www.pasadenahistory.org or call (626) 577-1660. Jeannette Bovard is Media Consultant for Pasadena Museum of History and teaches at Los Angeles City College and East Los Angeles College.
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SPRING EVENT GUIDE
tiques and other goods. A Noise Within 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Visit anoisewithin.org or call 626-356-3100 for more information. • Othello. Now – April 28, 2019. The Bard’s most intimate of family tragedies about the terrible force of love and the breakdown of a man who has everything—power, position, and passion—only to find his world decimated through intense mind games with his ensign. Prescient in its searing social commentary of prejudice, betrayal, and thwarted ambition, Shakespeare’s thunderous drama examines who we trust and the price we pay for choosing wrong. • The Glass Menagerie. Feb. 24 – April 26, 2019. An innocuous visit from a potential suitor unsettles the sheltered Wingfield family. Matriarch Amanda fiercely protects her adult children from the harshness of others but doesn’t realize that her own eccentricities are the biggest threat to their psychological survival. Brimming with poetic language and indelible characters, this play about the enduring but limiting nature of love and family made Tennessee Williams a household name. • Argonautika. March 20 – May 5, 2019. In this fresh retelling of the classic Greek myth, Jason and his quest for the Golden Fleece has been reframed for our time. Join the fantastic voyage and encounter Hercules, Hera, sirens, centaurs, and more—familiar mythological figures imbued with unexpected character and depth. Discover humor, love, and the
PASADENA Farmers Markets • Villa Parke Center, 363 East Villa St. at N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena. Visit pasadenafarmersmarket.org or call 626-449-0179 for more information. Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Rain or shine. • Victory Park, at the intersection of Sierra Madre Blvd. and Paloma St., Pasadena. Visit pasadenafarmersmarket.org or call 626-449-0179 for more information. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Accepts cash and EBT only. Rain or shine. Flea Markets • Pasadena City College Flea Market, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Visit pasadena.edu/community/ flea-market/ or call 626-585-7906 for more information. The first Sunday of every month, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. This popular flea market boasts 400+ vendors selling a range of antiques, clothing, wares and street fare. • Rose Bowl Flea Market, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena. Visit rgcshows. com/RoseBowl for more information. The second Sunday of every month, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. One of the most famous flea markets in the world! The monthly flea market features an eclectic array of crafts, apparel, an-
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unimaginable as Tony Award®-winner Mary Zimmerman reveals the humanity in the most monstrous of creatures in this unforgettable journey for the ages. Armory Center for the Arts 145 North Raymond Ave., Pasadena. Visit armoryarts.org or call 626-7925101 for more information. • Sara Kathryn Arledge: Serene for the Moment. Now – May 12, 2019. In this exhibition, abstraction is an entry point to consider daily encounters marked by abundance, loss, transcendence, and a dream-like passage of time. A painter and innovator of mid-20th century experimental cinema, Sara Kathryn Arledge was a prolific artist who emphasized the eerie in the mundane and the disorienting in the beautiful. • Sandra de la Loza: Mi Casa Es Su Casa. Now – May 12, 2019. Sandra de la Loza interrogates historic photographs of her own Mexican American family to address issues of power, memory, and history through the concept of home. By obscuring, blurring, and replacing the bodies and faces in the photographs, she points to the codes that comprise the family photo—the landscape, architecture, pose, and fashion to investigate the uneasy and slippery terrain of representation itself. Caltech Beckman Auditorium, 330 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Visit caltech. edu/calendar/public-events or call 626-395-4652 for more information. • Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic
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Ladies. March 16, 2019 at 8 p.m. Two Celtic groups come together with harmonies and melodies covering Irish classics, opera, pop and jazz. • Escher String Quartet with David Speltz, cello. March 17, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. This Coleman Chamber Music Concert will include works by Beethoven, Ives and Schumann. • Quatuor Danel. April 7, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. This Coleman Chamber Music Concert will include works by Beethoven, Shostakovich and Weinberg. • Third Coast Percussion – Lyrical Geometry. April 13, 2019 at 8 p.m. Grammy-winning, artist-run quartet of classically trained percussionists. MOTA Day Various locations. Visit museumsofthearroyo.com for more information. • Museums of the Arroyo Day. May 19, 2019 from noon – 5 p.m. Celebrate a diverse mix of art, architecture and history at the Museums of the Arroyo Day. Last museum entrance is at 4 p.m. Six museums in Pasadena and Los Angeles open their doors free of charge. The unique history-based museums include the Pasadena Museum of History, The Gamble House, The Lummis Home and Garden, Autry’s Historic Southwest Museum/ Mt. Washington Campus, Heritage Square Museum, and The Los Angeles Police Museum. MUSE/IQUE Events are held at various locations. Visit muse-ique.com or call 626-5397085 for more information. • MUSE/IQUE at ArtNight. March 8, 2019 from 6 – 10 p.m. at Paseo Colo-
rado’s Garfield Promenade. The annual free dance party returns to the Paseo Colorado and Pasadena’s ArtNight, featuring live music from a tried-and-true stable of artists that is 100 percent guaranteed to get you on your feet and moving. • Unrestrained/Refrains. March 31, 2019 at 7 p.m. at Pasadena Museum of California Art, Kosmic Krylon Garage (490 Union St., Pasadena). Tap dancer extraordinaire Savion Glover and “guerilla violinist” Charles Yang return to join Artistic Director and Conductor Rachael Worby in an explosive collaboration that will engage all of your senses and show new and inventive ways you can make art with your whole body. • Swinging/Stars. May 19, 2019 at 7 p.m. at Caltech’s Millikin Pond (1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena). Curated and conducted by Rachael Worby, Artistic Director and Conductor, enjoy the twinkling wonder of songs about space. Norton Simon Museum 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Visit nortonsimon.org or call 626-4496840 for more information. • Titian’s Portrait of a Lady in White, c. 1561. Now – March 25, 2019. On loan from the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Titian’s Portrait of a Lady in White, c. 1561 was known and copied by Titian’s contemporaries and later artists, as can be seen in an existing version by Rubens (now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna) and a sketch by Van Dyke (Chatsworth, collection of the Duke
of Devonshire). His work was greatly admired by the first owner of this painting, Alfonso II d’Este. King Augustus III of Poland and Elector of Saxony (1696–1763) purchased the painting directly from the Este collection in Modena in 1746, and it has remained in the Dresden collections since that time. • Once Upon a Tapestry: Woven Tales of Helen and Dido. Now – May 27, 2019. This exhibition presents a selection of artworks that explore the fates of two heroines from classical mythology whose stories have inspired poets, artists and musicians over the centuries: Helen of Troy and Dido of Carthage. Five tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries, along with a rare set of cartoons, illustrate the currency of these female-centric narratives in early modern Europe, the power of tapestry to visualize such stories and the inventiveness and skill employed to produce these splendid objects, made for the wealthiest and most distinguished patrons. • Matisse/Odalisque. Feb. 22 – June 17, 2019. The odalisque, a harem slave or concubine, was a popular subject in European art throughout the colonial period. These erotic images of women in the geographically vague “Orient” evoked a life of luxury and indolence far removed from 19th-century industrial society. Indeed, pictures of odalisques were often a matter of creative fantasy and invention rather than one of cultural documentation. This small-scale focus exhibition gathers together seven such subjects from the Norton Simon’s collections—in-
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cluding Frédéric Bazille’s Woman in a Moorish Costume (1869), Pablo Picasso’s Women of Algiers, Version "I" (1955), and Henri Matisse’s Odalisque with Tambourine (Harmony in Blue) (1926)—to show how artists exploit the tension between reality and artifice in these images. Matisse/ Odalisque contextualizes this artist’s distinctive approach to the orientalist theme with a range of examples from the 19th and 20th centuries. Pasadena Convention Center 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. Visit visitpasadena.com or call 626-793-2122 for more information. • SoCal Retro Gaming Expo. Feb. 23, 2019 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Feb. 24, 2019 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Dust off your old NES controllers, get out those Gameboy link cables, and brush up on your Smash Bros skills. The 4th annual SoCal Retro Gaming Expo will provide a weekend full of retro gaming, free-play arcades, your favorite YouTube personalities, tournaments, and of course vendors selling your favorite retro games and more. • Pasadena Spring Home Show. March 16, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; March 17, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. No matter what stage of remodeling your home is in, the Pasadena Spring Home Show is full of inspiration. View remodeling exhibits, product demonstrations, interior and exterior vignettes, and more. Discover fascinating and inspiring ideas and products for landscaping, home improvement and design. • Monsterpalooza 2019. April 12, 2019 from 6 – 11 p.m.; April 13 & 14, 2019 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Horror aficionados and the creative professionals who bring these scary creatures to life will return to the Pasadena Convention Center for the 11th Monsterpalooza. The show is for fans as well as industry professionals with more than 250 exhibitors, live makeup demonstrations, celebrity meet-and-greets, and a Monster Museum exhibition. • The Travel Expo. May 11, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Showcasing cultures, experiences, and people from across the globe, this event enables you to immerse yourself in and begin exploring a new destination—domestic or international—without leaving the greater L.A. area. Join industry leaders, influencers, travelers, tour operators, and representatives from around the world for panel discussions, breakout sessions, interactive roundtables,
55TH PASADENA SHOWCASE HOUSE OF DESIGN The 55th Pasadena Showcase House of Design will be held at the Boddy House on the grounds of Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge from April 21 - May 19, 2019 (Showcase House is closed Mondays). The Hollywood Regency style, 12,000-square-foot mansion was designed by James E. Dolena and PHOTO COURTESY OF PASADENA SHOWCASE HOUSE OF DESIGN will be reimagined by 27 designers. Tickets are $35 - $50 and include free parking at the shuttle location. Don’t miss the fabulous Shops at Showcase featuring 29 vendors and “pop-up shops” as well as Showcase design talks and an art gallery dedicated to California painters. Maple Restaurant and Camelia Cocktail Lounge are on site. For more information or tickets visit PasadenaShowcase.org or call 714-442-3872. Proceeds benefit arts and music programs throughout Southern California.
and personal interactions. Pasadena Playhouse 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Visit pasadenaplayhouse.org or call 626356-7529 for more information. • Ragtime. Now – March 3, 2019. The great American musical returns to L.A. for its first major production in 20 years. Nominated for 13 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Ragtime tells the story of three families at the turn of the 20th century in pursuit of the American dream. The award-winning score uses ragtime rhythms to paint a portrait of the people who built this country with the hopes for a brighter tomorrow. • MACH 33: The Caltech/Pasadena Playhouse Festival of New Science-Driven Plays. May 9 – 11, 2019. MACH 33 energizes the conversations about scientific, mathematical, and technological questions by staging readings of new, unpublished science-based plays from across the country. • Tiny Beautiful Things. Spring 2019. Based on the New York Times bestseller by Cheryl Strayed, the online advice column Dear Sugar comes to life on stage as a uniquely uplifting and moving play. Adapted by Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Tiny Beautiful Things is about reaching when you’re stuck, healing when you’re broken and finding the courage to take on the questions which have no answers. Pasadena Showcase House of Design Visit pasadenashowcase.org or call
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714-442-3872 for more information. • 55th Pasadena Showcase House of Design. April 21 – May 19, 2019. The Pasadena Showcase House of Design is one of the oldest, largest and most successful house and garden tours in the country. Complimentary parking, shuttle service and a keepsake program available. Pasadena Symphony and POPS Ambassador Auditorium, 131 South St. John Ave., Pasadena. Visit pasadenasymphony-pops.org or call 626793-7172 for more information. • Mahler Symphony No. 1 “Titan.” March 23, 2019 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Mahler’s monumental and gloriously sonorous Titan Symphony tops off a grandiose evening with International Beethoven Piano Competition winner Rodolfo Leone on Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21. • Beethoven Symphony No. 5. May 4, 2019 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Beloved violinist Anne Akiko Meyers returns with a remarkable new violin concerto by Grammy-nominated L.A. composer Adam Schoenberg, leading up to the four most famous notes in history with Beethoven’s infamous Fifth Symphony.
before. Choose your challenge between 30, 55 and 100-mile route options starting at the Rose Bowl Stadium, traveling through the stunning San Gabriel Mountains and other iconic Los Angeles landmarks. Stop at the fully-stocked rest stops along the way and celebrate in style with friends and family at the finish line with live music, a spectacular beer garden, delicious food, and a feeling of camaraderie that can’t be beat. • Masters of Taste. April 7, 2019 from 4 – 7 p.m. The fourth annual event, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting Union Station Homeless Services, introduces an exciting new host chef concept, featuring Michael Hung (Faith and Flower) as the premier event host/ambassador. Join over 2,500 food and beverage enthusiasts and walk the Rose Bowl field while enjoying delicious, unlimited tastings from L.A.’s top master chefs and restaurants, craft cocktail bars, wineries and local breweries. USC Pacific Asia Museum 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. Visit pacificasiamueum.usc.edu or call 626-449-2742 for more information. • Tsuruya Kokei: Modern Kabuki Prints Revised & Revisited. Now – July 14, 2019. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of this contemporary artist’s first solo show—held at PAM in spring 1989—it displays 77 prints by this artist widely celebrated as one of Japan’s leading contemporary print artists. The exhibition presents all of Kokei’s actor prints from 1984-1993. Because the artist limited his editions, such a complete collection is unprecedented.
ALTADENA Altadena Farmers’ Market 600 W. Palm St., Altadena. Visit altadenafarmersmarket.com or email hello@altadenafarmersmarket.com for more information. Wednesdays, 3 – 7 p.m. This certified market has multiple booths selling fresh fruits and vegetables as well as prepared and pre-packaged food that may be enjoyed onsite. Rain or shine. Altadena Main Library 600 E. Mariposa St., Altadena. Visit altadenalibrary.org or call 626-7980833 for more information. • Allan Wasserman Jazz Ensemble. March 9, 2019 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. A part of the Second Saturday series: come listen to this ensemble of multi-talented jazz musicians who are visible on many bandstands locally in the Los Angeles area and abroad. In addition to the music, enjoy food and beverages, dancing and fun. • Sangre Nueva. April 13, 2019 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. A part of the Second Saturday series which features live music, food and beverages, dancing and fun! ARCADIA Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. Visit arboretum.org or call 626-821-3222 for more information. • Digital Nature 2019. Feb. 27 – March 3, 2019 from 6 – 9 p.m. Experience amazing video and sound installations created by contemporary artists, who project their work onto
the lush landscape of the Los Angeles County Arboretum. Inspired by the natural world and technology, the artists explore themes as diverse as butterfly wings, bird songs, heavy metal, and interactive digital wildflowers. The evening includes a nohost bar and food will be available for purchase. • Found Among the Leaves; a Bibliophytology. Feb. 22 – May 28, 2019. The Library serves as both the project’s exhibition venue and its source material. Through works of collage, assemblage, painting, and objects from the Arboretum’s own collections, the exhibition unfolds as an aesthetic manifestation of the library itself: Trees made of books, flowers from scientific journals, bark as paper, etc. • Los Angeles Environmental Education Fair. March 30, 2019 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Several thousand families, educators, scouting groups, and students from all over the Los Angeles area come to network with local environmental community resources at this event. Learn about lifestyle solutions that impact the health of our planet through hands-on workshops and in-booth presentations. Other event activities include educational walking tours, multicultural music, drum circles, science scavenger hunts, art activities, eco-friendly demonstrations, and nature games for all ages. LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE Farmers Market 1300 Foothill Blvd., across from Memorial Park. Visit lacanadaflintridge.
Rose Bowl Stadium 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena. Visit rosebowlstadium.com or call 626449-0179 for more information. • Bike MS. March 23, 2019 at 7 a.m. Looking for something more than the traditional charity bike ride? Bike MS: Los Angeles is a ride that will take you farther than you’ve ever gone
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com/ events-page/farmers-market. html for more information. Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Vendors come from all over the region with fresh fruits, nuts, vegetables, flowers, baked goods and much, much more. Many items are organically grown. Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge. Visit descansogardens.org or call 818-949-4200 for more information. • Unusual Views at the Sturt Haaga Gallery. Now – June 9. Unusual Views features 82 artists' unique depictions of the Gardens. It is the third in a series of open-call, juried installations. For this show, artists were encouraged to make innovative use of media, present a personal point of view, and present an avant-garde representation of the Gardens. • Community Service Days. Jan. 19 & 26, Feb. 9 & 23, March 9 & 30, April 6 & 20, 2019 from 8 – 10:30 a.m. Get hands-on gardening experience during these volunteer opportunities. Descanso horticulture staff will provide supervision and guidance. No experience necessary; must be 16 or older. Bring garden gloves. Advance registration required by email to volunteer@descansogardens.org. • Plant Power (NightGarden). March 16, 2019 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Learn about the centuries-old practice of harnessing the power of plants for both mental and physical healing through a number of relaxing activities. • TOMATOMANIA! March 29 – 31, 2019 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Back by popular demand, the world’s largest tomato seedling sale returns to Descanso Gardens. Enjoy tips from experts on growing great tomatoes, a tomato cooking demo, and tomato-themed activities for the whole family. • LA Blooms! (NightGarden). April 6, 2019 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Celebrate the variety and beauty of flowers at Descanso. Wear your best florals as you enjoy and learn about blossoms. • Mt. SAC Plant Sale. April 10 – 13, 2019 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Students from Mount San Antonio College’s horticulture program will sell a variety of potted plants to make your garden bloom this spring. • City Nature Challenge BioBlitz. April 27 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. A BioBlitz is a community that focuses on identify-
NIGHT GARDEN AT DESCANSO This spring, Descanso Gardens opens its gates for Night Garden at Descanso, special evenings of science, music, libations and surprises running monthly through May. Whether you’re a plant aficionado or just up for something new, Descanso can’t wait to welcome you. “People often wonder what goes on after hours in the Gardens, so this spring we’re giving guests the opportunity to learn more about nature through oncea-month nighttime events,” said Juliann Rooke, Executive Director. “Now, they can take a tour, dance to music under the trees, learn about nature in a natural setting…all while enjoying delicious food and PHOTO © MARTHA BENEDICT beverages.” At Plant Power on March 16, visitors can enjoy relaxing activities that will help them understand the amazing potential of the living things that grow all around us. On April 6, LA Blooms! will celebrate the flower power of Descanso. At Science Quest on May 18, attendees can learn about science from the ground below to the stars above. Night Garden at Descanso events take place from 5:30 – 8: 30 p.m. The cost is $5 for members and $15 for non-members. Register online at www.descansogardens. org; in person at the Descanso Gardens Visitor Center (1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge); or by phone at (818) 949-4200.
ing wildlife species in a specific place in a short amount of time. Come BioBlitz at Descanso and contribute to the worldwide 2019 City Nature Challenge. Learn how to upload photos to iNaturalist and add wildlife discoveries to a growing map of nature in L.A. Advance registration required. • Science Quest (NightGarden). May 18, 2019. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Discover the science of nature that surrounds us. It’s like science class, but even more fun! SAN MARINO The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino. Visit huntington.org or call 626-205-2100 for more information. • Orbit Pavilion. Now – Sep. 2, 2019. Satellites that study the Earth are passing through space continuously, collecting data on everything from hurricanes to the effects of drought. NASA’s Orbit Pavilion sound experience is an outdoor installation that produces an innovative “soundscape” experience representing the movement of the International Space Station and 19 Earth Science satellites. Inside the large, shellshaped sculpture, distinctive sounds are emitted as each satellite passes overhead: a human voice, the crashing of a wave, a tree branch moving, a frog croaking. Each sound interprets one of the satellites’ missions.
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• Project Blue Boy. Now – Sep. 30, 2019. One of the most iconic artworks in British and American history, The Blue Boy, made around 1770 by English painter Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), undergoes its first major technical examination and conservation treatment in public view, in a special satellite conservation studio set up at the west end of the Thornton Portrait Gallery in the Huntington Art Gallery. Project Blue Boy offers visitors a glimpse into the technical processes of a senior conservator working on the famous painting as well as background on its history, mysteries, and artistic virtues. • Bonsai-a-Thon 2019. Feb. 23 – 24, 2019. Southern California bonsai masters will share their passion and expertise during the 23rd annual Bonsai-a-Thon, presented by the Golden State Bonsai Federation. The two-day celebration of the art of bonsai includes displays of masterpiece trees, demonstrations of bonsai styling, prize drawings, a “bonsai bazaar,” and a live auction at 3 p.m. each day. Related workshops for adults and children will be offered with advanced registration. Proceeds from the event support the Golden State Bonsai Collection at The Huntington. • Annual Spring Plant Sale. April 27, 2019 from 1 – 5 p.m.; April 28, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. You’ll find ideas, inspiration, and beautiful plants at The Huntington’s Annual Spring Plant Sale. Members shop early at special
preview opportunities on April 26 & 27, 2019. One of the highlights at this year’s sale is the beautiful new floribunda rose, “Huntington’s Hundredth,” which was introduced to commemorate the institution’s upcoming centennial. Home gardeners in search of water-wise choices will find a wonderful selection of Southwestern, Australian, and native Californian plants, plus a wide array of stylish cacti and succulents. There will be delicious herbs and edibles, fruit and landscape trees and grasses, groundcovers, tropicals, perennials, and more. For non-members, general admission to the gardens is required to enter the sale area. SOUTH PASADENA Farmers’ Market Meridian Ave. and El Centro St. next to the South Pasadena Metro Gold Line Station. Visit southpasadenafarmersmarket.org for more information. Thursdays, 4 – 8 p.m. This year-round, award-winning market features certified farmers that grow the produce they sell—they do not buy it from second party sellers—which ensures fresh, quality produce, generally picked within 24 hours of appearing at the Market. Great prepared food options, breads and other goodies available. Open rain or shine. South Pasadena’s Eclectic Music Festival and Arts Crawl Throughout South Pasadena. Visit theeclectic.rocks for more information. • South Pasadena’s Eclectic Music Festival and Arts Crawl. April 27, 2019. This event, which is celebrating its 11th anniversary, features a diverse musical line-up performed on multiple stages around town. There’s an Arts Crawl featuring art venues, food and beverages available all over town, a collection of artisans offering special wares, and an opportunity to meet the merchants and restaurants in South Pasadena. The festival is family-friendly and free to attend. Taste of South Pasadena Along Mission St. and Fair Oaks Ave. in South Pasadena. Visit southpasadenarotary.org for more information. • 8th Annual Taste of South Pasadena. April 16, 2019 from 6 – 9 p.m. Stroll along Fair Oaks Ave. and Mission St. for a special evening featuring tastings from your favorite local restaurants, great live music and fun for
the whole family. Presented by the Rotary Club of South Pasadena, all proceeds benefit local nonprofit organizations. LOS ANGELES The Broad 221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Visit thebroad.org or call 213-232-6200 for more information. • Soul of a Nation: Art In the Age of Black Power 1963-1983. March 23 – Sept. 1, 2019. This exhibition shines a bright light on the vital contributions of black artists over two decades, beginning in 1963 at the height of the civil rights movement. The exhibition examines the influences, from the civil rights and Black Power movements to Minimalism and developments in abstraction, on artists such as Romare Bearden, Barkley Hendricks, and Noah Purifoy. Featuring the work of 60 artists and including vibrant paintings, powerful sculptures, street photography, murals, and more, this landmark exhibition is a rare opportunity to see era-defining artworks that changed the face of art in America. LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Visit lacma.org or call 323-857-6000 for more information. • West of Modernism: California Graphic Design, 1975-1995. Now – April 21, 2019. The late 20th century was a transformational period for graphic design. Questioning the increasingly rigid rules of modernism, designers pressed for greater autonomy in their work. Drawn entirely from the acquisitions made since 2014, this installation explores how the intense ideological debates and technological changes were manifested in posters and publications. • The Jeweled Isle: Art From Sri Lanka. Now – June 23, 2019. The first comprehensive survey of Sri Lankan art organized by an American museum, The Jeweled Isle: Art from Sri Lanka presents some 250 works addressing nearly two millennia of Sri Lankan history. Featuring LACMA’s rarely displayed collection of Sri Lankan art— one of the finest and most extensive in the U.S.—the exhibition presents a timely exploration and celebration of a geographically complex, ethnically diverse, and multicultural South Asian hub. • Charles White: A Retrospective. Feb. 17 – June 9, 2019. The first ma-
jor 21st century museum retrospective on this famed mid-century artist, Charles White: A Retrospective traces White’s career and impact in the cities he called home: Chicago, his birthplace; New York, where he joined social causes and gained acclaim; and L.A., where he developed his mature art and became a civil rights activist. The exhibition includes approximately 100 drawings and prints along with lesser-known oil paintings. • Power of Pattern: Central Asian Ikats from the David and Elizabeth Reisbord Collection. Feb. 23 – July 28, 2019. Central Asia’s textiles are rich with patterns influenced by the various cultures that traveled through or settled along the historic Silk Road. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the region experienced a renaissance in ikat, a technique where silk threads were bound and resist-dyed before being woven into cloth. Power of Pattern showcases over 60 examples of visually dynamic Central Asian ikat robes and panels, generous gifts from the David and Elizabeth Reisbord Collection. Organized by motif, the exhibition examines how the region’s textile designers, dyers, and weavers used improvisation and abstraction to create textiles truly unique to this region. LA Phil Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Visit laphil. com or call 213-972-7282 for more information. • BREATHEWATCHLISTENTOUCH – The Work and Music of Yoko Ono. Mar. 22, 2019 at 8 p.m. Throughout this exceptional evening, both Ono’s art and music will be performed by an ensemble of special guests in a concert-length celebration of her sixtyplus-year career. • American Youth Symphony & National Children’s Chorus. March 31, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. Prepare to be inspired by this amazing performance from two incredible youth ensembles. L.A.’s storied American Youth Symphony and the accomplished singers of the National Children’s Chorus return for an inspiring demonstration of the future of our art. • While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, The Quarterly Magazine assumes no responsibility for omissions or errors.
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550-0388
37
Alpha Structural
(323) 258-5482
48
Bourland, Kevin -Compass
(213) 407-4754
17
ADVERTISER
PHONE PAGE
Middleman, Meg - Century 21
441-3449
34
Mission Tile West
799-4595
12
Mission West Kitchen and Bath
799-3503
13
Chesbro Tree Care
799-4552
34
Morrow & Holman Plumbing, Inc. 799-3115
16
Dahl Architects, Inc.
564-0011
16
Nott & Associates
403-0844
3
Downing, Michele - Pacific Union International
523-6939
67
Paquette, Linda Eliana
(800) 400-5353
61
Partnership Painting, Inc.
449-4097
53
Family Chiropractic Center of South Pasadena
441-4888
31 Pasadena Photography
344-4112
41
Fedde’s
796-7103 68
Pasadena Showcase House
(714) 442-3872
41
Halpin, Sarah - Markey & Associates
664-1598
35
Phillips Eye Center
446-1600
34
P.M. Jacoy
799-4600
21
Hartman Baldwin Huntington Hospital
486-0510
7 Port O’Call
399-0536
4
421-7733
22 Reimagine Your Home
799-3656
15
J & J Plumbing
799-7121
49 27
287-1146
49
Rogers, Sarah - Compass
390-0511
Jorjorian Rug Co. June Scott Design
765-7074
31
San Marino Security
285-7778
48
Knuth, Shirley - Castle & Home Realtors
233-5202
16
Single Stone
799-3109
5
Tom Nott Architect
703-4740
14
Vana Watch & Jewelry
799-9919
55
Vlacich, Lin - Sotheby’s International Realty
688-6464
23
Laurel & Fey
(818) 256-7424
63
Majors, Carol - Coldwell Banker
399-9665
2
Mehlmauer, Marilyn, M.D.
585-9474
53
The Meng Group - Dilbeck Real Estate
536-1686
60
To advertise in The Quarterly Magazine please call Joelle at (626) 792-4925
450 CALIFORNIA TERRACE PASADENA House: 3 Bed, 5 Bath Year Built: 1921 Retreat: 127 Square Feet (measured)
House: 5,604 Square Feet (measured) Garage: 468 Square Feet (measured) Lot: 12,150 Square Feet (per assessor)
Offered at $2,898,000
MICHELE DOWNING
Executive Director, Estates Division 626 523 6939 | michele.downing@pacunionla.com License 01046965
66 / The Quarterly Magazine / Spring 2019
Visit 450CaliforniaTerrace.com
Spring 2019 / The Quarterly Magazine / 67
Pacific Union International does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size, or other information concerning the condition or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from public records and other sources and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. If your property is currently listed, this is not a solicitation.
COLLECTOR QUALITY FURNITURE SINCE 1900
EVERY COLLECTION A CLASSIC
www.Fedde.com
Come in today and enjoy the largest display of beautiful Stickley Furniture in California. Our large selection, experienced designers and exceptional values will make it easy to find your own personal style. We feature every Stickley collection, including a large selection of Craftsman style lighting, pictures & accessories.
fine homefurnishings since 1937 • interior design 2350 EAST COLORADO BLVD.
Magazine / Spring 2019 • 626-796-7103 PASADENA 168 / The Quarterly
32 NORTH SIERRA MADRE BLVD. PASADENA • 626-844-1160