Arroyo Monthly August

August 2021

Fine living in the greater Pasadena area

Products WITH SOUL MOKUYOBI ADDS A SPLASH OF COLOR TO FUNCTIONAL BAGS

PUTTING THE SMACKDOWN REPUBLIC OF LUCHA CELEBRATES PRO WRESTLING

+ JULIENNE

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arroyo

VOLUME 17 | NUMBER 7 | AUGUST 2021

Stop Fighting With Your Sliding Door

18 06 SAFETY AND LEARNING ARE THE NEW NORMS

Superintendent welcomes the new school year —By Brian McDonald, Ed.D.

08 DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Return to school in style with these suggestions —By Olivia Dow

18 PRODUCTS WITH SOUL

Mokuyobi adds a splash of color to functional backpacks —By Olivia Dow

22 NIMBLE CHARM

Julienne keeps its atmosphere vivid and alive —By Frier McCollister

30 THE MAIN SQUEEZE

Accordionist Nick Ariondo continues his cinematic journey —By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

32 ‘LEAP OF FAITH’

Pasadena film festival looking to make September return —By Connor Dziawura

34 LIFE, LIBERTY, LUCHA

Republic of Lucha gives wrestling focus to gift shop —By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

36 STEERING SUPPORT

San Marino Motor Classic gives back to nonprofits —By Laura Latzko

DEPARTMENTS 26 28

COCKTAILS Refreshing and Easy CULINARY CUPBOARD Nutty Nostalgia

arroyo

fine living in the greater pasadena area

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski ART DIRECTOR Stephanie Torres CONTRIBUTORS Emily Chavez, Olivia Dow, Connor Dziawura, Laura Latzko, Frier McCollister, Brian McDonald, Hermann Samano PHOTOGRAPHER Luis Chavez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lisa Chase, Catherine Holloway, Michael Lamb OFFICE MANAGER Ann Turrietta

TIMES MEDIA GROUP PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine V.P. OF OPERATIONS Michael Hiatt ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Zac Reynolds CONTACT US EDITORIAL christina@timespublications.com PHONE (626) 584-1500 FAX (626) 795-0149 MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1349, South Pasadena, CA 91031 ArroyoMonthly.com ©2021 Times Media Group All rights reserved.

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IMMACULATE HEART

A Catholic, Independent, College Preparatory School For Girls Grades 6-12

BACK TO SCHOOL

SAFETY AND LEARNING ARE THE NEW NORMS SUPERINTENDENT WELCOMES THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

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“Educating the Hearts & Minds of Young Women Since 1906”

5515 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (323) 461-3651 ♥ www.immaculateheart.org

BY BRIAN MCDONALD, ED.D.

he first day of school in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is Thursday, August 12. Classes will be full time and in person, five days a week on campus, and PUSD staff is very excited to begin our school year with new initiatives.

With the academic, safety and social-emotional well-being of our students and staff as our guides, we are opening the new school year with a focus on the whole person. We’re preparing students for the future by inspiring the joy of learning in every child every day.

Our approach this year is to reset, reengage and reignite. Through a lens of diversity, equity and inclusion, we’re working through the impacts of the pandemic by accelerating learning in our classrooms and magnifying students’ growth in the new school year.

PUSD students can progress faster and further with innovative academic programs and “whole-person” (cognitive, emotional and social) support.

According to the CDC, state and local public health authorities, in-person instruction can occur safely when prevention strategies are implemented. PUSD has a robust set of safety measures already in place and will fully comply with the state’s public health requirements for schools.

Masks are required at all times when indoors for everyone on campus, unless exempted. Schools will provide masks for students who don’t have them.

For the health and safety of all members of our school communities, we encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible. PUSD Health Programs staff are continuing to work with the Pasadena Public Health Department and the LA County Department of Public Health to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to PUSD students and staff. For information regarding upcoming clinics, please see myturn.ca.gov or email healthprograms@pusd.us.

After being off campus for so long, students may experience some issues in returning to in-person learning. To support students’ mental health as they return to learning on campus, our schools have comprehensive, integrated and culturally sensitive learning activities and services to help students not only cope with life’s challenges but also to thrive. When students return to school, they will engage in social-emotional learning exercises to boost their confidence and communication skills. Teachers and students can access online “wellness studios” with resources, guides and activities. We’re also prepared to quickly identify warning signs and trigger early intervention and prevention strategies to ensure that our students build resilience and are able to thrive with a sense of safety.

To mitigate the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are improving access to and equity in the delivery of services, expanding participation in academic programs, and improving outcomes for students and families through two initiatives: the Superintendent’s Student Success Schools and Community Schools.

These initiatives target intensive services at schools with significantly higher numbers of students furthest from opportunity and address barriers to educational outcomes.

In an early adoption of new state law, PUSD middle and high schools will start the school day later. Middle schools will start at 8:15 a.m. and high schools at 8:30 a.m. Elementary schools will return to pre-pandemic schedules of 7:50 or 8:45 a.m., depending on the school, with complete information at 2021-2022 School Schedules at pusd.us.

State guidance is still in development about independent study policies and options. In anticipation of final guidance, we’re working on a virtual independent study option for students who may prefer to remain at home in the fall. We will share more information with you as soon as the guidelines are finalized. Visit pusd. us/backtoschool for the latest updates.

As we continue to navigate through changing circumstances, our commitment is clear: to educate and serve our students with an approach that honors each child’s wellness.

We’re looking forward to welcoming students, employees and families to the new school year!

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block9

9 DAYS OF FUN, FREE, LOCAL SUMMER EVENTS

Day One builds vibrant, healthy cities by advancing public health, empowering youth, and igniting change

Day One 175 N Euclid Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101

er t s i reg 01

Movies on the Lawn 6pm-9pm Grab a towel, a picnic, and some friends, then head over to our urban beach to soak in some sun. Free Bike Repair, Bike Valet and Treats.

02 LUAU

Mindful Monday 5pm-8pm Make Monday a Zen Day. Join us for some herbal tea, meditation, healthy snacks, yoga, balancing music, and various forms of creative expression.

August 8th

03

Sip-N-Paint 10am-12pm Enjoy a refreshing beverage and snacks with friends and family while re-creating a featured painting! Paint, canvas and brushes

AQUA

are provided to unleash your inner Van Gogh.

August 7th

04

Senior Kick-Off Day 3-6pm Incoming High School Seniors and Juniors in Pasadena are invited to a fun evening of food, friends,

games, music, and real

talk about how to get geared up for the college days ahead.

05

Fit Fest 2pm-6pm Join us at Day One's urban beach for some healthy snacks, smoothies, Circuit Training, Obstacle Course, and Beach Volleyball Tournament.

06

Custom 12pm-3pm Unleash your creativity by joining us for free tie dye,t-shirt making.

07

Urban Beach Open

Aqua Day 11am-3pm Join us at Day One's urban beach where you can cool off in our

August 1st - 9th

splash zone, enjoy some fruit pops, face painting, DIY arts &

from 3 - 8 pm

crafts and water balloon games.

08

Dip your toes in the sand, play some beach volleyball, cool off with water

LUAU 4pm-8pm Join us at Day One's urban beach where you can dip your toes

games, and enjoy the warm summer

in the sand, play some beach volleyball, cool off with water

evenings. Fun for the whole family!

games, and enjoy a wonderful hula show. Family Fun !

Register at:

https://bit.ly/block9_2021

MOVIE NIGHT

August 1st

www.goDayOne.org

09

Beach Party 3-8pm Chill with us as we wrap up our last day of BLOCK9 with friends, food, and good times!

#day1do

This material was made by funds from the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Adidas men’s leopard print badge of sport T-shirt, $25

Epic Threads Big Boys short-sleeve graphic tee, $20

Adidas man’s original color-blocked trefoil logo hoodie, $65

Champion Big Girls short-sleeve dip-dye tee, $18

G-Star Raw Men’s Rovic 3D straight tapered pants, $140

Hippie Rose juniors lace-trimmed textured top, $24

Success DRESS FOR

RETURN TO SCHOOL IN STYLE WITH THESE SUGGESTIONS

A

BY OLIVIA DOW

fter spending a year in casual clothing for online classes, students can make a fashionable return to school in denim, classic T-shirts and tie-dye — all of which are trendy this year.

Shannon Giancotta, the Macy’s Pasadena Plaza store manager, says students are looking to elevate their style as they return to school in person again this fall.

“Kids are really looking forward to kind of showing off their personal style,” Giancotta says. “Stepping it up a little bit, maybe bringing a little more fashion, a little more personality or personal touches. I also think we’re going to see definitely more accessorizing.

Champion men’s ombré fleece sweatshirt, $50

continued on page 10

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Give your child the best chance to thrive with PUSD.

We believe

COGNITIVE + SOCIAL + EMOTIONAL SKILLS

go together in nurturing confident children.

A compassionate approach that honors each child’s mental and emotional wellness.

Low-cost access to highvalue resources, including language immersion programs, all-inclusive campuses, and technology tools.

Learning experiences designed to grow children into confident problem-solvers.

pusd.us/enroll Book your tour today!

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Univibe Big Boys Zenith Stripe shirt, $20 Adidas young back-to-school creator backpack, $40 This matching set, Rare Editions Little Girls linen top and shorts, $44 Levi’s cropped wide-leg utility jeans, $69.50

Epic Threads Big Boy short-sleeve shirt mixes tie-dye and sunset colors, $20

Dickies overall mini dress in red, $50

Polo Ralph Lauren Little Girls tie-dye leggings, $35

Univibe Big Boys Montecito tie-dye shirt, $20

continued from page 8

“We’re going to see a lot of kids really kind of stepping up their accessory game as they go back to have some fun and show their personalities.”

Pasadena kids are gravitating toward brands like Champion and Levi’s when they’re back-to-school shopping. To ensure success, students need to have the basics in their closet.

“Active is still important. A great hoodie, a great pair of active shorts or joggers that can go from the desk to the field is important for kids,” Giancotta says. “Backpacks are obviously very important. I think every kid needs a great pair of fashion sneakers that, again, can take them from the desk to the field for PE or for just fun. I think those are really critical, essential that every kid needs.”

Check out more back-to-school looks at Macy’s.

Macy’s 401 S. Lake Avenue, Pasadena 626-792-0211

Meld tie-dye and Fortnight with this backpack, $42

Carry school supplies this year with this quilted tie-dye backpack from Love 2 Design for $42.

This Love Tribe MTV logo shirt, $24

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© 2021 City of Hope

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CITY OF DEFY THE ODDS

BACK TO SCHOOL

Committed TO EXCELLENCE IMMACULATE HEART OFFERS RIGOROUS ACADEMIC PROGRAM

A

2021

VOTED BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR 2019, 2020 AND 2021

BY IMMACULATE HEART

Catholic, independent, college preparatory school, Immaculate Heart empowers young women in sixth through 12th grades as lifelong learners ready to face today’s challenges and opportunities.

Founded in 1906, Immaculate Heart remains committed to intellectual excellence, leadership and service through a rigorous and integrated program of academic, spiritual and co-curricular activities.

Its hillside campus, centrally located in Los Angeles near Griffith Park, welcomes students of geographic, ethnic and religious diversity. Virtually 100% matriculate to college, including the country’s most prestigious universities. The high school offers honors and Advanced Placement courses, including AP Capstone.

Each year, IH Pandas show spirit and skill in 10 sports. Students also participate in community service, retreats and liturgies, theatrical productions, arts and more than 30 clubs.

Bus transportation serves Pasadena.

Immaculate Heart High School and Middle School 5515 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles 323-461-3651, immaculateheart.org

Creating SCHOLARS CLAIRBOURN SCHOOL ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO BECOME LEADERS WITH HEART

A

BY CLAIRBOURN SCHOOL

n independent school for preschool through eighth grade, Clairbourn School is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The staff is proud of the rigorous curriculum, inspired teaching, character building and strong community.

Clairbourn School was voted Best Private School in the San Gabriel Valley for three consecutive years. It is committed to “Creating Scholars and Leaders with Heart.” Graduates stand out because of this.

To learn more, call 626-286-3108 or visit clairbourn.org.

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UCLA Student Union

South Pasadena Library Expansion

American Academy of Dramatic Arts

D.S. EWING ARCHITECTS INC. supports emerging architectural professionals through the american institute of architects pasadena & foothill chapter scholarship committee fundraising programs & summer interships for architecture students.

Covina City Hall

Julienne Restaurant

Universal Studios Amphitheater

We All Live and Work in Architecture Please consider helping local Architecture students continue their education by contributing to the Jean Roth Driskel Scholarship Fund.

Each year the scholarship program benefits one community architecture college student and one student in an accredited Architecture program in the Los Angeles area. The fund was established in 1971 to honor Jean Roth Driskel, the first woman president of the Pasadena & Foothill AIA. For more information visit www.calfund.org/jean-roth-driskel-scholarship/

Prince of Peace Church

Smiser Scout Center - Pasadena

Rose Hills Memorial Park

www.ewingarchitects.com | 626.584.0860 08.21 | ARROYO | 13

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Supportive Your community music school

AND ENERGETIC TEAM

MUSIC SCHOOL IN PASADENA THRIVES DURING COVID-19

BY PASADENA MUSIC ACADEMY

F

Pasadena Conservatory of Music admits students of any race, color, national/ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religious affiliation, and ability. PCM does not discriminate in its admission, retention, financial aid, scholarship, educational policies, or school administered programs.

ormerly Modern Music School, Pasadena Music Academy grew to almost 500 students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We believe our success stems from the amazing community we’ve built here,” says Ulf Geist, owner.

“Our team works hard every day to create a supportive and energetic environment where students are excited to arrive and learn something new.”

PMA offers private music lessons to students of all ages and experience levels in piano, guitar, voice, drums, bass, DJ, music production, ukulele, violin, early childhood music classes and more.

Join an amazing community and discover new inspiration and a passion for making music that will last a lifetime.

To schedule a free trial lesson, call/text 626-578-9242 or visit pasadenamusic.com.

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Since 1998 Times Media Group has been a locally owned news and entertainment media company. Fast forward to today and TMG is now one of the largest print and digital media companies in the Southwest. With this level of growth and expansion we need to add to our multi-media sales team.

Times Media Group is seeking an experienced advertising account executive. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced advertising sales professional.

TMG has grown significantly as a result of its great professional team, and its well-known print and digital media platforms, including the Pasadena Weekly and Arroyo Magazine.

WHAT WE NEED Two years of outside advertising sales experience is preferred. A good candidate for this position is financially motivated, possesses exceptional organizational skills and is ready to embrace a real opportunity to work on a quality team.

An ideal candidate will be familiar with the San Gabriel Valley area including Pasadena, Alhambra, Altadena, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena and the surrounding areas.

We are seeking an individual who can sell solutions not just ads, who appreciates straighttalk, and is hardworking, motivated, and values working in a positive team environment.

WHAT WE OFFER + Base Pay/Commission + Health Benefits + 401(k) + Paid Vacations and Holidays If, based on the requirements, you are a qualified candidate and would like to join a quality team and get on with your future, respond with your resume and a cover letter outlining why you believe you are a good fit for the position. We are currently scheduling interviews.

Times Media Group offers a positive work environment, great product line and a significant opportunity for income growth.

Times Media Group: Times Media Group is a digital and print media company that operates in the Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego and Los Angeles markets. It serves a wide variety of demographic audiences and communities.

E-mail Resumes & Cover Letter to: Zac@timespublicstions.com 14 | ARROYO | 08.21

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Diana Brandin of Diana Brandin Realtime Captioning and ASL has changed people’s lives with her services.

Lives

CHANGING

DIANA BRANDIN GIVES THE HARD OF HEARING EQUAL ACCESS TO THE SPOKEN WORD

D

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

iana Brandin offers a challenge. Put cotton balls carefully in your ears and then try to hear your loved ones speak. Or, imagine seeing “Hamilton” and the sound system goes out.

That’s what it’s like to be hard of hearing.

“Nobody would be able to hear, and that would be really frustrating,” she says about the “Hamilton” scenario. “You could just hear a little bit of murmuring on the stage. That’s it.

“Every day, persons with deafness or who are hard of hearing find activities, school or communicating in the workplace difficult for them.

Sign language and captioning is what helps them.”

From its inception in 2004, Diana Brandin Realtime Captioning has focused on helping as many persons as possible to have equal access to the spoken word. Independently and collectively, she has worked and continues to work with several captioning agencies to play a major role in assisting others to have equal access to the spoken word, or “communication access,” as described by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“We’ve gone on-site and remote, captioning for people in educational and business settings,” she says.

“With COVID happening, there’s an increased demand because everything went virtual.

“People take for granted their hearing. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, they don’t have the opportunity to do that. They stare at the

interpreter or the captions. We offer transcripts. They need to participate in sync with everyone else. If someone’s voting in a meeting and the (leader) says, ‘Say aye,’ you don’t want them to be delayed or not have their vote count.”

Not being able to hear can leave folks feeling isolated or cut off from friends. Especially in these times of social distancing, staying connected by phone is important.

One couple told Brandin they were thrilled with her captioning service because their daughter, who was in the ninth grade, laughed in class for the first time. She was also getting to sleep earlier because she didn’t have to stay up late, struggling to learn what had been covered by the teacher.

“That really touched my heart,” Brandin says.

She works with persons of all ages, education levels and occupations.

“So many different people use sign language and captioning just to understand what’s going on,” Brandin says. “With COVID, people are experiencing a lot of frustration and tenseness because their lives have changed. They can’t go to the grocery store or movies. They’ve had to make adjustments. Everybody has. Having captioning enables them to be able to participate in anything.”

The year 2020 was ADA’s 30th anniversary. Brandin reflects on it, saying the act made it possible for people to have a fuller life.

“This country is excellent about that,” she says. “I’ve worked with local colleges that have a large international body of students. Students would marvel and say, ‘This is so wonderful.’ Students would not get this service if they stayed in their home country.

“Other countries don’t even have wheelchair ramps. Elevators accommodate people, and a lot of technology is changing the landscape.

There are Zoom meetings for which we provide sign language (interpretations) and captioning.”

Brandin has been providing these services as a team since 2009, and solo since 2004. Her business has blossomed to work with schools, businesses, nonprofits, courts, private events, wedding and funerals.

“Pretty much anywhere people are speaking, that’s where our services will come in handy to them,” she says.

At funerals and weddings, for example, Brandin installs screens onsite or offers the service on tablets or smartphones. Funerals, these days, are via Zoom, so they can click on captioning or Brandin provides a link to a private device.

Captioning was a logical progression for Brandin. She took courses in court reporting but then heard about captioning. In 2004, her first realtime captioning assignment was a continuing legal education class.

“The attorney we worked with was extremely kind and was very helpful, as he had worked with captioners before,” she recalls. “He was the perfect client back then, and still is today.”

In her business’ infancy, she worked primarily with several captioning agencies. Brandin mentored soon-to-be captioners to help them become gainfully employed.

“To this day many captioners thank us for the experience they gained working with us,” Brandin says.

As the demand for Brandin’s talents increased, it became necessary to grow from a solo operation to a team of on-site and remote captioners. In 2006, she ventured into remote real-time captioning services for classrooms and businesses.

Brandin added remote captioning for livestreamed videos, conferences and webinars.

“Clients enjoy viewing captions on their mobile devices, smartphones, tablets, laptops, projectors, jumbotrons or other display devices in a variety of settings,” she says.

“I am personally so excited about the technology. It’s amazing.”

Diana Brandin Realtime Captioning and ASL 818-279-8163 db.realtimecaptioning@gmail.com onpointcaptions.com

Photo courtesy of Diana Brandin

BACK TO SCHOOL

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Mokuyobi offers handmade, unique and colorful backpacks, fanny packs, purses, accessories and clothing.

Soul PRODUCTS WITH

MOKUYOBI ADDS A SPLASH OF COLOR TO FUNCTIONAL BACKPACKS

Every item in Julie Pinzur’s shop is made locally and uses supplies from local vendors to support the LA Downtown community.

continued on page 20

Photos by Luis Chavez

J

BY OLIVIA DOW

ulie Pinzur saw a “hole in the market” for fun and functional backpacks, so she created them herself.

In 2006, she founded South Pasadena-based Mokuyobi and splashed color all over the industry with her design of backpacks and other accessories. Soon she is opening a store in Downtown LA. “My whole goal is to bring the ultimate mashing of fun and function together,” Pinzur says. “It actually works. It’s functional. It’s quality made.”

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continued from page 18

Julie Pinzur, owner of Mokuyobi, is achieving her goal by moving into a store in Little Tokyo in Downtown LA.

Mokuyobi 101 Japanese Village Plaza, Los Angeles mokuyobi.com

Photos by Luis Chavez

Mokuyobi’s products aren’t made to blend in with the crowd. Owner Julie Pinzur said she purposefully chooses bright colors because it makes people smile.

With Mokuyobi, Pinzur designs bags, accessories and apparel, led by bold colors, magic and “awesome sauce” — and they’re all produced locally in LA. That’s been a priority for Pinzur.

“We make everything with local Los Angeles contractors,” she says.

“We support our local community. That’s always been super important to me. I’m working with people who make the products. It feels very personal, which I like. I feel that creating a product with a soul means something, which is special.”

Pinzur has been sewing and constructing bags for 20 years, and she created all of the bag samples. This connection, she says she believes, makes Mokuyobi special.

“This way you can score bags, apparel, hats and patches that are not only seriously cool products but also make sense for your day to day,” she says.

“We definitely don’t aim to blend in. Color and usability are frontiers that we are always exploring. We enjoy taking a different approach to bag shapes, styles and palettes that haven’t been done before.”

The bright colors immediately have an effect on people, Pinzur explains. The products, whether it’s the citrus fanny packs or the colorful T-shirts, bring smiles to people’s faces.

“When it comes down to it, everyone just wants to have a good time,” she says. , means Thursday in Japanese. To Mokuyobi, or Pinzur, Thursday is the best day of the week because there is “always something to look forward to.”

“Whether it’s Thursday, your buddy’s party, vacation time or a hot date, there are always good things coming that spark excitement,” she says. “We strive to create that same spark in you when your Mokuyobi package arrives.”

Mokuyobi’s bags hold everything one needs in an easy-to-access and functional bag. The choices are creative. Square mesh backpacks ($65 to $70) are creative, as are the new citrus fruit collection ($75), which puts a cool spin on fanny packs.

“I love the idea of your backpack being your on-the-go house,” she says. “It’s everything you need, all of your necessities for what you need when you’re not at home. You bring your style from your home décor and have it be fun and functional.”

All Mokuyobi bags and backpacks have lifetime warranty and a guarantee from manufacturer’s defects.

“We always are here to fix it for free,” Pinzur says.

She loves to design her accessories, clothing and bags. The clothing is just as fun, with color-blocked T-shirts (starting at $46) and others that appear to have a splash of paint ($46). She says when she sketches the plans, she loves to see the drawing come to life.

“I don’t overly focus on trends, I try to follow my heart in terms of construction and design and what I think would be helpful to offer someone,” Pinzur says.

Pinzur is looking forward to opening a storefront in DTLA after working from her Pasadena office for years.

“We are opening our first store in Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles,” she says. “That has been my goal since I started the brand. I’ve always wanted to have a real brick-and-mortar store.

“It’s been really fun to interact with customers, and even people coming from out of town will visit. It’s so exciting to have an actual store people can come to and they’re not walking into our office. It’s more of a professional store setting, which is really exciting for me.”

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A Citibank deposit account and automated monthly transfers of the mortgage payment from a Citibank personal deposit account using automated drafting will be required to receive Citibank Mortgage Relationship Pricing. Ask a mortgage representative for details on eligible balances and the qualifying closing cost credit or rate discount. Availability of the Citibank Mortgage Relationship Pricing for Citibank account holders is subject to change without notice.

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Available for clients with a minimum of $500,000 or more in investable post-close assets, and at least $50,000 in traditional assets must be on deposit with Citi at least 10 days prior to closing. This amount may be part of the $500,000 eligibility requirement. Real estate, loan proceeds, stock options, restricted stock and personal property will not be counted as part of the $500,000 or more investable post-close assets or the $50,000 in traditional assets. Net cash value of life insurance can be counted as part of the $500,000 but not part of the traditional assets. Investable assets are defined as deposit accounts (checking, savings, money market, Certificates of Deposit), unrestricted stocks, non-vested stock and restricted stock, bonds and retirement accounts held by the individual who is personally liable on the loan. These asset types held in revocable trust may be used provided the trust document meets the Trust Policy. 100% of the face value of all assets, except non-vested stock and restricted stock, may be used to calculate the amount of funds available to meet the eligibility criteria. For non-vested stock and restricted stock, the borrower must be 100% vested within 1 year of closing and a maximum of 70% of value may be used to calculate qualifying equity. Additional conditions apply. ©2021 Citibank, N.A. NMLS# 412915. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Citi, Citi and Arc Design and other marks used herein are service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates, used and registered throughout the world.

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6/28/2021 11:49:49 AM

7/30/21 10:45 AM

DINING

Charm NIMBLE

JULIENNE KEEPS ITS ATMOSPHERE VIVID AND ALIVE

BY FRIER MCCOLLISTER

N

Spinach and gruyere quiche

Photo by Luis Chavez

o place better exemplifies the unassuming, casual elegance and charm of San Marino than Mission Street’s Julienne and its owner Julie Campoy.

For more than 35 years, the restaurant and market have set a high standard of unstinting excellence, naturally garnering a local cadre of loyal, daily regulars who patiently line up around the block — even during the long uncertainty of the pandemic lockdown.

Julienne didn’t close, as Campoy deftly pivoted to expanding the marketplace offerings by transforming the dining room space into a tightly curated warren of luxury retail goods. An espresso bar opened with a limited card of prepared food items, as well as 10 café tables that spotted the shady, brick-walked arcade in front. The space’s transformation was so masterfully rendered, it’s a challenge to recall its previous layout.

Many of Campoy’s core staff have worked there for more than 30 years. It’s a family business that considers its staff as extended family.

“We’re so lucky that people are coming back. We care about everyone that comes in. That’s the Julienne way,” Maeve Brophy says from behind the espresso bar.

Brophy is Campoy’s niece, the daughter of her sister Cynthia. Brophy, 27, is articulately effusive in describing Julienne’s many charms.

“I’ve been working here since I was 10 years old. I grew up here with all the clientele,” Brophy says.

“People have been coming here for years. They have such a connection here. It’s a pretty special place.”

Before fetching her aunt, Brophy pulls up a photograph on her phone. It shows a 10-year-old Brophy posed in formal waiter’s apron and black tie with Herbert Dominguez, the former head waiter who manages the espresso bar.

Dominguez started working at Julienne six months after the restaurant opened in October 1985 — and never left. “I’m ‘Mister Julienne,’” he says proudly.

Campoy’s mother, Susan, opened the space as a restaurant and catering kitchen in the wake of a divorce in 1985. Her four daughters pitched in to launch the business. It was Campoy who formally joined the operation in 1989 and evolved the alternate revenue streams that established the marketplace.

“I’m beyond exhausted and exhilarated,” Campoy says. “The restaurant is retired. Our focus is on staffing, because now we’re growing in a different direction. Foundationally, the business is changing. It’s still prepared foods, takeout, catering and merchandise — we’re just doing it in a bigger way.”

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Photo courtesy of Julienne

Susan Campoy opened Julienne in 1985.

Julienne’s website has been rebuilt, and the operation has been “totally rebranded,” according to Campoy.

“It’s been really hard,” she says. “It’s been really challenging to figure this out without a game plan, with so many moving parts and all the uncertainty. We’re doing it with good cheer. We’re still trying to figure it out.”

When Susan opened Julienne in 1985, it began with three tables and slowly expanded with fully staffed catering providing the backbone of the enterprise.

“At that time, she was doing lavish beautiful catering. Herbert (Dominguez) came at that time, too, and we slowly started adding more tables. I came in 1989, and we opened up the next (adjacent) storefront,” Campoy recalls.

Campoy saw an opportunity to expand the restaurant to include a small gourmet marketplace area for merchandise, as well as prepared food and frozen entrees to take out.

“The gourmet market has always been my baby. It’s always been my pride and joy. I was the original counter girl,” she says.

Soon enough, the market became a key component of the business.

“It’s always been at least 60% of the business for over 30 years.

In 2000, that’s when my mom decided to get out of catering and that’s when the market had to make a bigger push to compensate for that lost revenue,” Campoy says.

The thriving marketplace with its prepared foods and takeout model allowed Julienne’s pandemic pivot to be a bit more seamless and intuitive than most restaurants of its caliber.

“If we had not had the market, we would not have been able to pivot as well as we did,” Campoy says.

Life has taught me this…

Wisdom

Lives Here

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626.888.8136 951 S. Fair Oaks Ave

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Photo by Luis Chavez

Julienne transformed the dining room space into a tightly curated warren of luxury retail goods during the pandemic.

continued from page 23

“I personally manned the door for three months, morning and night.

We were all learning together, and people trusted us. You have to earn trust,” Campoy says.

That trust seems quite well earned over 30-plus years. Campoy smiles while speaking of her most faithful guests.

“We have Bob, who comes three times a day. We have Judy, who gets her chicken every day. We have regulars, and they are every, every day.”

What exactly is the appeal? It’s clearly the creatively designed atmosphere that transports guests to a rarified dimension combined with flawlessly executed, consistently delicious food.

The food served from the espresso bar is prepared fresh daily and is always available from the takeout case. The menu features seven breakfast selections, including spinach gruyere pie ($8.95) and the house breakfast burrito with chicken sausage ($9.50). There is always a soup de jour ($6.95) and a selection of eight salads — with the Julienne classic Caesar ($9.95), chicken cobb with strawberries ($18) and truffle egg salad ($12.95) being customer favorites.

Other highlights include the crab and mango quesadilla ($18.95, weekends only) and the signature chicken tarragon sandwich ($9.95), along with six other sandwich varieties.

If the intention is to enjoy a coffee and snack at one of the 10 café tables outside, nab the table first and then go in to order at the counter.

The order will then be brought to your table.

There are six to seven daily specials prepared fresh for takeout or for dining at the café tables. A customer choice at the end of each day’s list indicates popular favorites. These include moussaka on Sundays, “get well soup” on Tuesdays, roasted vegetable lasagna on Thursday, and

spinach and feta strata on Saturday and Sunday. Next to the main deli counter, there is also a freezer case stacked with everything from scone dough and chocolate chip waffles to chicken pot pie and ravioli.

Julienne also offers preorder picnic boxes for the summertime California Pops concerts at the LA Arboretum in Arcadia. It’s been a popular part of the operation for over 10 years.

There’s also not much waste here.

“For 10 years, we have always donated our extra food to All Saint’s Episcopal Church in Pasadena for their food drive, every Monday,” Campoy says.

The expanded marketplace is stacked with sundry household and kitchen items artfully displayed on shelves and tables throughout the mini-complex of rooms. Campoy hired a theatrical scenic designer to help devise the changing seasonal displays of merchandise.

Candles, soaps, hand towels, glassware and precious comestibles, even a small, hardbound manual entitled “How to Eat a Lobster” and all manner of curios and objets d’art, are available for sale here. The effect is like walking through a deconstructed luxury gift basket without the raffia twine and excelsior.

Campoy emphasizes a focus on holiday celebrations with merchandise displays and menus.

“Every holiday is a big deal here. There’s a menu and a celebration.

We have food for that, and the merchandise. It’s the holidays where we really shine,” she notes.

Campoy launched a Christmas merchandise “pop-up” at the store’s nearby warehouse last year and also a summer “trunk show” of new seasonal merchandise last month.

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Photo by Luis Chavez

Mission Street’s Julienne exemplifies the unassuming, casual elegance and charm of San Marino.

Julienne is open seven days a week, and Campoy is reviving her 65-member staff.

“We’re always in movement. The displays are always changing.

The whole point is to be nimble. We’ve pivoted, and we now have to be nimble in our next iteration. I’m happy with how we’ve settled in,” Campoy says.

“It’s an honor and it’s a privilege that people choose us for their really cherished family meals. It’s a big responsibility. It’s something we take seriously and with great pride.”

As a keepsake from the old days, Campoy gives Arroyo readers a classic Julienne recipe from her mother’s trove: orzo salad with feta, mint and green onions.

ORZO SALAD WITH FETA, MINT AND GREEN ONIONS SERVES 8 TO 10

Ingredients 1 pound orzo 3 red bell peppers, seeded and diced 3 yellow bell peppers, seeded and diced 4 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup olive oil 5 green onions, minced 12 ounces feta cheese,

coarsely crumbled 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped 1/3 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Method Add the orzo to boiling, salted water and simmer until just tender, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes.

Drain well and transfer to a baking sheet to cool completely.

Preheat oven broiler.

On a large roasting pan, toss the peppers and garlic in 1/4 cup olive oil to coat.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Broil the mixture, stirring occasionally until soft and slightly blistered, about 20 minutes.

Combine cooked orzo, broiled vegetables, feta cheese, mint, green onions and pine nuts in a large salad bowl.

Toss with the lemon juice and enough of the remaining olive oil to thoroughly moisten.

Season the salad to taste.

(The salad can be made one day ahead, then covered and refrigerated. Serve cold or at room temperature.)

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C O C K TA I L S

Healthy Green Hydration Drink Try this delicious green, cold summer mocktail recipe that’s perfect for brunch. This drink doesn’t contain any alcohol, so it’s an ideal substitute for a classic mimosa. You’ll need: • 10 fresh spinach leaves.

• 5 fresh basil leaves.

• Diced green apple, approximately one-half.

• 2 slices of fresh ginger.

• 2/3 cup apple juice (fresh or store-bought).

• 3 to 5 ice cubes.

Simply toss your ingredients into a blender and blend everything until it’s smooth. Serve these fun drinks in a glass and enjoy.

Refreshing AND EASY

THESE SUMMER DRINKS ARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO MAKE AT HOME

A

BY HERMANN SAMANO

s the weather warms up and summer continues, staying cool and hydrated is important.

Making summer drinks is a fun way to try out new recipes, explore new flavors and have fun together as a family.

Staying properly hydrated can help keep your body temperature regulated, support a healthy immune system, and may even ensure you sleep better at night.

While water is excellent for hydration, adding fresh fruit and other ingredients for summer drinks makes it fun. Whether you’re making drinks for kids or trying out new cocktail recipes for the adults, it’s an easy way to try something new while staying nicely hydrated. You’ll save a lot of money making homemade drinks, too.

From mocktail recipes to slushies and more, check out these recipes for summer drinks to make at home that the entire family will enjoy.

Peach and Honey Cooler Here’s another incredible nonalcoholic summer drink that’s healthy, hydrating and delicious. Refreshing peach blends with a homemade honey-lime syrup for a delicately sweet beverage without additives, alcohol or artificial flavors. You will need: • 2 to 3 fresh basil leaves.

• 4 ounces sparkling water or seltzer water.

• 1 sliced fresh peach.

• 1 1/2 ounces honey-lime syrup (1/3 cup fresh honey and 1/3 cup fresh lime juice).

Combine the honey, 1/2 cup warm water and lime juice in a small saucepan on low heat. Mix the ingredients, making sure that the water doesn’t boil, then remove the saucepan from the heat.

Muddle the basil in a tall glass or a cocktail shaker, then add the sparkling water. Add 1 1/2 ounces of the honey-lime syrup and a few peach slices, then shake everything together to combine. Pour the drink over ice and garnish it with a fresh piece of lime and a peach slice.

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Fruity Watermelon and Blueberry Tequila Cocktail While this recipe does contain alcohol, it’s still a light and refreshing choice, thanks to the addition of fresh watermelon and juicy blueberries.

These are fun drinks to make, and you can always eliminate the tequila if you prefer a mocktail instead. You will need to gather: • 4 cups cold water.

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar.

• 1 pound or 8 cups of diced, seedless watermelon.

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice.

• 1 3/4 cups fresh blueberries.

• 3/4 cup of fresh mint leaves (save approximately 8 mint sprigs for the garnish).

• 1 1/4 cups silver tequila, any brand.

• Ice. Simmer the water and sugar in a small saucepan. Stir together over medium heat until all the sugar is completely dissolved (about 1 minute).

Let the sugar syrup cool. Puree the watermelon in a blender until smooth, then strain the juice over a bowl using a fine-mesh strainer – you can discard the pulp. Combine the sugar syrup with lime juice, mint leaves and fresh blueberries. Lightly muddle the blueberries and mint with a wooden spoon, then add the watermelon juice and tequila in a large pitcher. Refrigerate everything for about 2 hours until chilled, then serve and enjoy over ice with the mint sprigs as a garnish.

Delicious and Fun Whole Fruit Slushies This recipe is a great way to get the kids involved, since they can pick out their favorite fruits. It’s easy to make, delicious and is chock-full of healthy and hydrating ingredients that feature nutrients like fiber, vitamin C and potassium. Have some fun mixing different fruits, and let your kids choose their favorite combinations. Some of the best fruits to try include: • Berries: blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries.

• Melon: watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe.

• Bananas.

• Pineapple or mango.

• Cherries.

• Peaches.

Add your desired amount of fruit to a blender with some ice cubes, then blend everything on high until it reaches that perfect slush consistency. You can also add a tiny bit of honey to make it sweeter, but it’s important to note that many fruits are already naturally sweet, so you may not need the honey. If you don’t have fresh fruit on hand, various frozen fruits will do just fine, too.

Easy slush recipes to make at home for kids Adults aren’t the only ones who can enjoy fun drinks this summer. Try out these easy, nonalcoholic, drinks to make for kids, including fantastic slush recipes and healthy drinks. The kids will love participating as they explore and learn how to make their very own slushies.

Watermelon Cooler This is sure to become one of your children’s favorite slush recipes.

If they’re not a fan of watermelon, you can easily replace it with another type of fruit. It’s one of many great hydration drinks since watermelon can replenish lost electrolytes to keep you hydrated. All you will need is: • 2 cups seedless watermelon, chopped.

• 1 or more cups of ice.

• 1/4 cup sparkling water.

Simply toss your ingredients into the blender on high until everything reaches that perfect summer slush consistency, and then serve it with a colorful straw. Add another small chunk of watermelon as a fun garnish if you choose.

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Pineapple Coconut Slush for Kids (and Adults) Kids and adults alike will love this summer slushie. Packed with healthy ingredients, it’s a fun drink that the kids can make together at home. This nonalcoholic summer drink is also a perfect dessert for summertime dinner parties and backyard barbecues. To make the drink, you will need the following ingredients to get started: • 2 1/2 cups frozen pineapple chunks.

• 1 cup cold coconut water.

• 1/2 lime, juice.

(Optional) • 1 to 2 tablespoons honey (or sweetener of your choice).

• 1 ounce rum (for adults).

Place the ingredients in a blender and mix at high speed until smooth.

If necessary, add more coconut water to thin out the slushy, more pineapple (or ice) to thicken or more honey (if using) to sweeten the mixture.

Serve immediately and enjoy.

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CULINARY CUPBOARD

NUTTY NOSTALGIA

S

BY EMILY CHAVEZ

eeing the little kids in my neighborhood head to school for the new year reminds me of my first day.

I enjoyed the simple school lunch of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich just as much as the elaborate meals my mother or grandmother would make for my sister and me.

The PB&J sandwich is nostalgic for many people and even serves as a comfort food when a break is needed from the hectic “grown-up” life. The traditional flavor pairing of peanut butter and jelly — my classic choice being grape — is reimagined in these macarons. It delights texturally with the delicate crunch and chewiness of the macaron and the creamy peanut butter and jelly cream filling.

PB&J MACARONS ACTIVE TIME: 35 MINUTES | TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR YIELDS ABOUT 24 MACARONS

INGREDIENTS

2/3 CUP GRANULATED SUGAR AND 2 TABLESPOONS GRANULATED SUGAR FOR SYRUP 4 1/4 OUNCES EGG WHITES, AT ROOM TEMPERATURE 1/4 CUP WATER 1 1/3 CUPS ALMOND FLOUR 1 1/4 CUPS POWDERED SUGAR

1/2 VANILLA BEAN, SPLIT IN HALF LENGTHWAYS AND SEEDS SCRAPED OUT 3 1/2 OUNCES CREAM CHEESE 1 3/4 OUNCES PEANUT BUTTER 1 3/4 OUNCES GRAPE JELLY OPTIONAL FOOD COLORING FOR THE MACARONS

1. STIR THE ALMOND FLOUR, POWDERED SUGAR AND VANILLA BEAN SEEDS IN A BOWL. 2. ADD HALF OF THE EGG WHITES, STIR UNTIL A PASTE IS FORMED, AND SET ASIDE. 3. TO MAKE THE SUGAR SYRUP, STIR TOGETHER THE 2/3 CUP SUGAR AND WATER IN A SMALL POT UNTIL THE TEMPERATURE REACHES 245 DEGREES. 4. WHILE THE SUGAR SYRUP IS HEATING UP, WHISK THE REMAINING EGG WHITES IN ANOTHER BOWL UNTIL FROTHY. THEN ADD THE REMAINING 2 TABLESPOONS OF SUGAR AND CONTINUE WHISKING UNTIL FLUFFY. 5. ONCE THE SUGAR SYRUP MIXTURE REACHES 249 DEGREES, CAREFULLY POUR IT INTO THE FLUFFY EGGS. WHISK UNTIL THE MIXTURE IS STIFF, FLUFFY, AND HOLDS ITS SHAPE. 6. OPTIONAL: IF YOU WANT TO ADD FOOD COLORING, ADD IT TO THE MERINGUE AT THIS STEP. 7. STIR A SPOONFUL OF THE MERINGUE INTO THE ALMOND PASTE TO LOOSEN IT. THEN, GENTLY FOLD THE REMAINING ALMOND PASTE INTO THE MERINGUE WITH A SPATULA. 8. PUT THE MIXTURE INTO A PIPING BAG, AND PIPE 1 1/2-INCH FLAT CIRCLES ONTO A PARCHMENT-LINED BAKING SHEET. 9. BAKE AT 320 DEGREES FOR ABOUT 12 TO 14 MINUTES, UNTIL FIRM TO TOUCH, BEING CAREFUL THEY DON’T BROWN. 10. TO MAKE THE FILLING, COMBINE HALF OF THE CREAM CHEESE WITH THE PEANUT BUTTER IN A BOWL AND MIX TOGETHER UNTIL SMOOTH AND FULLY INCORPORATED. 11. IN ANOTHER BOWL, COMBINE THE REMAINING HALF OF THE CREAM CHEESE AND JELLY AND MIX TOGETHER UNTIL SMOOTH AND FULLY INCORPORATED. 12. DECORATIVELY PIPE THE FILLING ON A MACARON HALF OR APPLY WITH A SMALL SPATULA AND THEN TOP WITH ANOTHER MACARON HALF.

Photos by Luis Chavez

INSTRUCTIONS

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BENEFITS OF DEEP WATERING Simply stated, encouraging deep root growth is universally accepted as good horticultural technique. Deep roots stabilize our trees and shrubs and the deeper roots can tap water from deeper in the soil where moisture is retained for longer periods of time. One of the biggest obstacles to developing deep roots is the habit of daily or too frequent watering, where the roots are not encouraged to grow downward for water, partially because they have sufficient moisture they need near the surface and over saturated soil below.

Shallow rooted trees and shrubs may survive normal conditions but when it gets hot out, the surface is the first place to dry out. Even though there is water deeper in the ground, it is not tapped, because their active roots are only on the surface. Shallow daily watering can lead to: 1. Shallow roots that do not provide stability 2. More frequent & wasted watering, because the tree is relying only on the surface roots for sustaining moisture 3. Roots growing under paving looking for oxygen 4. Unhealthy trees & shrubs that are much more susceptible to disease & insect infestations 5. Daily watering encourages weed growth by providing the continuous moisture needed to germinate weeds that would not happen if the soil dried slightly More importantly, we can kill or reduce the health of our plants and trees by continued saturation of the soil. Plant roots require oxygen for growth and respiration. Devoid of oxygen, plants can

literally drown- the roots die and the plant is left to rely only on what surface roots that are still alive if any. The key is to water deeply and infrequently enough that the roots grow downward for the water.

Be careful though, if the plants are allowed to dry out too much, the minute root hairs (feeder roots) may die, setting back the process.

It is important to understand that it is a process. You cannot just cut back on how often you water; you must slowly train the roots to grow down. Water less and less frequently while increasing the amount of water as the plant matures and/or develops deeper roots. Several short watering periods spaced out across the morning are more efficient in most cases than a single long watering. For instance, instead of utilizing one 12-minute watering period, change to a 3-4–minute watering period with three separate start times cycling shortly after the other.

Encouraging deep root growth is a balancing act that is complicated by many factors, including but not limited to, new landscaping, soil types, existing roots from trees and shrubs, plant types, plant groupings, prior watering techniques, sprinkler systems, shade, sun, slopes, drainage systems, changes in the weather, and numerous other factors. Water penetration also depends on the soil. Sandy soil absorbs water much more quickly than clay soil, and loamy soil falls in the middle. It is thus important to check your soil for absorption.

The benefits of deep watering can also be seen in our lawns in ground covers. The same rules apply and the amount of water savings can be enormous. If you want to learn more, check out our sister article, “Lawns Can Survive On Twice a Week Watering” https://www.garden-view.com/deep-watering/ 08.21 | ARROYO | 29

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A R T S & C U LT U R E

THE MAIN

Squeeze

ACCORDIONIST NICK ARIONDO CONTINUES HIS CINEMATIC JOURNEY

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

N

Nick Ariondo plays his accordian at Nicole’s Market & Café in Pasadena

Longtime music lover Ariondo was born in Pittsburgh and started private accordion lessons at age 7 under the tutelage of TV personality Mario DiNardo. As fledgling performers, Ariondo and his older brother, Anthony, began playing for church functions, fashion shows and family events in the late 1950s before traveling to the West Coast.

“In the late ’50s, early ’60s, when we were little kids, my dad made the major move to the West Coast in the 1955 Ford station wagon,” he says with a laugh. “He moved out here for work. This is where I started continuing with all my accordion and music training.”

At age 16, Ariondo won the virtuoso category in the Western States Accordion Festival for his performance of Liszt’s “Rhapsody Espanol.”

He went on to study at Los Angeles City College, and upon graduation, he was presented the Hugo Davise Composition Award for his “String Quartet No.1.”

Ariondo continued his education at California State University at Los Angeles and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music in 1976 and, four years later, a Master of Arts degree in composition and performance with special emphasis toward the utilization and integration of the accordion in chamber music settings.

Photo by Luis Chavez

ick Ariondo considers himself lucky.

Others may say the world-renowned accordionist’s success comes down to talent.

The Glendale resident, who entertains annually on Bastille Day at Nicole’s, has a resume most musicians would envy.

“I’m very fortunate,” says Ariondo, who showcases his music on YouTube at nickariondo1.

“I’ve been able to do this most of my life. I do play keyboards, but predominantly, my true virtuosity is with the accordion.”

The accordion, he says, takes tremendous self-discipline.

That’s why the instrument is a dying art.

“Nowadays, people are attached to their computers and phones,” he says. “It’s hard to get a kid to sit in the room and practice. My dad was a plasterer back east. They were artisans. He told me to sit in there and practice every day. He said to be serious about what I wanted to do so I didn’t waste anyone’s time.”

In October, movie fans can hear the fruits of his labor when “Addams Family 2” hits the silver screen. He also lent his sound to the first chapter, “The Addams Family,” which featured music written by Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna.

“I have some other things lined up, but there are questions marks next to them,” Ariondo says. “With the pandemic, musicians are the last ones working again.”

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Julia and Steven Grandjean, proprietors of Nicole’s Market & Café; accordion player Nick Ariondo; and Theresa Treunfels, proprietor of Nicole’s Market & Café.

Photos by Luis Chavez

Nick Ariondo is a two-time Grammy Award winner and has contributed to 33 movies.

Ariondo continued performing, composing and arranging while developing a vast repertoire for the years ahead.

“I became very interested in arranging and composition,” Ariondo says. “I was able to work my way. Everything I perform is my own arrangement and composition. That takes many, many years of experimenting and trying new things. When you’re playing a piece, you learn to rearrange it in your head.

“It’s nice to be a great performer. There’s that extension of composing that really adds a whole other element. I have more than 200 pieces in my catalog.”

His work in the opera field with director/vocal coach Wendel Phillips led Ariondo into performing and arranging operatic arias and duets directly from the piano scores, accompanying a variety of singers in concert with accordion and small ensembles, a valuable learning experience into the world of operatic literature and understanding the vocal concept of accompaniment.

“I play all these different styles of music,” Ariondo says. “I was lucky enough to come out to California and connect with various (ethnicities) that are out here — Romanians, Russians, Greeks, the French, Jewish and Hungarians.”

Playing a variety of well-known clubs at ages 17 and 18 was a great learning experience for Ariondo.

Throughout his career, Ariondo has won 25 ASCAP awards and has performed on stage with Placido Domingo. He also did studio session work at Capitol Records with Paul McCartney.

Ariondo, who has an on-screen cameo in “Bridesmaids,” is a double Grammy Award winner with the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra.

As a composer/arranger, Ariondo arranged Russian folk songs that appeared in Warren Beatty’s film “Love Affair.” Mychael recruited Ariondo for the Oscar-winning film “Life of Pi.” Recently, he contributed to the soundtrack of Disney’s “Luca,” a coming-of-age story about a young boy experiencing a summer filled with gelato, pasta and scooter rides. But there’s a secret: Sea monsters from another world live below the water’s surface.

“Luca” is the 33rd movie that Ariondo has been credited with musically. Ariondo is modest when he says he doesn’t have to worry about his future.

“I’m fortunate enough that I don’t have to worry about what’s coming up,” Ariondo says.

“I can pick and choose what I want to take. I don’t have to worry about where my next gig is going to be.”

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A R T S & C U LT U R E

Faith’ ‘LEAP OF

PASADENA FILM FESTIVAL LOOKING TO MAKE SEPTEMBER RETURN

BY CONNOR DZIAWURA

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fter a “nightmare” 2020, the Pasadena International Film Festival is looking to get back into the swing of things as the summer winds down.

Jessica Hardin, festival director, describes the COVID-19 pandemic as creating a snowball effect of closures and cancellations in March 2020, leading up to the Pasadena festival becoming yet another casualty.

“We had our festival in March, and the pandemic shut it down, so it was just a nightmare,” Hardin recalls. “We lost so much money.”

From that point on, the past year and a half turned into a waiting game — first waiting for it to be safe to reschedule and finish the 2020 event in person, something that never came, then waiting for the right time to set up this year’s festival.

Normally a springtime event, the annual Pasadena International Film Festival has found the time from September 9 to September 16. Once again slated for the Playhouse Village, the festival is expected to show

Photo courtesy of the Pasadena International Film Festival

Marco Neves, creative director, and Jessica Hardin, festival director, attend a previous year’s Pasadena International Film Festival. This September will mark the in-person return of the event, which was halted and later forced to move online due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

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Photos courtesy of the Pasadena International Film Festival

more than 130 films from 15 countries. Submissions are being accepted through August 13.

“We cut it down to the wire because the longer we have submissions, the more films we’re able to choose from. So, it’s really stressful — like, scary,” Hardin admits with a laugh. “But we find that so far it’s worked out for us.”

Though they have yet to be finalized, films will vary between feature and short lengths, live action and animated, whether fiction or documentary. Music videos and web series are even anticipated. There will also be moderated Q&As and free panels.

“We do not discriminate,” Hardin says.

“We want everything, because we figured — I don’t know how niche festivals do it — the more open our selection, the better quality that we’ll get. And it’s also we get really unique things, too, and that’s just my own personal taste. … We had a silent film that was really cool. People get really creative and inventive.

“We try to create a diverse panoply of product. So, if we get 100 vampire movies and they’re all fantastic, then that’s tough because you’re all vampire movies. We want to celebrate diversity, and not necessarily in a racial way, but literally the meaning of ‘diverse’ where we have a wide variety of all different sorts of films. We have shorts, features, documentaries, music videos, webisodes. So, I mean, the only thing we’re really looking for is quality.”

As to much of the specifics on this year’s festival, however, the details are still being worked out.

“I really don’t think I’ll know until it actually happens. I mean, we sort of just have to go by a leap of faith,” Hardin admits. “I thought June 15, when everything opened up, ‘everything’ would open up. But people are still leery. Places don’t want to host events.”

What has been confirmed, however, is that screenings will once again take place at the Laemmle Playhouse 7, while the Lyd & Mo Photography Studio down the road will transform into the Passholders Lounge with an open bar. At 7 p.m. Thursday, September 16, nearby cocktail lounge The Speakeasy will host the Great Gatsby Gala and Award Ceremony, a 1920sthemed, black-tie-optional closing celebration for guests ages 21 and older.

“We try to utilize as many businesses as possible in the city to bring a lot of tourism and revenue to the city,” Hardin says.

As it stands, Hardin says an online component isn’t planned for this September. When organizers were unable to reschedule the canceled festival in person some other time last year, they turned to hosting screenings and other events online in the fall. But Hardin says the virtual festival didn’t resonate with audiences as strongly as had been hoped, and she says the standard in-person format is better for industry networking anyway.

“I’ve debated that since we started, because I always felt for people who say they have a grandma or somebody that can’t travel, that can’t get on a plane or even drive or something like that, and it’s a great way for somebody who may have missed your screening to see it online; but we got such little response and it was so much work, it didn’t really seem worth it to me,” Hardin explains, clarifying that depending on demand, it’s not entirely off the table.

As to how the new dates will affect the future of the festival, Hardin says it’s a possibility that it returns to an earlier setting in the spring. That also has yet to be seen, though.

“To be honest, we’re just nervous about the future of movie theaters in general,” Hardin admits. “So it’s the kind of thing where you just have to play it by ear.”

Screenings take place at the Laemmle Playhouse 7, and cinemagoers can mix and mingle in the lobby and get their pictures taken on the red carpet, as shown in these photos from a previous year’s festival.

Pasadena International Film Festival WHEN: Thursday, September 9, to Thursday, September 16 WHERE: Laemmle Playhouse 7, 673 E. Colorado Boulevard; Lyd & Mo Photography Studio, 27 N. Mentor Avenue; The Speakeasy, 25 N. Raymond Avenue; other venues possible COST: $30 for the day pass; $50 for the Great Gatsby Gala and Award Ceremony; $120 for the screenings, panels and parties pass; and $180 for the all-access pass INFO: pasadenafilmfestival.org 08.21 | ARROYO | 33

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A R T S & C U LT U R E Republic of Lucha is a quirky and eccentric gift shop in South Pasadena.

LIFE, LIBERTY, LUCHA

REPUBLIC OF LUCHA GIVES WRESTLING FOCUS TO GIFT SHOP

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

This eccentric shop is co-owned by Javier Robles, his wife Ari de Alba, and All Elite Wrestling stars the Lucha Brothers.

Photos courtesy of Ari de Alba

J

avier Robles admits his store, Republic of Lucha, is a little bit kitsch and somewhat eccentric — but it’s the perfect gift shop for wrestling fans and nonfans alike.

Co-owned by Robles, his wife Ari de Alba, and All Elite Wrestling stars the Lucha Brothers, Republic of Lucha opened in March.

“We decided to do something centered around lucha libre — not so much the sport but the culture of it,” Robles says.

“It’s something really unique and colorful and vibrant and alive. We know how much people all over the world are fascinated by it, although they might not be fans of the sport, per se.”

The idea was born in October, but the entrepreneurs wanted to wait to open Republic of Lucha or a taco truck until 2022, when it would presumably be safe post-pandemic. However, a “gorgeous” 3,800-square-foot, two-and-a-half-story brick building from 1908

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Photos courtesy of Ari de Alba

was available in the heart of South Pasadena.

They couldn’t resist.

“We had 400 people on opening day,” Robles says.

“We had people traveling from Chicago, New York, Florida, Arizona, all over. It’s like that every weekend. It’s accidentally become a tourist spot because of the guys.

This is the flagship store for the Lucha Brothers. They’re really good people and the best wrestlers in the world right now.”

Robles says the point of the store goes beyond fans.

It’s a space for everybody with art installations, merchandise, movies and masks.

“We’ve had a lot of repeat customers already who come in, hang out, and stare at the art and masks,” he says.

On the weekends, Republic of Lucha hosts outdoor movie nights for about 50 people. On a recent night, the screening of a 1963 black-and-white Mexican movie about a wrestler who fights Martians sold out.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he adds. “It’s the third consecutive sold-out show. They’re all lucha libre movies. They’ve quickly become a huge hit. Most of the crowd that comes for the movies, they’re not there to watch Hulk Hogan or stuff like that. They love the strangeness of Lucha Libre.

They’re goofy and strange.”

That said, Robles feels Republic of Lucha fits snugly in the quirky neighborhood. It’s near “the world’s last remaining video stores on the planet, the Michael Myers house and SugarMynt Gallery. This whole area has Indian food, a Mexican bakery and Chinese fried chicken. South Pasadena doesn’t look as colorful as it truly is at first glance. Once you look at it, it’s amazing.”

Robles was introduced to Mexican grapplers through a burlesque wrestling show for which he formerly worked.

He admitted he’s a fan, but he’s “pretty good at business, too.” He helps the athletes with licensing, green cards, work permits and books.

“I’ve been the unofficial point person for lucha libre for the last decade or so,” Robles added.

As for the Lucha Brothers — otherwise known as Lucha Brothers Penta Zero M and Rey Fenix — they “exploded,” Robles says, in the last 10 years. The real-life siblings have clean images, so fans respond favorably to them.

“Their performance in the ring — not because they’re my partners — proves they’re the best wrestlers I’ve ever seen in my life,” he says. “The U.S. market caught on to that. They’ve been with AEW from the beginning.”

Teaming with the Lucha Brothers just made sense.

“I told them, ‘I don’t know any wrestler after age 50 who has a nest egg, because they hadn’t invested their money wisely. I don’t want you guys to be that,’” he recalled.

“They love learning, and they’re for any crazy idea we’ve had with this store. Let’s play crazy movies. Let’s do this T-shirt or this design. When you see how the locals have responded to it, it makes sense. We knew this was going to happen.”

Republic of Lucha 1020 Mission Street, “H,” South Pasadena republicoflucha.com Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

The shop has something for everyone, with satisfied customers visiting from Chicago, New York, Florida and Arizona.

Republic of Lucha isn’t just based on the sport of lucha libre but also the unique and vibrant culture of it that can be appreciated by anyone.

Working with Lucha Brothers Penta Zero M and Rey Fenix has been both a collaborative experience and a selling point for the store.

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A R T S & C U LT U R E

Support STEERING

SAN MARINO MOTOR CLASSIC GIVES BACK TO NONPROFITS

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BY LAURA LATZKO

he San Marino Motor Classic is known as one of Southern California’s premier Concours d’Elegance events, but the weekend of festivities drives funds to nonprofits.

Planned and run by 200 volunteers, the festivities at Lacy Park include an art show and gala, as well as an event focused on autothemed watches.

The San Marino Motor Classic was founded in 2011 by Aaron Weiss, Ben Reiling and Paul Colony as a successor for a previous event held in the area, the Los Angeles Concours d’Elegance.

The classic has grown from 125 cars the first year to around 480 this year.

“The whole thing is about charity,” Weiss says.

Weiss works to keep the admission price affordable so it’s accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

“We really wanted to have a car show that was of the people,” he says. “We want somebody to be able to come with their significant other and their kids.

“We can share the hobby with them. That’s really what it is all about. If you don’t show these old cars, they are going to become irrelevant, and then when you sell them, nobody is going to want them. I also tell people that the hobby is not about the cars but the people that you meet. It’s a social thing as well.”

The show highlights vehicles from the brass, depression and post-war eras in more than 30 classes, including the Rolls-Royce, Corvette, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Woodie, BMW, Ford Thunderbird, Jaguar, Japanese and Italian sports cars, Chevrolet Tri-Five, European Sedans, McLarens, Firebird Trans Am, Mustang, Camaro, Austin-Healey and Aston Martin.

The top three in each class will receive trophies in categories like Most Elegant Open Pre-War Car, Best Paint and Finish, Sports Car Market Pursuit of Passion, People’s Choice, Most Elegant Post-War, Most Exotic Sports Car, HVA Preservation, and Best in Show PreWar and Post-War awards.

The 2019 Best in Show winners were a 1910 Model M 6-40 Touring and a 1954 300SL Gullwing car.

Judges look at different components when they score. The points are added and divided by three for the score.

“Each car starts out with 100 points,” Weiss says. “There are 30 different categories of things they are looking at — the quality of the paint, the fit and finish, the authenticity, the quality of the interior, the quality of the chrome and trim, the engine compartment, the undercarriage, the top if it’s a convertible.”

This year, the show will have a 1909 De Dion Type de Course, a 1948 Tucker Model 48, a 1910 Pope-Hartford Touring car, a 1914 Packard 138, a 1914 Moline Knight SD Opera Sedan, a 1931 Duesenberg Derham Tourster, a 1936 Lincoln Model K Convertible Roadster by LeBaron, a 1934 Auburn 1250 V12 Phaeton Salon and a 1937 Delahaye 135 Torpedo Cabriolet.

During the show, select clubs hold their own events, including

the Ferrari Club of America’s Concorso Ferrari, the Classic Car Club of America’s Grand Classic and Packard International’s Grand Salon.

New to the weekend is the August 21 art show presented by the Automotive Fine Arts Society, an international art organization founded in 1983. Many of the professional artists within the organization have worked as designers for major car companies.

The exhibit will showcase 10 artists working in mediums such as sculpture, oil or watercolor paint, or pencil and ink. Wine, cheese and snacks will be served.

Music plays an important role in the San Marino Motor Classic.

During the Symphony of Cars Gala, 16 vehicles will be presented to orchestra music from the era in which the car was made. The gala will feature a dinner, music, valet parking and a hosted bar.

A very different type of event inspired the idea for the gala, which benefits Cancer Support Community Pasadena, Pasadena Humane and the Rotary Club of San Marino.

“I came up with this idea for the Symphony of Cars after going to a debutante ball,” Weiss says.“I said let’s not present girls, let’s present cars, and we will play a piece of music paired with the year the car was made.”

The organization has raised $2.2 million for local charities.

Patricia Ostiller, executive director for Cancer Support Community Pasadena, says being able to connect with others, especially through support groups, is important to patients’ overall well-being.

“We know that our programs are improving the quality of life for people facing cancer and most importantly improving patient outcomes,” Ostiller says.“We have members who have told us during the pandemic that we are their lifeline. They rely on us for support, education and hope.”

Money raised from the gala will help with program costs and computer upgrades. In 2019, the gala raised $60,000 for the nonprofit, which also hosts its own events, like Ladies’ Night Out fundraiser. “(Aaron) has taken his love of cars and done something really valuable with it for the community,” Ostiller says.

“Everybody knows someone who is impacted by cancer, and everybody wants to take care of those people in our shared community.

That’s what Aaron’s generosity allows us to do.”

Weekend of Events “Cars and Chronographs: An Exhibit of Exotic Cars and Auto-Themed Watches” WHEN: 1:15 to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 21 WHERE: Hing Wa Lee Jewelers, 1635 S. Del Mar Avenue, San Gabriel COST: Free; reservations appreciated Automotive Fine Arts Society Art Expo and Sale WHEN: 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, August 21 WHERE: Lacy Park, 1485 Virginia Road, San Marino COST: Free Symphony of Cars Gala WHEN: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, August 21 WHERE: Lacy Park, 1485 Virginia Road, San Marino.

COST: $250 San Marino Motor Classic WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, August 22.

WHERE: Lacy Park, 1485 Virginia Road, San Marino COST: $30 presale tickets; $35 at the door; free for children 12 and younger; $125 for VIP admission, which comes with a gourmet lunch.

INFO: sanmarinomotorclassic.com.

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